Those old biddies who have controlled our faith and morals in this country for generations have never gone away. While we have moved on in many respects, those holy Marys, ably assisted by a lot of pietistic Paddys, still have a stranglehold on our politicians.

‘An ounce of breeding is worth a ton of feeding’ is an old proverb that certainly rung through as 5-2 shot Cuil Rogue scored for Coolshamrock, Quin owner, Joe Leyden at Dromahane point-to-point last Sunday.

THESE are difficult times for farmers as the fodder shortage continues apace. In Clare, good work and cooperation has led to the early cutting of silage at Shannon Airport and the provision of some extra feed but reports indicate demand has far outstripped supply.

  A collection of photographs captured by six immigrant women, with the help of The Clare Champion’s award-winning photographer John Kelly, has been put on display in Ennis’ town centre. A blank window in O’Connell Square has opened up showcasing the fresh and engaged account of lives lived in Ennis, with the aim of furthering conversation around the integration and evolution of the town’s community. The One in Five Art of Place photographic exhibition is the work of  immigrants from Agadir, Casablanca, Sarajevo and Ghana who, in recent years, have made Ennis their home. The immigrant story, one of the country’s and the county’s defining features of the last two decades, has yet to be fully reflected in creative bodies of work.  Here in Clare, this exhibition takes a committed step in that direction. According to Karl Quinn, co-ordinator of programmes at the Clare VEC Adult Education Centre, the breadth and depth of cultures and the richness and diversity of …

THE story of a hell-raising actor will be told in Glór on May 10 in Rob Crouch and Mike Davis’ show Oliver Reed-Wild Thing.

Ennis broadcaster and presenter Brian O’Connell is to air his latest radio programme, which will focus on male issues in Ireland today.

PEOPLE in Ennis can enjoy some lunchtime entertainment next Wednesday.

A NEW CD by Ennis accordionist Johnny McCarthy will be launched in the Temple Gate Hotel on Thursday, May 2. All proceeds from the sale of his CD Steele’s Rock will go towards the Clare 250 Cancer Centre.