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NINE transformational projects have been identified as central planks in the Ennis 2040 Strategy. The proposed projects relate to Abbey Riverside; Wetlands & Enterprise Areas, Cornmarket Precinct, Friars Walk, Harvey’s Quay and the Post Office Field, the site of the former Roche plant, the former Ennis National School, the proposed Data Centre at Toureen and the Clare Technology Park. Regarding the Abbey Riverside development, it suggests a landmark building in the Abbey Street car park, a location for modern retail formats, a new educational quarter, a waterfront development, a high quality public plaza and a mix of retail, office and civic uses. It says there would be development on both sides of the river. It claims the location would become “a destination not just for shopping but for many activities, with a focus for visitors and tourists and a meeting place for all”. The strategy states, “A unique architectural approach will contribute in a new way to the existing cultural …

Senior Camogie Championship Semi-Finals Truagh-Clonlara v Kilkishen/Bodyke @ Fr. McNamara Park, Saturday 12pm (Noel Quinn, Gort) NOT many of the few souls that were scattered around the fencing in Fr. McNamara Park last September for the Senior B decider between the pair could have predicted a rematch at this lofty stage but it isn’t really that much of a surprise. After all, up to last year, Truagh-Clonlara were knocking on their door of a breakthrough to the McMahon Cup final, with a trio of semi-final battles with Newmarket all being edged by the Blues despite back-to-back bouts of extra-time in 2018 and ’19. However, it was Kilkishen/Bodyke who would take out Newmarket on Truagh’s behalf and it’s refreshening that a newcomer will line up in this year’s knock-out stages. There was little between the sides in last year’s Senior B final as Truagh-Clonlara trailed for over 45 minutes before springing to life late on capped off by an Aine O’Loughlin clinching …

A JUDGE has ordered that three young children who are alleged to have been stripped and flogged by their father will remain in State care for a further year. At the family law court in Ennis, Judge Mary Larkin extended the Interim Care Order (ICO) for the three children to October 2022 after a TUSLA social worker told the judge that the welfare and health of the children would be put at adverse risk if the court didn’t grant the order. The social worker told Judge Larkin that a Garda file concerning the allegations against the father is currently with the DPP. As part of a Garda investigation, the children were interviewed by specialist Garda interviewers. The children were removed from the care of their parents in September 2020 and have been cared for by foster carers on behalf of TUSLA since. Judge Larkin first granted the ICO last September after hearing that the couple’s son told a Childcare Support …

TWO East Clare cyclists completed more than 20 hours in the saddle in one day as part of their nationwide charity fundraising cycle, writes Dan Danaher. James Skehan (38), Bridgetown, and James Chaplin (41) Sixmilebridge, have cycled the length and breadth of Ireland to raise money for The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland. They were motivated to support the association’s fundraising efforts as James’s son has a cleft lip. More than €20,000 was raised for the association in Ireland this year including €3,000 from the two Clare cyclists, who just sought voluntary donations through WhatsApp messages and didn’t engage in bucket or other collections. (CLAPAI), a registered charity, is a voluntary group formed to provide support and information for parents of children affected by cleft lip and palate and to those directly affected by the condition. There are more than 100 new births per year and about 2,000 children in treatment at any given time. The association distributes …

Eoin Brennan previews the first of this weekend’s senior hurling championship semi-finals Inagh-Kilnamona v Éire Óg at Cusack Park, Saturday 3.30pm Opportunity knocks for either Inagh-Kilnamona or Éire Óg in what is arguably one of the most important matches in their entire history. Both have been hammering at the door but frustratingly always seemed to come up short against a more experienced opponents when needed most. However, with the Townies taking out three-in-a-row chasing Sixmilebridge last time out, the Canon Hamilton race has been blown wide open but only one of these candidates can earn a long-awaited place in the final. Since permanently amalgamating in 2008, Inagh-Kilnamona haven’t yet been able to perfect the art of alchemy of turning underage talent into senior success. There were previous close calls in the 2012 and 2019 semi-finals but it’s only this year that their maturity has been noteworthy, having emerged through the group of death unscathed before seeing off another main rival …

WHILE Ennis is in the grip of a housing crisis, the Ennis 2040 strategy suggests a significant increase in the town’s population can be accommodated. The strategy, launched by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, proposes high density development composed mostly of two-bedroom units, with some one- and three-bed units. Up to 1,500 apartments could be developed, the strategy posits. Annual population growth of 1.6% per annum is projected, bringing the town’s population to around 37,000 by 2040, and it identifies areas where these new residents can be accommodated. First off, it says that 30 hectares of land in the town centre can be made available for housing in the inner area of Ennis. “It is envisaged that spare land capacity identified in the inner area will be used to achieve a mix of uses, in the form of a combination of commercial and residential development,” the strategy states. “Broadly speaking, a 50-50 split might result in 30 hectares of residential development …

A JUDGE has given the go-ahead for a Covid-19 vaccine to be administered to a disabled 15-year-old boy against the wishes of the boy’s mother, writes Gordon Deegan. At the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Mary Larkin has used a provision in the Child Care Act to allow the Child and Family Agency (CFA) to proceed with the vaccination of the teenager. Solicitor for the CFA, Muiris Gavin told Judge Larkin that the boy’s mother was opposed to him being vaccinated. Judge Larkin granted the order to the CFA under Section 47 of the Childcare Act after the boy’s GP in a letter stated that due to his disabilities the boy “is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications should he contract the Covid 19 infection”. The court heard that the boy has told his dedicated social worker that he wants the vaccine so that he can go out to town and the cinema again. Judge Larkin said …

Michael O’Connor reports on a thrill-a-minute shootout for the U17A Academy title BALLYEA 5-16 INAGH KILNAMONA 4-14 ONE of the better games in the minor of 2021 was reserved for this thrill a minute Under 17A academy final in Éire Óg GAA grounds on Sunday morning. It must be acknowledged that both clubs turned out two well drilled second teams and based on the abilities of those on view they will be strong adult players in the coming years. Gearoid Barry opened the scoring for Inagh/Kilnamona as the favourites tag was resting on the shoulders of the Ballyea players who were missing the services of Cody Killoughrey, Robbie Markham and Jade Gallery. The skilful Fiachra Kirby responded for Ballyea’s opening score. At the end of a pulsating end to end action first quarter Ballyea held a slender (2-3) to (1-4) lead. Fiachra Kirby and a long range free from Eoin Kennedy that went all the way to the net were …