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Regional

Council looks to attract tourists by the coachload

ENNIS Town Council is engaging with local tourism operators and the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) to identify the need for coach-parking facilities in the town.Eamon O’Dea, town engineer confirmed talks are ongoing between the local authority and the operators to determine whether additional facilities are needed in Ennis.This comes after concerns that Ennis is losing out to other tourist towns when it comes to attracting visitors. At a recent meeting of the council, Councillor Johnny Flynn called for the urgent provision of a number of coach drop-off points in the town. He also urged that coach parking be provided at the Temple Gate car park, that facilities be provided for coach drivers to maintain the coaches, rest facilities for drivers and that the local authority work with other groups in a bid to increase coach based tourism.According to Councillor Flynn, “This is such a great town, the town centre was voted in the top 60 in …

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Clarinbridge hurlers going Down Under

GALWAY GAA club, Clarinbridge has been crowned Etihad’s first Best Club Down Under. The title was awarded by Etihad Airways, sponsor of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, to the club that detailed its greatest achievement to date, both on and off the pitch.Clarinbridge beat rivals Bishopstown from Cork, Glynn Barntown from Wexford and Kilmacud Crokes from Dublin in a public vote for greatest achievement on www.etihadgaa.ie.The Clarinbridge club won a once-in-a-lifetime prize for Etihad’s Best Club Down Under competition. Etihad will fly Clarinbridge’s first team to Australia, where they will train with GAA legend, Nicky English ahead of the challenge game of a lifetime. Clarinbridge will play an Australian select team as the curtain raiser for the International Rules match between Ireland and Australia in the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.“We are delighted,” said the club’s public relations officer, Joe Egan. “This competition has been running for three or four years. Portumna won it in 2009. The way we got involved …

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John’s high-vis message goes online

TWO lucky escapes on the county’s roads have prompted local business man, John O’Connor to put safety first, and he is encouraging others to follow suit.John, from Custy’s Music Shop has just launched a new website www.safeandseen.net, showcasing a variety of innovative equipment sourced from all over the world designed to help walkers and cyclists be safe.He has also begun speaking to schools about the importance of being safe on the roads, especially with the evenings drawing in. “I have four kids and everybody wants their kids to be able to walk safely and be seen, especially in winter. And kids pass the safety message onto their parents so hopefully it will spread,” he said.This isn’t the first time John has branched out from the music business to promote safety. Last year, he sourced a novel shoe cover, which allowed locals to get to grips with the icy conditions.“This new venture is really a progression on that safety theme. And …

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Minister launches centre handbook

MINISTER for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald visited the West Clare Family Resource Centre in Kilrush last Friday to mark the centre’s 10th anniversary. While in Kilrush, Minister Fitzgerald launched the centre’s new volunteer handbook. Last Friday also marked National Volunteer Day across the country.

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Surf club focus on Abilities Not Disabilities

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.

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