Thursday, 30 April 2015

Once Upon A Place - a unique storytelling experience comes to The Burren

Clare County Library and Clare County Arts Service in association with Laureate na nÓg, are set to bring a unique storytelling project to children in twelve primary schools in the county.

On the 6th and 7th of May 2015, a team of six storytellers will visit the following schools: Ballyvaughan, Boston, Tubber, Furglan, Moy, Lahinch, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore and Doolin. Carron and New Quay National Schools will attend the opening event at the Michael Cusack Centre on May 6th, where Carron’s own storyteller Paddy Hynes will join visiting author Alan Nolan to regale local schoolchildren with tales of The Burren.

Current Laureate na nÓg, Eoin Colfer, initiated the Once Upon A Place programme to bring stories to children all over Ireland, focusing on fantastic places and extraordinary settings in which to stage very special and unforgettable storytelling events. The events will spark children’s imaginations and bring the magic of stories and books to young people in an experiential way. County Clare was chosen as one of sixteen locations on foot of a successful application by Clare County Library in June 2014.

The two-day storytelling festival will feature some of Ireland’s finest authors and storytellers including Alan Nolan, Sarah Webb, Erika McGann, Nuala Hayes, Sadie Cramer and County Clare’s Matt Griffin, with at least one storyteller visiting each of the participating schools.

An additional event will be hosted by Jessie Lendennie at the Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre, Parliament Street, Ennistymon at 4.30pm on Wednesday May 6th where the project’s participating writers and storytellers will meet with children and parents at what will undoubtedly be a memorable storytelling event. Join writers and storytellers Sadie Cramer, Matt Griffin, Nuala Hayes, Erika McGann, Alan Nolan and Sarah Webb for a special public storytelling and reading. There'll be an opportunity to meet the writers and buy their books and CDs. Once Upon A Place is supported by The Arts Council, Clare County Library and Clare County Council Arts Office. Image above of Mullach Mor and Sliabh Rua, Burren National Park, courtesy Dr Charles Nelson.

Clare County Library celebrates creativity during Bealtaine Festival in May 2015

May belongs to the Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity as we age. Over 120,000 people now take part in Bealtaine, which will celebrate its 20th year in 2015. Each year Age & Opportunity invites local authorities, arts centres, libraries, Active Retirement groups, care settings, community groups and clubs and associations from every part of the country to run Bealtaine events that celebrate creativity as we age. Clare County Library is proud to once again be counted among the hundreds of organisations around the country that participate in the festival each year. As always there will be a varied and widespread programme of events throughout the month of May in branch libraries throughout the county. All events are free of charge and everyone is welcome.

Events will include craft displays in Kilfinaghty Public Library in Sixmilebridge from the 5th - 29th May and in the Dr. Patrick J. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, from the 5th - 16th May. The library is also delighted to once again be taking part in the Bealtaine Film Tour which is presented by access>CINEMA in partnership with the Irish Film Institute. This year’s films are The Hundred Foot Journey (2013) starring Helen Mirren, Manish Dayal and Om Puri, and The Quiet Man (1952) starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen and Barry Fitzgerald. Screenings will take place in branch libraries in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Scariff and Shannon where each library will be transformed into a cinema with a difference for your viewing pleasure. You can contact your local library for screening times or visit http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/library/events/library_events.htm.

Senior Citizens will have an opportunity to get in touch with their artistic side at an art workshop entitled “An Introduction to Watercolour Painting” with The Guinness Artist, David Gilhooley. David is an Irish artist and the author of Ireland in Watercolour and Dave's Dublin Sketchbook. He was brought up in Liverpool and has exhibited in The Royal College of Art and Dublin Arts Club. David is known as ‘The Guinness Artist’ for his use of the famous stout in his work. David has also used Irish bog, melted Connemara snow and Venetian canal water, giving his watercolours a unique foundation. David will host three workshops as follows: Kilrush Public Library on Monday, 18th May at 11am, Killaloe Public Library on Tuesday, 19th May at 10.30am and in Scariff Public Library on Tuesday, 19th May at 2.30pm. Places are limited so contact your local branch for bookings. More information on the artist is available on his website at www.dave6544.com, on Twitter - @davesixtyfive44 and on Facebook - David Gilhooley Watercolours.

Clare County Library has teamed up with Friends Ireland who will provide basic computer/laptop/tablet/mobile phone classes in Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, from the 26th - 29th May. The classes are free but places are limited and can be booked through the library at 061-364266. For more information on Friends Ireland visit www.friendsireland.ie.

North Clare-based writer and hotel manager Dónal Minihane will visit Ennistymon Public Library on Thursday 21st May at 11am to talk about and read from his recently published first novel Clíona’s Wave. Dónal was shortlisted for the 2014 'K' Award for short fiction and is the founder and director of the Doolin Writers’ Weekend. Clíona’s Wave was a winner of the 2013 Irish Writers’ Centre Novel Fair. Everyone is welcome to this free event. For more information on Dónal Minihane visit http://donalminihane.com/.

Ennistymon Library will also host a screening of a selection of photos from Foto, the Clare County Library collection of photographs, featuring North Clare people, national school photos from over 50 years ago and scenes and events from the area. Those with good memories will have the opportunity to put names to faces!

Clare County Library’s new Lusitania exhibition will begin its tour of the county’s branches in Kilrush Public Library on Wednesday, 6th May, and can be viewed there during library opening hours until Tuesday, 19th May. The Cunard passenger liner RMS Lusitania, travelling from New York to Liverpool, was torpedoed by a German submarine off the Old Head of Kinsale on 7th May 1915, and sank within 18 minutes. The library’s exhibition marks the hundredth anniversary of this tragic event. The sinking of the ship impacted directly on County Clare as four of the victims and one of the survivors were natives of the county. Also, twelve of the victims whose bodies were washed up on the coast of Clare were interred in local graveyards. The exhibition will move from Kilrush to Kilkee Library on Wednesday 20th May where it will remain until the 2nd June. It will also be displayed in several branch libraries and in the Clare Museum over the coming months. For a full schedule of the exhibition contact the Library at 065-6821616/6846350 or visit the website at http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/library/events/library_events.htm.

Clare County Library will take a small section of the Local Studies Centre library on tour throughout the month of May when library staff will visit nursing homes and day centres in various areas including Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush and Tuamgraney. A selection of Clare Champion newspapers from times past will be transported, along with old photographs and local history books so that extracts can be read and discussed evoking memories of times past. The newspapers are part of a complete set of Clare Champions dating back to 1903 which are housed at the Local Studies Centre on Harmony Row, Ennis. They are available to the public for reference use.

Thursday May 7th 2015 has been designated Poetry Day Ireland. On and around this day Poetry Ireland intends to reveal the richness of the art form to the public in appealing ways - making poetry both inescapable and irresistible. To celebrate this, Clare County Library invites you to pick up a copy of our specially compiled poetry quiz in your local branch from Thursday 7th May and answer the poetry-themed questions correctly to be in with a chance to win a book token to the value of €50. Ask at your nearest branch for all the details.

Remember too that Senior Citizens can avail of free library membership in all of Clare County Library’s branches. So, during the Bealtaine Festival, why not join your local library? You’ll discover a whole world of books, CDs, DVDs and more. You may even join one of the many clubs being run including book clubs and scrabble clubs. A whole new experience awaits you! For more information on the Bealtaine events and much more visit Clare County Library’s website at www.clarelibrary.ie or phone 065-6821616.

Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Mangan Gully, Nanango, Queensland - the Crusheen/Gallipoli connection

A gully near Nanango, Queensland, in Australia has just been officially named Mangan Gully after Gallipoli veteran Michael Mangan. Michael’s father left Crusheen for Australia in 1878. At the outbreak of WWI, Michael enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force for service abroad and served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. His bravery as an Anzac has led to Mangan Gully being named in his honour. The story of this Mangan family, and of Michael’s experience of WWI are recounted by Liz Caffery & Deirdre Carroll in an article on Clare County Library’s website here http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/don_tran/fam_his/michael_mangan.htm

Friday, 24 April 2015

Siobhán Peoples & Murty Ryan performing at the Glenntown Irish Festival in Gothenburg 2014

County Clare's Siobhán Peoples & Murty Ryan performing at the Glenntown Irish Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2014. Posted on Youtube on the 17th of September 2014 by Jon Antonsson.

Mark Burke and Anthony Devitt playing in Doolin

Mark Burke (accordion) and Anthony Devitt (banjo) in McDermott's Pub, Doolin, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 29th of August 2012 by Kevin Russell.

Pat O'Connor and Eoghan O'Sullivan playing in Coatesville, Pennsylvania

"Pat O'Connor & Eoghan O'Sullivan playing traditional Irish music on fiddle and button-accordion, April 5, 2009 for the Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, USA." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of April 2009 by playthis.

Padraig Rynne's Notify & Pauline Scanlon - The Limerick Rake

County Clare's Padraig Rynne with his band NOTIFY and Pauline Scanlon doing a version of the traditional Irish song "The Limerick Rake". Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of January by Padraig Rynne.

Arrest of De Valera in Ennis, 1923

"Eamon De Valera was arrested by Free State troops, under the Public Safety Act, as he was about to make a speech. He remained imprisoned until July 1924. Despite this, Clare elected de Valera top of the poll in the general election." posted on Youtube on the 8th of April 2015 by theclareherald.

UCC Golf Club training in Lahinch

"A few UCC Senior Ladies Golfers in action during our recent weekend in Lahinch Golf Club, as training for our upcoming Senior Cup Weekend in May. UCC Golfers: Aoife Barry, Laura McCarthy, Jean O'Driscoll, Hilary O'Driscoll, Jill O'Driscoll, Michelle Geaney." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of April 2015 by Aofie Barry.

The Labyrinth, Mountshannon, County Clare

"A short video by www.clarevirtually.ie of the Chartres Labyrinth in Mountshannon. This eleven circuit labyrinth is a beautiful and spiritual place and it overlooks Mountshannon Harbour in Co. Clare. Labyrinths were originally laid as paths of pilgrimage and reflection. This Labyrinth is a copy of one laid into the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Enjoy the video and gorgeous music from singer Kate Purcell." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of March 2015 by clare virtually.

Peter Rees Exhibition "An Udder View" at X-PO, Kilnaboy, County Clare

"A film about an exhibition, "An Udder View" of photographic enthusiast, Peter Rees’ collection of over 27,000 photographs, many taken in the parish of Kilnaboy, County Clare over a period of twenty-five years. The exhibition was curated by artist Deirdre O'Mahony and Peter Rees and exhibited at X-PO, the former post office revived as a public art project in Kilnaboy Co Clare Ireland.For more on X-PO see http://www.deirdre-omahony.ie/public-art-projects/x-po.html." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of April 2015 by Deirdre O'Mahony.

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Tom Lenihan, Knockbrack, County Clare (1905-1990) - Singer

Tom Lenihan was born into a musical house in the townland of Knockbrack near Miltown Malbay and was surrounded by dancing, music and singing all his life. Tom’s main talent was singing, which he would do at the drop of a hat. He had a large stock of songs and an excellent memory and he sang in a simple, clear style with little embellishment. A number of collections of Tom’s songs have been recorded and published over the years. Tom features prominently in the Singers and Songs of County Clare from the Carroll Mackenzie Collection with nearly 80 of his songs selected. He is also recorded discussing songs and singing techniques, which he felt strongly about. Photo courtesy Pat Mackenzie.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2015 - shortlist announced

The shortlist for the 2015 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction was announced on April 13th. The prize, until 2012 known as the Orange Prize for Fiction, sets out to reward excellence, originality and accessibility in writing by women from throughout the world.

This year the shortlist includes four British writers, one British/Pakistani writer and one American. All of the authors on this year’s shortlist with the exception of Laline Paull - a debut novelist - have previously been shortlisted for the award.

The shortlisted titles are:
Outline by Rachel Cusk
The Bees by Laline Paull
A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie
How to be Both by Ali Smith
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
“They are all fantastic,” said chair of judges Shami Chakrabarti. “They are very different in various ways – subject matter, genre, style. Some are sparse, some poetic. What they have in common is that you can’t put them down.” The award was won in 2014 by Eimear McBride for A Girl is a Half-formed Thing. Other winners include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for Half of a Yellow Sun, Zadie Smith for On Beauty and by Lionel Shriver for We Need to Talk About Kevin. The winner of the 2015 award will be announced on the 3rd of June.

Friday, 17 April 2015

Sharon Shannon & Natalie MacMaster live at Celtic Colours International Festival 2014, Nova Scotia

"Jean's Reel performed by Sharon Shannon and Natalie MacMaster at Together Again: Natalie's Reunion concert, Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, October 18, 2014 during Celtic Colours International Festival." Posted on Youtube on the 30th of March 2015 by Celtic Colours International Festival.

Kilfenora Ceili Band, The Late Late Show 2015

The Kilfenora Ceili Band from County Clare on RTE's The Late Late Show, 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 13th of March 2015 by The Late Late Show.

Martin Reidy of Tullaghaboy, 1901-1985, The Long Song Singer

Martin Reidy lived alone on a farm in Tullaghaboy, Connolly, County Clare. Martin specialised in long songs mostly learned from songbooks to which he added his own airs. When visited by Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie in the 1970s and 80s he loved to sing for them and would talk about singing and old customs. Martin was a regular visitor and performer at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay. A selection of Martin’s songs and recordings of him talking to Jim and Pat can be heard here as part of Singers and Songs of County Clare. An article by song collector Tom Munnelly captures the personality of the man and documents a number of his songs. Photo above courtesy Pat Mackenzie.

Pádraig Rynne & Cillian Doheny play a set of jigs at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2014

County Clare's Pádraig Rynne & Cillian Doheny play a set of jigs (Bye a While/Unknown) at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2014 in Sligo. Posted on Youtube on the 30th of August 2014 by Blackriverspatagonia.

Edel Fox and Friends at Catskills Irish Arts Week 2014, New York

"Session featuring friends Edel Fox, Dylan Foley, Anna Colliton, Dierdre Corrigan, Sean Earnest, Aindriú Ciardha, Autumn Rhodes, Darcy Noonan, Simone Westercamp, and several more folks. Sunday night/Monday, about 12:30am, Catskills Irish Arts Week 2014 #1. At The Blackthorne, East Durham, New York, July 2014." Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of April 2015 by TimRaabNorthern.

International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award 2015

10 novels have been shortlisted for the 20th International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award. The list includes TransAtlantic by Irish author and former winner Colum McCann, three novels in translation from Brazil, France and Morocco and novels from Australia, Nigeria, the UK and the USA. The IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award, an initiative of Dublin City Council, is worth €100,000 to the winner and is the world’s most valuable annual literary award for a single work of fiction published in English.

The shortlisted titles are:

1. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2. Horses of God by Mahi Binebine
3. Harvest by Jim Crace
4. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
5. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
6. K by Bernardo Kucinski
7. Brief Loves That Live Forever by Andreï Makine
8. TransAtlantic by Colum McCann
9. Someone by Alice McDermott
10. Sparta by Roxana Robinson

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke, Patron of the Award said “This is a list of high quality literature with three novels in translation which might not otherwise be brought to the attention of readers. I am delighted to see a Dubliner’s name included on the list – Colum McCann”. The winner of the 2015 award will be announced on Wednesday, June 17th.

The Cliffs of Moher from the sea

"The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair) are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and reach their maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres to the north. A round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs, the tower was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien. From the cliffs and from atop the tower, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north in County Galway, and Loop Head to the south.The cliffs rank amongst the top visited tourist sites in Ireland,and receive almost one million visitors a year." Music: "Khali Salam Dua" by Himesh Reshammiya. Posted on Youtube on the 8th of April 2015 by justiN joseph.

Limerick Mountain Bike Club on their Green Road spin in The Burren

Limerick Mountain Bike Club on their Green Road spin in The Burren, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 4th of April 2015 by Rimvydas Rikus.

Frank Golden reads the first chapter from his novel The Night Game

County Clare based writer Frank Golden reads the first chapter from his novel The Night Game. Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of February 2015 by Fergus Tighe.

Monday, 13 April 2015

Sir Terry Pratchett (1948-2015)

Sir Terry Pratchett died on the 12th of March 2015, having written many bestsellers in a writing career that spanned over forty years. In just 24 hours, the news of his death reached a phenomenal 23.1 million people on Facebook.

In an obituary by Larry Finlay, Managing Director, Transworld Publishers in The Bookseller, March 20th 2015, we read that in a speech at a sales conference in 1986 after his book, The Colour of Magic had sold around 35,000 copies, Terry Pratchett said:

“Thank you for the copies you’ve sold so far. Maybe, maybe, if you carry on selling them at this rate, I’ll be able to give up the day job.” The following year he did just that, and never looked back, writing two books a year on average.

Terry Pratchett’s books are available from all branches of Clare County Library.

Thursday, 9 April 2015

Blackie O'Connell, Martin O’Neill and Daoiri Farrell at the Bono Winter School, Brittany

County Clare's Blackie O'Connell on uileann pipes with Martin O’Neill (bodhran) and Daoiri Farrell (bouzouki) at the Bono Winter School in Brittany, France. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of January 2015 by Bono Winter School.

John Blake, Jesse Smith & Colm Gannon at Corofin Traditional Festival 2015

"What a finish to the 14th Annual Corofin Traditional Festival concerts with absolutely fabulous music from John Blake, Jesse Smith, & Colm Gannon." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of March 2015 by Niamhaines.

Padraig Rynne's Notify - The Carrington Event

"County Clare's Padraig Rynne's NOTIFY playing a self composed piece, "The Carrington Event", from their EP. NOTIFY is a band fronted by concertina player Padraig Rynne and also includes Cillian King (Guitars and Vocals), Eoin Walsh (Electric Bass) and Shane O'Sullivan (Drums)." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of January 2015 by Padraig Rynne.

Mikey Kelleher (1907-1987) Singer and Dancer

Mikey Kelleher was born in Quilty in 1907 and emigrated to England in 1942, eventually settling in Depford, London. In Quilty, he was known as a skilled dancer, but he never rated himself as a singer. On meeting him later in London the song collectors Pat Mackenzie and Jim Carroll discovered that Mikey knew a vast number of songs, which they recorded from him in the late 1970s. A selection of Mikey’s songs can be heard on Clare County Library’s Singers and Songs of County Clare from the Carroll Mackenzie Collection.

Mikey’s repertoire included many rare local songs like The Leon, The Quilty Burning, and a version of The Rineen Ambush. Pat and Jim also describe meeting and recording Mikey in an article here.

Mikey Kelleher is one of the singers featured in the Singers and Songs of County Clare at http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/songs/cmc/index.htm.

The Burren from the air

"The Burren is the last most natural, beautiful and unspoiled landscape in Ireland." posted on Youtube on the 30th of March 2015 by Galway Aerial Cinematography.

The Ring of Lough Derg

"ClareVirtually produced this first promo video for The Ring of Lough Derg. There are huge amounts of things to see, places to visit, pubs to have a meal or a pint in. Fishing, boating, walking, swimming or just lazing along side the water. Enjoy." Posted on Youtube on the 31st of March 2015 by clare virtually.

Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare, during eclipse 2015

"Aerial footage of the Pol na Bron dolmen during the light of the eclipse in County Clare Ireland by Dronevideo.ie. Music by Marie Kelly Reflections of Ireland." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of March 2015 by Matthew Kelly.

The Cliffs of Moher in the mist, by Christoforos Koundourakis

The Cliffs of Moher in the mist. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of April 2015 by Christoforos Koundourakis.

On the Wild Atlantic Way - Clare, Kerry and Cork

"Four day driving tour of the Clare, Kerry and Cork coastlines. This drive took in a section of Irish coastline known as The Wild Atlantic Way." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of September 2014 by Stephen Folan.

Clare’s Post-Primary Schools Support Library Teen Week

Teen Week 2015 has drawn to a close in Kilrush and Ennis libraries. Running for one week annually in two of Clare’s libraries, this year’s events were fully booked by audiences and participants from post-primary schools.

Debut author Siobhán Mungovan shared stories of the twists and turns of her teenage life with Spina Bifida with close on fifty students in both venues as recounted in her book, Me and My Backbone. Co-written with Carol Byrne, a journalist with the Clare Champion newspaper, the book is a coming-of-age memoir of Siobhán’s life to date. Teenagers in both libraries were inspired by Siobhan’s zest for life and her constant determination that nothing will hold her back. They were particularly interested in hearing about her experiences during the life stage they themselves are at and how she coped with life as a teenager both physically and emotionally. The many questions at each presentation were testament to their interest in Siobhán’s talk from start to finish.

Kilshanny-based author Kim Hood’s Finding A Voice was shortlisted for the inaugural Young Adult Book Prize. A story with characters close to the student’s hearts, challenges that could be faced by any members of her audience and an exciting storyline had both genders hooked from the start at both presentations at Ennis and Kilrush libraries. Kim’s sessions touched on various themes including not fitting in, mental health, disability and diverse families.

A Video Production Workshop was included by popular demand in the week-long programme, for the second year running. Neil Hynes is a film maker and video artist based in the West of Ireland and has had his work exhibited all over Ireland. He has won an award for his portrayal on film of the Famine, in his native West Clare. His two one-hour classes at the library in Ennis covered everything from technical jargon to focusing on the everyday practicalities of DVD production, providing students with hands-on experience of quality broadcast equipment and an all-round understanding and appreciation for video production.

For the past 25 years John Bowker’s Tribal Spirit Drumming has captured the hearts of thousands of people across Ireland, the UK and beyond, engaging and delighting audiences wherever he performs. In Ennis and Kilrush libraries, teenagers were treated to an unforgettable beginner’s drumming workshop featuring rhythm and bass. Students in both venues were so engrossed that they were reluctant to leave the library and made suggestions to expand the week to a month-long festival!

The final event at Kilrush Library was an art and craft workshop facilitated by Astrid Adler. Astrid works mainly as a visual artist, musician and mime artist and has worked with all ages and abilities in her community in numerous projects. Astrid introduced the students at Kilrush Library to the Surrealist’s technique of rubbing where they created individual images using oil pastels.

Clare County Library would like to thank the teachers and pupils from post-primary schools in Ennis and Kilrush for their support for Teen week 2015, along with the authors, artists and musicians who made this year’s celebration rewarding and worthwhile for all involved.

Photo above shows Siobhán Mungovan at Kilrush Library.

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Corofin Traditional Festival - tasters and opening night 2015

The opening of the 14th Annual Corofin Traditional Festival on March 2nd, 2015. Musicians, from left: Eoin O'Neill, Damien O'Reilly, Pamela Queally, Padraic O'Reilly, and Aoibheann Queally. Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of March 2015 by Niamhaines.

"Flavours of Corofin Traditional Festival". Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of November 2014 by IsMiseKey.

John Spillane sings 'Killaloe' on TG4

John Spillane sings 'Killaloe', his own composition, on his TG4 TV series 'Spillane an Fanaí' (Spillane the Wanderer) on the 18th of November 2014.

"Wandering Minstrel, Roving Bard that I am, around Ireland meeting people and writing songs, there was no shortage of inspiration in this most beautiful town on the Shannon [Killaloe], at the mouth of LOUGH DERG, The Red Lough. The area is full of wildlife, water and woodland, folklore and poetry, music and song.

There was a king in Ireland,
His name was Brian Ború,
He built a golden palace,
In the town of Killaloe,
I've seen it in the sunset,
The ship of vanished dreams,
All the bridges burning,
Along the Shannon streams,
The raven from the mountain,
The blackbird and the dove,
Meet me by the river,
Be my river love!"

Posted on Youtube on the 14th of November 2014 by ForeFronttv1.

Liscannor Bay sung by Jon O'Connell at Doolin Writer's Weekend 2015

John O'Connell sings Mick Flynn's 'Liscannor Bay' accompanied by Eoin O'Neill (bouzouki), Quentin Cooper (guitar) and Adam Shapiro (fiddle) at the Doolin Writer's Weekend on the 28th of March 2015. Posted on Youtube on the 29th of March 2015 by Fergus Tighe.

Agri Aware 'Follow the farmer' in The Burren, County Clare

"Agri Aware visited The Burren in County Clare to find out about the positive impact of the reformed CAP on biodiversity, tourism and maintenance of the landscape." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of March 2015 by Agri Aware.

Slovakian visit to the Cliffs of Moher

"The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of March 2015 by reproduction72.

Getting ready for Easter in Kilrush Library

An Easter Craft session for children was recently facilitated by staff at Kilrush Public Library, when children spent a busy afternoon working with paper, card, paper punches and markers to create Easter cards, pretty masks, birds nests and eggs. Everyone had a very enjoyable time.

New ebooks for your holiday reading

Lighten your load for the holidays by downloading travel guides from Clare County Library. New travel guides just added include Lonely Planet guides to Paris, Spain and Scotland. Download some novels to take on your journey too. Novels just added to the ebooks catalogue include The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry and the Snowman by Jo Nesbo.

Members of Clare County Library can borrow two ebooks at a time and hold them for three weeks. There are no overdue fees as the books are checked back in automatically. To find out how to borrow an ebook and to see all titles available, see https://clarelibrary.wheelers.co/

“Beneath the Waves” animation workshop at Shannon Library

Clare County Library recently teamed up with Irish Design 2015 to present “Beneath the Waves”, an animation workshop for children hosted by Cratloe based artist and designer Marie Madden. The workshop, which was part of the ID2015 Local Design Heroes project, took place over two half days at Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon. The children created this animation inspired by the life and work of John Philip Holland, the Liscannor born designer of the first submarine.

Tribal Drumming Workshop at Kilrush Library

As part of Teen Week celebrations at Kilrush Public Library, 27 first year students from Kilrush Community College attended a ‘Drumming Workshop for beginners’ with renowned musician John Bowker. This Tribal Spirit Drumming captured the attention of the students, all of whom participated really well as they learned a lot about hand rhythm and the creation of music.