RESIDENTS living in an Ennis housing estate close to the Corrovorrin River are “concerned” that “significant” overgrowth in the river may lead to flooding, a meeting of local councillors has heard. The Ennis Municipal District at their recent meeting were requested by Councillor Johnny Flynn to arrange for the cutting back of growth and a clean up of the “overgrown Corrovorrin River” particularly at the bridge into Corrovorrin estate itself. The councillor described the river as “very important piece of the river network” which helps to deflect flood waters, alongside having value as an amenity. “The residents of Corrovorrin are concerned, the growth is quite significant, and they are concerned that any potential flood water might come on on the estate.” He referred to the “fantastic plans” contained within the Ennis 2040 document to develop a Wetlands and Enterprise Area, “linking the lung of Ennis” to the east of the town, expanding into lands between the town and the M18. …

AN innovative project aimed at encouraging the use of the Irish language within the community of Ennis has officially begun with the welcoming of a newly appointed Language Planning Officer for the county capital. At a special event recently the Ennis – Irish Language Network Town initiative, in which Ennis town will be part of the ‘Gaelphobal’ (Irish language community) national campaign, announced the appointment of Macdara Ó Conaola to his new position. Foras na Gaeilge has facilitated the investment of more than €4.1 million to date in the language planning process in eight areas, including Ennis, that have recently received official recognition for the developments in their Irish language communities. These communities throughout the country gained this recognition and were given state support and funding to draft and implement language plans to further improve the use of Irish in their areas. Ennis’ designation as a national Irish Language Network Town is the result of continual work over the past …

CLARE fans planning on heading to Copper Face Jacks: The Musical at University Concert Hall Limerick are being urged to don the Saffron and Blue on opening night this week. UCH is encouraging the audience members to wear their county colours on Tuesday July 26 for the show starting at 8pm and with the production being in Limerick, fans of the All-Ireland champions will no doubt need little encouragement. “While much of our audience will be supporting the Limerick hurling team in the green and white, we are encouraging jerseys and county colours from every county,” said a spokesperson for UCH. They explained the storyline of the show, written by the renowned Paul Howard, lends itself to the GAA celebrations currently taking place. “This comedy musical is about love blossoming on the eve of a Dublin v Kerry All-Ireland Final, when a sweet Kerry girl ends up falling for the Captain of the Dublin football team in the famous Copper Face Jacks nightclub in Dublin.” …

THE people of Clare are being urged to embrace their inner Wild Child as part of National Heritage Week this August. Woodland fun, entry to historic sites, open houses and nature outings are just some of the events which have already been lined up in Clare for the annual event. Organisers of events in County Clare are being encouraged to consider sustainable heritage and biodiversity when planning in-person events and digital projects for National Heritage Week 2022, which will take place throughout Clare from August 13 to 21. Details of in-person events and digital projects are now being accepted from individuals, community groups and organisations across County Clare, with sustainability and biodiversity this year’s themes. The heritage projects or ideas are up to organisers, regardless of how small or big the event. All projects submitted will be considered for seven different Heritage Week Awards. An emphasis has been placed on hosting events which are inclusive and involve all the community, …

YOUNGSTERS at one Ennis GAA club are proving themselves to have a lot of ‘bottle’. A joint initiative between Ennis Tidy Towns and Éire Óg GAA has resulted in the creation of very special recycled and reusable water bottles. The bottles, which have been specifically designed to reflect the club’s colours of red and white, have been given to the club’s younger members in a bid to cut back on plastic waste. As well as looking good and helping make sure the kids stay hydrated, they also aim to discourage the proliferation of single-use plastic bottles. According to Cormac McCarthy, chair of Ennis Tidy Towns the young players have been “delighted” with the new bottles which have become a popular accessory at training sessions. He explained, “One of the main focuses of the national Tidy Towns movement, as well as tidying towns is to develop sustainability initiatives. “We are always looking to partner with local groups and organisations in the …

FIVE Ennis teenagers have got making European connections down to a fine art. Alysha Casey Hanrahan, Mahia Rahman, Gabrielle Cullinan, Eimear Fitzgerald and Cameron O’Grady have travelled to Germany for an international meeting of young people at Ennis’ twin town of Langenfeld. The teens are taking part in a ‘youth art camp’ in the town, located between Cologne and Dusseldorf, where they are meeting other art lovers from Langenfeld and its other European twin communities. Here at home, the Ennis youngsters brush up their artistic skills with tutor and Ennis Langenfeld Twinning Committee member Carmel Doherty, and they were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Germany. In Germany they are learning from local artists as part of the week long initiative, and their resulting works will be exhibited at the Kunstverein gallery in Langenfeld. Ennis has been twinned with Langenfeld since 2013 with a twinning a formal arrangement formed with the old Ennis Town Council. This art week is …

VOLUNTEERS from all around Clare helped clean up 240kg of litter while taking part in Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Community Clean-ups of Lahinch Beach on Saturday.  According to Clean Coasts it is important that as we enjoy the coast, that we remember to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life by ensuring they are free of litter and to educate ourselves on how best to do that.  These clean-up events were created by Clean Coasts as part of their summertime Enjoy and Protect campaign with support from Fáilte Ireland. The national tourism body supports the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution to tourism in Ireland and the events’ overall aim is to raise awareness to keeping marine and wildlife spaces clean for locals and tourists alike to enjoy and admire.  This event on Lahinch beach in Clare included tea and coffee for all participants. 40 …

NARROW ‘pinch points’ along a popular cycling route on the Shannon Estuary Way pose a danger, according to one local councillor who has called for warning signs to be introduced. Councillor Paul Murphy, speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, outlined the success of the R473 Ennis/Clarecastle to Kildysart, Labasheeda and Kilrush, Shannon Estuary Way. The Ennis deputy mayor said that the road, “has become extremely popular as a cycling route and this can be seen on a daily basis but particularly at weekends”. However, he pointed out there are a number of ‘pinch points’ along the route, including one in the Ennis Municipal District area, from St Anthony’s Grove through to Hempfield/Claremount Cross. “These pinch points are extremely narrow,” he said, with barely room for two cars to pass. “You throw cyclists and pedestrians into the mix and it makes it extremely dangerous.” Councillor Murphy requested that road markings are replenished on this stretch of road, and …