East Clare

DESIGNS for three new homes in the village of O’Callaghan’s Mills have been described by planners as “highly suburban” and “not acceptable for a village setting”.  Council planners made their comments in a letter to developers, East Clare Construction Ltd, seeking Further Information (FI) on proposals submitted in recent months, for a site at Iragh. The Council said the while the principle of the proposed development is acceptable, the designs themselves are not. The company has now been told to submit revised designs “reflecting the rural character of the setting”. Variation in each site has to be provided and, for one of the houses, which would front onto both the existing regional road in the area, and a new access road, “dual frontage” must be created.  Planners have also noted that the new access road for two of the proposed homes “provides access to further zoned lands in the applicant’s ownership”. For that reason, East Clare Construction Ltd has been …

MOUNTSHANNON Arts will to host a Harp Concert with a difference this Saturday October 22 when Erin Durrett and Christina Tourin join together to present ‘Songs of Hildegard and the Early Saints’ with Blossom Harps and guest harpers from America. Internationally renowned harp educator, Christina Tourin is one of the most accomplished harpists of her generation, delighting audiences with her performances worldwide. Soprano Erin Durrett, who loves music of all times, genres, and cultures, has a special passion for scared chant and is Director of Music Ministries at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit on Vashon Island.  Blossom Harps is directed by Lizzie Affolter who initiated the Blossom Harp Festival in Tuamgraney in 2016. The hugely popular event has since become renamed the Tuamgraney Harp Festival. Hildegard of Bingen was a saint, composer and poet and it’s only recently that her songs, writings and remarkable life and visions have been rediscovered. She was born over 900 years ago and …

RESIDENTS in Quin have raised concerns over road safety for pedestrians on the Dromoland side of the village, a local councillor has said.  Councillor Pat Burke called on officials of the Killaloe Municipal District to look at the possibility of putting in a footpath on the Ballykilty/Dromoland side of Quin in the interests of safety. “An incident took place five or six weeks ago and it was not the first time there was a traffic accident,” he told the district meeting. “Residents want something done.” The Whitegate man welcomed an undertaking from Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Derek Troy to progress the matter. ‘The reply is welcome,” he said. “This is a road that is straight for a while and then there’s a series of bends. This is a classic example of where this kind of funding could and should be used.” District Cathaoirleach, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan seconded the motion. “This is timely, especially when you see the influx of development …

REMEDIAL works at Derg View in Scariff are due to get underway shortly, following the appointment of a contractor by Clare County Council.  The matter was raised by Councillor Pat Hayes who asked the recent meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District for an update on works at the recently-taken-in-charge Factory houses estate on the Connaught Road.  “Residents are looking for an update,” he said. “Proposals on the takeover got full support a while back. These areas are very much in your view point when coming into town. The local community has done a lot of work to maintain the area. Work is now needed on footpaths and roads. In the green area, there are obstacles to be addressed in terms of sewers and drains.” The Caher man welcomed a written response from Kieran O’Donnell who said the Planning Department is currently assessing tenders for the works. “A preferred contractor has been identified and it is planned that this contractor will …

DANGEROUS dips on a stretch of road in North East Clare have been highlighted by a local councillor who lives close by.  The condition of a stretch of road between Killanena and Dromindoora was criticised by Councillor Pat Hayes who called on officials of the Killaloe Municipal District to included on the works schedule for 2023.  “There is dipping in the road,” Councillor Hayes told the most recent district meeting. “A small section was done a few years ago, but it now needs an overlay to make it safe. It is a very well-trafficked route. A big amount of Galway-bound traffic uses it. The road, in general, is quite good, but a section has dipped and it’s quite dangerous. That needs to be addressed.” The motion was seconded by Councillor Tony O’Brien and supported by Cathaoirleach, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan. “There is definitely a need for black top on the R461,” Councillor O’Callaghan said. “Those tar-and-chip jobs on many roads are …

A WHITEGATE boy has gone to extreme lengths to help a number of charities working with children.  Ten-year-old Donnacha Hayes has been growing his hair for the last three years so that, once cut, his locks can be made into wigs for children with cancer. In the process, he has also been fundraising for The Dyslexia Association of Ireland and The Children’s Grief Centre, based in Limerick. Next month, Donnacha’s long, blond tresses will get the chop, at a public event in Mountshannon, and he is already considering whether to let his hair grow out again.  Donnacha’s mum, Orla, told The Champion her youngest son has always been very kind and considerate of others, and decided to undertake his fundraising campaign when he was just seven. “Maybe it’s because he has dyslexia, but Donnacha has always seen himself a bit different,” Orla said. “For that reason, he’s always been really kind and thoughtful.” In an interview with Scariff Bay Community …

A MOTHER and daughter volunteer duo from Scariff attended national Foróige’s 50th Volunteer Conference and were commended by the Minister for Children.  Tracey and Jane Doyle are long-time volunteers with Scariff Foróige and, at the Tullamore Court Hotel in County Offaly, last weekend, they also met keynote speaker, David Coleman. The popular broadcaster and author is a leading clinical psychologist and spoke about communication strategies for reaching teenagers. Tracey and Jane flew the Clare flag, alongside 120 delegates from 16 counties at the annual Foróige Volunteer Conference.  “Foróige volunteers have helped create communities that are vital to our society. The value of the contributions that are made by these volunteers cannot be overstated,” said Minister Roderic O’Gorman. “Not only does volunteerism positively impact our communities but it can provide people with a sense of purpose, improving their own wellbeing, enhancing their empathy and allowing them to connect with young people in their communities. Foróige has to be commended for the innovative …

THE recent passing of Michael John Quigney was greeted with a deep sense of sadness, especially in the Clooney and Tulla areas. Michael John was well known and popular through his employment and involvement in many organisations. Born in 1940, Michael John lived all his live in the townland of Toonagh in Clooney Parish adjoining the Tulla boundary. A hard worker and helpful neighbour, he worked for many years in Shannon Airport with Aer Lingus and Tedcastles Oil. He also ran the family farm. He was a member of the Tulla Macra na Feirme club that staged the Tulla Agricultural show, a show that attracted the world-renowned show jumper Tommy Wade. Michael John was also an athlete, a piper, an FCA member, a competitive card player and a fanatical GAA supporter. He followed the fortunes of Clooney-Quin and Clare with a boyish enthusiasm, right to the very end. He actually attended the Muster Hurling Final a few weeks before he …