Lifestyle

Well I’ve finally reached the teen years. I’m officially a teenager having had my 13th birthday last weekend. Do I feel different? Apart from wanting to go to the teens’ disco on a Friday night, I can’t say that I do. I’m still rearing to go anywhere as long as I have my hoomans with me. And what a lovely birthday weekend they organised for me – the best ever! We were a bit late leaving Ennis so it was straight up the motorway and even though we stopped once, I didn’t bother getting out to stretch my legs. Once we’d parked, I recognised the river so I knew we were in Dublin. We walked by the river for a few minutes until we reached a place called Temple Bar. I’m told it’s party central in Dublin city but I’ve never been allowed to visit until now. It must be one of the privileges of becoming a teenager. What did …

YOUNG people from West Clare have created unique visual statements through the “My Own Brand” project facilitated by artist Ruth Wood and the Clare Youth Service. “It’s a privilege to be able to work in the community, with a diverse range of people to explore and communicate their unique visual expression,” said Ruth. “So I was delighted to be asked by Clare Youth Service to work with local young people here in West Clare.” This led to a small group from the Kilrush Youth Diversion Project and Kilrush Youth Project working with Ruth and supported by Youth Justice Worker Adriona Meere. The project gave the young people the opportunity to explore colour and how it can be used to visualise emotions as well as an opportunity to engage in mindfulness through creative engagement. In designing the creative workshops, ‘meeting young people where they are at’ was a key starting point for Ruth and Adriona. Ruth utilised a variety of artistic …

THE first North West Clare agricultural show in three years is going to take place on Sunday, June 5, on the grounds of the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon. PRO Kieran Houlihan said that while missing two years of the show was disappointing, it was necessary. “We were disappointed, but we were more than happy to go along with the guide lines that were in place. A lot of our committee members would be middle aged or older and their safety was a priority. Like all organisations we were curtailed but it was for the benefit of all.” Some things are different after the pandemic and he feels there may be more entries in some of the classes. “We’re hoping to see a large turnout in home produce classes. A lot of people took on lockdown projects and got interested in gardening and fowl and that kind of thing, so we’re hoping there will be an increase in those classes. “Maybe …

A CLARE woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer has opened up about her experience of taking part in clinical trials, and is encouraging others to ask their doctors if a trial is suitable for them. Sarah McGrath from Clarecastle, who has been nominated by government to be the next Ambassador to Singapore, was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in May 2020. On her last medical oncology appointment she heard about the opportunity to take part in the ‘Add Aspirin’ clinical trial funded by the Irish Cancer Society which is ongoing and focussed on studying non-occurrence. She says it was an “easy decision” to take part in the trial and the experience has been “very positive”. Sarah spoke to The Clare Champion ahead of International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, with Cancer Trials Ireland hosting a free webinar on clinical trials for members of the public on the day. Usually based in Dublin Sarah tells us it …

A North Clare community-led group is strongly encouraging community groups, community interests and local residents to have their say during the current phase of the Cliffs of Moher 2040 consultation process. The North Clare Strategic Planning Group (NCSPG) is a collaborative body, committed to the creation of a community of communities across the North Clare region and is offering to facilitate a shared community voice on the proposed developments. The future of the Cliffs of Moher is currently the subject of heightened attention as Clare County Council, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, plans for the future development and sustainability of this iconic location. The Council has created a number of online and in-person opportunities for interested parties to have their say on plans for the Cliffs’ future. Established in 2021, the NCSPG’s ambition is to facilitate communities across North Clare to come together to address significant regional concerns and to maximise local community-based skills, assets and expertise for the benefit …

BUNRATTY Castle and Folk Park will play host to a live broadcast of RTE’s popular Today Show this week. This Wednesday, May 18, Dáithí Ó Sé and Maura Derrane base their broadcast from the medieval stronghold, but music, food and visitor attractions from all over the Banner will feature. Organised in conjunction with the Tourism Department of Clare County Council and the Clare tourism industry, the outside broadcast will profile the entire county through interviews with the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan, and a host of tourism representatives, food demonstrations by local producers and live performances by some of Clare’s best-known musicians. The show will get underway on RTÉ One from 3:30pm with panoramic views of Killaloe and the surrounding countryside. James Whelan, with his boat the Spirit of Killaloe, will be greeting Dáithí Ó Sé from the pier in Killaloe. Dáithí will then take the TV audience on a live walking tour of Bunratty Castle and …

CLARE Sports Partnership has been nominated for an award at the Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards ceremony takes place this Tuesday at the Westin Hotel in Dublin and the Banner team is in the running for the Local Sports Partnership of the Year award. Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “We are delighted to mark the return of the Irish Sport Industry Awards, in association with Clubforce. Sport is an integral part of the country’s social and economic fabric. “The quality and large number of the entries received this year are testament to this. We are really looking forward to bringing together key stakeholders in the sports sector for this important evening of recognition of the value of sport to the Irish economy. “I would like to say a big thank you to the national governing bodies, local sports partnerships and those in the sports sector that submitted entries this year. “It was imperative for …

GORT Cancer Support in Hollyblue House, Garrabeg, Gort, will host a “wellness evening” with guest speakers on Wednesday next, May 18. “Many of us are struggling to stay positive, at home and in work, due to the sheer multitude and scale of some of the challenges we are facing,” a spokesperson for the service said. “None more so than people affected by a cancer diagnosis. You do not have to suffer in silence though. You are not alone and there are plenty of practical everyday steps you can take to alleviate any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing. “With just the right blend of knowledge, insight and instruction, there is a whole host of positive actions you can take to improve your outlook and mood.” The wellness evening is open to everyone and offers an opportunity to call in and listen to any or all of the speakers. Expert advice will be available from Marie Skelly, of Alternative Healthiness …