News

A young Massachusetts girl, whose mother hails from Clare, recently made Justin Bieber’s day.

RELATIONS between the Labour party and Clare TD Michael McNamara were not strained even though his party colleagues voted for his suspension from the Dáil last week, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has confirmed.

Clare County Council is to target the United States military in Shannon as part of a tourism offensive, it was confirmed this week.

Health Minister James Reilly has been requested to review funding and overall staffing for the Clare Mental Health Services following the threatened closure of 19 beds at the acute psychiatric unit at Ennis Hospital.

Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping visited Clare last weekend as part of his visit to Ireland. Owen Ryan reports VICE-President Xi Jinping is now the owner of a Sixmilebridge jersey, following his visit to Lynch’s farm last Sunday morning.He was also given a painting with an agricultural theme, while the Chinese delegation presented gifts to James Lynch’s children, James, Olive and Ronan.Speaking to The Clare Champion, Mr Lynch said he had been asked if the farm could be used for an important visit some weeks ago but hadn’t been aware of how significant the visitor was.“Approximately two weeks ago I heard about it. I was contacted by An Bord Bia. They said there was a very important dignitary coming to the country and would I make my farm available. I said if they needed it they could have it but preferably, maybe find somewhere else. The Chinese ambassador came to visit it and he said he’d definitely like to use it. …

Clare is entitled to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2014, one local representative claimed this week.

BUNRATTY’S Gari Deegan qualified for the next phase of The Voice of Ireland on last Sunday night’s episode.

A second case of cattle rustling has taken place in Clare in under a month as three Friesian heifer calves were snatched from an outhouse in West Clare last week.