Primary Health Care Women’s Day Out to the West.

The Primary Healthcare project team set off on the last day of `May from Tuam to Connemara. The wild yellow gorse was in full bloom, and the hedgerows were alive with summer blossom. We headed for Clifden, which was the first port of call on our journey. We visited drugs Seminar, our contact being Ms Marie Feeney who spoke to experience in rural settings. She drew parallels in relation to youngsters who are isolated in towns and rural areas becoming easy prey for drugs and alcohol misuse. Marie made the point that teenagers should be targeted when they attend primary school, in order to familiarise them with local youth projects, as its too late to build a relationship with them when they enter the teen years and become vulnerable to drugs.
After Clifden we turned right at Maam Cross, travelling through remote watery lands, which were dotted with bog cotton. We were due to meet the local Parish Priest – Eamon O’Congha who has created a garden entitled” The Well of the Seven Shadows”. This garden incorporates symbols of pre-Christian lore, current folklore and customs of the local Irish speaking community. Father Eamon engaged us with tales of bravery and valiant deeds of heroes and heroines of the distant past.



Our final stop before dinner was Rainey’s boatyard. Joe and his brother Bartley have produced some fine workmanship in boat building for three generations. This knowledge has been handed down through the Rainey family. We were intrigued to see the fine thatched cottage, which had served the original Rainey home in the boatyard; it’s now used as a storehouse for assorted supplies. Bartley Rainey took the time to speak to us concerning the rudiments of boat building, whilst also introducing us to the basics of a Fish Farm, which was also visible from the Pier, close to the Rainey home. Boats were an important mode of transport for Connemara people, as their open road was the sea, which they travelled in order to trade, and barter before the coming of the roads we see today.
Finally we ended our journey tired and hungry in the Connemara Isles Golf Course; our host was Sean O’Linsigh founder of Galfmara. After a hearty dinner and some songs we headed out of the West after a most enjoyable day.

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