Ennis

TRAFFIC counts are to be carried out on the Ballybeg Road and details forwarded to the gardaí, the local authority have confirmed, amidst concerns about speeding cars described as “absolutely flying” in the area. Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, sought an update on actions being taken by the council to address the “ongoing speeding” on the Ballybeg Road. The motion was seconded by Councillor Pat Murphy, who commented “there is an issue with speed there.” Councillor Pat Daly also voiced his support saying, “ Ballybeg is a very popular walking area for older people. There is no doubt there is speeding, I regularly see cars absolutely flying it on the road.” Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, responding to the motion stated, “The Ennis Municipal District will carry out further traffic counts on the Ballybeg Road and details will be forwarded to An Garda Siochana. The Section 38 traffic calming public consultation process …

A DIGITAL hub, cafe and 46 residential units are planned as part of a proposed transformation of an historic area of Ennis, which the developers say will offer “an opportunity to bring a new vibrancy to this community”. Eko Integrated Services Ltd have lodged an application for the ‘Buttermarket Development’ at the Drumbiggle Road, Buttermarket Street and Simm’s Lane. The site is in an Architectural Conservation Area of Ennis. The former Buttermarket building, a protected structure dating from 1862 is located on the opposite side of Simm’s Lane, and according to the developer’s the name ‘Buttermarket Development’ has been chosen “in recognition of the area’s heritage and connection to the former Buttermarket”. In more recent times a flats complex was located on the site which has been demolished. The site is currently unused with four vacant terraced cottages to the north on Buttermarket Street, which the developers are seeking to demolish as part of the plans. If given the green …

Michael O’Connor reports on the delayed 2020 Junior A championship final which saw Banner defeat Ballyvaughan on a score of 3-12 to 0-6 The fairytale story of the Banner GAA club in the last number of seasons continues unabated with promotion, albeit nine months later, to the Intermediate Football Championship. Their reward for this latest win is one of the shortest celebrations in Clare GAA history as they face neighbours and fellow townies, Éire Óg, in Round 1 of the championship this weekend. The loss of Shane Meehan suggested that the Banner would struggle against an experienced Ballyvaughan side, however, the youthful nature and clear ability in the side compensated for the loss of their talisman. The game was less than two minutes old when Ballyvaughan netminder Damian McNamara conceded a penalty that was blasted over the bar by Daire Walsh for the opening score and a let off for Pat Costello’s charges. Clare senior panellist Jonah Culligan, to whom …

CLARE’S Ethan Coughlan is among three players to join year one of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy ahead of the 2021/22 season. The other Year One recruits are prop Mark Donnelly (Garryowen FC) and back-row forward Daniel Okeke (Shannon RFC). Scrum-half Coughlan won the U16 Munster title in 2018 and shared the U18 Cup title honours in 2020 with his club side Ennis RFC as his progression from club and regional development squads saw him feature for Munster and Ireland at U18 Clubs level. Below, Ethan in action for Ennis as an Under-13 He captained the Ireland U18 Clubs in Italy in 2019 under Head Coach Fiach O’Loughlin before signing up with All Ireland League side Shannon RFC. For the 2020/21 season he joined several Munster senior training sessions providing cover at 9 and featured for the Munster A side. A member of the National Talent Squad, the 19-year-old was included in the Ireland U20s Talent Camp in May.

A PLANNING application for a €25 million community hospital in Ennis to replace long stay and short stay beds at St Joseph’s is set to be lodged by the end of this year, it has been confirmed. If given the green light, the 100-bed community nursing unit will be situated on grounds adjacent to St Flannan’s College. A design team has been put in place and have began an outline design phase of the project. The unit will include 88 single and four twin rooms, and four palliative care facilities. The project has already been included for funding in the HSE Capital Programme 2021. Details of the proposal were confirmed in response to a Dáil question put by Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey to Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly. In early 2016, a Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres was developed and agreed with the Department of Health in response to the introduction of HIQA’s, National Residential Care …

ENNIS’ Market Building has been ruled out as a location for potential outdoor events by glór, as its walls means it does not meet standards set out by Fáilte Ireland as an outdoor space. However, the covered market building is being considered as a possible site for planned performances by aerial dance company Fidget Feet as well as outdoor live music performances over the summer. Details of the potential use of the market for hosting outdoor events were released at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Councillor Mark Nestor had requested that Clare County Council in conjunction with glór arrange a series of outdoor concerts, to be held in the Market building at times that would not interfere with trading in the area. Responding to the motion, Siobhan Mulcahy, Arts Officer, outlined that Clare Arts Office is currently working with Fidget Feet Irish Aerial Dance Company to provide entertainment in Ennis over the summer months. “If suitable to …

THE Soroptimists Ennis & District Club is digging deep when it comes to plans to celebrate the 100th birthday of Soroptimist International. The Ennis chapter of the club is planning on burying a time capsule with the hope that in another 100 years it will be found and the work and activities of its members will be remembered in the future. The capsule will be buried in the Ennis Memorial Garden near glór and the planned new library, and the local organisation is inviting suggestions from the public for what items are to be included. Sarah Malone, outgoing President explained, “Soroptimist International is celebrating its 100 birthday this year. “What started in California in 1921 has grown to be a worldwide organisation of women, with 72,000 members in 121 countries dedicated to improving the lives of women and children. “To celebrate this the Ennis Club will bury a time capsule to ensure that its work and members are remembered 100 …

Clare Local Sports Partnership showcases initiatives to Minster Frank Feighan at Lees Road PROJECTS aimed at ensuring all members of society have an opportunity to take part in physical activity and sport were showcased during a visit of Minister of State Frank Feighan to Ennis last week. The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy witnessed two of the projects in action which have been led by Clare Sports Partnership while he was at Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road. John Conroy from Fitness for Fun, led an outdoor exercise class which has become a popular weekly event among older adults. Also, James O’Donohue, disability representative to Clare Sports Partnership, and Liam Casey, a wheelchair user from Ennis also showcased handcycles for those who use wheelchairs. The TD was met by board members and staff of Clare Local Sports Partnership including chairperson to the board, Tim Forde, Councillor Ann Norton, Mayor of …