Ennis

PEOPLE in Ennis are being urged to get active as a new brand for the promotion of sports, leisure and recreation facilities in the town was launched this week. The new Active Ennis brand and website was officially launched on Monday and according to Michael Byrne of Acton BV website developers, the www.activeennis.ie site is already proving to be a success with more than 1690 visitors to the site in the past month. He explained that the website, with details of six facilities under the Active Ennis brand, not only provides information but also acts as a promotional tool. Speaking at the launch he said, “It’s a real thrill to be a part of trying to tell people what’s out there, here in Ennis.” Mayor of Ennis Mary Coote-Ryan joined community representatives and members and officials of Clare Local ­Authorities at the launch of the Active Ennis brand and website. All facilities managed by Active Ennis are owned and developed …

THE rich history and heritage of two well-known landmarks on the outskirts of Ennis were graphically illustrated during a recent outing as part of National Heritage Week. Last Friday evening, more than 40 people gathered for an outing organised by heritage officer, Congella McGuire and the Clare Archaeological and Historical Society. Society secretary, Edel Greene, and Ms McGuire led the group around the old church and graveyard at Templemaley and the adjacent Ballyhee Cut. Templemaley Church dates back to around the 10th or 11th century and very little is known about its founding saint, Maley, although his name lives on in Kilmaley and was previously associated with a spring well at Fountain, known as Tobermaley. In the 1830s, locals believed the church was founded by St Finghin of Quin and his feast day had previously been celebrated there. According to Ms Greene, Templemaley may have been a small monastic site that became a parish church after the church reforms of …

THE discovery of iron fittings attached to old sluice gates in Ennis dating back to the mid-1800s has been described as significant find in the industrial heritage of the county town. That’s the view of Clare County architectural conservation officer and archaeologist, Risteard UaCróinín after archaelogists from Limerick-based ÆGIS Archaeology Limited found a large volume of iron cogs, ratchets, bolts and other iron fitting totalling about a ton, which came from old sluice gates, near the Fish Pass on the Mill Road. These ironworks are now in the possession of Ennis Town Council and may be exhibited at a future date. Consulant archaeologist Frank Coyne, who was part of the team monitoring flood-relief works in the town since last March, agrees this find is very important in assessing the industrial heritage of the town. “They were part of the sluice gates controlling the River Fergus dating to the mid-1800s. The sluice gates rotted and they fell into the river. The …

A PLAN to show the All-Ireland hurling final on a big screen in Ennis has resulted in mixed reactions. It has been suggested the idea could negatively impact on pubs, hotels and restaurants that would otherwise benefit from the day, although members of the business community do not appear to see this as a material issue, according to town manager Ger Dollard. “The views of all members of Ennis Town Council have also been canvassed and there is unanimous support for such a proposal if it is financially and logistically feasible and would receive public support,” he said. Ennis Chamber CEO Rita McInerney said the overall consensus among members is the benefits of providing a big screen as part of a major event would outweigh any possible negatives. The town council is to make a decision later this week if it will organise a large event at a town centre venue and provide a big screen for supporters who are …

WORK on the Ennis Watermains Rehabilitation project next spring will result in significant traffic disruption for local businesses and residents, Ennis Town Council has warned.

THE Showjumping Association of Ireland certainly backed the right horse when they decided to host the National Pony and Young Riders Championship in Ennis. The entrants, who arrived earlier this week, have been given a wide welcome in the town. Some local businesses have even gone as far as to show their support with themed window displays.

ENNIS will be the setting for a very special Gathering next month that will bring together people from all 58 parishes of the Diocese of Killaloe.

A YOUNG Ennis girl and her friends are planning to raise money to help those with cystic fibrosis in a real case of lemon-aid.