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The family of the late Caitriona Lucas say that “critical lessons” must be learned from the North Clare woman’s death while on duty with the coastguard in 2016. A jury of four men and three women returned a verdict of death by misadventure yesterday evening, Thursday, following a four day sitting of the coroners court in Limerick. In a statement read after the verdict, the Lucas family was critical of the Irish Coastguard, saying that its failures to have proper safety systems in place caused the death of Caitriona Lucas. The family also highlighted the failure of the authorities to act on a 2012 report, which called for a senior safety systems manager to be installed in the Irish Coast Guard. In their statement they also said that the minister in charge of the Department of Transport in 2012 “should be held to account”. When delivering their verdict, the jurors said that a number of recommendations to enhance safety should …

Clare Haven Services plans to mark 16 Days of Action on Violence Against Women over the coming weeks. The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is an annual international campaign which started on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until Human Rights Day on December 10. The United Nations have recognised violence against woman and girls as a very specific violence globally, and Clare Haven Services is opening up the initiative with this concept in mind. Because domestic abuse continues to happen unabated in the county, Clare Haven Services is aiming to raise awareness and call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The organisation works to protect women and children who are already being subjected to abuse and violence in the home by providing frontline services such as refuge, outreach support and advocacy in the legal and judicial systems. It also works to prevent it happening …

This morning’s funeral mass of Tras Honan heard she was a beacon of hope, justice and equality and, through her strong beliefs and perseverance, she broke barriers. Her son, TV Honan told mourners at St Joseph’s Church, Ennis on Thursday of last week the word ‘formidable’ had been used many times to describe his mother, and both he, his sister Ann, father Derry and the extended family could testify to that. Describing his mother’s passing he said, “a giant tree has fallen gently in the forest in the loving hands of the gentle team at Kilbarry Care Centre in Waterford.” “Tras was a republican in every sense of the word. She believed in the value of the state, and the people in the state, and if people needed a hand, they should get it. Now we are here to give Tras a hand and bring her back to Derry. Tras is and will remain our lovely rose of Clare,” he …

Clare choirs have been invited to sing their way to €1,000 this December through the Audiology Medical Services’ annual Christmas Carol Contest. Breaking new ground this year, the competition has been opened to all choirs nationwide, offering a unique opportunity for choirs from every corner of the country and of all ages, to join in spreading the joy of the season through music, while also promoting awareness about the significance of hearing and hearing health. With choirs and schools nationwide busy rehearsing and preparing for Christmas celebrations, Audiology Medical Services are inviting all choirs to submit videos of them singing their favourite Christmas carols to be in with a chance of winning a cash prize of €1000, with winners chosen through a public vote. Submissions are welcomed and encouraged in a wide range of styles from gospel to pop, rap to folk, jazz and classical and beyond, with extra points given to any performance that includes Lámh or sign language …

Corofin native Matt Shannon feels his side have brought the Christmas cheer to the area as the club’s Intermediate hurlers prepare for a tilt at Munster glory. Shannon, who is a member of the Corofin backroom team, knows his side face a tricky assignment against Cork outfit Castlelyons. However, he is clearly enjoying the journey as Corofin aim to become the first side from the county to secure provincial Intermediate honours since 2015. “The mood could not be much better. When you are winning especially at this time of year it is great. The whole parish gets a lift. It is hard to believe we are heading into December. The run to this Munster final has really shortened the winter.” “It is great for everyone. There is a really good mood in the parish. We have given the supporters something to help them keep busy and shorten the winter. They love sport in Corofin. For me seeing the kids out …

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its impact is felt by everyone, including those in Ireland. A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event that affects not only the patient but also their loved ones. In addition to the emotional toll, cancer can also have financial implications, especially if the person is unable to work or needs expensive treatment. According to the Irish Cancer Society, about 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with some form of invasive cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in their lifetime. Cancer can have a significant impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. That’s why it’s important to have adequate life insurance cover to protect yourself and your loved ones in case of a cancer diagnosis. Life insurance is a type of insurance that pays out a lump sum of money to your beneficiaries if you die during the term of the policy. Life insurance can help your family …

Harrowing evidence of the final moments of North Clare woman and Irish Coast Guard volunteer, Caitríona Lucas, who died while assisting in a search and rescue operation off the west coast, seven years ago, was given by her crew mates at the start of her inquest today. It was accepted that Ms Lucas, of the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard, was assisting members of Kilkee Coast Guard unit because they were short of volunteers. She was the first Coast Guard member to die on active duty. The 41-year old librarian and mother-of-two might have had survived had she still been wearing her safety helmet that had earlier been ripped off her by a wave, when she was struck by the Kilkee RIB and smashed against rocks off Kilkee Bay, it was heard. Ms Lucas, along with Kilkee coast guard volunteers Jenny Carway and James Lucey were searching the sea beneath the cliffs at an area near the “pollock …

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, has led tributes to Ennis resident and former Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Tras Honan. Mrs Honan, who is the only woman to have served as Seanad Cathaoirleach since the foundation of the state, passed away in Waterford on Saturday, aged 93. Mrs Honan was a Senator between 1977 and 1992 and was elected as Cathaoirleach twice. When her sister, Carrie Acheson, was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1981, they were the first sisters to serve as Oireachtas members at the same time. “As President of Ireland, I am sure that I will be only one among many who will have heard with sorrow of the passing of Tras Honan, former Cathaoirleach of the Seanad,” said President Higgins. “Tras Honan was a proud Tipperary woman who broke many barriers in a long and distinguished career, notably as the first and only woman to be elected as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. “Having moved to Ennis, …