Home » Breaking News (page 99)

Breaking News

Biker hit 180km/h as he weaved in and out of traffic on M18

A MOTORCYCLIST who weaved in and out of traffic on a busy motorway and was pursued by a garda car at 180km/h has been told he could have killed himself.  At Ennis district court, Judge Mary Larkin imposed a two-year driving ban on Brian Gibson (33). Gibson, a pipe fitter with an address at Oakleigh Wood, Dooradoyle, Limerick, pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving at the M18, Carrigoran near Newmarket-on-Fergus on April 9, 2022. Gibson admitted speeding but denied that his driving was dangerous.  After convicting Gibson of the offence, Judge Larkin said, “In my own view, I can’t even imagine driving a heavy car at 180km/h. I would say to Mr Gibson, if you hit a wall or clipped a car or anything at that speed, you would be dead.”  Judge Larkin told Gibson that he can’t travel at 180km/h on any road.  “The laws of physics apply,” the judge added.  In evidence, Garda Sarah Durack of Henry Street …

Read More »

‘Adored’ Ashling honoured in new Mary I scholarship

THE late Ashling Murphy will be remembered by her alma mater, Mary Immaculate College (MIC), as it teams up with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) to offer a new entrance scholarship in her honour. The Ashling Murphy Scholarship was launched at the INTO Education Conference at the Tullamore Court Hotel recently. Ashling, from County Offaly, had graduated as a primary teacher from Mary I just three months before she was tragically killed. The scholarship will be jointly awarded by MIC and the INTO to the amount of €4,000. It will be a bursary awarded to a First Year Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) student for their exceptional achievement and talent in the field of traditional Irish music. Speaking at the announcement of the scholarship, Professor Eugene Wall, President of the college, said: “In launching this scholarship, we will continue to cherish Ashling’s memory and her many accomplishments, her love of music and her skills as an educator. Ashling exemplified …

Read More »

Ukrainian artist given sanctuary in Clare to hold exhibition

AN internationally renowned Ukrainian artist who fled the war in his country this year and found refuge in Clare is holding an exhibition in Ennistymon from this Friday. The exhibition of Yevhen Svitlychnyi’s work entitled ‘The Burren – Ukrainian Chronicles Part II’ will be opened by the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa. Earlier work on this theme was displayed at the Burren College of Art in July this year. Mr Svitlychnyi said, “As a result of the war, like so many of my compatriots I was forced to flee Ukraine, and by the fortunate intervention of my friends I arrived in Ireland, into the warm and welcoming embrace of Ireland and its people. “I travelled to Ballyvaughan, in this magical place that is The Burren, and was introduced to the wonderful people at the Burren College of Art who have been so welcoming, generous and supportive of my work.” The first part of the exhibition The Burren – Ukrainian …

Read More »

March decision as developers appeal Tulla planning refusal

DEVELOPERS seeking to build 36 new homes in Tulla have lodged an appeal, after being refused planning permission by Clare County Council. An application from Woodhaven Developments for a site on Church Road was turned down after planners judged the plans to be “deficient in terms of its pedestrian provision” and out of keeping with the character of the area. In its appeal to An Bórd Pleanála, Woodhaven said it felt the Council’s refusal was “based on a narrow review of the submitted proposals as regards the housing need within the development plan requirements, national policy, quantity and type of units, design, layout, principle of development, site topography, site services, adjoining planning history associated with Tulla”. The company also said that, in refusing permission on the grounds outlined, the Council would remove the site from future development as the adjoining lands are not in Woodhaven’s ownership and are not for sale. Woodhaven noted that the site has been described by …

Read More »

Supersub Doherty fires Flannan’s into last eight of Corn Uí Mhuirí

Derek Dormer was on hand to watch St Flannan’s College defeat Clonakilty Community College 3-8 to 0-11   A 2-1 final quarter blitz from supersub James Doherty ensured that St Flannan’s College cemented their place in the last eight of the prestigious Munster Senior A Post-Primary Schools Football Championship in Ballyagran, Limerick on Wednesday afternoon. Requiring nothing less than a victory to keep their Corn Uí Mhuirí hopes alive, the Ennis school had to show immense character to produce a ten point second half turnaround. Therefore, regardless of what happens in the final round between Tralee CBS and Clonakilty, St Flannan’s are assured of one of the quarter-final places from the group. Substitute Doherty was the hero scoring 2-1 after his introduction in the 45th minute. In fact Doherty’s very first touch came only 20 seconds after his introduction when he picked up possession 25 metres out before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. Doherty’s second major was …

Read More »

National Library acquires archive of famous Clare AIDS activist

THE personal papers of renowned HIV/AIDS activist and former priest, Fr Bernárd Lynch have been acquired by the National Library of Ireland. Born in Ennis he was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He dedicated his service to pastoral care and human rights advocacy in the LGBTI+ community in New York and London. He came to prominence during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when he worked directly with the communities affected by the epidemic, and he successfully campaigned for the introduction of non-discriminatory legislation in New York City. Lynch, who travelled from London to be present at the NLI’s acquisition event, said, “This year marks 40 years since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in Ireland. This anniversary is a time of reflection, allowing us to consider the effects which the epidemic had on the LGBTI+ community, and how – even still – there is a journey to travel before we arrive at a place of non-discrimination and acceptance.  I hope that …

Read More »

Ennis ‘crying out’ for bus and Active Travel infrastructure

ENNIS is crying out for a town bus and active travel infrastructure, says Clare Green Party Senator Ròisín Garvey. The Inagh-based politician is highlighting traffic congestion while calling on the County Council “to prioritise spending available for active travel funding on better, safer and more cycle lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossings”. She said, “Even if all cars switched to electric overnight, we would still have the exact same traffic congestion issues. “The only way forward is to focus on reducing car dependency and prioritising active travel infrastructure and a town bus service. “I know from working with children and parents in all the Ennis schools over many years that the will is there to allow children walk and cycle to school, if the proper infrastructure is put in place. “Many of the roads leading into our beautiful town already have the width for such infrastructure and the Department of Transport are offering the funding. “Where there’s a will there’s a …

Read More »

Clare players to fore as UL win ‘Freshers’ hurling league

Nine Clare players helped UL to secure All-Ireland Freshers 1 Hurling League honours with a 1-19 to 0-13 final victory over DCU in Clonad, Laois on Tuesday evening. The Banner’s sizeable representation dominated the spinal positions for Joe McGrath’s side who will hope to emulate this achievement for the championship version in the new year. Pictured from left to right are: Sean Rynne (Inagh-Kilnamona), John Conneally (Clooney-Quin), Rory O’Connell (Clarecastle), Ian McNamara (Killanena) (Captain), Ronan O’Connor (Feakle), Keith Smyth (Killanena), Colm Cleary (O’Callaghan’s Mills) and Tony Leyden (Tulla). Gearoid Sheehy (Ogonnelloe) was missing due to illness.

Read More »