Tag Archives: clare

A VIDEO project made in conjunction with community groups Clare has been premiered by Clean Coasts to raise awareness about the issue of marine litter. Both local people and visitors are being asked to enjoy this part of the coast but also to take personal responsibility for the waste that comes from outdoor activities. As the Covid restriction eased in early May, more people started visiting the magnificent coastal area in Clare. A number of Clean Coasts community groups reached out to Clean Coasts, expressing significant concerns relating to the environmental impact of tourists in the upcoming season. The absence of foreign travel, huge growth in take-out food and outdoor socialising had already begun to increase coastal litter. Coastal communities were nervous about what would happen when the season really begins. One group, suggested creating a video about Lahinch to raise awareness about this issue. Clean Coasts Development Officer Ray Ó Foghlu worked with Spanish Point Community Group to source …

COUNCILLOR PJ Ryan is the new mayor of Clare, having been elected at this afternoon’s Clare County Council AGM. Corofin’s Joe Killeen was elected leas Cathaoirleach. It was Councillor Mary Howard’s last day as Mayor, and she said that being mayor had been “a great honour and a privilege”. While Covid dominated the year, she said Clare had responded well to it. “We connected and galvanised in the face of adversity.” Councillor Ryan was nominated by Councillor Michael Begley, who said they had a similar background, having left Fianna Fáil to run as independents. “We were deemed surplus to requirements in 2008 and got elected in 2009,” he quipped. He also said that himself and the new mayor had “failed the interview, but got the top job.” Councillor Begley said that the new Mayor is a hard worker, while he said he is bound to be travelling over the coming year. “I say to Mary (Councillor Ryan’s wife) get the …

THE Clare side to face Kerry in the Munster football championship on Saturday has been named. The Clare side is; 1. Stephen Ryan, Kilrush Shamrocks 2. Ciaran Russell, Eire-og, Inis 3. Cillian Brennan, Clondegad 4. Eoghan Collins, Ballyhaunis 5. Cian O Dea, Kilfenora 6. Sean Collins, Cratloe 7. Daniel Walsh, Kilmurry Ibrickane 8. Darren O Neill, Eire-Og, Inis 9. Cathal O Connor, Coolmeen 10. Pearse Lillis, Cooraclare 11. Eoin Cleary, St Josephs Miltown Malbay (Capt) 12. Darragh Bohannan, Shannon Gaels 13. Gavin Cooney, Eire-Og, Inis 14. Joe McGann, St Breckans, 15. David Tubridy, Doonbeg Substitutes 16. Tom O Brien, St Josephs Doora Barefield 17. Padraic Collins, Cratloe 18. Ciaran Downes, Kilmihil 19. Aaron Griffin, Lissycasey 20. Conal O hAinifein, Ruan 21. Conor Jordan, Austin Stacks, 22. Kevin Harnett Cratloe 23. Emmet McMahon, Kildysart 24. Cillian Rouine, Ennistymon 25. Keelan Sexton, Kilmurry Ibrickane 26. Alan Sweeney, St Breckan’s.

WHEN the Clare footballers take to the pitch at Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday, there will be just 200 people in the stands. The hurlers will face Waterford at Semple Stadium the following day and again there will again be a mere 200 spectators there. Of course this is due to Covid-19, but with progress having been made in recent months, Clare TD Joe Carey has written to Minister for Sport Catherine Martin, asking that consideration be given to allowing fully vaccinated people to attend championship games. In his letter to Ms Martin, he said, “I am writing to request that your office considers significantly increasing the numbers of people allowed to attend inter-county GAA, camogie and ladies football fixtures across the country. “As you know, the GAA championship season is due to get underway this weekend. “My own county, Clare, play Waterford in Thurles on Sunday. The stadium capacity is 45,690 but under current guidelines, a maximum of 200 supporters …

A CALL has been made for a Clare representative to be appointed to a committee reviewing the defective concrete blocks scheme, in the hope that redress might be extended to homeowners in this county. In the Seanad this week, Senator Timmy Dooley said the lives of homeowners in Clare and elsewhere have been “decimated” by the presence of defects caused by pyrite and mica. The matter was raised in the upper house by Senator Dooley and two party colleagues, Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney. Senators Chambers and Blaney, representing Mayo and Donegal respectively, which are covered by the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, called for the redress to be increased from a maximum of 90% to 100%. Senator Dooley told the house the scheme must be extended to this county, where the extent of the issue is only becoming known. “…There is a real issue with defective blocks in County Clare,” the Fianna Fáil senator said. “It is not mica …

BUS Éireann has confirmed that from this Friday, June 25 the last daily departure from Galway to Limerick on Expressway Route 51 will be at 7.05pm.  This service had been temporarily suspended from May 15. “As demand increases with the reopening of society, and with greater opportunities to work and socialise, we know this late service from Galway is important particularly to people in south Galway and Clare. We have worked with the National Transport Authority and are glad to reinstate this trip as the safe reopening of society continues,” said Brian Connolly, Western Region Operations Manager, Bus Éireann.  “It was always the case that these necessary temporary suspensions would be reviewed subject to demand.”  Currently and as a result of the severe impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers, Bus Éireann operates Expressway routes under contract to the National Transport Authority.  Route 51 operates from Galway to Limerick and on to Cork.  There are 23 trips a day between Galway …

THE continued closure of Ennis Friary has been described as “appalling” with the county capital losing out on the financial boost the popular tourist attraction could bring this summer. The friary, which dates back to the 13th century, has been closed to the public since last summer due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Office of Public Works does not have an opening date for the Friary, the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District was told. Councillor Mary Howard had sought clarity on when the OPW planned on reopening the historic building on Lower Abbey Street. Responding to the query, Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer, stated that the Ennis Municipal District received correspondence from Trish Ryan, Heritage Services – National Monuments Administration at the Office of Public Works, advising that “the Office Of Public Works do not have an opening date for Ennis Friary.” Councillor Howard voiced disappointment at the response saying the closure has meant that Ennis is losing out. “We …

THE lives of two of Ennis’ best known figures are to be remembered in the county capital this Wednesday evening, June 23. A memorial plaque will be unveiled at 6.30pm at the Queen’s Hotel dedicated to the late Laura Brennan. While at 7.15pm, the late Michael Tierney and his dog Paddy will be remembered opposite Ennis Cathedral with a plaque dedicated in their memory. Unveiling the plaques will be Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard in one of her last functions in the role. “For many years I have tried to have something permanent in the town of Ennis to remember the larger than life character that was the late Michael Tierney. Last June when I became Mayor of Clare I promised that both Michael and Laura Brennan would have a permanent presence in the town, my term is finished on Friday,” she said. All are welcome to attend, with plans underway for an event to be held …