Baltimore, West Cork

Music, merriment and madness are words that can only be used to describe the 2nd Annual Cape Clear Charity Fun Day 2010. This is a day put aside by the community of Oiléan Chléire to raise much needed funds for 3 charities close to our hearts ~ Irish Cancer Society, Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association and Baltimore RNLI.

In fact, the day began for many as they departed Baltimore, as passengers aboard the Cailín Óir and were entertained on their inbound journey by the St Patrick’s Pipe Band, Bandon. They were then met by a sight in North Harbour that would rival Croke Park on any match day! Red and white hung from every available height, balloons in every colour under the sun bounced in the warm breeze, while laughter and cheer could be heard echoing from the luminous bouncy castle.

The event kick started at 12.30pm with a kiddie’s treasure hunt and progressed with a busy line up of events thereafter. Much enjoyment was procured by young and old, by throwing wet sponges at our two willing victims Margaret and Jamie, though a few “innocent” bystanders also received a splash or two!!

The Ní Drisceoil sisters stood diligently by their cake stand that held a feast of fabulous treats while the dynamic duo that are ‘Free Beer’ entertained the masses without payment with their song and gaiety throughout the day. Cllr Brendan Leahy also obliged us with a tune or two from his newly released album, ‘An Island in Time’, and the pipe band once again filled the air with their unique sound and rhythm.

Of course another important event was also part of our day ~ Cork Vs Dublin! And what a day it was too. With 30 odd Dubs decked in blue and many more in their Rebel jerseys, the atmosphere in the local pub was electric to say the least. Tensions ran high but the banter remained friendly! The afternoon began with the boys and girls in blue hitting the high notes but the blue tide soon turned red and renditions of ‘the Banks’ nearly lifted the roof!

Disheartened though they may have been, the Dubs present that day gave generously, with Hal and Derek volunteering to have their hair dyed, raising €600 between them to do so. Not to be outdone, our skipper Fachtna O’ Drisceoil raised enough to get his hair coloured bright red for the day that was in it, as did Kevin and co.

When the last of the visitors left, the sun began to set and the final tally was made, €4,590 was raised to share equally between our 3 charities of choice. The day was an outstanding success and much thanks goes to the voluntary committee who worked tirelessly in the previous weeks to ensure all who came would have a ball…….and that they did, on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon.

The committee would like to express our thanks to all those who contributed and donated in anyway and travelled across seas to be with us. A special thank you must go to the local business who kindly sponsored generous prizes for the event. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

Island Ecology

A Summer School on Cape Clear
Monday 5th – Friday 9th July 2010
Éiceolaíocht Oileán

A course organised by Drs. Geoff Oliver and Paddy Sleeman on behalf
of Comharchumann Chléire Teo, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork
www.oilean-chleire.ie

Islands are fascinating places and Cape Clear is no exception. Situated approximately 9 miles off the south west coast of Ireland it is a famous place for numerous species of rare migratory birds and a well-known sighting point for cetaceans. It has a dramatic and beautiful landscape and can be easily and safely explored on foot.

As a participant on this summer school, you will discover habitats in the hedgerows, fields and seashore and explore the rich variety of flowers on the island. You will learn the basic skills of bird and whale watching from experts and learn other hands on skills such as diet analysis of native animals.

There will be presentations on pressing environmental issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and conservation, given from a local perspective, and offering unique and valuable insights.

Cape Clear is one of the few remaining Gaeltacht areas in Ireland. It has a rich linguistic and cultural heritage. You will look at ancient remains and hear of some of the high and low points of the island’s 5,000 year history from a well known local historian. A professional linguist and Irish speaker will talk on the language and explore some of the evocative meanings and stories behind the local dialect.

The course will run between 5-9th July 2010. It’s a busy 5 days but there will be ample opportunity for wandering, spontaneity and fun.

Course Cost: €200

Now in its eight year Island Ecology is led by Dr Geoff Oliver and Dr Paddy Sleeman.

Geoff Oliver first visited Cape Clear on a birdwatching holiday in the 1960s and has been living on the island for 10 years now. He went to Exeter University as a mature student and gained a BSc in Biology and Geography in 1989 and a PhD from University Dublin in 2005 for a study of coastal lagoons. He is now based on Cape Clear and works as a self-employed biologist doing survey work mostly of coastal lagoons, estuaries and birds

Paddy Sleeman holds a degree in ecology from the University of Ulster and did his PhD on the Irish stoat at University College, Cork. He has worked on several wild mammals in Ireland and Britain. He has worked in South Africa, Zanzibar and Madagascar and is involved in the ecological reconstruction of islands. He is currently studying badgers and TB in south-west Ireland.

This course is open to all and is likely to be approved by the Department of Education summer course for primary school teachers.

Travel: www.capeclearferry.com

Accommodation:: www.oilean-chleire.ie/english/accom1.htm

Further Information: Stephanie Murphy on 085 1211281