Tag Archives: killaloe

A NEW plan for the twin towns of Killaloe-Ballina has been hailed by the council’s CEO as an example of “political and executive collaboration across the water”. Pat Dowling made his remarks as an eagerly-awaited mobility plan was formally ratified by local authority members at their December meeting. The Killaloe and Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan (TEMP), outlines a number of key projects for both sides of The Shannon, including the future pedestrianisation of the old bridge once the new bridge and bypass are completed. Measures to boost walking and cycling are outlined as well as actions to connect the flow of traffic to the bypass, reducing the number of vehicles in the centre of the two towns. The drafting of the plan involved expensive public consultation and cooperation, over the course of more than a year, between the local authorities in Clare and Tipperary. “Killaloe and Ballina are often referred to as two towns, but one community,” Mr …

DOG fouling continues to be a “huge issue” in Killaloe, despite extensive efforts to encourage responsible ownership, the municipal district committee has been told. At last month’s meeting, Councillor Tony O’Brien called for the installation of special bins in the town to allow those walking their dogs to dispose of excrement. While the senior executive engineer (SEE) said that bins may not be necessary, as the existing ones can take dog litter, she gave an undertaking to look at the possibility of providing dispensers for litter bags. In a written response to Councillor O’Brien’s motion, SEE Niamh Madden noted that the majority of people walking dogs in public spaces are conscientious about picking up dog litter. “Unfortunately, still some dog owners … do not take proper responsibility in relation to dog fouling,” she said. “Providing dispensers and dog litter bags has benefits and encourages dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities.” Ms Madden noted that despite the best efforts …

Munster Senior D Post-Primary Schools Football Championship Round 2 St Joseph’s Spanish Point 2-7 St Anne’s Killaloe 1-7 A superb 24 hours for St Joseph’s Spanish Point was initiated on Wednesday afternoon when demonstrating their resolve to hold off a stubborn St Anne’s Killaloe in Ballina, reports Eoin Brennan. A gritty victory, cemented with a late brace of points qualified the West Clare college to the last eight of the Munster Senior D Championship against Salesian College, Pallaskenry. That buoyancy would be copperfastened when their Under 15 side shaded an inch-tight contest with Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastlewest yesterday (Thursday) to advance to the provincial Under 15D decider against Cork’s St Brogan’s College. All seemed to be going according to plan for their senior side when belying the strong conditions and their 90 minute trip to lead their hosts by 1-3 to 0-4 by half-time. Benefitting from a slice of fortune just before the water break when Joe Campbell’s effort …

Former rugby star is in line to retain the open water swimmer of year title she won in 2019, writes Dan Danaher A KILLALOE sportswoman continues to glide on a crest of a wave in competitive open water swimming. Rosie Foley is nominated in the Padraic Casey Open Water Swimming of the Year category, which she won the last time it was run in 2019. The St Anne’s Community College teacher was put forward by her peers in the open water community. The results will be announced on Saturday, November 27, at a ceremony in Galway. “It is a huge honour to be nominated. You never set out on a path for anything. I went back into the pool after my daughter, Siofra, was nine months old. I joined Limerick Master Swimming Club, having never swam competitively. “I have made great friends in the Limerick Master Swimming Club, which pulls you along. “By meeting people and asking people if any …

TO celebrate the 50th anniversary of Derg Credit Union in Killaloe and Scariff, a former board member Jim O’Brien, launched his historical account of the institution at the Killaloe Hotel, writes Conor Clohessy. While no longer a board member, he currently serves as a volunteer on the promotions and development committee. He works as a freelance journalist. Jim was approached about compiling the piece of work by two of the longer serving members of the board, William McLysaght and Michael Cleary, who were both present at the founding of Derg Credit Union in 1971. Jim said: “They asked if I would write this as part of the commemoration, and it was a huge amount of work. I had to read fifty years’ worth of minutes, which was time-consuming, but it was inspirational to see what these people have achieved.” The momentous feat began with the reading of said minutes last March, which was an endeavour that had be completed within …

Killaloe have always had a healthy rivalry with Tipperary, with only the Shannon separating the town from nearest neighbours Ballina. Most famously depicted with memorable photos on the bridge ahead of the then novel All-Munster All-Ireland Final between Clare and Tipperary in 1997, there has always been no shortage of craic and banter from both sides on the divide. That relationship could change on Sunday if Tipperary native Tony Gleeson can work the oracle of delivering an Intermediate hurling crown for Smith O’Brien’s in what is only the club’s second ever decider. The Burgess clubman, who has been coaching at adult level since his teenage years is in his second coming for the Killaloe-Bridgetown based side, having coached them in 2018 and ’19 before taking a break to finish his masters degree last year. However, the fact that he was so eager to come back on board as manager is a statement in itself of the potential that he sees …

Gardai and coast guard drive-bys lift brave youngster who has endured torrid year after rare brain tumor diagnosis THE efforts of an O’Briensbridge woman and the co-operation of local emergency services have given a welcome boost to a nine year-old boy battling a rare form of brain cancer. Tracy Howard has organised a series of fundraising ventures and drive-bys to show the huge support in the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina for Joey Moran, who lives in the neighbouring village of Portroe. A GoFundMe page “Joey Moran’s journey with a rare brain tumour” has thus far raised €20,845. The brave young lad, described as a “warrior” and an “absolute legend” by parents Emma and Alan, has had to endure a number of serious surgeries as well as the very draining subsequent chemotheraphy and radiation treatments. One year ago the world changed for the Moran family. On September 18, 2020, Emma recalled Joey came out to the kitchen and struggled …

OPEN water swimming is becoming a very popular pursuit in Two Mile Gate, Killaloe, following travel restrictions imposed to curb Covid-19 over the past year. This is graphically illustrated by the huge interest and participation in swimming lessons, which started on Wednesday evenings in Ballycuggeran in July. With the demand for swimming lessons already outstripping supply, Swim Ireland are considering extending them for four weeks in September, subject to weather conditions. Swim Ireland coach, Donnacha McGeever, Ballina, believes travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic encouraged people to avail of more recreational activities on their doorstep. “I wasn’t doing any open water swimming for the last few years. When Covid-19 came, it was the only social and activity outlet I had to get out into the real world during the winter. “There has been a massive uptake in swimming during the pandemic. I think Covid-19 kept us local and taught us we can enjoy the open water with a wet …