UpdatesHome / UpdatesDecember 2022Connemara Pony MemoriesJames Mongan, Tom MacLochlainn, Padraic Heanue, Sean Luskin, Graine O'Malley, Malachy Gorhanm, and Prisilla Diamond.Produced by John O'Malley in Association with Connemara Community RadioThis programme is now available permanently on the Radio PodcastsNovember 2022What Do We Know About the Evolvement of the Connemara Pony?What do we know about the evolvement of the Connemara Pony? 2022Connemara Ponies are synonymous with Connemara since the 1800s. There are many suggestions/theories how this distinct name evolved from the small Irish pony that was widespread in Ireland at that time and not exclusive to Connemara. (Just for the record, archaeologists have discovered that the small Irish Pony existed based on excavations in Loughrea Co Galway in 2018 – online.)June 2022Wicklow GAA — Reeling in the YearsWicklow GAAReeling in the YearsIn the past, the common fuel for heating homes was Turf/Peat. The Turf/Peat was extracted from the bog. The historical method of extraction involved the use of a spade with a flange to create/shape the turf sod. The turf spade was/is called a Slean in Gaelic or Slane in English.Ellie O’Malley gives a demonstration below of this almost dead art/skill on her grandparent’s bog at Moyard, Connemara Co Galway.January 2022A Brief Introduction to the Late Jackie SalmonA Brief Introduction to the late Jackie SalmonThe Connemara GAA legend Jackie Salmon was born in Cloonluane, Renvyle in the 1930s. He was born into a passionate GAA family with his father Stevie prominent in the GAA in Connemara in the 30s and 40s. Jackie like multitudes emigrated at a young age, in his case to England first and later New York so he only played football primarily at under age before emigration.He became very prominent in New York as a player and administrator with pride of place initially with his beloved Connemara Gaels. However as an administrator he expanded his role and progressed all the way to the highest office, culminating in his election as president of greater New York GAA, initially for six years. This occurred in 1978 when he replaced the legendary John Kerry O’Donnell. His popularity during his presidency was created by his kindness and support to especially emigrants from not alone Connemara but nationwide as well. After his six-year stint as president his popularity still remained and it was no surprise to see him being elected once more in 1990 for a further six-year period. Many people paid tributes to Jackie on his departure from this life however the true reflection of the man was the thousands that paid tribute to him when he was alive?May 2021Ballyconneely's Canadian-Funded Pier HistorySee section: Local History - Ballyconneely - bottom of the pageIn the 1880s the Canadian Government made Grants available for the construction of new fisheries, Piers and Harbours in Connemara, including Doleen Pier in Ballyconneely Village.See also history of Canadian W/Op/Air/Gnr: P/O. Ivor Ernest Smithson J/89117 RCAF Age 23, who is buried a short distance from the pier, both of which sites are inter-visible.May 2021Bye/By-Elections in Ireland and the ConstitutionBye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation, however they do not comply with the Constitution.Submitted to the Dail Petitions CommitteeAvailable to download here: Petitions Committee for 33 Dail 2021 MayRe: Petition No: P00006/22 “Bye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation however they do not comply with the Constitution.” Dear Ms. I refer to your correspondence dated 11 February in relation to Petition No: P00006/22 “Bye/By-Elections in Ireland may comply with legislation however they do not comply with the Constitution”. In this context, it may be useful to set out the current statutory framework for the holding of bye-elections. Article 16.7 of the Constitution provides that ‘…..elections for membership of Dáil Éireann, including the filling of casual vacancies, shall be regulated in accordance with law’. The law in relation to Dáil bye-elections is set out in section 39 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended. Similarly, Article 18.10.3 of the Constitution provides that ‘Casual vacancies in the number of the elected members of Seanad Éireann shall be filled in the manner provided by law’. The law in relation to Seanad bye-elections is set out in section 13 of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 and in Part V of the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947 as amended by the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1954. The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future contains a commitment to examine the replacement of bye-elections with an alternate list system. In this regard, you may wish to know that the Programme for Government also commits to the establishment of a statutory, independent Electoral Commission. The establishment of the Electoral Commission is currently being progressed as part of an Electoral Reform Bill, which is included on the list of priority legislation in the Government's current legislation programme. It is expected that the Bill will be published shortly. It is envisaged that the Electoral Commission will hold research and advisory functions, and therefore it will be well placed to make recommendations to Government on electoral matters JCPP-r-874-2022ReplyMay 2021Co-operatives and the Management of Environmentally Designated CommonagesCo-operatives can play a Constructive Role in the Management of Environmentally Designated CommonagesCase Study Area – Clifden Region and a Segment of a Bog ComplexClick on Rural Research TopicsApril 2021Archive Photographs From Ballyconneely, and The Covid Rabbits' WeddingArchive photographs from Ballyconneely news.The Covid Rabbits' Wedding, 2020 by Aoife Cashman.Children's Book ISPCA MallowAvailable to download here: The wedding Easter 2020June 2019Track: 'Goodbye to Errislannan'Track no Music 12 'Goodbye to Errislannan'May 2019The Ballyconneely Seaweed Factory — Audio PresentationAn Audio Presentation of the Historical Memories of the Ballyconneely Seaweed FactorybyJohn O’Malleyjonmeilla@yahoo.ieIn association with Connemara Community Radio- See audio track '00 Ballyconneely Seaweed Factory History'July 2018Connemara Rugby History and Memories — Audio PresentationAn Audio Presentation of Connemara Rugby History and MemoriesbyJohn O’Malleyjonmeilla@yahoo.ieIn association with Connemara Community RadioFeaturing: Fr. Ned Stankard, Br. Vivian Cotter, Paddy Flynn, Matt O'Sullivan, Gerry King, Pat Walshe, Dr. Mick Molloy, Aidan O Halloran, Mairead Coyne, and Kenny Pollington.-Click here to view Connemara Rugby History and Memories Page- See audio tracks commencing with Rugby 01 Fr. Ned Stankard.