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FOOTBALL: Tribal troubles in Tuam for Clare

National Football League Division 1 Round 5 Galway 2-8 Clare 1-5 THE promotion race is down to just three candidates after Galway eventually eased past the challenge off neighbours Clare in a rare derby in Tuam Stadium, writes Eoin Brennan. With the other Division 1 prospectors Derry and Roscommon sharing the spoils, Padraic Joyce’s side soared to the top to the Division 2 table after preserving their perfect National League start. Backed by two-thirds of the side that started last year’s Connacht Final against Mayo, the Tribesmen were full value for their victory after a 1-5 unanswered second half blitz with the aid of the strong conditions. In contrast, Clare only had seven survivors from their sole 2021 championship outing against Kerry, which became six after only seven minutes when Podge Collins had to retire early through injury followed just before half-time by Alan Sweeney on an all-round disappointing afternoon. An error-strewn display was matched by a lack of ruthlessness …

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Frustration as Minister avoids Clare questions on pyrite scheme

DESPITE new proposals on redress for homeowners with defective concrete blocks, there is still no clarity on when Clare will gain access to the scheme, or on what terms. At the request of the Clare Pyrite Action Group (CPAG) answers have been sought by three Clare TDs. The responses they have received have been described by the group’s founder, Dr Martina Cleary as “completing ignoring the questions and the pyrite issue in Clare”. Earlier this month The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) published proposals for the remediation of eight different dwelling types, including those in estates one one-off houses. Options range from full demolition and rebuilding to partial repair options. Significantly, the SCSI proposed grant support based on building costs for 2022. Previously, homeowners raised concerns about the difficulty in meeting eligibility for the revised Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. They also voiced concerns that homeowners who did quality would be left with large shortfalls on their costs. Following …

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Anger at dismissive taoiseach persists in Clare County Council

AN impatient response given by the Taoiseach when asked about the transfer of Shannon Heritage was criticised at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, with members of Fianna Fáil as critical of the Taoiseach as anyone. Some weeks ago Mr Martin told the Dáil that Clare County Council “should get on with it” regarding taking over the Shannon Heritage tourist attractions, comments that were very unfavourably received in Clare. At the March meeting Councillor PJ Ryan put forward a motion asking that the Council would seek a meeting between the Taoiseach and Council CEO Pat Dowling, to discuss the financial implications of the proposed transfer. Councillor Ryan said the staff of Shannon Heritage are anxious about the situation. He also said that financial support is required for the take over, and that it will be profitable, but that could take some time. In the Dáil, the Taoiseach had compared the proposed take over with Cork County Council taking over Spike …

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Clare County Council expresses solidarity with Ukraine

AT its monthly meeting, Clare County Council condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while it expressed its willingness to do what it can for the refugees now fleeing the country, writes Owen Ryan. Monday’s meeting saw a minute’s silence observed, while Cathaoirleach of the Council PJ Ryan said that Clare stands with Ukraine. “Clare County Council condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is in gross violation of international law and human rights. “This Council stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The thoughts of the elected members and staff of Clare County Council are with the people of Ukraine and with the Ukrainian community in Clare and Ireland. “As a demonstration of solidarity Áras Contae an Chláir is lit up nightly in the Ukrainian colours and the Ukrainian and Clare flags are being flown outside the building.” Councillor Ryan added, “Clare County Council supports Ireland’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in their time …

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Clare man was a force for good in the gardai

Lisdoonvarna native Jack Marrinan’s tireless advocacy improved life for gardai and shaped the modern police force, writes Fiona McGarry ONE hundred years of An Garda Síochána will be be celebrated this year and among the key figures in the force’s history, a Clare man looms large. John ‘Jack’ Marrinan was one of a family of nine from Lisdoonvarna and among the second generation of Garda members to take on the role of guarding the peace in the turbulent period through the 1960s and ‘70s. He travelled to the capital to make his life with the force along with several other Banner men who distinguished themselves in their dedication to duty. Jack’s biographer, former Garda-turned-author, Tim Doyle, describes the North Clare man as “a hero” and a natural leader who fought consistently for better conditions and pay for rank and file members. Instrumental in winning a landmark battle for better working and living conditions for Gardaí, Jack was just 28 when …

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‘Accommodating refugees will be challenging’ – taoiseach

ACCOMMODATING Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing their war-torn country will be “challenging” for the country, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has admitted. Speaking outside Analog Devices Limerick at a jobs announcement, Deputy Martin acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy to source accommodation for Ukrainian refugees in view of the huge mass movement of Ukrainians from their own country. “There are no easy solutions. We have to reach out and do everything we can to ease the pressure on the citizens of Ukraine. “All of us are very touched by the stress and trauma that is being revisited on families and children arising from this conflict, having to leave their homes in very stressful circumstances. “The mass movement of people from Ukraine is heart-rending. We don’t have ready-made solutions for the scale of the numbers who are going to arrive. But we will do the best we can to step up to the plate.” Asked if he envisaged European countries could put pressure …

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Former coast guard volunteers call mediation ‘a token gesture’

THE process around trying to solve interpersonal difficulties between Doolin Coast Guard members was a “token gesture” to appease public representatives, former volunteers have claimed. A number of volunteers have expressed their dissatisfaction the appointment of mediator, Kieran Mulvey did not result in the desired improvement in relations. On Monday, November 22, Mr Mulvey met separately with the Sector Manager of the region, the existing 12 volunteers, and the six resigned volunteers. One volunteer claimed Mr Mulvey sat down and went through the whole issue with members. “He said I will have to compile a report and I will be back down next week with a report of my findings, we will work through it and find a way out. “We never again saw Kieran Mulvey. The whole purpose of mediation is discussion, compromise, give and take. Then suddenly there is a report and we are all sacked. “People asked about one-to-one meetings with him because they were not comfortable …

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FOOTBALL: Fitzpatrick double sees off CBS Ennistymon

Ennistymon CBS 0-8 Heywood CS 2-7 By Ivan Smyth At Duggan Park CBS Ennistymon’s dreams of a potential double are over as they suffered a five point defeat to Laois side Heywood CS. Two goals in a six minute spell from former Laois minor Shaun Fitzpatrick propelled Heywood CS to All Ireland glory. There was controversy surrounding the first goal as Fitzpatrick appeared to be inside the square when scoring his first goal of the game. A miscued shot from Heywood CS’ Brian Duggan fell short with Fitzpatrick on hand to punch to the net. There was no doubting the legitimacy of Fitzpatrick’s second strike as he scorched through the Ennistymon CBS before finishing to the bottom corner of the net. CBS Ennistymon summoned Brendy Rouine from the bench early in the second half as he made his presence felt at full forward. The nephew of Joe Joe Rouine saw a late 20m free blocked on the line by Heywood …

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