26 Dec 1997, Posted in Gardening Tips,Local News, 0 Comments

Nuacht Chláir December 1997

Special News

Good luck and every success to Marian Connolly on the opening of her new restaurant “Bruach na hAbhann”, formerly “The Abbey Restaurant”,Claregalway. Looking forward to sampling the culinary delights of your renowned chef Owen McArdle!!

Birthday wishes to Brian Moran, Lakeview, who will be 8 on the 24th December.

Birthday wishes also to Nicola Newell, Lakeview, who will be 9 on the 24th December.

Best wishes to Siobhán McAndrew who celebrated her 8th birthday on December 13th.

Best wishes to Emmet Farrell, Cregboy, who celebrates his 8th birthday on January 4th.

Claregalway Friary

Perhaps the most notable landmark in the parish of Claregalway lies just to the north of the river Clare and to the west of the Norman castle. This is the Franciscan Friary which has been in existence since the 13th Century. A certain amount of debate has been held regarding the actual year of construction and the generally accepted year was 1290, the erection being credited to John de Cogan. This man was in fact a descendant of Milo de Cogan, reputedly the first Englishman to set foot in Connacht, but who ended up making a shameful retreat.

However, evidence was recently uncovered which makes the friary at least 40 years older. A deed from 1252 mentions the friary and it is known that between the years of 1250 and 1256 lands were given to the friars in Claregalway. The friary is also reputed to be the first known Francisan house in Connacht and it was known to be under the custody of Nenagh in a document from 1260. This earlier construction date is also accredited to John de Cogan, so it is obvious that he was involved, regardless.

Two events of note closed the history of the friary in the 13th Century, both involving different popes. In 1291 Pope Nicholas IV offered an indulgence to anyone visiting the friary on certain feast days. Religion was also the cause of events involving Pope Bonifact VIII which centred around an unsettled quarrel over whether or not Annaghdown was in the Tuam archdiocese. Fearing the worst Annaghdown’s Bishop sent all the pontificalia or symbols of office to the Claregalway friars for safe keeping. This keeping lasted until 1297 when Philip de Blund acting under orders from Tuam, violently removed the items.

In 1327 a descendant of John de Cogan, going by the name of John Magnus de Cogan lived up to his name by giving a large endowment to the friary. He was credited as both a founder and a benefactor. Also in this century the friars were given lands by various other benefactors. They were to use these lands to pay for the expenses for bread, wine and candles. Later, William de Burgo gave them pasturage of 24 cows in a commonage. At this time we know that the friars were part of the community because of an unfortunate incident during a hurling game in the parish when a friar seriously injured a man who later died from his injuries.

In 1433, Pope Eugene IV granted an indulgence of four years to anyone visiting Claregalway Friary. This was an effort to raise money to renovate the church and also to complete the unfinished steeple. The Friary prospered from this time until 1469 when O’Donnell in his attack on the de Burgos burned much of Claregalway.

The next century proved to be a difficult one for monasteries and friaries in Ireland as in 1536 the Reformation Parliament came to the fore in England and Henry VIII was recognised as the head of the Church in Ireland. At this time then many monks and friars gave in and left their monasteries to ruin, the stone being used to build big houses. Claregalway friary survived this period and its future seemed guaranteed under the reign of Queen Elizabeth when she granted lands in Connacht to Sir Richard de Burgh, who declared loyalty to her. However, towards the end of the 16th Century the land was back in the Queens name again. At this time,the Spanish Armada was to dock at Galway Bay and thus an army of the Queen, led by Sir Richard Bingham arrived into Connacht. He took over the friary and converted it to a barracks going so far as to stable the horses in the chapel. The troops defaced the friary and drove the friars away.

The friars attempted to restore the friary in 1641, the year in which Civil War broke out in Ireland, and after this restoration the friars moved back in. Mass is known to have been said in 1643. Two years later their first guardian Peter Tiernan was appointed. In documents relating to this time the Friary was known as “coventus de Clare”. Cromwell arrived into Ireland and in 1652 as his troops were in Galway they destroyed many monuments. By 1657 everything bar the Church was destroyed, but the friars remained in the locality.

In the eighteenth century,the numbers in the friary seemed very depleted, but there are some conflicting reports. A report from 1766 stated that only 5 permanent residents remained in the friary and that 3 of these friars were advanced in years. This was an improvement upon the figures of 1731 which gave the population in the friary then as a paltry 3.

These figures are at odds with two other sets for 1776 and 1782, in which the numbers of members are set at 220 and 150 respectively. The truth of these rather inflated figures seems to be questioned by the report made by Rev. Daniel Agustus Beaufort, the rector of Navan, also in the 1780′s, when he said that the Claregalway friary was in ruins. Coquebert de Montbret found on a visit that the friars actually settled down in the ruins but whatever meagre comforts they enjoyed were short-lived when the English again decided upon the friary as a base. This time the soldiers ruined the chapel and poor Fr.Blake, the guardian of the time, had to prevail upon friends of his in the Waterdale area for shelter.

Despite this sacking of the chapel, by 1801 four friars had moved back to the friary. Eight years later Rev. Kenny shut the church down and everyone had to move out for the restoration which took place in 1811. In 1815, Fr. Blake, who had survived the English was re-appointed as guardian, but unfortunately he died the very next year. An interesting aspect to note at this time is that before this reappointment, a Fr. Crampton managed the house for some time, circa 1814. He was not a Franciscan friar, but actually a Carmelite and because of his order’s habit he was regarded throughout Claregalway as ‘An Bráthair Bán’.

School resumed in the chapel in 1826 and the Sunday mass of the time attracted between 600-800 people, with 80-90 people attending daily mass. Sadly however, friar numbers dwindled until in the middle of that century only 2 remained. Prior to this, in 1832, a new diocese, Galway, was set up to include Claregalway so that it was in to Galway that the friars finally decided to go. A local man is reputed to have acted as “driver” for the friars; when the older friar took ill on his rounds he told the driver to bring him to Galway. This sad task done, our man returned to the friary to pass on the news to the other who then said “I must go too”. Thus the last friar left the friary behind.

The friars did not totally abandon the local people though and masses were said there into the 1870′s. It was also at this stage that the appointment of guardians ceased. The last friar who had actually resided at the friary died in 1858, a Fr. John Francis.

Rev. Martin Commins,P.P. Claregalway of the time, celebrated an annual mass in the chapel from 1892 but Canon Moran P.P. and other priests, discontinued the service. Indeed Canon Moran thought little of the friary describing it as both “Norman and Alien”, a throwback to the financial aid given by the de Burgo’s. The same priest later took some interest in the structure when some travellers found protection from the elements in one quarter of the friary. The Canon had the roof in this portion torn down and the people were put on their way.

Happily today the friary is seen by all as an important part of our history and it should suffer no more damage. Also, a yearly mass is now being said for all buried in the friary and its surrounds, which is always well attended, hail, rain or shine.

This material on the Friary of Claregalway was a FÁS scheme research of some years back but neither the particular trainee author(s) nor the original sources used have been identified to date. It would be a pity though not to see it published.

Aodán McGlynn.

Seasons Greetings from the Philippines

Christmas Greetings to everyone in the Parish! I hope that you are all keeping well and in great form. No doubt, you’re all looking forward to the holidays and for the opportunity to ‘throw your feet up’ for a while.

I am in shock myself at the moment though because I cannot believe that it is this time of the year again. It is amazing just how quickly the few months have gone since I left home and it certainly does not seem like a year ago since the Ordination.

Anyway, I am keeping great myself and have settled back into life here at this stage. I am afraid though that I do not have too much news for you because I have been in language school since the beginning of September. Very exciting eh? We have class every day from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. so that fairly well keeps us occupied. The Language School is lively because there are 12 Columbans studying there – 6 Lay Missionaries, 2 students, l Columban Sister and 3 Priests. We all belong to the same Missionary Group. By the time you get this letter though I will have finished up in the school (how sad!)

Unfortunately, the parish that I was supposed to move into by Christmas, and where I was to work permanently, is a bit unstable at the moment, after the series of kidnappings there over the last few weeks. Once things have settled down again by July or August, I will be able to move in. So, in the meantime, I will probably be living in a squatter area in one of the cities for the six months or so.

It sure doesn’t seem like Christmas here, even though there are Christmas lights and decorations up all over the place. I just find it hard to believe that it is Christmas when it is hot and humid. No more than yourselves, when I think of Christmas, I associate it with wind and rain!. Not to worry though because I will be thinking of you all when I spend Christmas Day on the beach.

I will conclude for the moment by wishing each and every one of you a very Happy, Peaceful and relaxing Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

I will write to you all again soon once I get settled into the Parish. So until then, all of the very best and take care.

Love,
David Cribbin.

Once again, thanks a million for all your prayers and support. I really appreciate it.

Claregalway/Carnmore Community Alert – Important Notice

Following a meeting of the Claregalway/Carnmore Community Alert on Monday 1st December the committee has decided to award the contract for alarms for the elderly to AID ALERT, 21 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. An initial order for 20 units was placed last week and it is hoped that as many as possible will be installed before Christmas.

The alarms are for the benefit of people over 65 years of age, living alone in households mainly of elderly people. If your name has not already been given to the committee and you feel you or a member of your family may qualify, please contact your townland co-ordinator or a member of the committee:

Committee
Martin Kirrane (Chairman) 798399
Margaret Waldron (Secretary) 798243
Brendan Noonan (Treasurer) 798207
Sean Harte (PRO) 798726
Liam Glynn 755049
Murt Grealish 794171
Malachy Hanley 794463

Carnmore Juvenile Hurling Club A.G.M.

The A.G.M. of the Carnmore Juvenile Hurling Club was held on Wednesday the 3rd December in the Carnmore Community Centre. There was a very good attendance.

The Secretary’s report from Declan O’Brien outlined the very active and successful year of 1997. No trophies were won by the under age teams but a big number of players participated in four age groups.

Under 10′s participated in the City League and Oranmore blitz. They travelled to Ennis and played a challenge game there. From April to November they took part in training sessions every Saturday morning at Carnmore pitch. Great credit and gratitude is due to Michael Hanley, Declan O’Brien, John Fox and Enda Flaherty who looked after this age group.

Under 12: During April and May this age group played 3 City League games. They played a number of games in the championship against Abbeyknockmoy, Killimordaly, Oranmore and Sarsfield. Carnmore qualified for the County Quarter Final but were defeated by one point by Ardrahan who eventually won the County Final. A huge amount of work was put in by Thomas Grealish, Declan O’Brien and Declan Flaherty with this age group.

Under 14: This team had a great run in the championship. Under the management of Johnny Kerrigan, Declan Walsh and Thomas Grealish this team reached the County Final. On the way they defeated Ardrahan, Kilconieron, Kinvara, Ballinasloe and St. Thomas’s but were defeated by a physically strong Liam Mellows team in the final at Ballinasloe.

Under 16: The under 16 team had stiff competition in their group games. They were grouped with Sarsfields, Meelick, Eyrecourt, Oranmore and Ahascragh. They were unlucky not to qualify from their group as they were leading well in a couple of their games .Sean Davoren, Ronnie Walsh and Michael Paul Flaherty deserve great thanks for their efforts with this team.

Parish Leagues: The following Parish Leagues were held during the year and were a great success. Again, thanks to the sponsors for their generosity.

Under 12: Mannion Motors Parts Cup for winners. Mannion Motor Parts Shields for runners-up.

Under 14: Carnmore Juvenile Committee Shield.

Under 16: Michael Greaney Perpetual Trophy.

Congratulations were expressed to Gary Dillon who was on the Galway Under 14 team this year, to Anthony Davoren who was on the Galway under 16 team and also to B. Hanley, B. McCartan, O. Glynn, G. French and T. Casserley who were on the Galway Under 12 City League Team.

Clare centre back and All Star Sean McMahon helped with a coaching session at the pitch on November 15th. This was a great success.

A detailed Treasurer’s Report was presented by Pakie Fox. He outlined the expenditure which is significant and also the cash in. A couple of very successful fund raising events were run during the year, i.e. pound per linedraw and a dance held in the Oranmore Lodge. Details of very generous sponsorship from local businesses and individuals was highlighted and appreciation was expressed. Special word of thanks to Johnny Kerrigan who did tremendous work in this area. The bottom line in the Treasurer’s Report shows a very healthy bank balance.

Election of Officers: The outgoing and hard working Chairman Patrick Killilea addressed the meeting, thanking everybody for their efforts and support during 1997. He encouraged the involvement of parents and invited new members to get involved in the club. He expressed sympathy on behalf of the club to all in the Parish who were bereaved during the year. A special word of sympathy for the family of Paraic Hynes was expressed. Paraic was a former Treasurer and dedicated worker with the Juvenile Club.

A new team of officers were elected for the1998 season:
Chairman: John Kenny (Rock Road);
Vice-Chairman: Patrick Killilea;
Secretary: Michael Walsh (Lydican);
Asst. Secretary: John Fox;
Treasurer: Ronan Walsh;
Asst. Treasurer: Gerry Glynn;
Coiste Iomana Delegate: Pakie Fox.

Under 10 Team Management: John Carr, Paraic Donoghue, Mary Davoran, Martin Leonard.
Under 12 Team Management: Paraic Hession, Martin Leonard, Gerry Giles, Enda Flaherty.
Under 14 Team Management: Thomas Grealish, Declan Flaherty, Sean French, Máirtín O’ Connell.
Under 16 Team Management: Declan Walsh who will select his own.

Under A.O.B. issues such as:

Plans for 1998.
Sourcing of Hurleys.
Increased inolvement of Parents.
Generating interest in hurling among children from all areas of the Parish.
Development Plan for under age hurling in the Parish.
Registration of players for Insurance purposes.

Chairman John Kenny closed a very successful meeting by encouraging all to attend the Senior Hurling Club A.G.M. on December 15th.

Bertie Linnane, P.R.O.

Cumann Luthcleas Gael – Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe

U-21′s Capture West Board Championship Title

Claregalway 3-9 Oughterard 1-9
Two well worked goals in the first half, 1 2-6 to 0-4 lead at the break and a commanding display in the last 10 minutes sent us on our way to win the West Board U-21 B championship final against Oughterard by 3-9 to 1-9 at Moycullen on Sunday last. It was a well deserved win as we dominated the game except for third quarter when, after a point by Kevin McNamara, Oughterard scored 1-3 without reply to reduce our lead to 3 points and put us under pressure in the face of the strong wind. Spurred on by goal line saves from Barry Donovan and Padraig O’Connell, Claregalway responded to the demands of the occasion with a convincing team display inspired by the efforts of Anthony Monaghan at mid field who used possession to good effect and fired over two points to restore our superiority. His all round contribution when most needed was in a man of the match category, closely followed by Kenny Watson’s dashing performance at corner back. We had our hands on the cup once Damien Fahy grabbed our third goal 3 minutes from time following hard won possession by sub Robert McNamara at top of the right.

The first half was equally enjoyable. A brace of points in the first 5 minutes by Damien Fahy and Niall McGovern was mixed with a series of mixed chances while Oughterard accepted theirs and scored 3 points in the first quarter before Damien Fahy again pointed to level the scores. Our first big breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Anthony Monaghan fielded a high ball outfield and passed to Niall McGovern who had begun his run on the left to shoot a fine goal. Points by Kevin McNamara, Damien Fahy and Brian Holland were followed by a crashing goal near half time by Kevin McNamara from a long clearance by Patrick Stephens touched on by Brian Day. Oughterard scored only one further point in this half.

In our backline Kenny Watson was superb while Padraig Walsh,Sean Campbell, Patrick Stephens and Ronnie Walsh performed with distinction especially when Oughterard piled on the pressure after half time. The Des Joyce cup was presented to team captain Padraig Walsh by Paddy Sweeney, Chairman, West Board. It is ourfirst U-21 trophy and we convey congrats to the team and express thanks and appreciation to team managers Fergus Madden and P.J. McGovern on this notable championship success and to Sean Dunleavy and Gary Watson for generous financial sponsorship. It is satisfying to report that all the players have come up through the Juvenile ranks of the club, pointing to promising possibilities for the future.

P. Team:
B. Donovan, K. Watson, P. Walsh, S. Campbell, P.O’ Connell, P. Stephens, R. Walsh, A. Monaghan (0-2), B. Day, A. Moran, K.McNamara (1-2), N. McGovern (1-1), B. Holland (0-1), P. Higgins, D. Fahy (1-3). Subs: B. Cullinane, R. McNamara.

Seán O’ Flannagáin.

Clare River Harriers

Five members of the Clare River Harriers participated in the recent Dublin City Marathon. They were Padraic Forde, Paul Gibbons, Patrick Murphy, Brendan Gavin and Jimmy O’ Toole. It was an enjoyable day by all accounts and congratulations and well done to everyone involved. Congratulations and well done once again to Brendan Gavin who also competed in the New York City Marathon on November 2nd, also congratulations to Andrew Talbot.

P.R.O. Patrick Murphy.

Carnmore Ladies Club

Carnmore Ladies Club have had a busy season. While continuing with their Art and Craft classes at the Club on Monday nights, they took time out when fifteen of them had an enjoyable night out at a Show in the Town Hall Theatre. Following that, they were busy preparing for the Annual Santa Party and Cake Sale, where an unprecedented number of up to 150 children attended.

On Sunday the 7th December, they hosted a party for the Senior Citizens of Carnmore and a most enjoyable time was had by all The day started with Mass at 3.00 p.m. The participation of the church choir lent a special meaning to the day and the ladies of the Club would like to extend their appreciation to Fr. Noel and Fr. Ian, and last but by no means least, all the Sponsors and everyone else who contributed in various ways to the success of the day.

Wishing all our members, past and present, a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year as we start into our 2lst year of activities.

Margaret Cuddy P.R.O.

The Apostolic Society

The Claregalway Branch of the Apostolic Society would like to thank everyone who supported them during the year, and to wish each and everyone a very happy and Holy Christmas and a New Year full of peace and blessings.

This year we gave £1,142 to headquarters in Salthill. We gave 5 aran cardigans, 10 adult jumpers, 5 childrens cardigans, 10 adult jumpers, 5 childrens cardigans, 20 pairs of socks, 5 baby cardigans, 200 rosary beads, 56 purificators, 30 corporals 30 finger towels, 60 dresses, 10 chasubles and stoles, 10 knitted vests, 4 cot quilts and 7 bags of teddies to the Diocesan Exhibition in Salthill.

We are more than grateful to all the children who gave us all those lovely teddies. These teddies are now giving great joy to other less fortunate children in the third world, in places like Africa, Latin America and India.

We collect used stamps. The money got from these from a dealer will be used to help spread the Gospel of Christ in Africa, so please start collecting used stamps for us. Everyone is called to be a missionary, but you can be of tremendous help by doing this.

We would be happy to get more helpers so come along to our meetings which are held in the Sacristy on second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Many thanks to our Honorary members who pay £2 a year and pray for the missions. The money collected in this way help to buy the materials for the dresses and vestments and for the wool, etc.

If anyone has odd balls of wool we would be glad to get same as it helps in making cot quilts and smaller items of knitting and crocheting. Next meeting January 13th 1998.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

This is a society of lay people founded by Mrs.Taaffe in 1895. The Society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life by prayer and helps financially in the education of students for the priesthood.

The Society works through branches. A group of people in a parish form a branch with the approval of the Parish priest. They meet monthly to pray and organise the activities of the Society in their community.

Students are supported spiritually in following the call of the Lord by the prayers of the members. They are assisted financially from the members contributions. Financial help are needed by students towards the cost of seminary education and students expenses. Because of other demands on their means, some families can make only a small contribution or none at all. In such cases the Society adopts the student and helps to finance his education for the priesthood.

Students in all Irish dioceses, who are eligible for assistance, and who are recommended by a Board of Priests appointed by the four Archbishops in Ireland are helped by the Society.

As well as Irish students, the Society assists students for the priesthood in many other countries where the need exists, for instance in Asia, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Philipines and Sri Lanka.

In America – Brazil. In Africa – Camenoon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Republic of South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The task of fostering religious vocations devolves on the entire Christian community. Taking part in the work of the Society is one way in which lay people can respond to the task. They look to the future and to their children’s future. They want to hand on their faith and their love of the Mass, for which priests will be needed.

You can help the Society by coming along to the meeting of the Claregalway Branch of the Society which is held on the second Friday of each month in the S.M.A. House at 8 p.m. Next meeting Friday January 9th at 8 p.m.

Badminton News

Junior Badminton

All Ireland Champion – John Forde
Congratulations to John Forde who won the Mixed Doubles in the All Ireland U17 Championships in Lisburn recently. John has been selected on the Irish Team to play in the Triangular Tournament in Scotland in January. These are tremendous achievements for any player from the West of Ireland, who is at such a disadvantage through lack of to regular coaching and top level competition, which is simply not available here. John’s achievement is the result of very hard work and dedication, and he is an inspiration to the rest of the Club. Good Luck in Scotland John.

The County Doubles Championships
Our Club was well represented at the County Doubles Championships recently. Congratulations to all who played, especially the U11 squad. As usual, we were well represented at the Winners Table.

In the U11 Boys, Ian Steven was a winner and Mark Loughlin Runner-up. Well done to Ian and Mark, and to Mary Kelly and Lorna Dillon who reached the Semi-Final.

In the U13 Boys, Michael O’Connor and Paul Loughlin were the winners in a very exciting final. In the Girls section, Maria Moran and Grainne Noonan were beaten in the final by the girls from Cortoon.

In the U15 Girls event, Sandra Walsh and Cathy Casserly were winners. Cathy also won the U17 competition with Lisa Flaherty from Tuam B.C. In the U15 Boys event, Peter Moran and Stephen Keane reached the Final. Christopher Keane and Peter Moran were winners in the U17 Boys. In the U19 Final, Brian Casserly and Christopher Keane were narrowly beaten by Cortoon Players.

An extra word of congratulations to Cathy on her success in the Ladies Singles County Championships which also took place recently. She was the winner of Division 3 section of this Competition.

The Connacht Juvenile Open Championships

This Open Competition was held in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club on 22/23rd November. Top Class Players from all over the country participated and the standard of Badminton was extremely high. Our Club was well represented in both the U13 and U15 age groups.

Cathy Casserly had to play really well to reach the Semi-Finals in the U15 Girls Singles. She also reached the Semi-Final of the Girls Doubles. In the U15 Boys event, Christopher Keane reached the Final of the boys Doubles. Ross Forde reached the Semi-Final of the Boys Doubles with his partner Dain McMillan from Dublin. Ross played with Dain because unfortunately his regular partner, Peter Moran had to retire through injury. Well done Cathy, Christopher and Ross.

In the U13 Boys Doubles, Paul Loughlin and Michael O’Connor deserve congratulations on their thrilling 3-set match in which they narrowly lost to the No. l seeds from Dublin.

In the U11 Boys event, Ian Steven reached the Final of the Boys Doubles with his partner Damian Hehir from G.L.T.C. Mark Loughlin had to play very well to reach the Semi-Final of the mixed doubles.

Congratulations to Ian and Mark and Kenneth Joyce and Ryan Gately.

The Garden

This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to the oncoming festivities, Santa Claus, friends and family coming home and getting the house ready for Christmas.

We tend to forget about the garden but yet it can still contribute in a large way. You can look back on the year and the enjoyment you may have got from your garden.

Your lawn will need very little care at this time of the year. You can cut it if you wish at a high cut and when the ground is firm. If there are a lot of leaves on your lawn, remove them to avoid them smothering or thinning your lawn.

The vegetable garden can be tidied at this time of the year. Remove all the old vegetable debris and either dump it or put it on your compost heap. This helps to prevent over wintering pests and diseases. The cleared area can be dug over or rotavated and any kind of organic material(seaweed, mushrooms, compost, “dung”)dug into the soil or just left scattered over the soil.

Bulbs can still be planted into November and December, even though its not the most ideal, they can usually be bought cheeper as well as most outlets are clearing them at special prices. Most herbaceous perrenials can be lifted and divided now also.

You can still plant at this time of the year. All the bareroot trees, conifers and hedging can be planted now until March, and these plants are also less expensive than the potted specimen. Polyanthus and winter pansys can still be planted for some winter colour.

At this time of the year we start getting the heavy frosts. Protect your clay pots by rising them off the ground slightly and letting them dry out slightly. Also if you wish you can wrap bubble insulation around them and tie it with twine.

Roses and fruit trees can also be planted now and most garden centres will have a very big stock of them now.

Christmas is not Christmas without a nice Christmas tree and nowadays there is a huge variety to choose from. The most popular nowadays is the Noble Fir. A beautiful full greeny/blue non shed conifer with a beautiful scent. These trees are specifically grown by growers for Christmas. The next is the Lodge Pole Pine. Another non shed light green tree not as full as the Noble Fir. The third tree is the old traditional Norway Spruce, not as popular now, as it sheds the needles. Some people plant a live Christmas tree to have for a few years, bringing it in and out. Lastly, there is the artificial tree, looks good but like Coca Cola, you can’t beat the real thing!

For the love of your life, who is gardening mad you never know what to buy them. Do I buy a plant or houseplant or book? Perhaps the answer is a gift voucher from your garden centre, and let them choose.

During this festive season a lot of people will receive pot plants as gifts and don’t know how to take care of them; I will name a few and outline how to look after them: -

Poinettas: they like average warmth, with lots of light. Water thoroughly but wait until the compost is moderately dry before watering again. If the room is very humid, mist the leaves occasionally.
Solanums (Christmas Cherry’s), these like a cooler room temperature. Lots of light and keep the compost moist at all times. Mist regularly.
Cyclamens – they like a cool room temperature, lots of light and keep moist at all times, using soft water (rain water) and semi tepid (lukewarm). Put pebbles on tray or saucer if possible.
Christmas Cactus – they like an average room temperature, well lit spot, no sunlight, water liberally when the compost begins to dry out.

That’s it for now, happy gardening.
On behalf of all here at Glynn’s Fruit and Veg. And Garden Centre, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
For all your needs over Christmas- Xmas trees, Holly wreaths, decorations, lights, wide range of pot plants, fresh flowers, fruit baskets, gift vouchers, pots and lamps and all your fruit and veg. Needs.

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Bosco McDermott, Jnr., Glynn’s Garden Centre, Lydican. (Tel: 091-798102; Fax: 091-798188)