South Clare

The inclusion of Killaloe and Ballina on a national Brian Ború trail will put the twin communities firmly on the map for Irish visitors and tourists.

Irish Rail has been requested to close, move or alter a level crossing near Cratloe in order to meet its own required viewing distances, following a collision between a tractor and train last year. Tomás Carroll (49) had a “near death” experience when his tractor collided with a passenger train at the Laghile level crossing at around 2.50pm on June 20, 2012. Two units of the fire brigade, along with an ambulance from Ennis, rushed to the scene. He was badly shaken by the incident but didn’t require hospitalisation. A new report by the Rail Accident Investigations Unit (RAIU) revealed that level crossing users at Laghile have to position themselves within the swept path of the train in order to look for trains. In addition to highlighting the poor viewing distance and “inadequate safety measures” at the crossing, the RAIU made a number of recommendations in order to address the issue. Having failed to close the crossing, the report pointed …

A CO-ORDINATED search and rescue operation involving up to 11 emergency services helped to avert a major tragedy on Lough Derg last Friday night.Thirty-five rowers, who were participating in an FISA international rowing race, had to be taken ashore at the University of Limerick Activity Centre in Two Mile Gate, where they were assessed and treated by paramedics after a sudden deterioration in weather conditions.In total, 15 casualties required treatment for hypothermia by the national ambulance service. However, no patients required transportation to the University Hospital, Limerick and they returned by bus to their hotel in Limerick following treatment.Less than 24 hours later, 22 schoolchildren had to be rescued after they got into difficulties while kayaking.Volunteer lifeboat crews were launched on Friday evening after 18 rowing boats got into difficulty at Parker’s Point. The rowers, who had set out from Terryglass at the northern end of the lake at 2pm, were en route to Killaloe when the weather deteriorated.The event …

THERE was a mass exodus from Clonlara village last Wednesday, as the local sporting faithful made their way to Cusack Park. For the first time in their proud history, Scoil Seanáin Naofa, Clonlara had both camogie and hurling teams competing for Division 1 honours.It had been 21 years since Scoil Seanáin Naofa’s camogie team last contested the Division 1 final and between them and the title stood Feakle, a team they had beaten in the group games.Clonlara, having won the Division 2 camogie final last year, managed to retain a few experienced players in Leah Hawes, Chloe Ryan, Becky Foley, Hannah Horgan, Róisín Powell, captain Áine Gully and Sarah Fahey and they formed the spine of the team.In the opening half, Róisín Powell’s pace and power caused havoc for the Feakle backs as her scoring exploits helped Clonlara lead 2-2 to 0-1 at the break.Hannah Horgan showed great composure throughout the match as she converted two frees while, crucially, she …

RESIDENTS are seeking the removal of an embankment outside a Gillogue Industrial Estate, which has been described as an “eyesore” and a “monstrosity”.

A 20-year-old student is fundraising to partly finance the cost of volunteering to combat HIV and Aids in a South African hospice.

A MAJOR revamp of The Green, which is seen as an underutilised open space in Killaloe, has been prioritised by locals following a comprehensive analysis of their new town plan.

TRAFFIC-calming measures should be provided as part of a new local authority housing development in Clonlara, according to a local county councillor.