Tag Archives: clare champion

CLARE children who love to be in the spotlight could be in with a chance of performing in the ever popular panto in University Concert Hall, Limerick. This year’s Christmas show will be Peter Pan and auditions are being held for the children’s dance chorus along with the roles of John and Michael Darling. The University Concert Hall and Robert C Kelly Panto is now in its tenth year and has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated shows in the country. Johnny Ward, Fair City favourite and grand finalist of RTÉ’s 2019 Dancing with the Stars, will cast as the infamous Captain Hook in this year’s production. Joining Johnny on stage will be long time UCH panto favourites Richie Hayes and Limerick’s own Myles Breen. “If your child loves panto, loves to dance and would love to share the stage with some iconic Irish performers, then the UCH Panto Kids’ audition is for them,” said a spokesperson …

LOCAL artist  Dympna Bonfield will launch a new exhibition of her work this September in glór. The exhibition, titled Reflections will run upstairs in glór gallery until Saturday, October 1. The exhibition comprises 25 vibrant paintings inspired by the unique landscape of Clare and will be launched on Thursday, September 1 at 6.30pm by Joe Lynch. Dympna exhibits work both nationally and internationally. After spending many years living and working in Dublin she returned west, to her native County Clare. Much of her recent work can be seen to reflect this move, and draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape resulting in a new found freedom of expression that reflects the essential character and culture of the west of Ireland. This exhibition takes us on a wonderful, winding road of seashores, surf and sea-swells, of soft bog cotton, of furze, of stony Burren, of childhood, of sand, of home, of friends, of solitude. From an early age Dympna Bonfield was interested …

WITH the project deadline for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 fast approaching, students from across Clare are encouraged to get their thinking caps on and turn creative ideas into project entries by the September 26. Students can enter across any one of four categories, whether their interests lie in technology; social and behavioural science; biological and ecological science; or chemical, physical and mathematical science. An individual or group must submit a simple, one-page proposal outlining their bright idea. The 2022 exhibition winners Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar from Synge Street CBS, Dublin said, “We found the whole BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition experience really fun and exciting, and we think every student should enter a project in an area of science that they find intriguing.” In January, thousands of visitors are set to walk through the doors of the RDS where the brightest minds from across the island of Ireland will be showcasing their projects. Spectacular …

CLARE students hoping to move to Galway for college this year are being warned to be wary of potential rental scams. With housing options in short supply NUI Galway Students’ Union is urging those seeking accommodation for the upcoming academic year to exercise caution before committing to a private residence this year. The union advises that before rushing into signing a lease/contract it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams. Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer says, “There are still some properties available so don’t panic and make sure you keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites especially www.nuigstudentpad.ie” The union have set out some handy tips for those seeking accommodation: 1. Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at …

Lough Derg RNLI is recruiting new volunteers to join their lifesaving team for shore duty in roles as Deputy Launching Authority, Additional Lifeboat Mechanic and Tractor Driver.   According to a spokesperson for Lough Derg RNLI shore crew “have a central role in securing the safety of the lifeboat and the men and women launching their craft to rescue those in peril on the water. They ensure the successful and smooth operations of the RNLI’s lifesaving work within the station. “As a volunteer with the RNLI you will gain new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of giving back to your community. The RNLI will provide all training to fulfil your role. You will be supported at all times by the close team of existing volunteers at the station and by the RNLI.” The role of Deputy Launching Authority has been described as “central to operations within all RNLI lifeboat stations, as this volunteer initiates the launch of the lifeboat when requested by …

AT just 12 years of age Clarecastle’s Sophie Mae Kerin is galloping ahead in her dream to be a champion jockey. The youngster was a winner at the high profile Dingle Racing Festival, following in the footsteps of such giants of the sport as Pat Smullen, Richard Hughes, Oisin Murphy, Nina Carberry and many more. First getting in the saddle at eight years of age, Sophie Mae began her equestrian life in showjumping, but it was racing that was always her ambition. In the recent three-day Dingle festival she rode the aptly named Little Lioness to victory in the 12.2hh pony derby for Ballinasloe’s Tony Beegan. Proud dad Kenneth tells us the whole family are thrilled with Sophie Mae’s success. “Dingle is the biggest pony race in Ireland of the year and this was her first proper race with thoroughbreds. “Before this she had run in a beginners race coming in second. She has only been entering races for the …

FAMILY and friends of an Ennis-based man, who tragically lost his life at the weekend after getting into difficulty at a popular swimming spot, gathered together for an emotional funeral service on Thursday. Samir Kaul, who was originally from New Delhi in India and lived on the Kilrush Road in Ennis, died on Saturday evening while visiting Ballyalla Lake with friends. The funeral service for Mr Kaul was held on Thursday at the Foundation Ministries Pentecostal Church in Ennis, which he had been involved with for nearly a decade. In a fitting tribute to the 49-year-old who has been fondly remembered this week for his love of dance, the church held a Service of Song in his memory. A video showing images of Mr Kaul’s happy times with his friends in the church was also played to those gathered to say their goodbyes. Speaking to the Clare Champion Reverend Albert Obadeyi of Foundation Ministries described Mr Kaul as “a man …

AFTER an initial delay, an application for planning permission for the construction of a new €25 million community hospital in Ennis to replace long stay and short stay beds at St Joseph’s has been lodged with Clare County Council. The HSE had initially lodged a planning application for the development at the beginning of August. The Council, however, deemed the application ‘incomplete’ as the site notice had not been erected and dated within two weeks prior to lodgement. A new application has now been made for the development at lands at Clonroadmore, South-East of Turnpike Road and North-West of St Flannan’s College in Ennis. According to the plans the development will consist of: the construction of a part two-storey, part single-storey 100 bed residential community nursing unit (CNU) including; main entrance foyer block; production kitchens; offices; plant room; courtyard gardens with ancillary support accommodation and an enclosed gated delivery yard incorporating a maintenance building and generator. The development will also …