Above left: Janet & Richard (editors) in a watercolour by Daiki Matsunaga, a Japanese visitor to Cape Clear.
Contents for June 2004 Issue
Art on Cape Clear
Astronomy and UFO's
Birdwatching
Calendar of Events for 2004:
Famous Irish Folk Singer and Musician Jimmy Crowley.
Gaelic Football Championships
Lifeboat Day
O'Driscoll Clan Gathering
Regatta
Blessing at Old Church of Ireland graveyard
Schull Set Dancing Group
StoryTelling Festival
StoryTelling Workshop
The Ecological History of Ireland - The Study of an Island
Businesses, Employment, Building, & Structural Improvements
Cape Clear Fish Farm - Abalone & Ragworm
"Cleire Goats" - Silver Jubilee
Infrastructure Improvements
New Tourism Office for Cape Clear
Publishing - Career Guides
Pottery
Jobs on Cape Clear
Ferries & Island Bus Service
Fishing with Rod and Line
Flaura & Fauna
Genealogy
Irish Language Courses
Islander Profile
Links to Cape Clear Web Sites
Music & Dance
Newscapers (News from Island Children)
Soccer and Chess on the island
New shop on the island
Poetry
Population of Cape Clear
Radio Broadcasts from Cape Clear
Raidió na Gaeltachta
Cape to be Featured on German Radio
Religion on Cape Clear
Sport & Games
Chess Club
Soccer
StoryTelling Festival - May 2004 report
Thank You to the Ferrymen
Tobacco Ban
Whales & Dolphins and other Sea Creatures.
Art on Cape Clear
The well known artist, Ian Joyce, has been commissioned to create an imaginary image of Cape Clear to hang in the Club. This will be a multi-media presentation unveiled sometime during the summer. An exciting project, awaited with anticipation by all of us. Funded by Éalaíon na Gaeltachta Teo (The Arts Council & Údarás na Gaeltachta).
http://www.cloceardlann.com/
Astronomy and UFO's
Meteor lights up the sky over South Harbour, 1st June, 11.30pm.
Witnesses aplenty saw the rare spectacle of what is thought to have been a large meteor. It was a beautiful night with the full moon casting its reflected light onto the sea as it hovered above the South Harbour. Then the meteor appeared, flying through the sky from the South East. It was a bright orange to yellow colour about the size of Venus and was heading towards the North West. It was lower in the sky than the moon and, suddenly, as it passed the moon, it seemed to slow and a triangular shaped tail appeared from the rear. The tail had the appearance of the sparks you get from a Roman Candle firework. It seemed to change direction as it headed away from us towards the horizon and then fell towards the sea as it quickly faded from view, and the spectacle was over. A rare treat for all present, including: Patrick Cassidy, Michael John Cadogan, Richard Fenlon, Janet Fenlon, Fraser, and a couple of American tourists with O'Driscoll ancestors.
This part of Ireland is notorious for unusual sightings and is reckoned by some people to be the junction for an uncertain number of UFO flight paths.
http://www.ufosocietyireland.com/
Birdwatching
Steve Wing, our resident bird observatory warden, reports some exceptional sightings in 2004. Earlier in the year he reported, amongst others, the Long Tailed Skua, Pomarine Skua, and the White Billed Diver, probably the first to be seen from Cape Clear. In May he reported, Woodchat Shrike, Red Backed Shrike, and the Common Rose Finch. In June, so far, the Common Rose Finch, Sooty Shearwater, and the Bonxie (Great Skua). Today, 9th June, he saw a 26 foot, Minke Whale, at Bulláun na nDeargán, just beyond the South Harbour.
Cape Clear Bird Observatory Field Courses 2004: This year's field courses hosted by the Cape Clear Bird Observatory on Cape Clear Island, have been expanded and developed to offer something for everyone. The courses are designed to aid the beginner and those with some experience in the craft of birdwatching and in more specific subjects depending on the course chosen. Courses vary from two to five days duration beginning with an introductory talk on arrival the night before the course begins. Each course will combine both indoor and outdoor sessions. The weekend courses offer an optional morning session on the Monday for those wishing to travel on a later boat. See Calendar of Events below, for details of some very interesting courses during 2004.
Why not click on the BirdWatch Ireland web site link below, where they list the birds often seen from Cape Clear at various times of the year, in addition to a wealth of other information:
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/bwi/pages092003/wildlifecourses/capeclear.html
Calendar of Events for 2004:
June:
First large group of Irish Students arrive 7th & 8th June.
The annual influx of students to the island to learn Irish is upon us. A great deal of preparation has gone into ensuring this year becomes the success of previous years. Cape Clear, with its dedicated, committed, and highly skilled personnel, is now rightly regarded as one of the finest venues to learn Irish. Long may this continue to the great benefit of the island and to the Irish language.
Beginning Birdwatching - Bird Identification & Observation Skills, 18th June – 20th June
This weekend course will be held on several dates throughout the Summer. Watching birds provides a lifelong, year round interest which is both rewarding and enjoyable. For those new to birdwatching, the identification of a particular species can be daunting when confronted with a standard bird guide. Where does one start? This course offers the complete beginner or novice the basic skills to identify, understand and appreciate birds, and their habitats. Through observation and the use of a field notebook you will discover how to interpret birds plumage colours, song, movements and habitats. You will learn how to identify both familiar and unfamiliar species with confidence, and leave with the knowledge of where and when to look for them. The course will also offer participants the opportunity to see birds in the hand as they are ringed by the observatory warden, Steve Wing. Also on 2nd July – 4th July, 30th July – 1st August. Click the link below to book any of the courses arranged by Birdwatch Ireland:
www.birdwatchireland.ie
O'Driscoll Clan Gathering, 22nd June
One of the most amazing events in family history circles; the annual gathering of the O'Driscoll clan from all corners of the world. Each year they choose a new chieftain. In 2002 it was Conchubhar. He then handed over to Vincent in 2003.
See Genealogy for more news about the O'Driscolls. Click on the link below for an excellent web site with lots of pictures and historic details about Cape Clear.
http://www.o-driscolls.co.uk
Set Dancing Workshop & Annual Visit of Schull Céilí & Set Dancing Group.
June 27th sees the 11th annual visit of the wonderful Schull Céilí & Set Dancing Group to Cape Clear. Set dancing demonstrations and a workshop will be held in Club Cleire. It is free and everyone is welcome. The day starts with a cruise departing from Schull pier at 10.30am and returning to Schull departing from Cape at 7.00pm. Bert and Annie Moran are the organisers and can be contacted on 028 28647 or by email: bertandanniemoran@eircom.net
July:
Beginning Birdwatching - Bird Identification & Observation Skills, 2nd July – 4th July
See the entry in June for more information.
www.birdwatchireland.ie
The Ecological History of Ireland, 5th - 9th July.
A course by Geoff Oliver and Paddy Sleeman
Cape Clear Island 5th – 9th July 2004.
'This sounds too good to miss - so good that I intend to book myself a place on the course.' Risteard O'Fionnalain
The study of islands has proved to be a very productive area of biology, from the discovery of natural selection to the theory of island biogeography. The ecology of Ireland as an island is more readily understood than that of complex mainlands. The course will look at five key habitats: coastal heath, farmland, woodland, fresh waters and rocky shores and will take place in the very appropriate setting of Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork. The course will comprise a week of exploring the island looking at local flora and fauna complemented by organised lectures, slide shows and discussions. The emphasis will be on identification of birds, butterflies, flowers, and seashore animals and plants, with bird-ringing, and sea-watching for marine mammals. Bring binoculars, wellies (and digital camera, if you have one).
This course will be run by Geoff Oliver and Paddy Sleeman on behalf of Comharchumann Chléire Teo, Cape Clear, Skibbereen Co. Cork.If you would like to book a place on the course, please click the link below, where you will find more information and a registration form:
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/eco_course.htm
Famous Irish Folk Singer and Musician Jimmy Crowley to visit Cape, 9/10th July.
Not to be missed. A great chance to see and hear Jimmy Crowley. Includes a free concert at the Club for students.
Lifeboat Day, 18th July
One of our favourite days, which is always full of fun, music and dance. At this time we remember the efforts made by the lifeboat crews and try, in a small way, to help them continue their work by taking part in various fundraising events.
Wildlife Photography - Eddie Dunne 18th – 23rd July 2004
The aim of this course is to introduce participants to field techniques and equipment used in nature photography. The emphasis will be on composing good quality photographs in a wide range of situations using participants own equipment. Basic photographic equipment is required and participants are encouraged to bring a tripod if they have one. They will also need to supply their own stock of film and cover processing costs. Film will be processed and returned to the island to facilitate assessment towards the end of the course, (restricted to print film). Cape Clear promises a range of topics for your lens ranging from ‘macro’ subjects such as lichens, mosses, flowers and the life of rock pools to birds and landscapes. Eddie Dunne is a renowned wildlife photographer whose pictures regularly illustrate the cover pages of Wings magazine. He specialises in a wide range of topics from the underwater world of Ireland to birds, insects, mammals and flowers. With an irrepressible energy and enthusiasm for his subject, this week on Cape with Eddie, promises to be unforgettable.
www.birdwatchireland.ie
Beginning Birdwatching - Bird Identification & Observation Skills, 30th July – 1st August
See the entry in June for more information.
www.birdwatchireland.ie
August:
Regatta - Yachts arrive Wednesday 4th August
Huge numbers of yachts and boats of varying classes and types visit the island on Regatta day and often remain for a little while longer.
Regatta on Lake Errol
This annual event is eagerly awaited and will include various competitions such as; canoe racing, Lifebuoy throwing, and model sailboats.
Blessing at the Church of Ireland Graveyard, 8th August
Bruce the Vicar has advised that there will be an open air celebration at the old graveyard at the rear of the An Oige Youth Hostel. The weather should be fine but in the unlikely event that it is raining the congregation will move indoors to the dining room of An Oige. More details to follow. The vicar can be contacted on 028 21234.
Commemoration of Fastnet Disaster will be held on 15th August 2004
"Worst Yacht Racing Disaster" - "Twenty hours of living hell"From 10 pm on the night of August 13, 1979, until 6 pm the following evening a storm in the Western Approaches tore at the very vitals of the boats taking part in the Fastnet Race. 19 people lost their lives, all but four of them were yachtsmen. Summer storms are not unknown and the Fastnet Race has a legendary record of strong winds, but the 1979 storm was one of some complexity which built up from depressions in such a way that it lulled the weather forecasters working from satellite pictures into a false sense of security. Of the 300 plus boats that started the race, only 128 finished. Air-sea rescue units saved thirty-six people.
Various events are planned on Cape Clear Island, including four lectures in Club Cleire on the history of the Fasnet Rock Lighthouse and of the Lighthouse on Cape Clear. A plaque is planned for the Heritage Centre and the Co-op Museum Society hopes to publish a history of the Fastnet Rock during the event. . There is an open invitation for all survivors to attend. Indeed everyone is welcome to this important commemoration.http://www.placenames.ie/capeclear/
Let There Be Light! Dedication Of Plaque and Opening Exhibition On Cape and Fastnet Lighthouses
Sunday, 23rd May, at 3.00 p.m. saw Captain Owen Dignan of the Irish Lights and Father Peter Quiley dedicating and blessing a plaque setting out the history of the Cape Clear and Fastnet Rock Lighthouses, which in sequence have made safer this potentially dangerous part of the Irish coastline, for local boats, and the international shipping which still links Europe and America.
The Plaque is situated with a good view of both the disused Cape Clear lighthouse and signal tower and the Fastnet, on its lonely rock some four miles to the southwest.
Seabirds and Migration - Dick Coombes 22nd – 27th August 2004
The month of August is a stunning time on Cape with the opportunity to witness some of the huge migratory movements of seabirds - Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets, and auks off our south-western seaboard. It is also the month in which a plethora of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) are spotted off Cape, with rewards for hours of scanning the ocean including rare views of species such as Leatherback turtle and sunfish. Skuas are frequently seen during pelagic boat trips with Pomarine, Arctic and Great Skua (Bonxie) often encountered. Great and Sooty Shearwater have also been observed as was the rare Wilson’s Petrel. On occasion large numbers of the unpredictable Cory’s Shearwater have been observed moving inshore. Our migratory bird species such as Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff are preparing to leave these shores for their wintering grounds while passage migrants are scarce on Cape during this time but have included Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Sedge Warbler, Wood Warbler and Reed Warbler. Dick’s course offers an insight into the world of migration and the joys of seawatching delivered in a humorous and enthusiastic manner. The course will include a variety of topics ranging from identification techniques for birds in the hand and in flight, to survey and counting methodologies, the work of the observatory, and the effect of weather on birds and migration. This course is suitable for those interested in understanding bird migration as well as those who have learned the basics and are keen to develop their skills and knowledge.
www.birdwatchireland.ie
September:
International StoryTelling Festival 2004
This years festival will be held on Friday, 3rd September - Sunday, 5th September.
If you’ve never been to a festival before then why not give it a try. The island is abuzz with expectation at this time of year as we await the arrival of the storytellers and visitors from around the world. There is so much to see and do in-between the story telling sessions; why not try a trip around the famous Fastnet lighthouse. You might see some of the whales and dolphins, which are often seen about the island. You could also try the Bird Walk or the Archaeological and Flora & Fauna Walk.
This event has become a must have ticket and beds become scarce by July. So it is recommended that you book well ahead. Many of our visitors return again and again, which is a testament to the enjoyment had by all. Don’t miss it
Click the link below for more information:
http://indigo.ie/~stories/2004draft.htm
The Cape Clear Island StoryTelling Workshop 2004
Another must have ticket, so you need to be quick to book a place; Saturday, October 23 through Monday, October 25, 2004
Below is an extract from Chuck Kruger’s web site, a behind-the-scenes peek at the Cape Clear International Storytelling Workshop, highlighting the magic of the event.
"Leave everything you've ever been taught at the door," the woman rocking by the fireside speaks firmly, invitingly, challengingly; "I want empty shelves so that I can start building."
So begins a two-and-a-half-day marathon storytelling workshop in the southernmost house in Ireland. Sixteen people ranging from 25 to 65, 4 Americans, 6 English, 2 Scots, 4 Irish, sit in a circle fanning out from storyteller-in-residence Sheila Stewart, the most distinguished living female storyteller amongst the Scottish Travellers. "
Click on the link to Chuck Kruger's web site to read about these wonderful sessions and to discover who the Storytellers are this year :
http://indigo.ie/~ckstory/workshop.htm
October:
Gaelic Football Championships
An island team is being formed this summer to take part in a huge sporting and social occasion, the All Ireland Inter-Island Gaelic Football Championships. The competition will take place in October 2004 on InishBofin, an island off the coast of Connemara.
Cape Clear islanders can contact Seamus for more information email: seamusabu@hotmail.com
Or you can email direct to the Gaelic Football email address: cliara@anu
Calendar of events will continue in the next newsletter.
Businesses, Employment, Building, & Structural Improvements:
Cape Clear Fish Farm
The island land-based fish farm, which currently grows some of the finest Abalone available, will be adding a new product with the announcement that a ragworm growing contract has been secured from Seabait Ltd., Newcastle, UK. Wonderful news indeed, bringing much needed employment to the island.
Ragworm are of the genus Nereis, and live mainly in burrows in sand or mud. They have a flattened body with a row of fleshy parapodia (straggly bits) along each side. It is known as a ‘clamworm’ in the USA. Fishermen simply cannot get enough of this excellent worm and it is regarded as one of the finest types of bait. Great news indeed for the island. For more information about this. Email the island Co-Op for more information: ccteo@iol.ie
Infrastructure Improvements
Mr Eamon O’Cuiv, Minister for Rural Development, has announced an investment of €65 million in infrastructure in off-shore islands over a five year period. This includes a proposal to build a breakwater outside the North Harbour.
New Tourism Office for Cape Clear
The Co-op is presently seeking permission to replace the ‘Bothán,’ a wooden building in the North Harbour, with a stone faced building in keeping with the nearby Club. It will surely improve the architectural integrity of the area and will function as a tourist office and a craft shop.
"Cleire Goats" Farm - Silver Jubilee
The “Cleire Goats” Farm, West of the Church and Heritage Centre, and between the two Irish Language summer colleges, celebrates its Silver Jubilee on the 18th July, 2004; this is the date that saw the start of trading as "Cleire Goats" and the final move of its owner, Ed Harper, from Kidderminster in the Midlands of England.
The fields and cliffs around this end of Cape Clear have actually been resounding to the bleats and bells of goats since 1977, when Ed first started keeping goats on the island. The herd grew from three females and a male to a peak of thirty-three milkers and two males, or about sixty animals at this time of year.
Visitors, these days, will be welcomed by about a third that number of friendly inquisitive goats, nine of which are gorgeous baby goats (kids) born since the Spring this year.
Ed welcomes visitors to his farm shop where he sells, homemade dairy ice cream – made with goats' milk; cottage cheese with garlic – no rennet for vegetarians; and, goat meat sausages and burgers – for the carnivores. If you don’t have the time to go to the farm, during the summer, you can buy the food products at Harpercraft, next to Cotters Bar, in the North Harbour.
Ed will also sell some of his goat stock but it’s a good idea to contact Ed early in the year to see what's available.
Courses on how to look after and manage goats can be taken year round, and at short notice; a couple from Los Angeles phoned on the 11th June to book a course for the 14th June. Although it would be nice to give Ed a little more notice than that if you can. Ed can be contacted by email: goat@iol.ie
You can even book on line by clicking the link below.
http://www.emara.com/goats
Cape Clear Pottery
Cape Clear Pottery is not your typical souvenir shop. Here you can meet Helen, the potter, who celebrates 25 years at the pottery in 2005. Since 1980 Helen has, with her own fair hands, been creating and crafting a unique range of mugs, jugs, plates, and pots, of various shapes and sizes, all with a pretty fuchsia or simple blue leaf design. Helen uses a very durable stoneware clay suitable for domestic handmade pots, and is delighted to produce individual pieces to order. These very special pieces of pottery are a marvellous souvenir of the island - Helen can be contacted on 028 39100.
Best Guides Publishing
Best Guides Publishing, based on Cape Clear, compiles and publishes a series of Career Guides, which provides up-to-date information on careers, and on courses at third level institutions in the Republic of Ireland. Current titles include:
Guide to Health Care Courses; Guide to Private Colleges
Guide to Institutes of Technology; Guide to Media Studies
For more information click on the link below:
www.bestguides.ie
Jobs on Cape Clear
People with skills are especially welcome on the island, Summer, Winter, Autumn, or Spring. The low season is an ideal time to visit when houses are available to rent at a modest cost. Email the Co-op for more information: ccteo@iol.ie
Ferry and Island Bus Service
The island ferry, the 'Naomh Ciarán II,' runs a regular and punctual service from Baltimore the year round. The island bus meets the ferry on the pier to take visitors to their destination if required. The bus can also be hired for tours of the island.
During the summer months the 'Karrycraft' ferry sails from Schull.
The 'Spirit of the Isles sails from Baltimore during June, July, & August.
Information and links to ferry web sites can be had by visiting the island web site, which is available in both Irish and English. Click on the link below to select the language you require:
www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_irish.htm
www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_english.htm
Fishing with Rod and Line
Liam, fishing from the shores around South Harbour, is leading the field with reasonable catches of pollock, and a few vagrant mackerel, but we are all still waiting for the arrival of the main shoals of mackerel, which are due soon.
What a great place to go fishing; the other day I was fishing from the rocks of a little cove when a seal popped it's head up within a couple of feet of me. I nearly fell into the sea from the shock.
Fishing rods and equipment are available to hire from a number of places about the island.
Sea fishing trips are also readily available, try the links for more information:
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/amenit.htm
Genealogy
O'Driscoll - Driscolls of Cork
This is a collaborative project directed at assisting the O'Driscoll researcher with their genealogy. We are particularly interested in the O'Driscolls of Cape Clear, for it is said that some claim descent from the legendary figures of history such as Sir Fineen O'Driscoll The Rover. To interact with us please join our EMAIL mailing list and post messages to same. Subscription instructions are on our website. We have nearly
100 subscribers who would like to hear from you!
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~colin/DriscollOfCork/
Irish Language Courses
Ionad Foghlama Chléire
Irish Language and Cultural Studies. Year round activity based language learning opportunities for families, groups, and individuals from all walks of life. We provide outdoor and indoor activities to stimulate spontaneous conversation in Irish, including; kayaking, archery, snorkelling, power kiting, computing, hill walking, baking, sketching, pyrography, screen-printing, etc.
Click on the link below to visit the IFC web site, and test yourself in Irish:
http://www.cleire.com/
Islander Profile
So many interesting lives and so little time. As a result this will be an occasional piece, a paragraph perhaps, God willing, where we will present a little profile of someone who lives or has lived on the island. However, this is one for future issues as it requires a little work and diplomacy.
Music & Dance
There will be organised music and dance sessions in the pubs and Club Cleire, most weekends throughout the summer season. And when it’s not organised it will probably happen anyway in an impromptu Cape Clear type of way. Cotter’s bar has recently reopened after some structural changes and now boasts an outdoor stage. Saturday last saw Kevin and Danny, our resident session musicians, yet again delighting the crowds with their perfectly tuned hair. They also brought their musical instruments and the ensuing music was a delight to the ears of the crowds sitting around the new stage.
NewsCapers (News from Island Children)
Sport on the island by Daire McCann (aged 12)
There are two sports played on the island. They are soccer and chess. We play soccer twice a week; on Wednesday evenings and Sunday. On Wednesday we play for less than an hour and the game has plenty of action in it. On Sunday we play for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is mainly the islanders who play but everyone is welcome.
Chess is played every Tuesday at the An Oige Youth Hostel in 'The Old Coastguard Station.' It is hosted by Risteard O'Fionnalain. It starts at 7.30pm and ends at 10.00pm. You can learn lots of new chess moves from John Kelly, who was the Irish junior chess champion in 1981. I asked John what it was like to win the championship, this is what he said 'I played well that particular weekend.'
Gach Rud Eile - New shop on the island by Norah Jane Ni Mheatoid, aged 10.
Cape Clear has been introduced to a new shop called Gach Rud Eile. It is in the North Harbour beside the Co-op office and hairdressers. It sells toys, books, pictures, playing cards, beach toys, etc. It sells very good toys and your money is worth spending because the toys are well made. It sells toys for all ages and it also has books about Cape Clear and Ireland. It also has lots of fun signs for sale. I hope that visitors will enjoy it.
Poetry
I am a romantic soul at heart and just a little apprehensive of printing my own verse in the newsletter, but I have nothing from anyone else yet. So I promise that if the rest of you are forthcoming with your own poetic offerings, hopefully relevant to Cape Clear, I will desist in the future - so it is up to you; stop me if you can.
It's The Silence That Does It for Me
The whispering silence of rustling grass
The silver silence of a fine sea-bass
The gale-force silence of winds that blow
The bashing silence of stones that glow
The rip-roaring silence of a raging sea
It's the silence that does it for me
The milking silence of the goats at four
The trusting silence of an unlocked door
The laying silence of an egg in the nest
The cooing silence of the hens at rest
The buzzing silence of a bumble bee
It's the silence that does it for me
The threatening silence of someone seething
The unbearable silence, 'is the baby breathing'
The crawling silence of a spider's crawl
The helpless silence of a baby's bawl
The brewing silence of a pot of tea
It's the silence that does it for me
The munching silence of a grazing lamb
The protective silence of a woolly ram
The frightening silence of a submerged rock
The passing silence of a clock’s tick tock
The welcoming silence of an island’s quay
It's the silence that does it for me
The golden silence of a summers day
The smelly silence of new mown hay
The quenching silence of rain on hill
The colourful silence of a puffin's bill
The tranquil silence of being free
It's the silence that does it for me
Population of Cape Clear
We have lost some friends during the year and our thoughts & prayers are with the families.
I am advised that the official population stands at around 130.
We have some new additions to the island and congratulations go to:
Sasha and Irma, blessed with a baby girl, Dasha.
Kevin and Judy, blessed with a baby boy, Callum.
Geraldine and Connie, blessed with a baby boy, Aaron.
This is important work and will help to ensure the survival of the island school.
Historic note: Back in the 1750's the population stood at around 1500. Goodness alone only knows how the island infrastructure coped in those days - I imagine that we ended up with a lot of night compost.
Radio Broadcasts from Cape Clear
Raidió na Gaeltachta
The mass in Irish was broadcast from the island in April. The huge effort made by all, especially the choir, was clear to hear. The day went extremely well and was a tribute to those taking part.
"http://www.rte.ie/rnag/"
Cape Clear to be Featured on German Radio
Mona & Dirk, a pair of German journalists, arrived on Cape Clear at the end of May 2004, with the intention of staying for a day or two to unwind. By the second day, having been caught by the magic of the island, they decided to cancel their trip to Connemara and remain on the island instead. They had this to say about their stay "As journalists, Cape Clear seemed to us a wonderful place for a radio travel report. So we set about talking to and interviewing the people of the island. One day became two, then three, and before we knew where we were eleven days had gone by. We used the time wisely by visiting the pubs and the Club where we recorded the ’craic.’ We also recorded the sounds of the sea, the birds, the wind, even the cars, and what cars! We were invited to attended an Irish lesson where we almost learned the names of seaweed in Irish - but at least we did manage to record some of the people talking Irish during their lesson.
We would like to thank all the people who supported us and who so kindly and patiently answered our questions - you all made it possible for us to produce a report that we believe will be the loveliest sound compilation ever heard."
Kind words indeed and who are we to argue. So much of the enjoyment gleaned on Cape Clear comes from meeting people of different nationalities and cultures. Mona & Dirk have promised to send us a copy of the radio programme after it has aired.
Sport and Games
Chess Club
Come and play chess, every Tuesday, 7.30 pm, An Oige at 'The Old Coastguard Station,' South Harbour. Everybody welcome, young or old, islander or visitor, at any level; and if you are a beginner we will show you how to play the game.
The Cockleshell Chess Challenge
Now that we have Broadband, Cape Clear Chess Club is ready to challenge other islands to an annual match. The winning island will be awarded a trophy, the 'Cockleshell Challenge Cup,' to keep for one year. When an island wins five times it will be allowed to keep the trophy. So come on you other islands, if you think you are big enough or brave enough, contact Gary Kasparov or, if Gary is not available, Richard Fenlon on 028 41968 to arrange a match.
www.anoige.fenlon.net
Soccer
Our pitch (for all ball games) must be on one of the best sites in the world. The views are stunning; you can see the Atlantic encircling the island with the Fastnet lighthouse, on one side, sitting majestically in a glittering blue sea, and the mainland of Ireland on the other. And yet, with all of these distractions, we still manage to play with the skill of Alan Beckham. Soccer is played on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm and Sunday at 1.00 pm. Everybody, visitors and locals, girls and boys, men and women, are warmly welcomed. It is all very informal and times can vary a little but that really doesn’t matter- a huge amount of fun for everyone. See the Newscapers section for Daire's report on sport and games on the island.
Storytelling Festival Report for May 2004
Well, it is done! The 'Cape Clear May Mini Festival' for May 2004 was a great experience. We had Toby Kinsella of Dublin, who works with children around Ireland - in playschools and the Junior and Senior Infant classes involving children actively in music making while they absorb a wealth of information about the essence of music, sound, culture, rhythms, instruments and performance. Paddy O'Brien from Co. Kerry is a Primary School teacher, actor as well as a Storyteller delights audiences consistently - his humour combined with political satire. He incorporates Irish into his stories in a manner that embraces non-Irish speakers comfortably. Frances Quinn of Armagh was our third Storyteller and her beautiful style of telling subdued us after the laughter. She gave us stories that chilled the blood, brought tears to the eye an educated us in a joyous manner with tales of Cuchulainn and his boyhood daring!
The combination of these three tellers was wonderful -Frances gave us quiet but thoughtful stories, Paddy rollicking and Toby enchanted our musical side. We loved it. We had a Saturday night-time event with more islanders attending than before, which is heartening, and a handful of people travelled from England especially to attend - this was wonderful and unexpected. Sunday afternoon was very hot, but enthusiasts returned. As usual sincere thanks go to Gaelachas Teo. for the loan of Coláiste Chiarán.
http://indigo.ie/~stories/mini.htm
Thank You to the Ferrymen!
I have been asked to include a big thank you to the Ferrymen for all the good work done beyond the call of duty in the years gone by. So many bundles of newspapers, multitudes of boxes, and tons of parcels, from Bushes and elsewhere, plus 1001 other favours. Sometimes it might seem that we take you for granted but in truth we are all aware of how enormously important you are to the island. The ferry makes the island. Here we are safe and sound in the knowledge that we can rely on you time and again, journey after journey, in fine weather or foul. Thank you all.
Tobacco Ban
Yes the ban applies to islands just as much as it does to the mainland, and yes it is adhered to here. Our pubs and restaurant are now smoke free. Whether you are for or against the ban matters not now and, fortunately, most people appear to have accepted the situation. Isn’t it just great to walk into a restaurant or pub without choking on the exhaled smoke of other people - not to mention the health of our children.
Whales, Dolphins, & Porpoises etc.:
Minke whales arrive in South Harbour by Risteard O’Fionnalain (aged 53)
All work stopped when Mairtin spotted a couple of Minke whales in the South Harbour on Friday 21 May.
Crowds of islanders and a few tourists were treated to a lovely display as at least two of these most elegant and beautiful of God's creature sported and played about the harbour. They were joined by a large seal and the picture was completed by flocks of Gannets turning over and diving arrow-like into the sea after Sand-eels. A wonderful experience enhanced by the beauty of Cape Clear.
Patrick, a local fisherman, reports that a large whale, (your editor is speculating when he says that it was probably a Humpback), surfaced right next to his boat while he was laying his lobster pots during May. He says that it was enormous and at least as big as the island ferry boat.
June 9th, 2004, Steve Wing our Bird Observatory Warden reports the sighting of a Minke whale of around 26ft in length. It was seen just beyond Balaun na naragaun near the entrance to the South Harbour.
The summer sees the start of our whale and dolphin watching trips. A number of islanders offer theses trips from the north harbour pier. The ‘Spirit of the Isles’ for example, leaves the pier each day at 2.30, for a trip to the wonderfully evocative Fastnet Lighthouse. Visit the island web site for details of the islanders offering these trips:
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_english.htm
Links to Cape Clear Web Sites:
Our island website, with lots of links, pictures, places to stay on the island etc.
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_english.htm
View back copies of the Newsletter and lots of pictures of Cape Clear.
http://www.mamut.com/anoigecapeclear
Emara Community Portal, contains regular news about Cape Clear.
http://www.emara.org/portal/searchcat.php?cid=9
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