Regional

  The arrival of five new swallows in a well-known North Clare pub has turned an old proverb completely on its head. “One swallow never made a summer,” is frequently trotted out to indicate that a single instance of something doesn’t indicate a trend. However, visitors who are flocking to see baby swallows near Vaughan’s Bar, Kilfenora are hoping for an entirely different meaning from this proverb. As the sun splits the rocks in North Clare this week, patrons believe the new swallows may be the perfect portent for a sizzling hot summer. And no one can argue that their presence in Kilfenora is a one-off as swallows have pitched up a new home in a nest at a walkway between The Barn and the pub for six years on the trot. Orla Vaughan, who runs the hostel beside the pub, said five baby swallows were hatched in the nest, one flew away on Friday and two on Saturday. Speaking …

The 2013 Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) campaign swung into action in Ennis town centre at the weekend when members of the local community joined environmental staff from Ennis Town Council to undertake a clean-up of the O’Connell Square area.

Clare County Council has approved roadworks costing an estimated €431,200 throughout East Clare after 12 local communities made a voluntary contribution totalling €86,000.

Plans have been unveiled for a proposed interactive Irish traditional music visitor centre in Doolin.

KILKEE Parish will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of their churches from next Monday to Monday, July 22.

SHANNON should have a new place to exercise after planning permission was granted for a change of use of a vacant building next to Bank of Ireland in the Free Zone, to allow for a gym and personal training centre.

A WORLD record attempt will be held in Clarecastle this Friday at 7.30pm. As part of a major Gathering festival in the village, people are being urged to bring their hurley and ball to Clarecastle GAA pitch, where an attempt to set the world record for the most people controlling a sliotar on a hurley will be made.

FINAL preparations are being put in place for Ardrahan Agricultural Show, which takes place this weekend.This year’s show, which takes place on Sunday, sees a few changes and some new additions.