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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 …

A woman in her late sixties died after falling into the water in Lough Derg in the early hours of Sunday morning, despite an extensive rescue operation. The incident happened at the marina near the village of Dromineer on the shores of Lough Derg. The RNLI based at Dromineer was tasked by the Valentia Coastguard Marine Coordination Centre at about 1.15 and were told there were two people in the water. Within about seven minutes, the RNLI crew of three volunteers were on the water and learned that only one person remained in the water. It is understood that a man entered the water with a view to saving the woman but was unable to do so. After leaving the water, he then contacted the emergency services. The Shannon coastguard helicopter Rescue 115 was also tasked to assist in the rescue operation. However, the helicopter was stood down while en route to the scene as the RNLI had recovered the woman from the water. Five …

CLARE TD Michael McNamara has called on the State to acquire Drewsboro House, the birthplace of acclaimed author Edna O’Brien, with a view to turning it into a writer’s retreat and museum. In a letter to the newly appointed Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD, Deputy McNamara highlighted the cultural significance of the house, which is located in Tuamgraney. The property, which consists of 7.025acres, failed to sell at auction earlier this month and the Clare TD believes if the State were to acquire the property it would represent “good value for the State”. “The primary importance of Drewsboro is cultural. Readers of The Country Girls and many other Edna O’Brien novels are very familiar with the house. In her memoir Edna describes her childhood home as ‘a large two storey house with bay windows, and could be approached by two avenues an old and a new’,” he stated in his letter to Minister Humphreys. He …