Dingle celebrates Glen's Oscar!

Dingle celebrates Glen's Oscar win

There were celebrations in Dingle this week as West Kerry toasted the success of Frames front man Glen Hansard whose collaboration with Czech singer/songwriter Marketa Irglova earned them the Oscar for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly in Hollywood on Sunday night. Presenter Jon Stewart presented Glen and Marketa with the Oscar at the ceremony in Hollywood where they also performed the song live to millions worldwide.
Glen has many connections with Dingle and West Kerry, he is a long-time friend of renowned traditional musician Eoin Duignan and local man Philip King, who founded the Other Voices concert series in the town.
Glen is a regular visitor to Dingle and was down just over a month ago, where he performed at Other Voices 2008 in St. James' Church.
One of his favourite pubs is McCarthy's Bar, where he has played many impromptu gigs. He even lived in Ballydavid for a time.
"Its an amazing achievement, we are so delighted for him" said local concert promoter Tríona Duignan, who also happens to be the daughter of musician Eoin Duignan.
Tríona has a special place in her heart for Glen as two years ago, during a gig in McCarthy's Bar, Glen came up with the lyrics for the song Kachina, which he and her father performed.
Eoin joined Glen on stage, who spontaneously came up with the words for the melody, which was then dedicated to Tríona.
Following that performance, Glen, Eoin and local musician Jon Saunders formally recorded the song with backing vocals from lcoal singer Eilís Kennedy. The song was released following an offical launch at Dingle's annual arts festival, Féile na Bealtaine.
"We are so excited for Glen, its hard to believe that he now has an Oscar, he is practically considered a local around here" said Tríona who is hoping to welcome him back to Dingle later in the year.
"Its an amazing achievement, we are all very proud and can't wait to see him to congratulate him!"

Milltown to welcome the Chieftians this summer

Milltown date for Chieftains

Momentum is gathering in Milltown this week as the organisers of the World Bodhrán Championships, which will take place this year from May 30th to June 2nd, confirmed the addition of trad maestros The Chieftians to this years line-up. In its third year, the World Bodhrán Championships has put Milltown on the map, establishing itself as one of the most exciting new festivals in the cultural calendar. According to the organisers, the involvement of The Chieftains in this year's entertainment programme is testament to the high regard in which the event is held. "The inclusion of The Chieftains in our concert programme this year is a wonderful boost for our event and takes the festival to a whole new level" said Festival CEO, Owen O'Shea. "The fact that the best known and most renowned Irish music group in the world have agreed to perform at the Championships is an acknowledgement of the investment by our committee and our sponsors in the event over the past three years" . Further information on the festival may be obtained at www.worldbodhranchampionships.com.

Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh

Ceol,

Craic &

Cultúr at Scoil

Cheoil an Earraigh

Baile an Fheirteáraigh (Ballyferriter) became the epicentre of the traditional music world last week as musicians and students of traditional music of all ages converged on the west Kerry village to experience five days of craic, ceol agus cultúr at Irish music school festival, Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh.
Almost 200 students, from children to senior citizens took part in traditional music masterclasses in a rang of instruments; accordion, bodhrán, uileann pipes, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, concertina, bag pipes, mouth organ, banjo and mandolin. Sean-nós singing and dancing was also on the menu as well as a host of concerts featuring some of Ireland, Scotland and America's best trad maestros. According to festival director, Niamh Ní Bhaoill this year's Scoil Cheoil was a resounding success, indicative of the growing interest in traditional Irish music, language and culture.
"We have had an amazing response once again this year" said Niamh. "The concerts were packed every night and we have more students attending the classes than ever before."

More information is available at www.scoilcheoil.com

IRDA to host public meeting

"Is Kerry rural life is at risk?"

The plight of those living in rural areas who cannot gain planning on one off sites is to took centre stage in Tralee last Monday night (February 25th) as the Irish Rural Dwellers Association (IRDA) hosted a public meeting on the issue.
"Rural Ireland is at risk, people are being forced to move out of their own areas and in to developments in towns as they cannot get planning, even on their own land, to build a house" said Bridget O'Connor of the IRDA.
"Rural areas are experiencing a decline in population especially in parts of Kerry where country life has been so important for generations."
"It seems ridiculous that developers can gain planning for large housing developments, sometimes up to 40 houses, and that a local family cannot gain planning for a house on their own land."
GAA officials have also raised concern about the depopulation in rural areas in parts of Kerry with many parishes reporting difficulties in fielding teams and this will be one of the key issues discussed at the meeting this Monday, saying
it is wrong to expect people to leave their own native areas just because they cannot get planning for one house when developers it seems have a carte blanche. More information on the IRDA may be obtained from Bridget at 087-2359304.

Dingle drums up support for You're A Star's Deirdre

"You're a Star Deirdre!"

As the competition heats up and the selection process gets tighter on RTE talent search, You're a Star, the Kerry roots of one contestant has prompted her relatives in the town of Dingle to rally up some support for their cousin.
"Deirdre's grandmother was Lizzie Brown from the Colony, who was also my aunt" explained Ann O'Connor of John's Street, whose mother Margaret Moran was Lizzie Brown's sister. "Deirdre has a lot of cousins and relations all over the town and we are doing our best to support her, she is a great girl with a lot of talent and hopefully she will go all the way!"
"There is a great connection family connection in Dingle, I have loads of cousins down there, the Connors, the Morans and the Flannerys" said Deirdre. "I have a lot of work to get through before this Sunday night's programme but the support, especially the support in Dingle and the West has been great." People can vote for Deirdre this Sunday night by calling 1513 71 71 09 or by texting 'star 9' to 53125.

West Kerry TV personality nominated for VIP style award

Daithí's style turn

The men of West Kerry are often associated with their prowess on the football pitch rather than their sense of style, however this may be set to change as TG4's Daithí Ó'Sé has been nominated by VIP magazine in its annual Style Awards.
Debonair Daithí, originally a native of Kilquane says he is delighted, if not a tad surprised, by the nomination.
"It's always great to be nominated for something" he said, "style isn't something the West Kerry lads are renowned for normally but maybe we're changing with the times!" The TG4 Presenter has enjoyed another successful year following his stint on Celebrities Go Wild and his recent TG4 series Daithí ar Route 66 where he travelled across the USA, meeting and greeting the locals. "I had a great 2007 and this nomination is a great start to 2008" he said. Daithí is up against several other dashing gentleman in the VIP Style Awards, including Michael Flatley, Westlife's Nicky Byrne, Ronan Keating, Ryan Tubridy, Keith Duffy, Phil Coulter and Senator David Norris who have all been nominated in the same category. People can vote for Daithí in the VIP Style Awards by texting vipman 10 to 53150 before the closing date on March the 5th.

Local artist launches new online gallery

New on-line gallery launched;
http://www.ventrybeach.com/

West Kerry artist Jenny McCarthy has launched a new online gallery, www.ventrybeach.com, showcasing her range of works in oils, water colours, pastel, stained glass, pen & ink and pencil, drawing inspiration from the landscapes around her; sometimes violent seas and weather around Dingle Bay, the merciless rocks off the west coast of Ireland, including the Blaskets Islands and the Ventry Beach series. For more local artists, check out www.greenlanegallery.com or www.deirdremckenna.com.

Inch Beach Clean-Up a great success

Inching ever closer to cleanliness

Community spirit prevailed once again in the Inch area last Saturday as locals came together to spruce up the local beauty spot Inch Beach in the annual cleanup, organised by Brendan Griffin of the Castle Inn. Despite stormy conditions, locals gathered bags and bags of rubbish, returning the beach to its former glory. Organiser Brendan said that the beach looks very well again after the clean-up operation and that it's important that beaches such as Inch are kept looking their best at all times."Kerry's beaches are very special amenities and must be given the attention that they deserve. It is a pity that our beaches sometimes become spoilt and dirty" he said.
The Keel native is also calling on the Council to establish a Best Beach Competition in Kerry to encourage the maintenance of beaches and raise awareness regarding the environmental concerns created by the illegal dumping of litter and refuse. "I will be approaching Kerry County Council in the near future to propose the establishment of a Best Beach Competition along the lines of the Tidy Towns Competition, perhaps the new Minister Gormley will look at the proposal positively. For further information on community clean-up initatives in the area, Brendan may be contacted at 087 652 8841.

First man to row around Ireland in a Naomhóg (currach) celebrates birthday

Ballyferriter adventurer celebrates 80 years a growing
First man to row around Ireland in a naomhóg recalls momentous voyage

There were celebrations in Gorta Dubh, Ballyferriter on Wednesday (January 30th) as the first man to circumnavigate the Irish Coast in a man-made 'Naomhóg' celebrated eighty years a-growing.
Family and friends gathered to pay tribute to local hero Ger Ó'Cióbháin who entered the history books on the 29th of June 1975 when left his home in Ballyferriter in a Naomhóg to row 1,200 miles around the Irish Coast, completing the momentous task in six weeks and six days arriving home on the 12th of August. As he celebrated his eightieth birthday, Ger recalls the amazing adventure of his youth as if it were yesterday.
"From Kerry I travelled northwards facing into the Atlantic" said Ger. "The seas around Mayo were tough but from growing up in West Kerry I knew the seas and I knew what to expect" he said.
He made his way around the coasts of Donegal and Antrim and down into the Irish sea towards Dublin, where he encountered busy traffic around the ports and around Rosslare where he passed the ferry that crosses the Irish sea.
"I had made my plans and was able to manoeuvre around any ships or trawlers" said Ger, who travelled without the aid of a back-up vessel, pulling into various ports and harbours to rest. He pulled into a small harbour in Arklow, where a man from West Kerry (who had relocated to the area) was astonished to see a Naomhóg from his homeland pull into the harbour. "He said he thought he'd never see such a sight, a Naomhóg from Beál Bán pulling into Arklow!" said Ger.
The vessel which Ger travelled in was over thirteen years old and the Gorta Dubh man had to make any necessary repairs on leaks or cracks at sea. He also had to study the tides carefully before he went and his sea-faring knowledge came into play when dealing with unexpected changes in the weather.
"The sea doesn't give you a second chance so you had to be on the ball" said Ger.
"Some people thought I was mad at the time, but I did it to show I wasn't mad and that it could be done. If you set your mind to anything it can be achieved."
The trip made national news at the time and his five children and wife Bridget, who looked after the family farm in his absense, listened to Ger's progress on the 'wireless' at home also reading about his journey in the national newspapers who looked after the family farm in his absence. "I had my first Naomhóg when I was eight and discovered I had a love of the sea in the blood" the eighty year old recalled. "It was in me, the sea was calling and I had to answer the call."
After coming around the coasts of Wexford, Waterford, Cork and the south coast of Kerry, Ger completed the amazing test of human endurance on the 12th of August when he pulled into Beál Bán near his home to a heroes welcome.
During the voyage, Ger had suffered a perforated ulcer and had to be rushed to hospital in Tralee. "After travelling around the coast of Ireland in a Naomhóg, it was only a small thing in comparison!" said the hardy sea-farer.
He went on the write a book about his experience, Cogarnach ar ár gCósta, which went on the become part of the Leaving Cert Syllabus.
Ger went on to publish a further three books, Bhí mo lá agam, Nár chlos ár namhaid and An Giorria san aer. It was the first and last time this amazing journey was completed and despite suffering from ill-health in recent years, Ger holds the memories of his voyage in his heart. "If something is calling to you then you must answer the call and be true to yourself" said the proud Kerry man.
"If its in your heart, go after it full steam there is no point in waiting because like the sea, time wait for nobody."

"You only have one chance in this life and you have to take it!"

Dingle girls win national basketball final

Dingle's Pobalscoil clinch national basketball title
Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne: 38

St. Patrick's Academy, Tyrone: 34

Kerry added another all-Ireland victory against Tyrone to its repertoire yesterday as the U-16 ladies of Dingle's Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne seized the National Basketball Schools Cup B Championship in a tense and thrilling match against the girls of St. Patrick's Academy, Dungannon, Tyrone at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. The atmosphere was electric as the Dingle girls lined out against a physically stronger Dungannon team, eager to take the prize this year after being cruelly denied last year's title by one point in the final minute against Dominican College, Galway in the 2007 final.
Dingle's physical disadvantage soon became their advantage as their slighter builds gave way to a faster paced game which Dungannon struggled to contend with, as the West Kerry women exerted pressure on Dungannon's ball handlers. Despite this surge by Dingle, Dungannon lead by one basket, 17-16, at the culmination of the first half.
Dingle drove at Dungannon at the commencement of the second half, taking advantage of fast breaks. Stalemate continued into the last minute and the game tightened, each team aware that the next score could decide the outcome.
Pobalscoil's Roisín Ní Shíthigh was then fouled, with 38 seconds on the clock. She calmly executed the free throw shot, putting Dingle ahead by one point.
With 32 seconds to go, she was again fouled and converted the two free throw shots, affording Dingle a further two points. The game became a tense one on one situation at this point, with the final minute extending to almost five minutes real time duration. With two seconds on the clock, Pobalscoil's Emma Prendiville converted an astounding three pointer which sent the Kerry supporters, that travelled en-masse with the team, absolutely wild!
Dungannon responded with one more basket but it proved to be too little too late as Dingle's Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne took the title with four points to spare, winning 38-34 points.

US University begin semester at Dingle's Díseart

Dingle academics welcome US students

Connecticut University students begin semester at Dingle's An Díseart

Dingle became an international centre of learning this week as a large group from prestigious American College, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield Connecticut attended the first classes of their Spring Semester at third level institute An Díseart, located on Green Street in the West Kerry town. Students from the University, established in 1963 as America's first Catholic third level college, will attend lectures on local custom and culture, Irish literature and poetry, the Irish language, West Kerry's archaeological sites theology and Celtic spirituality in the coming months in An Díseart, which was established in Dingle in 1996 at the old Presentation Sisters Convent building by former Dingle Parish Priest and former Maynooth Professor, Monsignor Pádraig Ó'Fiannachta.
The semester at An Díseart forms part of Sacred Heart University's study abroad programme where students pursuing degrees have the option to spend a semester studying in Dingle's Díseart, the American University in Rome, University of Notre Dame in Freemantle, Australia, the University of Granada in Spain and the only U.S. accredited MBA program in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg .
Dingle's study abroad programme has proven itself to be one of the most popular choices at the American University and the President of Sacred Heart, Dr. Anthony J. Cernera along with faculty member Julie Savino visited Dingle last week to assist in the orientation programme along with Monsignor Ó'Fiannachta and Díseart campus course director Seán Pól Ó'Conchúir.
"It is a great honour to be associated with Sacred Heart University in this way" said Monsignor Ó'Fiannachta, who as a College Professor, will be conducting several of the course lectures himself.
"It is an esteemed and noted centre of learning and its wonderful to have ongoing international academic third level education in the Dingle and West Kerry area."
As well as attending classes at An Díseart, the American students will embark on several field trips throughout the West Kerry area exploring Christian and Pre-Christian archaeological sites, with curator of Museum Corca Dhuibhne in Ballyferriter, Isobel Bennett.
They will also be exposed to local culture and custom engaging in set dancing, traditional music and the Irish Language.
"We have had a wonderful association with An Díseart for the past five years" said President of Sacred Heart, Dr. Anthony J. Cernera at a special orientation dinner at Lord Bakers last week.
"The students always enjoy their time immensely in Dingle."
An Díseart offers courses in Irish Folklore and Anthropology, the Irish Language, traditional Irish music, song and dance, theology, native spirituality and Irish a rcheology and is also the location of the world famous Harry Clarke stained windows, located in the institute's chapel.
Further information on An Díseart may be accessed at http://www.diseart.ie/.

Dingle woman's passion for fashion

A passion for fashion
Dingle student shortlisted for major fashion award

A young Dingle woman is set to take the Irish fashion world this season as one of her designs has been shortlisted as one of the top eight in the country which have been selected to compete in the prestigious Persil Fashion Awards which will be showcased on a special edition of the Late Late Show this April.
Karen Clarke (23) from Lady's Cross, Dingle is a fourth year student at renowned fashion institute the Limerick School of Art and Design. She has been named as one of the top eight fashion students in Ireland, selected from over 200 students who entered the competition hailing from fashion colleges all over Ireland. The eight top designs will be on display in Dunnes Stores outlets throughout the country and the winning outfit will be manufactured and distributed in their shops nationwide. The winner will also receive a prize of €10,000. Of the eight finalists that will compete in this year's award, five were selected from Karen's class in the Limerick fashion college.
"My house-mate Michelle Wilson from Clonakility has also been selected, we are over the moon to be competing together" enthused Karen.
"We have been working towards these awards since day one in first year and for five of us from the same class to be competing together on the Late Late show is fantastic!"
The Persil Fashion Awards will be televised live on the Late Late Show this April where the young designers showcase their outfits on the catwalk.
The brief for this year's awards was to create size 12 woman's outfit for the spring/summer season inspired by fashion trends of the 1980s. Karen, a past pupil of Scoil Naisiúnta Ceann Trá and Meánscoil na Toirbhirte Dingle, is currently busy at work on her garment in Limerick. "The theme for my garment can be described as Madonna meets Strawberry Shortcake! explained Karen.
Bucking the size zero trend, Karen is also happy that the garment is to be made to fit a size 12 , making it accessible to more women.
The panel of judges that will select the winning design include Irish fashion designer Joanne Hynes and Dunnes Stores head of fashion Dermot Colgan.
Top Irish designer Paul Costello is also involved in the project, having launched the Persil Fashion Awards earlier in the year.
The judges are are looking for individuality and an understanding of today's fabrics and current fabric development in relation to machine washing. Designs will also be accessed on workmanship, design skills and potential to develop a career in fashion.