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A MEELICK lobby group is considering reporting the alleged theft of posters to gardai opposing the proposed development of a wind farm in the locality. Meelick Wind Farm Alert chairman, Niall Ward told the Clare Champion he recently erected two posters at either side of Brennan’s Cross that lasted only three hours before they were mysteriously removed by unknown parties. Mr Ward said other residents also put up posters outside their own dwelling, which were also removed without their consent. His concern about the removal of posters comes as the group gears up to host a public meeting for concerned residents and public representatives from both Clare and Limerick on November 4 in the local hall at 7pm. The project is a proposed 12-turbine wind farm, located on a 140-hectare site neighbouring the townland of Ballycar, north of Meelick. Mr Ward expressed concern about a number of aspects about this project, particularly the proposed overall height of the turbines, which …

SHANNON Heritage staff working at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are set to hold a lunchtime protest at 1pm on Friday, as there is still no clarity about the expected transfer to Clare County Council. They are set to assemble close to the entrance to the facility and it’s expected that workers from other Shannon Heritage sites will be there in support. While many of the workers are members of SIPTU, Friday’s protest is not linked to the union. As well as the lack of progress on the transfer, there is concern among workers that they could be laid off for the first three months of 2023, similar to what has happened to them in other years since the emergence of Covid-19. There is also frustration that Shannon Heritage has not made itself available for a hearing on conditions at the WRC on a date next month, meaning the process has been delayed by eight days. All staff are receiving …

AFTER more than three decades in existence the Ennis Mental Health Association has confirmed this week that it will fully cease operations at the end of the month. Maria Molloy, chair of the registered charity, explained that the board of directors believes the time is right to retire after many years of service locally. Like-minded local organisations and charities have been presented with the organisation’s remaining funds, she added. Ms Molloy expressed appreciation for the “generous support” the organisation has received over the years. And she reminded anyone with concerns about their mental health that support is available from Mental Health Ireland. She said, “Ennis Mental Health Association has operated in the town of Ennis and its environs for over 32 years. “Following much consideration, and after many years of commitment, the Board of Directors of Ennis Mental Health Association has decided that the time has now come for them to retire.” She continued, “We are extremely grateful for the …

THREE Clare events celebrating the county’s heritage have been honoured by the Heritage Council. Ninety events took place in County Clare for National Heritage Week this year, with many outstanding events showcasing the fantastic heritage of County Clare. Three Clare Heritage Week events starred at the National Heritage Awards 2022 which were held recently. Shanakyle Bog Restoration Project, Connecting Communities with Peatland “Walk & Talk on Shanakyle Bog” was awarded the County Clare Heritage Event Award. Shanakyle Bog is located near Parteen. It is approximately 70 acres in extent, of which 30 acres was subject to restoration and rewetting work by Shanakyle Bog Restoration Group in 2021. The bog was managed for domestic turf cutting in the past with peat extraction peaking during the 1940s. Turf cutting has not been practiced in over 40 years on the bog and some sections of the bog regenerated on its own to form active raised bog (ARB) on cutover characterised by Sphagnum lawns …

THE artist behind a new EP, with goth and comedy-horror overtones, has described his four-track compilation as “a sweaty love letter to the girls who made me want to write songs”.  Music for Girls Vol. 1 is the debut EP from Ennis-born John Hennessy, whose stage persona is the enigmatic Black Pope. Now based between Berlin, Cork and his home town, John is fast making his name in music. Credited by none other than Mojo magazine with developing a “neo rock ’n’ roll” style, Black Pope blends darkly beautiful lyrics with impeccably smooth guitar riffs and a flavour of fizzling glam rock. Music for Girls Vol. 1 has been described as a dark rock’n’roll soundtrack to a movie that never existed. The lyrics find the sweet spot between small-town angst and monster movies. The track ‘Werewolf, Man’ even includes a clip recorded by Twin Peaks star, Sherilyn Fenn.  On the title of the EP, John explained that: “It’s my invitation …

A JUDGE has been asked to dismiss a mart assault charge against farmer son of EuroMillions winner, Dolores McNamara. At Ennis District Court, solicitor Daragh Hassett made the application to Judge Mary Larkin for the case dismissal against his client, Gary McNamara after the alleged injured party failed to show up to court for the contested assault case. In the case, Gary McNamara (43) of Ruan Manor, Ruan, Castleconnell, Co Limerick denies the minor assault charge on Bernard Earley at Ennis Mart on August 17 2021. After Mr Earley failed to attend, Mr Hassett told Judge Larkin, “I am asking for the case to be dismissed.” He said, “Myself and my client have a certain view of the alleged injured party in this case in relation to his motives.” Mr Hassett said that after the last call-over of cases in September, the case was reported in the media. Mr Hassett there after the case was reported on, there was a phone call from …

INEQUALITY in the treatment of trainee psychologists has been highlighted by Deputy Violet Anne Wynne, who raised concerns about how they are excluded from government funding support. On foot of raising the issue, the Independent TD received a commitment from the Minister for Education to fund a cohort of child and educational psychology students in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick (UL) and University College Dublin (UCD) in exchange for them working for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) when they graduate. Deputy Wynne told the minister that the issue had been raised with her office in the wake of Budget 2023, when it emerged that educational and child psychologist trainees are the only cohort of trainee psychologists not funded. “They pay over €30,000 in fees and therefore are financially burdened, and they feel almost disregarded by your Department even though you would be aware of the significance and value of the work of educational and child psychologists.” The Kilrush …

Clare County Council and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service are urging members of the public and businesses not to supply any waste material to persons who do not hold a valid waste collection permit. The call comes in advance of the Halloween period, which traditionally has been used by some people to illegally dispose of waste material on bonfires. The uncontrolled burning of waste, particularly in bonfires, is illegal and releases toxic pollutants into the air, which are known to be damaging to our health and environment. Burning of waste in this manner is illegal under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and the Waste Management Acts, 1996-2008. Allowing unpermitted waste collectors to remove waste is an offence and could incur a fine of up to €5,000. Bonfires are often built close to houses and other property, presenting risks to personal safety and property. Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Halloween is one the …