Tag Archives: clare champion

ORGANISERS of a hike up Mount Brandon to raise funds for a charity working in Ukraine have confirmed they have raised more than €6,000. Retired Air Traffic Controllers  Frank Barry from Clarecastle and  John Hunt from Roscommon with his daughter Annie and four members of An Garda Siochana from Portlaoise recently climbed Mount Brandon to raise money  in aid of Concerns appeal for Ukraine. Paying tribute to all of those who supported the endeavour Frank said, “A big thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser which took place on April 6”.

CLARE County Council has signed a contract for a new €8.7 million County Library in Ennis with Galway-based firm Coolsivna taking over construction of the building. The contract signed on Friday in the Council Chamber at Áras Contae an Chláir by Patrick Gardiner of Coolsivna and Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling, in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor PJ Ryan. The development had been on hold following the liquidation of initial tenderer Kilmihil-based Keating Construction. Coolsivna’s work is known to those in Ennis as the company has recently completed the Ennis Community College project, a 4,200-square-metre three-storey extension to the existing school. As a medium-sized company, Coolsivna has completed projects in residential and healthcare settings and has also won the contract for the construction of the new Craughwell National School in County Galway. The County Library project consists of a 2,321-square-metre building on the glór site comprising two public floors of library space …

CONCERN that recent incidences of anti-social behaviour in Ennis, including a house being targeted with a petrol bomb, could lead to the county capital receiving a bad reputation nationally have been expressed. At this monthly meeting of Ennis Municipal District Councillor Pat Daly urged the public to contact the Garda Confidential line if they see anything suspicious in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour. Councillor Pat Daly insisted “it is important that this type of behaviour is eliminated”. The councillor commented that Ennis has been getting a “bad name” in recent times due to anti-social behaviour including the petrol bombing and incidences where drugs offences are committed. “The drugs situation is very serious,” he said. He outlined that from speaking with gardaí he has been told that those who witness illegal activity are often afraid to report it. “The only way to alleviate this is to ring the garda confidential line,” he said. The meeting was told that the …

RAIN gives us rainbows is the positive message of a brand new colourful addition to St Anne’s School in Ennis. The school recently unveiled a new mural created by its Oak, Rowan and Willow classes along with local artist Rachel Macmanus. The project was facilitated by the Clare Artists in School Scheme 2021/2022. Principal of St Anne’s Rose-Marie Flanagan explains that before designing the mural Rachel visited them and spent time with the three classes to discuss ideas. “We discussed together what should be included in the design and why. The pupils chose to highlight the nature they see in and around their school, such as birds and animals, and we also discussed the weather we get here in Ennis, a lot of rain! But rain gives us rainbows, which became a central theme for the mural.  “We also focused on the geography of St Anne’s School, which is situated in the centre of Ennis town, and the activities and sports which happen in the school. As we …

CHANGING the proposed zoning designation of Spancilhill from a ‘cluster’ to a ‘small village’ in the Clare County Development Plan would help reduce speed limits and address “dangerous levels” of traffic speeding which has split the community in two, a meeting of councillors has been told. The “ongoing safety concerns” of residents due to speeding in Spancilhill was raised at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy. She added that locals are of the view that recent road improvements and markings are “insufficient” while asking if VMS signs could be considered. While Councillor Johnny Flynn confirmed he has made a submission to the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 seeking to change the proposed zoning designation. Responding to Councillor Colleran Molloy’s motion, Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer stated, “The line marking contractor carrying out the sign and lining work at Spancilhill Low Cost Safety Scheme were unable to complete the line marking work due …

THE children of Ennis National School are using their artistic talents in more ways than one to show their support for the people of Ukraine. The school has organised a mixed media art exhibition along with a variety show fundraising concert which will be held in the coming weeks. The exhibition will be on display at the end of this month at the County Museum, while the show will be held outside of the museum on June 8. An online fundraiser has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/v7fy4-ennis-national-school-fundraiser-for-ukraine with donations already coming in from those touched by what the students are trying to achieve. Teacher Ciara Harding explains that the children were driven to do something to help those caught up in the war with Ukraine, and they were inspired by the work that is being done by Ennis Lions Club in raising money to support relief efforts. “Colin Mangan an Ennis native and Ennis NS past pupil, has been living …

INSTALLING the controversial Púca statue at a busy Ennis junction would draw motorists’ attention to new road safety measures put in place a local councillor has quipped. An upgrade of the Corrovorrin junction, including a new mini-roundabout, has been widely welcomed locally, however a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District has been told there needs to be more driver awareness of the changes to the road. This prompted Councillor Mary Howard to joke, “People are still not aware of the roundabout, they would know if the Púca was in the middle of it to draw attention to it.” More seriously she added, “Traffic is flying through and I’m afraid of what might happen.” The issue at Corrovorrin junction was raised by Councillor Johnny Flynn who urged the council to consider further improvements to the “excellent upgrade” of the area. He called for improved road signage immediately adjacent to the junction to increase driver awareness; road marking of the track drive …

TEENAGERS will be taking over the town of Ennis once again this weekend. Experience Ennis, in collaboration with Coláiste Muire and Rice College, are bringing Teen Takeover 2 to the county capital. The event offers a jam-packed afternoon of activities for all ages in the Chapel Lane Market Building on Sunday, May 8 from 1 pm to 5 pm.   With a focus on Slow Fashion, you can learn to create a purse out of a milk carton or how to upcycle jeans into aprons. Lots more workshops such as tie-dye, mending and Junk Couture. Learn how to create die fabric with flowers or how to create a Ukrainian Flower Crown from dandelions and daises. You can also peruse our racks of fabulous vintage clothing.   There will be live bands performing from 3pm to 4pm and a treasure hunt throughout Ennis with fantastic prizes. The day will also provide fun for smallies with face-painting, hair braiding, oversized Jenga, Connect Four …