Ennis

STOP the press. Ennis’ newest newspaper is preparing for its next edition, though the staff may be a little younger than expected. Sixth class students of CBS Primary School are busy working on their Easter edition of The Scribbler, their new school newspaper. The publication is certainly proving to be popular, with the last edition selling out its 600 copy print run with a smaller reprint required. The newspaper is just one part of the school’s ambitious e-learning plan which will see a host of technological innovations launched over the next two years. There are 15 students involved in the paper, covering every aspect of newspaper production including journalists, typesetters, photographers, editors and press relations. Just recently the budding news hounds visited The Clare Champion where they got a first hand look at the newspaper industry. An edition of The Scribbler is released every term, with the students charging €1 a copy and profits from the paper are put back …

By Jessica Quinn ENNIS has yet again missed out on its chance to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with next year’s event awarded to Sligo for the second year in-a-row at the weekend’s selection convention. Despite the disappointment, those behind Ennis’ bid have already set their sights on 2016, saying they are “very hopeful” that their “strong application” will bring success for the town and the county. Chairperson of the working group for the Ennis’ All Ireland Fleadh bid Micheál O’Riabhaigh acknowledged that while there is disappointment that Ennis did not get next year’s festival it was not unexpected. “It was always going to be hard to displace Sligo for a second year. 2014 is the first year for Sligo and there would have been an expectation that they would get it for the second year. It would have been surprising had we got it to be honest but we took the position of going for it as aggressively as …

RECENT investments in the manufacture of new healthcare products at the Roche ( Ireland Ltd ) plant in Clarecastle, will support its parent company in retaining its position among the world’s top ten pharmaceutical companies. Ennis man, Gerry Cahill, who is managing director of the Clarecastle operation, said since the beginning of the year, they have been manufacturing Madapor, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and later on this year will commence making the newer drug Zelboraf, aimed at treating people with advanced melamoma skin cancer. The latest developments have been welcomed by the 245 Roche employees in Clarecastle, in addition to the significant number of contractors, who have been taken on to support the new products. Mr Cahill told The Clare Champion that one of the reasons Roche was selected by its parent company for the manufacture of Madapor and Zelboraf was because of the reputation which the Clarecastle site enjoys, as being a very reliable …

A 13-HOUR live broadcast of television and radio programmes from and about the town is planned for St Patrick’s Day in Ennis and it will go out to a worldwide audience. Live programmes start at 8am and all programmes broadcast will be available exclusively across the world on smart phones and tablets via the Ennis App or from the net at www.ennisapp.ie Television pictures are being taken by TV stations in The US, France and Germany and audio feeds are being supplied to radio stations who want to share in the festivities live from Ennis. Among those hosting programmes will be Ennis man, singer/songwriter, Mike Hanrahan, formerly of StocktonsWing; musician and raconteur, Pat Costello; internationally known journalist, columnist and spinner of great yarns, Cormac MacConnell; and well known Ennis-based freelance broadcaster, Ger Sweeney. Supported by Ennis Town Council, Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Promote Ennis, the initiative is partnering with a cross section of County Clare’s globally known attractions such …

ON Friday, Rice College Secondary School will host a fashion extravaganza dubbed ‘Shop & Style’ at Treacy’s West County Hotel at 7pm. Proceeds from the fashion show will go towards the provision of additional facilities and classrooms in the newly acquired school building. The event has already garnered plenty of support locally, according to organisers at the school with a host of local fashion outlets set to showcase their upcoming collections in the show. A spokesperson for the school said, “Local businesses and community groups have all rallied to sponsor the show, which promises to be a fantastic evening for all fashion-conscious ladies and gents featuring spring/summer collections from many stores.” Professional models will assisted by some of the Rice College teachers, who have sportingly agreed to participate.  MC for the evening is Ciana Campbell. And if all that style isn’t enough, there will also be a very special guest, which is sure to draw in the crowds. The Liam …

By Dan Danaher ENNIS Town councillors have objected to the provision of a local authority permanent tribute to the late Michael Tierney, a well-known character in the town for decades. A number of councillors questioned whether Mr Tierney’s family would support the proposal tabled by Councillor Brian Meaney and criticised the description of the man, which was placed on the council agenda at this week’s meeting. However, the Clare Champion has learned that Mr Tierney’s closest remaining living relative supports an official acknowledgement of the huge contribution this colourful character made to the town. His first cousin, Cyril Quinn, who resides in Hermitage, confirmed he would really appreciate some form of tribute to Mr Tierney. “If ever a man deserved a tribute, Michael Tierney did. He lit up the place wherever he went. If you went on one of his tours, the enjoyment you would experience would never be repeated. “He enthused energy and laughter from everyone. If you were …

THE recent closure of a number of high profile long established businesses in Ennis has prompted calls for a Government strategy to revitalise rural towns like Ennis. The decision of Leavy Shoes to close its O’Connell Street outlet after 36 years in business  last weekend surprised local retailers and shoppers. Customers with any outstanding gift vouchers and credit notices are being advised to present them at their retail outlets in O’Connell Street and William Street in Limerick City. Moody Cow Milkshakes, Abbey Street, Clowntown tattoo parlour and Charlie Stewart’s pub in Parnell Street,  Ennis have all shut their doors. Efforts by the Clare Champion to obtain a comment from the operators of these premises about the circumstances that led to their business demise proved unsuccessful. A spokesman for Seasons 22 confirmed that while Charlie Stewart’s pub had closed the restaurant would continue to operate upstairs in the premises. Leavy Shoes director, Thomas Leavy confirmed the Ennis retail unit employed one …

THE Parish Mission in Doora-Barefield  opens on this  Sunday and runs until Fridaynext. The mission will incorporate the three churches of Doora, Barefield and The Church of our Lady, Roslevan. The mission begins in Doora Church on Sunday with an opening ceremony at 7pm, to which everyone is invited. From Monday through to Friday each morning, mass will be celebrated in the Church of Our Lady, Roslevan at 7am and again at 9.30am. Each evening, from Monday to Thursday, mission ceremonies focusing on a theme, will take place in Doora at 7pm and Barefield at 8.30pm. The mission closing ceremony will take place in Barefield Church on the Friday at 7pm. On Wednesday, a special mass of Anointing of the Sick will be celebrateed  in the Church of Our Lady, Roslevan at 12 noon. According to Fr Jerry Carey, “The parish mission takes place just a week into the season of Lent. We hope it will be an opportunity for …