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O'Flaherty's Pub, Bridge St., Dingle.Co. Kerry.

The Dingle News archive: April - 2010

30 April 2010

RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan has died

Veteran RTÉ Broadcaster Gerry Ryan has died. Mr Ryan failed to show up this morning for the 2fm radio show he has presented since 1988. He was found at his apartment at Upper Leeson Street in Ballsbridge at 1pm. The report also states that Gardaí are investigating the scene - however it’s not thought foul play is suspected. RTÉ news confirmed the report by publishing the sad news on their website this afternoon. The report states: RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan has been found dead at his home. He was 53. Mr Ryan joined RTÉ in 1979 and presented the radio programme 'The Gerry Ryan Show' and television programmes such as Operation Transformation and Ryan Confidential. He is survived by his wife, Morah, and five children. Mr Ryan began his career as a broadcaster in pirate radio. When 2fm was launched in 1979, Mr Ryan joined the station as a DJ. And he soon became part of their main night-time line up. In 1988 The Gerry Ryan Show began. Over the next 12 years his weekday talk programme became one of the most listened to radio shows in Ireland. During his career Mr Ryan also hosted a number of TV shows, including his own chat show, Ryan Confidential and most recently Operation Transformation. This sad news is already sending shock waves throughout the country - for tributes visit www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0430/ryang2.html

Community effort reigns supreme through coastal conservation project

Volunteers from Pobailscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and West Kerry's Rural Social Scheme joined forces last Tuesday in a coastal conservation effort on the shores of Dingle Harbour.
The gentlemen who take part in the Rural-Social scheme, administered by Udaras na Gaeltachta, regularly clean beaches all around the Dingle Peninsula and are well used to cold and windy conditions! The fourth year students who participated in the clean-up work with them had no problem mucking in even in grey and rough weather conditions.
The groups gathered waste off the coast-walk between the town and the harbour's mouth and separated it into recyclables and land-fill material. They also learned that a plastic bottle can float around the sea for 450 years and a discarded fishing line for 600 years. The school is planning to become a 'Green School' with An Taisce's Environmental Education Programme, and to form a Coast Care group for regular conservation activities. Pictured: Students from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and members of the West Kerry Rural-Social scheme working together to clean-up Dingle Harbour last Tuesday.

Win a dream wedding at the Meadowlands Hotel, valued at €7,500!

Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee announced their upcoming WEDDING COMPETITION this week, where one lucky couple will walk away with a wedding recepion worth €7,500! The Meadowlands, a family run establishment, are offering one lucky couple the chance to win their dream wedding function valued at €7,500 (max 100 guests). All you have to do to enter is to email your name (Bride & Groom) and proposed wedding date to siobhan@meadowlandshotel.com . The competition will take place at The Meadowlands on Friday 28th May at 8pm. The Winning Couple must be present on the night to accept the prize. The Meadowlands is one of West Kerry's favourite hotels - run by the Mahoneys from the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht,
countless couples have chosen their Meitheal Suite for their reception. It's red carpet treatment all the way, which makes the Meadowlands Hotel the perfect venue for your dream wedding. For more information about the competition, to receive a Wedding Brochure or to speak to a wedding co-ordinator call 066 - 718 0444 to arrange an appointment.

Personal issues cited as Kerry's Aidan O'Mahony takes a break from Inter-county football

Jack O'Connor will have to plan for Kerry's Championship challenge this summer without All-Star defender Aidan O'Mahony. The 27-year-old Rathmore clubman has decided to take a break from inter-county action due to 'personal issues'. O'Mahony's decision to take time out from the Kingdom senior panel was confirmed on Tuesday evening on the Kerry GAA website by chairman Jerome Conway. Conway stated: 'Aidan O'Mahony has taken time out from the Kerry senior football panel for personal reasons.' Two-time All-Star winner O'Mahony has won four All-Ireland titles with the Kingdom and was named man of the match in the 2006 All-Ireland final when Kerry beat Mayo. Report: rte.ie

Féile na Bealtaine 2010 kicks off this Thursday

The Dingle Peninsula, or Corca Dhuibhne as it is known as Gaeilge, has a rich cultural heritage. From April 29th-May 4th, the Dingle Peninsula's Annual Arts' Festival - Féile na Bealtaine - aspires to build on this cultural foundation, embracing the mediums of art, drama, literature, culture, custom, music, dance and the Irish language. Entertaining, original and invigorating, Féile na Bealtaine, is the physical embodiment of Corca Dhuibhne's cultural consciousness. Féile na Bealtaine will be officially opened this year on Thursday April 29th at the annual Féile Drámaíochta in Cuas in the West Kerry Gaeltacht, featuring a performance by Lumiere and Sceitcs Beag. The life of Saint Brendan is this year's theme; this is reflected throughout this year's Féile (which celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2010). A relevant and appropriate theme, the Dingle Peninsula sits in the shadow of Mount Brandon and the navigator is said to have set sail from her shores in the 7th century as he embarked on a new world. Gallarus Oratory stands in testimony to the Saint and Brendan the Navigator is reflected in all aspects of West Kerry life. Indeed one of the festival's main events is the live performance of The Brendan Voyage by Shaun Davey by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at St. Mary's Church in Dingle (Sunday 2nd). Cór Cois Cladaigh will also perform on Sunday at 4pm in St. James' Church (home of RTÉ live series Other Voices). Musical fusion is an important aspect of Féile na Bealtaine – this year, Dingle welcomes Palestinian singer and musician Reem Kelani who will perform songs from her critically acclaimed album, Sprinting Gazelle. This work represents the culmination of twenty years’ work, which included research in Palestinian refugee camps and the Palestinian Diaspora. She will perform alongside West Kerry's own Lumiere who broke through this year with their debut single The West's Awake, a collaboration with Damien Dempsey. Txutxukan, a musical collective comprising French, Gypsy and Spanish influences, perform in Dingle on Friday, April 30th. Pianist Finghin Collins, accompanied by Soprano Cara O'Sullivan perform in Seipéal Baile an Fheirteáraigh on Saturday May 1st. The intensely colourful and exciting street parade on Féile Sunday – featuring musical groups, marching bands and street performers – is one of the highlights of the entire festival. The week is packed with events; music (featuring a host of Irish & International artists), literature, political symposium, art and photographic installations (including Art from IMMA) short films, and drama. The Full Table – touted as an art exhibit with taste – will be presented by West Kerry art collective i-2-i. The centre piece of the show will be a table set for ten diners with most of the table-ware created by local artists. The Lambert Puppet Theatre returns to Dingle on Friday, April 30th. Indeed there are many events dedicated to children throughout the Féile; arts, crafts, music, theatre; a full listing is available online at www.feilenabealtaine.ie. Everything from the traditional to the exotic is propagated at Féile na Bealtaine; auxiliary events including an 110km cycle around the peninsula, the Funk Ball; Stroller vs. The Big Payback, book-launches, wine-tastings, poetry readings, sheep trails, CD launches, short film screenings, yoga work-shop, ballet....
A visual and visceral exploration of the cultural senses, Féile na Bealtaine broadens and extends horizons. Entertaining and enthralling – it is definitely one of the most unique festivals Europe has to offer.
For more information check out www.feilenabealtaine.ie (where a full programme of events may be down-loaded) or e-mail fnabdaingean@eircom.net. For ticket sales contact Ticket Sales: 087-799 448 / Festival Office: 066 9151082.

On your bike! Cyclists of all abilities invited to take part in Dingle Peninsula Challenge 2010

More than 100 cyclists are expected to gather for this year's Dingle Peninsula Challenge which takes place on May 1st, beginning at 8am. The events will cover an extended 110km course comprising two loops - Dingle Marina to Camp Junction, returning via the Conor Pass followed by a loop comprising Slea Head before returning via Ballyferriter to finish at Dingle Marina. The event is being organised by Dingle Cycling Club - Cumann Rothaíochta Corca Dhuibhne - building on the success of a smaller scaled event last year. The course is certainly challenging; particularly the grueling 460m ride over Conor Pass, however the challenge will take in some spectacular scenery. In addition all are welcome to come along and participate. The Dingle Peninsula Challenge would also be a useful warm-up for anyone thinking about taking part in the upcoming Dingle Adventure Race this June. Club president Jimmy Bambury is keen to emphasize that this is a 'challenge', not a race, thus reflecting the nature of the Dingle Cycling Club ethos as people of all ages and abilities are free to participate in the club's fortnightly events. According to Jimmy, the club wishes to build on the resurgence of interest in cycling in Ireland and to promote the Dingle Peninsula as a cycling destination overseas. Proceeds from the event will go towards Dingle's youth café An Moncaí Ocrach. Organisers would also like to acknowledge the support of sponsors Garveys Supervalu, Kerry Spring and Moriarty-Bambury. For registration contact Jimmy at 086-2630236.
Route: Dingle To Camp & Return Via Conor Pass (Aprox. 64km), Slea Head (via Ventry - Dingle Via Ballyferriter) Approx 44km. Start: 8.00am from Dingle Marina car park. Finish: Dingle Marina car park. Entry Fee: €30 Euro.
Please inform the club of your wish to participate by calling 086-2630326. e-mail: info@bamburyguesthouse.com . For more visit www.dinglecyclingclub.com

Hanbojutsu - the Japanese Art of the Stick - comes to Dingle

with Alex Martinez
"At the Bujinkan Jiyu Dojo this month, we’ll be studying one of the oldest weapons known to man – the humble stick. Ever since humans realised that they could use tools to their advantage, the stick – possibly in the shape of a branch or even a piece of bone – has played a role not only as a weapon used to ward off other people and to control animals but as a walking aid, a splint, a carrying device etc.
In Japanese culture the use of the stick as a weapon was never replaced by the more sophisticated sword even on battlefield. They actually complemented each other. After all, the battlefield weapon of choice for centuries was the spear – a stick with a blade mounted at one end. These often broke and so the remaining shaft could still be wielded against the enemy. The warrior class, the Samurai, therefore maintained the training of sticks of various sizes in order to keep themselves adaptive on a chaotic battlefield. The Bujinkan martial arts contains the teachings of many types of sticks, from short truncheons and walking sticks to larger staffs. To this day, Tokyo airport police carry 4ft staffs with them – useful for non-lethal control of disruptive and aggressive persons.
The training at the dojo involves paired practice against armed and unarmed adversaries. This training complements the unarmed punching and kicking side of the art and isn’t seen as a separate discipline but more of a natural extension. At the Jiyu Dojo in Dingle and Tralee throughout April and May we will be studying our usual unarmed techniques for half the class followed by the study of stick techniques. For now, this will involve the 3ft and 4ft walking-stick sizes. As well as striking, sticks can be used to lock and throw aggressors, disarm them and even tie them up. The study involves whole-body movement, dexterity and the ability to judge distance, timing and angles in unison with precise control and adaptability. The art of the stick is a long and challenging practice that allows for physical and mental enjoyment.
Classes will be held at the Play at Height Adventure Centre, Baile na Buaile, Dingle (as well as in Tralee). For more information on this amazing activity visit www.bujinkankerry.com or phone Alex at 086-0831853.

Reinstatement of Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis on the cards

The saga surrouding Dingle, An Daingean and Daingean Uí Chúis may finally be coming to an end. The name Dingle is scheduled to re-appear on road-signs after it was taped over by Kerry County Council in 2005 under the auspices of An Acht Teanga, which specified reference to the town could only cited as An Daingean. This prompted a campaign to re-instate the bilingual names of Dingle and the traditional Irish name of Daingean Uí Chúis. A plebiscite followed with qualified electors in the town voting in great numbers - over 90% - to re-instate the names Dingle and Daingean Uí Chúis. Provision for the change back to the bilingual names is provided for in the Draft Local Government Bill expected to pass through the Oireachtas by the summer. While the re-appearance of Dingle is relatively easy to rectify, new road signs with Daingean Uí Chúis will have to be created according to the Director of Roads and Transportation for KCC, Charlie O’Sullivan. Cllr. Micheal Healy-Rae brought the issue to the table in the Council this week - his father, Kerry South TD Jackie Healy-Rae brokered the original deal to have the bilingual names re-instated following in return for supporting the Government after retaining his seat in the last General Election. For more information on the background to this story, check out www.dinglename.com

TG4's Geantraí to be recorded in O'Flaherty's this Monday

A programme for the popular TG4 traditional music series Geantraí will be recorded in O’Flaherty’s Pub, Dingle on Monday 26th April. The programme will be presented by Maidhc Dainin Ó Sé and all traditional music fans are welcome to the afternoon and nighttime sessions. Geantraí is a traditional music series that has been a part of the TG4 schedule since the station’s inception and is very popular with traditional music followers nationwide. The Geantraí series reflects the strength of the traditional music pub scene all over Ireland where regular sessions, featuring the very best in regional traditional music, are played. The traditional music pub scene began among the Irish immigrants who found friendship and solidarity in the bars of London and New York or wherever Irish musicians brought their instruments and talent. The session then quickly became a part of Irish culture. The Geantraí series is produced in genuine traditional music pubs and many of our best known musicians are featured. It is also a platform for the young or indeed the mature musicians who maybe performing on television for the first time.

A community grieves as funeral of missing West Kerry man takes place

Seamus Flahive (26) of Gorey (Co. Wexford) and Ballintarmon, Annascaul will be laid to rest this Wednesday, April 21st at Ballinclare Cemetery, Annascaul following requiem Mass. The 26-year old school teacher had been missing since March 3rd from Amber Springs hotel in Gorey, Co. Wexford. Following an intensive search campaign by Gardai, family, friends over the past two months, Gardai at Gorey Garda Station confirmed today that his body was recovered late last week in the Gorey area. The West Kerry community are deeply saddened by his passing - our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Reposing at home today, Tuesday, from 5pm with removal at 8.30pm to the Sacred Heart Church, Annascaul. Requiem Mass tomorrow, Wednesday, at 12 noon. Interment afterwards in Ballinclare Cemetery. Family flowers only, please.