Regional

TWO of Clare’s most renowned heritage sites are to be considered for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland. The Cultural Landscape of the Burren Uplands and Inis Cealtra are among six sites nationally being considered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for inclusion on the list. The sites on the highly prestigious list are updated every ten years. Following a public call and a deadline of June 30, six entries were received by the Department. In addition to the two Clare sites, the entries include the Trans-Atlantic Cable Ensemble going from Valentia, County Kerry to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; the Royal Sites of Ireland located in Counties Kildare, Westmeath, Tipperary, Roscommon and Meath; the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; and Glendalough Valley in County Wicklow. An independent advisory group will now consider the applications to determine which may be included in the next list of World Heritage sites in Ireland. “It’s a huge …

THE blazing sun around Shannon today very much reflected the feelings of joy of passengers and airport staff alike with the resumption of non-essential travel. The airport was busier than it had been for some time following the easing of restrictions as the first day of the European Digital COVID Certificates took effect. The announcement by Ryanair of a new once-weekly service to Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) today, which commences on August 7, also helped to lift spirits. Passengers on inbound flights were joyously greeted and the anticipation was palpable as others prepared for the first flight out of the airport today, the 7:10am flight to Gatwick. Among those boarding were Olwyn Kelly, Spancilhill, and her partner Oliver Rhode. “My best friend’s wedding was on Friday and we got back for that,” said Olwyn. “We were actually supposed to fly back yesterday but the weather was so nice we just changed our flights and stayed for an extra day so …

WITH non-essential international travel resuming this morning, a new route out of Shannon Airport to the Canary Islands has been announced. Ryanair will run a new service to Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), beginning on August 7, that will operate once a week until the end of October. Welcoming the announcement Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group said: “As we rebuild from the devastation of the pandemic this is a positive announcement for the region. Ryanair is a valued airline partner of Shannon and this latest announcement, following on from the new Corfu and Turin services, is great news. “We have been working closely with Ryanair as we look to an anticipated recovery in demand on foot of the rollout of the EU Digital Covid Certificates and the acceleration of the vaccination programme across Europe. These new services are part of Ryanair’s commitment to reopen its Shannon base which is very welcome. ✈️ ROUTE NEWS ✈️ Ryanair announce today a new service …

AN EAST Clare man’s efforts to find long-term love for up to 30 single men, by leading a dating tour to Ukraine, are to be the subject of a new video documentary. Scariff’s James Treacy, a professional photographer and pilgrimage organiser, made national news when he announced his plans last month. The trip to Ukraine, slated for next year, will be documented in a film directed by Malcolm Willis of Icy Peaks Productions, based in County Kerry. Some advance scenes for a trailer were shot at Kilmallock Mart last week, where Mr Treacy often works photographing livestock. “The documentary is starting next Monday, we are only filming now but this is going to take a year to put it together,” Mr Treacy said. “We are planning to go onto the Late Late Show on Valentine’s Day and we are applying for the Graham Norton Show.” In June, Mr Treacy announced that he has teamed up with an American tour operator, …

BECKMAN Coulter staff in East Clare have wrapped up a month-long programme of Pride celebrations that included learning the history of gay rights, podcasts, a wear your Pride colours competition – and even special Pride donuts. Pride Month, which is dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world, kicked off with an onsite display that charted the evolution of gay rights in Ireland and Europe. Staff also took part in a Pride quiz with Pride mugs among the spot prizes. They then participated in a company-wide ‘The Freedom to Be Yourself’ event that connected staff worldwide at other company sites. A special canteen day on June 10 saw staff enjoy specially-baked Boston Donuts in the distinctive Pride colours. “We will always support our employees regardless of their individual preferences or differences, we proudly celebrate differences here at Beckman Coulter,” Beckman Coulter Senior Director Operations, Orlaith Lawler, said. “We were particularly delighted to show our support to the LQBTQ community during the month of …

THE organisers of Féile Brian Ború are considering modifying the way it runs next year’s festival even if Covid-19 is no longer an issue, writes Dan Danaher. Most of the events for the recent 28th Annual Féile Brian Ború were held online due to Covid-19 restrictions. Arlene White of Féile Brian Ború admitted this year’s experience had changed their overall view on how the festival should be run over the coming years. “We didn’t miss the running and racing between venues. This year’s festival has changed the way we will run it in 2022. “There is no harm in changing things. There will be a change in how we do things. Previously, we had a dog competition, but the pet photographic competition worked very well. “The performance by local singer, Norma Manley with Brendan Pooley on guitar in Killaloe Cathedral on Saturday night was beautiful. There doesn’t have to be a huge concert for people to enjoy an intimate performance …

IT is understood a new Shannon Group chairperson could be appointed within days. As recently as last week senior figures in Government were of the view that the appointment could be completed by the time the Dáil was due to rise for the summer on Thursday, July 15. Shannon Group has been without a chairperson since last summer. The position was due to be filled by Aaron Forde in February, but after a series of offensive tweets from him emerged his appointment never went ahead, and the search for a successor to Rose Hynes had to recommence. Some months ago the names of Padraig Ó Céidigh, the former Aer Arann owner and Eamon Foley, who held senior roles in Aer Rianta International for 20 years were being linked with the position. Clare TD Joe Carey said he expects white smoke very soon. “It’s my understanding that the appointment of a chairperson of the board is imminent. It’s important that Government …

A CLARE councillor has said she enjoyed driving and covering long distances was not a chore to her when an investigation highlighted she made claims to different public bodies for overlapping events at distant locations on a number of occasions. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard was one of two Clare elected representatives to feature in an investigation aired by RTE’s Prime Time into alleged breaches of rules on expenses this week. Councillor Howard had overlapping expense claims for Clare County Council, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and GMIT. She had claimed expenses for travel between Bantry and Limerick; Gorey and Galway and also Donegal and Limerick for engagements that overlapped. Councillor Howard and Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, both elected to Ennis Municipal District, were part of an RTÉ Investigates probe into potential contraventions of the law by councillors through failing to declare expenses received from external organisations. This week’s  Prime Time, RTÉ Investigates show highlighted a sample …