News

OVER 170 O’Dea delegates from all over the globe assembled to celebrate the recent ninth International O’Dea Clan Gathering, in Ennis, from July 11 to 13 and at the ancestral home of Dysert O’Dea Castle. This triennial event, which began in 1990, brought together O’Deas of every variation, including Deas, O’Days, Days and Odyas, from all over the world. This year, there were delegates from places as far away as Poland, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand, as well as a number of delegates from Ireland also in attendance. Locally, clan members from Ennis, Kilfenora, Shannon, Lissycasey and Cooraclare were also present. Ennis native, James O’Sullivan, now resident in San Francisco, whose mother, Cecelia, is an O’Dea, made a surprise visit home for the clan gathering. The reunion commenced with a civic reception in Ennis. Councillor James Breen, the deputy mayor, warmly welcomed the delegates and, afterwards, the O’Deas returned to The Old Ground Hotel for a …

ASL Aviation Group has signed a partnership with Shannon Airport which will see Shannon become a new base for ASL’s Hercules aircraft operations. ASL  plans to initially base two L-100 aircraft in Shannon, to be used on missions ranging from oil-spill response to humanitarian aid.  The Hercules’ crews and support staff will be based in Shannon where Air Contractors, an ASL Group company, already has its own maintenance base. The decision follows the signing of a Letter of Intent by ASL Aviation Groupwith aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin this week to order up to 10 LM-100J commercialHercules freighter aircraft. The intention is to progressively transitionthese new aircraft into the fleet, replacing the older models. “We’ve long relied on our L-100s to deliver results that no other aircraft can produce,” said Hugh Flynn, chief executive, ASL Aviation Group. “We take pride in our L-100 fleet, and we eagerly look forward to our future as LM-100J operators. We are also very happy to …

ENNIS Friary has an added attraction for both tourists and locals this summer – a temporary art exhibition featuring a series of stunning original paintings of Scattery Island. The paintings  are the work of Senan O’Brien a talented Dublin artist with very strong Clare roots. The exhibition features six paintings depicting different views of Scattery Island, it’s landscape, buildings and Saint Senan’s monastery. The artist was born in 1964 in Dublin, the youngest son of Denis O’Brien, himself a renowned artist, and Lillian O’Brien (nee Beehan) from Kilrush. He was named Senan after a good friend of his parents Fr. Senan Hederman O.F.M. a Franciscan from Ennis, who, by coincidence, is buried at Ennis Friary where the exhibition is taking place. O’Brien’s skills as an artist have been widely recognised and his artwork is highly sought after. He has been commissioned to paint works for former president Mary McAleese and A.I.B. Bank. Successful solo exhibitions of his work have also …

HOUSEHOLDS in South East Clare remain without water as Irish Water carry out essential works to repair a burst water main which has affected the water supply in the Shannon Banks, Westbury and Ardnacrusha area. The local authority is now advising motorists of traffic congestion due to the unplanned works being undertaken by Irish Water to resolve the issue. Homes and businesses in the locality were affected by disruptions to their water supply and reduced water pressure on the Mill Road, Corbally Road, Irish Estates, Shannon Banks, Westbury and outwards to Barrys Cross and surrounding areas. Works have an estimated completion time of 2pm. However this afternoon Limerick City and County Council said that water is not expected to return to the area until 7pm this Tuesday evening. The local authority is also advising motorists to avoid the Corbally Road and to use the R464 through the Long Pavement and Parteen as severe traffic congestion is expected on this road …

SHORTLY after being released from Shannon Garda station this afternoon, TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly relaxed with drinks in a local hotel. Both had been detained and later released without charge after climbing the perimeter fence at Shannon, attempting to make their way to two US military planes at the airport. Clare Daly’s upper lip was still bleeding heavily around two hours after she cut it when falling, as she sought to clear the airport fence.  “I flipped over in my panic! And I fell on top of him (Wallace). I cut me hands as well. I was probably afraid of falling back so I fell forward. It could be worse, it’s nothing to the slaughter of other people.” While they had fallen foul of the authorities, Ms Daly was complimentary of all those she had dealt with at Shannon. “In fairness they seemed to cop it fairly quick. All of the staff and the airport police and fire service …

CONTROVERSIAL TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly were arrested earlier today at Shannon Airport. A spokesman for peace group ShannonWatch told the Clare Champion that the two TDs had been looking to “inspect” two US military aircraft that were airside. He said the arrest had been around midday. A police spokesman confirmed that the TDs were arrested and brought to Shannon Garda Station. The two TDs have been strong opponents of the US military use of Shannon and have been supporters of activist Margaretta D’Arcy, who was released from prison last week, following a previous incursion onto the Shannon runway.  

A new version of the Visit Ennis Guide is now available and it’s proving a big hit for families and shoppers seeking to make the most of what’s on in and around the county town. The free visitor guide features sections on ‘what to do and see’, shopping, accommodation, travel, emergency services as well as dining and entertainment. Now in its third edition, the Visit Ennis Guide is an initiative of Promote Ennis who contracted local company Actonbv to manage the publication process. Chairman of Promote Ennis, Brian O’Neill, is delighted by the both the standard of the publication and the feedback amongst visitors and local businesses. He is grateful for the support shown by local business that financed the production, “I would like to thank the business owners of the area who have funded the Guide through their advertising and listing contributions. This is a massive contribution to tourism in the area as a visitor guide of this standard …

MORE  than 2500 visitors have so far flocked to see the White Tailed Sea Eagles viewing and information point  in Mountshannon since it was officially opened on July 4 last. Located at Mountshannon Pier and funded by Clare County Council, the new tourism development features telescopes and information and displays about Ireland’s largest and most spectacular breeding birds, including the first of the species to be born in the country in 110 years on Bushy Island in Lough Derg. The facility is being operated by the Mountshannon Eagle Group, Mountshannon Community Council and the Golden Eagle Trust, and will remain open until the end of September. Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer said the introduction of the viewing point has further increased public interest in the local White Tailed Sea Eagle population without disturbing them in their natural habitat. “Since the birds first arrived in Mountshannon three years ago, the council has worked closely with the Golden Eagle Trust and the local …