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CLARE GAA has become the first county board in the country to set up a youth committee. The new Clare GAA Youth Committee met for the first time at the Ennis offices of TTM Healthcare in the past fortnight when plans for the new group were laid out. Newly appointed Head of Operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy was among those present in what was her first official engagement since taking the post. Young people from eight different schools from Clare were present, namely St Flannan’s College, St Joseph’s Tulla, Rice College, St Joseph’s Spanish Point, Scariff Community College, St Anne’s Killaloe, Coláiste Muire and St Caimin’s Community School. Establishment of a youth committee for Clare GAA was one of the action points of the Strategic Plan for the association. Planning and training officer with Clare GAA, Paddy Smyth said the “life and vibrancy” of young people should never be underestimated as he welcomed Transition Year students who were studying …

THE voices of two brave women who escaped abusive relationships and found support with Clare Haven rang out at the Old Ground Hotel during the launch of new book ‘Light on the Horizon’ last week. The book is the inspiring story of a community that said no to domestic abuse, recalling the founding of Clare Haven 30 years ago, and detailing the ongoing efforts to combat domestic abuse and coercive control in the county. At the launch, audio clips of Joan and Norma (not their real names), who had used the Clare Haven refuge, were played leaving some members of the audience visibly moved. Joan recalled when she left her controlling husband with no idea where to turn. “I walked out just with my handbag and I didn’t know where I was going. Him, saying to me shouting, ‘you’d be nothing, you’re nothing without me, it’s cold out there’ and I thought…just don’t turn, just keep walking. I had €10 …

CLARE’S two Independent TDs spoke in support of firefighters in the Dáil this week, urging Government to address their issues. A group of Clare firefighters recently voted in favour of industrial action and Deputy Violet Anne Wynne said that there are real problems facing people in the service. “I spoke to a representative from SIPTU today on this issue and they painted a picture of the seriousness of the situation which is beyond bleak – the word “dangerous” would be more apt. “Firefighters are heroes and national treasures. That is especially apparent in rural communities such as in my constituency of Clare. They are often the first responders and play a vital role in keeping our people safe. “In recent years the job has not been attractive enough. We know that 60% are planning to leave and I would say that most are staying due to the loyalty they have to the service and to each other.” Ms Wynne added, …

SHANNON Airport Group CEO Mary Considine declined to meet with local councillors to discuss the uncertainty around the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites (including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park) to Clare County Council. In advance of Tuesday’s meeting of Shannon Municipal District independent Gerry Flynn had put forward a motion stating, “I am calling on Shannon Municipal District to contact the CEO of Shannon Airport Mary Considine, and arrange an urgent special meeting with elected members to discuss the serious issues facing employees of the Shannon Heritage sites that are located in our district. “The current situation and lack of engagement and transparency is bringing uncertainty and having a negative impact on the lives of employees and their families.” However the invitation had been rejected prior to Tuesday’s regular November meeting of the Municipal District, and Senior Executive Engineer Anne Griffin provided a written summary of the reasons given. “Commercially sensitive discussions are ongoing between Shannon Group and Clare County …

NORTH Clare’s response to those fleeing the war on Ukraine has been described as “a long haul exercise”, that now needs a clear plan as well as ring-fenced funding support. Figures released this week by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the Ennistymon Local Electoral Area (LEA) continues to be the area hosting the largest number of Ukrainian arrivals in the country, per capita. While the reception provided in the area since February was commended by the West Clare Cathaoirleach, Shane Talty, he said the ongoing challenges need to be properly and urgently addressed. Up to November 6, there were 3,567 arrivals from Ukraine in Clare with 45% or 1,592 living in the Ennistymon LEA. Arrivals from Ukraine now account for 8.8% of the population in the area. The figure, according to CSO data, shows that North Clare is supporting far more newcomers than areas of a similar size around the country. CSO analyst Karola Graupner said: “Our analysis …

TRUMP International Golf Links and Hotel has appointed a new executive head chef to direct culinary operations at the Doonbeg resort. Ian Chambers who can boast over 25 years of experience working in five star luxury hotel brands, cruise ships and Michelin star restaurants in the Middle East, UK, Ireland and South East Asia, is the man taking charge. “A few of my career highlights over the past 25 years have included been being part of the team and gaining our fourth rosette when I was working in Chapter One,” says Ian, referencing the popular Dublin restaurant. “Working in conjunction with celebrity chefs Nobu and Jon Ashton on Crystal Cruises has been another highlight,” he adds. Ian has also cooked for the emperor of Japan while at the Sofitel Manila Plaza as well as various famous musicians and actors. “I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to work at Trump Doonbeg after returning home to Ireland after 24 …

SAFETY at a notorious junction in East Clare was raised again when members of the Killaloe Municipal District met in Scariff this Wednesday. Councillor Pat Hayes appealed for greater efforts to address the issue and avoid a fatality at Henchey’s Cross. He noted that works have been done recently to improve visibility and alert drivers to slow down ahead of the road narrowing and the hidden dip. However, he scored the works “1/10” in terms of their impact on road safety. “We have campaigned a lot to get this much work done,” he said. “I welcome the recent work done, but to my mind, it has highlighted the issue even more. There is a far greater need now for further funding. “These are very localised and small works. In terms of an improvement in safety, they haven’t generated major change. They are, to my mind, confusing signs that create difficulties.” The Fianna Fáil member made his remarks almost a year …

Eoin Brennan previews the Munster Senior, Intermediate and Junior Club Championship matches with Ballyea, Doora-Barefield and The Banner respectively flying the flag for Clare Ballyea v St Finbarr’s (Cork) at Cusack Park Ennis, Sunday 1.15pm Referee: Michael Kennedy, Tipperary. Extra-time if necessary, result on the day WHILE the bulk of the attention has been understandably centred on the Ennis Road in Limerick rather than Ennis itself, the fact remains that this is a glorious opportunity for either Ballyea or St Finbarr’s to return to a Munster Senior Club decider. I say understandably because perennial Waterford winners Ballygunner and the Limerick champions have clashed in the last four provincial campaigns, three of which have been finals, with Na Piarsaigh edging matters in the 2017 and ’18 deciders whereas Ballygunner finally got over the line against Kilmallock in 2021 on their way to dramatic All-Ireland glory. Only Borris-leigh have interrupted the Limerick v Waterford Munster club final sequence since 2017 and incidentally …