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STUDENTS began the Leaving Certificate exams on Wednesday, with this year’s group having had to endure an unprecedented level of disruption, with the last two school years pockmarked by long absences from the classroom, remote learning and uncertainty over whether the exams would even happen. This year students are getting predicted grades as well as having the option to take the exam. Those who do the exam will take whichever grade is better, their actual result or the predicted grade, and St Caimin’s principal Alan Cunningham said the trepidation that usually goes with the start of the Leaving Cert was absent on Wednesday morning. ”The atmosphere this morning before the exam was a lot more relaxed than normal.” He said that a substantial number of students had opted not to sit the exam. “We’re just going through it now, I’d say there’s someplace between 55 and 65% of them (doing it) I’d say. A small bit more than that had …

National Hurling League Division 1 Group B Round 5 Clare 4-20 Kilkenny 1-25 CLARE completed their National League campaign on a high in Cusack Park this afternoon after holding off a defiant Kilkenny to secure a third successive victory, reports Eoin Brennan. Having faded in a similar test of endurance a month previously against Wexford, this time the home side proved the stronger coming down the final straight. Having hit Kilkenny for four goals, the sides were still level by the 68th minute. However, following a monster Tony Kelly free, substitutes Gary Cooney (2) and Ryan Taylor ensured the Clare finished with the last four points to deservedly prevail over the previously unbeaten Cats. It was an intense yet very open and compelling end-to-end wrestle for supremacy that was live on nine occasions and saw the lead change hands three times alone in the final quarter. Injuries to defensive duo Aaron Fitzgerald and the returning David McInerney were the only …

RNLI honour Lahinch community activist Tomsie after 58 years’ voluntary service A LAHINCH community activist has been honoured with a Long Service Award after almost 60 years volunteering with the RNLI. Tomsie O’Sullivan, (89), who will celebrate 58 years with the RNLI next September, received a special commemorative medal for his decades of unstinting service. RNLI chairman, Stuart Popham stated in his tribute “the difference your make is life changing and that is why your are an RNLI volunteer”. “You don’t do it for recognition and celebration – but that is exactly what you deserve. The Long Service Award recognises your dedication and commitment to the RNLI, and marks an extraordinary milestone in our sterling service. “The RNLI is extremely grateful to have long-serving volunteers like you. You are the lifebood of our charity and without your efforts, we wouldn’t be able to go on saving lives.” His late wife, Marie, and Odhran O’Looney were each awarded a medal for …

THE community spirit and endeavour that has powered the opening development of Gort River Walk has “blown us all away”, according to one community activist. A wave of volunteers, supported by Galway County Council and other agencies has helped complete the first three kilometre section of the Gort River Walk from trail head to the railway bridge and back. The second phase of this exciting community project is a bridge that will create a 3.5 kilometre loop. Community activist, David Murray said locals and visitors can scarcely believe the dramatic transformation of what was previously a “repulsive field”. “People just couldn’t get their heads around that such a beautiful, vibrant amenity was possible with a few steps from the town. As a community, Gort had lost its connection to the river for decades. “A town dump created close to the river in the 1980s, the destruction of Gort Mill and installation of Gort Mart, severed that connection and created a …

MONDAY saw the return of outdoor drinking and dining, with hundreds of people taking the chance to return to Clare’s bar and restaurants. Since then the Abbey Street car park in Ennis saw large numbers gathering in specially assembled areas linked to the various licensed premises in the area. General manager of Knox’s Declan Kelly said that the reopening has gone well, and the bar/restaurant has done quite a lot of business. “It’s been very good, people have been enjoying it and behaving themselves. There has been no drama, it’s been very good to be honest. “We’ve been tipping away. We were very busy on Monday as it was the first day. Last night (Tuesday) we filled all our tables out the back, which was great. We were very happy with that, we weren’t expecting it as such. There’s a good oul buzz around it, people are looking to come back out and socialise.” One thing about outdoor drinking and …

A CREATIVE cluster, involving three Ennis primary schools, culminated on Friday with the launch of a biodiversity app, writes Jessica Quinn. Cairde an Dúlra, which was developed by David and Colm Forde features artwork by children from St Anne’s School, Knockanean National School and Ennis CBS Primary. The three schools participated in the Creative Cluster, a two-year project that operated under the banner, Spraoi le Chéile. Biologist and environmental consultant, Éanna Ní Lamhna, was the special guest at the launch in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis. Artist, Ana Colomer, was the cluster facilitator for the project, which operated under the wing of the Clare Education Centre and their director, Ray McInerney. Ana explained that the biodiversity app has an orienteering theme and encourages children to learn about animals and trees. “It has two levels, which makes it inclusive and open to all. There are 10 locations on the app and on each location, the children have to enter a …

Clare v Dublin St Brendan’s Park Birr, Saturday 5pm (John Dermody, Westmeath) Following contrasting derby performances against Galway and Limerick, Clare’s focus must now be solely results-based as they look to consolidate their Division 1 status. On the brink of a Division 1 Final appearance 12 months previously, their current flirtation with relegation is an unwanted position that could yet be a blessing in disguise for Clare if they can meet the challenge head on and make a return to winning ways. There is the safety net of another chance for the loser against Waterford but it still should be seen as winner-takes-all for Ger O’Connell’s side who will view Dublin as their best chance of alleviating any demotion danger. After all, Clare easily brushed aside the challenge of Dublin in their last competitive victory by 1-18 to 1-07 back in October for a place in the All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Finals, their first since 2014. However, with a new management …

FOLLOWING workshop held online in April, Tandem Partners Ltd, working on behalf of Clare County Council, is appealing to interested communities and businesses to register for a second Online ‘Zoom’ update so that Tandem can share their interpretive ambitions for Inis Cealtra and concepts for the Old Rectory building in Mountshannon. The Online Zoom update takes place on Tuesday, June 15 from 12 noon to 1pm, and registration is essential. Please contact Sheila@tandemdesign.co.uk by 10am on Monday,June 14if you wish to register. Tandem Partners will send a link that enables you to connect to the Zoom update. Only one person may register per form. This update will focus only on the interpretive elements of the project. Separately, Tandem is also interested to know more about the history and heritage of Mountshannon and would be delighted to talk with people who have memories of living and growing up in the area. For people who have stories and memories to contribute, there …