IF YOU have an eye for Clare’s traditional architecture, the chances are you have spotted some of the work of North Clare craftsman, Eóin Madigan. A sixth generation stonemason from Ennistymon, Eóin has been the main contractor on conservation projects including the O’Brien Column in Liscannor; the Lightkeeper’s Cottage at Loop Head; the Vandeleur Mausoleum in Kilrush; as well as the historic lime kilns in Kilmurry and Tuamgraney. Thanks to a prestigious fellowship award, Eóin has honed his craft and is enthusiastic about handing on the skills and knowledge needed to protect Ireland’s built heritage. In 2014, Eóin was awarded a William Morris Craft Fellowship from The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). The prestigious fellowship involved a six-month tour of the UK involving site, workshop and studio visits, allowing him to work alongside master craftsmen on heritage projects. The fellowship aimed to foster a new generation of outstanding craftsmen and women and to prepare them to lead and …

CLARE Haven Domestic Abuse Support Services is calling on members of the public to Go Purple on Friday (April 29) to raise awareness of domestic violence and to raise funds for its service. In association with Safe Ireland and An Garda Síochána, a call is being made for people of all ages to show their solidarity for women and children being subjected to, experiencing and exiting domestic abuse, by embracing the colour purple for one day. The initiative will support the vital work of Clare Haven, the only dedicated domestic abuse service based in this county. Last year alone, the service received 1,005 helpline calls. In 2021, 569 women accessed non-refuge outreach support while 94 women and 188 children were accommodated in Clare Haven’s refuge. During this time, the service also provided 200 court accompaniments. The purple-themed fundraising and awareness event was started last year as a local event in County Meath by Stacey Looby. A member of An Garda …

A SAFE haven for those fleeing the trauma of war is what one Whitegate woman is hoping to create, using her own experience of working with refugees. Didi Driscoll worked with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the early ‘80s and has seen first-hand the trauma that war brings. “I’m not political,” she told The Champion, “but I know that war is terrible and it’s terrible especially for women and children. In the refugee camps in Somalia, we were delivering food to almost one million people. “The truck drivers would come along, shouting in Swahili and Somalia, telling us and all of the refugees to run away, and to keep running from the conflict. People fleeing Ukraine have no choice but to flee.” Her work in those refugee camps, for which the UNHCR won a Nobel Peace Prize, has given Didi unique insights, as has her aid work in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. She is now hoping …

THE month of May will get off to a sweet start in Ennis next Monday (May 2), as Mike Hanrahan and five choirs take to the steps of the Courthouse. At 3pm, the Stockton’s Wing legend will sing alongside Cantare, The Really Truly Joyful Gospel Choir, Ballyea choir, Front Line Choir and a new choir, Inis Soul. The event, entitled Bealtaine Voices with Mike Hanrahan is part of a month-long celebration of creativity in older age, and is supported by Clare County Council and Creative Ireland. Songs will include ‘Dreams’, ‘On Days Like These’, ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’, ‘Clare My Heart My Home’, ‘Celebrate’ and Stocktons Wing classic ‘Beautiful Affair’. More details are available on Bealtaine.ie. Meanwhile, Mike has teamed up with Gavin Glass for to release ‘Spindrift’ – the second song from a series of works created during the past two years called Songs from The Box Room, which will be released in the autumn. With …

SINGER-SONGWRITER John Spillane has just been unveiled as headline act for the Mountshannon Arts Festival this summer. With the welcome return of in-person events, the hugely talented Corkonian, is set to captivate audiences from well beyond East Clare, when he performs at St Caimin’s Church. Rooted in people, place and story, John’s music transports the listener, and his live performances have thrilled audiences around the world. The award-winning musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer will perform within the hallowed historical walls of 18th Century Church of Ireland on Saturday, June 4. Mountshannon Arts Festival Chairperson, Mel White, said the committee is delighted to have secured such a talented and popular performer to headline this year’s event. “John’s music is a reflection of Ireland today, and we are honoured to have him performing in Mounshannon,” she said. “And not only that, John is also hosting a song writing workshop where he will help participants lose whatever inhibitions and …

ASPECTS of the forthcoming new development plan for Clare will be revisited now that wastewater facilities are to be upgraded in the village of Kilmihil. It follows a call from Councillor Cillian Murphy who told the April meeting of the local authority that the zoning map, and population and housing allocation, for the village must now be revised. “Kilmihil is a progressive place and I would describe the People’s Park there as world class,” he said. “The area has suffered from stymied growth due to the lack of wastewater services, but now that is to change and that should be acknowledged in the plan.” The motion was seconded by Councillor Ian Lynch, who agreed that the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 must be looked at once again for the Kilmihil area.  “This needs a lot more work and debate,” added Councillor Gerry Flynn. The Independent member paid tribute to Director of Services Liam Conneally and his team for their …

SINN Féin’s member on Clare County Council has called on the authority to support a campaign to re-inter five men buried at Kilmainham Gaol, after their execution in the late 1800s. Councillor Donna McGettigan asked for support for a bid to have Joe Brady, Daniel Curley, Michael Fagan, Thomas Caffrey and Tim Kelly, known as The Invincibles, exhumed and reinterred in consecrated ground at Glasnevin Cemetery. The motion called on the appropriate government department to carry out the excavation works at the gaol where the men have bene buried since 1883. It noted that the families of the men are represented by The National Graves Association. “Their families wish for them to have a proper burial,” Councillor McGettigan said. “Many Councils have already supported this motion.” The motion was seconded by Councillor Gerry Flynn. 

CONCERN has been expressed over the inspection rate for private accommodation rented with the support of the Council. The matter was raised by Councillor Johnny Flynn at the monthly local authority meeting, on foot of the Chief Executive’s Report. The Fine Gael member noted that while 1,000 private rental inspections had been completed, some had not been able to proceed. “It is very disappointing to read that a lot of scheduled inspections are being frustrated, genuinely or otherwise, at the last minute,” he said. “It is important to send a message that this work is being done on behalf of tenants. Unfortunately, they are not cooperating In some cases.” Director of Housing, Anne Haugh acknowledged that progress with inspections could be “frustratingly slow”. “We rely on the cooperation of landlords to access properties,” she said. “All relevant resources are being applied to meet the target. Over 1,000 have been done for 2022.” Ms Haugh said that virtual inspections are also …