Tag Archives: Owen Ryan

A LITTLE over three years ago, Rose Hynes was asked to chair a working group on Shannon Airport, which was having its worst year since the 1980s. She was subsequently appointed chairman of Shannon Group and has been at the helm as the new entity has made a solid start, with passenger numbers growing again after years of decline. When Shannon was under the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) structure, there were frequent complaints that its interests were way down the list of priorities but some felt the financial protection of being part of a wider group offered a level of protection. Separation working Now, Ms Hynes believes splitting it from the wider group has been the major factor in the ending of the long decline. “I think it was a hugely positive thing that the Government took the step and set up the taskforce because, that time, the numbers were going only one way – collapsing. I think if Shannon …

IT’S a sobering reality that there are few GAA clubs that have not been touched, in some way, by suicide. With this scourge in mind, the GAA and the Samaritans have launched a partnership, which aims to reduce the stigma around the issue of mental health and to encourage help-seeking behaviour. In its next phase, clubs are being encouraged to get in touch with Clare Samaritans liaison volunteers, who can arrange awareness talks for their members. The Samaritans exists to offer confidential, emotional support to people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair, including feelings that may lead to suicide. This is done, primarily, by providing those who are having trouble with a safe place to talk. To achieve this, the charity operates a helpline, which is available 24/7, at a free-to-caller number 116 123. They may be contacted by email at jo@samaritans.org, or people can also call to the centre on the Kilrush Road in Ennis, between the …

The Clare Champion broke new ground with our 2014 Local and European elections coverage. With regular updates on our websites  from our team of reporters, Nicola Corless, Carol Byrne, Dan Danaher, Peter O’Connell and Owen Ryan, and photographer, John Kelly, there was a huge following over the two-day count at Treacys’ West County Hotel in Ennis. There was also big engagement via Facebook and twitter. Up to Wednesday evening, our website election coverage had more than 48,000 hits. Of course, this week’s Clare Champion has  comprehensive election coverage, in particular a debate with former TDs Tony Killeen, Donal Carey and Moosajee Bhamjee, as well as analysts, Mike Torpey and Kevin Halpin.