Tag Archives: clare champion

DOG owners risk losing thousands of euros in damages claims if their pet is left uncontrolled and causes an accident on the road, the county’s dog warden Frankie Coote has warned saying, “You could lose your house if there was a serious accident”. The stark reminder comes as Éilís Neville, chairperson of the Clare Ladies Cycling Club reveals two of the club’s members have been hurt in recent weeks following incidents involving dogs. According to Mr Coote a dog must be on its owners property unless it is with the owner or a responsible person and under control. He is aware of successful large claims for compensation by people injured on the road as a result of an uncontrolled dog. “There are dogs that chase bikes, dogs that just walk out and even dogs just outside on the road sleeping, but if a dog is outside the property and if there are any injuries or damage caused by them, then the …

THE Yellow Brick Road leads to glór theatre in Ennis this week as the Dinan School of Ballet hosts their annual production, which this year will see all proceeds donated to Milford Care Centre.   The school’s annual summer show makes a welcome, post-pandemic return, with Over the Rainbow, their own unique adaption of the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz. The two performances, on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, bring the talents of students of all ages to the fore with a brilliant mix of dance and drama, creative choreography, colourful costumes and quirky characters, and a guarantee of something for all the family.   Now in its 35th year, the Dinan School of Ballet, founded and run by Niamh Dinan, has, with the exception of over the course of the pandemic, produced a school show every year since 1988. This year will be of particular importance to the entire school community with all proceeds from the shows being donated to support the invaluable …

DRIVERS are “taking risks every single day” at a notorious road junction in Ennis, with one councillor likening it to “Russian Roulette”. The frustrations of residents on the Shanaway Road who are awaiting road safety improvements were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. An update from the roads design team on any progress made regarding the exit from Shanaway road onto Lahinch Road was sought by Councillor Mark Nestor following contact from residents. The meeting was told by council officials that designs for Active Travel Measures are being developed. Michael O’Grady, Executive Engineer, stated, “The Road Design Office have recently completed a topographical survey of the N85 from Claureen roundabout to the start of the speed limit zone, conceptual design options for Active Travel Measures are being developed for this area, the Shanaway Road junction is being incorporated in these designs.” Councillor Nestor acknowledged the response and welcomed the survey however he continued, “that’s all well …

A CELEBRATION of European dance, music and song will be held in Ennis this summer as the county capital has been chosen to play host to the 18th European Culture Week. The five day festival will start in Ennis on August 8. The festival is a celebration of European cultures with eight groups participating from seven European countries. The participating groups are travelling to Shannon Airport from France, Spain, Sardinia, South Tyrol in Italy, Romania, Lithuania and Hungary. Ireland will be represented at the festival by Clanna Mileadha- a group of musicians, dancers and singers based predominantly in County Clare. The European Culture Week is bi-annual festival which returns this summer to Ennis for the first time since 2002 following a two year delay due to Covid restrictions. This festival’s history is particularly special as it was founded in 1986 to promote friendships across cultures and regions within Europe. These groups are coming together to celebrate their unique individuality. Each …

AN Ennis man has returned from a second humanitarian mission helping Ukrainians – and their beloved four legged friends – flee the war with Russia. John Casey, founder of the Tesla Owners Group in Ireland, was among a convoy of drivers who recently brought 40 Ukrainian refugees along with 10 dogs, 11 cats and a guinea pig, from Poland back to Ireland. “We were a right little Noah’s Ark,” he tells us. He explains that the pets have helped to bring a sense of comfort to the refugees, reminding them of a life before the invasion. Travelling with the convoy of cars over land and by ferry meant they could bring their much loved animals with them to safety. “These people are great pet lovers and they are very reluctant to leave their pets behind. We brought back some beautiful dogs and cats. They do love their animals and it’s good that they were able to bring them as they …

CALLS for an upgrade of the Quin Road Business Park, described as “very broken and piecemeal”, have been made by local councillors. Councillor Johnny Flynn has urged the Ennis Municipal District, Clare County Council and Shannon Group to “urgently look at upgrading the park” in terms of its customer, worker and business owner experience. Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District he outlined, “Quin Road Business Park, Ennis is a very busy and important economic centre in which businesses provide essential retail services to County Clare customers and significant employment. The businesses in the park generate annual revenue to both Clare County Council and Shannon Group in rates and service charges.” He suggested that upgrades to the site could include the creation of a biodiversity/recreational park on vacant sites at the left hand side of the entrance for people visiting and working in the business park and to assist in the use of the adjacent Fergus River …

WATER way to start the day at Scoil Chríost Rí in Cloughleigh with the recent launch of the latest addition to the school’s Kayak le Chéile club. The club is continuing to make a splash with the addition of a brand new kayaking shed right next to the River Fergus. The new shed was opened last Wednesday with Rang a Trí pupil Junior Power cutting the ribbon. The building was then blessed by Fr Ger Jones, before Rang a Sé pupils led the assembled guests up river for an hour- long paddle.  Sixth class pupils also unveiled their recent Kayak le Ceol recording, which saw the class work with artist-in-residence, Fiona Leenane, to compose and perform a kayaking routine to music.  Teacher Joe Garry explains that Kayak le Chéile was formed two years ago at Scoil Chríost Rí and since then kayaking has become an integral part of the curriculum offered with ranganna IV-VI getting out on the Fergus. Aided …

IN September 2019, Clare Youth Theatre outlined its plans to work to create a devised production in glór that would be written, directed, produced and acted by the teenage members. On Sunday, May 22, at 7pm this ambition will be realised with the production of ‘Wonderland – A Twisted Tale’. It has been an incredibly difficult time for all of the young people involved, but the show has emerged via Zoom sessions, outdoor meetings with social distancing and in recent times a focus and desire to perform the piece that has been so long in the making. “The young people involved have shown so much resilience, courage, dedication, creativity and sense of humour,” says Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer. “The essence of Clare Youth Theatre is to work with our young members to give them a voice through drama and theatre to explore issues and items of interest to them.” ‘Wonderland – A Twisted Tale’ is a dark interpretation of Alice …