BOOKS that belonged to a Tulla teenager who was a tireless advocate for others with cancer, have been donated to charity as part of her legacy.  Labhaoise Fitzgerald passed away in January of 2021, after a seven-year battle with a rare form of brain cancer. Even in the later stages of her illness, she had been an active member of Barretstown Youth Leaders’ Council, advocating for others affected by cancer.  Since her untimely passing, Labhaoise’s friends have also been involved in fundraising in her honour. In recent times, Labhaoise’s family donated around 100 of her books to the Let’s Fund It organisation, which supports the Irish charity sector. These books will be given to children receiving support from the charity Hand in Hand, and will be included in the hospital care bags donated by Let’s Fund It. It was Labhaoise’s wish that other children would get to read them and share in the joy and happiness that the books brought …

DOG theft has been raised with the Department of Justice by Deputy Cathal Crowe, who has sought clarity on plans to tighten existing legislation.  The Fianna Fáil member asked Junior Minister James Browne to make a statement and was told that changes to the legislation may be considered.  Responding to Deputy Crowe’s question, Minister Browne described dog theft as “an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners”. “I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare,” he said. “It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.” Minister Browne noted that, in sentencing, judges look not only at the monetary value of the pet but also the emotional distress caused to the …

WARM tributes have been paid on the passing of Scariff’s Seán Brogan, described as “a man who did so much in the course of his life”. Mr Brogan, of Cappabane, was Chairperson of Scariff GAA Club. He was widely known and highly respected in sporting and political circles across the county and further afield. On Sunday last, in Cusack Park, ahead of the meeting of Clare and Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, supporters showed their respect during a minute’s silence. At his funeral mass on Monday (May 23) in Scariff, mourners shared fond memories of Mr Brogan’s many achievements and the impact he made on his community.  Requiem mass was concelebrated by Parish Priest, Fr Joe McMahon and Fr Brendan Moloney. Fr McMahon spoke of Mr Brogan’s “preoccupation with the GAA” and remembered him as “a man who did so much for the young people of the parish”. Tributes brought to the altar included a Scariff Hurling jersey, …

SYMPATHY has been extended to the family of the late William McLysaght, of Raheen, Tuamgraney, by members of the Killaloe Municipal District. When councillors gathered in Scariff for their May meeting, a motion of sympathy was proposed by Councillor Pat Hayes, who noted the hugely positive impact Mr McLysaght had had on the local area.  “William’s contribution was immense around East Clare,” Councillor Hayes said. “He played a central role in supporting Raheen Community Hospital. He had a central role going back the years to his father and grandfather who gave great employment in the area.” Cathaoirleach Councillor Joe Cooney seconded the motion. “William was a simply fantastic man for the entire East Clare area,” he said. “He was involved in a lot of different committees and we extend our sympathies to William’s wife Anna and their family. William’s family gave a lot of employment to a lot of people and did great work.” Councillor Tony O’Brien described Mr McLysaght …

SPORTS and wellbeing groups from across the East Clare community are set to benefit from an all-weather, flood-lit astroturf facility being developed at Scariff Community College (SCC).  The state-of-the-art pitch, which will be encircled by a running track, was granted planning permission in 2021 and last February received a major funding injection from the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). A major fundraising drive will be launched next Tuesday night (May 31) with a view to making up the estimated €400,000 cost of the project.  The facility is set to have major benefits, not only for the 420-pupil school, but for a host of community and voluntary organisations in the wide hinterland of SCC. The 80m by 40m playing pitch and athletics track, which will have full floodlighting, will be used for PE classes as well as athletics, camogie, hurling, rugby and soccer. In addition, it will be accessible to local primary schools, active ageing and community games groups.  “This …

TIDY Towns groups need more clarity on their annual budgets, according to Ennis area councillor, Paul Murphy.  The Clarecastle man raised the matter at the May meeting of Clare County Council, when he asked the executive to bring the deadline forward for applications to Community Support Schemes (CSS). His motion said that earlier deadlines would “help facilitate the invaluable work that community groups are doing in towns and villages across County Clare”. He added that the move would benefit Tidy Towns organisations who are currently unaware of what support they are getting this year. This year’s mid-May deadline, he said, makes it very difficult to plan for the year ahead.  Addressing the meeting, Councillor Murphy said he wanted to speak up for Tidy Towns groups. “They are very reliant on these grants,” he said. “They find it hard to develop a work plan until they know what their budget is going to be.” The motion was seconded by Mayor of …

MOUNTSHANNON Arts Festival gets underway this Thursday, May 26, showcasing a wealth of talent and creativity in music, visual art, literature and more.  The theme of ‘Community’ is at the heart of this year’s event, which will involve performances, workshops and exhibitions, running until Sunday, June 6. As always, the festival’s focus will be on erasing the boundaries between artists and audience. Events range from Full Circle Playback Theatre, a songwriting workshop, Origami workshops, a community art installation and the inaugural Mountshannon Maracatu, a family-friendly community parade.  Mel White, Chair of the Volunteer Committee said the return to full, live, in-person activities is particularly welcome after the pandemic restrictions. “We are so excited for this festival after two years of lockdown and we have been supported by the local community in every way,” she said. “We have brought together an eclectic mix of actors, musicians, artists  and creative writers to create an experience like no other this year. We would …

ST JOSEPH’S Secondary School has been recognised for a project designed to raise awareness of mental health supports and resources.  The Tulla school was Highly Commended in the Young Social Innovators (YSI) Ireland Mental Health Awards, supported by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Students were praised for their I-CAN project, entitled Make Our World Healthier. The project was developed in response to a perceived lack of accessible resources to help young people manage their mental health throughout the pandemic.  The students wanted to provide young people with a physical tool that they could use to combat stress and anxiety. They developed the innovative I-CAN – a tin containing advice, activities and information resources for young people to help them cope in tough times. In the future, the team plans to make I-CANs available to other schools in the area and hopefully on a national scale. This year’s YSI programme saw participation from 6,123 Irish teenagers from 209 schools and organisations …