News

Limerick man, John O’Dea regained the Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship title he last won in 2013 when he threw his tree a distance of 8.6 metres. Organised by Clare County Council, in conjunction with Active Ennis Sports and Leisure Facilities, the fourth annual event took place at Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park on Sunday, with all proceeds going to ISPCC Childline. Mr O’Dea was unable to beat the current Irish Record of 10.3 metres, which he shares with Dubliner Gary O’Growney, but the Cappamore man managed to stave off competition from 250 others to reclaim the Irish championship trophy. Meanwhile, the winner of the ladies section was Audrey Kavanagh (4.1m) while the U-12 section was won by Shane Kenny.

A new report shows that 66% of small businesses are growing, while 28% are maintaining stability, and just 6% are still seeing a decline. The detailed in the Small Firms Association’s Small Firms Outlook for 2015 survey report, based on 867 respondends out of a sample of 2500 member companies. SFA director, Patricia Callan, in welcoming the results, said, “We predict that 2015 will see strong growth remain in the economy in the order of 4-5% GDP growth. 2014 saw the initial green shoots from the cities, spread gradually throughout all regions and towns throughout the country. Broad-based regional economic growth must be a priority focus in 2015.” The survey respondents predict strong investment levels in their businesses in 2015 with 72% saying that they will invest in their business in the next 12-24 months, 20% are unsure, and just 8% do not plan further investment at present. Investment in brand development is the priority for 41% of respondents, with …

CLARE Garda Chief Superintendent John Kerin has described drug barons who target young people to store drugs as “vultures” and “parasites”. In a hard-hitting end-of-year assessment of the drugs problem, he said usage among young people has increased significantly. He also said he feels sorry for the families of some young people who were caught up in some of the 2014 drugs finds. “As regards some of the more recent high-profile detections, I would know some of the families involved and I’d have to say my heart goes out to them. They are really decent people but unfortunately their children have been used by people that I would describe as vultures and parasites. They’re destroying these young people’s lives. They’re innocent, gullible and are getting very, very little out of keeping the drugs for the drug barons. “The consequences of they being caught, and a number of people are now before the courts, are really horrendous. As I said, our …

THE future viability of an Ennis pub/restaurant that employs 40 staff is uncertain, following a decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse the retention and alteration of an outdoor smoking room with a retractable roof. Derek Gleeson, the owner of Yolo – You Only Live Once – at 40 Abbey Street, Ennis, in response to an enforcement order in March to remove the structure, had applied to Clare County Council to retain and alter the outdoor smoking room at the pub/restaurant with a traditional shop front at the smoking area, in keeping with the other traditional shop front on the premises. The council refused the development in July and this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The corner building is a protected structure, dating from the 18th century, and is part of a terrace of listed buildings on Abbey Street, in what is an Architectural Conservation Area. According to the submission made on behalf of Mr Gleeson, “This bar/restaurant …

A MEMORIAL service was held in the midlands last weekend  in memory of Cornelius and Angelique Billing, their children and extended family at Tullamore Presbyterian Church. The service was celebrated by South African Reverend Rasmus (Rassie) Erasmus following a request by Angelique’s (Angie) mother in South Africa and requests by the Irish South African community, following the Kildysart tragedy in which Cornelius and Angelique died. It was decided to hold the service at a central location to facilitate those who wished to travel to the memorial, which was celebrated in both Afrikaans and English. The service involved hymns, readings, prayers and a reflection on the bible. The 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepherd, was the chosen reading for the memorial. Reverend Erasmus said, “The lives of Neels and Angie, although tragic, came as a real shock to us. We don’t want this to happen ever again that two people among us can have such a tough time. I speak …

WHILE pre-Christmas and festive trading was certainly no worse than in previous years, there hasn’t been much evidence of increased spending in the Banner County, according to retailers. This week, Pat Kelly, manager of SkyCourt shopping centre in Shannon, said trading was quite similar to 12 months previously. “It was on a par with previous years, not better, but on a par with previous years. There was a lot of talk about the uplift but I thought we’d see more of it.” He said that Dealz, which sells goods at discount prices, had a very good Christmas but that most of the businesses at SkyCourt “generally found it was similar to last year, not the uplift we had probably expected”. Patrick Bourke, who has men’s clothes shops in Ennis and Kilrush, said there had been an improvement, albeit not a dramatic one. “We were busy, I have to say. We’d be up on last year, not hugely up. There were …

The majority of Irish small and medium companies will not be changing wage rates in the next 12 months, according to the results of a new survey. The survey results show that this is the position of 71% of member of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME). The Association has cautioned against unrealistic pay expectations being touted by some politicians and as a result of a big business/semi-state survey. Mark Fielding, ISME CEO, said, “Fortunately we are starting to see signs of stability and possible growth in the domestic economy. However, the situation for SMEs remains precarious. They have been struggling to stay afloat and owner-managers in particular have borne the brunt of the pain by taking huge pay cuts, and in some cases no salary at all, in an effort to keep their businesses afloat. The survey findings indicate that the majority of SMEs will not be in a position to increase wages during 2015 and in a small …

The death has occurred of Gemma Galvin (née Healy), Fuinseog, Tobartaoscain, Ennis, Co Clare. Wife of Flan Galvin, retired Managing Director of The Clare Champion. January 3rd 2015, peacefully, at home. Deeply regretted by her loving husband Flan, sons Anthony, John and David, daughters-in-law Cathy, Shelly and Kim, grandchildren Sam and Katelyn, nephews Aidan and Declan, nieces Berna, Suzanne, Martine and Michele, relatives and friends. R.I.P. Reposing at her home on Sunday, 4th January, from 5pm until 7pm. Removal on Monday morning to Ennis Cathedral for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by private cremation. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to The National Council for The Blind. House private Monday morning, please. As a mark of respect The Clare Champion will be closed on Monday, January 5th.