Tag Archives: clare

RESIDENTS of a Shannon neighbourhood are crying ‘foul’ at being kept awake at night by ‘talking’ signs urging dog owners to clean up after their pets. A meeting of the Shannon Municipal District heard that there are “sleepless nights in Drumgeely” with residents disturbed by the signs which were installed to help prevent dog litter on the streets. The signs play pre-recorded messages reminding dog walkers to obey the law when it comes to dog litter, however according to Councillor Gerry Flynn the message is being heard late into the night in the homes of residents. He told the meeting that he has been contacted by people living in the area about the issue saying, “This is a very settled community with older people living there, people can’t sleep at night.” He continued, “It’s a disgrace these signs have been put in an inappropriate place next to the pioneers that made Shannon.” Tom Mellett, senior executive engineer stated that the …

THREE years ago the arrival of Donald Trump saw one of the most extensive security operations in Clare’s history, and he is due to visit his property in Doonbeg again this month. In 2019 Gardai from around the country spent a few days in Clare for the visit, but sources this week say that the operation this time will be far less significant. Last week it was said that Garda preparations on the ground around Shannon Airport had not begun, as full details of the Trump visit were not available. However, local Gardai expect that the vast majority of the Gardai involved in security this time will be drawn from the Clare division, with perhaps a small bit of assistance from neighbouring areas. Even if it were required, Gardai say that bringing in members of the force from other parts of the country would be far more difficult now, with many hotels in the region already fully occupied due to …

WHILE the shortage of housing is still very acute in Clare, 464 new residential units were built in the year up to the end of June, according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report. The bi-annual report is based on GeoDirectory’s database of over two million residential building records. The 464 addresses amounts to 0.8 of the county’s overall housing stock, and is actually a poorer outcome than in the previous 12 months. During the second quarter, work was underway on the construction of 22,390 buildings in the country, with 439 of these in Co Clare. This means the county has approximately 2% of the State’s construction activity. The county has a slight increase (2%) in housing commencements in the 12 months up to June.  The GeoDirectory research shows a 6.3% vacancy rate in Clare, higher than the State average of 4.2%. Some 9.7% of units in the county are holiday homes.  It found that there were 1,116 residential property …

VISITORS from seven European countries are set to visit Ennis when the county capitals hosts the 18th European Culture Week. The celebration of culture takes place from August 8 until August 12. This festival is being organised by the Ennis group Clanna Mileadha and will include participants from Sardinia, France, Hungary, Sud-Tyrol, Lithuania, Romania and Spain. The Clanna Mileadha group have attended all the festivals since its inception in 1986 on a bi-annual basis, only missing out on Sardinia in 1990. The festival was first held in Ennis in 2002 and there is great excitement among the groups to make a return visit to Ennis after 20 years. Covid had an impact in delaying the festival by two years as it was due to be held in 2020. A spokesperson for Clanna Mileadha explains, “The groups are coming together to celebrate their unique individuality. Each country is showcasing their culture through the medium of music and dance. Throughout the week …

CLARECASTLE Show makes its return this weekend offering a fantastic level of prize money and a wonderful day’s entertainment and diversion for all the family. And, what’s more, after an absence of two years the boutique show in the Clarecastle GAA grounds on Sunday, August 7 will be free to enter. The move to make entry to Clarecastle Show was made by the board of the Society as a gesture to the people of Clare and beyond who had endured a lot over the past two years. Clarecastle Show Chairman Michael Slattery explained, “Entry to the show is free, a decision taken by our board because of the stress and strain people have been through caused by Covid and the escalating costs of everything. “Perhaps a day at the show in the fresh air amongst friends will compensate for the difficulties of the Covid years.” Speaking about what makes the Clarecastle Show special he said, “We do not compare. Clarecastle …

All-Ireland Minor C Ladies Football Final Clare 3-13 Wicklow 3-12 ABBY Downes’ injury time point ensured Clare were crowned ZuCar All Ireland Minor C Ladies Football champions after a thrilling showdown with Wicklow, writes Ivan Smyth. This was a stunning triumph for David O’Brien’s side as they faced a five point deficit at two separate stages of the second half. They had also shipped 1-2 without reply to go in level at the break despite dominating much of the opening period. Throw in the loss of goalkeeper Katie McMahon, who was withdrawn four minutes in to the second half after landing awkwardly towards the conclusion of the first period and Clare faced no shortage of adversity. The win appeared unlikely when Wicklow scored 2-4 without reply either side of half time to leave Clare trailing 2-10 to 1-8. Even when Abby Downes fired a ferocious left footed effort to the net to slash the deficit to two points after 40 …

AS this year’s Tour de Munster charity cycle quickly approaches, cyclists will be entering the final stages of their training regimes to make sure they are flying fit to tackle the testing 600km route across the six counties of Munster on their quest to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches. The tour will launch from The English Market on Grand Parade in Cork City on Thursday, August 4, and those participating will return to Cork on Sunday, August 7, where the finishing line will see them tackle the heights of St Patrick’s Hill. On their first day in the saddle, the cyclists will travel through Barry’s Cross at 6.35pm before arriving at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe at 7.15pm. Setting off on the Friday morning from Killaloe at 9am, they are due to pass through Tuamgraney at 9.45am before arriving in Ennis’ West County Hotel where they will stop for a break from 11am to 12 noon. …

SHANNON councillors are urging Transport Infrastructure Ireland to make a move in the right direction and erect road signage that would show people the way to the Shannon Aviation Museum and Educational Centre. Councillor PJ Ryan, speaking at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, pointed to the growing popularity of the attraction as he called on the council to request TII to erect the signage on the N18/M18 and N19. He said that museum acts as both a tourist attraction and a place of education with colleges and schools visiting the centre to introduce young people to aviation. “Shannon has had a lot of firsts in aviation and the public like to be able to relate to that,” he said adding, “we need to be able to direct people towards it.” Anne O’Sullivan, senior executive engineer, told the meeting that Councillor Ryan’s request has been forwarded to TII for consideration and response. Councillor Ryan stated, “Hopefully there will be …