North Clare

WOMEN in business from Clare are expected to join hundreds of other female entrepreneurs from around the country on November 17 to hear inspirational stories and share advice about their businesses to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day.Among the case studies being examined as part of the event is that of Birgitta Curtin from the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna.Co-organised by the Clare County Enterprise Board, a major entrepreneurship conference is being held in Portlaoise that day, aimed at women already in business or those who are thinking of setting up their own business in the near future.In 2010, the network of county and city enterprise boards supported over 12,000 women in business around the country, but the local boards are keen to encourage even more women to set up their own businesses.UK entrepreneur, author and rower, Debra Searle MBE is one of two keynote speakers at the National Women’s Enterprise Day conference at the Heritage Hotel, along with the founder of …

A North Clare club for children with special needs is embarking on a fundraising drive and is calling on the public to support its unusual endeavour. No Limits Surf Club, Abilities Not Disabilities, facilitates young people with special needs in learning how to surf.

“A rollercoaster journey full of highs and lows” is how one North Clare student described the thrilling experience of climbing 19,340 feet to the top of the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, recently.

THE future of Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon remains shrouded in mystery after four out of five North Clare councillors called for a consultant’s report on the landmark to be kept from them.At Monday’s meeting of the area councillors, the controversial corner was on the agenda. However, despite the availability of a consultant’s report on its future development, all but one of the local public representatives requested that Clare County Council officials withhold the report from them and the public until it becomes part of a Part 8 planning application at an unknown date later this year or early next year.The only dissenting voice at the meeting was that of Ruan councillor, Joe Arkins, who repeatedly requested it be recorded that he was seeking the report to be circulated among elected members.Last year, Clare County Council commissioned the report, which according to Tom Tiernan, senior engineer, cost the local authority in the region of €15,000.“The objective would have been to come …

A NORTH Clare woman was named the winner of the county’s 2011 Grandparent of the Year competition. Ann Droney from Lisdoonvarna was nominated by her 10-year-old grandchild, David Droney.National Grandparents Day, held on the last Sunday of September each year, encourages all grandchildren across Ireland to visit their grandparents and say thank you for all the love and support they have given over the years.According to David, his nana is a very special person and a well-deserved winner of the best grandparent in Clare accolade.“My Nana and Granddad live on a farm in Lisdoonvarna and I want to be a farmer when I grow up. Since I was born, my Dad has taken me to the farm every Saturday. My Nana plays tractors with me and tells me all about the farm and how things work. We have great fun together and I love her and Granddad so much. My Nana has a very sore back and can’t play on …

THE Burren and Cliffs of Moher region of North Clare has been awarded the prestigious designation of membership of the UNESCO-supported Global Geopark network at the 10th European Geoparks Conference in Langesund, Norway.The Burren now becomes part of a unique group of world locations that form part of the Global Network of National Geoparks. The award is the culmination of a long application process that was coordinated by Clare County Council through the Burren Connect project, with the support of the Geological Survey of Ireland and Shannon Development. There are currently 78 Geoparks in 26 countries worldwide.Accepting the award, Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes said, “As part of this UNESCO-supported initiative, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region now enjoy global recognition for this unique landscape. Global Geopark status is in recognition of the established network of specific sites of geological interest, a group of environmentally-conscious tourism businesses and a busy annual calendar of community-based events and activities. I …

A LAHINCH production company is behind the new TG4 series Farraigí na hÉireann, which began on Tuesday. Ken O’Sullivan and his wife, Katrina Costello spent a full year filming for the programme, following sea creatures through their seasonal changes from feeding, mating, breeding and birth of their young.The couple set up Sea Fever Productions in 2006 to produce ocean-themed and wildlife documentaries and this, their most ambitious work to date, will be shown over the next five weeks on TG4.Producing an Irish ocean wildlife series has been a life dream for Ken and Katrina. Many years of development and two years of production have resulted in Ireland’s first dedicated ocean wildlife series, bringing the Irish magical underwater world into the living rooms of people in Ireland.According to Ken, who is the producer, director and cameraman on the project, “Waiting for suitable sea conditions in which to film can be difficult in Ireland but when the seas are calm, the diving …