Breaking News

UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky met with Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at Shannon Airport, according to posts on social media on Saturday. Mr Zelensky had been returning to Ukraine following a visit to Canada and the US, where he had addressed the United Nations General Assembly. The Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko was also at Saturday’s meeting. In a post on Twitter the Ukrainian leader wrote, “At Shannon Airport I held an unscheduled meeting with President of the Transitional Council of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. “I am grateful for Sudan’s consistent support of Ukraine’s soverignity and territorial integrity. “We discussed common security challenges, namely the activities of illegal armed groups financed by Russia. “I invited him to support the Grain From Ukraine initiative and take part in this year’s summit. “We considered possible platforms for intensifying co-operation between Ukraine and African countries.” As well as playing an important role in the Russian war effort against Ukraine, the …

The allocation of garda resources to a West Clare tourism hotspot during the August Bank Holiday weekend has been queried following claims of serious criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne (Ind) says she was informed by residents that there were only two gardaí on patrol in Kilkee that weekend and she didn’t get any reports that additional members were drafted in to assist those on duty who did their best to address issues in difficult circumstances. Highlighting this issue at a recent Joint Policing Committee meeting, Deputy Wynne said it is well known that this is a problematic weekend and recalled that two years ago a garda sergeant was assaulted, and his arm broken, when there were up to 17 members on duty at the time. Two years on from this serious incident, she said it seemed lessons have not be learned as the location of garda resources wasn’t prioritised. In view of the huge influx of people …

There has been a mixed reaction to the decision by An Bord Pleanála issued its decision to finally reject planning permission for the proposed development of a €650 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) project for the Shannon Estuary between Tarbert and Ballylongford, This rejection comes after more than 15 years of campaigning by civil society organisations in Ireland and the US. The board based its decision on government policy, which is clear in its opposition to permanent LNG developments. It highlighted the Government’s Policy Statement 2021, which noted that it would not be appropriate to permit the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland pending the completion of the government’s energy security review. It also noted the independent technical analysis released as part of the Government’s public consultation on energy security 2022. This independent expert analysis was significant in that it rejected a commercial operated LNG facility as an energy security option given it would “likely result in the importation …

The underage teams at Ennis Rugby Club began their seasons with some promising results over the weekend. The U13 team came out ahead of a close encounter with Thomond/Richmond in their first game of the season during the U13s Development League last Sunday. In the first half of the game, Ennis moved ball wide and moving the opposition pack around during early exchanges. This tactic soon paid off as Robbie McMahon raced through for the first try and then shortly after, a second try. Both tries were converted by Ben McAllister. After Thomond/Richmond scored their first try, Ennis stretched their lead through a powerful run and try from Colm O’Gara. Ennis defended well and maintained the lead until the final whistle, winning by 19 points to 15. The players included Alexander Labuhn, Ben McAllister, Cian Friel, Colm O’Gara, Conor McMahon, Dara Ryan, Donnchadh Warner, Dylan O’Loughlin, Finn Ellingstad, James Howard, Luke Phillips, Michael Meere, Mícheál Thornton, Niall O’Connell, Oisin Hough, …

A former first citizen has criticised the government decision to establish Uisce Éireann due to the lack of information for householders in two neighbouring communities in South-East Clare who are subject to a boil notice. Almost 1,000 consumers in O’Brien’s Bridge and Bridgetown are affected by a boil notice, which was issued on August 25. Last Friday, almost 1,800 residents in Killaloe, which is in the same parish as O’Brien’s Bridge for GAA purposes, were hit by a similar notice. Councillor Tony O’Brien (FF) has claimed public representatives and consumers received a better service when Clare County Council was managing the public water supply, before this function was taken over by Irish Water, now Uisce Éireann. In an email to Uisce Éireann on Tuesday, Councillor O’Brien stated he was inundated with queries regarding the boil notices issued to consumers in the O’Brien’s Bridge and Killaloe public water supply. “In the case of the O Brien’s Bridge supply the boil notice …

Gort Cancer Support Group will host the Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour in Gort, in conjunction with the Lady Gregory Hotel, next week. The triptych portrait, painted by the renowned Irish artist, Vincent Devine, was inspired by Vicky Phelan’s incredible courage. Measuring an impressive 150 x 300 cms, Vicky Phelan’s life is conveyed as the past, present and future with the backdrop of Doonbeg beach in West Clare, which she described as her favourite place on earth. Vincent’s aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects. The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend and fellow Kilkenny native, David Brennan. The two grew up together and their families share a close bond. David wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends. Vicky was a prominent women’s health advocate prior to her death from cervical cancer in …

Clare students wishing to take part in this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have until Monday, October 2, to enter. The county has a long and rich tradition in the competition, with Clare projects regularly winning prizes, often with projects focussed on the rich biodiversity of the county. A survey conducted by BT Ireland has found that almost two thirds of secondary school students in Ireland, do not believe that the public celebrate the nation’s achievements in STEM subjects, such as science, technology, engineering and maths, enough. People from Ireland have changed the world with their inventions, including the submarine, invented by Liscannor man John Philip Holland, the binaural stethoscope and the hypodermic needle. The BT survey, conducted in 500 secondary schools across the country, found that 64% of respondents felt that Irish scientists and engineers did not get enough credit for their work. A large cohort of Clare students are expected to enter this year’s competition, …

In an era thriving on digital interactions, parkrun is setting the stage for a refreshing initiative that encourages individuals across Clare and Ireland to step outside and be part of their communities, while prioritising their wellbeing through the simple acts of volunteering and walking. #VolunteerWalkConnect is a campaign that encourages individuals to explore the realms of volunteering and walking at timed parkrun events for the first time, while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection with nature, their communities and overall wellbeing. Through walks, community engagement, and a strong online presence, the campaign aims to create a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. “Modern life too often keeps us indoors and disconnected, leading to a lack of engagement with our environment and limited opportunities to connect with others,” said Matt Shields, Country Manager for parkrun Ireland. “#VolunteerWalkConnect is designed to break through these barriers by enticing people to take their first steps into the world of volunteering and walking, …