Saturday 24 December 2011

Happy Christmas to all from Clare County Library



Ennis Town - Share The Feeling. Santa Claus visits Ennis, "without doubt the friendliest town he's ever been to". Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of December 2011 by lahinchdreamcatcher.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 1967, Kilrush



"Made in the town of Kilrush, Flea Ceoil captures the resurgence of interest in traditional Irish music in the 1960s when Irish folksingers like Dolly McMahon, who appears in the film were seen as part of a world-wide boom in folk music. Beautifully filmed by Bob Monks, Flea Ceoil is remarkable in its close attention to the small details that distinguish this vibrant musical community. The film was directed by Cork-born LouisMarcus, one of Ireland's most important and prolific documentary directors. It won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and other prestigious awards in Russia, Spain and Belgium."
http://www.aughty.org/pdf/irishtrad_film.pdf

"An overview of the traditional Irish fleadh or fair, shot in Kilrush, Co. Clare, at a time of revitalised interest in traditional music. Included is an examination of this type of Irish music and how it affects people who come to hear it. An Irish-language cultural documentary report on the annual Flea Ceoil traditional music festival at Kilrush, County Clare, in 1967. Cinéma vérité portrait of a traditional music festival being held in Kilrush, Co. Clare in 1967."
http://www.tcd.ie/irishfilm/showfilm.php?fid=60508

"The 'Fleá' (say 'fla' as in 'flat') is a moveable feast of Ireland's traditional music that takes place every summer over a period of about five days in a specially selected Irish town. In 1967 it took place in Kilrush, County Clare. This film of the event by Louis Marcus won awards at a string of international film festivals. In this broadcast by TG4, Ireland's television service in the Irish language, the commentary by Niall Tóibín, the celebrated actor and broadcaster, is in Irish with subtitles in English." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of December 2011 by muisire.

Friday 16 December 2011

Sharon Shannon, Mary Custy & Eoin O'Neill



Sharon Shannon, Mary Custy & Eoin O'Neill. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of August 2011 by gaeliccara.

Newcastle CCE Session in Doolin, 2011



"Members of Newcastle CCE attending the Willy Clancy Festival 2011 playing in Gus O'Connors Pub in Doolin." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of December 2011 by MickMcAstocker.

Budapest - If Radio Was King, live in Ennis



Ennis based band Budapest, live at Brandons, Ennis, on the 9th of December 2011. Posted on Youtube on the 9th of December 2011 by Snichty.

Solace - Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year 2011

SolaceSolace, the debut novel of Longford author Belinda McKeon, has been voted the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year for 2011. The public were asked to vote for their favourite title from the list of ten category winners announced at the recent Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2011 and Solace, which was named as Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year at the awards, topped the poll. Belinda McKeon was born in Ireland in 1979 and grew up on a farm in Co. Longford. She studied English and Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin (BA) and University College, Dublin (MLitt). She lives in Brooklyn, New York and in Ireland. Madeleine Keane, Literary Editor with the Sunday Independent, which sponsored the Newcomer of the Year category, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Solace has won this important award which is richly deserves. Belinda McKeon’s novel is a beautifully wrought, assured and intensely moving debut. I look forward to more from this exciting new writer.” For further information see www.irishbookawards.ie

Thursday 15 December 2011

Martin Connolly plays two reels, 1990



"Martin Connolly, Killaloe, Clare. Great table tennis player, great soccer player, All Ireland Champion accordion player." Martin is playing two reels. The first is Martin Wynne's and the second is The New Mown Meadow. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of November by liammckeogh.

Aillwee Cave Official Video



"This is what you will experience if you visit the famous Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan, Co.Clare. Right in the heart of the famous Burren National Park." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of December 2011 by burrencrawler.

Surfing in Lahinch, December 2011



Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2011 by cab149.

Wedding proposal at Cliffs of Moher



"FDNY Firefighter proposes on top of the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland surrounded by his fellow bagpipers of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of December 2011 by IrishAisle.

Corkscrew Hill, May 2011



"Corkscrew Hill, The Burren, County Clare, Ireland, 29th May 2011". Posted on Youtube on the 7th of July 2011 by fcoulombeau.

Christmas Crafts Fair at Shannon Library

Christmas Crafts Fair at Shannon Library










The 26th annual Shannon Public Library Christmas Crafts Fair ran from Thursday 1st December to Saturday 10th December and featured work from craftspeople from around the Shannon area. This year participants sold artwork, jewellery, knitwear and knitted items, cards, handcrafted bags, handpainted glassware, Christmas decorations, homemade cakes, sweets and buns, wooden crafts, personalised gifts and other handmade items. Business was steady with a lot of people taking advantage of the opportunity to buy unique handmade gifts from the items on display. Craftspeople and their customers are already looking forward to next year's Christmas Craft Fair in Shannon Library!

Clare’s Christmas Past Exhibition At Clare Museum

Clare’s Christmas Past Exhibition At Clare Museum Visit the Christmas card and decoration exhibition at Clare Museum. Take a tour through Chistmas past and experience the traditional crafts and skills of the festive session. Runs from the 13th to the 23rd of December. Tour available for groups and families with advanced booking. Contact 065-682 3382 or claremuseum@clarecoco.ie

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Glass painting at Scariff Library

Glass painting at Scariff Library









Scariff Public Library held a Christmas Craft Workshop on Wednesday 15th December. The group, lead by Natalie El Baba, enjoyed an hour long festive glass painting session.

Monday 12 December 2011

Engage: The Fall & Rise of Matt Hampson - Winner of the Irish Sports Book of the Year

Engage: The Fall & Rise of Matt Hampson Engage : The Fall & Rise of Matt Hampson by Paul Kimmage has won this year’s williamhill.com Irish Sports Book of the Year award. Engage won the award ahead of runners-up Life, Death and Hurling by Michael Duignan and One Hell of a Ride by Paul Carberry. Irish sports writer Kimmage won the overall williamhill.com international award in 1990 for A Rough Ride: behind the wheel with a pro cyclist. The winning book focuses on the life of former English rugby international Matt Hampson who was paralysed from the neck down after a scrum collapsed during an England U-21 training session in 2005. The book details Hampson’s promising career through his rehabilitation and into his new life raising money and helping spinal injury victims along with his hope to coach England one day. Tony Kenny, Head of International PR for William Hill said; " Not only is Paul an excellent writer and story teller, he also connected perfectly with a story of true human triumph in the book. Matt Hampson’s story is an inspiration to everyone who has read it and without Paul’s unique skill this story may not have touched as many people as it will over the coming months and years." Runner-up Life, Death and Hurling by Michael Duignan looks at Duignan’s life as an Offaly hurler where he won two All-Ireland medals along with his tragic struggles off the field. The other runner-up was Paul Carberry’s One Hell of a Ride, which recounts his Grand National victory and his life as a two time Champion jockey along with his battle with alcohol and his countless injuries and broken bones.
The other shortlisted titles were:
Without a Shadow of a Doubt by Joe Kernan
A.P. McCoy by Tony McCoy
Inside the Peloton by Nicolas Roche

Thursday 8 December 2011

Angela (Crehan) Crotty and James Keane



"Angela came to visit us in Queens, N.Y. this week and we had a mighty time sharing old stories, lots of laughs and rakes of tunes..." Angela Crotty is the daughter of noted fiddler and composer Martin Junior Crehan, and wife of the late flute player P.J. Crotty. She is accompanied by James Keane on the button accordeon. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of October 2011 by IrishMusicTherapy.

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Christmas Craft workshop at Scariff

Christmas Craft workshop at Scariff








A Christmas Craft workshop was held at Scariff Public Library on Wednesday 7th December. A group of seven adults enjoyed a relaxed and festive card making session lead by artist Natalie El Baba.

Friday 2 December 2011

John Doyle and Martin Hayes at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat



"Fantastic Irish musicians John Doyle (guitar) and Martin Hayes (fiddle) perform their spellbinding musical duel at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, on Night 2." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of November 2011 by WayfFromOYAN.

Clare historian longlisted for Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award

The Great Famine: Ireland's Agony 1845-1852 Dr Ciaran O Murchadha’s book The Great Famine: Ireland's Agony 1845-1852 is among the 20 titles chosen from over 100 nominated books for a place on the longlist for the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award 2011. His first book Sable Wings Over the Land: Ennis, County Clare, and its wider community during the Great Famine was published by CLASP Press in 1998. In recent years he has researched, written, and lectured widely, both in Ireland and in the United States, on the Great Famine and other aspects of Clare's history. Formerly a lecturer in History at NUIG, Dr. Ó Murchadha currently teaches in St. Flannan's College, Ennis. The award is organised jointly by the publishers Longman and History Today to foster a wider understanding of, and enthusiasm for, history. A prize of £2,000 is being given for an author’s first or second book, written in English between October 1st, 2010 to September 30th, 2011, on any aspect of history. The winning book will have contributed significantly to making its subject accessible and rewarding to the general reader of history and will display innovative research and interpretation in its field. A shortlist will be announced in December. Click here to view the complete longlist...

Thursday 1 December 2011

Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland



Posted on Youtube on the 26th of November 2011 by pacoruiztrujillo.

Ger Hoyne sings "School Days Over" at Ennis Trad Festival



"Ger Hoyne, accompanied by Quentin Cooper on Banjo, sings "School Days Over" in Brogan's Bar, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, on Monday night, 14 November, 2011, the last night of the Ennis Trad Festival." Posted on Youtube on the 25th of November 2011 by thissongforyou.

The Australian Ant & Dec surf in Lahinch with no wetsuits!



"These guys are huge in Australia mate, it's Hamish & Andy!" Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of February 2011 by lahinchsurfschool.

All Ireland currach championship, Doonbeg 2011



Posted on Youtube on the 6th of October 2011 by thasobrien1.
More info: (Clare Champion article...)

The Burren Geology & Landscape



"A description of Geology and landscape in The Burren. This video is part of a Cd Rom developed by One Production for the Burren Connect Project with Images and Text provided by Burrenbeo. The Narration is by Pat Costello with music by Chris Droney." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of November 2011 by BurrenbeoTrust.

Science week workshop at Kilrush Library

Science week workshop at Kilrush Library












On Friday 18th November Kilrush Public Library hosted a science workshop entitled ‘Magic, Science or Mystery’, presented by Paul McCrory. Paul’s knowledge and experience of communicating science to children of all ages was clearly evident throughout the duration of the highly interactive show. One hundred children from the local primary schools thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out the science behind the magic tricks.

Judi Curtin at Scariff Library

Judi Curtin at Scariff Library









Author Judi Curtin entertained an audience of 90 children at Scariff Public Library on Monday 24th October. The author spoke about her interest in books, how and why she started writing, and also answered questions about her childhood and career. The session was very interactive with Judi chatting and joking with the children from Scariff National School, Mounshannon National School and Ogonnolloe National School. The group also enjoyed hearing a chapter from one of Judi’s books Alice in the Middle and also had an opportunity to collect autographs from the author after the session.

Michael McCormack, Kilrush & Ten Years in Wellington

Ten Years in Wellington












Michael McCormack, born in Kilrush, County Clare, is a well known artist in Wellington, New Zealand. He studied painting and art history at the Crawford College of Art in Cork. He has since painted in places such as Honolulu, India and Thailand and has spent the last ten years as an artist in Wellington. He has recently published a book ‘Ten Years in Wellington’, which depicts a selection of his paintings of this beautiful city. Michael has very kindly donated a copy of his new book to Kilrush Library where he held his first art exhibition in October 1991.

Wednesday 30 November 2011

The Road of Souls - Short Film Trailer in Corofin



"The Road of Souls is about a moment in time that captures the imagination of an eleven year old boy. The story follows Patrick as he discovers a stranger in his life has more to offer than he first thought. Set in County Clare in the 1950s, the film is a charming tale of childhood memories and the moments that we remember forever." The premiere of The Road of Souls will take place on December 1st at 7pm in Teach Cheoil, Corofin, County Clare, by invitation only. More info... Posted on Youtube on the 29th of November 2011 by mixedbagmedia.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Willie Clancy interview in Doolin, 1971



"Witty interview with Willie Clancy, 1971, Doolin." Willie Clancy is being interviewed about his uileann pipes. Also included are the late Packie Russell, and the late Muiris Ó Rocháin and his wife Úna. The reel he plays at the end is called The Ravelled Hank of Yarn, and he's playing it on a Taylor set of pipes from circa 1890. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of November 2011 by asalater.

Paul Smith, Michael Hackett, Deirdre Scanlan, Lena Ullman and Leon Agnew - Killaloe



Paul Smith, Michael Hackett, Deirdre Scanlan, Lena Ullman and Leon Agnew play three reels in Reddan's bar, Killaloe. The reels: The Laurel Tree, Feeding The Birds and Johnny Henry's. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of August 2011 by liammckeogh.

'Down at the Willy Clancy Week' - Song



"Grace Kelly, the winner of the Central Hotels Songwriting Competition, performs 'Down at the Willy Clancy Week'. Recorded live at the Central Hotel, Miltown Malbay, County Clare on the 30th of October 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of November 2011 by blagit23.

Clare Museum Christmas Card Exhibition Appeal

Christmas Card










The Clare Museum is seeking any old Christmas cards or decorations with a little personal story for a new seasonal temporary exhibition on Christmas Past. The cards can from anywhere in the world or from Clare itself. Cards with an interesting greeting or a personal memory are welcome to help the museum get into the spirit of Christmas. All cards and decorations that are loaned will be returned in the New Year. Also on the subject of Christmas Cards, there will be workshops on Christmas card making at the museum at 10am and 3pm daily from 13th to 23rd December. Booking is essential. Contact curator John Rattigan at 065-682-3382 or Paula McNamara, Education Officer at 087-793-3799.

The Burren – Culture & Community



Posted on Youtube on the 16th of November 2011 by BurrenBeoTrust.

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards – The Winners

How to be a Woman by Caitlin MoranA 40 minute programme of the highlights of the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards will be shown tonight, Thursday 24th November, at 10.45pm on RTE 1. The 10 category award winners were announced at a gala dinner on November 17th.

The winners are:
RTE Radio John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award:
How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.
Hughes and Hughes Irish Novel of the Year:
Mistaken by Neil Jordan.
Ireland AM Crime Fiction Book of the Year:
Bloodland by Alan Glynn.
Eason Popular Fiction Book of the Year:
All for You by Sheila O’Flanagan.
Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior:
The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey.
Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior:
The Lonely Beast by Chris Judge.
International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year:
Connemara: a Little Gaelic Kingdom by Tim Robinson.
Argosy Irish Nonfiction Book of the Year:
Easy Meals by Rachel Allen.
Irish Sports Book of the Year:
Inside the Peloton by Nicholas Roche.
Sunday Independent Best Newcomer of the Year:
Solace by Belinda McKeon.
President Michael D Higgins graced the evening as Guest of Honour and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to fellow poet Seamus Heaney. The Crannóg Bookshop carried off the Bord Gáis Energy Bookshop of the year award, with a prize of €5,000 worth of electricity from Bord Gáis. The public are being asked to vote for their favourite book of the year from the winners of each of the award categories. Voting closes at midnight on December 8th. Five lucky voters selected at random will each win €100 of National Book Tokens. Vote now on irishbookawards.ie.

Tigh Na Coille Ceíli Band play two reels: Miss Monahan's & Miss Mc Donald



"All-Ireland Under-18 Céilí Band champions Tigh Na Coille Ceíli Band from Co. Clare playing a selection of reels: Miss Monahan's and Miss Mc Donald. They were recorded at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick in July 2007." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of June 2008 by comhaltas.

Emerald Surfwear Movember Fancy Dress Surf Morning in Lahinch



"Our main monkey, Q The Monkey, headed down to Lahinch, Co. Clare for the Emerald Surfwear Movember Fancy Dress Surf Morning. Big choppy surf, awesome costumes, great craic, sunshine, and all for the great Movember cause, to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer. With a busted knee the monkey man was restricted to a bodyboard, but that didn't stop him getting stuck in with all the other heros (and superheros) and capture some of the action on his trusty GoPro HD helmet cam. Enjoy the vid and grow a mo for Movember!!" Posted on Youtube on the 31st of October 2011 by GnarlyAdventure.

Kilkee Moments project – animation



"Thanks to Laura Maye who kindly volunteered to create this fantastic video in support of our Kilkee Moments project. See & LIKE our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KilkeeMoments. The Kilkee Moments project is in aid of the Kilkee Marine Rescue Service which is a voluntary emergency life-boat service that services the coastline from Spanish point to Loop Head." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of November 2011 by KilkeeMoments.

Thursday 17 November 2011

The Prehistoric Piper - animation



"This 6 min animation/movie was made by Ber Dowd and uilleann piper Blackie O Connell for the Anon is Anall group show exhibition in the Rowen Tree cafe , Ennis as part of the November Trad Festival 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of October 2011 by forager10.

The Making of the Prehistoric Piper Animation



"A short behind the scenes film of the making of the Prehistoric Piper animation movie with artist/animator Ber Dowd and musician/uilleann piper Blackie O Connell. Filmed by Fergus Tighe in October 2011 for Carmel Doherty's Anon is Anall 3 artist/musician project Ennis County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of October 2011 by forager10.

Tulla Junior Ceili Band 2010



"Tulla Junior Ceili Band have been together for the last 5-6 years. Their music is full of natural lift and rhythm, a brand of music that invokes joy in you and makes you want to dance... Mary McNamara has been the nurturer and guiding spirit of these young musicians and her passion and comittment to the East Clare style of music is very evident with this band." The band members are Sinead Mulqueen (Piano), Aisling Lyons (Drums), Brian Donnellan (Concertina), Aisling Hunt (Accordian), Iomar Kearney, Lisa Walsh, Eimear Donnellan (Flutes), Sorcha Costello, Sorcha Crimmins, Tim O'Connor (Fiddles). The Tulla junior ceili band won the under 15 ceili band competition in Cavan in August 2010 at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of July 2010 by CustysMusic.

Inis Og Ceili Band 2009



"Inis Og Play at the opening of Corofin Trad festival 2009. Musicians are - Box: Caoilfionn Mulhern; Fiddles: Therese McInerney, Shona Lynch, Sharon Howley, Eimear Airkins; Keyboard: Padraic O`Reilly (tutor); Banjo: Keith O`Loughlan; Drums: Edward McMahon; Flutes: Brian O`Loughlan, Conor Connole, Elaine Corbit; Concertiana: Catriona Killeen. Tunes are Cooleys and The Wise Maid (reels)." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of June 2009 by xxfiddlexxchickxx.

Dinny McMahon at the Cliffs of Moher



"Dinny McMahon, a tourist guide at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland." This footage is possibly from the early 1970s. Posted on Youtube on the 6th of November 2011 by 25pappy.

Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin in Shannon library



Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin in Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, on Friday July 17th 2009. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd August 2009 by bflatflute.

Eamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O'Reilly at Sixmilebridge library



Eamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O Reilly at Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge, on the 1st of August 2009. Posted on Youtube on the 4th of August 2009 by bflatflute.

Thursday 10 November 2011

A murmuration of starlings on Lough Derg



"A collection of starlings is called a murmuration. A film by Liberty Smith and Sophie Windsor Clive. Music by Emmett Glynn and band." Shot on Lough Derg, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of November 2011 by HayseedOfTurnip.

Road Safety Authority ad featuring Kilkee



"Road Safety Authority commercial with a positive message about the number of lives saved equaling the population of a small town." Kilkee, County Clare, is the featured town. Posted on Youtube on the 28th of October 2011 by supersixtyeight.

1821 List of Freeholders - 35,000 names added to website

1821 List of FreeholdersWith the addition of the 1821 List of Freeholders, Clare County Library has added c.35,000 names of Clare people from the early 19th Century to its website. This List of Freeholders contains the names of landholders who were registered to vote in County Clare in 1821. A freeholder was a man who owned his land outright (in fee) or who held it by lease which could be for one or more lives (for example, his own life or for the lives of other people named in the lease). A significant percentage of the population was entitled to vote in the time period covered by this list (1796-1820), when both Catholic and Protestant 40 shilling freeholders qualified for the franchise. A 40 shilling freeholder held a freehold worth at least 40 shillings per anum above the rent, enabling the inclusion of substantial farmers in the voters’ list. In 1829 the franchise level was increased to 10 pounds (there were 20 shillings in a pound), thus barring the 40 shilling freeholders whom Daniel O’Connell had mobilized and consequently confining the vote to landlords. Because of destroyed records and the lack of census material covering the 19th Century, Freeholders’ Lists are an invaluable census substitute. This 1821 List provides a range of information about people and land ownership: Name of freeholder; Address of freeholder (Place of Abode); Location of freehold (Situation of Freehold); Name of landlord; Value of freehold (given in either shillings (s) or pounds (l)); Names of other lives associated with the lease i.e. generally tenants (Names of Lives or other Tenure); Date of freeholder’s registration. The names of the freeholders are given as they appear in the original document i.e. by Barony, and arranged by the first letter of the surname, the names being entered chronologically as each freeholder was registered. Each Barony is also arranged alphabetically by the location of the freehold, i.e. by townland. In addition, separate alphabetical lists of all Freeholders, Tenants and Landlords - c. 35,000 individuals in all -are provided.

Clare County Library was kindly given a copy of the List of Freeholders by the Bishop of Killaloe, Rev. Kieran O'Reilly. This rare publication was unearthed by Ennisman Louis Quinn while doing research in the bishop’s residence at Westbourne House, Ennis. The List was transcribed and proofread by volunteers Joan Birtles (Australia), Dwaine O’Donoghue (Canada), Peter Beirne & Brian Doyle (Ennis), Elaine Pratt (UK), and Mary Cecilia Murphy, Ruth Ver and Kevin O'Brien of the Buffallo Irish Genealogy Society, USA. The project was managed by Executive Librarian Maureen Comber, and the data converted for the website by Jackie Dermody, Staff Officer (Library) of the library's ICT & Information Services Department. Clare County Library is grateful to all for helping to make this resource available.

Click here for the 1821 List of Freeholders.

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Exhibition in Clare Museum: Remembering the Fallen of Clare

Exhibition in Clare Museum: Remembering the Fallen of Clare







A temporary exhibition at Clare Museum listing the Clare people who died in the Great War will be launched on 11th November, Remembrance Day. The exhibition is based on information compiled by local historian Peadar McNamara in 1988 from the Clare Champion, Saturday Record, and personal communications. The exhibition has been recently updated through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission archives and currently lists 655 soldiers from Clare who died in the ‘war to end all wars’. However, the exhibition may not be complete. It is suspected that up to 700 Clare people died in the Great War and that there are still other soldiers to be remembered that are unknown to researchers. Such information can be submitted to the Clare Remembrance Committee, c/o Fr Tom Hogan or Canon Bob Hanna, and the Clare Museum. The exhibition is to be launched by John Quinn writer and former RTE Broadcaster, Canon Bob Hanna and Fr Tom Hogan at 2pm on 11th November at 2pm and will run until 30th November. For further information please contact: John Rattigan, Curator or Paula McNamara, Education Officer at 065-6823382.

Monday 7 November 2011

Scan the ISBN on a book and see if Clare County Library has a copy



LibraryAnywhere’s new barcode scanning feature is available in both the iPhone (and iPod Touch, iPad, other iOS products) and Android apps for Library Anywhere. It lets you quickly scan the ISBN on a book and see if Clare County Library has a copy. So if you’re in a bookshop or in a friend’s house you can now easily check to see if Clare County Library has a copy of a book you’d like to read.

Here’s how:
Download the LibAnywhere App to your smartphone or other mobile device and open it. If the phone can determine your location the app should automatically detect that Clare County Library is your local library service. If the phone does not determine your location you can find Clare County Library by selecting Ireland, County Clare and Clare County Library. There are three dots in the top right hand corner of the App. Tap them and select “Scan a barcode” from the drop down menu. This opens a barcode scanner. Scan the ISBN code from the back cover of the book and it searches Clare County Library’s catalogue to see if the book is in the library’s bookstock. If it is it will give you details of the branches where the book is held and you will have the option to request a copy.

The Library Anywhere book scanner is unique in that it searches not just for the exact ISBN you give it, but for any other editions of that title that might be in the library. So you can scan a paperback book with the “now a major motion picture!” cover, and Library Anywhere will find the hardcover edition of the same title, if that’s what the library has.

Spooky end to Children's Book Festival in Scariff Library

Spooky end to Children's Book Festival in Scariff LibraryChildren's Book Festival came to a spooky end in Scariff Public Library when children were treated to Halloween storytime and colouring and had their faces adorned with spiders, bats and a few tigers were let loose too! The festival may have come to an end but it may well have left a few budding authors and composers in its wake. Judi Curtin was a great hit with Scariff and Mountshannon National School who even held their own interview session with the popular author after her talk in the library. Whitegate National School sung along with Tony Maude on his guitar. We are all looking forward to next October already!

Get Crafty at Halloween - Autumn Art and Craft Session in Killaloe

Get Crafty at Halloween - Autumn Art and Craft Session #2

Get Crafty at Halloween - Autumn Art and Craft Session #1





















On Friday November 4th, local artist Nathalie El-Baba ran a “Get Crafty at Halloween – Autumn Art and Craft Session” in Killaloe Public Library. The target audience was 4-7 year olds. On arrival the participants got busy colouring a variety of pictures, whilst Nathalie prepared the crafts. Then they all got stuck in (literally) to making a leaf shaped window mosaic on acetate using glue and lots and lots of coloured paper. The end products were very creative, colourful and impressive. The process of making this mosaic was quite simple and even the youngest child succeeded in making it all by themselves! They finished off the session creating pictures from soft chalk pastels which again they had great fun smudging and messing. All in all it was a most worthwhile, fun and creative session and the kids were all delighted going home with their creations.

Summer Reading Challenge – A Class Act!

Tony Baloney and Magoufis entertain children who completed the Summer Reading Challenge at deValera Library











A summertime spectacle of reading has ended for children at Clare’s library branches. Over 500 children from all over the county were presented with certificates in Shannon, Ennis, Scariff, Ennistymon and Kilrush Libraries at special celebration ceremonies held throughout October for children who completed the Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge 2011. The annual summer reading programme attracts readers of all ages every year who sign up at the beginning of July to read six books or more during the holidays. This is a very positive initiative to promote literacy and is run by librarians in every branch in Clare. It is just one of the many exciting schemes public libraries have developed to encourage a love of reading, and to increase confidence in this most important of skill for children. This year’s entertainment in the five presentation centres came courtesy of the multi-talented Tony Baloney, one of Munster’s top conjurors, along with his resident assistants Magoufis and Leroy! A native of Ennis, Tony Baloney has travelled the world with his hilarious show, which for the library performances included ventriloquism, puppetry, circus skills and storytelling along with lots of magic. He was especially pleased to be invited to perform in libraries saying: “As a child the library was one of my favourite places to hang out, and I heard my first proper storyteller in the Ennis branch.” Congratulations to all our young members who completed the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Libraries rock! – Children’s Book Festival 2011

Oisin McGann at Ennistymon Library










Libraries rock! Staff at Clare County Library are confident that this is the opinion of thousands of children who attended music workshops and several book-related events during the month of October. Children’s Book Festival 2011 has drawn to a close for another year. The month long celebration of books and reading saw thousands of children from primary schools in Clare attend a bumper programme of events including live history workshops, children’s puppet theatre, art and craft sessions, music and author visits by some of the best writers for children in Ireland today. Poetry workshops also featured in this year’s line-up. Children were introduced to the great artistic creators including Shakespeare, Hemmingway, the Scottish bard Robert Burns and to the art of Claude Monet through the multi disciplinary sessions delivered by Tony Maude from London and Dr. Fred Freeman from Edinburgh. Both artists’ shows included an excellent mix of poetry, art, literature and music to the delight of their young audiences.

Music making of a more modern genre was enjoyed by 5th and 6th class children who took part in the workshops of John Lillis. Six sessions of non-stop entertainment featured beat-boxing, scratching and a very informative hands-on lesson on the techniques employed by a successful D.J. Authors Bob Burke, Nicola Pierce, Oisin McGann, Judi Curtin, Dolores Keaveney and Bridget Bhreathnach travelled the county with all library branches hosting at least one author event for their local schools. Judging by the attention paid to the stories of these writers and the questions that went on well after their presentations ended, the future of writing in Clare looks extremely promising.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was The Irish History Live Show presented by Michael Moylan. Children in Ennis, Ennistymon, Miltown Malbay and Tulla were transported back to the Easter Rising of 1916 or to The Second World War which began in 1939. Michael successfully takes the printed pages of the history books and brings them one hundred per cent alive with his traveling museum of clothes, replica weapons and artifacts of the period which children are encouraged to try out as an integral part of his spell binding presentations. The number of times that this event features in the Library’s Children’s Book Festival programme is testament to the appeal of Michael’s show year after year.

The Library service is extremely grateful to all sponsors of the annual Children’s Book Festival, many of which are local businesses here in Clare. A list of 2011 sponsors is on display in all its branches and on the library website. You can be assured that the number of children attending events increases year on year and through your contribution you are facilitating community based education and a continuing liaison between two of the most important cornerstones of education: primary schools and public libraries.
Photo above shows Oisin McGann at Ennistymon Library

Ennis Music Project Mixtape Battle Extravaganza



"Highlights of stage one of the Mixtape Battle Extravaganza competition run by Ennis Music Project in association with Clare Youth Service." Music: "Genki Shank" by Adebisi Shank. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of October 2011 by CYSMusicProject.

Tulla Ceilidh Band, Willie Clancy 2011, Miltown Malbay by Shona McMill



Shona McMill writes:

"I didn't know I would be filming anything but simply heard the music coming from the hall and followed the sound. I only had my wee camera in my pocket but there was such a HAPPY atmosphere in the place that I wanted to capture images from it as best as I could. The sound is very poor (and at the venue it was excellent) - indeed, when the film switches over to photos its because I laid my wee camera at Martin's feet and went off and got my other camera to take photos of the band (and I maybe squeezed in a happy wee dance too!). Anyway, please be aware, it is with the greatest respect that I tried to take photos and film the people there. Having been to Clare before (and loved the place) this felt almost like being home again, the absolute favourite evening of my holiday! For me, this night was EXACTLY as musical evenings used to be at the Shetland Fiddlers Association in Edinburgh - when I was a child, learning to play the fiddle by ear (it was all about loving the music and having fun!). Playing for dancers is a wonderful experience and certainly what I prefer (to performing in concert style) - dancers and musicians, everyone coming together to have an excellent time and, even although this film is such poor quality - I think (and hope) it does reflect what a wonderful evening it was and just how much folks were enjoying themselves at this midweek ceilidh during the festival. MY GRATEFUL THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE for letting me film. And to see more photos from the night, please visit my Ireland album on my Shona McMillan Celtic Reflections page: http://www.facebook.com/shonamcmillan.celticreflections". Posted on Youtube on the 13th of July 2011 by ShonaMcMillan.

Michael Sexton and Pat Walsh play reels at a céilí in Ausberg Germany



"Michael Sexton and Pat Walsh Play Reels at a Ceili in Ausberg Germany at a set Dancing weekend 22nd June 2008. Michael Sexton on box from County Clare. Pat Walsh on Keyboard From County Cork." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of June 2008 by setdancing.

Killoghill Cave, Moneen Mountain, the Burren



"A new cave found on Moneen mountain, the Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland". Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of October 2010 by burrencrawler.

Friday 28 October 2011

Muiris Ó Rócháin



A report from TG4 on the funeral of Muiris Ó Rócháin, (Dingle, 1944 - Miltown Malbay, 17 October 2011), co-founder of the Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay. Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of October 2011 by stevenmoss1.

Tony MacMahon - My Love is in America, and Castle Kelly (reels)



"Classic clip of the master box player, Tony MacMahon from Clare. Sonny Brogan is named at the beginning of the clip as the major influence on this (then) 17 year-old musician." The clip is introduced by the late Ciarán MacMathúna. Posted on Youtube on the 15th of July 2011 by martinmcmutrie.

Betje Wolff Choir at Poulnabrone



"Singing next to the Poulnabrone Dolmen (a portal tomb in the Burren, County Clare, Ireland)." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of October 2011 by Mongolino88.

Peadar Clancy Festival, Cranny, 2010



Peadar Clancy Festival, Cranny, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 25th of August 2010 by PhilipMcKernanInc.

The Playful Doolin Dolphin



"This playful Dolphin spent its time swimming and diving amongst a group of swimmers at Doolin Pier. Doolin, in County Clare, is one of the maritime gateways to the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland from where ferries to the islands depart." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of October 2011 by corkfireman.

Films for Halloween

Fancy a scary movie for Halloween? Films on DVD are available in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, 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, The Wickerman and lots, lots more. Check the library catalogue at http://opac.clarelibrary.ie/ and for a list of new DVDs just click here...

Girls’ Night Out at De Valera Public Library to celebrate Ennis Fashion Week

Girls’ Night Out at De Valera Public Library







Clare County Library celebrated Ennis Fashion Week (October 24th-29th) in style. A special Girls’ Night Out was held at the De Valera Public Library, Ennis on Tuesday 25th October at 7pm where attendees enjoyed an evening of glamour, style and, above all, fun! Experts were on hand to give all the hints and tips needed to prepare for any night out. Sarah Mulvihill from Visage Hair Studio gave advice on hair care and explained how to get the salon look for any night out, Linda Carey from Radiance Beauty Clinic demonstrated what is needed to create that flawless finish from cleansing & toning to the completed made-up look while Niamh O’Brien from Forty Coats Fifty Pockets had some amazing tips to share on how to revamp one’s existing wardrobe to make it look like you’ve just been shopping on the High Street. Every girl loves a good night out and wants to look her best when going out and these ladies certainly showed how to save on time and money getting ready so that there can be more of both left to spend when you leave the house!

The library also had book displays on the evening for recommended reading for those who wanted to learn even more about style and beauty. Surprise opportunities were given to win a spot prize at the end of the evening when random members of the unsuspecting audience found more than they bargained for under their seat! Prizes given on the night included bottles of wine, book vouchers for Ennis Book Shop, a Pantene Hair gift set kindly donated by Clarecastle Pharmacy and a delicious box of Wilde’s Irish Chocolates sent especially from their factory in Tuamgraney. Tea, coffee and delicious refreshments were provided by The Tea Rooms, Quin, who also provided the tea cups and crockery with a style all of their own. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the night and said it was the ideal opportunity to indulge in the perfect Girls’ Night Out.

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards

The shortlists for the 2011 Irish Book Awards have been announced.
The categories are:

Argosy Nonfiction Book of the Year
Easons Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Hughes and Hughes Irish Novel of the Year
International Education Services Best Irish-published Book of the Year
Ireland AM Crime Novel of the Year
John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award
Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year (Junior)
Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year (Senior)
Sports Book of the Year
Sunday Independent Best Newcomer of the Year

Vote for the book you would like to see win in each category at http://www.irishbookawards.ie/PublicVote.aspx. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw from which five winners will receive €100 worth of National Book tokens. The closing date for voting is 13th November.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Halloween Festival at Clare Museum

Halloween Festival at Clare Museum











Clare Museum launched its first Halloween Festival on 25th October to run until 1st November inclusive. There are tours at 10am and 3pm on most days and other activities include face painting, traditional storytelling, pumpkin carving, quizzes and prizes. The festival is designed to accommodate schools and family groups. For more information call curator John Rattigan at 065-6823382.

Monday 24 October 2011

Clare well placed to gain from genealogy tourism

Genealogy RecordsNicola Corless, writing in this week’s Clare Champion newspaper, reports that County Clare is well placed to gain from genealogy tourism, not least due to the work done by Clare County Library on its website. She writes that

Clare could attract thousands of overseas visitors to the area as part of a national project targeting the Irish diaspora but only with a long-term approach, a local genealogist has said. While the county has yet to find its Katy Perry or Ned Kelly, Clare is ideally placed to take advantage of a resurging interest in genealogy and a growing genealogy tourism market according to the chairman of the Clare Roots Society, Gerry Kennedy. “Clare is very well placed because of two things. The Clare County Library website has a genealogy section, which is attracting a lot of interest from people all over the world. It is regarded as one of the foremost genealogy sites in Ireland and we are very fortunate that Clare library has such an excellent site”, he told the Clare Champion. “The second reason is that Clare was one of the counties in the West of Ireland that had a lot of people emigrating over the years. There is a huge interest in Clare, particularly from Australia, because of the large numbers who left,” he continued…..

Robert Burns night in Scariff Library

Robert Burns night in Scariff Library









Scottish Poet Dr Fred Freeman recently presented a lively session of folk music and literary discussion at Scariff Public Library on the life and songs of poet Robert Burns. The audience clapped along to the rhythm and beat of Burns’ songs introduced by Dr Freeman in wholly original way. The performance was both a lasting tribute to Robert Burns and to the contemporary folk movement in Scotland. This event was thoroughly enjoyable.

Clare County Library ageing positively and happy to volunteer

Shannon Library Knitathon

Marie Clohessy with Smoothies


















Positive Ageing Week 2011 took place from September 23rd-30th and, as it coincided with National Day of Volunteering on September 30th, Clare County Library seized the opportunity to celebrate both of these worthy occasions together. A nationwide Knitathon took place as part of activities organised for National Day of Volunteering so members of the Shannon Apostolic Society visited Sean Lemass Public Library in Shannon on Friday, September 30th where they formed a cosy circle and knit and chatted to their hearts’ content. The ladies in attendance created beautifully knitted squares of all colours to be put together at a later stage to produce a blanket that will be donated to a local charity. Members of the public were encouraged to come along and watch the fun or to join in and some even got handy hints and tips from the experts.

In the De Valera Public Library in Ennis on the same date local senior citizens joined forces with local volunteers to knit a huge number of little hats for the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit campaign. The wonderful array of hats will be placed on special promotional bottles of Innocent Smoothies. Last year as part of the innocent big knit campaign a whopping 80,000 little hats were knit by generous people all over Ireland, raising €20,000 and much needed awareness for Age Action Ireland. The funds were put to great use to ensure that older people in Ireland stayed well and warm and the plan is to achieve the same, if not better, results this year. Clare County Library was delighted to be able to take part in such a worthwhile activity and extends sincere thanks to all who participated.

Also to mark Positive Ageeing Week, Therese Hourigan from the Commission for Communications Regulation held an advice clinic in the De Valera Public Library in Ennis. The aim was to empower consumers to take direct action regarding poor service provision, quality or other issues and to provide users with sufficient information to deal with their service providers. Consumer guides were distributed on the day and many people commented on what a useful service it was.

Photos above show the Knitathon in Shannon, and former Clare County Library staff member Marie Clohessy in De Valera Library, Ennis with smoothies.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Sky Ride Etape Hibernia - North Clare August 2011



"135 km (85 miles) of closed roads, beautiful and Irish hospitality in County Clare, Ireland." See Sky Ride Etape Hibernia for more details...

Julian Barnes wins Booker Prize 2011

Julian Barnes: The Sense of an EndingJulian Barnes was last night named the winner of this year's £50,000 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for The Sense of an Ending. Barnes has been the bookies' favourite to win since the shortlist announcement on the 6th of September. Barnes, who previously described the prize as 'posh bingo', has been shortlisted three times in the past for Arthur and George (2005), England, England (1998) and Flaubert's Parrot (1984). The Sense of an Ending, a 150 page novella, is the story of a seemingly ordinary man who, when revisiting his past in later life, discovers that the memories he holds are less than perfect. Dame Stella Rimington, Chair of the 2011 judges, made the announcement at the awards dinner at London's Guildhall, broadcast by the BBC. She commented: "Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending has the markings of a classic of English Literature. It is exquisitely written, subtly plotted and reveals new depths with each reading." Barnes was presented with a cheque for £50,000 and can expect a substantial increase in the sales of his book. Sales of the books shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize have been the highest selling since records began.

The other shortlisted books were:
Carol Birch - Jamrach's Menagerie
Patrick deWitt - The Sisters Brothers
Esi Edugyan - Half Blood Blues
Stephen Kelman - Pigeon English
A D Miller - Snowdrops

Variety of music in Killaloe Library during Children’s Book Festival

Tony Maude at Killaloe Library

John Lillis at Killaloe Library



















During Children’s Book Festival 2011, Killaloe Public Library was joined by thirty 5th and 6th class boys from Killaloe Boys National school for a music workshop with John Lillis. The boys were highly entertained by a mixture of hip hop, beat-boxing, scratching, DJ culture and sampling of their voices etc. John had no problems holding the boys attention for the hour and his session was very well suited to their age. The workshop was very interactive and hands on and all the boys had a chance to use the variety of technical equipment that he had. Lots of fun and entertainment was had by all! Also during the festival, Killaloe Library had an excellent session of songs, stories, riddles and rhymes with Tony Maude, with over fifty 3rd to 6th class girls from Killaloe Girls National school. Tony kept them enthralled with a diverse array of music and song. His performance was very interactive and fun and the girls were more than willing to participate in every aspect. Tony brought a new approach to the works of Shakespeare and Robert Louis Stephenson by performing them to music and encouraging the girls to contribute and sing along. All in all a very enjoyable and worthwhile performance from a talented musician and poet.

Clay pot making and herbs - Heritage Week 2011 at Scariff Library

Heritage Week at Scariff Library











Scariff Public Library staff member Simon Large and artist Isabelle Gaborit recently celebrated Heritage Week 2011 with a culture rich craft afternoon at the library. Fifteen children attended a clay pot making session during which they were taught how to make clay pots in the style of those used in Ireland thousands of years ago. The event was a great success and the children were delighted with their resulting creations. Also as part of Heritage Week herbalist Vivienne Campbell shared her wealth of knowledge with an enthusiastic audience in a well attended hour long talk followed by a Q and A session at the library. Vivienne focused on the medicinal uses of common garden plants and weeds. Visit Vivienne’s website at www.theherbalhub.com

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Renew your books, CDs and Films online

Online CatalogueTo renew any items you have on loan from the library, simply go to the library website home page at www.clarelibrary.ie and click on 'Library Catalogue'. Then click on 'My Account' or 'Login'. Enter your name and your borrower card number using the instructions provided (09P followed by the digits after the letters CE P). Click the 'Submit' button, and then click the 'Renew' box beside the item(s) to be renewed. Click 'Renew Selected' (or 'Renew All'). You should then see a message which says: 'The following item(s) will be renewed, would you like to proceed?'. Click 'Yes'. Your new due date will appear on screen. You can then write the new due date on the item's date label to remind you when to return the item.

Friday 14 October 2011

Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford & Josh Dukes play The Clare Reel, The East Clare Reel & Sporting Nell



"Martin Hayes on fiddle, Kevin Crawford on flute, and Josh Dukes on guitar play three reels, The Clare Reel, The East Clare Reel and an unusual version of Sporting Nell. Performed at the CCE (www.ccepotomac.org) & Institute of Musical Traditions (www.imtfolk.org) Concert, Takoma Park Community Center, Takoma Park, MD, USA on July 20, 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of August 2011 by imtfolk.

Sharon Shannon, Mike McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly & Jim Murray play The Full Set



Sharon Shannon, Mike McGoldrick (flute), Dezi Donnelly (Fiddle) & Jim Murray (Guitar) play The Full Set as a jig and then as a reel at the 2007 Cambridge Folk Festival. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of November 2007 by tomscotland.

The Francis McPeake School of Traditional Music (Belfast) at Willie Clancy festival 2011



"I am a student who went to the Willie Clancy Week with the McPeakes - Francie McPeake and Eugene McPeake. Playing a Reel Set and Jig Set and a Slow Air from Francie McPeake." Posted on Youtube on the 28th of August 2011 by caramelsteam52.

Clare Sports Partnership 2011 / 2012 Grant Scheme - €20,000 available for clubs and organisations

Clare Sports Partnership Clare Sports Partnership is pleased to announce that it is in a position to offer sporting clubs and community organisations the opportunity to avail of funding for the 2011 / 2012 season. The aim of the funding is to increase participation numbers within their organisation, especially in the target groups of women and girls, people with disabilities, older adults, disadvantaged communities and the unemployed. Speaking in behalf of the Clare Sports Partnership, Ms. Máire Johnston, Chairperson, said that “we are delighted that we are in a position that we can offer such a grant scheme, given the current economic climate. We have approximately €20,000 available for clubs and organisations to apply for. This funding has been generated through core funding from the Irish Sports Council and monies raised from the An Post Tour de Burren, our flagship cycle mass participation cycle event that this year attracted over 2,200 cyclists.” John Sweeney, co-ordinator of the Sports Partnership said, "successful applicants will have to prove how they can increase active participation numbers with this grant. We do not have a lot of money to give out, but whatever is given out will have to count". Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from www.claresportspartnership.ie or obtained from cathy@claresportspartnership.ie. Closing date for applications is strictly 4pm Wednesday 26th October 2011. If you have any queries in relation to this scheme please contact Catherine Ryan, Clare Sports Partnership, Unit 1 Westgate Business Park , Ennis, Co. Clare 065-6865434

Thursday 13 October 2011

Bob Burke reads from ‘The third pig detective agency’ at Kilrush Library

Bob Burke reads from ‘The third pig detective agency’ at Kilrush Library







Children’s author Bob Burke read from his award winning book ‘The third pig detective agency’ to an audience of 110 children from the local Primary Schools at Kilrush Public Library on Thursday 13th October. The children showed great interest in his work and asked many questions about what inspired this story, how to write a book and get it published. This author is working on his third book, which he hopes will be published next year. Meanwhile his two books are available from all Clare libraries.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Free entry to Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush

Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush












To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Walled Garden Enterprises, entrance to these beautiful gardens is FREE from now until April 1st, 2012. Please make time to enjoy this wonderful experience and avail of the opportunity to purchase some of the rare and exotic plants, take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil garden, enjoy a coffee with home baking and/or take a walk along the newly developed woodland walkways. You are guaranteed a magnificent treat. So make the journey and tell all your friends about this fabulous amenity!
http://www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie/

Urban music workshop at Scariff Library

Urban music workshop at Scariff Library









Facilitator John Lillis had no shortage of willing volunteers to the microphone to try out beatboxing and scratching in an urban music workshop given as part of Children’s Book Festival in Scariff Public Library. Fifth and Sixth year pupils from Whitegate and Ogonelloe National Schools displayed great musical talent and took much interest in the techniques and technology that John demonstrated.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Billy Teare & Kathleen O’Sullivan at Kilrush Library

Billy Teare & Kathleen O’Sullivan at Kilrush Library







Renowned Irish storyteller Billy Teare and singer, artist and published poet Kathleen O’Sullivan captivated the attention of 60 Primary School children at Kilrush Public Library on Tuesday 11th October during Children’s Book Festival 2011. The combination of stories, juggling, music and songs, together with art and craft ideas ensured active participation by the audience and proved very popular with both children and their class teachers.

Storytelling at Kilrush Library

Storytelling at Kilrush Library










Reading Picture Books to children is a great way to introduce them to the joy of reading. Teachers at St. Senan’s Primary School, Kilrush, are regular visitors to Kilrush Public Library with their classes, where they borrow books and read stories.

Shannon Library celebrates The Children's Summer Reading Challenge

Shannon Library celebrates The Children's Summer Reading Challenge







Almost 200 children and their parents from the Southern Region libraries of Shannon, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus attended the certificate presentation event for this year’s Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge in Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, on Tuesday 4th October. In attendance at the event was special guest Mayor of Shannon, Councillor Mary Brennan. The Mayor said a few words commending the children on their efforts in reading six books over the summer months and very kindly gave of her time in presenting certificates to the young people at the event. Following the presentation of certificates, the children and adults present were treated to a magic show from Tony Baloney. The audience (including library staff!) were enthralled by Tony’s magic tricks and comedy routine. The event was another testament to the continuing success of the Summer Reading Challenge in Shannon, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus Libraries.

Friday 7 October 2011

Josephine Marsh Band



"The Josephine Marsh Band performing on Flosc tv series for TG4 in 2000. Josephine Marsh (Accordion), Declan Corey (Mandolin), Paul O'Driscol (Double Bass) and Tommy Carew (Guitar)." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of June 2010 by maspeth46thstreet.

The Neck Belly Reel - Sharon Shannon and friends



Sharon Shannon with Gerry O'Connor and friends playing The Neck Belly Reel. Posted on Youtube on the 29th of September 2007 by tomtscotland.

The Kilfenora Ceili Band in Basel



The Kilfenora Ceili Band playing at the Manuela Riedo Tribute Concert held in Basel, Switzerland, on the 25th of July 2009. Posted on Youtube on the 18th of May 2010 by BaselBantam.

Ennistymon Falls Kayaking



"Kayaking at Ennistymon Falls in Co. Clare, Ireland in September 2011." Posted on Youtube on 10th of september 2011 by kayakincheese.

"Che do Bheatha" Festival in Kilkee



"Her Excellency the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Teresita Trujillo Hernández, opens the "Che do Bheatha" festival in Kilkee Co. Clare. The festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the visit of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara to Kilkee in September 1961." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of October 2011 by salsatanja. More info: Clare Champion article and Guerrillero Heroico.

Love your library


A fast fact presentation on public libraries in Ireland, brought to you by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna 2011.

Tony Maude in Scariff for Children’s Book Festival 2011

Tony Maude in Scariff for Children’s Book Festival 2011











Poet and musician Tony Maude introduced children to the work of such diverse artists as Shakespeare, Hemmingway, Robert Louis Stevenson, Monet and more in a fun and interactive workshop in Scariff Public Library as part of Children’s Book Festival 2011. Children from Whitegate and Scariff national schools sang along to old favourites such as ‘Summertime’ and worked on new compositions such as a musical rendering of the 3 witches “When shall we 3 meet again” speech from Macbeth.

Best Irish Bookseller Award

Bord Gáis Energy, headline sponsors of the Irish Book Awards, is launching a new prize category for 2011. The award is designed to recognise booksellers, and the vital role they play in connecting writers and readers. The 10 shops which receive the most votes – two shops for each region Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht and Greater Dublin – will be shortlisted on the 20th of October. Those shortlisted will be requested to set up an Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards window display and submit a brief write up on their passion for selling books. The winning shop will be chosen by a judging panel who will visit each store. The winning bookshop will receive €5,000 worth of free electricity, while two voters will win €1,000 of free electricity. Public voting runs until October 14th with the shortlist announced on 20th October. To vote, visit the Bord Gáis Energy book club at bordgaisenergybookclub.ie.

Thursday 6 October 2011

Scariff Poetry Group 2nd poetry exhibition

Scariff Poetry Group 2nd poetry exhibitionScariff Poetry Group is delighted to present its second poetry exhibition of the year, which opened at Scariff Public Library on Tuesday 4th Oct. The group meets every second Tuesday to discuss various themes, topics and poets. Earlier this year under Aileen’s direction the group produced an exhibition as part of the Iniscealtra Festival and it was very well received. The present exhibition consists of a mixture of poetry and art with members displaying between 5-10 poems and a piece of art related to their work (this ranges from pastel drawings, oil paintings, porcelain figurines, a flower display and even a musical audio piece with displayed lyrics). Eight members are displaying their work – each with an individual theme and concept. For example, one member, Maureen Devanney, displays her work themed “Crossing” with poems including “Borders” and “Journey”, “The Land Mine Years” and “Bethlehem”. A few years ago Maureen toured the Middle East and her experience there inspired her work for this project. Other group members displaying their work include Jinny Thomas whose display was inspired by her life on a farm; Michael O’Gorman whose writings have a paranormal theme; Deirdre Vallely who focuses on the life of a woman and the passage of time (she displays beautiful handmade figurines to accompany each poem); Eileen O’Shaughnessy whose pieces include “I am not Well” and an art piece displaying her empty medicine boxes; Aileen McDonagh who displays a set of 5 poems, each focusing on a different sense - sight, sight, touch, smell, taste and sound; and two more writers who would prefer to remain anonymous. Scariff Poetry Group, set up by Aileen McDonagh of Scariff Library, has been running successfully for almost three years and has a core attendance of approx 10 members. Passing tourists often attend also so there is a constant flow of new perspectives - and new members are always welcome!

Children’s Book Festival event at Kildysart Library

Children’s Book Festival event at Kildysart Library











Forty children from the local Primary Schools in Kildysart and Labasheeda recently attended an interactive workshop by Tony Maude, who is a talented poet and musician, as part of Children's Book Festival 2011. This hour long show, which the children thoroughly enjoyed, afforded them the opportunity to use unusual percussion instruments including a rainmaker and a thunder maker, which greatly complemented the poetry and songs.

Monday 3 October 2011

Presentation of Summer Reading Certs at Kilrush Library

Presentation of Summer Reading Certs at Kilrush Library












There was a great attendance at the presentation of Summer Reading Challenge certificates at Kilrush Public Library on Thursday 28th Sept. Over 90 children in the Western Library Region participated in the challenge. The theme of the Reading Challenge, which was ‘Circus Stars’, was echoed by the performance of magician 'Tony Baloney’ who entertained the audience with his magic tricks.

Thursday 29 September 2011

The Temple House Ceili Band



"One of Irelands' finest ceili bands playing some reels with some set dancing." The band included Kieran Hanrahan and Paul Roche from County Clare and this recording may date from the late 1980s. Posted on Youtube on the 17th of June 2007 by Stargreened.