West Clare

THE already competitive Kilrush retail market welcomed another multi-national retailer last Thursday morning when the new Aldi supermarket in the town opened for business.The German discount supermarket will be managed by Knockerra man Ger Power, who is the son of Tommy and Tess Power. The new supermarket will create 15 jobs in the town.The supermarket is located on the Ennis Road in Kilrush and is the second major retailer to open in West Clare inside 18 months. Tesco Kilrush opened in February 2008 and is also located on the Ennis Road.Queally’s SuperValu supermarket is located on the opposite side of Kilrush in lower Frances Street.Kilrush Chamber of Commerce president, Mark Reidy told The Clare Champion that the arrival of another supermarket in the town will benefit the area.“We welcome all business to Kilrush and we’re delighted that it is creating employment in the town,” he commented.At present, Kilrush town centre businesses are at somewhat of a disadvantage, as customers have …

THE West Clare Mini Marathon Cancer Centre in Kilkee will be opened on Sunday, November 15 at 6pm. The official opening will be performed by Kilkee parish priest, Fr Gerry Kenny, along with Fr Michael Casey and Fr Pat Culligan.

THE Sydney-based parents of three-year-old Bella O’Brien, whose father Noel is from Cooraclare, have expressed both amazement and gratitude for the help and support afforded to them by the people of Cooraclare and the greater West Clare area during the time that Bella was treated for leukaemia.

Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh has announced the re-organisation of the nine parishes included in the West Clare cluster of parishes. Four parish priests will now be responsible for two parishes each.

Kilrush-based solicitor Joe Considine believes West Clare farmers and landowners might not be aware of the value of their land, which renewable energy companies may be seeking to rent or buy off them.

THE October meeting of Kilrush Town Council, which was held last Thursday, heard that there are 112 applicants for social housing on Kilrush Town Council’s housing list. Six families have been allocated tenancies so far in 2009 and three transfers have taken place to facilitate growing families.

Doonbeg will host the 10th annual Willie Keane Memorial Festival on the October Bank Holiday weekend. The festival will commence on Friday, October 23 and will conclude on Sunday, October 25.

West Clare artist Carmel T Madigan has been invited to attend and feature in a premier international arts event in Florence in December alongside 800 other specially selected artists from 74 countries worldwide.