The Clare People Archive

THE future of Clare’s traditional arts took centre stage last night when peo- ple from all over the county gathered for the third meeting of the Clare Traditional Arts Forum.

The time for talking was over as the enthusiastic group made provisions to assist individuals and organisa- tions in working together on shared projects of interest.

The aim of the forum was to put those involved in the traditional arts in the county in a stronger position

for accessing funding at local and na- tional levels.

Clare people involved or interested in the traditional arts were urged to consolidate the future development of the sector by attending last night’s meeting in the Old Ground Hotel, Spay AvESe

The forum, which was established in 2006, aims to strengthen Clare’s musical tradition by assisting indi- viduals and organisations to work to- gether on shared projects of interest, thereby putting them in a stronger position for accessing funding at lo-

cal and national level.

“While previous meetings have proven to be a great avenue for dis- cussion of issues and ideas, this meeting and future meetings will be focused on putting these ideas into action. Some of these actions are already underway so it is, therefore, important that anyone interested in assisting or facilitating actions would be in attendance in Ennis this evening,’ said Tara Connaghan, Traditional Arts Co-ordinator, Clare County Council.

According to Ms. Connaghan, “The

forum has been set up by the Arts Office of Clare County Council with support from the Arts Council of Ire- land. The role of the Arts Office is to organise meetings, offer support, advice and assistance as required. The forum members determine the activities of the forum.

“The Clare Traditional Arts Forum will open up various opportunities for the traditional arts in Clare where people can get support for ideas or projects they want to undertake,” she added.

The benefits of traditional arts fo- rums and networks are widely known and can be seen in various commun1- ties throughout Ireland. For exam- ple, the Roscommon Traditional Arts Forum – the first of its kind in Ireland – has undertaken various projects including the transmission of tradi- tional arts in primary schools and the production of marketing brochures and an on-line archive.

All traditional musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, festival or- ganisers, promoters, traditional arts organisations and anyone involved or interested in the traditional arts attended the meeting facilitated by Margaret O’Sullivan of Key Cul- aubeed

THE number of “non-believers” in Clare has seen a massive increase of over 150 per cent in the past 15 years.

According to the latest statistics on religion from the 2006 Census, the number of people who state that they have “no religion” has jumped from 1,778 in 1991 to 4,680 in 2006 — a jump of 2,902 or 163 per cent.

The number of non-believers makes up 4.2 per cent of the Clare popula- tion of 110,950.

The figures also show that the

number of Roman Catholics has dropped marginally in percentage terms from 89 per cent to 88 per cent, although the numbers of Catholics has increased from 92,340 in 2002 to 98,189 to 2006.

The marginal percentage drop in Catholics comes against the back- ground of scandals for the Roman Catholic church in Ireland during the period between the two censuses showing that the Church remains quite a resilient institution.

The figures show that the Church of Ireland population in percentage terms remains more or less static; the

community by increasing from 1825 in 2002 to 1978 in 2006 accounts for 1.78 per cent of the population.

The number of Muslims in Clare 1s now 728 or .65 per cent with 493 liv- ing in Ennis.

Some 48 Jews live in Clare; during the 1930s and 1940s, there were no Jews recorded in Clare.

The 1961 Census recorded 4 Jews and the numbers in the Jewish com- munity have climbed slowly since.

The figures show that there are 333 Presbyterians in Clare, 332 Method- ists and 3,406 of other stated reli- gions.

According to consultant psychia- trist Dr Moosajee Bhamjee the fig- ures relating to non-believers “show that people are looking at life differ- ently now where church and state are not seen as the controlling institu- tions that they once were”.

Clare’s best-known Muslim added: “The Clare figures offer a micro- cosm of what is taking place in Irish ele iA

“The figures relating to the Mus- lims show that the Clare population is becoming more diverse and that we are all learning to live together,’ he said.

THE numbers of people aged 15 and over travelling to work each day by car in Clare has increased by 5,213 despite additional expenditure on public transport.

Recent census figures also confirm a trend of fewer people travelling to work by bicycle, on foot or bus in the four years between the 2002 and 2006.

Some 68.7 per cent of people used a car to get to work in 2002, increasing to to 69.7 per cent in 2006.

In 2002, 29,092 people aged over

15 travelled to work by car out of 42,238. This increased in 2006 to 34,265 out of 49,138.

Despite millions of euro being in- vested on the Ennis-Limerick rail line, the census shows that only .22% of the Clare population over 15 use the train to get to work.

The census shows that in 2006, 111 people aged over 15 used the train to get to work. This was five times the number who travelled to work by train in 2002 when only 21 used it. The numbers using the train are ex- pected to increase in 2009 when the Ennis-Galway rail line reopens.

The numbers aged over 15 who get to work by bus has marginally dropped in the four years between the two censuses.

In 2006, 1.7 per cent or 871 people aged over I5 travelled to work by bus; the 2002 census shows that 1.8 per cent or 794 people travelled to work by bus.

The figures also show that the per- centage numbers travelling to work by bicycle has dropped.

In the 2002 Census, 487 or 1.15 per cent of people cycled to work com- pared to one per cent or 536 in 2006.

The number of those getting to

work by foot has dropped from nine per cent or 3,843 to 8.9 per cent or 4,390 people n 2006.

The percentage number of people working at home has dropped from 8.8 per cent or 3,272 in 2002 to 7.3 per cent or 3,598 in 2006.

Clare Green Party councillor, Bri- an Meaney said yesterday that the figures exposed the county’s growing over-reliance on the car.

‘The rise in our reliance on the mo- tor-car is unsustainable and we can’t have a transport system based on fos- sil fuel as we face into the future,’ he said.

THE challenges facing suckling beef production and in particular the pro- duction of weanlings will be top of the agenda at a Clare Teagasc Semi- nar which takes place in the Auburn Lodge Hotel this evening at 8pm. This seminar is taking place at a critical time for farmers in suckling with the fall of about €100 per head in weanling prices and a drop of over 25 per cent in weanling exports. This has resulted in a squeeze on margins and while we can expect an improvement in prices in the years ahead the implementation of effi- cient practices at farm level will be essential to achieve a reward for the

time and labour spent in weanling production.

‘This Seminar will enable farmers to get the best advice on increasing the value of output and reducing the costs of production in suckling which are the key factors that determine profit,’ said Gerard MacMahon, ‘Tea- gasc Area Manager.

“With the increase in concentrate prices, we will need to get a greater proportion of live weight gain from grass – a feed that Ireland can pro- duce better and cheaper than any- where else in Europe.”

Better breeding through the use of ICBF breeding programmes enables farmers to identify the best bulls both AI and stock bulls to produce

high quality weanlings.

It also identifies the best cows from which to breed replacements. The biggest overhead cost in suckling is that of keeping the suckler cow. Strategies to reduce the over-win- tering costs of suckler cows will be outlined.

Meanwhile, Clare IFA in associa- tion with Clare Marts, Teagasc and ICBF will hold an information meet- ing at Ennis Mart on Monday, De- cember 10, at 8pm.

The important forum will cover all aspects of the €80 Suckler Cow Yel tessa len

“There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed and questions an- swered as a lot of farmers are only

receiving poor third hand informa- tion,’ said County IFA Chairman, Seamus Murphy.

“It is essential that weanling pro- ducers in Clare maximise on this scheme as it is the only life line to maintaining suckler cow numbers in the county.”

John Bryan, National Chairman IFA Livestock Committee, will ad- dress the meeting and cover all as- pects of the scheme and there will also be a presentation from Vivian Silke of Teagasc on beef produc- tion in Clare and a presentation from Sean Coughlan ICBF on their involvement in the scheme and the necessity for animal events record- ing going forward.

ICSA President, Malcolm Thomp- son, has attacked the Brazilian offer to voluntarily restrict exports of beef to Europe as “contemptuous” while reiterating his demand for a full ban on Brazilian beef exports to the EU.

“News on the latest FVO visit shows serious deficiencies still exist and nothing but a full ban on Bra- Zilian beef imports to the EU will be acceptable. Given that EU FVO inspectors have just returned from a further inspection in Brazil, one can only assume that Brazil’s offer of concessions is a dead giveaway that

things are as bad as ever.”

“Brazil is trying to play a shrewd political game with the EU but Irish farmers will not fall for their trick- ery. Since there are grave concerns surrounding Brazilian beef, half measures are not good enough.

“We know that Brazilian beef has traceability problems, and there are formidable clouds of suspicion re- garding hormone use banned in the EU for the last 15 years, so it makes no sense at all to let any Brazilian beef in. This is purely a food secu- rity matter, and the EU must ensure that Brazilian beef is banned imme- diately. It’s a bit like having a prison,

and instead of leaving the front door wide open, you just leave it slightly ajar. You are still assuming the same risk that the prisoners will escape.

“It 1s also highly suspicious that this concession comes just days be- fore the EU ombudsman is due to deliver his opinion on Brazilian beef imports, on the back of a complaint by ICSA and other members of FFE (Fairness for Farmers in Europe),” Thompson continued.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Thompson, and several current ICSA position holders were re-elected unopposed at the organisations AGM last night.

The highlight of the night was a

hotly contested election for the na- tional executive’s nominee to the management committee.

The packed house was treated to lively presentations by the two can- didates, Brendan McLaughlin, the Donegal county chairman, and cur- rent position holder, who was pitch- ing against Gabriel Gilmartin, the Sligo county chairman.

In the end, the Sligo man prevailed by a modest majority, having also been elected unopposed to the na- tional rural development chair. The previous incumbent, Leitrim’s John Flynn, vacated his RD seat to assume the role of honourary secretary.

WHEN former county councillor PJ Burke first proposed a sewerage scheme for Mullagh he did not ex- pect that more than 30 years would pass before the contract for the work would be signed.

The retired Mullagh man was in Scariff last week to see Clare County Council sign a €7 million contract with P&D Lydon Plant Hire Ltd of Gortacurra, Cross, County Mayo to provide a Bundled Sewerage Scheme for five villages and towns in Clare, one of which was Mullagh.

As far back as September 10, 1973 the members of Clare County Coun- cil approved a sewerage scheme for both Mullagh and Quilty.

On January 31, 1974 the then Coun- ty Manager, Joe Boland appointed

a consultant engineer to prepare a preliminary report and establish the cost of a new sewerage scheme for nine villages among them Mullagh, Quilty, Carrigaholt, Doonbeg and Cooraclare.

On December 12, 19774 the prelimi- nary report for Quilty was sent to the Department of Local Government for approval, with the Mullagh report to follow on September 10, 1974.

It would be the 1990s before the sewerage schemes would become a live issue again at which point Mul- lagh and Quilty were considered as oiler

During the early part of this decade the schemes were “bundled” with Scariff and Feakle for consultancy purposes and after much interaction with the Department of the Envi- ronment and Local Government the

scheme finally got the go ahead.

The civil engineering contract signed on Wednesday is the first of two major contracts associated with the scheme (Mullagh, Quilty, Feakle and Scariff) and involves the con- struction of over 20 kilometres of sewers and two kilometres of wa- ter mains, along with Stormwater (drainage) sewers and other ancil- lary works. The Bundled Sewerage Scheme is scheduled for completion in November 2008.

Speaking following the contract signing at Clare County Council’s re- cently opened area offices in Scariff, Mayor of Clare, Councillor Patricia McCarthy said, “This is a contract of major significance for the county and will provide vital infrastruc- ture for the people of east and west Clare. When completed, the scheme

will introduce significant scope for increased development and tourism potential in these important rural akon

“IT am particularly pleased to sign this contract given that I, along with many others, have had personal in- volvement going back over 30 years in campaigning for the advancement of the Quilty and Mullagh schemes,” added the mayor.

West Clare councillor Christy Cur- tin said “The intense campaign over the last decade has paid diffidence and I hope it will compensate for the frustration for the long wait since 1973 when it was first muted.”

Meanwhile Mr Burke said that it was great to see the contract signed finally. The council is currently con- structing a water supply improve- ment schemes in Kilkee.

THE West Clare Women’s Forum is continuing their campaign to high- light the on going violence against women across the country and coun- AYA This Saturday and Sunday in Kil- dee Parish Church a two day long exhibition will be hosted by the west Clare women to mark the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women.

The project created by the West Cork Women Against Violence Project and entitled “In Her Shoes”

pays a poignant tribute to all those women who lost their lives to vio- lence during the last 11 years.

The exhibition follows on from the weekends of reflection the west Clare women took part in.

As part of their contribution to the campaign the West Clare Women’s Forum contributed to the weekend Masses in Kilrush, Kilkee and Lis- deen during the past fortnight.

The exhibition in Kilkee this week- end comprises more than 120 pairs of shoes, each pair representing one woman who had been murdered in Ireland since 1996.

A date of death for each woman who had been killed was written on a la- bel on each shoe alongside the name of a woman who donated a pair of shoes in that woman’s remembrance. A number of prominent women do- nated shoes for this purpose.

“We felt that the stark image of an exhibition of shoes would be poign- ant for viewers as they would rep- resent individual women’s stories, their lives and their deaths. The shoes symbolised the empty spaces left by the women. We called the ex- hibition “In her shoes” to bring home the fact that any one of us could be

in this situation. Domestic violence and murder can happen to anyone,” a spokesperson for the exhibition said.

The exhibition was on display in four different towns in west Cork on four days over the 16 Days of Action – Bantry, Macroom, Castletownbere and Dunmanway.

‘We chose towns where we wished to raise awareness of the issue and of our service. Volunteers and staff were available to hand out leaflets outlining the background to the 16 days of action campaign and contact details for our services,’ the spokes- person added.

A WARNING of local drastic ac- tion was dropped at a meeting of the Clare Vocational Education Com- mittee this week as it listened to a delegation from St Michael’s Com- munity College, Kilmihil, on the frustrating absence of progress on a most urgently needed extension for the school.

Helena Keane, Principal, told the committee that the board of manage- ment had exhausted every avenue and still there was no progress for several years.

“Refurbishment is vital if we’re not to slip backwards in our quality of

education delivery. The college has zero failures in course subjects and examination results are regularly well above national averages,’ she ene

“Our teachers give a huge commit- ment and our pupils deserve better than working in a 20th century build- ing in the 21st century,” she added.

Martin Moloney, a teaching staff representative on the board of man- agement also addressed the meeting.

He first read a letter from staff addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the committee, George O’Callaghan, and the Chairman, Councillor Tommy Brennan, and the other vocational education commit-

tee members.

The staff, the letter stated, had be- come increasingly uneasy at the ap- parent lack of movement from the Department of Education and Sci- ence in the past year on the expan- sion and updating building issue.

“It’s a whole year since a delega- tion met the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, on the matter, and staff have been most frustrated by lack of any momentum meantime,” he said.

‘This is despite continuous efforts of the chief executive officer and the committee’s infrastructure group.”

Martin Moloney added that in his eight years in the college Depart-

ment of Education officials had been there with their measuring tapes but draft reports and plans of proposed buildings appeared to have caused recession rather than progress.

“Our staff,” he noted, “are begin- ning to say what other action is re- quired by them to get movement. We can’t say as yet what way amid a growing sense of frustration.”

George O’Callaghan of the com- mittee said not a week passed when he was not in touch with the Depart- ment of Education and Science on the matter.

It had the project placed on band 2.4, a low priority rating for atten- wee

KILRUSH’S Yacht club has returned to the past in the same week it looks to anew modern future.

At the 2007 AGM of the Western Yacht Club, the club voted to revert to the title the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland. During the same meeting Ireland’s first ever Com- modore of a Royal or Ancient Yacht Club was also appointed.

Maeve Howard made national his- tory when she took over the most senior position in one of Ireland’s oldest clubs.

At the November AGM the clubs most acclaimed sailor Ger O’Rourke (skipper of Chieftain) proposed that the name of the club be changed from the name adopted in 1984 to

the original name going back 180 years.

The vote to return to the older name was not unanimous however but was carried by a two-thirds majority in Ie AVOlul

A spokesperson for the yacht club said that it was felt that not many people would know about the West- ern Yacht Club when it was men- tioned on the international stage, but the royal yacht club was more pres- tigious and had more recognition.

The Royal Western Yacht Club was formed in February 1828 by a group of men, among them the Earl of Dun- raven and two of Daniel O’Connell’s sons Maurice and John.

Years later the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland was issued with an Admiralty Warrant giving it permis-

sion to fly a defaced White Ensign – normal procedure at the time, as the Admiralty controlled all use of TLRS Teae

At the time the Royal Western Yacht Club had considerable mate- rial resources, it kept offices at 113 Grafton Street, Dublin, a clubhouse afloat in Dun Laoghaire on a ship called the Owen Glendower and had agents in the Eastern Mediterranean and in Scandinavia.

In 1984 it was revitalised as the Western Yacht Club, which was very active in both international and na- tional sailing.

In the international arena the West- ern Yacht Club consistently punched considerably above its expected weight when Mr O’Rourke distin- guished himself worldwide by win-

ning many prestigious yacht races and becoming the first Irish person to win the Fastnet Race.

One unique feature of the Royal Western Yacht Club is that it has at least two families as members who are direct descendants of the origi- nal founding members. The club’s flag is the Irish commercial ensign, blue flag with the Irish tricolour in the hoist and a crown surrounded by a wreath of shamrock in the fly. The original 1832 Burgee, which is used by all members, is the cross of St George on a white background with a crown surrounded by a wreath of Shamrock in the centre.

A THERAPY that promotes the prin- ciples of relaxation is now available in Clare with Mountshannon man Wolfgang Wiesmann at the helm. Originally from Germany, Wolf- gang moved to Clare a number of years ago and Mountshannon be- came his new home. After working for various organisations and groups like the Council for the Blind, the Brothers of Charity, St Anne’s School

in Ennis and the Steiner school, he branched out into the relatively new field of therapy autogenic training.

The core of autogenic training is a training course during which clients learn a series of simple exercises in body awareness and relaxation de- signed to switch off the stress-related ‘fight and flight’ system of the body and switch on the ‘rest, relaxation and recreation’ system.

Autogenic training has been used by people of all walks of life to en-

hance healing, performance and creativity.

It has been taught to international sports men and women to enhance performance, to airline pilots and crew to combat jet lag and fatigue, and in the business environment to optimise performance and concen- tration and reduce stress. It has even been used to help astronauts make the necessary environmental adjust- ments in space travel.

Wolfgang teaches autogenic train-

ing and emotional freedom tech- niques at his office at Bank Place in /Syaebay

‘“Autogenic training comes from re- laxation without exercise,’ explained Wolfgang. “It is particularly helpful for people who might not be able to exercise, like people who might be disabled or in wheelchairs.”

He continued, “For physical health your mind needs to be relaxed fully. It is used a lot in England where it 1s a fully recognized therapy.”