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IT’S not just Santa Claus who will benefit from chimneys being cleaned in the town, with Ennis homeowners being urged to remember the importance of fire safety during the festive season.

MAYOR of Clare Pat Hayes has sent a shot across the bows of the Taoiseach this week over what he considers to be Mr Kenny’s “favouritism” towards Knock Airport.

THERE is only one answer to Ireland’s problems. A revolution. No, I am not inciting to violence. This is not a call to arms. I am not proposing that we storm the Bank of Ireland or even Government Buildings. I don’t want to see anyone shot or even hurt.

ENSCONCED between the flags of Ireland and the European Union, Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed the nation on Sunday night to let them know their lives would be made materially worse as a result of the Budget announcement during the week. His main point was, however, that it was not his fault.

TWO former pupils have provided testimonials challenging sexual abuse allegations made against a deceased missionary Clarecastle Christian Brother, in a controversial RTÉ documentary.Former students of CBC Pretoria have provided a glowing account of the role played by Br Gerard Dillon in the school from 1979 to 1984, in sharp contract to the account of abuse given by Tyrone Selmon on the Mission To Prey programme focusing on Irish missionaries in South Africa.Their account coincides with calls from members of the extended Dillon family for Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to include claims made against Br Dillon as part of the existing Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) inquiry into the defamation of Fr Kevin Reynolds.The same programme led to a massive libel settlement with Fr Reynolds, who was falsely accused of fathering a child with a woman in Kenya.Br Dillon was accused of sexual abuse by former CBC Pretoria pupil, Tyrone Selmon in the programme broadcast last May. Mr Selmon claimed the …

SLEIGH bells rang through the streets of Ennis this week after local traders were called upon by Santa Claus to help save Christmas.Mayor of Ennis Michael Guilfoyle got a very worried phone call from the North Pole asking for his help and the help of the people of Ennis this Christmas as some of his elves had fallen ill.As a result, the whole town has got behind Santa and as his sleigh passed through the streets on Wednesday night, the jolliness came back to Santa’s face as he collected presents from each shop along the way.Santa’s good cheer spread throughout the town and has inspired Ennis Development Forum and Ennis Chamber to launch a shop local campaign to encourage people to spend their money in their own area to sustain jobs.Their campaign will firstly comprise a very creative viral video clip for Ennis, which will include Christmas music and messages, along with shop-local slogans and information on how easy Ennis …

ALMOST 12 centuries since the Vikings invaded Scattery Island in 816, a committee has been established in Kilrush to examine how best to commemorate the anniversary in 2016.Many monks were killed in the raid 1,200 years ago, while the Vikings returned on another raid, 19 years later in 835.The committee, headed by Randal B Counihan, is exploring the possibility of establishing a more peaceable link between the island on the Shannon Estuary and a region in Norway.“Plans are at an early stage but it is proposed that an association would be created with an area in South-West Norway and a sponsored international yacht race would take place between Norway and the Shannon Estuary, while a variety of sporting, cultural, social and educational events would take place in the area, in tandem with the race,” Cyril Feeney, Clare County Council, revealed at this month’s Kilrush Electoral Area meeting.“An event such as this would have the potential to significantly raise the profile …

THERE was a meeting of the two Clares at this year’s National Tourism Conference in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon last weekend as the Mayor of Clare and Gilbert Valley in South Australia, Allen Aughey, spoke of the tourism potential between the two locations.Mr Aughey, who spent a week travelling in the locality, has stressed the need to stop forced emigration and develop tourism links with the huge contingent of Irish Australians, particularly those from County Clare who emigrated to the Clare Valley.Speaking to The Clare Champion at the end of his stay, Mr Aughey said, “I know there are huge economic issues and I sympathise but the Irish nation and people will prevail provided they have the right leadership. This is a time when leaders and politicians need the support of the people. This is a team effort and in times of strife, it is pointless attacking the leadership. People of a nation need to overcome differences, bolster support links …