North Clare

AN application for planning permission for 28 houses at Station Road, Lahinch has been refused by Clare County Council. Victoria Cross Retail Limited had made the application for the development, which was met by a number of objections. Refusing the application, the Chief Executive’s Order made reference to the inadequate sewerage facilities in Lahinch and stated the development would be premature. This constraint is unlikely to be overcome in the immediate future. The order stated, “It is further considered that the proposed development of 28 houses to be serves by means of an on site wastewater treatment would set an undesirable precedent for development of further housing estates served by such ad hoc treatment systems. “Taken in conjunction with the level of existing and approved development in the vicinity (it) would result in a risk of pollution and would be prejudicial to public health.” The report also said the Council was not satisfied that the proposed use of an on-site …

Ukrainian refugees in Lisdoonvarna have implored the country’s ambassador to Ireland to send a message out to world leaders to stop the conflict now. Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland was in Lisdoonvarna on Saturday and met many of the 500 refugees, who have been living in the village for the past number of weeks. In total there are nearly 1000 Ukrainian people living in North and West Clare. Marcus White, owner of the Hydro hotel, said that there were emotional scenes, as the Ukrainian people, along with members of the local community met the ambassador at the Pavilion theatre. “They delivered a strong message to Ms Gerasko, which was to call on world leaders to bring in a ceasefire and stop the senseless conflict now, before any more men, women and children from either side lose their lives.” he said. “Our message is not only addressed to Europe but to all world leaders in the countries, like India, …

THE weather was kind for the return to Kinvara of the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Willie O’Reilly was on hand to capture the colour and atmosphere.

Despite the relatively small numbers attending the school, CBS Ennistymon have punched above their weight both academically and on the GAA field, writes Ivan Smyth. Michael Clohessy spent 40 years in the school, serving the final years as Deputy Principal before retiring in December 2020. The former Maths and Business Studies teacher was delighted to be asked by Tara Rynne and Jason Daffy to help with their senior hurling and football squads before their respective campaigns commenced. Clohessy managed St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield to the All Ireland Club Hurling Championship in 1999 while he took them back to the showpiece event one year later as they lost out to Athenry. The 64-year-old hopes these talented bunch of players can create lasting memories just like he and those Doora-Barefield players did back in their pomp. “I have great memories and I’ll take them to the grave. These lads will keep these memories long after leaving the school. They will recall these great …

MAKING Ennistymon more pedestrian-friendly while also providing more parking for coaches and cars is one of the issues being tackled by a town enhancement strategy, writes Dan Danaher. Ennistymon Town Team and Helena McElmeel Architects are preparing an Enhancement Strategy for the town centre in partnership with Clare County Council and Clare Local Development Agency. Three out of every four people surveyed for the new strategy drive in and out of the town, according to the results of a survey released from public consultation conducted last year. One of the objectives of the Ennistymon Enhancement Strategy (EES) is to make the town more pedestrian friendly, with the proposed provision of a new pedestrian crossing on the old bridge and attractive walking routes such as a river side board walk. The North Clare town will benefit from major infrastructural developments over the coming years, with the development of a new €25 million post-primary school, and €16 million for the Inner Relief …

INTIMATE gigs and live entertainment are back on the bill at the hottest North Clare music venue, The Attic at Hotel Doolin.  Already hugely popular with fans of traditional music, Doolin now boasts another venue for music, spoken word, theatre, comedy and more. While The Attic opened last summer, it is now coming into its own with the easing of public health restrictions. Daily live music will be on offer this summer and organisers have promised to keep the tune coming throughout the winter with intimate gigs of all genres. Patrons will get the chance to check out some visual art. The artwork in the Attic was specially commissioned by local artist Marcus aka Surfek West who drew his inspiration from the mesmerising colours of the skies off Doolin pier. Also gracing the walls are some of the original Lisdoonvarna Festival posters alongside past posters from the Doolin Folk Festival. Organisers even promise that some of the same talent will …

ON THE Feast of St Brigid (Tuesday, February 1), pilgrims gather at the well dedicated to the saint at Ballysteen in Liscannor.  The work of Michael Houlihan and Tony Kirby in collaboration with Clare County Council has produced a county-wide survey of more than 230 wells and St Brigid’s is among the best known and most popular. The survey, which is to be launched online tonight (Feb 1), outlines the history of the well. “The well lies beside Considine’s Bar on the Moher Road in an area set aside for the well house and the way up to the graveyard above. This could be Clare’s most celebrated holy well. The well house is crowded with remembrance cards, offerings, little statues, rosary beads – all brought in thanksgiving or as part of a request to the well and the saint.” Pilgrims visit regularly, but two feast days are particularly important. “Saint Brigid’s Day, is the feast day observed at the well, …

THE organisers of the first Corofin All Stars programme for children with additional needs are thrilled with the success of their innovative pilot project, writes Dan Danaher. In fact, the success of the first dedicated programme for children with special needs in a Clare GAA club exceeded the expectations of Eimer Ni Riain, Crystel Robbins Rynne and Adrian Beakey. On Sunday, some of the Intermediate footballers and coaches dropped into the start of a new programme of training children in GAA skills. Ms Ni Riain, who has 30 years experience as an occupational therapist, doesn’t have any child involved in the sessions. The practice education co-ordinator on the occupational programme in the University of Limerick saw there was a gap for children with special needs who weren’t participating in sporting activities. “The programme helps children with special needs to engage with other children in a fun and safe way that is different to going to therapy and school. “In addition …