THERE is a new Miss Clare and this year the title went to Lauren Guilfoyle from Feakle, who will represent her county at the Miss Ireland competition in Dublin in June.

  THE twinning relationship between Ennis and Phoenix continues to burn bright, with last week marking its 25th anniversary with a week-long celebration. At a civic reception held by Ennis Town Council in honour of visiting delegates from Phoenix, Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine outlined his wish that the relationship between the sister cities will continue for another 25 years. Among the delegation from Phoenix were Councilman Michael Johnson and members of St Mary’s Catholic High School Band. Despite the unsure future for Ennis Town Council, Mayor Considine spoke of his hope that the twinning would continue. He commented that despite proposals to abolish the council, there is an ongoing committment to maintain the town’s connection with Phoenix. “It’s a real pleasure for Ennis to have known and worked with you for the past 25 years. We wish you continued success and hope that the Ennis-Phoenix relationship continues to grow and prosper over the next 25 years,” he told the …

A TOTAL of 60 litter fines were issued by Ennis Town Council last year, with 14 fines paid and 15 cases referred to a solicitor. These latest figures have been unveiled as part of the local authority’s annual report into the prevention and control of litter for 2012.

STONE carving, traditional crafts and brush dancing formed a heady cocktail of entertainment to honour Ireland’s famous patron saint on the shores of Lough Derg last weekend.

AFTER receiving a request from Shannon Town Council for the TV licence fee to be abolished, Minister Pat Rabbitte has written to the council and, unsurprisingly, he hasn’t a notion of complying with their request.

THE victorious St Thomas’ hurlers were given a rapturous welcome when they took part in the Gort St Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday.

A RECORD number of floats made for an excellent St Patrick’s Day parade in the West Clare capital town.

HEAVY rain and flooding in parts of North Clare earlier this year have caused the earth to move in Dromore Wood. A local man, out for a walk in the area noticed a large piece of marsh, approximately 18 metres by 11 metres, had washed up on the shore of Black Lake, which forms part of Dromore Lake.