Ennis

AS is so often the case when campaigns of any sort begin, it was one single incident that led to the random act of kindness phenomenon that has unfolded in an Ennis shop. It is yet another example of how people have rallied around to help each cope with the restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stephen Coote, owner of Cootes shop and bakery at Cahercalla Cross on the Kilrush Road, is amazed by the number of people that have been drawn to the notion of “strangers helping strangers” though their local store. Trade at Cootes has been badly affected by Covid-19, as there is no activity at the Éire Óg GAA grounds across the road and nearby St Flannan’s College is closed The random act of kindness idea began on Easter Saturday, April 11, when the Covid-19 regulations were being ratcheted up. Stephen said, “A woman who was out for a walk came into the shop …

THE national Tidy Towns competitions may be cancelled, but that hasn’t stopped the dedicated band of volunteers who have been keeping Ennis looking its best all year round. Just one of a number of initiatives underway locally has seen Ennis Tidy Towns join forces with the little ninjas of Ennis Coderdojo, asking them to develop Tidy Towns themed games and apps. The local Tidy Towns committee are looking forward to adjudicating what the youngsters come up with later this month. “If we don’t have actual Tidy Towns, we have virtual Tidy Towns,” smiles chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns Cormac McCarthy. He admits that there was disappointment in the community when it was announced this year’s contest would not be going ahead. The Ennis team, who have been hugely successful in the national contest, put in a “very strong submission” this year having worked right through the year. However, Cormac believes it was the right decision given the current Covid-19 crisis. …

THE personalised, customer-focused shopping experience that has become synonymous with the town of Ennis is still continuing despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. The pandemic has resulted in retail closures throughout the county, with businesses increasingly focusing their efforts online in a bid to meet these new unprecedented challenges. The last few weeks have highlighted the importance of having an online shopping presence, according to Gwen Culligan of the County Boutique in Ennis. While Patrick Burke’s is set to launch a personal shopping service utilising popular apps so people can purchase while still maintaining social distancing. The County Boutique launched its website last year allowing people to buy the latest looks from the comfort of their own home. Gwen tells us they were “incredibly lucky” to already be online when the Covid-19 restrictions were introduced. “We’re selling every day at the moment. I had been spending some time over the last few months putting things on the site, but I’ve been …

A DOCUMENTARY which followed the final months in the life of Laura Brennan has been given a prestigious international award. Laura Brennan: This is Me has won a Gold Award at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. The award was presented in the Health / Media Information category. The film which documents Laura’s battle with cervical cancer at just 26 and her campaigning work to increase uptake of the HPV vaccine was made by RTÉ. Reacting to the win, producer Sinead Kennedy commented, “Laura would have been so proud and rightly so! She gave everything to ensure her voice was heard. Well, it’s being heard around the world Laura.” On behalf of the Brennan family, Laura’s brother Kevin expressed congratulations to the team behind the film. “Particular praise goes to Sally Roden (Executive Producer), Sinead Kennedy (Producer) and Kenny Mac Giola Phadraig (Director and Editor). The award relates to the documentary by RTÉ following the final chapters in …

The 39 year- old man charged with the murder of Ennis man, Eoin Boylan is living in isolation at Limerick prison. Ennis District Court on Wednesday, a prison officer told the court via video-link that Nassar Ahmed of The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis was in isolation at Limerick prison and no reason was given. Mr  Ahmed first appeared before the court last Thursday charged with the murder of mature student, Eoin Boylan, (32), at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis on Tuesday, April 14 last. In court last Thursday, Mr Ahmed was remanded in custody to appear before Wednesday’s sitting of Ennis District Court via video link. Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution last Thursday, Detective Garda Noelle Bergin told the court that she arrested Mr Ahmed for the purpose of charge at 23.45pm at Ennis Garda Station on Wednesday night, April 15. Detective Bergin told the court that Mr Ahmed replied ‘Okay’ after being charged with the murder offence. Legal …

WARM tributes have been made to an East Clare native whose charm and generosity touched all who knew her, and whose sporting abilities earned her a medal at the Special Olympics World Games last year. Mairéad Moroney of Gort Road, Ennis, and formerly of Kealderra, O’Callaghan’s Mills, passed away earlier this month, just a few weeks before her 71st birthday. A champion golfer, Mairéad made history last year, as the oldest contestant – and medal winner – at the World Games in Abu Dhabi. Along with her playing partner Jean Molony, she took picked up silver medals in the Level 2 Alternate Shot Team Play in March of last year. Despite the fact that she had only a few years of play under her belt, Mairéad earned a place on Team Ireland, and was unfazed when she discovered she was the oldest of an estimated 7,500 global competitors. She and Jean were among four high-achieving athletes honoured with a Civic …

A LOCAL organisation are endeavouring to bring some positivity into the lives of others in these uncertain times. The Clarecastle Heritage and Wildlife Group have issued a call for uplifting stories of how people are coping with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. They aim to share these stories on their recently launched website with the aim of highlighting the goodness in the world in these uncertain times. It is hoped that these positive messages will bring comfort to others. Eric Shaw of the Clarecastle group explains, “Clarecastle Heritage & Wildlife Group feel that in the midst of this unprecedented public health emergency, there are so many positive responses that deserve to be recorded and shared so as to give the community an uplift. Clarecastle has set up a Covid-19 Support Network involving groups such as St Vincent de Paul, GAA, Men’s Shed, Daycare Centre, Tidy Towns, Clarecastle Community Development Company linked to Clare County Council to provide support to the community. Many of the older …

A CLARE man, who was detained in mandatory quarantine in South East Asia, has voiced his relief at getting out of the Coronavirus control centre. English teacher Darragh Collins from Ennis, and was taken by Vietnamese health authorities from his home to an isolation facility, after he attended a bar which was believed to be the source of a Covid-19 cluster in Ho Chi Min city. After being detained for a fortnight in quarantine at the Hoc Mon University campus, with up to 100 other Irish nationals, Mr Collins was released last weekend. He previously told The Champion that while the detention wasn’t a violation of his human rights, there were concerns over hygiene and access to accurate information about the quarantine period. This week, he told The Champion he was delighted to have been released and to be able to return to his apartment, to the huge relief of friends and family. “Home and safe now, I got out …