East Clare

EFFORTS to promote the attractions of East Clare to visitors from Germany are back up and running, with a group of journalists recently enjoying a river cruise in the region.  The group cruised the Shannon, taking in Tuamgraney, Mountshannon, Scariff and Killaloe, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and German cruising tour operator, Le Boat.  Those visiting included representatives of popular travel magazines, a regional newspaper and a radio station – are here to find out more about cruising holidays on the Shannon and to experience at first-hand the spectacular scenery and the wealth of things to see and do.  During their time in East Clare, the group visited Wilde Irish Chocolates, McKernan Woollen Mills and Nuala’s Bar and Restaurant in Tuamgraney; Under the Oak in Mountshannon; McNamara’s Bar and Restaurant in Scarriff; and the Farmer’s Market in Killaloe. “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of journalists to visit County Clare and Ireland,” said Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Germany. “Fact-finding visits like this are a really effective way for …

CONCERN has been expressed over the speed of traffic travelling through the village of Quin, particularly on the busy approach from the Dromoland side.  With a number of routes leading into the village, an appeal has been made by Councillor Pat Burke for safety works to protect the many pedestrians that walk in the area, particularly those going to and from school. The Killaloe district councillor described the speed of many motorists as “unbelievable”.  “The Ballykilty/Dromoland Road, as it is known locally, is particularly busy,” Councillor Burke said. “Quin itself is a very busy village with a big and growing population. Between six and eight weeks ago, I was called after an incident where a car left the road and went through a boundary and into someone’s property. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured, but it could have been an awful situation if there was someone walking in the area at the time.” The Fine Gael member pointed out that the …

A RAPTUROUS welcome greeted Minister for Special Education, Josepha Madigan, as she officially opened the ASD facilities at Scoil na Mainistreach’s in Quin.  The school’s choir and band entertained the Minister for State, before she was presented with mementoes of her visit, including a painting of the scenic East Clare village. The school’s first ASD classroom opened earlier this year. Since then, with the collaboration of the National Council for Special Education (NESC) and a huge level of cooperation from staff, parents and pupils, the school has now increased provision to two classrooms – catering for a total of 12 pupils.  Minister Madigan paid tribute to the entire school team led by Principal Fergal Lynch and Deputy Principal Eleanor Gallagher. She also recalled chairing an online meeting, earlier this year, during which the school’s pupils took part in a debate on vegetarianism. She added that she could see the same “compassion and empathy in action” throughout the school, as it …

AHEAD of a community meeting in Bodyke on the recent grant of planning permission to a 19-turbine wind farm on the slopes of Slieve Bernagh, the developers have responded to concerns raised by a local TD. FuturEnergy Ireland – a joint renewables venture between the ESB and Coillte – said in a statement that the Community Benefit Fund “is contingent on the project being built and constructed as per the application and planning conditions”. However, the company added that it is “exploring options to bring forward a portion of the anticipated fund”.  Earlier this month, Deputy Michael McNamara called on the developers to honour a promise to fund local sports clubs, even in the event of a legal challenge to the project. Planning permission was issued by An Bord Pleanála on September 29, subject to 20 conditions. In a response to a query from The Champion, the company said it has asked to meet Deputy McNamara to discuss the project …

THE invaluable work that an East Clare social enterprise is doing to conserve Ireland’s plant genetic resources as well as the agricultural and social heritage associated with them is celebrated in a new book, which was launched last week in Scariff.  Irish Seed Savers Association was the venue for the latest in-person launch of Other Stories, Cultural Heritage & Society. Seed Saver’s Scarriff hub at Capparoe was a hive of activity as the local group gathered with representatives of International Council on Monuments & Sites (ICOMOS) Ireland and many others who contributed to the beautifully-crafted publication. ICOMOS Ireland funded the free book which showcases the work and importance of 15 culture, heritage and society projects on the island of Ireland and gives a voice to those involved in the form of personal reflections. Also included is the X-PO in Kilnaboy.    At the East Clare launch, Fidelma Mullane, President of ICOMOS Ireland, was among those in attendance. “The Faro Convention emphasises the …

DEEP in the leafy, rolling landscape of East Clare, lies a noted wellspring of traditional music. In towlands like Glendree, Kilclaren, Caher, Magherabaun and Maghera, a distinctive musical style and repertoire have been handed down with care and love. The village of Feakle has long been a focal point for this transmission of culture, drawing musicians from a wide hinterland stretching to Scariff, Bodyke, Tulla and Kilkishen. Establishments like Lena’s Bar brought together young, emerging musicians with legends such as John Naughton, Martin Rochford, P Joe Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Mikey Donoghue, Paddy Grogan, Joe Bane and Bill Malley.  At the feet of these giants, upcoming generations immersed themselves in the riches of East Clare. Among them was the acclaimed concertina player, Mary MacNamara. She and her brothers and sister sat by Lena’s hearth listening and learning for more than a decade.  This year, after a “labour of love,” and with the support of The Arts Council, Mary realised a life-long …

LEGAL options in the wake of the granting of permission for a wind farm on the slopes of Slieve Bernagh, close to Bodyke, will be considered at a public meeting on Friday evening, October 28.  Deputy Michael McNamara has arranged the event, which will take place at the Cobbler’s Rest, Bodyke, to allow those who objected to the development to examine their next course of action. On September 29, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the 19-turbines on a site of 750 hectares, visible from Feakle to stretches of Lough Derg. Because the application was made under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, an appeal is impossible. The only option, in terms of challenging the board’s decision, is to seek a judicial review. In such a situation, a judge would review An Bord Pleanála’s actions to see if it followed the required rules and procedures. “A large number of people across a wide area objected to this development,” Deputy McNamara said. “This …

SCARIFF Community College parents will host an Autumn/Winter Fashion Show in aid of the campaign to fund the school’s state-of-the-art astroturf development on Friday, October 28. The fun begins at 7.30pm, at the school, with prosecco on arrival and goody bags, full of mysteries. Once seated guests will be treated to a variety of outfits showcasing Autumn/Winter’s hottest trends with outfits from boutiques including Ailish McElroy, Joanne’s Killaloe, Frocks, Fine Rags, I-Spy clothing, Carraig Donn, All Occasions, Love it Fashions and many more. Fashion blogger Martina’s Mark will be on hand to provide lots of style tips. A prize of the perfect five-star getaway will be on offer for the most stylish attendee on the night. A bumper raffle and auction will be held at the interval, with dozens of prizes.  More details of the fundraising campaign are available on Instagram @scariffcc_sport  Anyone who cannot attend on the night can still enter the online raffle at idonate.ie