THE launch of the 10-day national commemoration of the Great Famine in West Clare will coincide with a special piece of drama at Carrigaholt on May 3.

A Kilkishen man has been named student designer of the year at the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards and has also reached the final of the Persil Irish Fashion Awards 2013.

The proposed provision of speed ramps in one of the largest housing estates in South-East Clare has experienced something of a bumpy ride, with differing views expressed by two local county councillors.

Health Minister James Reilly, on a visit to Clare this week, reaffirmed that the final report concerning the death of Ms Halappanavar would not be presented to Cabinet until her husband, Praveen or his agent had an opportunity to express their views.

The building of a new pier in Doolin moved a step closer to reality this week when Clare County Council sought tenders for the design and building of the project. The tender documents were published on Monday with the deadline for responses set for May 13 next.

Gort’s Suzanne O’Donnell was named No Name Club’s hostess of the year at the national finals in Kilkenny at the weekend.

FOR the third time in four seasons, Clare imploded when a clear avenue towards promotion from Division 4 opened up for them. In 2010, a point from either of their games against Limerick or Waterford would have been sufficient, while last year they fell to Wicklow in Aughrim. Last Sunday victory over Limerick in Cusack Park would have been enough but yet again, when the pressure came on, Clare faltered.

COMMENT WHEN Mick O’Dwyer was formally ratified at a specially convened Clare County Board meeting in November, the clear hope was that the legendary Waterville man would inspire Clare to finally escape from Division 4.