Ennis

RAIN gives us rainbows is the positive message of a brand new colourful addition to St Anne’s School in Ennis. The school recently unveiled a new mural created by its Oak, Rowan and Willow classes along with local artist Rachel Macmanus. The project was facilitated by the Clare Artists in School Scheme 2021/2022. Principal of St Anne’s Rose-Marie Flanagan explains that before designing the mural Rachel visited them and spent time with the three classes to discuss ideas. “We discussed together what should be included in the design and why. The pupils chose to highlight the nature they see in and around their school, such as birds and animals, and we also discussed the weather we get here in Ennis, a lot of rain! But rain gives us rainbows, which became a central theme for the mural.  “We also focused on the geography of St Anne’s School, which is situated in the centre of Ennis town, and the activities and sports which happen in the school. As we …

THE children of Ennis National School are using their artistic talents in more ways than one to show their support for the people of Ukraine. The school has organised a mixed media art exhibition along with a variety show fundraising concert which will be held in the coming weeks. The exhibition will be on display at the end of this month at the County Museum, while the show will be held outside of the museum on June 8. An online fundraiser has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/v7fy4-ennis-national-school-fundraiser-for-ukraine with donations already coming in from those touched by what the students are trying to achieve. Teacher Ciara Harding explains that the children were driven to do something to help those caught up in the war with Ukraine, and they were inspired by the work that is being done by Ennis Lions Club in raising money to support relief efforts. “Colin Mangan an Ennis native and Ennis NS past pupil, has been living …

INSTALLING the controversial Púca statue at a busy Ennis junction would draw motorists’ attention to new road safety measures put in place a local councillor has quipped. An upgrade of the Corrovorrin junction, including a new mini-roundabout, has been widely welcomed locally, however a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District has been told there needs to be more driver awareness of the changes to the road. This prompted Councillor Mary Howard to joke, “People are still not aware of the roundabout, they would know if the Púca was in the middle of it to draw attention to it.” More seriously she added, “Traffic is flying through and I’m afraid of what might happen.” The issue at Corrovorrin junction was raised by Councillor Johnny Flynn who urged the council to consider further improvements to the “excellent upgrade” of the area. He called for improved road signage immediately adjacent to the junction to increase driver awareness; road marking of the track drive …

TEENAGERS will be taking over the town of Ennis once again this weekend. Experience Ennis, in collaboration with Coláiste Muire and Rice College, are bringing Teen Takeover 2 to the county capital. The event offers a jam-packed afternoon of activities for all ages in the Chapel Lane Market Building on Sunday, May 8 from 1 pm to 5 pm.   With a focus on Slow Fashion, you can learn to create a purse out of a milk carton or how to upcycle jeans into aprons. Lots more workshops such as tie-dye, mending and Junk Couture. Learn how to create die fabric with flowers or how to create a Ukrainian Flower Crown from dandelions and daises. You can also peruse our racks of fabulous vintage clothing.   There will be live bands performing from 3pm to 4pm and a treasure hunt throughout Ennis with fantastic prizes. The day will also provide fun for smallies with face-painting, hair braiding, oversized Jenga, Connect Four …

MARY Kelly’s shop has been part of the landscape of O’Connell Street in Ennis for decades, but she will close its doors for the last time on Friday.  “I started here exactly 40 years ago on Saturday and I’m closing this Friday. I did it quickly because once the sale went through last Wednesday I said there was no point in dragging it out for a whole month,” she told the Clare Champion this week.  Much of her life has been spent running the landmark business, and she says she has loved it. “I had the best of times, the best of times. I’m so glad I was here when I was here.” She began the business at a time when there were lots of people working on the town’s busiest street. “I started here in 1982 and I took over from Mrs Reidy, her maiden name was Henchy, and it was in her family before that for many, many …

MNÁ Ag Gaire (MAGs) Women’s Shed has confirmed that, with support from the Clare County Council and Haven Horizons, it will now be providing activities to help the displaced Ukrainians living in Ennis. MAGs will be partnering with Clare Immigration Support Centre; Limerick-Clare Education and Training Board and other volunteers in creating this new enterprise, the Ukrainian Community Hub. Existing services by these agencies and MAGs will continue alongside of this new project for Ukrainians. A spokesperson for MAGs explains that activities will include; assistance with immigration issues; members of Ukrainian community to meet; English classes; providing a place for the displaced to meet, converse, etc; Ukrainian women setting up a shop for needed items such as necessities, etc and other skill share programmes in conjunction with Clare Haven. “The need to meet the Ukrainian emergency is great. Our facility for MAGs offers many opportunities to meet those needs. “In concert with the Clare Immigration Support Centre, Haven Horizons and …

A GROUP of residents who have come together to promote Doora village and make the area a better place to live, work and visit are calling for a change in the locality’s status in the draft County Development Plan 2023-2029. The Doora Community Development Group are seeking, under a submission to the County Development Plan review, a change of the status of Noughaval from a ‘Cluster’ to ‘Small Village’ status and that the village be referred to as Doora. Among the issues highlighted by the group in their submission has been motorists speeding through the village, which they say is “now a serious issue for public safety”. A recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard councillors voice their support, pointing out that a change in the zoning could support efforts to reduce speed limits in the locality. Former mayor Councillor Johnny Flynn has made his own submission outlining his support for the residents and stating that Doora village is …

POLISH photographer Beata Rosik who is based in Ennis has been awarded the TONES Studio Residency Award. This award, announced by Clare Arts Office, will provide Beata with access to a shared studio facility at the EASI (Ennis Access to Spaces Initiative) artist studios in Ennis for 12 months, a small production budget and supports needed to progress her work and her career. Arts advisor, Moran Been-noon, will work with Beata to provide the most appropriate support. Beata Rosik originally worked as a primary school teacher for 12 years in her native Poland. Since 2007, she has been living in Ennis. Not long after arriving in Ireland, Beata was diagnosed with cancer. During her treatment and recovery she discovered a passion for photography. Her style developed and, using her life experiences and current affairs for ideas, she found techniques to bring her own signature style of art to her photographs. This style resulted recently in two gold medals in the …