Newsletter Issue 2 September 2004
Please note that the newsletters from issue 1 to issue 6 were compiled as emails and have been copied and pasted here to this blog. Problems with colours and layout will be addressed when time permits.
Cape Clear International Newsletter
Issue Number : 2 September 2004
Emailed free to the Friends & Families of Cape Clear Island.
Our quarterly Newsletter contains items of interest to all past and current islanders, as well as information about future events, which we hope will help the visitor, occasional or frequent, to plan their visit to suit their interests. We welcome contributions of news items from all friends of Cape Clear. Richard Fenlon,Editor.
Then close the browser window to return to Newsletter.
Island Fun day August 2004. We stuffed ourselves with enormous amounts of tasty barbecue food, we even had our first taste of the excellent abalone, produced by the island fish farm. Not to mention the odd glass of wine and a small drop of beer. There were all sorts of games for the children and adults alike, from the three-legged-race to the egg & spoon race to a treacherous obstacle course.
Competition: The first person to name all of the runners (their feet have been enlarged and their faces smudged to make it difficult) in the picture above wins €20 to go towards the Canoe Club fund to buy a small yacht for sailing on Loch Errol.
Thinking of visiting Cape Clear? Why just visit when you can actually live the dream? The Cape Clear community is a truly welcoming community of families. We want and need more people, especially families, to join us here on this most beautiful of islands. Our recent Annual General Meeting reaffirmed and recommitted us all to encouraging the growth of the island population. It is only with a vibrant and thriving population that an island can achieve its true potential.
Houses are often available to rent and occasionally to buy. There is also a possibility of various types of employment. Is your appetite whetted? Are you ready for the challenge? Then have another look through the June issue of the newsletter and a good read of this issue. When you are ready contact the island Co-op on 00 353 28 39119.
The Cape Clear International Newsletter is made possible by the support of Comharchumann CHléire Teo with funding from The Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, NRDP Program.
Contents - numbered to sections:
Because this is a 'Newsletter' we try not to repeat the same information from issue to issue. If you are looking for a specific subject but can't find it in this issue, try an earlier issue.
Art on Cape Clear. (1)
· 'Imaginary Image of Cape Clear,' by Ian Joyce. (1a)
· Exhibition at Club Cleire by Eilbhe Donovan. (1b)
Astronomy and UFO's. (2)
Babies. (3)
Birdwatching. (4)
Calendar of Events for October 2004 to December. (5)
· Bird Festival. (5a)
· Irish Lessons. (5b)
· StoryTelling Workshop. (5c)
· Gaelic Football Championships. (5d)
· Schull Theatre Group. (5e)
· Printmaking Course. (5f)
Canoe Expedition to Middle Calf Island. (6)
Cape Clear Development. (7)
· Cape Clear Fish Farm - Abalone & Ragworm. (7a)
· Infrastructure Improvements. (7b)
· Pottery & Tourism Office. (7c)
· Jobs on Cape Clear. (7d)
Fastnet Commemoration. (8)
Ferries & Island Bus Service. (9)
Fishing with Rod and Line. (10)
Friends of Cape Clear: a short profile. (11)
Genealogy. (12)
Here & There. (13)
· Karl & Eilbhe. (13a)
· Brendan & Arakene. (13b)
· Cassidy & Marsh Family. (13c)
· Christopher & Hugh Chavepeyer. (13d)
Irish Language Courses. (14)
Islanders. (15)
· Concubar O'Driscoll. (15)
Museum & Heritage Centre. (16)
Music & Dance. (17)
Newscapers (News by Island Children). (18)
· The Worm Farm. (18a)
Poetry. (19)
· Chuck Kruger. (19a)
Regatta. (20)
Religion on Cape Clear. (21)
Sport & Games. (22)
· Chess Club. (22a)
· GAA. (22b)
Thank You. (23)
· to the Sisters of Mount Mercy Heights Boarding School. (23a)
· to Éamon Lankford. (23b)
Tidy Islands. (24)
Visitor Impression of Cape. (25)
· Niamh O'Mara. (25a)
Weddings. (26)
Whales & Dolphins and other Sea Creatures. (27)
Links to Cape Clear Web Sites. (28)
(1) Art on Cape Clear
Art is in the eye of the beholder, or should that be boulder? A few weeks a go a photographer was to be seen on the beach and we watched as he rearranged the rocks and created swirls and mounds with pebbles, which he then proceeded to photograph - we could have asked him what he was doing but decided to stick with the mystery of it all. Whatever turns you on, Cape Clear is certainly the place to come for inspiration. The scenery here is stunning and filled with interest, from the gentle curves of our amazing stone walls to the rugged beauty of our enormous cliffs. From the elegance and sweeping flight of the gannet to the sweet song of our marvellous little friend in the garden, the robin.
(1a) 'Imaginary Image of Cape Clear,' by Ian Joyce
As is the case with all great art there is a slight delay with the 'imaginary image of Cape Clear' being created by the well known artist, Ian Joyce. It will hang in the club for all to see, soon enough, and, thankfully, anticipation is the key to life. We all look forward to seeing it when it is finished. I hope to post a picture and report about this exciting multi-media presentation in the next newsletter.
This project is funded by Éalaíon na Gaeltachta Teo (The Arts Council & Údarás na Gaeltachta).
(1b) Art Exhibition at Club Cleire by Eilbhe Donovan
The exhibition consists of a beautiful collection of 12 illustrations by the up-and-coming artist Eilbhe Donovan, based upon the poem, the Bog Queen, by Seamus Heaney. I viewed the collection myself on a rare overcast afternoon and, with the addition of the audio presentation of Karl Payne’s reading of the poem, I was so moved that I felt the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. All of the pictures are framed in a style which truly enhances the illustrations. If you love atmospheric art with a meaning, or are a fan of Seamus Heaney, then this is one for you.
Eilbhe, is from Wicklow, and had her first solo exhibition in the Signal Art Centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow, in September 2003. She was also chosen as one of the up-and-coming Wicklow artists to exhibit in a group exhibition in The Mermaid, Wicklow County Arts Council Gallery.
Eilbhe is planning her own web site where you will be able to view all of her works. We will give you the link when it is up and running but for the time being below is one of her illustrations of the 'Bog Queen,' by Seamus Heaney. This one is entitled 'Turf.'
(2) Astronomy and UFO's
Visitors are often stunned by the clarity of the night sky from various vantage points on Clear Island. The sky is full of stars which you rarely see when in built up areas. Many nights throughout the year can be spent marvelling at the path the Milky Way makes across the sky and counting the multitude of satellites as they pass below the stars. During July we watched as the International Space Station raced across the face of the setting sun and it can be seen again almost every night right through to the 27th September.
Click on the link below to be taken to the NASA website to find out when you can next see the ISS as it dashes across the sky.
www."http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/SightingData/Dublin.html"
Also try the link to a rather wonderful website designed for children and beginners:
"http://www.dustbunny.com/afk/"
The usual web site for those interested in UFO's
(3) Babies
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Bríd and Seamus who are currently being kept awake by their new arrival, a beautiful baby boy named Shane.
(4) Birdwatching by Steve Wing, Bird Observatory Warden.
Seawatching for birds has been good since the middle of August, with a Long-tailed Skua on 20th Aug, a Wilsons Storm Petrel on 22nd and good numbers of both Great and Cory's Shearwaters.
September has started with a bang!! Europes' earliest ever record of a Red-eyed Vireo, which was trapped in Cotters Garden on the 5th. This is around the 35th record of this American species for Ireland. More eastern in origin are the records of Red-backed Shrike (15th), Lesser Whitethroat (10th), 3 Wood Warblers (2nd), Icterine Warbler (1st and 4th), Red-breasted Flycatcher (2nd), Tawny Pipit (3rd), Ortolan Bunting (10th) and a Wryneck on the 13th.
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/bwi/pages092003/wildlifecourses/capeclear.html
(5) Calendar of Events for - October to December 2004 October:
Nothing to do in October? You've got to be kidding!
Visitors often ask "what do you do when the summer season is over" well some of us climb into the nearest wardrobe and stand there in a torpid state just waiting for the following June to arrive, but those of us in the know can't wait for the autumn - ready, steady, go......here we have a most wonderful time of the year, what with the Bird Festival (quite a few of the sessions are Free) and the Storytelling Workshop to keep us amused; read on and then contact us as soon as you can to book a place for the week, or perhaps come across for a day trip. Remember the ferry runs from Baltimore every day of the year, except Christmas day (weather permitting).
(5a) October Bird Festival - Cape Clear Bird Observatory
As if birds weren't enough, the festival this year includes sessions about Bats, Whales, Dolphins, Lagoons, Antarctica, and the history of Cape Clear, and finishes with a quiz.
Our very own Mary O’Driscoll will be your guide on a walk about the island, where she will regale you with the history of the island.
Bats - Don't you just love the gorgeous, furry little creatures - I do, so I will be watching the slide show presented by that well-known expert on Bats, Conor Kelleher.
Whales and Dolphins - October brings great chances of seeing these most wonderful of God's creatures - don't miss the trips to the most romantic lighthouse in the world, the Fastnet. Its real name in Irish is An Charraig Aonair, (The Lonely Rock).
Ringing of Birds - This is a great chance to see many birds close up, and actually in the hand, when Steve Wing demonstrates 'ringing' of birds in the lovely gardens of Cotters bar. All in all this is a great social event with a final night meal in the very atmospheric Ciarán Danny Mikes Restaurant.
(5b) Irish Lessons
Pyrography and 'Bilingual Hostel' Project: October 13th at 8 pm. A great chance to meet like-minded people while developing your Irish language skills and learning Pyrography at the same time. This is more a social event with a purpose rather than a course. We will use the subject of Cape Clear Island, as presented on the An Oige Hostel web site, as material for Irish Language training. An Oige, which is based in The Old Coastguard Station right next to the pebble beach, aims to become bilingual. To achieve this aim we will translate their web site and make dual language signs using pyrography techniques
Pyrography can use wood or leather. You can transfer your own design or a given design, make individualised presents and pictures or use your creativity as part of a bigger work of art.
The course consists of 8-9 meetings and will be held in the An OigeYouth Hostel on Wednesdays.
The cost will be €50. Click on the link for more information:
(5c) 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:
Kate Corkery leads the workshop of 2004
MASTER STORYTELLER IN RESIDENCE: Kate Corkery, Ireland & UK, originally from Passage West, near Cork, has, as singer, storyteller & workshop leader, lived & worked extensively in France, Spain, Switzerland – & taught in Kenya for 3 years. She’s performed in theatres, schools & libraries throughout the UK and Ireland, has taught storytelling workshops for teachers, head teachers, management teams, & children alike, & conducted combined arts plus mixed-ability residences using storytelling to link the work of sculptors, musicians & dancers. Her experience on stage, TV, & radio enhances her striking versatility as a storyteller. A graduate of UCC, she has a rich repertoire of Celtic Myths, Legends, & Folk Tales, & a wealth of stories from around the world, & these she combines with a talent for intergenerational storytelling projects. She’s also starred at 2 of Cape’s storytelling festivals.
"GROWING STORIES" WORKSHOP: This year, for our 11th annual workshop, Kate will help us, young & old, experienced & neophyte, learn to nurture our own story gardens. She understands how stories, like plants, can sprout and thrive in all sorts of terrains. She recognises how some have deep roots and can lie undisturbed for years; how others get unearthed and can be helped to flourish in fresh soil; how some heal and give comfort; how others flower and fade and are quickly forgotten while others stay evergreen. Beside the fire to remind us of the ancient, community roots and role of story, she will help us discover how to sow the seeds of storytelling not only in ourselves, but in all ages. A gifted, energetic tiller of tales, she will assist us in learning how best to tend our own Story Garden, how to dig into those legendary roots, to plant story seeds, to nurture new shoots, to encourage stories to blossom. So, please, bring a few story seeds with you. Kate will pick up the spade, spread some organic compost, enable us to make our stories accessible to all ages, and teach us how to lift a story – like a potato – with music, too, if we wish. (If you’ve any musical instrument – other than a grand piano, a kettle drum, or a tuba – consider bringing it with you! Even a didgeridoo!)
Click on the link to Chuck Kruger's web site to read about these wonderful sessions and, if you're lucky, to make a booking:
http://indigo.ie/~ckstory/workshop.htm
(5d) Gaelic Football Championships
The competition takes place the first weekend in October and a men's team has been formed under the leadership of Concubar Floirín Ó Donnchú. The team have arranged special jerseys which will commemorate Pádraig Ó Ceadagáin of Baile Iarthach who died earlier this year after a long illness. Pádraig was instrumental in developing the playing field on the Island and re-introduced regular football to the Island some years ago. Most of the present team first developed their skills under his direction.
The Island ladies are also striving to form a team under the leadership of Niamh Ní Drisceoil and Verona Ní Drisceoil.
Cape Clear islanders can contact Seamus for more information: "mailto:seamusabu@hotmail.com"
email direct to the Gaelic Football email address: "mailto:cliara@anu"
November, December, January:
(5e) Schull Theatre Group, 13th November (hopefully).
A rare chance for visitors and residents of Cape Clear to experience classical culture with a proposed production of Ovid based on the works of the great Roman poet, born 43bc.
(5f) Printmaking course 20-21 Nov; 27-28 Nov.; 11-12 Dec.; 15-16 Jan.
Teacher: Amelia Norman, Art Teacher, Cork, Member of Cork Printmakers Association.
Learn printmaking in a fun, relaxing, innovative atmosphere, taught by a qualified art teacher and printmaker who will take you through a range of techniques suitable for the beginner to the more experienced. Participants can develop their own previous art work, for example drawings of the island or personalised drawings, and incorporate these through printmaking techniques. However this course will be suitable for the person with no previous body of work, as new suggestions and ideas will be developed as part of this course content. Why not come along and discover the printmaker in you! The Course will consist of 8 classes over 4 weekends.
4 weekends in Cape Clear YH Cost € 80. Click on the link below for more information:
Calendar of events will continue in the next newsletter.
(6) Canoe Expedition to Middle Calf Island
Outward Bound Canoe Club Trip
The day started beautifully; the sun was shining, the sky was blue and we were ready for our trip to Middle Calf Island. Concubar O'Driscoll had kindly offered to take us, six adults and 16 children, to the island on the trusty old ferry Oileán na Naene, this was the main ferry before the Naomh Ciarán II came into service. But first we had to load and stow all our gear, which included seven tents, six canoes, and enough food, so it seemed, to last a fortnight, even though the trip was a one night stay on the island.
When you see the Calf islands from Clear island they look flat and desolate but when we arrived on the beach after swimming from the Oileán na Naen, which Concubar had manoeuvred with great skill through the rocks and onto the beach, we had to climb a small cliff to get from the golden beaches onto the fields of the island.
Yes it rained in the evening when we sat around the camp fire but we didn't care. We pulled our rain-hoods over our heads and ignored the weather. Lots of stories and jokes and a little bit of a sing song kept our spirits high. We baked our potatoes and roasted our marshmallows and spent most of the next day too cooking sausages. Some of us canoed across to the other Calf islands and some of us canoed around the middle calf.
The rest of us roamed the island exploring and gathering firewood. There are still the ruin of some houses on the island and Pat Leonard was able to point out the house that his grandmother lived in (she is Mary Mac and now lives on Cape Clear). We want this to be an annual event because it was just brilliant.
(7) Cape Clear Development & Improvements
(7a) Cape Clear Fish Farm
We are delighted to welcome Arakene Skully to the fish farm. She is of Basque origin, and is qualified in aqua culture. We wish her well in her new career.
The Ragworm project is now under way and this gives a new meaning to 'elevenses' as this is the feeding time for these wiggly little creatures.
Email the island Co-op for more information: mailto:ccteo@iol.ie
(7b) Infrastructure Improvements
The Marine Department are planning to resurface all of the roads in the North Harbour, which are under their care, before the end of the year.
(7c) Pottery & Tourism Office
Plans are now in place for the new stone building to replace the existing wooden 'Bothán.' This project should be completed before the start of the summer season 2005.
Brendan, a new arrival to the island, is now displaying his models of traditional boats in the pottery. Nell Kruger, after a number of years in the 'back room' of the craft shop, is changing her emphasis and is now concentrating on papier-mâché, her work will be displayed in the new building in due course. Helen will, as usual, be displaying her very special pieces of pottery, which are marvellous souvenirs of the island - Helen can be contacted on 028 39100.
(7d) Jobs on Cape Clear
Plumbers, builders and people with associated skills are always wanted on the island in the Summer, Winter, Autumn, or Spring. The low season is an ideal time to visit when houses are often available to rent at a modest cost. Email the Co-op for more information: ccteo@iol.ie
(8) Fastnet Commemoration by Éamon Lankford
In 2004 Cape Clear Island Museum & Archive organised a number of events in recognition of the year being the 25th anniversary of the Fastnet disaster; 100th anniversary of the second Fastnet lighthouse, and the 150th anniversary of the Commissioners of Irish Lights having built the first lighthouse on the Fastnet Rock, which is less than four miles from Cape Clear.
The Museum and island Co-operative arranged the erection of a monument on a hillside where you can view both the old disused Cape Clear Lighthouse with Signal Tower alongside, and the Fastnet Lighthouse. The monument was unveiled on May 23rd by Captain Owen Deignan of the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
Between August 13 to 16th, 1979 the Fastnet Race was torn by a storm that led to the loss of 15 lives among racing sailors and the sinking of five boats. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the most tragic event in yachting history was honoured on August 15th 2004 by Cape Clear Museum & Archive. Included in the day’s events were the presentation of the 1979 Fastnet Race Exhibition, unveiling of a Memorial and a book launch.
At the island Museum, John P. Bourke, Admiral of RORC unveiled the specially commissioned Fastnet Race Memorial by Cork sculptor Don Cronin. The symbolic piece is in limestone and glass. The names of those who perished are written on glass symbolising that their names are forever written on the waters around the Fastnet.
Ted Crosbie of the Irish Examiner daily launched the book Fastnet:An Charraig Aonair by Dr. Éamon Lankford, founder/ director of the Island Museum & Archive which contains an account of the 1979 Fastnet Race and the part played in the rescue operations by the Baltimore Lifeboat and the Irish Naval Service.
Present at the opening of the 1979 Fastnet Race Exhibition was the Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Jim Daly; Lt. Cdr Nial Manning of the Irish Naval vesel LE Emer, and officers, Capt. Harry McLarnan of the Granuaile, vessel of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Baltimore Lifeboat under Cox Kieran Cotter who was a member of the crew who rescued the crew of Regardless and Marionette during the Fastnet storm of 1979. Also present was Commodore John J. Kavanagh who was Lt. Cdr. of the naval vessel LE Deirdre, which located some 17 yachts during the 1979 storm and guided rescue services to their location. Terence C. Johnson, Chairman of RNLI (Ireland) presented citations to Christy Collins, Cox of the 1979 Baltimore Lifeboat, Kieran Cotter, present Cox, Capt. Neil Manning of LE Emer, Commodore John J. Kavanagh (retired) and Peter Whipp of the 1979 Fastnet Race yacht Magic who along with Neil Kenefick a member of the 1979 crew of Golden Apple of the Sun have helped to establish ‘The Fastnet Race Remembrance Collection’ as part of the Cape Clear Island Archive. Ted Turner presented the Museum with a copy of a painting of Tenacious winner of the Fastnet Race 1979 and a number of others presented charts and photographs of yachts which participated in the 1979 race.
John O'Donnell, SC, sailed Sundowner in the 1979 race along with his father Barry and Nicholas and in 2004 John wrote a poem called The Wave. Nicholas O’Donnell read the poem to a hushed audience at the Museum and this was followed by the fine singing of Rory Allen of Ballymaloe of 'The Fastnet Race'. The ballad was penned by Kathryn, daughter of Donie O'Sullivan, Secretary of the Ballycotton Lifeboat during the 'Fastnet storm' of 1979.
The highlight of the Remembrance day was a very moving Ceremony which was conducted at sea from the deck of the Irish Naval vessel, L. E. Emer under Lt. Cdr Neil Manning positioned at sea off Cape Clear and in view of the Fastnet. The vessel of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Granuaile, under Capt. Harry McLarnan, stood by, and the Baltimore Lifeboat with its full crew, Courtmacsherry Lifeboat, island ferries and yachts from Schull, Baltimore and Cork were alongside the naval vessel. Some thirty participants in the 1979 race from both Ireland and Britain travelled in the boats which took part in the ‘Parade of Boats’ from North Harbour.
Over 400 people observed the ceremony from boats at sea. A wreath of wild flowers from the island was placed on the ocean by Kieran Cotter, Cox of the Baltimore Lifeboat. As each of the names of those who perished were called by Neil Kenefick of Golden Apple of the Sun, the ship's bell was rung. This was followed by a period of silence as the wreath bearing the names of the fifteen sailors who were lost floated on the water towards the Fastnet Rock. A Prayer Service conducted in both Irish and English by Fr. Peter Queally and the Rev. Bruce Hayes, Skibbereen, followed. Dr. Éamon Lankford who read a message from the President of Ireland addressed to the bereaved families and the rescue services of Britain and Ireland.
The assembled officers and crew of the naval vessel gave a salute as the ship's bell was rung once more and a naval piper played the haunting tune 'Going Home' over the waters of the Fastnet. The names of the fifteen sailors who lost their lives in the 1979 Fastnet Race have been also been inscribed in stone by the islands RNLI committee at Cape Clear island’s North Harbour and in the Memorial at the island Museum.
(9) Ferry & 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:
"http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_irish.htm" or http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_english.htm
(10) Fishing with Rod and Line
Shore fishing has been excellent this year. Large catches of pollack are regular. A recent visitor, a man from Holland aged 65, and the first time he had ever fished, caught a 5lb pollack from the rocks in South Harbour. Karl Eastwood a regular visitor from Wales caught a 5½ lb pollack from the rocks of the Ballaun Na Narragaun. The previous day, in August, the catch was more than 60 fish, including a dozen mackerel.
The seas of South Harbour were boiling with fish on one particular night in August and it all seemed to start with a flock of gannets diving after the shoals of sprat, and continued with pollack and mackerel leaping out of the sea trying to get their share of the catch. I was on the quay fishing for mackerel and came away with a dozen or more. The poor sprat had nowhere to hide. This remarkable evening was completed by the sight of a multitude of herring gulls and three seals dashing about the bay after their share.
Fishing rods and equipment are available to hire from Gach Rud Eile in the North Harbour.
Sea fishing trips are also readily available, try the links for more information:
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/amenit.htm
(11) Friend of Cape Clear; a Short Profile
In this issue we feature a true friend of the island; Éamon Lankford, Director of Cape Clear Museum & Archive.
Éamon was educated at An Mhodhscoil, Cork, De La Salle College, Waterford and University College Cork. He is founder/director of the voluntary Cape Clear Island Museum which is housed in a restored old schoolhouse exhibiting artefacts of island maritime and folk-life interest and has achieved wide acclaim and won the Best Voluntary Museum category in the Irish Museum of the Year Awards
2001. Éamon was awarded a Doctorate by Maynooth University in 1995, for his onomastic research and lives in Douglas, Cork, with his wife Máirín and their sons, Ciarán and Ultan.
Éamon is a prolific author and his publications include: Cape Clear Island: its People and Landscape (1999); Naomh Ciarán: Pilgrim Islander, which was produced for the St. Piran-St. Ciarán, Kernow (Cornwall) -Cape Clear and Seir Kieran (Co. Offaly) Pilgrimage of 2000;
The bilingual Heritage Trail (2003) which introduces the visitor to the many places associated with the islands natural and cultural landscape; Fastnet: An Charraig Aonair (2004) which tells the story of Cape Clear's Signal Tower and Lighthouse, the building of two lighthouses on the Fastnet Rock and the Fastnet Race of 1979. It was produced for the 1979 Fastnet Race Remembrance Ceremony held on the island on August 15th 2004. The above works are available from:
Comharchumann Chléire Teo., Cléire, An Sciobairín, Co. Chorcaí, Éire.
e-mail: mailto:cccteo@eircom.net
(12) Genealogy
(12a) O'Driscoll - Driscolls of Cork
As Cape Clear Island is the heart of the territory which was left to the O'Driscoll's after the Battle of Kinsale 1601, Cape Clear Museum has a particular interest in hearing from all who are related to the Clann Ó Drisceoil (O Driscoll Family worldwide). The Museum Society invites the submission of O'Driscoll related family genealogies, and career profiles for inclusion in the Museum's O'Driscoll File.
"mailto:logainmneacha@yahoo.com"
http://www.placenames.ie/capeclear/contact.html
(12b) Cape Clear Genealogy:
Thanks to Colin Ferguson for the following link which has information about Cape Clear families in the early 19th century:
Just as a reminder here are the other links to O'Driscoll websites:
"http://www.freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~colin/DriscollOfCork/"
www.http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~colin/DriscollOfCork/.htm
(13) Here (in the island) and There (somewhere else)
(13a) Karl & Eilbhe:
We are delighted to report that Karl Payne & Eilbhe Donovan have decided to remain in the island. They are currently living in the camp-site building but are keen to rent a more suitable abode.
(13b) Brendan & Arakene Skully:
Truly welcome to you both. Brendan is a skilled craftsman and he makes models of traditional boats which he currently offers for sale in the pottery. Arakene is employed as an aqua culturist in the island Fish farm.
(13c) The Horrific Cassidy and Marsh Family:
Their departure from the island in August was hard for all of us (I'm quite butch so it didn't bother me at all). But I watched as the tears welled in the eyes of the other 'men' (big girls really) as well as the women, however, your investigative editor is able to report from a reliable source, that the family from hell (Sasana) will be back for a visit at Easter. I have been asked to tell them to bring some Trebor Refreshers with them and also not to forget their football boots.
(13d) Christopher & young Hugh Chavepeyer:
They have only just arrived on the island and are living in Sean's old house in the Comolán. They tell me that they are here to stay. A warm Cape Clear welcome to them both.
(14) Irish Language Courses
(14a) Ionad Foghlama Chléire
This autumn and winter there will be courses in Irish through Printmaking, Pyrography, Natural Soap Making, and Papermaking. See the Calendar of Events for more information.
Also, as usual, there are year-round activity based language learning opportunities for families, groups, and individuals from all walks of life. Click on the link below to visit the IFC web site for more information and to test yourself in Irish:
(15) Islanders
|
|
Concubar O'Driscoll
Concubar, a recent chieftain of the O'Driscoll clan, died on Saturday 25th September shortly after 4pm. That very evening he started his homeward journey back to the island and people he loved, and to the people who loved him. His first stop, after Dunmanway, was at the little church in Baltimore where, the following morning, after a guard of honour supplied by Illen Rovers and Gabriel Rangers, a mass was said in his honour. They say that there was upwards of a thousand people at the church and plenty more who couldn’t get there for the level of traffic. On Sunday he continued his journey from the church and on into Baltimore town. When he arrived outside 'Bushes,' the pub of his choice, his family and friends, ably supported by the crew of the local Lifeboat, took it in turn to 'shoulder' him down the road, along the pier and then on to the Naomh Ciarán II for the last time.
His extended family joined him onboard, and they alone filled the ferry. There were many other boats in the harbour, of differing sizes, small boats and large boats, including all of the other ferries from hereabouts, who were ready and willing to take the rest of the mourners to the island. The smaller boats accompanied the Naomh Ciarán II out into the bay and beyond and then waited as sixteen or more boats continued on the journey.
Those of us who remained on the island were waiting for Concubar to arrive. We waited.....but could see nothing due to the mist, and then all of a sudden the flotilla of boats, headed by the Naomh Ciarán II, closely followed by the Karrycraft and the Spirit of the Isles, broke through the mist. There they were, sixteen or more of them, spread across the visible horizon, ravishing to the eye, almost forming a chevron; the shape of a flock of soaring wild geese. You could feel the very essence of the man as necks were craned to see the sight as the flotilla of boats rose and fell with the swell of the sea and forged onwards to the island pier. It was as if Concubar was directing operations once more, as the Naomh Ciarán II, first among ferries, the love of the island, was bringing her captain home.
Wakes are rarer these days, but if a man ever deserved a wake that man was Concubar. The next stage of his journey saw him in a motorcade as he was taken along the pier and on to the south harbour and then on up the steep road to the top of the hill and the house that he built with his own hands. There he was laid out in one of the front rooms, and the rest of that day and night, and the following day too, saw a stream of people and cars as we all went to say our goodbyes.
On Monday the day opened with blue skies and the promise of a grand day for the next stage of Concubar's journey, and it simply didn't matter when the mist rolled in. It just became a typically 'soft' island day, the sort that Concubar was used to. In the afternoon he was taken in a motorcade to the island church of St Ciarán for the blessing, and again the church was full. The rest of us gathered outside and, thanks to the large outdoor speakers, listened to the soothing words of the three priests, and Concubar's favourite hymns, sung so beautifully by the island's own choir. After the blessing we were all invited down to Club Cleire to continue our celebration of Concubar's life.
The time scheduled for Concubar's funeral mass, was Tuesday, 1.30pm, and it arrived soon enough. The church was filled again as the ferries struggled to bring the crowds of people who wanted to pay their last respects. Some people who couldn’t get on the main ferry were brought in via the slipway.
It was another of those 'soft' island days when you couldn't see the mainland for the mist. We were truly islanded here on Cape Clear, it was as if God was concentrating on us alone.
There was easily 300 people outside the church of St Ciarán and we stood and talked of Concubar and what he meant to each of us. Yes we were desperate when first we heard the news of his illness, and desperate while we waited for more news, and desperate still when we heard that he had passed on. But the Wake has helped us to come to terms with our feelings and we are desperate no longer. Instead we remember his good deeds, his funny ways, his sense of humour and most of all his commitment to the people around him. Father Peter Queally led the mass and we listened as Eleanor spoke of Concubar, her husband, her man. Tears were shed while we smiled at the funny and poignant stories told by his children. The music was touching and beautiful and we cried again as we realised we were listening to some of Concubar’s favourite song's.
And then it was over and time for the final stage of Concubar's journey as he was carried from the little church and out into the waiting crowd. His cortege made their way down into the south harbour and over the Cumar and on to the north harbour where it stopped outside the little island shop. The day was now getting warmer as the sun struggled to break through the mist and the north harbour was filling with the crowds of people who had walked from the church at the top of the hill, and yet there was still a sort of a hush as the lone piper, Fergal Mac Amhlaoibh, primed the bag of his pipes in readiness. Mairtín called out the order of the ten groups of men who would take it in turn to carry Concubar to his final resting place. The sound of the lone piper now filled the harbour as the first group of men moved off with Concubar on their shoulders. They walked along the seafront and stopped and changed to a new group every few minutes, and then they turned and walked along the pier and stopped next to the Naomh Ciarán II. We couldn’t all fit on the pier and so most of us waited in the distance and listened to the songs being sung for Concubar.
Then the lone piper started up again and they started back along the pier and on up to the ancient ruined church of St Ciarán. Here Concubar was finally laid to rest at a place which allows a great view of the North Harbour and the berth of the Naomh Ciarán II. Concubar was a man who loved Irish music and he was done proud by the songs which flowed from the hearts of all the singers.
God rest the soul of Concubar O'Driscoll.
*************************************************************************************************
(16) Museum and Heritage Centre
Éamon Lankford has, since the 1970's, been engaged in researching aspects of island life and heritage in Cape Clear. In 1981 he formed Cumann Iarsmalann Chleire / Cape Clear Museum Society as a voluntary organisation to; Source, collect and preserve records concerning all aspects of Cape Clear island life; Organise the collection of artefacts of folk, farm and maritime life and see to their exhibition and preservation; Develop an Exhibition Centre and Heritage Archive to house both artefacts and documentation of island interest. With the help of the island community, and Irish State Agencies the Cléire Museum Society he has restored and equipped an old schoolhouse, which now holds a large collection of exhibition material. Interpretative exhibition panels cover island settlement patterns, folk and farm, genealogy, folklore, placenames, education, famine, telegraph and maritime history.
The museum society has undertaken archaeological, geological, botanical, ornithological, and placename, genealogical surveys of the island and this material is being prepared as an Island Archive. Events of note in the history of the island are also remembered with special anniversary commemorations, exhibitions and lectures.
In 2004 the Museum along with Comharchumann Chléire Teo, the island Co-op arranged the erection of a Fastnet Lighhouse Monument on a hillside in the island and presented the Fastnet Lighthouse Exhibition in the island Museum.
On August 15th the Museum hosted the international 1979 Fastnet Race Remembrance Ceremony when a specially commissioned Fastnet Race Memorial was unveiled at the Museum and a ceremony held at sea in memory of the fifteen sailors who were lost in the Fastnet Race of 1979.
Fastnet: An Charraig Aonair by Éamon Lankford, tells the story of the Cape Clear Signal Tower and Lighthouse, the building of two lighthouses on the Fastnet and the 1979 Fastnet Race tragedy.
Éamon would be delighted to receive any information relating to the Fastnet race of 1979 or indeed and Fastnet race for inclusion in the museum’s Fastnet Collection.
For more information visit: "http://www.placenames.ie/capeclear/contact.html"
(17) Music & Dance at our Pub's and Club.
(17a) Ciarán Danny Mikes
Contrary to the word on the street this delightfully atmospheric pub and restaurant remains open throughout the autumn and winter. The walls are decked with historic photographs and it has a pool table for the energetic amongst you. You are always sure of a warm welcome from Mary and her team.
(17b) Club Cleíre
Will also be opening on the weekends and will have music at least once a month.
(18) NewsCapers (News from Island Children)
(18a) Cape Clear Worm Farm by Nora Jane Ní Mhéalóid, age 10½
Cape Clear Worm Farm is home to Nereis Virens (ragworm). They came in July and are leaving in November. Water is pumped 24 hours a day and must be checked every so often. They are fed 1.5 to 5kg a day and are fed every day. They are long and thin with lots of legs and vary in colour. When they are harvested they will be blast frozen on the spot and shipped over to South America. In South America they will be fed to shrimp bloodstock. It is like folic acid to them. Cape Clear is the only Ragworm farm in Ireland. The worms grow very well here. They were brought from Newcastle in England by a company called Seabait.
(19) Poetry
Thank goodness that the threat of more of my own minor poems was enough to persuade Chuck to allow you all the chance of reading poetry with real heart and, to boot, it is so very relevant to this years commemorations of the Fastnet.
We need more poetic offerings for the next issue, and it doesn't even have to be your own. It could be a poem which moves you, just as long as it is relevant to Cape Clear.
Chucks poems are atmospheric (my favourite word in this issue) and they have the full flavour of the Atlantic ocean. I love reading them out loud to myself, and as that gem of Canadian poets, Robert Service, once said of another poet he admired, "I wish I’d written that."
So here they are: Fastnet 1903, and Feathering Mackerel
The Fastnet, 1903
You wouldn't think
being in the final thick
of building my fourth lighthouse tower
would change my orientation to the stars –
especially to Orion's belt – but then,
maybe you’ve not yet lived
well out to sea on a rock
beside an even smaller rock
so that from any spot
you can throw a stone
that drops into the drink.
You wouldn't think
hearing the sound of sea
any time of day or night
would help to locate you
on your own nautical chart,
make you less concerned
about the number of fathoms
in the day and more aware of the degree
of where you are or aren't:
I mean I've seen my mug of tea –
perched on a table at a precisely reckoned
117 feet 4 inches above sea level –
be bounced into the midnight air
by the thunder of a visitor below;
I mean I've watched rocks
weighing in at tons
be ripped from cliffs,
be tossed a hundred feet
to where I’d calmly stood
surveying cloud-capped Hungry Hill
that early unassuming rip-tide afternoon.
You wouldn't think
a landlubber man like me,
a mainland engineer
who once loved golf,
could ever have touched out here –
so close to the upwelling continental shelf –
two thousand seventy-four
artifacts, these exactly cut,
no, crafted blocks that went in
to the laying of course upon stubborn course
of this princely primal tower.
At first, since truths be few and stark
as tidal waves, I confess I feared
each hoisted block, all one
and three-quarters to three tons worth,
feared each had my name and dates engraved,
but by this almost end – today we're at last
at that preordained eighty-ninth course
I've begun to run my questing callused hands
over each stone as though it is my friend,
not my profession, and direct with delectation
the dove-tailing ritual of lowering male
into female, female onto male, of joggling
the bonds of the entire edifice into one
gently soaring male-and-female monolith.
Today I held the plumb bob from the top
and the vertical variation's off
by under 3/16 of an inch.
No, you wouldn't think
that working where one reflex backward step –
and you might take such any day
of work or play – would be the last
you’d ever make, that that risk would be
conducive to communal snores,
but nonetheless every simple step
has gained a density of belief
in a different kind of engineering feat:
every time – whether high up where
the lantern’s yet to rise and pulse,
or under dangling tons, or in a nervous wind
gathering force – you run your hand
along a stone's arris, feeling for
the slightest chip, you know
it isn’t just the ropes, the cables,
the smoothness of the shackles,
the teamwork of your fellow man,
that keeps us each from dropping down
to say good day to Davy Jones's gang.
No, you wouldn't think
that some crunch times sleeping three
to a bed, or not leaving the blasted rock
last year for over ten months straight,
or witnessing a seasoned plumber depart
wild as a child's nightmare battered
after his first night and a minor storm,
or seeing two companions lose each an eye,
or getting up at 5:00 no matter what,
no, you wouldn't think you’d mostly come
to feel that those wheeling stars in Orion’s belt
have been perfectly positioned by an Old Hand
Who thrives in a mirror sea awash with lights
that give voyaging me a clue to whereabouts.
Chuck's second poem of this issue is:
Feathering Mackerel
Feathering mackerel half a mile east
of the Fastnet Rock, I glance
to starboard where, below
billowing cumulus and framed
between the Lighthouse and our punt,
sails such sudden purity of yacht
seascape turns into painting, me into peace,
and a Galway hooker into a red-sailed hint
of the worth of being on board.
****
It really is worth visiting Chuck's web site where you will be able to read more
of his poetry, see some beautiful photographs, and even buy his books:
http://indigo.ie/~ckstory/index.htm
(20) Regatta in August
Both harbours were filled with boats of all shapes and sizes and the island was a throng with day-trippers. Music could be heard wherever you were and the weather was beautiful. The sound of laughter and fun was all around - a truly marvellous day for all concerned.
The Loch Errol regatta was as good as ever with model sailboat racing, canoe racing, lifebuoy throwing, which were all hotly contested. All the model boats were made on the island by Michael 'Mack' O’Donoghue, an old mariner who lives just beside the Loch.
(21) Religion on Cape
Two great days on the island in the summer when mass was said in both the North and South Harbours. The Church of Ireland Vicar, Bruce Hayes, joined our own Catholic Bishop John Buckley and Father Peter Queally in the ancient churchyard of St Ciarán's in the North Harbour, and the Church of Ireland Bishop Paul Colton with Bruce Hayes said a mass in the Church of Ireland churchyard behind the hostel in the South Harbour. The weather was beautiful on both occasions, although some of the Church of Ireland congregation had to turn back due to rough seas.
One of the very special features of our island is that the mass is ably and regularly said in Irish by our own Father Peter Queally.
(22) Sport and Games
(22a) Chess Club
There are rumours that Baltimore is trying to start a chess club to challenge Cape Clear. So now is the time for all of us players to meet and practice our skills. Everybody is welcome, young or old, islander or visitor, children and parents alike, at any level; and if you are a beginner we will show you how to play the game. You could just call down for a cup of tea or mug of coffee every Tuesday at 7.30 pm. The actual day may change so please ring Richard to confirm - we will put a notice in the shop.
(22b) GAA
It was a big day on the island, on the 18th September, when members of the Illen Rovers GAA team visited the island to launch their monthly draw to raise money for the club. They were all warmly welcomed by the island community. See calendar of events for more GAA news.
(23) Thank You!
A big thank you to:
(23a) Sister Regina and all of the staff of Mount Mercy Heights Boarding School, Roscarbery, for taking such excellent care of our girls over many years.
The girls of the island wanted to say thank you in more substantial way and they did this by arranging for the Sisters to visit Cape Clear during the summer. They organised the whole event and made a special presentation to them at a reception in Ciarán Danny Mike's, with music provided by the our very own musicians. A special mass in celebration was said by Father Hickey. A happy day for all involved.
A big thank you also goes to:
(23b) Éamon Lankford for the excellent work he has done over the years. This year saw some major events on the island and they all went very well thanks to Éamon’s organisational ability. Much more on Éamon, a true friend of the island, elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter.
(24) Tidy Islands Competition
Well we managed to increase our score this year but failed to win. We can take consolation in the fact that we came to within 11 points of the winner. We can also be proud of the fact that we have kept the island remarkably clear of rubbish throughout the year.
(25) Visitor Impression of Cape By Niamh O'Mara
On the 12th of August seven friends and I upped sticks from our inland homes in Mallow, Co. Cork and headed out to sea to the island of Cape Clear. We had first come to the island as pupils of Colaiste Pobail (Irish Language College), shipped off by our parents to learn a bit of Gaeilge and get out of their hair. Naturally learning Irish was not one of our priorities, we were there to have fun make friends and hopefully meet a few nice boys too! After three weeks, we had fallen in love with not only the males in the college but also the island itself. Most of the group returned to Irish college the year after and I myself ended up taking part in the courses three times!
This year we decided to stay in Richard and Jan's hostel in the South harbour. The craic on the island was mighty! Each night we did a "pub crawl" of the island (if you could call it that considering there's only three pubs in total) and somehow managed to end up in our beds without the usual comfort of car transport to our front doors.
When we managed to drag ourselves out of bed each morning we visited some familiar sights around the island, and also some new ones we had never seen. We confronted our good old friend "an leaca mhor" (a very steep hill) which, as students, we had been forced to mount up to twice every day (we have our own name for it "the b…… hill" but it’s a bit rude to print!). We saw the beautiful Dun na nOir castle, Cuas an Dughlais (cove) and much more. I also had the pleasure to go canoeing not once but twice with Paula and had a wonderful time on both occasions.
The island hasn't changed much since our first visit, the Telecom Eireann van has finally upgraded to Eircom, the chipper is painted a lovely blue colour (the chips still taste as gorgeous as they ever did, thanks Maire) and there are now benches at the rear of An Siopa Beag (the little shop). The mobile phone reception has improved but there is still none in the South harbour! The islanders are of course as friendly as ever and the island is still, I can safely say, the most beautiful place I have ever visited, in not only this country but anywhere else in the world I have ever been!
A big thank you to everyone who made us feel welcome and especially to Richard and Jan who were absolutely wonderful hosts! I’ll definitely be back again and if you haven’t ever been I recommend you pay Cape Clear a visit too!
(26) Weddings
Fionola O'Brien & Kevin Andrews chose Clear Island for their wedding, we wish them a long and happy marriage.
(27) Whales, Dolphins, & Porpoises etc.:
Steve Wing, the Bird Observatory Warden, sees more of these wonderful creatures than anyone else. Why is that? Well Steve can be found wandering the island at all times of the day and night and his eyes are always peeled. His recent sightings include; Bottle-Nosed Dolphins 30, on the 10th; White Sided Dolphins 25 on the 27th; plenty of Sunfish (max of 5 on the 26th), lots of Common Dolphins and Porpoises all month.
Remember, these marvellous creatures can often be seen on the ferry trips to and from the island. On the 30th I saw two seals on the ferry journey home.
http://www.oilean-chleire.ie/index_english.htm
(28) Links to Cape Clear Web Sites:
Our island web site, with lots of links, pictures, places to stay on the island etc.
View back copies of the Newsletter and lots of pictures of Cape Clear.
Emara Community Portal, contains regular news about Cape Clear.
If you wish to be removed from the mailing list please send an email to: "mailto:anoige@fenlon.net"
We hope you enjoyed reading our newsletter. If we can add anything else to help improve your enjoyment then please let us know.
Email "mailto
No comments:
Post a Comment