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The possibility of Clare County Council’s Chief Executive joining the board of Shannon Group was raised at a meeting of the group and the local authority. While Conal Henry said he hadn’t given the idea much thought, he wasn’t supportive of it. “The job of the board is to promote the interests of the entity to which it is the board. The job of the Chief Executive (of Clare County Council) is to promote the interests of Clare. They’re generally the same, but not always.” Mr Henry said it would create some potential for conflicts of interest. “It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have the interests of Clare County Council and the people of Clare at the forefront of our minds. “It means from a corporate governance point of view everybody on the board of Shannon should be thinking first and foremost about the interests of Shannon. “That’s not Pat’s (Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling) job, Pat’s job first and …

AT the June meeting of Clare County Council, Fine Gael’s Johnny Flynn said that there have been issues with some homeless facilities in Ennis. “I have been asked by constituents to raise the homeless situation,” said Councillor Flynn. “There was an incidence of people sleeping outside of Westbrook out on the Gort Road, on the green area overnight. Children were passing in and out. “Residents in Aughanteeroe feel they are not getting access to the management of that facility, they need access and meetings on a regular basis to alleviate fears and concerns,” he said. Councillor Flynn also said residents in the area were concerned that a homeless hostel may be put into a HSE office building adjacent to Westbrook.  He added that residents in another part of Ennis also have concerns. “I’ve had a number of complaints from residents around the Clare Road, where the Laurel Lodge is located, about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour there.” “They believe there …

‘PAINTING is a Treasure’ is the title of the upcoming solo exhibition, by Carmel Daly which opens at the start of next month at the Courthouse Gallery in Kinvara. Carmel’s motto and philosophy is that “painting is a treasure and a pleasure,” and it is and adage she has lived by. Carmel is a visual artist, born in Galway and living locally. Her work is mainly representative of everyday life and scenes which she paints in vibrant colours. Her work is inspired by the beauty of the Burren, from observing rural pastures and pastimes, and people at their work and leisure. Well known in the Banner, Carmel is a former librarian with Clare County Libraries. She has facilitated access and provision for arts and creativity. Carmel helped to implement library policy to support community and cultural organisations, as well as promoting cultural events in Ennis and Shannon Libraries. Believing in access and provision of information, education and recreation, Carmel encouraged arts and …

Clare manager Brian Lohan has expressed his delight that Peter Duggan and Rory Hayes have been cleared to play in this weekend’s All Ireland SHC quarter finals. Lohan admits having the in form duo to call upon is a boost for this Saturday’s showdown as he believes his side need the strongest panel possible to overcome Wexford. “Sure look we are delighted that we are getting the opportunity to pick from a full panel. We are delighted that everyone is available.” The former All Ireland winning full back admits that the talk surrounding the proposed suspensions and the effort needed to overturn them was tiring. “It’s very draining for any of these appeals. Between getting legal advice and the Board Officers putting in a lot of effort, it is a tough process. For the guys themselves (Duggan and Hayes) it puts a strain on them. There is a mental toll. Social media is something that we didn’t have to deal …

THE natural beauty of Loop Head and its rich biodiversity will be showcased this weekend through a wide range of activities. Wild Loop Head’s Nature Weekend 2022 will take place on June 18 and 19 and draws on a number of diverse attractions on the peninsula. It is supported by the efforts of Loop Head Peninsula Together, Purecamping, Carsten Krieger Photographer and Author and sponsored by Wild Atlantic Hemp and Hemp4Soil. On June 18, the day will begin at 10am with a walk and talk hosted by Cormac McGinley of Cormac’s Coast, observing the Loop Head bird colonies such as fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and choughs. Tickets are €25. McGinley has degrees in zoology and marine biology, and is an expert on all coastal wildlife, running tours and talks around the Cliffs of Moher all year round. This will be followed by a talk by Mary Kate Bolger of Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt at 2pm at Halla Eoin Kilbaha, while Kilkee Sub-Aqua …

LAST year Clare County Councillors voted to keep the Local Property Tax at the maximum that can legally be charged, but pressure for a reduction is likely to be high in 2023, as the worst inflation seen in decades is eroding people’s standard of living. Last year Shannon Independent councillor Gerry Flynn was one of just two members who were against keeping the amount paid by Clare householders at 15% above the standard rate, and at this week’s meeting of the local authority he called for a reduction in 2023. Prior to last week’s meeting he put a motion on the agenda in which he stated, “I am calling on the Councillors in Clare County Council to reduce the Local Property Tax by 15% when they are making a decision on the new rate. “Currently homeowners in Clare are paying 15% above the Government’s recommended standard rate as a result of a decision taken by local councillors. “This unjust tax …

A TEMPORARY prohibition on swimming at a west Clare bathing area has been lifted following consultation with the HSE. Following improved bacterial results the temporary prohibition on swimming that had been in place at Cappagh bathing area has been lifted as of 11am Friday, June 17. Lifeguarded hours at Cappagh are 11am-7pm weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in June; daily starting June 27 to August 31; and the first two weekends in September (3-4 and 10-11). Clare County Council has advised that the safest place to swim is at lifeguarded locations. For further information, contact Clare County Council environment section on (065) 6846331 / enviroff@clarecoco.ie and visit www.beaches.ie.

Leo O’Connor has certainly become accustomed to rolling with the punches these past few weeks as Clare’s hurling re-emergence at all levels began to build momentum. Working as a Business Development Manager for The Clare Champion, the Limerick native, and former player as well as former minor and U-21 manager has faced his fair share of banter as the Shannonside derby that extended to four competitive clashes in 2022 reached fever pitch with the recent Munster Final clash. With that rivalry put on hold (temporarily at least), there is no let-up for O’Connor though as having been Offaly minor manager for the past three seasons, there was almost a sense of inevitability when Clare were the ones to come through the quarter-final qualifiers to face the Leinster champions at the All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final stage in Thurles this evening (7.30pm). Before matters get serious on Friday though, the Claughan clubman, who actually played against Offaly in Limerick’s ill-fated 1994 All-Ireland senior …