Regional

CONTACTS between An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Shannon Aer Lingus workers who are being laid off are understood to be continuing following an initial meeting, writes Owen Ryan. While Aer Lingus have been adamant that there will be no rethink on the closure of the Shannon cabin crew base, there has been a little optimism since the meeting between the Taoiseach and workers took place, with one source saying there is still a “smallish chance” of a rethink. Speaking on Wednesday, Clare TD Cathal Crowe said that the meeting between the Taoiseach and the workers had been satisfactory. “The meeting went well. It lasted for an hour and a half, which was much longer than all in attendance had expected. “The staff said that the Taoiseach had given a very sympathetic and listening ear, he understood where they were coming from, he listened to many of the reasons they gave as to why this permanent closure is unfair and unwarranted. …

LAST week’s meeting of Shannon Municipal District heard criticism of the new draft masterplan for Shannon Town Centre, and a request that the deadline for submissions on it be extended. Very close to the outset of the meeting independent Councillor Gerry Flynn made the call for the time for submissions to be extended. He said that just the previous day the county development plan had been pushed back for seven months, because there hadn’t been adequate consultation due to Covid-19. Putting the deadline back for the Shannon masterplan is necessary, he said, with local people unhappy about the level of consultation. “There is widespread anger in the community because they haven’t had proper engagement.” After Jason Murphy of the Council’s executive said he would run the request by Brian McCarthy of the Council’s planning section, Councillor Flynn said this would not be adequate. “This is something for the Chief Executive to decide on.” Councillor Flynn said he had put forward …

A COMMUNITY mural will be painted during the summer months on an exterior wall of New Quay National School. The mural will be dedicated to the people working and living around Bellharbour and New Quay and created by professional artist Richard Hearns who is living in the area. Some funding has been offered by Clare County Council’s Community Support Scheme which will help the artist to purchase the necessary supplies. The concept of the design is based on ‘GROWTH’. There are many aspects within this concept -whether it be the growth of a child through school years mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. There is also the growth of nature and natural phenomena which Richard also plans to incorporate into the design. An oil painting will be created by Richard to begin the process and then in collaboration with a mural artist they will follow this design and produce the mural at the school. New Quay Community Development Group is inviting …

A MAN has appeared in court charged in connection with the alleged discovery of animal “carcasses” on his land in Fanore, writes Ronan Judge. Ivan O’Driscoll (47), with an address at Fanore More, Fanore, appeared before Ennis District Court this week charged with 10 alleged offences contrary to the Animal and Health and Welfare Act 2013. Five of the charges are contrary to section 12 of the Act and allege Mr O’Driscoll did neglect or was reckless regarding the health and welfare of animals. The other five charges are contrary to section 11 of the Act and allege Mr O’Driscoll failed in his duty to protect the welfare of protected animals in his possession. Two of the charges allege offences were committed on dates between October 1, 2019, and April 2, 2020. The remaining eight charges concern alleged incidents on April 1, 2020, and April 9, 2020. All of the charges relate to alleged offences at lands in Derreen West, …

GLÓR is continuing to put its best foot forward since reopening, with plans in place for some ‘air’ raising events in the near future. Fidget Feet Aerial Dance, in partnership with Clare Arts Office, are bringing the In the Open arts programme to Ennis with a series of outdoor events planned over the coming months. The first event will be Fidget Feet’s brand new outdoor show,  A Handful of Dreams, currently touring nationwide, which is coming to glór’s car park from August 20 to 22. The free ticketed family event will be accompanied by a complimentary performance of traditional Irish music and dance, featuring local musicians and set dancers. “A Handful of Dreams is an awe-inspiring and heart-warming outdoor show that combines aerial and circus arts with live Irish traditional music and dance. Infusing a specially designed outdoor rig with an ancient magic, this beautiful celebration will connect to the hearts of each audience member while restoring the joy of …

TWO free online talks with high profile parenting expert Dr Mary O’Kane are being hosted by Kilrush Library in the coming weeks. Dr O’Kane will be offering advice on supporting teens starting secondary school and on raising resilient children via Zoom sessions organised by the library. The well-known psychologist is the author of Perfectly Imperfect Parenting, described as “a practical and accessible guide which will help parents get into the right frame of mind for effective parenting without making them feel guilty or inadequate in their desire to be the best parent they can be”. “The book presents the idea of good enough parenting,” said Dr O’Kane. “The idea that children need to experience small disappointments to better equip themselves to face life’s challenges. As the child experiences these minor blips, they learn to tolerate some frustration. If we occasionally let them down, it helps them to learn to survive in an imperfect world.” Dr O’Kane, a lecturer in Psychology …

A KILLALOE woman has taken on an incredible challenge of completing a 250km triathlon within 24 hours in aid of two charities. On August 28, 27-year-old Jade Hoynes will be embark on the gruelling test which will consist of a 4km swim of Lough Derg, a 200km cycle, finally finishing off with a 46km run. The demanding undertaking is to raise funds and awareness for two charities that are incredibly important to both Jade and her family, Samaritans Ireland and Sejare Adult Respite House, Limerick. Jade, who works within her family business Palm Free Irish Soap had previously taken part in RTÉ’s Iron Mind series with Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin. The series enlisted the help of experts in everything from psychology to nutrition as four ordinary people with their own mental health challenges took on the task of competing in a half-Ironman event. It was this event that encouraged her to take on this newest triathlon challenge. Jade recalls her first …

THE owners of a West Clare art gallery are urging the public to shop local this summer, writes Jessica Quinn. Kilbaha Gallery has backed the newly launched Irish SME Association (ISME) ‘Shop Local’ campaign for consumers and businesses. Liz Greehy, co-owner of Kilbaha Gallery, said, “Here at Kilbaha Gallery we have been so lucky to be surrounded by a wonderfully supportive community on Loop Head who have always made shopping local a priority. “Throughout Covid, although our doors were firmly closed, our business was actively trading online and the support we received nationally in Ireland from people prioritising Irish purchases was outstanding. “This was wonderful for us as a gallery but also the benefits of which were felt right through to the homes of the artists themselves who were delighted to be able to continue producing and selling truly great art and bringing a smile to homes throughout the country. “Shopping locally and within Ireland produces a very important ripple …