Ennis

PARNELL Street is “dying” and has become a “second-class citizen” compared to other streets in the town, local traders have claimed. Business people operating from Parnell Street raised concerns about the future of the pedestrianised street to members of Ennis Town Council this week.Speaking at this week’s meeting, Noreen Twomey Walsh commented that the recent economic downturn and flood relief works have compounded problems for businesses. “We recognise the necessity of the flood relief works but they are lingering with no end in sight,” she said.

AN Ennis man is set to brave the elements by taking part in an attempt to swim the English Channel this week. Ian Murphy, along with other colleagues from Irish Life Investment Managers, will attempt a relay swim of the waterway in a bid to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

PLANS for the pedestrianisation of a number of streets in the town in the run-up to Christmas are currently underway.

THE young at heart community of Páirc Na Coille Retirement Village are hoping to find volunteers to help them learn to surf the Internet.Since Páirc Na Coille Retirement Village opened its doors to the people of Ennis and surrounds early this year, it has been welcomed with open arms by the generous-spirited people of Ennis.

ENNIS is to host the first ever national gospel choir festival next May with gospel choirs from all over the country set to sing in the town. It has emerged that the Really Truly Joyful Gospel Choir in Ennis, who this week celebrate their fourth birthday, have been chosen to host the festival next year. “We’re delighted to be chosen to host this brand new festival. Ennis is a perfect town for such an event in that it has a wide variety of accommodation options, professional concert venues, excellent transport routes, city-style amenities in a town environment and an inspiring community spirit as seen for Muhammad Ali’s visit,” said Fiona Walsh of the Really Truly Joyful Gospel Choir.   The festival will feature workshops for choirs, as well as performances.“There are so many gospel choirs setting up in Ireland now and we don’t have a tradition of gospel music in Ireland. We need support in training, repertoire and, of course, …

AN Ennis teenager was named as the winner of the Miss Ghana Ireland 2009 competition at a ceremony in Dublin at the weekend.Jennifer Dsane, a pupil at Coláiste Muire, took the title after competing against a host of beauties of Ghanian descent living all over the country. And she now hopes to become the next Tyra Banks or Miss Universe.  

THE announcement earlier this year that allotments were being made available to greenfingered gardening fans in the Ennis area was met with great enthusiasm. Back in May, over 40 allotments were allocated to individuals and groups, with the produce now being successfully harvested. The allotments are the first of many projects which are planned to be developed by the newly established Clare Environmental Education Centre, which is based at Cappahard Farm on the Tulla Road. The idea behind the centre is to educate the general public on many different aspects of the environment and the issues that impact on it.

THIS weekend will see hundreds of people turn out in Gort to take part in the inaugural Rí Rá festival. Organised by the Gort Chamber of Commerce, the festival includes events for all ages.