THE pioneering work of an Ennis gay priest is the main focus of a documentary that will be broadcast in Miltown Malbay Community Hall on Tuesday, September 24 at 8pm. “A Priest’s Testament” shot for Chanel 4 in the summer of 1987 tells the story of Fr Bernárd Lynch and his ministry to people with Aids in New York. The Ennis-born priest and psychotherapist was closely involved with the LGBT community and founded the first pastoral outreach to people with Aids in New York. He was subsequently drafted into the Mayor of New York’s Taskforce on Aids. His ministry and commitment led him into conflict with the Catholic Church authorities as well as bringing him into the most harrowing situation, preparing young people for the untimely deaths. After the film, Mr Lynch will be available for a questions and answers session. In May 2023, Clare County Council hosted a civic reception as An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) led …

    GARDAI have taken the unusual step of deciding to exhume the remains of a deceased Sixmilebridge banqueting manager, who died on February 10, 1984, as part of a new investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Work on the exhumation of Patrick Nugent’s remains is due to start early on Tuesday morning with the help of a team of forensic experts. In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, the family’s solicitor Kevin Winters of KRW LAW Human Rights lawyers confirmed family members have engaged with Gardai on both the sensitive logistics of the exhumation and its likely outworkings. “A key area will be the tests undertaken on bones to see if those results might alter hitherto settled narratives on the case. We hope those anthropological findings will provide new investigative leads for Gardai in all their follow up inquiries. In many ways, we hope this historic investigative milestone will pave the way for a renewed investigative strategy. …

A Shannon family whose 16 year-old daughter died in an overcrowded Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) are demanding the immediate publication of a major report into her death. Aoife Johnston, Cronan Lawn, Shannon, died of meningitis in December 2022 after suspected sepsis that allegedly went untreated for more than 12 hours. Two months after the completion of an investigation into her death, conducted by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, the Johnston family have expressed deep disappointment at the report they have been given, accusing the HSE of failing them and their late daughter again. Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, the family’s solicitor, Damien Tansey, said the Johnstons consider the Clarke report as “utterly superficial”. Mr Tansey said that from the outset of the unpublished report, “it appears that the investigator, the former Chief Justice Clarke had a meeting with a senior counsel appointed by Mr [Bernard] Gloster” the HSE Chief Executive, indicating that there were “significant limitations and restrictions” …

The death of a Shannon teenager in the overcrowded Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) was “almost certainly avoidable”, a new report has revealed. Aoife Johnston, Cronan Lawn, Shannon, died of meningitis in December 2022 after a thirteen and a half hour gap between presentation at the Emergency Department having been seen by a GP who queried the possibility of sepsis and where the risk of sepsis was also identified by Nurse A who dealt with her, according to a new report. The Frank Clarke report was commissioned by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster after he received the report of a Systems Analysis Review (a SAR report), prepared under the HSE’s National Incident Management System (NIMS). Mr Gloster commissioned the Clarke report having considered the conclusions of the SAR and having determined that further investigation was necessary. At the start of his 247-page report, Justice Frank Clarke recognised this Investigation arose out of the tragic death of a sixteen year- …

Munster and Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey was quick off the mark once again when he officially opened a new €250,000 state-of-the-art impressive indoor astro turf facility at Scariff RFC on Sunday. Although small in stature, the former Ard Scoil Rís player had no problem passing a jersey to one side on a rail to unveil a plaque on the outside wall of this new all-weather 40 by 20 metres facility. Cheered on by a large crowd of Scariff RFC committee members, supporters and young rugby players, this unveiling marked a special milestone for a rugby club that was first founded in 1963. Family attractions to mark the occasion included a bouncy castle, barbeque and refreshments, underage rugby blitz and activities for children. Thanking Craig Casey for attending the official opening, Michael Madden hoped next summer he would become a Lions Rugby player. The Scariff RFC Chairman praised Munster Rugby Development Officer Gerry Casey, Craig’s father, for all the assistance he …

FARMERS and landowners who have lands with river frontage and rich species grassland have been urged to participate in a new Graney sub-catchment pilot results-based environmental water quality scheme. Expressions of interest were sought from land owners to get involved with the Waters of Life project at a public information meeting in Flagmount on Thursday night. Depending on the level of interest, Project Manager, Anne Goggin said the project team will adopt a screening process to assess which farmer can have the most impact, particularly those with river frontage who will be prioritised. Confirming that Coillte is a project partner, she said Coillte has committed resources to its involvement in this project. The project will examine what will be happening in forestry during its lifetime, risk assessing land in terms of acidity, looking at where their efforts should be focused and will then work with Coillte to minimise the impact of any forestry activities. While there isn’t a specified budget …

    FORMER Clare County Council Chairman, P J Kelly has been described as a “West Clare warrior” following his sudden death in his sleep at home on Friday night. Fianna Fáil in Clare, communities in West Clare and family members of the late P J Kelly from Lissycasey have left reeling after his unexpected passing. Clare County Council Chairman, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, who sat beside Mr Kelly in the council chamber for about ten years, said people in West Clare were “shocked” and “devastated” over the death of a “West Clare warrior”. On June 19, the Lissycasey horse enthusiast was one of three councillors in the country with 50 years of unbroken service on a local authority. The other two were Councillor Hilda Mary Kavanagh from Kilkenny and Councillor Declan Bree from Sligo. Opting not to contest the last Local Elections, his departure from the local authority brought the curtain down on his colourful political career, which saw him …

A new socio-economic study has projected a total employment income of €25.5 million over a 15-year period following the re-opening of Crusheen railway station. This is the net gain in earnings from the workforce in the catchment area taking employment opportunities in Limerick or Galway versus working within 30 minutes from home. The study, completed by consultants Repucon for Clare County Council, has revealed €4.5 million is the initial cost estimate for the provision of a platform, infrastructural works, car park and new footbridge link to the village. In August 2024, Clare County Council commissioned Tom McNamara and Partners to develop a cost estimate for the re-opening of the railway station and associated infrastructure and these consultants produced the €4.5 million figure. From a value for money perspective, the projected 15-year return on investment of €5.65 for each €1 of capital investment made demonstrates a significant impact on the community and the wider Clare economy. The study outlined the employment …