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Mike Hanrahan tells Fiona McGarry he is on a mission to highlight escalating crisis of Alzheimer’s in our society STOCKTON’S frontman, Mike Hanrahan, has described himself as being on “a crusade” to improve services for those with dementia and memory loss. It follows the recent passing of his mother, Mary, who had vascular dementia, and to whom his new single ‘A River Rolls On’ is dedicated. The deeply personal piece, performed by Mike, along with Sandy Kelly, Lisa Lambe and the inclusive Forget Me Nots Choir, will raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society. Mike hopes it will also spark a conversation about an issue facing an increasing number of Irish families. “After our experience of living with my mam’s dementia, I am on a crusade,” he told The Champion. “I feel I have to help. Our generation is encountering this condition on a scale not seen before. People are living longer and we’re going to need more supports for those …

SHANNON woman Aisling O’Loughlin has had her Instagram account removed, after repeatedly posting what has been described as “harmful misinformation” regarding Covid-19. In a statement, Facebook, which owns Instagram, said, “Aisling O’Loughlin’s Instagram account has been removed from our platform for repeatedly sharing harmful misinformation and fact-checked hoaxes related to Covid-19 and the vaccines. We are taking aggressive steps to fight harmful misinformation about Covid-19 and approved vaccines and remove violating content that is brought to our attention. During the pandemic, we removed 16 million pieces of this type of content and work with 80 fact-checking organisations, including TheJournal.ie, to debunk and add warning labels to other false claims. We are also running an online vaccine information campaign by labelling every post regarding the vaccines with the latest accurate information and directing people across our platforms to the HSE website.”

Ailish and Eimear Considine talk to Owen Ryan about Clare football, professional support and their ‘sixth sense’ HAVING made their name in GAA, Kilmihil sisters Eimear and Ailish Considine are now stars of rugby and Australian rules football, having diverted onto two roads less travelled. Ailish is now home from Australia ahead of Eimear’s wedding next month and the two sisters took turns talking to the media via Zoom last Thursday morning. Undoubtedly a huge loss to Clare football, Ailish admitted that county manager Evan Talty has been in touch with her about possibly lining out in the saffron and blue this summer, during her off season. “I’m still a bit undecided on what my plans are. I’ve just been here a week yesterday, still pretty fresh off the plane, a little bit undecided in terms of gaelic football and stuff. “With the season moving forward it’s a little bit more difficult to make a decision. If I did decide …

WITH the economy reopening the number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Clare is on the way down, writes Owen Ryan. The numbers receiving the PUP dropped from 8,170 on May 25 to 6,408 on June 15, a decrease of more than 21%. At one point last year, there were almost 15,000 Clare people receiving it. The resumption of hospitality and non-essential retail in recent weeks has been a major factor in the numbers reducing. With further reopening expected over the course of the summer, the number claiming the state support is likely to drop further. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that the figures are falling and the trend is likely to continue. “This week, we have seen another fall in the number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as we continue to make progress in reopening our economy and suppressing the virus. “In fact, there are now over 214,000 fewer people being supported by …

Sewage flowing into our greatest natural resource, the River Shannon, is unacceptable, says O’Brien IRISH Water has been urged to fast-track the upgrading of the existing Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant following Tipperary County Council’s recent planning approval for these works. Repeated overflows of the treatment plant, which has resulted in pollution of the nearby River Shannon has prompted calls for major upgrading of this overloaded sewerage treatment facility. Tipperary County Council has stated upgrading works are programmed to start in the fourth quarter of 2022, with a completion date by the end of 2024, subject to funding and statutory approvals. The plant, which serves the wastewater needs of Ballina and Killaloe, has a 4,000-person equivalent capacity and the current load estimate on this plant is for a 5,400-person equivalent. Councillor Tony O’Brien confirmed Clare county councillors have not been informed of any change in the projected completion of these long-awaited improvement works. “There is a major issue with the existing …

AN ENNIS principal has appealed to the education minister for a speedy conclusion to talks on the system of allocation of secondary school places in Ennis. In recent years, there has been an unprecedented demand, with some schools receiving more than twice as many applications as available places. As Minister Norma Foley visited Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg this week, Príomhoide Dónal Ó hAiniféin availed of the opportunity to highlight the issue. He said the stress of trying to secure a place gave the “wrong impression” of secondary school as students were making a key transition out of primary education. Referring to an ongoing consultation process, which was developed in response to the controversy, Mr Ó hAiniféin expressed the hope that it might soon be brought to a successful conclusion by the autumn. “For children in sixth class, it gives the totally wrong impression,” he said. “I’m certain the secondary schools will benefit from the positivity that will come from this, and …

CLARE County Council is investigating claims of a rat infestation in a local authority estate in Killaloe following complaints from residents. Residents in the new part of Crossroads are up in arms about the recent presence of rats in the estate and have called on the Council to ensure all tenants have bins receipts. Householders pointed out there are a number of children with additional needs in the estate who wouldn’t realise the danger posed by a rat if they came in contact with one. Tom O’Brien, who is living in Crossroads for about 14 years with his wife, Geraldine, son and stepson, said the rat issue started about four weeks ago. He believes there is a nest of rats in the estate and is concerned about their ability to multiply very quickly, as a female can have four litters in a year. Resident, Mary Monaghan said she contacted the council over four weeks ago yet no one has come …

OVER €345,000 is being allocated to seven Clare venues under the State’s Live Performance Support Scheme 2021, writes Owen Ryan. The biggest allocation in Clare is one of €157,539 to Hotel Doolin to support performance there. Some €5 million was allocated in total under the scheme, with a total of 237 organisations benefiting. The scheme aims to support live performances particularly where capacity for live attendance is restricted due to Covid-19, and where funding will make live performances viable or alternatively make them available online if audiences cannot attend due to restrictions. Also in Clare Pot Duggan’s of Ennistymon has got €15,868 for a series of live streamed events. In Lahinch, Kenny’s Bar is getting just shy of €25,000. In the east of the county, Pepper’s Bar, in association with Ruth Smith and Paula Carroll, is being allocated €25,750 for the Feakle Folk Club, which is holding a series of intimate concerts showcasing emerging and established folk acts. The €25m …