Tag Archives: lisdoonvarna

A CHRISTMAS concert in Lisdoonvarna’s Corpus Christi Church is aiming to raise the roof in more ways than one. Country and gospel singer James Kilbane will be performing in the church on Sunday, December 11, with funds raised from the event going towards much needed renovations and repairs to the church. Fr Robert McNamara, parish priest, outlined that Corpus Christi Church was constructed in 1868 and now sections of the roof are in great need of repair with the replacement of slates and gutters. “There is much dampness inside the church as well, as a result. These church areas need internal sealing and dampness repair on the internal roof and walls. The church’s bell tower also needs extensive repair work. “The reality is that urgent funds for repairs are needed as well as for the maintenance of the other church buildings in the parish in Kilshanny, Doolin, and Toovahera. “All support to the event will be greatly appreciated from the …

Central Statistics Office figures show that almost 8% of the Ennistymon electoral division is Ukrainian. This represents the highest concentration of Ukrainian refugees in the country, with arrivals from the war-torn country comprising 7.87% of the population of the area. This is significantly more than in any other part of the country, the second highest being an area of Leitrim, with 5.36%. Even within Clare the Ennistymon area is exceptional, with the percentages for the other electoral divisions being Kilrush 1.52%, Shannon 2.14%, Ennis 2.19% and Killaloe 0.25%. In raw numbers, 1,411 PPSN allocations were made to Ukrainian arrivals in the Ennistymon electoral division, up until September 25. There were 680 allocations in the Shannon area, with 734 in Ennis, 337 in Kilrush and just 54 in Killaloe.  In Clare, 363 Ukrainian children have been enrolled in primary schools and 166 in secondary schools. Lisdoonvarna-based County Councillor Joe Garrihy said that the integration of the new Ukrainian arrivals has been …

VOLUNTEERS from the Samaritans Festival Branch will be at Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival from September 16-18 to offer emotional support to anyone in need. The Lisdoonvarna Festival began 160 years ago when visiting gentry came to take the waters at the spa and looked to match their unmarried children with suitable partners. Now known as the Matchmaking Festival, the event offers music, dancing and daily matchmaking sessions for hopeful singletons. Thousands of people are expected to attend the festival following a two-year absence because of Covid restrictions, but for some the weekend may be challenging. Volunteers from Samaritans Festival Branch, who come from all branches in the country, will be available from September 16 to 18, to anyone who wants to talk. Samaritan Festival Director Tony Leech believes that this year more than ever it is important that people have a chance to talk about their feelings following the difficulties they may have had to cope with during the past two …

THOUSANDS of singletons from all over Ireland and far beyond will throng Lisdoonvarna as the Matchmaking Festival returns this September. While live music will ring out from bars and venues around the village, organisers have said that live music events at the Marquee and Pavilion theatre will not be going ahead this year, due to rising operational costs. The festival goes back to the 19th Century and third generation matchmaker Willie Daly, who has made over 3,000 matches over the last 50 years, said that this year’s festival will be one of a kind, with huge pent-up demand out there among singletons.  “Love has been kind of put on hold, a lot of people have been starved for love really, due to Covid and restricted movement. This year there is great enthusiasm with people to get out there and make up for the lost years. “There were a number of lost years and at certain ages it’s serious enough. It’ll …

THE man who died in this week’s drowning accident at Fanore has been named locally as Patrick McCarthy. Patrick, who had worked at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, is survived by his wife Christina and four children. Local councillor Joe Garrihy said that the family lived between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan and are very well regarded in the area. “They’re involved in everything in the community and they’re involved in everything that we do. It’s devastating to be honest to you, we see it all the time, the worst things happen to the nicest of people. They’re so nice and they give to the things and help with a heart and a half.” He said that the death has caused huge sadness in the area. “The place is devastated. This is a young person, a young family, they know everyone and are involved in everything. “In small communities like ours, it’s like an extended family. Especially when kids are growing up …

“MORE boots on the ground” are being sought to support Ukrainian refugees and the communities welcoming them to Clare.  The appeal came from Councillor Joe Garrihy, who said he is “immensely proud” of the response of communities in Clare. The Lisdoonvarna man, who has been helping to spearhead relief efforts in North Clare, made his call in response to an update from Chief Executive Pat Dowling.  “We have gone from a national high of 750 to between 100 and 150 per day,”” Mr Dowling said. “Most definitely, the numbers have softened somewhat.” In response to an update request from Mary Howard, Mr Dowling said that there are an estimated 2,200 Ukrainian nationals now in Clare. “We had some additional arrivals over the weekend,” he said. “These were small enough numbers. Those that were accommodation in Quin Road have been now relocated to Rowan Tree building, The Abbey Hostel. That Quin Road emergency facility remains available and we have another facility …

THE resilience shown by Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee to North Clare was the first thing that struck Lisdoonvarna Fáilte CLG chairperson, Marie Urquhart after their arrival. “Ukrainian refugees are very happy, content and resilient. Their willingness to be involved in the community was one of the first things that struck me. They are very gracious and thankful for what is being done for them. “They are happy to muck in and help with Tidy Towns, Spring Clean and are actively looking for work. It has been challenging and humbling. I am mesmerised by their resilience and get up and go given what horrific events they have been through.” She has confirmed up to 800 Ukrainian refugees are being accommodated in three local hotels. According to the last Census the indigenous population of Lisdoonvarna was about 600, which is apart from about 200 asylum seekers who are also living in the Spa town. Asked about the logistics …

ASSURANCES have been given on the arrangements for school transport for Ukrainian pupils who have recently arrived in North Clare. Among them are 26 children who have been welcomed into St Augustine’s National School in Kilshanny. They are part of a group of around 500 people to take up residence in Lisdoonvarna in recent weeks. More than 100 children are being provided with educational facilities, based on availability in neighbouring schools. While the new arrivals were provided with private bus transport for a number of days, the Department of Education has not made any formal provision yet and the children have no other way to get to the school, which is around seven kilometres away. Councillor Joe Garrihy said Lisdoonvarna Fáilte are prepared to do all in their power to welcome new arrivals and ease their access to local services. “We have been searching behind every hedge for bus transport and everyone has been really cooperative, however we did have …