Absence – An Adam Pomeroy exhibition in Glór

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

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

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

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

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

The Shannonvale Céilí Band at Féile Cnoc na Gaoithe, Tulla

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

Cliffs Of Moher & Ireland Road Trip

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

Diving in Fanore, County Clare, September 2014

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

Burren Winterage Weekend, October 24th-26th

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

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

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

Summer Reading Challenge Presentation at Killaloe Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crochet workshop at Kilrush Library

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