AN APPEAL is being made for information on the final resting place of a 21-year-old Canadian, whose body was washed ashore at Doughmore Beach, more than 80 years ago. James Hutton, a sailor, was among 207 people who lost their lives with the sinking, off County Donegal, of the troopship, the SS Nerissa on April 30, 1941. In the weeks and months that followed, bodies were discovered along the western seaboard, as far south as Clare. The remains of James Hutton were discovered on May 27, 1941, and laid to rest the same day in Clohanes Graveyard. In the intervening years, knowledge of the exact location of his burial plot has been lost. This week, retired officers of the Canadian Navy travelled to Clare in a bid to find the grave. They are hoping that local knowledge may identify exactly where James Hutton is buried and that the grave will be formally marked.  Retired Lieutenant Commander with the Royal Canadian …

GARDAÍ have renewed an appeal for information on a missing Kildare teenager, last seen in this county. Sixteen year-old Briain Holmes is missing from Kildare town and was last seen in Clare on the afternoon of Thursday May 11. Since then, two more possible sightings have been reported in the North of the county. Briain is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height, of slim build and has fair hair and blue eyes. When last seen, he was wearing black jumper, dark black trousers and black runners. Gardaí and Briain’s family are concerned for his wellbeing. They are appealing to landowners in the North Clare area to check any sheds, outhouses, unoccupied houses or other remote buildings on their lands. Anyone with information on Briain’s whereabouts are asked to contact Kildare Garda Station on 045- 527 737, Ennistymon Garda Station on 065-707 2180, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

TULLA County Market is inviting patrons to enter a sunflower-growing competition over the summer. The market runs every second Saturday at the Courthouse, from 10am to 2pm. The next market takes place on Saturday, May 20 and those attending on that date and on June 3 will receive a free sunflower plant whey they spend €10 or more. “Bring it home and take good care of it!,” a spokesperson said. “In September, we will invite you to send us a photo of your spectacular sunflower and visit our special  Harvest Market where we will have prizes for our best sunflowers  and homemade treats for all competitors. So get your gardening gloves out and come and see us soon. Let’s get growing!” More details are available on Facebook, Instagram and by checking out our posters around the village of Tulla.

CELEBRATIONS are taking place in Tulla, after the Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre was honoured nationally as a model for excellence in town and village renewal.  “It’s like achieving a Michelin Star,” said Breda McNamara, Chairperson of the Cnoc na Gaoithe Development Committee. “We are so delighted that what has been done here has been recognised. The buildings were donated by the Sisters of Mercy over a decade ago and they have been the gift that keeps on giving. We’re so grateful to the order and thrilled that the centre has been able to revitalise the heart of Tulla. To have that recognised on the national stage is very satisfying. It’s recognition for a job well done.” Last week at Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) All Ireland Community and Council Awards, Cnoc na Gaoithe picked received the national award for ‘Best Town and Village Regeneration’ project. It was chosen from a shortlist that also included the Ballinamore Area in Leitrim, #WeAreAthleague in Roscommon and the enhancement …

A MUSICAL tribute to Ireland’s cultural revolutionaries has been released by Ennis born singer-songwriter Mike Hanrahan. Following the critical acclaim for his short film ‘The Ballad of the Crimson Warrior’, Mike has renewed his collaboration with songwriter and musician, Sive, to release the title song. Like the film, the song is a homage to the leading figures of the cultural revolution between 1890 and 1922. It pays tribute to rebels, innovators, writers and fighters who worked to reawaken Ireland’s spirit in the crucial period leading to the securing of Irish Independence.  “I had the song written for the film, but I felt it needed another voice,” Mike explained. “In this song The Crimson Warrior is reawakened from 100 years of sleep to reconnect with a new Ireland. He is the voice of the Irish Cultural Revolution. I called my friend Sive and we spoke about the song. We share a mutual respect for this era of Irish history. Her reply …

ONE of Ireland’s most talented traditional singers will perform at Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla on Sunday night next (April 16).  For Elle Marie O’Dwyer, the concert, where she will be joined by Alan Finn and Conor O’Sullivan, offers a welcome opportunity to reconnect with Clare. The Cork woman was formerly Traditional Singer in Residence. That year-long role brought together Elle Marie’s ‘day job’ as a national school teacher and her talent for traditional song. The experience also coincided with the hosting in Ennis of two legendary All-Ireland Fleadhanna, making the Banner particularly close to Elle Marie’s heart. “Clare is divine altogether,” she said, “and there’s something so special about Ennis.” Elle Marie also believes that Clare’s audiences here are particularly receptive. “Clare children just have such a deep appreciation of traditional singing,” she said. “I learned so many songs myself in Clare and have connections with The Chapel Gate Singers in Cooraclare. John Condon of the Spancilhill singing sessions …

Glór is set to host a not-to-be-missed concert on April 24 with three of Ireland’s most talented and acclaimed traditional musicians. Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd have been building a formidable musical relationship under the guise of The Máirtín O’Connor Band since 2001. Individually recognised figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity. Together they produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one’s concept of brilliance, verging on perfection. If this musical powerhouse does not get you to your feet, nothing will. The concert is part of a weekend masterclass programme in association with Music Generation Clare. Over three days these acclaimed artists will work with a group of young musicians, taking them on an adventure of musical discovery that will culminate in a public performance (Day 3). This masterclass offers a unique opportunity for young musicians to work closely with three of the country’s most …

IDEAS are being sought ahead of an intergenerational festival to take place in Ennistymon in May. Rekindle is a festival of lost skills celebrating and showcasing the knowledge of older people in our communities that can help us all to live a truly sustainable life. Building upon the success of the first Rekindle festival of 2022, this year’s event will btake place on Sunday, May 14 at the Courthouse Gallery Ennistymon. Coordinator Katie Cogan has launched a search for older people who might like to exhibit in the festival. “So many of the skills we need now to live in a truly sustainable way were once practiced by generations past,” she said. “We’re now looking for older people with skills involving making useful things, repair, creating beautiful crafts, growing materials or foods, mending belongings or building habitats. Anyone with a skill diminishing in popularity and in danger of being forgotten. Is this you or do you know someone who matches …