Complementary Events Hosted By Kilconnell Tidy Towns.

Kilconnell village was delighted to host three separate but complementary events.

The Community Hall was the venue for the free Archaeology Seminar hosted by Kilconnell Tidy Towns in conjunction with the Galway Community Archaeological Advisory Project. This community led event was organised as a means of placing archaeology at the heart of the community. County Galway has a very rich archaeological heritage, encompassing archaeological sites spanning from the Mesolithic Period, (some 9,000 years ago), to monuments of the more recent past. Apart from its intrinsic cultural value, archaeology has the potential when used as a tourism product to contribute significantly to the local economy.

In the centre of Kilconnell Village stands the ruins of an important Franciscan Friary founded in the late medieval period by the native O'Kelly overlords. With its imposing bell-tower, it survives as an iconic building in the East Galway landscape. The seminar explored aspects of its rich history and archaeology.
Kilconnell Tidy Towns wishes to express sincere thanks to Christy Cunniffee, the expert list of speakers and the attendees on the day.


The official opening of the village Community Garden also took place. Mrs Mary Farrell, in her 91st year cut the ribbon alongside 5 year old Keela Donnelly Meehan.
The Community Garden was established with the aim for everyone to use and enjoy.
"The glory of gardening, hand in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body 
The small orchard was planted in honour of the junior and senior infants of Kilconnell NS 2014-2015. The orchard, named, "Fruits of the Future" represents the growth of the trees and fruit bushes alongside the growth, development and experiences of the children as they embark on their wonderful school experience.
The Garden is always open and available to anyone who wants to use it - simply sitting down, weeding, picking fruit and herbs, planting seeds etc.

It must be acknowledged that without the help, donation of time and items and the support by the following  the Garden would still be waiting to be established; the late Seán O' Brien, Ness Kelly GIY network, McKeons Sand and Gravel, Paudraic Larkin of Hedges.ie, David Hyde of Hydes Saw Mill, Green Living Concepts, Ballinasloe N6 Nursery, Ecostore, Raincatchers,Kevin Whyte and Brian Whyte of Radharc landscaping, Kilconnell RSS and to the wonderful volunteers that made the Garden a reality.

The Witches Garden were also busy hosting a Spiritual and Holistic day. The garden was created on a damp day in March 2014 and is a constant and ongoing project. The garden hosts many native plants but the majority of the collection is out of the ordinary with many associated with witchcraft.
The Witches Garden are open to the public as a small gift shop selling their own hand made soaps, art and their many plants. There is also a large selection of cactus and succulent plants to view. The garden is a constant ongoing project.

The main person at front of picture attached (Kilconnell Day) is Dr. Paul Naessens who did a practical demonstration of an UAV( unarmed aerial vehicle).
Pictures courtesy of Christy Cunniffe.

The other picture is at the opening of the Community Garden. 
Picture courtesy of Gerry Stronge.