The Government has little choice but to postpone the introduction of water charges. While Environment Minister Phil Hogan announced last Thursday that the charges would come in from January 1 next, there was no doubt but the backlash to this new tax coming on top of the hated property tax could be big enough to topple the Government.

HEALTH Minister Dr James Reilly came to Clare on Monday to do a lap of honour; press the flesh and go through the formalities of courtesy visits and openings. Just what the good doctor needed as a breather from the torment that usually goes with his ministerial portfolio.

A Gort student is among five young women from across the country who will compete for the prestigious No Name Club Hostess of the Year title on Saturday.

FROM building improvised wind turbines using plane parts to making Super 8 films of his family, from providing the amplification for the Corpus Christi procession to shying away from mundane tasks on cars in favour of trickier jobs with radios or even toys, Gilla Skerritt was a unique man. This month North Clare pays tribute to one of the area’s great characters.

ENNIS is set to benefit from a €200,000 boost to the local economy as a result of this year’s Ennis Street Festival, according to organisers. This year’s event will take place from July 5 to 7 with a target of attracting 5,000 people to attend the various events organised.

THERE is enough demand for an Educate Together school in Shannon, according to the Department of Education’s report on parental preferences on primary school patronage.

WITH the National Famine Commemoration (May 3 to 12) approaching, it is almost incomprehensible to note that Kilrush workhouse and its six auxiliaries held more than 5,000 people at one point during the Famine. However, in November 1847, it could only take about 1,100 people and by the middle of that month, Kilrush Workhouse was full.

THREE families who have been unable to take occupancy of their Killaloe homes, were joined by a large group of people in staging a public protest outside the estate on Tuesday. Michele Burke and William Buck, John Ryan senior and John Ryan junior of Castleconnell have been locked out of their homes  at Ard na Deirge for over six years.