KILKEE town councillors have expressed concern at the derelict state of a number of buildings in the town, while they have also highlighted issues relating to the dumping of rubbish.At Monday’s May meeting of the town council, Councillor Elaine Haugh Hayes asked that Clare County Council “force” the owners of a derelict petrol station on the Kilrush Road, “to enhance the forecourt”, while she also noted the state of the Ocean Cove Hotel.“This site is deteriorating at a rapid pace,” Councillor Haugh Hayes claimed.“The site on the way into Kilkee is a huge eyesore. Something needs to be done with it. These sites are going to have to be looked after. Their condition is affecting the rest of places that are open,” she added.In reply, Kilkee town clerk John Corry said Clare County Council is looking into derelict site concerns in the town.“I spoke with the area planner on this matter. She said that the sites are contained as Opportunity …

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By Dan Danaher ONE in every three teenagers have experienced some form of bullying on Facebook, according to a recent survey conducted by filmmakers at Ennis Youth Project. For the young people affected, the bullying continued for more than a month. The online survey of 100 people, aged between 13 and 18, found three-quarters said they had become less confident as a result of the bullying and 40% had become depressed. One of the most encouraging findings, however, is that many teens responded by blocking out the bully and had informed a friend, family member or teacher. One Ennis secondary school pupil, who was a victim of cyber-bullying, believes it is one of the biggest issues facing young people. The 15-year-old went straight to Junction manager Jean Tierney and youth worker Aoife Guilfoyle, who gave all the help needed at the time. “I was bullied in the past. I came and talked to people at the Junction and I am …

OLD friends reunited and there were even some new friendships made as the 20th anniversary of the founding of Gaelcholáiste an Chláir took place in Ennis recently.

A MAJOR showcase exhibition celebrating 21 years of community-led development will take place in the West County Hotel on Monday next.

THE memory of more than 2,000 victims of famine and fever buried in Ennis was commemorated at the weekend. Clare Roots Society, in conjunction with the National Famine Commemoration 2013, unveiled a Famine Memorial on Sunday to remember the burials in the Famine burial plot of the Old Drumcliff Cemetery. Paddy Waldron, vice-chairman of the Clare Roots Society, spoke about the National Famine Commemoration and the history of the famine in Ennis and throughout the county. After a short liturgy of prayer by Fr Tom Hogan and Canon Bob Hanna the memorial was unveiled by Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Peter Considine. MC at the unveiling, John Bradley of the Clare Roots Society, told those gathered, “The commemoration of the Great Hunger allows people everywhere to reflect upon a terrible episode that forever changed Ireland”. He added that many of the conditions that led to the famine still exist. “The lessons of the Irish famine need to be constantly learned and …

Clare native Dan Lyons, who hails from Coolshingaun, Maurices Mills, was honoured in England recently for his charity work.

AS we approach a number of very important historical centenaries, it is difficult to imagine the bitterness of those times, particularly during the Civil War.