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Tag Archives: Patsy Neville

12 O”Clock Hills Trail Forced To Close After Fire

Hikers in East Clare have been dealt a huge blow following the closure of the 12 O’Clock Hills Trails following a very significant forest fire on the Upper Hills on Thursday evening. Two residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution on Thursday night after 8pm. This popular walking and hiking amenity is now closed until Monday due to health and safety concerns after claims the forest fires may have been started maliciously or as a result of carelessness. It is expected the 12 O’Clock Hills committee may make a further announcement pending an inspection on Friday night. Firefighters from Shannon Fire Station, Killaloe Fire Station and a Limerick City Fire Station battled the blaze on Thursday evening. It is understood Shannon Fire Station was alerted about the fire at 5.3opm and Killaloe Fire Station was tasked at around 8.55pm. The overall response involved three fire applicances and three fire vans. Personnel included four firefighters and station officer from …

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Official launch of Glenwood Ambush Centenary Book

THE Bunratty Manor hotel was the venue for the official launch of the 170-page Centenary Book of the ambush at Glenwood which took place on January 20, 1921.  This launch, which had previously been deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, was performed by the Mayor of Clare, Councillor PJ Ryan. The Council chairperson was assisted by Mr Flan McCarthy and Mr Mick Ryan, who are joint presidents of the Glenwood Ambush Memorial Committee.  The publication contains a number of different versions of what actually happened on ambush day in January 1921, and accounts of the later reprisals by the Black and Tans. There are some details too of a number of the participating volunteers, in as much as was possible for researchers to get the information. These include Martin ‘Neighbour’ McNamara, Joe Clancy, Tom McGrath, Mattie McGrath, James Hogan, Paddy McCarthy, Jackie Ryan, Jimmy McInerney, Miko Neville, Dinny Minogue, Mick Moloney, Mick Shaughnessy, Tom McInerney, Michael Cleary, Peter St Ledger, …

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Clare Ambush commemoration publication seeks new material

A SECOND commemorative plaque has been installed at the site of the Glenwood Ambush in East Clare, remembering those who risked their lives by sheltering and feeding IRA volunteers on the run at the time. A new commemorative booklet is also being planned, with the Glenwood Memorial Committee appealing to the public to get in touch if they have details they would like included. Six RIC members were killed when a Flying Column from the East Clare Brigade attacked their lorry at Glenwood on January 20, 1921. The attack led to a series of reprisals and attacks on residents across the south-east of the county as the War of Independence raged. A scaled back commemoration event took place in January to mark the centenary and work to remember the anniversary continues. “Since then we have mounted a second plaque which was sculptured by our great friend Michael McTigue as part of the 100th year commemoration of the ambush at Glenwood,” …

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Funding boost for 12 O’Clock Hills

PICNIC tables are among the improved facilities that will be provided at the 12 O’Clock Hills walking trail, thanks to a funding boost from government and Fáilte Ireland. Just over €18,000 has been allocated to the project under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for small scale repairs as well as promotion and marketing. It is part of a total allocation of €88,250 for five walking and cycling amenities in Clare. While a strict travel restrictions are currently in force, the hills have proven to be a hugely popular amenity over the last year in particular. “The 12 O’Clock Hills is now an established and very successful amenity,” said committee chairperson, Patsy Neville. “The availability of this amenity has been particularly appreciated during the current Covid-19 pandemic as it provides the space for people to get outdoors and exercise which has been extremely important from a physical and mental health perspective during these challenging times. It is a valuable public …

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Plans to further enhance 12 O’Clock Hills attractions

THE development of the stunning 12 O’Clock Hills walking trails in East Clare is to be marked in special calendar to be launched for the Christmas market. The calendar will include panoramic views from the hills, as well as the popular beauty spots along the routes, and mark the seventh anniversary of the creation of the three popular walking trails which are among the jewels in the crown of tourism locally. Funds raised by the calendar will go towards the part restoration of a ruined farmhouse in the area, as well as the creation of a carved wooden sculpture – both of which are set to add to the attractions along the Hills trails. The restoration of the house known locally as Mary Anne’s is made possible with 80% grant funding from the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The stone farmhouse was reasonably intact up February 2014 but Storm Darwin blew the …

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12 O’Clocks Hills reopen popular walking trails

AFTER a 50-day shut-down, hill-walkers have been able to return to one of the county’s premier amenities at the 12 O’Clock Hills. The facility was closed in March to help with efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19, even before official public health guidelines kicked in. Last Monday, the operators welcomed walkers living within five kilometres of the facility and issued new guidelines to ensure social distancing. Chairperson of the 12 O’Clock Hills committee, Patsy Neville said the co-operation of the public had been greatly appreciated during the lock-down. “We had a tremendous response,” he said. “For once, we were delighted that people stayed away. We’re delighted now to welcome people back. Once we announced the re-opening, we had 7,000 views on our social media, so there is a huge demand to get back hill-walking.” Mr Neville also advised that those intending to use the facility would take a little extra time to make themselves aware of new guidelines. “It’s …

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