Tag Archives: Paul Murphy

AS a young man, John Bradley was at the scene of one the greatest tragedies to ever occur in Ennis, when eight people died after a hotel floor collapsed during a busy auction. Now, 60 years after the Carmody’s Hotel disaster, John will launch a new book, remembering those who lost their lives and also those affected by the incident, which sent shockwaves across the country and the world. Next Sunday, January 14, as part of Carmody’s Hotel commemoration ceremony, Clare Roots Society will be launching their first book of 2018, Carmody’s Hotel, Ennis. Mayor of Ennis, Paul Murphy will formally launch the book at 12.30pm at the parish centre at the rear of Ennis Cathedral. The launch will be preceded by a mass of remembrance for the eight people who lost their lives on January 15, 1958. In this book, John has captured details of the Carmody tragedy, using newspaper reports and also through interviews with survivors and people …

THE Mayor of Ennis said the announcement that the county capital is Ireland’s Cleanest Town is “testament to the year-round effort” by volunteers, Ennis Tidy Towns Committee, Clare County Council and the business community. Councillor Paul Murphy said, “Ennis is a vibrant tourism town and a popular shopping destination, which benefits greatly from the collective efforts of residents, visitors, the local authority, businesses and voluntary groups to keeping the streets and public spaces free of litter. The greatest example of this work was seen during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann when the streets were kept clean, as more than 400,000 people visited the town,” he said. He added that the recent naming of Ennis as a Coach Friendly Destination and as winner of the Retail Excellence Ireland Friendliest Place Award is “a vote of confidence in the partnership approach adopted by Clare County Council, Ennis Chamber and the local community to developing and promoting the Clare county capital”. Meanwhile Minister of …

THE Office of Public Works has been accused of “shilly-shallying”, when it comes to the long-awaited Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme. A recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District was informed that a timescale for the works is not currently available. This sparked criticism from members of the council, with acting director of service Brian McCarthy telling councillors that he “understands the frustration.” Councillor Paul Murphy initially raised the matter, requesting an update on the tendering and likely timescale of works on the scheme. He asked, “What is the latest delay and is it possible to separate the St Flannan’s and Ballybeg projects from each other in order to achieve progress?” Eugene O’Shea, acting senior engineer, replied, “The current status in relation to the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is that a tender recommendation has been received from the consultants for this scheme and sent to the OPW for their approval. “As the St Flannan’s and Ballybeg projects are both …

MEMBERS of the public have been signing books of condolences today at Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis and at the Killaloe Electoral Area Office in Scariff in memory of rugby star Anthony Foley, who died suddenly at the weekend. Leas cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Paul said, “On behalf of Clare County Council and the people of Clare, I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Anthony’s family and his wide circle of friends and former colleagues. “Anthony was a warrior in sport and in life and he never shirked a challenge”, added Mr Murphy. “Anthony’s achievements on the pitch were matched off the pitch by his role as an ambassador for Clare, Munster and Ireland. His loss to the local community in Killaloe and to Irish sport is immeasurable. Pat Dowling, chief executive of Clare County Council added, “In 2009, Clare County Council honoured Anthony with a civic reception. Today, Clare County Council joins local authorities across the province in …

COORACLARE county councillor Bill Chambers (Fianna Fáil) has been elected cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, succeeding Councillor James Breen (Independent) in the role. Councillor Chambers is the first person from Cooraclare to assume the chairmanship of the 28-member council which unanimously backed his appointment at its AGM in Áras Contae an Chláir on Monday. Councillor Paul Murphy (Fine Gael) from Clarecastle was elected leas cathaoirleach, replacing his party colleague Councillor Mary Howard in the position. “The role of cathaoirleach is one that goes back many decades and it is an honour for me to follow in the footsteps of so many great servants of this county. I will work hard during the next 12 months to promote Clare through leadership and partnership in my new role as Clare’s first citizen,” Councillor Chambers said in his maiden speech.

Fine Gael councillor, Johnny Flynn is the new Mayor of Ennis.  He was elected to the position at the inaugural meeting of the Ennis Municipal District on Tuesday afternoon. While the position of mayor has been abolished in most towns, it can be retained in towns where the population is in excesss of  20,000. The other council members in the Ennis area include Mary Howard and Paul Murphy of Fine Gael, Tom McNamara, Pat Daly and Clare Colleran of Fianna Fáil and Independents, James Breen and Ann Norton. Councillor James Breen was elected as deputy mayor on the proposal of Councillor Tom McNamara and seconded by Councillor Pat Daly. Mayor Flynn said he was “proud” to be elected as the new mayor for the newly aligned municipal district and said he would be “impartial” and treat its members with respect throughout his term. He paid tribute to his family, who were there to support him at the council chamber, and …