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A CLARE doctor who worked in a hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic has been crowned the new Miss Ireland. Ivanna McMahon, 27, from Barefield told The Champion she is “over the moon” to have taken the title at 75th Miss Ireland competition which was held on Saturday at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar. Ivanna, who qualified for the competition as Miss Munster, will now go on to represent Ireland in Miss World later this year. Speaking to the Clare Champion Ivanna says she is thrilled with the win, though she admits it came as a surprise. “I’m absolutely delighted, I’m still a little bit in shock. It was definitely a surprise, absolutely surreal, but I’m absolutely thrilled.” Ivanna studied medicine at University College Cork and graduated in 2020, going on to do her internship at Cork University Hospital. She then went to University Hospital Tralee to work in surgery, working in the GP Scheme at Tralee General Hospital throughout the pandemic. …

IT is now highly likely that An Bord Pleanála will make the final decision on the proposed development of “Ireland’s largest solar farm” in South-East Clare after two residents vowed to appeal any planning approval granted by Clare County Council. If Reeve Wave Limited is refused a 10-year planning permission to develop a solar array at Ballyglass, Coolderry, Dromintobin North, Reanbrone and Oakfield townlands, Ardnacrusha, it also has the option of appealing any refusal to the independent appeals’ board. This proposal, which has been described as “Ireland’s largest solar farm” by the Blackwater Concern Solar Group (BCSG) has prompted a series of submissions from 22 residents, and well known environmentalist Peter Sweetman of Wild Ireland Defence CLG and Others. Listed as signatories were Paula Reidy, Bunratty; Denis and Rose O’Donnell, Blackwater; Stephanie and Alan Higgins, Blackwater; Eunice Randle, Coolderra, Ardnacrusha; Michael and Mary Clery, Blackwater; Keith Larkin, Clonlara village; Susanne O’Dalaigh, Blackwater; Liam and Rachel Mannix, Oakfield, Clonlara; Greg Larkin …

A LEADING podcaster has paid tribute to the work of two Dutch natives who have been running an organic nursery outside Bodyke for more than two decades.  Gert and Elisabeth Stam are qualified horticulturalists who now run Caherhurley Nursery. Their unique enterprise, which is part of an organic farm on the slopes of Sliabh Bernagh, was visited recently by award-winning agricultural journalist Hannah Quinn-Mulligan for her podcast ‘Organic Matters’. The weekly show for the Irish Organic Association has generated huge interest in recent years and features all aspects of organic farming and growing.  The couple, who ran a Dutch garden that catered for 25,000 visitors a year, left the Netherlands more than twenty years ago to come to East Clare, and they shared their vision with Hannah and her listeners.  They explained that when Elisabeth sold an Arabian horse to a Limerick native, it gave the couple an opportunity to visit Ireland and to radically change their lifestyles. They bought …

CLARE students hoping to move to Galway for college this year are being warned to be wary of potential rental scams. With housing options in short supply NUI Galway Students’ Union is urging those seeking accommodation for the upcoming academic year to exercise caution before committing to a private residence this year. The union advises that before rushing into signing a lease/contract it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams. Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer says, “There are still some properties available so don’t panic and make sure you keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites especially www.nuigstudentpad.ie” The union have set out some handy tips for those seeking accommodation: 1. Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at …

AN Bord Pleanála has been urged to overturn Clare County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a multi-million Euro housing scheme in Lahinch. The council recently turned down plans for the development of seven detached four-bedroom dwelling houses with detached sheds at School Road, Attycristora, Lahinch. Associated site development works included wastewater pre-treatment and connections to public services. A Natura Impact Statement was also submitted on behalf of the developers, SPL Property Limited, Saint Flannan’s View, Ennis. This was the applicant’s second application for the proposed development at this site, which sought to address the council’s concerns raised in a Further Information Request in relation to the previous application. In this subsequent application, the applicant’s design team revisited the layout and as indicated in the Senior Executive Planner’s Report dated July 1, 2022, the council’s concerns were successfully addressed in relation to a number of aspects. These included drainage attenuation, boundary treatment, pedestrian infrastructure, construction traffic, management, water capacity, …

THERE was more success for Clare at the presitigious Dublin Horse Show this Sunday. Following his brother Coen’s victory in the U-16 148cm final at the main RDS arena on Friday, Rhys Williams won the International 7 & 8-year-old competition. The PARC Stables rider took victory this afternoon aboard the 7-year-old Playboy JT Z (Presley Boy x Plot Blue). Last year, the Ennis brothers made showjumping history by becoming the first pair of siblings to be crowned leading international horse rider and leading International pony rider at the FEI International Jumping Nations Cup Youth Finals.

Lough Derg RNLI is recruiting new volunteers to join their lifesaving team for shore duty in roles as Deputy Launching Authority, Additional Lifeboat Mechanic and Tractor Driver.   According to a spokesperson for Lough Derg RNLI shore crew “have a central role in securing the safety of the lifeboat and the men and women launching their craft to rescue those in peril on the water. They ensure the successful and smooth operations of the RNLI’s lifesaving work within the station. “As a volunteer with the RNLI you will gain new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of giving back to your community. The RNLI will provide all training to fulfil your role. You will be supported at all times by the close team of existing volunteers at the station and by the RNLI.” The role of Deputy Launching Authority has been described as “central to operations within all RNLI lifeboat stations, as this volunteer initiates the launch of the lifeboat when requested by …

MISS Munster Ivanna McMahon from Barefield rolled up her sleeves at the weekend for the Miss Ireland 2022 nationwide beach and waterways clean-up. From August 12 to 14 the 37 finalists vying for the coveted Miss Ireland 2022 title, including Ivanna, put their collective strength and unity together to co-ordinate a big beach clean-up all over Ireland.   Thousands have flocked to our beaches and waterways during the recent warm weather but the glorious sunshine also brought ‘rubbish weather’ as many beaches and waterways across Ireland were left in dire conditions by sun seekers leaving their rubbish behind. Ivanna, 27, gathered her friends and family to do a clean up at Lahinch beach. The over-riding theme for Miss Ireland is ‘Our World Our Future’ with a focus on the environment and global citizenship.  Each of the finalists all over Ireland gathered all of their friends and families to help make a real impact and highlight the importance of communities coming together to protect our …