Tuesday, 22 December 2015

Some highlights of the Riches of Clare concert series 2015

"Elaine Hogan, Martin Glynn, David Sanders, and Alan Wallace performing at The Riches of Clare concert series as part of Fleadh Nua- May 21, 2015 (03)." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of May 2015 by Niamhaines.

"Eimear Coughlin, Francis Cunningham, Anne Rynne, and Marian Curtin performing at The Riches of Clare concert series on July 29, 2015 (04)." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of August 2015 by Niamhaines.

"James Devitt, Christy Barry, Conor McCarthy, and Johnny Falkner performing at The Riches of Clare concert series as part of Fleadh Nua- May 19, 2015 (07). Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of May 2015 by Niamhaines.

Some highlights of the Corofin Traditional Festival 2015

John Blake, Jesse Smith, & Colm Gannon performing at the Corofin Trad Fest in March 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 8th of May 2015 by Niamhaines.

"Declan, Joe, Aidan, and Ann Marie Rynne, as well as additional family members, performing for Joe's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th Annual Corofin Trad Fest March 2015." Posted on Youtube on the 9th of May 2015 by Niamhaines

"O'Grada and Murphy performing at the 14th Annual Corofin Trad Fest March 6, 2015." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of May 2015 by Niamhaines.

First Sortie features Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill in Canada, May 2015

County Clare's Martin Hayes with Dennis Cahill on guitar from a concert in May 2015 on Canada's west coast. Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of November 2015 by SHOWCASE WEST.

Der Zauber der grünen Insel - A visit to the Cliffs of Moher, May 2015 with Fridi Mauma

Der Zauber der grünen Insel (The magic of the Emerald Isle), featuring a visit to the Cliffs of Moher in 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 26th of May by Fridi Mauma.

Christmas banquet at Bunratty Castle

Christmas banquet at Bunratty Castle, County Clare, December 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 11th of December 2015 by gabriel schmidt.

Friday, 18 December 2015

Young Kilrush Reader features in European Exhibition

Last July, Clare County Library was contacted by the Libraries Development Unit of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) with details of a European literacy project they were involved with, in association with the European Literacy Policy Network, Elinet. Established in February 2014, the European Literacy Policy Network (ELINET) unifies 78 partner organisations from 28 European countries (including 24 EU member states) engaged in literacy policy-making and reading promotion in Europe. One of the strands of the project was to develop a European literacy learners’ photo exhibition which would go on display in Brussels in the Autumn and here is where Clare County Library became involved. The requested input from Ireland was a photo of a child library user and a letter he/she would write to say thanks for helping them with reading and writing, and the staff of Kilrush Library knew just the person.

Nine year old Sarah Blunnie is an avid reader and a regular library visitor to Kilrush Public Library and her letter to her local librarian now features in Elinet’s display in Brussels. Sarah outlines in her letter why it is it important to read and write and thanks the staff of Kilrush Library for their help and inspiration.

Here is what she wrote;

Dear Librarian,

My name is Sarah and I am nine years old. I look forward to going to the library every week. I love getting out new books and moving on to the more complicated ones. I think it is very important for everyone to learn to read and write. It helps me at school, at home and when I am out and about. You give me all the information I need on books and activities taking place in the library. Thank you for encouraging me to join the book club, I really like it.

Ireland’s entry is one of nine billboards making up the literacy awareness exhibition currently on display in Brussels featuring a photograph of Sarah and her letter to her local library. It now fittingly takes its place among entries from nine other European countries.

Clare County Library is proud to be part of this positive literacy promotion opportunity in the headquarters of the European Union. Helen Walsh, County Librarian, stated that “Clare County Library has consistently maintained over the years a strong focus on literacy development among children through its various book centred programmes such as the Summer Reading Challenge and the Children’s Book Festival. The Libraries Development Unit specifically chose Clare County Library to represent this literacy strand because it recognized its proven track record and accomplishments in this area.” She concluded that “Clare County Library is committed to making reading an enjoyable and worthwhile pastime as is evidenced by the numbers of books issued to children in 2014, which accounted for 46% of all book issues. We are delighted that Sarah has become the face of reading and literacy on such a global stage”

FleadhTV coming to Ennis in 2016 for the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil

"FleadhTV preview of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Ennis in 2016." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of August 2015 by Fleadh TV.

New Books for Christmas

Looking for those last minute stocking fillers? Your local bookshops have plenty of new books that should bring a smile on Christmas morning.

As always cookery books top the bestseller lists and this year Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen, Donal Skehan have new books available for Christmas. Susan Jane White’s The Virtuous Tart won the Irish Cookbook of the Year Award 2015 and would be a welcome gift for anyone trying to be healthier in 2016.

Sports fans are well catered for in the bookshops. New releases include Until Victory Always – a memoir by Donegal football manager Jim McGuinness; an autobiography by Henry Sheflin - one of the greatest hurlers of all time and rugby legend Peter Stringer’s autobiography entitled Pulling My Strings.

With the upcoming 1916 centenary, history buffs can find plenty of new releases on the subject. Easter Dawn: The 1916 Rising by Turtle Bunbury and The Easter Rebellion 1916 by Conor McNamara are particularly attractive, well- illustrated books that provide a overview of The Rising.

Those looking for some inspiration and positivity at this time of the year should treat themselves to Counting My Blessings: Francis Brennan's Guide to Happiness or Mary Kennedy’s What Matters.

For those interested in reading fiction there are books to suit all tastes.

The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’Brien was published in October, 10 years after her last novel.

Thirteen Ways of Looking by Colm McCann and A Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan are short story collections by two of Ireland’s most renowned authors.

To get you in the Christmas mood there’s Limerick author Roisin Meaney’s I’ll be Home for Christmas or Patricia Scanlan’s A Gift for You – a collection of seasonal short stories.

Ennistymon Falls Race - after Storm Desmond

Ennistymon Falls Race, 5th December 2015. Stage 3 of the Irish Whitewater Race League. Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2015 by David Glasswell.

Ennistymon Cascades in full flow after Storm Desmond:

The cascades in full flow after Storm Desmond. Posted on Youtube on the 11th of December 2015 by DJD Photography.

Kayakers Take Advantage of Storm Desmond Flooding:

Posted on Youtube on the 8th of December 2015 by Storyful News.

Bunratty Castle from the air

Bunratty Castle, Bunratty, County Clare, from the air. Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of November 2015 by rofinjungle.

Friday, 11 December 2015

The Fiddle Case play Mick Flynn's 'Liscannor Bay' at The Greyhound, Kilkee, County Clare

The Fiddle Case play Mick Flynn's song 'Liscannor Bay' at The Greyhound, Kilkee, County Clare. Video shot by Keith McDonogh, Mindaugas Maksimavicius & James Sheppard on November 2015. Jon O’Connell - Vocals, Upright bass; Quentin Cooper - Guitars & sound recording; Adam Shapiro - Vocals & fiddle; Eoin O’Neill - Bouzouki. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of December by burrencrawler.

Once upon a Place visits the Burren

Clare County Library and Clare County Arts Service in association with Laureate na nÓg, were proud to be part of a unique storytelling project that included twelve primary schools in the county in the Summer of 2015. County Clare was chosen as one of sixteen locations on foot of a successful application by the library service in June 2014.

Once Upon A Place was Eoin Colfer’s signature project during his tenure as Laureate na nÓg. His objective, to bring stories to children all over Ireland would focus on fantastic places and extraordinary settings in which to stage very special and unforgettable storytelling events.

On the 6th and 7th of May 2015, a team of six storytellers visited Ballyvaughan, Boston, Tubber, Furglan, Moy, Lahinch, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore and Doolin primary schools, with the main event taking place in the Michael Cusack Centre, for the children of Carron and New Quay National Schools. Here the children were treated to a feast of stories old and new from Carron’s own storyteller Paddy Hynes and children’s author and illustrator Alan Nolan. The aim of the Once Upon A Place project, to spark children’s imaginations and bring the magic of stories and books to young people all over Ireland, was most certainly realized.

The publication of the fantastic anthology for children Once upon a Place further enhanced the Laureate project and will serve to bring stories of Irish places to children all over the country and further afield.

Compiled by Eoin Colfer, it contains stories and poems for children that focus on the special link between story and place in Ireland. Lavish black-and-white charcoal illustrations by award-winning artist and picturebook illustrator P.J. Lynch further add to this amazing publication.

Once upon a Place, the book, features six new poems by Irish poets alongside stories from many of Ireland’s leading children’s writers including Roddy Doyle, Derek Landy and former Laureate na nÓg Siobhán Parkinson, as well as the first ever story for children by Academy Award nominee Jim Sheridan, director of My Left Foot, The Field and In America. It also features new work by Eoin Colfer himself, along with Pat Boran, Seamus Cashman, John Connolly, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Mark Granier, Paula Leyden, Oisín McGann, Geraldine Mills, Jane Mitchell, Kate Newmann, Sarah Webb and Enda Wyley.

Launching the anthology Eoin Colfer said ‘This is my laureate project with a general aim of connecting today’s screen-centric youngsters to the magic of the country they live in and its rich artistic heritage.”

Royalties from the book will go towards the Laureate na nÓg project, which aims to raise the profile of children’s literature in Ireland and internationally and to introduce high quality children’s books to new audiences. The laureateship is currently held by novelist Eoin Colfer, the third person to be awarded this honour. A new Laureate na nÓg will be chosen by a voting process in 2016.

Sharon Shannon plays Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac

Sharon Shannon plays her version of the 1977 track "Never Going Back Again" by Fleetwood Mac. `Recorded in Windmill Lane Studios as part of their Windmill Lane sessions. See http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/windmill-lane/sharon-shannon-34155650.html. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of November 2015 by Independent.ie.

County Clare's Buzzmonkeys present their latest single - Gonna Get Me A Gun

"Ginger Jam Music are proud to announce the release of 'Gonna Get Me A Gun' - the latest single by the Buzzmonkeys, those cult indie rockers from the Wild Atlantic Way." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of November by Gerry Doyle.

Surfing in County Clare at Samhain, Summer's End

"Samhain is Gaelic meaning "Summer's End" and pronounced “sah-win”. It's a celebration of the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter or the “darker half" of the year. It was during this time that a pumping ocean swell hit Europe. Filmed over two days in County Clare on Ireland's wild Atlantic coast, primarily at the rarely working, heaving slab of a surf spot called "Laurens" at the foot of the 700ft high Cliffs of Moher. The wind was offshore, the surf was classic and the sun cast everything in a golden light. It felt like summers end. Days later winter took hold and the cold, grey returned. This film was conceived as part of our #Talking Story project where through our book, film, still images and interviews we set about capturing the stories and characters which enrich our surfing lives. The story which inspired us in Clare is of a group of friends and surfers who take on everything the Atlantic can throw at their coast. Pete, Seamus and Fionan hold down regular jobs and other than the waves they surf, they lead regular lives. They ride Ireland's heaviest Winter surf for the fun and comradery, not for the glory. This is what makes their story special." Posted on Vimeo on the 27th of November 2015 by Northcore.

Storm Desmond, Ennis, 5th December 2015

"Storm Desmond and the River Fergus flowing through Ennis, County Clare, on the 5th December 2015." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of December 2015 by Gary Collins Photography.

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

Parteen Weir - part of the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme

Over the past two days the ESB has had to steadily increase the flow of water down the old River Shannon at Parteen Weir as the flood waters along the River Shannon continue to rise. Parteen Weir is part of the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme and spans the Shannon at Parteen Villa. It was built to regulate the flow of the river and divert water, via an intake, into the head-race canal, which carries the water down to the power station at Ardnacrusha. The weir is clearly visible on this map, with the intake and head-race canal to its left. See photos of the Scheme here and listen to Nonie Lynch extol the virtues of the Scheme.

Photo above shows Parteen Weir and Intake under construction c.1926

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Library Development Plan 2016-2020 - We need your help

Clare County Library is in the process of preparing a Library Development Plan to cover the period 2016-2020. The previous plan covered the period 2010-2015 and achieved success in a number of areas: the appearance of buildings, improvements in IT provision, literacy programmes, children’s services, enhanced promotion of book culture and reading and continued management and preservation of the written, photographic, oral and musical culture of the county. It also saw the construction and opening of the new library at Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee in 2012.

As part of the process, we are now actively seeking consultation with the public on the development and future priorities for the service. The plan is being prepared within the guidelines outlined in “Opportunities for All: a strategy for Public Libraries 2013-2017” and against the backdrop of other policies such as the National Cultural Policy and the Clare County Council Development Plan 2017-2023.

Clare County Council recognizes that the public library network is at the centre of communities and submissions are invited from individuals, groups and organizations as to how you wish to see the library service develop in the years ahead. As with the previous plan, of particular interest are submissions from infrequent/non-users of the service. The services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access for all.

Submissions should be emailed to mailbox@clarelibrary.ie or sent by post to County Librarian, Development Plan Submission, Clare County Library HQ, Mill Road, Ennis, County Clare. Closing date for submissions is 31st January, 2016

Monday, 30 November 2015

2015 Irish Book Awards

Anne Enright, Joe Duffy, Niall Breslin, Sara Baume and Louise O’ Neill were some of the winning authors at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2015, presented in Dublin recently.

Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, won the popular non-fiction book of the year for his first book Me and My Mate Jeffrey, a memoir which chronicles the TV star’s struggles with depression and mental health. Donegal football manager Jim McGuiness’ memoir Until Victory Always was named the sports book of the year.

Sinead Gleeson won the best Irish published book of the year for The Long Gaze Back: An Anthology of Irish Women Writers. The novel of the year award was won by Anne Enright for The Green Road whilst the popular fiction book of the year was won by Sinead Moriarty for her novel The Way We Were.

Oliver Jeffers and Eoin Colfer were named the Children's Book of the Year (Junior) category winners for their picture book Imaginary Fred. Louise O'Neill was awarded the Children's Book of the Year (Senior) prize for her harrowing novel Asking For It.

Renowned Irish American novelist JP Donleavy was presented with the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year, over 45,000 readers made their voices heard and voted to select the winners in each category. The public can now vote for their overall ‘Bord Gáis Energy Book of the Year’ on the awards website. Voting is open until midnight on 17th December and anyone who votes is in with the chance of winning €100 in National Book Tokens. Previous winners of the ‘Bord Gáis Energy Book of the Year’ include Mary Costello for Academy Street, Donal Ryan for The Spinning Heart, Michael Harding for Staring at Lakes, and Belinda McKeon for Solace.

Clare County Council to launch extensive programme of events as part of Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme

Clare County Council will launch its Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme of Events on Tuesday, 1st December 2015 at the De Valera Public Library in Ennis. Cllr James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Cllr Pat Hayes, Chairperson of the County Clare 1916 Steering Committee, will officially launch the programme at 6.45pm. The County Clare programme is the outcome of consultations with interested local groups, organisations and individuals, who were invited to participate in the planning and implementation of the local programme. Led by Clare County Council and under the guidance of the local 1916 co-ordinator Helen Walsh, the programme contains events and initiatives ranging across all seven strands of the national Ireland 2016 programme. Further information on the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is available at www.ireland.ie.

Following the launch, at 7pm, Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara will give the first in a series of lectures/workshops that will explore the Easter Rising of 1916, its impact in County Clare, the key people involved from the county and a focus on how the event has been remembered and commemorated over the last 100 years in the county. Importantly, the lecturer will afford the public a chance to contribute their inherited stories of 1916. Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara is an oral historian who has been documenting memory and tradition relating to the Irish revolutionary period across the country for over ten years. He has interviewed over 150 of Clare's oldest citizens connected to the revolutionary period. He was awarded a doctorate by the University of Limerick in 2015 for his study into the social memory of the Irish War of Independence.

The other venues hosting the lecture series are Kilrush Library on Friday 4th Dec, Scariff Library on Tuesday 8th Dec, Shannon Library on Friday 11th Dec and Ennistymon Library on Friday 18th Dec. There is a start time of 7pm for all venues.

Dates for the lectures are as follows:
Tuesday, 1st Dec – De Valera Public Library, Ennis at 7pm
(Preceded by the launch of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme of Events for County Clare at 6.45pm)
Friday, 4th Dec - Kilrush Public Library at 7pm
Tuesday, 8th Dec - Scariff Public Library at 7pm
Friday, 11th Dec - Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon at 7pm
Friday, 18th Dec - Ennistymon Public Library at 7pm

Thursday, 26 November 2015

The Brock McGuire Band performs a mashup on WDVX's Blue Plate Special

County Clare's Brock McGuire Band performs a mashup of the slide "Chase Me, Charlie," old time American pieces "Poor Old Liza Jane" and "Dance, Boatman, Dance" and the "Miss Monaghan" reel on WDVX's Blue Plate Special. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of September 2011 by Knoxville News Sentinel.

Pat O'Connor & Eoghan O'Sullivan play "Green Grow the Rushes"

"County Clare's Pat O'Connor & Eoghan O'Sullivan playing Green Grow the Rushes (Polka and Fling) at the kitchen table on a sunny afternoon." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of May 2015 by Pat O'Connor & Eoghan O'Sullivan.

Sharon Shannon & Alan Connor on The Late Late Show

County Clare's Sharon Shannon with Alan Connor performing on a recent edition of RTE's Late Late Show. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of November 2015 by The Late Late Show.

Caherconnell Stone Fort from the air

"Caherconnell (Irish: Cathair Chonaill, meaning "Conall's stone ringfort") is a medieval, exceptionally well-preserved stone ringfort in The Burren of County Clare, Ireland. It lies about 1 km south of the Poulnabrone dolmen." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of September 2015 bu joeire60.

Cliffs of Moher with Newsocracy

"Viewed from the top or from a boat at the bottom, the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher are spectacular and not to be missed." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of October 2015 by Newsocracy.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Celebration of Creativity in Shannon Library

Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, celebrates creativity for the next few weeks. Colin Thickbroom's Art Exhibition has been in the library throughout the month of November and will be on display until Friday, 27 November. This is followed by an exhibition by the local Shannon Art Group under the guidance of tutor Natalie El Baba. Their art works will be exhibited from Monday 30th November to Friday 4th December. The following week sees the annual Christmas Craft Fair, running from Tuesday 8th December to Sat 12th December inclusive, during library opening hours. This year, exhibitors will range from knitwear to jewellery to food items, with plenty of variety to be had. To mark the launch of the Craft Fair, we will host a talk on Tuesday, 8th December at 6.30pm entitled 'Making Money from Your Craft'. Emer Ferran, Enterprise Manager with the Design and Craft Council of Ireland, will present an essential tool kit of what to know if you are starting a craft enterprise or marketing a craft product. This talk is a must for anyone interested in trying to make money from crafting. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Finally, our celebration of creativity will close with an Art Exhibition of works from clients of Rehab Care in Shannon - this will run from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th December.

Image above shows Colin Thickbroom at work in the library.

Dympna O’Sullivan RIP

Sadly, Lissycasey-born concertina player Dympna O'Sullivan passed away this week. Dympna showed musical talent from an early age and her style of playing was fluid and relaxed. She was a regular performer at the Willie Clancy Summer School and also composed and taught music. Dympna released two CDs – Bean Cairdín (2007) and Enriched : Saibhriú (2014) and has accompanied other musicians on recordings. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Here are some clips featuring Dympna’s playing:

Dympna O'Sullivan and Danny O'Mahony playing during Feakle Festival 2011. Posted on Youtube on the 8th of August 2011 by scrapbooktraveler.

Dympna O'Sullivan and Willie Kelly playing two reels, Cormac O'Lunny's and Chris Droney's, at Catskills Irish Arts Week, July 2012. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of November 2015 by garyamartin.

Photo above shows Tom Carey & Dympna O’Sullivan at the launch of her CD Bean Cairdín. © Peter Laban

Photo below shows Dympna in Crotty's Bar, Kilrush c.1997. © Peter Laban

More photos of Dympna in the Laban Traditional Music Collection...

Friday, 20 November 2015

Two Irish authors shortlisted for Costa Book Awards

Two Irish authors have been shortlisted for the 2015 Costa Book Awards. Anne Enright is shortlisted for the 2015 Costa Novel Award for her book The Green Road. Sara Baume makes the shortlist for the 2015 Costa First Novel Award for her debut book Spill Simmer Falter Wither.

There are three other categories of awards – the Costa Biography Award, the Costa Poetry Award and the Costa Children’s Award.

Winners in the five categories, who each receive £5,000, will be announced on January 4th, 2016. The overall winner of the 2015 Costa Book of the Year will receive £30,000 and will be selected and announced on January 26th. Last year’s winner was H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald.

For the full shortlist see http://www.costa.co.uk/media/364247/combined-pdfs-v2.pdf

New ebooks added to stock

New ebooks just added to stock include Until Victory Always, Jim McGuinness's unforgettable and highly personal account of his years at the helm of the Donegal football team and Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2016. For children there is David Walliams’ hilarious Grandpa’s Great Escape and Sarah Crossan’s poignant story of conjoined twins entitled One. To see all new ebooks recently added to stock, see https://clarelibrary.wheelers.co/browse/date/new.

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Science Week celebrations at Clare County Library

Thirty children attended the Trouble with Titanic Show at Kilkee Library on Thursday last from Kilbaha National School and from the neighbouring Scoil Réalt na Mara, Kilkee. The show which came to Clare County Library, compliments of Science Foundation Ireland, was also hosted by Ennis, Shannon and Kilrush libraries. All four audiences simply loved the workshop that was highly informative using a most interactive and interesting approach as to why the ship sank while also explaining several other scientific principles on the science of floating and sinking. Matthew and James, the facilitators, gave a seamless presentation that included lots of information delivered in an informative but fun way and included lots of participation from the children in the audience. The number of intelligent questions that followed each show was testament to the children’s enjoyment and appreciation of the Science Week event. For an added bonus specially branded Science Week rulers and pencils were gifted to each child who attended. Clare County Library wishes to thank Science Foundation Ireland for another excellent workshop this year.

Friday, 13 November 2015

Mary and Andrew MacNamara, Riches of Clare Concert, Feakle, August 2015

"Mary and Andrew MacNamara performing at the last Riches of Clare concert of the 2015 season on August 10, 2015 as part of the Feakle Festival (04)." posted on Youtube on the 18th of August 2015 by Niamhaines.

Sharon Shannon at Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2015

County Clare's Sharon Shannon and her band pay their first visit to Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Posted on Youtube on the 25th of October 2015 by shewsburyfolkfest.

Burren Chernobyl Project - Better Together 2015

"Burren Chernobyl Project (BCP) was established in 1993 to help with the child and adult victims of the fallout from the Chernobyl reactor explosion. Many projects have been carried out to assist the children and their families who are enduring the effects of exposure to radiation and the other social and economic problems facing them in Belarus. BCP's volunteer programme runs all year round. Whether you are a qualified medically or otherwise, great with children, can lay a brick or two or can make a good cup of tea, there's a place for you at BCP. For more information check out our website www.burrenchernobyl.ie and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BurrenChernobylProject. Burren Chernobyl Project, Monastery House, Ennistymon, County Clare."

"Link to vote for us in Better Together Competition
http://2015.bettertogether.ie/about-campaign"

Posted on Youtube on the 4th of November 2015 by Ruthie Marie.

North West Clare Family Resource Centre - Better Together 2015

"The North West Clare Family Resource Centre aims to support the growth of a strong and inclusive community in North West Clare. The FRC has been in operation since 2004 and is managed by volunteers from the local community. The FRC assists families through the Parents Plus and Rainbows programmes, supports a women’s group and a Men’s Shed, runs three youth club groups, provides childcare and after school care for fifty children aged 1-12 years, operates a homework club for Travellers, provides information, talks and events for parents, supports community groups, offers counselling for loss and bereavement, and is member of North Clare Happiness Project, which organises activities around well-being."

"Link to vote for us in Better Together Competition
http://2015.bettertogether.ie/about-campaign"

Music: Los Paddys De Las Pampas
http://www.lospaddysdelaspampas.com/

Posted on Youtube on the 6th of November 2015 by Los Paddys De las Pampas.

Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare, from the air

"This tomb was in use during the Neolithic period and radiocarbon dates place its use between 3,800 - 3,600 BC. The first excavation of Poulnabrone Dolmen was in 1986 and then again in 1988 by Ann Lynch. During this excavation, one portal stone was replaced, and the team excavated the chamber, portico, and cairn. The remains of up to 22 individuals from the Neolithic were found. Sixteen adults, six children, and one newborn (from the Bronze Age) were among the remains. Their bodies were not cremated. Only one adult was over the age of 40 while most died before they reached 30. Most of the children were between the ages of five and fifteen. The skeletal remains show evidence of arthritis. The tip of a flint or chert projectile point was found embedded in the hip of one individual. Two other healed fractures, one skull and one rib, were also found. Dental wear analysis shows evidence for the consumption of stone-grounded cereals. Also found in the burial chamber was a polished stone axe, 2 stone beads, a decorated bone pendant, a fragment of a mushroom-headed bone pin, 2 quartz crystals, several shards of coarse pottery, and a number of arrowheads and scrapers. Grykes are crevices in the limestone that were then filled with remains. Chamber and grykes also were filled with the bones of various large and small animals." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of September 2015 by joeire60.

Finavarra Tower, County Clare, from the air

"Finavarra Tower is a Martello tower in Finavarra, County Clare, Ireland. Built during the Napoleonic wars in 1812-16, and situated on Finavarra Point, the tower protected the north-eastern side of Ballyvaughan Bay and the south-western entrance of New Quay harbour from possible attack from France. British military engineers built many such fortifications as signal towers to protect the coast against a French invasion. Most of these towers are oval or round and stand between forty and sixty feet high. Their staircases were incorporated within the walls and the doorway was usually some distance above ground level. This ovoid tower had three gun placements on the roof. The usual garrison of these towers was about ten men who would have lived in a nearby barracks. The remains of such a barracks lie north-east of the tower. However, nearby Aughinish Tower which is thought to have been of similar and contemporaneous construction, included quarters for around 40 men. At the site of Finavarra Tower, a small stone has the following: "This property including the Martello Tower and Appurtenances was bequeathed to the State for the benefit of the Nation by MRS. MAUREEN EMERSON who died on the 4th day of November 1999." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of November 2015 by joeire60.

Early Morning Fog Rolling Over the Cliffs of Moher

An early morning fog moves out to sea over the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, November 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 8th of November 2015 by Ashley Best.

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards – Children's Books of the Year

2015 marks the tenth anniversary of the Irish Book Awards.
The shortlists for the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards have been announced with twelve excellent books chosen in both of the Specsavers Children's Book of the Year categories.


Specsavers Children's Book of the Year Junior Category:
I'm a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail
The Snow Beast by Chris Judge
The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
The Boy who Fell of the Mayflower by P.J. Lynch
A Dublin Fairytale by Nicola Colton
Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers

Specsavers Children's Book of the Year Senior Category:
Asking for It by Louise O'Neill
Darkmouth: Worlds Explode by Shane Hegarty
Demon Road by Derek Landy
One by Sarah Crossan
Once upon a Place collated by Eoin Colfer
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne

You can find out more about the awards that bring together readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians to celebrate the very best of Irish writing, on the Irish Book Awards website at http://www.irishbookawards.ie/

Vote for your favourite Irish book of the year

The shortlist for the 2015 Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards has been announced. Readers are asked to vote for their favourite books across thirteen categories, including Novel of the Year, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Crime, Children’s, Sports, Short Stories and Cookery.

Last year, over 45,000 readers and book lovers made their voices heard and voted to select the winners in each category. Votes can be cast until midnight 19th November 2015 and the winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin on Wednesday, 25th November. Vote for the book you would like to win in each category and enter the prize draw to win €100 of National Book Tokens.

For the list of shortlisted books see
http://www.irishbookawards.ie/adult-shortlists-2015/ and
http://www.irishbookawards.ie/childrens-shortlists-2015/

Library Ireland Week 2015, November 16th-22nd

Library Ireland Week 2015 runs from November 16th-22nd. Every year the library service celebrates its worth during this week, a week that raises the profile of libraries and information service professionals and gives libraries and information services the opportunity to showcase their resources, facilities, events, contacts and services through different programs and events. The theme of this year’s Library Ireland Week is that of books as a portal into a world of ideas and opportunities: a world of imagination and creativity, of study and travel, of new possibilities in all areas of life. There will be a host of activities taking place in libraries to celebrate the week that will reflect the multi-faceted nature of library and information services across the country.

Clare County Library invites you to visit one of its fifteen branch libraries throughout the county and rediscover what is available to you from your local library service. You’ll discover a whole world of books, CDs, DVDs and more. Surf the internet or check your email at our free internet access points. You could begin tracing your family tree at the Local Studies Centre. Get information about all of the free events that take place at your library throughout the year for both adults and children including story time sessions, arts and craft sessions, free Internet classes, workshops, author visits, exhibitions and much more. You may even join one of the many clubs including children's, adult and teenage book clubs, movie clubs and scrabble clubs. Membership is free for pre-school, primary, secondary and third level students and for senior citizens. Remember, it is never too early or too late to join your local library! A whole new experience awaits you!

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Science Week 2015: Clare County Library presents The Trouble with Titanic

Science Week Ireland runs from the 8th to the 15th of November 2015 marking the 20th anniversary of this national, annual event that celebrates the fascinating worlds of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Clare County Library is taking part in the celebrations by hosting a science show, compliments of Science Federation Ireland, in its branches at Kilrush, Kilkee, Ennis and Shannon.

The Trouble with Titanic will take place on the 12th Nov at Kilrush Library beginning at 10.15am and the second show on the same day will be in Kilkee Library at 1 o’clock.

On the 13th Nov the show will be hosted by Shannon Library at 10.15am and by DeValera Library, Ennis in the afternoon at 1.00pm.

During the 45 minute show children will find out why the Titanic is so famous and what is it about it that keeps people interested.

In this interactive show for 9-12 olds, audiences will explore what makes things float or sink, what was so special about the Titanic’s design that made people think it was a very safe ship, and what went so wrong on that night to remember in 1912 when it struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. After all, it was alright when it left Belfast…!!

Science Week Ireland is an annual event which first took place in 1996 and has grown to a programme of over 800 events scheduled across the country.

It aims to make science more interesting and accessible to children and adults alike. It highlights how science, technology and engineering are hugely relevant to us all in our everyday lives, leads to interesting and exciting career options and develops creativity in our children.

Clare County Library is pleased to invite primary schoolchildren to this free event to experience science first-hand and enjoy a science demonstration, have fun with experiments and discover the answers to the most curious science questions.

Children’s Book Festival 2015 in Clare – more than 3,000 children at over 50 events

Children’s Book Festival 2015 has drawn to a close with endorsements from children, teachers and the array of festival guests who travelled the county during the month of October.

The library’s aim to encourage children to enjoy the experience and the magic of reading saw close on three thousand children attend over 50 reading related events, including author and illustrator visits, live history shows, nature and wildlife presentations and story and song workshops, catering for the reading preferences of everyone from toddlers to teens and beyond.

The festival is the biggest celebration of books and reading in Clare County Library’s events calendar for children and this year’s programme featured some of the best authors and entertainers for young people that Ireland has to offer.

The main event took place in Glór on October 20th. Shane Hegarty was there to meet with over 500 children from schools in the county to bring them the background to, and stories from Darkmouth, his sensational series that has secured him record-breaking publishing deals in the UK, US, Germany, Brazil and further afield.

Other authors and illustrators that toured library branches included Alan Nolan, Ré Ó Laighléis, Matt Griffin, Derek Mulveen, Kim Hood and Debbie Thomas.

Ré was, as ever, delighted to be invited to be part of the library’s festival and his readings and workshops not only captivated the interest of the youth of Clare, both in Ennis and Shannon, but specifically two North American teachers of literature who had drifted into Shannon Library on the morning. They absolutely loved the session (which was bilingual) and were heartened by the fact that a County Library would schedule such a comprehensive programme of events for young people.

Sadie Cramer’s delightful story workshops for younger children were loved by teachers, their classes attending and librarians alike, while Dave Rudden’s and Gráinne Clear’s stories of sea kings, stuffed monsters, invisible warriors and mysterious witches also went down a treat.

Niall de Burca did the rounds again holding young audiences in the palm of his hand with his amazing repertoire expertly delivered.

Michael Moylan’s 1916 presentations from Irish History Live transported children to the founding of our nation, giving them real life experiences of dressing in the clothes of the time and handling the weapons of the Irish Volunteers and the I.R.B.

Music and story workshops came courtesy of singer, songwriter, musician, TV presenter and script writer, Tadgh Mac Dhonnagain who is also the founder and director of the publishing company Futa Fata.

Older children explored key areas of literacy through the art of songwriting in workshops delivered by Muso, an educational company that provides alternative learning workshops to schools around Ireland.

David Lyons, Wildlife Ranger, National Parks and Wildlife Service brought examples of the amazing wildlife to be found on our doorsteps to the children in Tulla, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket on Fergus libraries and drawing and illustration sessions came courtesy of the multi-talented Aidan Courtney, cartoonist, and the founder of Coimicí Gael.

Staff at all branches of Clare County Library were delighted to see such support from schools in their catchment area and look forward to welcoming the children who attended events to return time and again to borrow from their extensive book collections throughout the coming year.

The library service gratefully acknowledges assistance with funding the Children’s Book Festival, received from local organizations and businesses and from its book suppliers. A list of this year’s contributors is now posted on the library website at http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/library/services/childrens/cbf/sponsors_cbf2015.htm.

Image above shows Dave Rudden and Grainne Clear in the library in Kilkee.

Friday, 30 October 2015

Seamus Begley and Oisin MacDiarmada, accompanied By Padraic O'Reilly at the Corofin Traditional Festival

"Seamus Begley and Oisin MacDiarmada accompanied By Padraic O'Reilly #2 at The Corofin Traditional Festival February 28th, 2014." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of March 2014 by Niamhaines.

Ann Kirrane - "Working the Streets" live in concert at the Kilfenora Music Festival

"Vince Keehan's song, "Working the Streets" from Kilfenora Music Festival - April 2013. Ann Kirrane, vocals/concertina, Garry O'Briain, piano & Musical Director, Ronan Greene, Fiddle & Barry Brady, Accordion. Video - Key Hideki-Nakao." Posted on Youtube on the 28th of May 2013 by Padraig Stevens.

Liscannor Bay by The Fiddle Case at Doolin Folk Festival

Mick Flynn's song "Liscannor Bay" played by The Fiddle Case - Jon O'Connell, Eoin O'Neill, Quentin Cooper and Adam Shapiro - at the Doolin Folk Festival June 13th 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of October 2015 by Anne-Lotte Paymans.

Fancy a scary movie for Halloween?

Fancy a scary movie for Halloween? Films on DVD are available in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Kilkee, Scariff and Shannon Libraries and may be requested from any library. We've got The Birds, Blair Witch Project, Bride of Frankenstein, Dawn of the Dead, Nosferatu, Let Me In, The Wicker Man and lots, lots more. Check the library catalogue at http://opac.clarelibrary.ie/ and for a list of new DVDs see http://opac.clarelibrary.ie/search~S3?/ftlist^bib09%2C1%2C0%2C151/mode=2

Matchmaker Willie Daly and some of his clients at the Matchmaking Festival 2015 in Lisdoonvarna

Matchmaker Willie Daly and some of his clients at the Matchmaking Festival 2015 in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 21st of September 2015 by Ronan McGreevy.

Some Aerial Views of Killaloe and Ballina

"Here is a small video showing a little bit of Killaloe, County Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary. The two villages are separated only by a bridge over the river Shannon." Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of October 2015 by Videocopter Ireland.

GE Industrial Internet: Creating a More Efficient Power Plant - Whitegate, County Clare

"GE created a unique energy management solution to help the Whitegate power plant facility reduce costs and improve overall plant efficiency. With advanced diagnostics and metrics, the Whitegate power plant makes better decisions with the management of big data. GE has the ability to leverage data to help customers use software and analytics to form a more intelligent power station. As technology and data continues to merge, the industrial internet will continue to play a key role in the success of power plants globally." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of October 2015 by GE-Power Services.

Ghost Estate for Halloween - A Haunted House Luminaria in Scariff Public Library

A Haunted House Luminaria craft session took place in Scariff Public Library yesterday for a group of 7 -11 year olds as part of Scariff Library’s 'Boom' Young People's Arts Festival. There was great imagination put to use decorating houses with lots of spooky bats, witches, creepy spiders and skulls. The houses were then lit up with 'led' nightlights inside to let all the glitter sparkle.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

The Internet Archive - free online digital books

The Internet Archive is a nonprofit digital library that provides free public access to collections of digitised materials, including public-domain books. The Open Library is part of the Internet Archive which aims to be an online public library. The site contains the full texts of over one and a half million public-domain books, all of which are fully readable, downloadable and searchable. In the Digital Books section of Clare County Library’s website we have collected a selection of Clare and Irish interest books which are available through the Open Library and other sources. Links to the online books are arranged by subject. You may find material here of interest, particularly rare and out-of-print publications.

http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/online_resources/digital_books.htm

Brooklyn - from book to film

The film Brooklyn premiered in Dublin last week. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Domnhall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters, the film is based on Colm Toibin’s book of the same name which was published in 2009. The film tells the story of Eilis Lacey who leaves 1950s Ireland for New York. There she falls in love but later has to choose between her life in the US and her life back home, between love and duty. Directed by John Crowley, Brooklyn met with critical acclaim following showings at the Sundance, New York and Vancouver film festivals earlier this year, and Ronan has been tipped for an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Friday, 23 October 2015

Morglor Award Concert for Eoin O'Neill, Encore Set, Ennis, October 2015

Part of encore set featuring Brid O'Gorman. With Eoin O'Neill, Dermot Byrne, Tim Collins, Kevin Crawford, Quentin Cooper, Adam Shapiro, Jon O'Connell and Luka Bloom. Playing the Gold Ring and the Leitrim Jig followed by an unknown reel.

Part of encore set with Eoin O'Neill, Joan Hanrahan, Brid O'Gorman, Yvonne Casey, Lorraine O'Brien, Dermot Byrne, Kevin Crawford, Tim Collins, Quentin Cooper, Terry Bingham, Kevin Griffin, Adam Shapiro, Luka Bloom, Jon O'Connell and Aoibheann Queally.

Morglor Award Concert for Eoin O'Neill, Glor, Ennis, October 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 15th of October 2015 by Robert Singer.

Tony MacMahon - 'Sé Mo Laoch

A portrait of County Clare's Tony MacMahon, also featuring John Kelly and Micho Russell from TG4's 'Se Mo Laoch series. Postedb on Youtube on the 16th of October 2012 by Liam McKeogh.

The Girl of County Clare (1856), sung by James Patrick Callahan with Dan Savin on Piano

The Girl of County Clare, composed by W. J. Wetmore in 1856, sung here by James Patrick Callahan with Dan Savin on piano. Posted on Youtube on the 12th of October 2015 by James Callahan.

The Outing 2015, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare - Bigger & Better

"The world's first gay and lesbian matchmaking and music weekend, The Outing, was held on the first weekend of October this year in the small village of Lisdoonvarna in County Clare. This year's festival was extra special as on May 22, the Republic of Ireland made history as the first country in the world to recognize marriage equality by popular vote. The electorate voted YES to include a new clause about marriage in the Constitution: 'Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex'. The Outing’s 2015 edition (2 – 4 October) as a result promised to be even bigger and better than before and it did not disappoint. Open to everyone, straight, the LGBT community, and their friends and families, the fantastic line up of Irish and international stars left everyone smiling." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of October 2015 by discoverireland.

Ireland Reaching Out Exhibition in Tulla, County Clare, Sept 2015

"Epic Journeys Ellis Island brings to life the experiences of people who left Ireland around the end of the 19th Century and passed through the Immigration Station at Ellis Island before scattering to all parts of North America to begin a new life. The exhibition is the result of a research project undertaken by Ireland Reaching Out (www.IrelandXO.com) with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as part of the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. The exhibition has been on display in Tulla, County Clare, since August 2015 and has been warmly received by both the local community and also the extended Diaspora community of Tulla." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of October 2015 by Ireland Reaching Out.

The Memorial Garden in Tuamgraney, County Clare

"This Memorial Garden is tended lovingly by the people of Tuamgraney, County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of July 2015 by clare virtually.

Kilrush & Miltown Malbay, County Clare

A short clip featuring Kilrush and Miltown Malbay, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of May 2007 by clarebannerman.

Camping, Kayaking, and Skiking in Mountshannon, County Clare

"Camping, Kayaking, Skiking & Knitting is something that I love to do during any day off. Weekend is a perfect time to escape from the place where you spend your week and try to go and see something new. Drive somewhere where you haven't been before." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of October 2015 by Barbara Nalewko.

Launch of county plans for 1916 centenary celebrations

Pictured at the launch of county plans for 1916 centenary celebrations in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham on Thursday, 8th October are left to right:
Cllr Pat Hayes, Chairman, 1916/2016 Steering Group; Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, Cllr James Breen, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; An Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton; Alan Kelly, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian and Clare County Council 1916/2016 Co-ordinator.

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

BOOM - Young People’s Arts Festival at Scariff Library 27th-30th October

Artist led art and animation workshops, storytime, crafts and early years music are some of the children's activities on offer during the mid term break in Scariff Public Library.

Friday, 16 October 2015

Packie Russell and Marcus Walsh playing at Gus O'Connor's Pub, Doolin, 1973

Packie Russell on concertina and Marcus Walsh on bodhrán playing in Gussie O'Connor's Pub, Doolin, County Clare, in April 1973. Posted on Youtube on the 15th of October 2007 by clarebannerman.

Kilfenora Céilí Band at the Fleadh Nua, Ennis, 2015

Kilfenora Céilí Band at the Fleadh Nua, Ennis, playing Waltz & Kitt's Reel Set. Posted on Youtube on the 27th of September 2015 by Frank de Mooij.

Riches of Clare Concert in Feakle, August 2015, with Eileen O'Brien, Andrew McNamara, and Geraldine Cotter

"Eileen O'Brien, Andrew McNamara, and Geraldine Cotter performing at the last Riches of Clare concert of the 2015 season on August 10, 2015 as part of the Feakle Festival (03)." Posted on Youtube on the 18th of August 2015 by Niamhaines.

American Paper Buck finds his great grandmother Elizabeth MacNamara's home in County Clare

"In June 2015, Ireland Reaching Out helped Paper Buck, who had travelled from the USA, to locate the homestead of his ancestors in County Clare. John Creedon and his team were there to film the moment when Paper stood on his ancestors' land for the first time." The McNamara family are listed on the 1901 Census here (bottom of page). Posted on Youtube on the 7th of October 2015 by Ireland Reaching Out.

Hiking Mullaghmore in The Burren, County Clare

Hiking Mullaghmore in The Burren, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 13th of October 2015 by Keith Daly.

Lahinch April 2015 - from the air

"Our brief summer in April surfing and golfing in Lahinch, County Clare". Posted on Youtube on the 9th of October 2015 by The Magic Camera.

Thursday, 15 October 2015

Marlon James - Man Booker Prize Winner 2015

Jamaican author Marlon James has won the 2015 Man Booker Prize for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings. The novel is based on the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976 and James says that a huge part of the novel was inspired by reggae music. 686 pages long with over 75 characters from CIA agents to drug dealers, the novel features gang violence, drugs and graphic sex but also lots of laughs.

In a New York Times review, Michiko Kakutani said of the novel
“It’s like a Tarantino remake of “The Harder They Come” but with a soundtrack by Bob Marley and a script by Oliver Stone and William Faulkner, with maybe a little creative boost from some primo ganja.”

In addition to his £50,000 prize and trophy, James also received a designer bound edition of his book and a further £2,500 for being shortlisted. He can also expect a dramatic increase in sales of the book.

Author Debbie Thomas inspires young readers in Kilmihil, Kildysart, Corofin and Newmarket, County Clare

Debbie Thomas, author of the trilogy Dead Hairy, Jungle Tangle and Monkie Business and the newly published Class Act was back in Clare’s libraries this week to inspire young readers in Kilmihil, Kildysart, Corofin and Newmarket. Debbie was a delight to listen to and involved her audiences right throughout her presentations using practical exercises to show them how stories are created. She shared stories of past experiences and employments including working as a radio news presenter with the BBC to illustrate her path to becoming a writer of children’s books.

Included in feedback on the event from Kildysart Library, Branch Librarian Margaret Sheehan commented, “The pupils really enjoyed the event and promised to take on board Debbie’s advice of writing ideas down to turn into stories. All of Debbie’s books that I had in the library were borrowed by the classes attending on the day.”

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Baptisms Registers - Kilmurry Ibrickan, Kilmaley, and O’Callaghan’s Mills, County Clare

A number of Baptisms Registers have been added to the BMD section of Donated Materials on Clare County Librarys website recently, thanks to some diligent transcribers. Transcriptions of the 19th century baptism registers for the Catholic Parishes of Kilmurry Ibrickan (Marie Crowley), Kilmaley (John Mayer) and O’Callaghan’s Mills (Sharon Carberry) will be of great benefit to family history researchers. All three are on-going projects. Transcription work is now greatly facilitated by the online Catholic Parish registers of baptism and marriage which have been made available on the National Library of Ireland’s website http://registers.nli.ie/. Thank you to Marie, John and Sharon, and to all our donors.

Positive Ageing Week at Scariff Library

Scariff Public Library entertained a group of senior library users who came to our screening of To Kill a Mockingbird as part of Positive Ageing Week. We used a large screen TV and the picture and sound quality was perfect. We had very positive feedback from everybody who attended and have agreed to organize a similar event on a more regular basis. This was a free event and was enjoyed by all!

Monday, 5 October 2015

Riches of Clare Concert in Feakle, August 2015, with Mary McNamara, Eileen O'Brien, Andrew McNamara, and Geraldine Cotter

"Mary McNamara, Eileen O'Brien, Andrew McNamara, and Geraldine Cotter performing at the last Riches of Clare concert of the 2015 season as part of the Feakle Festival on August 10, 2015 (01)." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of August 2015 by Niamhaines.

Kilfenora Céilí Band - Up For the Final 1995

The Kilfenora Céilí Band with the Michael Donnelan Dancers on RTE's Up For The Final TV programme, recorded prior to the 1995 All Ireland Hurling Final. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of August 2015 by Garry Shannon.

Kilkee sunset filmed from the air

Sunset in Kilkee, County Clare, filmed from the air by O'Donovan Productions. Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of September 2015 by O'Donovan Productions.

Longbow making and archery at Ballyhannon House, Quin, County Clare

Longbow making and archery at Ballyhannon House Riding Centre, Quin, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 17th of September 2015 by Brooksvideocom.

Mr Singh My Heart's Delight by Brian Friel (1971)

Mr Singh My Heart's Delight, a short film made in 1971 starring Sheila Matchett, Paul Hoffman Bill McCaddon and Renu Setna, produced by Peter Chesney, with cameraman Roger Pratt, from a story written by Brian Friel. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of April 2014 by Paul Hoffmann.

25th anniversary of Brian Friel's 'Translations' on RTÉ’s Rattlebag

"RTÉ (Irish public radio) documentary on Field Day marking the 25th anniversary of the opening night of Brian Friel's play 'Translations'. Includes interviews with Prof Kevin Whelan of the Keough-Naughton Institute at the University of Notre Dame, and Stephen Rea, Field Day co-founder. First aired 23 September 2005." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of February 2015 by Field Day.

Friday, 2 October 2015

Digital Platform for Contemporary Irish Writing

The English Department at University College Dublin has published a new public online resource, the Digital Platform for Contemporary Irish Writing www.contemporaryirishwriting.ie.

The pilot project, entitled "50 Irish Books", features books by Irish writers published between 2009 and 2013. Each title on the list comes with links to a wide range of reviews and author interviews, along with many other online text, audio and video resources. The aim is to highlight the variety of resources relating to contemporary Irish writing for the information and enjoyment of the reading public and to support courses on Irish literature taught internationally. The 50 selected books span fiction, memoir, short stories, poetry and drama. The team at UCD say that they look forward to developing and amplifying 50 Irish Books through the participation of readers, writers, academics and publishers.

Autumn Reading for Children with Clare County Library

Now that summer is over it’s time for children to get themselves stuck in a good book and Clare County Library is here to help. Six of our branch libraries run book clubs for children and their members have provided reviews of books they have read . There is also an on-line list of Book Promotions which gathers together children’s books on various themes and links to fun and educational kids’ websites. All books reviewed are available through Clare libraries. Membership of the children's library is free and members may borrow a total of four books from any library branch in the county. Also, of course, Children’s Book Festival has just started with plenty of book-based activities and events throughout the county.

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Ageing Positively at Clare County Library this October

This year, from Thursday 1st of October to Friday 9th October 2015, Age Action celebrates 13 years of Positive Ageing Week and both young and old coming out in force in their towns and communities to celebrate ageing in a positive light. Positive Ageing Week over the last number of years has expanded rapidly due to the enthusiasm of older people and their communities who have embraced the idea and made it their own.

Clare County Library is delighted to once again count itself among the many organisations that embrace Positive Ageing Week and will celebrate it with a variety of activities this year.

Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, will host a wool spinning and textiles crafts demonstration with Susanna Anker at 11.30am on Friday, 2nd October. Susanna is a heritage expert on wool spinning and is based in Kilmihil, County Clare. On Tuesday, 6th October at 3pm, Kilrush Public Library will host a jewellery-making workshop with Mary Reynolds. Both events are free but places are limited and booking is required.

Scariff Public Library will transform into a cinema on Thursday, 8th October, with a free movie screening. Details are available at the library desk or on 061-922893. Also on Thursday 8th October at 12pm, the Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, will welcome Carron native and storyteller Paddy Hynes with his unique blend of storytelling and entertainment, which he will share with the children of Rockmount National School. Senior citizens are also invited to come along and enjoy this free event where young and old are guaranteed to be captivated by Paddy’s tales of days gone by.

Throughout the week selected branches around the county will have book displays featuring positive ageing related titles. There will also be free copies of the library's booklet entitled "Positive Ageing: A Reading List from Clare County Library" available to pick up at all branches.

Remember too that Senior Citizens can avail of free library membership in all of Clare County Library’s branches. So, during Positive Ageing Week, or at any time of the year, why not join your local branch library? You’ll discover a whole world of books, CDs, DVDs and more. You may even join one of our many clubs including book clubs and scrabble clubs. A whole new experience awaits you! For details of all events check with your local branch, phone 065-6821616 or visit www.clarelibrary.ie. Details of national events are available at www.ageaction.ie/positive-ageing-week-2015.

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Seán Lemass Public Library gets down to business

A range of new services being provided at Seán Lemass Public Library in Shannon to help people access employment and consider creating their own business will be officially launched on Tuesday, 29 September at 6.30pm.

The new services include free Wi-Fi and Public Access Internet PCs; a Surfbox printing, scanning and photocopying service; an employment noticeboard and free access to online resources such as Vision-net.ie, as well as access to the Library's enhanced selection of business books, journals and newspapers.

Tuesday's public event will also feature a talk, entitled ‘Start Your Own Business’, by Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office, Clare. The talk will outline what is involved in starting a business and how individuals and start-ups can go about accessing the supports available.

Contact Seán Lemass Public Library on (061) 364266 for more information.

Friday, 25 September 2015

Aoibheann Queally and Eoin O'Neill performing at the Corofin Trad Fest 2015

Aoibheann Queally and Eoin O'Neill performing at the Corofin Traditional Festival on March 2nd, 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of May 2015 by Niamhaines.

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill on KUNM Radio Studio Sessions

"Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill visit with Carol Boss on KUNM's Afternoon Freeform, talk and perform three songs." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of July 2015 by KUNMradio.

Clare County Library celebrates the Summer Reading Adventure

This past week saw hundreds of children receive certificates of achievement for having completed the Summer Reading Adventure. The guest entertainer, who went down an absolute treat with children and parents alike, was artist and storyteller extraordinaire Wayne O’Connor, whose hilarious tales with a twist and quirky drawings had children jumping out of their seats. The Summer Reading Adventure was rolled out in all branches of Clare County Library at the beginning of July and ended on the last day of August. Participating children read at least six books during the Summer holidays with several reading many more. Special programme incentives motivated the children as they received stickers, wristbands, bookmarks etc. at various milestones during the Challenge. Children were invited to review their favourite reads and their recommendations for other children looking for a good book were not only extremely useful but created colourful displays in local libraries.

A specially designated website (www.librariesireland.ie/summer-reading-adventure) supported the children who joined the initiative, recommending the best reads, offering encouragement from famous authors and sports personalities and providing a treasure trove of book-related activities and helpful hints to explore.

Such is the interest in this programme annually that some libraries simply cannot accommodate the audiences. Clare County Library wishes to thank the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis and the Bellbridge House Hotel, Spanish Point for providing first-rate venues for two of the celebratory events. Library members in West Clare attended Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, to receive their certificates and enjoy the entertainment and the Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon was the celebratory venue for the children from Sixmilebridge, Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon libraries who completed the Reading Adventure. The final awards event will take place in Scariff Library on the 26th of September.