News

WHILE he has received refugee status and now lives in Ennis, former journalist Sayed Farid Sanai is very worried about his family left behind in an unstable Afghanistan, while he fears any progress made since the toppling of the Taliban 20 years ago could be very quickly undone. Two years ago he made it to Europe, but he knows something of the dread of the hundreds of people desparately seeking to make it out of Afghanistan this week. Farid’s son and wife are still in Afghanistan, and with an application having been made to the Irish Department of Justice, he is hopeful they will be allowed to come here soon. “Three months ago I applied for my family, I sent all of the details to the section in the Department of Justice, I’m still waiting for the process. They said it takes time, now it’s an emergency, but I don’t know how long it will take.” He says that he …

AN attempt will be made in Clare this month to carve a replica of a recently discovered wooden pagan idol. The 2.5m oak carved idol, which is over 1,600 years old, was unearthed by archaeologists with Clare-based firm AMS (Archaeological Management Solutions). On Saturday, August 28, AMS staff, members UCD’s Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture and the Pallasboy Vessel Project (UCC) will endeavour to carve a replica of the Gortnacrannagh Idol at Craggaunowen’s Living Past Experience. Work on the replica will start at 10am and continue throughout the day with visitors to the site able to watch the progress. Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin of AMS explained, “Since the Gortnacrannagh Idol is such a unique and significant find, we are making a replica to help us understand the idol better and appreciate how it was made. “It will be possible for people to see this in action at the Craggaunowen Archaeology Park in County Clare during the last weekend …

ENNIS Chamber holds its annual Golf Classic on Friday, September 3, with Munster Group as its main sponsor. This year’s classic takes place at Ennis Golf Club and is open to teams of four (best two scores to count). According to a spokesperson for Ennis Chamber, “As well as prizes for the teams including a 4-ball at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, there are prizes for Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. But more than that, the teams enjoy a great day out.” Teams of four at €250  to include a two-course meal. To book a team contact info@ennischamber.ie

FARMERS, food producers and artisans in the Burren are reaping the benefits of agritourism initiatives this summer as visitors flock to try unique food experiences in the region. As people holiday at home this year, experiences such as food trails, foraging walks, food visitor experiences and farm stays have all become popular, according to Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network, which represents over 70 diverse businesses in the region. “For farmers, agritourism offers an opportunity to diversify and create supplementary income,” he said. “Many enjoy the social aspect of meeting people and share their special stories about the food, agriculture and biodiversity of the region. “For visitors, it allows them to connect with the land, the people, the animals and learn more about where their food comes from while enjoying beautiful landscapes of the Burren. “There really is no better place for visitors to learn about the region than from those who have farmed the land for generations.” …

EFFORTS are getting underway in Kilfenora to restore a flower bed and signage on one of the main approach roads to the historic village, after they were struck by a car at the weekend. The incident, which happened on Sunday night, involved the vehicle veering into recently-planted flower bed and hitting one of the only signs welcoming visitors to Kilfenora. It is understood nobody was injured and Gardaí, who removed the car on Monday evening, are continuing to investigate. While relieved that the accident hadn’t been a more serious one, local people have been expressing annoyance at the fact the car was abandoned at the scene, and at the amount of damage done. “We have a great Tidy Towns group who work really hard on keeping the village looking good,” said Andy Lambert, Secretary of Kilfenora Development. “That flower bed was put in six weeks ago and the sign is the only identification on that approach road to the village. …

Anger over O’Brien’s response to problem in own constituency compared to Clare THE founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group has expressed outrage at the fact the Housing Minister highlighted the presence of defective concrete blocks in homes here as far back as 2012, but has still not extended redress to this county. Darragh O’Brien was a senator at the time. The Fianna Fáil member raised the presence of pyrite in homes in Clare during a Seanad debate on a failed Bill aimed at extending the time-frame for homeowners to take legal actions. There is also anger at how the minister has promptly responded to reports of pyrite issues in his own constituency, without visiting affected homes in Clare. Dr Martina Cleary said that in light of his official knowledge, the fact that the minister has still not extended the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme to Clare is deeply shocking. “Minister O’Brien is on record, nine years ago, talking about pyrite …

SISTER Ethel Normoyle has been remembered as someone who “fully represented Irish values of solidarity, love and compassion” after she passed away this week. The Lissycasey-born nun spent decades working in South Africa’s Port Elizabeth, renamed Gqeberha, where she founded the Missionvale Care Centre in the late ‘80s. The missionary nun’s work in South Africa saw her receive global attention, including receiving visits from Mother Teresa and Queen Elizabeth. In the wake of her passing, the care centre have vowed to carry on and honour Sr Normoyle’s wishes “of continued compassionate care for the poor and the vulnerable”. Sr Normoyle will be laid to rest this Thursday in her native Lissycasey at a family only service and burial, though the funeral can be viewed online by those who wish to pay their respects. A member of the Little Company of Mary, Sr Normoyle established the Missionvale Care Centre in the Eastern Cape in 1988. Against all odds, she set up …

Teenager Sam Moloney emerged as the surprise winner of this year’s Clare County Road Race Championships as the Greenmount Cycling Academy rider produced the race of his life. Moloney showed experience beyond his years as he stayed near the front before making his move late on to seal the win. The event, sponsored by Cahill Taxation Services and hosted by Dolmen CC, was an 80km cycle in total with the cyclists lining up at Kildysart road, before travelling via Ballybeg, Rockmount Cross, Kilmorane, before the cyclists returned to Kildysart. This is a 10km route which the cyclists completed eight times. In this race a handicap system was used as A4/entry level riders started first at 7pm before the A3/Juniors commenced four minutes later. The A2s began two minutes after that with the A1s starting 60 seconds later. Often A1 and A2 riders catch up with those who gain a head start before powering to victory, but this was not the …