The revelations of the McAleese Report into the operation of the Magdalene Laundries has sent shockwaves across the county as it emerged that 261 Clare women and girls spent time in the institutions, the sixth highest amount in the State.

Two Clare hotels, the Kilkee Bay Hotel and The Ashford Court Hotel in Ennis, are listed for sale in the latest distressed property auction.

THE decision of Pope Benedict to retire has been described as “courageous” by Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O’Reilly, who also believes an African successor to the pontiff could be a possiblity.

RESEARCH work is at an advanced stage in relation to the possible development of an intercontinental container trans-shipment hub port next to the ESB Moneypoint Powerstation.

THERE was fear and anger in Shannon after eight people were hospitalised following a chemical spillage at Chemifloc in December but speaking to The Clare Champion this week, a company spokesman defended its commitment to safety and said it will be making an investment of €150,000 in this area.

A PUBLIC representative is calling for a farming programme, worth €4 million to the North Clare area, to be extended beyond this year and for the number of farmers involved to increase fourfold.

KILRUSH Town Councillor Tom Prendeville has not followed through on his dramatic threat, issued last month, to resign from Kilrush Town Council.

For the second time in a fortnight, point-to-point racing takes place in the Banner County this weekend, with the East Clare Harriers staging their annual meeting on the Flynn family lands at Garranboy, Killaloe.