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Clare Comhairle na nÓg will make a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee for Youth Affairs next Wednesday on a campaign they have developed to educate teenagers on cyber safety and the dangers of sexting. The group, which comprises a group of teenages (13 to 18 year olds) from all over Clare, last year hosted a “Sexting Peer Education Workshop”. The workshop is based on an initiative by the Icelandic-based Youth Council of Samfés which participated in an exchange with Clare Comhairle na nÓg in 2016 and 2017. Next week’s presentation follows new research showing that almost half of Irish teenagers in their final year at school say they have participated in sexting, which is defined as the sharing of sexual text, video, and photographic content using phone, social networks, apps and other technologies. The study shows that sexting activity increased progressively through each year of second-level education. Clare Comhairle na nÓg also will be making a presentation to members of …

John Burke, mountaineer and founder of the charity Elevate, has been named Grand Marshal of this year’s Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade. Mayor of Ennis Councillor Paul Murphy today said that John is receiving the honour in recognition of his efforts to bring wellness programmes to young people in Clare, as well as his achievement of becoming the first Clare person to summit Mount Everest in 2017. John will join Mayor Murphy in leading the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which will be followed by approximately 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare. Mayor Murphy commented, “During my term as Mayor, I have committed to promoting positive mental health initiatives and individuals and groups who are working in the area. John through his own remarkable personal achievements and through Elevate is playing a key part in ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are protected and supported. That is why I am delighted he …

GOVERNMENT plans to allow unrestricted access to abortion for up to 12 weeks have been condemned as “ truly appalling” by the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan. Urging people to “choose life” in the abortion referendum next May, Bishop Monahan claimed in an exclusive interview with The Clare Champion that repealing the Eighth Amendment would introduce one of the most liberal abortion regimes in the world. “The proposal to have unrestricted access without question to abortion for up to 12 weeks is truly appalling and would make the regime in Ireland one of the most liberal in the world. “Many people have expressed astonishment and disgust at this proposal and are outraged by it. Much criticism has been directed against the proposals of the Citizens’ Assembly and the Oireachtas Committee and, especially, the unproportionate amount of pro-abortion advice given during the recent process,” he said. Cabinet ministers voted unanimously to hold a referendum asking voters if they wish to repeal …

GARDAI swooped in on drug dealers who were using a wooded area in Broadford, County Clare to stash cocaine after eagle-eyed birdwatchers called in suspicious activity in the area. The game was up when birdwatchers spotted more than avian activity while in a forested area in the townland of Fermoyle and this prompted them to alert the gardaí that someone was falling fowl of the law. On foot of the information an intelligence led operation was put into place with gardaí in Killaloe and Limerick flocking to stake out the area. Drugs, which are suspected to be cocaine and valued in the region of €40,000 were uncovered on foot of the operation at Fermoyle in Broadford on Wednesday night last [January 25]. Inspector David Finnerty of Killaloe Garda Station confirmed that an “intelligence-led operation” was launched focusing on the wooded area in Broadford last week. He said with the assistance of the Clare Divisional Drugs Unit and Limerick gardaí an …

The death occurred last night (Wednesday) of Mr Colm Wiley of Bodyke, former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. A popular figure in his parish and throughout the county, Mr Wiley was a Fianna Fáil representative on the council for 30 years. Some years back, he was honoured at a special function in Mountshannon attended by the then Taoiseach Brian Cowen. During his time as a member of Clare County Council, he held a number of positions, including as chairman of the council itself from 1994 to 1995. During his time in the council, Mr Wiley he saw 16 councillors pass on the chain of office and worked with five county managers. He started out with Fianna Fáil while working in Dublin in 1959, where he attended meetings at the party’s Dublin South Central branch at a time when the then Taoiseach Seán Lemass was also a member. Mr Wiley went to England for work before returning to Ennis to contest …

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has called on all political parties, community groups, businesses and statutory bodies in Clare to work together to help negate the effects of Brexit on the county. The Ireland South MEP was speaking at the launch of her latest discussion document on Brexit in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. The Mid-West and Brexit: The Potential Impacts of Britain’s Departure from the EU on Clare, ​​Limerick and North Tipperary examines the specific challenges that Brexit will pose for the region and lays out proposals for how they can best be tackled. “One of the main dangers of Brexit is that it can seem so vast and like such a major international issue that people tend to forget it will have a very real impact on their lives and their communities,” she said. “What I am am seeking to do with this document is remind people that Brexit is a local issue as well as …

THE Government decision to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) has been lauded as a watershed moment for all of Irish society. “Today marks a key moment, not only for people living with a disability, but also for their families, friends and support networks and for Irish society generally. Today the Government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities by approving the process to initiate ratification of the Convention” commented Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath. The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. “We will shortly bring a resolution to the Dáil that enables us to ratify the CRPD. This will be followed by the depositing of the instrument of amalgamation with the United Nations. …

TIPPERARY did not compete in the recent Munster Senior League, opting instead to concentrate on preparation for what most see as a huge year for the team. Favourites to win last year’s All-Ireland title, there was disappointment amongst their followers when they went out of the race to eventual champions Galway at the semi-final stage. After taking time out to consider their next move, manager Michael Ryan and his team agreed to continue for another term and all reports suggest they have prepared well for the new season. They hammered Galway champions Liam Mellows in a recent friendly and, according to reports, such was their sharpness that Clare will face a tough test when the sides meet in the opening round of the National Hurling League at Cusack Park on Sunday, where the throw-in will be at 2pm. It is expected that Clare will be picking from a panel similar to that which was available for the Munster League final, …