Ennis

A GROUP of local volunteers are getting ready to spring into action in preparation for this year’s Daffodil Day, raising much-needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society.The Clare Daffodil Day Committee will launch this year’s campaign in Ennis on Monday, with chairman Michael Guerin encouraging people to come along and get involved. The official launch will take place on Monday in the West County Hotel at 8pm. “Everybody is welcome to come along to the West County for the launch, which we are holding in advance of this year’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on March 22. “Every year, we receive lots of local support and we are hopeful that this year we will raise even more to fund vital services. Our volunteers do great work and we are always open to new people to get involved in volunteering, either by selling daffodils on the day or by even donating fresh daffodils,” said Michael whose late father, also Michael, was …

  They’re the unsung heroes of Ennis, people who give of their time selflessly without seeking reward or recognition. But their voluntary work doesn’t go un-noticed and this week the people of Ennis gathered to honour five people who have made a meaningful contribution to the social and religious life of their town. People of the Year awards were presented to Sr Ann Boland, Ann Collins, Bella Hehir, Peter Lenihan and to the family of the late Francie Mahon. A member of the parish team, Sr Ann, who lives at Woodland, has been described as “the small woman with the warm smile and generous heart”. A native of Mullagh, as a youngster she dreamed of working with the black children of the Missions. So it was no surprise when she announced that she was joining a Religious Community of Sisters “The Josephites”. Sr Colmcille Browne and Sister Dominic had visited the local school, inviting young girls to their way of …

A receiver has been appointed to one of Clare’s largest construction firms, which ceased trading last month, with the loss of 20 jobs.

FRESH concerns have been expressed about lead in the county’s water supply as preparations are being made to tighten acceptable levels across Europe.

A group of Ennis pupils will be giving the nation a ‘sexication’ next month as their efforts to promote sex education in schools are set to be showcased on RTÉ 2.

WITH the theme for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade being ‘Ennis – A Musical Town’, a visiting band coming all the way from Phoenix, is looking for help in making their journey to the county capital note perfect.

Sam Fleming was 20 when he fell off his bicycle, hitting his head on the road. He was not wearing a helmet. Today, as a result of his fall and brain injury Sam is confined to a wheelchair and suffers from a variety of personality changes and disorders.

  ENNIS has been successful in its bid to become the first town in Ireland to achieve the coveted Purple Flag. Ennis, alongside Dublin’s Creative Quarter and Dame District, received the prestigious international accolade this week. Ennis’ flag is now flying high on O’Connell Square after being raised at a ceremony on Monday evening. It is now hoped that achieving the Purple Flag, recognising safe and well-managed night-time economies, will lead to a boost in tourism to the town. At the flag raising, Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine, congratulated all involved in bringing the Purple Flag to the town. “This just goes to show you what collaborating with various agencies can do. This award complements Ennis’ growing reputation as an attractive location to visit, work and live in and is the result of a unique collaborative approach to promoting the town by the local business community, Ennis Town Council, Shannon Development and Án Garda Siochána. “The Purple Flag will help …