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THE Clare Branch of Birdwatch Ireland December outing takes place to Ballyallia Lake just north-west of Ennis on Saturday next, December 11.  Ballyallia is described as a rich limestone lake and it has large numbers of wildfowl. Though not a very large lake, it is an important site in Ireland for Shoveler. Birds such as Whooper and Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, Moorhen and Coot, all of whom are usually seen at this site during the winter months. Birdwatchers also hope to find Curlew, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit. The nearby woodland hosts Jay, Treecreeper and birds of prey.  Those attending are asked to meet at the bird board opposite Lake View Stores on the Ruan road at 11am. The advice is to bring binoculars. If possible, as optical equipment cannot be shared due to public health guidelines Further details are available on Clarebirdwatching.com. Christmas cards and bird calendars are now for sale on birdwatchireland.ie.

THE legacy left by founding leader of Fianna Fáil Éamon de Valera was lauded by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, at the 40th annual commemoration of his statute in Ennis on Sunday, writes Dan Danaher. Following his release from prison in June 1917, de Valera was elected Sinn Féin deputy for East Clare. During the Civil War of 1922 – 23, de Valera supported the anti-Treaty Republicans. De Valera was arrested on August 15 1923, under the Public Safety Act, as he was about to make a speech at Ennis and was imprisoned until July 1924. Despite his imprisonment, Clare elected de Valera top of the poll in the 1923 General Election. He continued to represent Clare for the rest of his active political career. In a wide-ranging oration, Mr Martin stated the life of Eamon de Valera was one of overcoming adversity and remarkable achievement. “His positive legacy remains strong, and remains central to achieving progress for everyone on our …

A WEST Clare community was left in shock this week after a tragic car crash claimed the life of Peggy Morrissey, the mother of RTÉ sports commentator Marty Morrissey, writes Jessica Quinn. Tributes have been paid to Mrs Morrissey following her passing in the early hours of Tuesday morning in a single car collision at Annagh, Miltown Malbay. Mrs Morrissey, who was a popular member of the Mullagh community, was the sole occupant of the car. Fr Donagh O’Meara, Parish priest of St Mary’s Church in Mullagh described Mrs Morrissey as “a very giving woman. She gave enormously and was very kind to people.” Mrs Morrissey, who was in her 90s and originally from Cork, attended mass every day and will be “hugely missed” in the community, he said. “She was a fiercely independent woman and she lived right up the last. She was very engaged in life and the community. She loved people and chatting, she was great for …

WHILE the worst of Storm Barra has passed, Clare’s local authority is appealing to the public to remain cautious about resuming travel in the county. The possibility of trees being significantly weakened by the high gusts yesterday evening and falling later on today cannot be ruled out. Due to the wind direction during the severe weather event, many trees will have been weakened, and further work may need to be carried out to remove such danger. If members of the public come across any road hazards, they should report them to Clare County Council. During the morning the Municipal District crews will be evaluating the damage to the roads/coastal infrastructure and carrying out works as necessary to remove the danger. Fire Brigades across the county attended weather-related incidents from early Tuesday morning (06.50) until earlier today (04.30) dealing with fallen trees, cables, and property damage. There were no reported accidents to the Fire Service during the Status Red alert. During …

AS MANY as 3,700 properties in county Clare were without power in the early part of Wednesday following the ravages of Storm Barra. The main affected areas were in the west of the county where almost 2,500 homes were without power in and around Miltown Malbay. Most of the issues around Miltown have now been resolved. Crews from ESB Networks have been working hard to restore power and have been making good progress addressing faults in numerous areas. Problems persist however in Kilrush, Kilkee, Ennistymon and Ennis. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds. Due to the pressure on resources, ESB Networks does not expect to be able to restore power to many areas until Wednesday evening at the earliest and Wednesday 10pm in Ennistymon and Kilrush. Gale force winds associated with the storm, with gusts of over 130 km/h, caused extensive damage to the electricity network currently affecting …

SCHOOLS in county Clare that were closed today have been advised to remain shut tomorrow, Wednesday, December 8. The Department of Education is advising that all schools that are currently or forecast to be in a Red or Orange alert area should remain closed to allow for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra to take place. This includes counties Clare Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Wexford. Schools that are no longer in a Red or Orange Alert area can reopen, provided that, if there are concerns, school managers have had an opportunity to check for fallen wires and other serious damage in the vicinity of school buildings. If an individual school (in a yellow area) is still experiencing a particular local issue relating to the storm the Board of Management can make a decision to remain closed for tomorrow. All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all …

AS THE weather warning for Clare is updated to Status Red, authorities are appealing to the public to stay safe and take precautions around power and travel. Clare County Council is once again reminding members of the public to stay at home and avoid all travel as the Status Red wind warning for Clare comes into effect from 16:00 today, Tuesday, December 7, until 01:00 on Wednesday, December 8. Met Éireann has advised that due to Storm Barra, north-westerly winds will reach mean speeds in excess of 80km/h with severe or damaging gusts in excess of 130km/h. Due to a combination of high waves, storm surge and high tide, coastal flooding is expected and people should stay away from all coastal areas. Keep your mobile phone charged as disruption to power and travel are likely. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately …

ESB Networks has stated it may take some time to tackle potential power outages later in the afternoon and evening with weather conditions in Clare set to worsen significantly. Crews from the company have already been at work in the Banner county tackling outages in Kilkee, Kilrush and Cratloe. All three areas are suffering ongoing issues. A statement from the company said, “All internal resources are on alert and are responding to electricity outages once it is safe to do so. With a red weather warning in the Southwest in effect until tonight, and Co Clare until 1 am Wednesday morning, this means our crews may not be mobilised on the ground until the worst of the severe weather passes.” Gale force winds associated with Storm Barra, with gusts of over 130 km/h, are continuing to cause damage to the electricity network currently affecting more than 49,000 homes, farms and businesses nationwide. The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees …