EDITORIAL A SOUP kitchen is something one associates with Famine times in Ireland, when people depended on them for their very survival.

IF I were Eamon Gilmore, I would think twice about getting involved in trying to solve the problems in Syria or Egypt. I think I would concentrate more on the crisis in my own backyard and leave Syria and Egypt to others to solve.

Clare 1-22 Limerick 0-18 Marvellous, marvellous Clare. The senior hurlers caused another upset in the race for the 2013 All-Ireland senior title when they overcame favourites Limerick at Croke Park and set up a final date with Cork on September 8.

PARTEEN residents took matters into their own hands this week and blocked a local road, in a bid to halt earthworks for road widening planned by Clare County Council.

AN Ennis priest has made a ‘wheel’ effort for charity, raising €5,000 for Barnardos. Fr Ger Fitzgerald finished his 30×30 cycle challenge this week, attempting to cycle 30 miles every day for 30 days. He might have finished a few days behind schedule, suffering aches and pains along the way, but according to Fr Ger, he is delighted to have been able to do something to help the worthy cause. “I hope that this helps even one person to have a brighter tomorrow,” he said. Recalling his time doing the challenge, Fr Ger said, “It was a really wonderful journey, which took in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary. The cycle went to places like Corofin, Inchiquin Lake, Coole Park, Castleconnell, O’Briensbridge, Quin, Doonas, Ruan and, of course, to Fr Ted’s House. I documented all the places I was on my Facebook page.” He went on, “I was struck many times by the incredible beauty of the Irish countryside and the …

WHILE it’s often described as a new town, there is plenty of history around the fringes of Shannon and on Sunday people will get a chance to take some of it in through an event being organised by the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society and Dúchas na Sionna.

MINISTER of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes, visited Scattery Island last Friday.

Well-known South Galway historian Sr Mary De Lourdes Fahy was described as a ‘champion’ and ‘a national treasure’ when she was honoured with a special award last week.