THERE is “amazing interest” in next week’s arrival to Ennis of a portrait inspired by the courage of Vicky Phelan, according to local organisers of the event. The Vicky Phelan portrait tour featuring a painting of the Kilkenny woman on Clare’s Doonbeg beach, a location she described as her favourite place on earth, will visit Danlann An Chláir on Friday January 26 at 7pm. The event is hosted by Councillor Mary Howard in partnership with Clare Haven Services and Relay For Life Clare. As well as the display of the painting guest speakers on the night will include Vicky’s childhood friend David Brennan who bought the painting along with Clare healthcare campaigners John Wall and Caoimhe O’Neill- Forde. “Since we announced this very different event a couple of weeks ago there has been amazing interest in it. Vicky’s strength and frankness really struck a chord with so many people who admired her from afar, and this is an opportunity to …

Election 2024 is already on the minds of Ennis councillors with a call being made for the creation of designated sites for the erection of election posters rather than having them on lampposts and other locations throughout the county capital. Councillor Mary Howard (FG) made the novel suggestion at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where she said specific sites for posters would encourage “responsible consumption, climate action and reducing the visual impact of posters, while also ensuring equity between new and existing candidates”. The council executive responded by stating a bill intending to regulate the placement of election posters and referendum material to “designated areas” chosen by local authorities has not been enacted. Councillor Howard recalled that back in 2019, sitting members of the Ennis Municipal District voluntarily agreed not to erect posters, however this agreement did not extend to incoming candidates. Councillor Howard described the move as a “very brave step” for the members of the …

“This is no ordinary shop,” says Johnny Murphy as he prepares to close the doors of his family shoe repair shop in Ennis for the final time this Saturday. More than six decades after the business was first started by his father John Murphy Senior, Johnny has announced the closure of Ennis institution ‘Johnny Murphy Shoe Repairs’ in Cronin’s Yard/Taylor’s Lane. Since news of the decision to close was revealed, Johnny has been inundated with good wishes and messages of support from valued customers and friends. In fact, when The Clare Champion caught up with Johnny this week to reminisce on his time in the trade he had to pause a number of times to answer calls from people wishing him well. He tells us he has been touched by the outpouring of support and goodwill admitting that this has been an emotional week. “You would be made a stone if it wasn’t,” he smiles. Sitting in his shop surrounded …

LESSONS in fun really are child’s play at Barefield National School which last week officially launched a major expansion of its outdoor facilities. A new playground, ball wall and walking / running track has been added to the local school while an astroturf pitch was previously installed. The new facilities were developed as part of a €120,000 project with Deputy Principal Peadar McMahon telling us they have been a big hit with the pupils of the school. “The playground, ball wall, walking / running track and astroturf are just fabulous. All of the students are absolutely delighted, it’s gone down really, really super with them,” he said. The development has been an ambition of the school for a while, and last year they were successful in securing planning permission from Clare County Council. Mr McMahon outlines, “The idea had come up at various boards of management meetings over the years, it was first mentioned in 2015. “The present board of …

A protest rally highlighting the “dire situation” facing North Clare’s waterways will be held in Ennistymon next week with campaigners saying “The rivers of Clare cannot be used as toilets”. The Save Our Rivers campaign was recently formed by a group of North Clare citizens who say they are “tired of the pollution, the fish kills and all the other forms of environmental destruction”. Group spokesperson Denis Vaughan is urging members of the public to show their support at the rally which will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 2pm at the Ennistymon Area Office of Clare County Council. According to Mr Vaughan there is a “clear need” for the campaign, explaining it comes after the recent high profile fish kill in the Ennistymon area in which thousands of fish died. They are also highlighting concerns over untreated sewage being pumped into the sea and rivers in North Clare. “Lahinch Beach is frequently closed because of the presence of …

TWO men have been arrested by gardaí as investigations continue into a shooting incident and criminal damage in North Clare at the weekend. Gardaí have confirmed the arrests were made on Monday and the men detained at Ennis Garda Station under Section 30 Offences against the State Act. Gardaí at Ennistymon Garda Station are investigating a number of incidents including a discharge of a firearm and criminal damage that occurred in Ennistymon on Sunday. A man in his 50s was taken to hospital for treatment after a firearm was discharged in the Deepark area of the North Clare village. Sergeant Triona Brooks outlined, “Shortly after 6pm, a number of persons were in the Deerpark area of Ennistymon in possession of a number of weapons including at least one firearm. Extensive damage was caused to a number of domestic residences and vehicles. “A firearm was also discharged and a man in his 50s was later taken to University Hospital Galway with …

GARDAÍ are seeking the public’s help in tracing the whereabouts of a Clare teenager who has been reported missing from his home. 17-year-old Ivan Ryan is missing from his home in Tulla since Saturday, August 26. Ivan is described as being 6 foot tall with a slim build. He has black hair and brown eyes. It is not known what Ivan was wearing at the time he went missing. Gardaí and Ivan’s family are concerned for his welfare. Anyone with information on Ivan’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A MAN was taken to hospital with injuries following a number of incidents in North Clare at the weekend including the discharge of a firearm. An appeal for witnesses has been launched by investigating gardaí who are urging anyone with information to come forward. Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating a number of incidents including a discharge of a firearm and criminal damage that occurred in Ennistymon on Sunday, August 27. Shortly after 6pm, it’s reported a number of persons were in the Deerpark area, Ennistymon in possession of a number of weapons including at least one firearm. During the course of a number of reported incidents in the area, extensive damage was caused to a number of domestic residences and vehicles. A firearm was also discharged and a man in his 50s was later taken to University Hospital Galway with non-life threatening injuries. A number of scenes have been preserved for technical examination. Investigations are continuing at Ennistymon Garda …