Regional

A BEAGH native is getting set to return from the West coast of America to launch his debut album at a homecoming gig in Gort next month.  Vincey Keehan has been living in the US for more than four decades and his debut album, Great Highway, includes 14 tracks evoking memories of Ireland, as well as cherished family and friends.  Now an adopted San Franciscan living in the Sunset District with his wife, Missy, Vincey is a multi-instrumentalist and a veteran of the city’s thriving music scene. After a rapturous reception for the album in the US, Vincey is set for a homecoming in November and an Irish launch for Great Highway.  The new album features Vincey’s family and friends in music and includes ‘The Lovely Woodlands of Clare’. The piece is a moving tribute to his sister Mary whose daughter, Eimear, a talented musician, passed away in a tragic accident in France when she was just 21. Vincey was …

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 …

A PLANNING application has been lodged for the refurbishment of the Drumgeely Neighbourhood Centre, which is the public open space area enclosed by Drumgeely Avenue, Fergus Drive and Allen Park. A design statement accompanying the application says that it will improve the appearance and increase the vibrancy of the area. “The purpose of this proposed development is an initiative of the Shannon MD and Clare County Council to upgrade the outdated public realm facility at Drumgeely Neighbourhood Centre. “This project proposes to revitalise the neighbourhood centre of Drumgeely. It will positively impact vibrancy and ‘outdoor living’ in the community while attracting new customers, business and a night time economy.” It said that accessibility will be improved by it. “The public realm at the centre is in poor condition with poor accessibility. This project proposes to redefine the streetscape so that it is accessible to today’s standards, while being safe and attractive to service users. “The renewal will also provide a …

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

AN EVENING of painting and poetry is in store at the Courthouse, Kinvara, as artist Belinda Duetinger launches a new exhibition on Friday, October 28. The show, entitled ‘Der kleine Laden um die Ecke’ or ‘Little shop around the corner’ will showcase what Belinda described as a snapshot of her art, “dreamy watercolour landscapes, delicate florals, nature in all shapes and forms are featured next to surreal oil and acrylic paintings”. “I always try to see the beauty in things,” said Belinda. “We should never lose sight of what the world has to offer, that amongst all the bad news, rising costs, housing crisis, greed, environmental issues, our own personal struggles, there is so much to live for.” The launch will feature the poetry of Belinda’s husband, Nathy Gillard, a Mayo native, who will do a reading on the night.  Belinda, a Kinvara Area Visual Arts (KAVA) member graduated from GMIT in 2009 with a BA in Fine Art. She …

DESIGNS for three new homes in the village of O’Callaghan’s Mills have been described by planners as “highly suburban” and “not acceptable for a village setting”.  Council planners made their comments in a letter to developers, East Clare Construction Ltd, seeking Further Information (FI) on proposals submitted in recent months, for a site at Iragh. The Council said the while the principle of the proposed development is acceptable, the designs themselves are not. The company has now been told to submit revised designs “reflecting the rural character of the setting”. Variation in each site has to be provided and, for one of the houses, which would front onto both the existing regional road in the area, and a new access road, “dual frontage” must be created.  Planners have also noted that the new access road for two of the proposed homes “provides access to further zoned lands in the applicant’s ownership”. For that reason, East Clare Construction Ltd has been …

MOUNTSHANNON Arts will to host a Harp Concert with a difference this Saturday October 22 when Erin Durrett and Christina Tourin join together to present ‘Songs of Hildegard and the Early Saints’ with Blossom Harps and guest harpers from America. Internationally renowned harp educator, Christina Tourin is one of the most accomplished harpists of her generation, delighting audiences with her performances worldwide. Soprano Erin Durrett, who loves music of all times, genres, and cultures, has a special passion for scared chant and is Director of Music Ministries at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit on Vashon Island.  Blossom Harps is directed by Lizzie Affolter who initiated the Blossom Harp Festival in Tuamgraney in 2016. The hugely popular event has since become renamed the Tuamgraney Harp Festival. Hildegard of Bingen was a saint, composer and poet and it’s only recently that her songs, writings and remarkable life and visions have been rediscovered. She was born over 900 years ago and …

RESIDENTS in Quin have raised concerns over road safety for pedestrians on the Dromoland side of the village, a local councillor has said.  Councillor Pat Burke called on officials of the Killaloe Municipal District to look at the possibility of putting in a footpath on the Ballykilty/Dromoland side of Quin in the interests of safety. “An incident took place five or six weeks ago and it was not the first time there was a traffic accident,” he told the district meeting. “Residents want something done.” The Whitegate man welcomed an undertaking from Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Derek Troy to progress the matter. ‘The reply is welcome,” he said. “This is a road that is straight for a while and then there’s a series of bends. This is a classic example of where this kind of funding could and should be used.” District Cathaoirleach, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan seconded the motion. “This is timely, especially when you see the influx of development …