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BROADCASTER Therese McInerney will launch her new album at The Westbridge in Miltown Malbay on Saturday, July 30 at 8pm.  Entitled ‘The Youth that Belongs to Miltown’, the album is a stunning collaboration with fellow Miltown native, Marian Curtin. Already garnering rave reviews, this exciting new album of traditional Irish fiddle and flute music comprises of selections of tunes deeply rooted in West Clare. It also features newer compositions paired with fine accompaniment. Joining Marian and Therese are some of Ireland’s finest musicians including Aileen O’Callaghan on piano, Ger Naughton on bouzouki and bodhrán, Eimear Coughlan on harp and Sharon Howley on cello all sewn together beautifully in studio by the talented Martin O’Malley. The timeless blend of the flute and fiddle is enhanced by the addition of piano, bouzouki, bodhrán, harp and cello as well the added bonus of a few steps from Conor and John Fennell. The talented young musicians were described by Harry Hughes of Scoil Samhraidh …

HIBERNIAN Cellular Networks Ltd has been refused planning permission to retain land reclamation works, infilling and the placing of a fence and hardcore gravel at Woodcock Hill. It has also been refused permission to install a 30 metre telecommunications mast. Submissions had been made claiming that the development was unnecessary, with other structures in the area which meant another one was quite unnecessary.  The order of Chief Executive Pat Dowling stated that the development would have a negative impact on the environment. “The proposed development if permitted will result in a net loss of the habitats Upland Blanket Bog and Wet Heath within the NHA site Woodcock Hill Bog,  both habitats which are qualifying interests for the designated site. “Therefore, the proposed development would be contrary to the Clare County Development Plan and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.” It also stated that the Council was of the view that the applicant hadn’t …

THE PROFESSIONALISM, kindness and compassion displayed by members of An Garda Siochána since its foundation was lauded by Killaloe parish priest, Fr James Grace. A Mass celebrating the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Siochána in Ireland took place in St Flannan’s Church, Killaloe recently. Speaking at this special Mass, Fr Grace said he had witnessed gardai working beyond the call of duty displaying professionalism, kindness and compassion, in particular during tragic deaths such as suicides. Fr Grace also welcomed and praised the contribution made by Killaloe Coastguard, Killaloe Firemen, Civil Defence and all volunteers who contribute to the safety of the twin communities. At the start of the Mass, retired Detective Garda Albert Kelly brought a cap from the original Garda uniform to the altar, representing the establishment of An Garda Siochána and all members past and present who represent the force. Garda Annette Ryan brought up the official Garda crest as a symbol of the work the …

GARDAI have warned of a scam text message in circulation purporting to be from the HSE. The text message is being sent to people saying that they have been in contact with someone who has Covid 19 variant. It then asks the person to follow instructions on a link in the text to order a testing kit. When you click on this link it brings you to a page where they require a fee to deliver through Fast Tracking Delivery and to book now. Anyone who receives this text should not click on the link and if you do, don’t enter any details. One reader who was in contact with the Clare Champion stated that at no time does the text say what the cost of the kit is, so one is open to any amount being taken from the account. The reader reported that the prefix of the phone number on the text was 089, but the text could …

FINALISTS will be unveiled on Friday July 22 in a national competition, in which The Burren and Lough Derg are in the running, for the title of Best Place to Holiday in Ireland. The two Clare locations – both of which enjoy international renown for their natural beauty and tourist attractions – were unveiled, earlier this month, on The Irish Times list of ‘20 Best Places to Holiday in Ireland 2022’. The locations were nominated by close to 1,200 people from across the 32 counties. The Burren which was one of seven regions to be selected, received six nominations, while Lough Derg, received three. Clare will, of course, have to share Lough Derg’s success with counties Galway and Tipperary, both of which border the lake. The competition is being run in association with Fáilte Ireland, and last took place in 2012. On that occasion, Loop Head Peninsula emerged as the eventual winner. This year, each of the nominated locations was …

FATIGUE and tired limbs failed to dampen the sense of achievement at the Belvoir carpark of the 12 O’Clock Hills last weekend, as hikers and walkers returned from a hugely successful Great East Clare Hill Challenge.  Up to 130 hikers and 15 guides participated, in ideal weather conditions, in the 30km hike, which they completed in eight to nine hours. There were no medals for anyone competing, just the great feeling of accomplishment on completion. This strenuous hike had an early start at 8am from Two Mile Gate, Killaloe. From there, hikers made their way, in stunning July sunshine, to the summit of Moylussa at a height of 532m, the highest peak in Clare. Then, they followed a boggy track along Sliabh Bearna to Cragnamurragh the second highest mountain in the county. After a short break, hikers continued past the Enchanted Lake and then made their descent to link to the East Clare Way and into the village of Broadford …

IT is anticipated that the new Ennis Primary Care Centre will be operational in the fourth quarter of this year, according to a progress update provided by the HSE. Deputy Michael McNamara recently asked the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly when the Ennis Primary Healthcare Centre at Station Road Ennis will be fully operational. The Sonas Medical Centre, which is being operated by Dr Conor Fanning is currently operating out of the new Primary Care Centre. A variety of services will be provided from the new Primary Care Centre when it becomes fully operational. They include public health nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, psychology, speech and language therapy, ophthalmology, audiology, podiatry, lymphoedema, dental, chronic diseases management, integrated care programme for older persons, community diagnostics and TUSLA. Deputy McNamara also asked Minister Donnelly the status of the recruitment of specialist roles at the proposed chronic disease management hub and when will the hub become fully operational. Mid-West Community Healthcare has been funded …

THE Soccer Sisters, a social soccer club in Ennis, came out in force for Rape Crisis Midwest recently. The club organised a Charity Soccer Blitz featuring several teams from across County Clare raising €5,000. The club, which has a large membership of women, is a relatively newly established soccer team and community is at the heart of the club. The teams took part in a Round Robin type tournament at the astro turf at Planet Entertainment, Ennis, last Saturday week, July 2. It was very much a family affair with children, parents and partners joining in to support the players, to hand out food and refreshments and to present the prizes. The winning team was Bunratty Cratloe with Bridge Celtic FC in second position and the hosts Soccer Sisters finishing third. Laura Thompson of Soccer Sister explained, “Fifty-seven fantastic women took part on the day, 46 matches over six hours. I would like to thank the coaches, referees and volunteers …