Month: April 2007

SHANNON Airport could see an additional 100 extra military flights every month with an expansion of services by Omni Air International, one of several airlines contracted to carry US military personnel for the Pentagon.

While the new services were not ex- pected to start until next month, two Omni Air flights arrived at Shannon on Saturday afternoon prompting calls from anti-war group the Peace

and Neutrality Alliance to call for campaigners to step up their protests at Shannon.

Former Irish Army Commandant and well known anti-war campaigner Ed Horgan said the passage of US troops through Shannon is becom- ing accepted custom and practice because not enough Irish people care about the killing of ‘foreigners’ in places such as Iraq.

News of the expansion in services by Omni Air will, however, be a sig- nificant boost to the airport after the

biggest carrier of US military per- sonnel for the Pentagon pulled out last year.

World Airways shifted its military technical stops to Leipzig, Germany citing economic reasons.

With the loss of World Airways, there has been a dramatic drop in US military traffic at Shannon.

Almost 15,000 more troops passed through the airport in January 2006 than in the first three months of this year combined.

26,817 troops stopped off at Shan-

non on 268 flights in the first quarter of this year, representing a drop of almost 77 per cent on the figures for 2006.

The Dublin Airport Authority, which still governs Shannon, has al- ready warned that Shannon Airport should not rely on the military transit nee nelen

DAA Chief Executive Declan Col- lier said that Shannon’s losses are “only slightly camouflaged by the military transit traffic which is not a sustainable business.”

Shannon has earned an estimated €8m a year for the past six years from US military traffic and its loss- es would be far greater if it did not have the military business.

A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Authority confirmed that Omni Air are putting a programme of flights through the airport from next month.

This new business is expected to see up to 100 flights a month carry- ing as many as 10,000 troops.

DOONBEG was again the venue for the launch of the premier golfing tournament for businesses in Clare. Ennis Chamber of Commerce and sponsors Sherry Fitzgerald McMa- hon were in Doonbeg Golf Club last week to finalise details of the Golf Classic, which takes place at the prestigious club April 26 and 27. This is the premier social event for Ennis Chamber with over 200 golfers participating from the business com- munity in Clare. It is expected that colleagues and clients from around the country will also be attracted to

this opportunity to play at one of the world’s top links courses.

Launching the event in Doonbeg Golf Club were Dermot McMahon and Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon along with En- nis Chamber President John Mad- CF

Commenting on the occasion Mr Madden said, “Ennis Chamber is delighted to be back in Doonbeg for the second year running for our An- nual Golf Classic. We have received tremendous support and valued input from our sponsors Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in order to ensure a suc- cessful event. Furthermore, this 1s

the ultimate links experience for all golfers and promises to be a hugely enjoyable event at a top quality resort – not to be missed!”

This year, Ennis Chamber has in- troduced a spa package for partners of golfers or for anyone who is not a golfer but would like to avail of the five-star treatment and comforts Doonbeg Golf Club, Lodge and Spa has to offer. All participants will enjoy a three course meal as part of their day, prepared by award-win- ning chefs. There is also an accom- modation package available for those who wish to savor the delights of the Doonbeg resort a little longer.

Teams of four will play for a range of executive prizes with the annouce- ment ceremony taking place at 9pm on Friday, April 27 in Doonbeg club- house.

Tee times are available late morn- ing as well as mid afternoon on both days. Teams of Four are €700; with individual players at €175 are wel- comed to be teamed up. Individu- als can avail of the spa package for €125.

Brochures and booking cards are available from Margaret Neylon, En- nis Chamber, 54 O’Connell Street, Ennis, 065 684 2988. Book early to secure your preferred tee time.

TOWN councillors in Kilrush felt “snubbed” when they were left off the invitation list for the official launch of the CCTV cameras in the John Paul housing estate.

That was according to Councillor Colie Sweeney (Ind), who last week said he was entitled to be told why he and his fellow councillors were not asked to attend the switch-on of the cameras in February.

He said that the town clerk, town manager and local superintendent were all invited, as was the Mayor, Cllr Stephen O’Gorman. However he said many of the elected members

were unhappy they were not aware it was taking place.

“Many of the elected members felt snubbed and slighted when we were not invited to the official launch of the CCTV initiative. Can you offer us an explanation why we were left off the official list of invitees?” he asked, at the monthly meeting of Kil- rush Town Council last Thursday.

“I was under the impression that this council represented all the areas of Kilrush. I really am at a loss for words to know why all the elected members failed to get invited to a town council initiative?” he added.

Town Clerk Fiona Mooney said the event wasn’t so much a launch,

rather a press event. Superintendent Joe McKeown, who was head of the Kilrush garda district at the time, was invited along for the photograph opportunity.

“They have been live since Decem- ber,” she said.

She pointed out that councillors were sent a letter, in the aftermath of the event taking place, apologising that they weren’t invited.

Cllr Sweeney replied, snubbed, living in the area.”

Ms Mooney said there was no in- tention to snub anybody and mem- bers will be sent press releases in advance of future events.

Cllr Tom Prendeville said he was

“IT felt

asked by locals in the town why he had “kept away” from the opening, after photographs of the event ap- peared in the local media.

He said he accepted that the town clerk is “‘a busy lady” and that she did not intend to cause offence.

“It 1s very important that public representatives would be _ treated with the utmost of respect. I know it was an oversight. It appeared as if we stayed away,” he said.

Cllr Tom Clyne (Ind) said, “It was a bit embarrassing to be deputy mayor and not be invited, but sure we will get over it. It was an oversight.”

Cllr Sweeney then said he accepted it was an oversight.

A KILRUSH town councillor has called for the embargo on recruit- ment under the FAS Job Initiative Scheme to be lifted.

Councillor Tom Clyne (Ind) said that 15 people in Kilrush, who are employed under the scheme, have grave concerns regarding the future of the project.

The programme provides full-time employment for people over 35, who are unemployed for five years or more, and in receipt of social welfare payments over that period.

The main purpose of the pro- gramme is to assist long-term un-

employed people, in preparation for work opportunities, through train- ing.

Basic work carried out under the scheme includes grass cutting, stone building, litter gathering, flower pot- ting and bedding and painting.

“We recently lost two employees from the scheme and now the viabil- ity of the scheme is a great concern to the employees who remain on it. If it is the Government’s plan to phase out this scheme, it will have a knock- on effect on the extended families of the 15 people who stand to lose their jobs,” said Cllr Clyne.

“Over a long number of years, Kilrush has encountered social and

economic decline in the form of population loss and erosion of its in- dustrial and service base. Kilrush is now suffering from considerable so- cial disadvantage in the form of high unemployment,’ he added.

He pointed out that despite these negatives, the town is progressive, mainly due to the input from FAS over the past number of years.

“It still has considerable poten- tial to develop through the people employed on the Job Initiative Pro- eae 00000 ComMmN OLomnCT-BLOD

“IT am asking you as a council for help and support to change the proc- ess regarding the recruitment under the FAS scheme,” added the council-

oe

Councillor Tom Prendeville (FF) endorsed this fellow councillor’s motion.

“FAS have been very good over the years, with the Tidy Towns, the Walled Garden and the maintenance of local cemeteries etc,” he said.

“FAS stood by the Council and the people of Kilrush in the very dark days. The hand of FAS is every- where. We wouldn’t have the Vande- leur Walled Garden, were it not for FAS,” he said.

He proposed that a copy of Cllr Clyne’s motion be sent to all County Councillors, along with Junior Min- ister Tony Killeen.

GENEROUS support from surround- ing parishes as well as the home par- ish, and from parents, staff, students and businesses has culminated in the blessing and formal opening of St John Bosco Community College oratory in Kildysart.

The formalities were conducted by Bishop of Killaloe Willie Walsh who congratulated all concerned with the undertaking which he said will ben- efit generations to come. Its use for class Masses and other liturgical and spiritual exercises was warmly wel- comed. The facility is to be perma- nently open to students and staff.

Fergus Costello, the liturgical art- ist, designed a plan for the room at an estimated cost of €12,000. A fund- raising campaign, explains college chaplain and teacher Deirdre Con-

vey, was launched right away and “got wonderful support”.

A tabernacle carved from bog oak, a Madonna and Child, the crucifix and a water feature form the main focus points of the sacred space.

While the college’s building plans included the oratory at the start of construction a few years ago, there was no cash from the Department of Education and Science for furnish- ing or other equipment.

Students took a prominent part in the special liturgy devised for the blessing ceremony, which was devised by Deirdre Convey and at- tended by teachers, students, parents, board of management members, priests from the catchment parishes, Salesian sisters and people from the local community and surrounding parishes.

John Kelly spoke words of wel-

come, while Bernie McNelis was soloist. Caitriona Coffey played the harp and Laoise Sutton the concer- tina. Emer Greene delivered a piece titled “The Dream’, Caitriona Mc- Mahon read intercessions and Emer McCarthy a series of blessings.

Six students representing the catch- ment parishes led a candlelight pro- cession that preceded Bishop Walsh to the oratory for its blessing. They were Marion McMahon, Kildysart; Conor Mullins, Lissycasey-Ballyna- cally; Laoise Sutton, Cranny-Cool- meen; Brid O’Connell, Labasheeda- Kilmurry McMahon; Aoife Smith, Ennis, and Laura Daly, Clarecastle- Ballyea.

Bishop Walsh said that setting aside a special space in a school or college was a “very strong statement about the ethos and values system to which the academy subscribes”.

Marion Coughlan Flynn, college principal, said that the finalisation of the room that was now the oratory proper “was due principally to Deir- dre Convey who travelled Munster to see other oratories and eventually choose Fergus Costello, the liturgi- cal artist, having been so impressed with his work that she had seen at first hand. He has now done a mar- vellous job in the college”.

She especially thanked all who had contributed to various fund-raising events to get the oratory furnished and completed. They now had a very special place to withdraw and reflect.

FURTHER consultation between residents and Clare County Council will be required before Clarecastle will have its playground.

Residents are again to be consulted in order to identify the most accept- able site for the construction of a playground.

Opposition still exists to two sites – the People’s Park and Church Drive – identified in a surveyors report.

An area to the rear of Madden’s Terrace was also ruled out due its proximity to the river.

The April meeting of councillors in the Ennis Electoral Area also heard no land available either side of a sec-

tion of the N18 bypass.

Describing the exhaustive debate Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said “*“We are smothered with consultation. Ye’re playing out half and flyhalf with this, passing the buck”.

Catherine Early, Clare County Council, outlined to members the concerns of residents.

She said, “We have been told there is no NRA land available near the bypass. Any unused land would be sold back with the first offer going to people who previously owned the land. The north side we have been told is a flood plain, the south side is a water course. Towards the left there is no land available. Regarding the People’s Playground there seems

to be problems regarding access and the height of the adjacent wall. There are issues of safety and public liabil- ity. We were told that there is a cer- tain level of harassment when people VEstoam A bom O)-0 8 Oe

The secluded location of the Park was identified as another safety con- cern. Local councillor Bernard Han- rahan (FF) stated residents would be opposed to siting the playground in a green area near Church Drive.

“That is the only green space in that area. I wouldn’t be in favour of it. It’s used now by kids to play hurl- ing and football. If it that was built up it would lead to people congregat- ing there and noise”’.

Fellow Clarecastle councillor Joe

Carey (FG) suggested the compila- tion of a list of all publicly owned sites in the area.

Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) said, “Church Drive could be progressed through siting and design and good consultation with the neighbour- hood”.

Cllr Peter Considine (FEF) said. ‘There has to be visibility and com- promise. People will always find problems. If the wall is the only problem that is easily got rid of”.

Town Manager Tom Coughlan called for a timetable to be estab- lished and for one of the proposals to be put forward for public consul- tation under the Part VIII planning DEO TE

in Glor from April 23 to 26. This is Wil- liams’ third play and was commis- sioned and originally produced by Galway’s Druid Theatre Company in 1999.

The story is set in a rural post of- fice in west Clare where the old tel- ephone exchange has just been dis- connected.

It tells the story of the postmaster Jim and his wife Katherine, who were enthusiastic amateur ballroom dancers in their youth and their three

children who are now left the fam- ily nest.

The play explores the connections, dreams and love between family members and promises to be a real treat for local audiences.

Bernie Harten, Ennis Players PRO said the group were eager to show- case the work of a local writer.

“It was a play our director Mike Scanlon had read recently and he felt it was something we could do. It’s a really sad story but a nice story at the same time. We decided to do it fora change because we haven’t done that many local authors”.

The Way You Look Tonight is di- rected by Mike Scanlon, who di- rected Ennis Players first ever All- Ireland winning production, Alan Ayckbourn’s Round and Round the

Garden in 1995.

The lead roles of Jim and Kather- ine are played by established per- formers Geraldine Greene and Hugh Gallagher. For Geraldine in _par- ticular, the role of Catherine posed a unique acting challenge, as Bernie explained.

“All plays are different in their own way. This one is quite difficult for Geraldine as her character is an invalid so she can’t move around the stage. In her mind, Catherine keeps remembering her youth when she was ballroom dancer. There are flashbacks back to when Jim and Catherine were young so that was another challenge”’.

The past number of years has been a roller-coaster ride for Ennis Play- ers, having represented Ireland at

the International Festival of Drama in Monaco with Geraldine Greene’s production of

SK YCOURT management has decid- ed to defer planned parking charges, which had been expected to be re- introduced in July.

The announcement is the latest move on the ongoing twist into pay parking. Barriers were placed at the entrance to the surface carpark last year. Following representations by local traders – who argued that they were an inconvenience to shoppers – these barriers were removed last Oc- tober. SkyCourt management pointed out at the time that parking for the first two hours would continue to be free of charge, until July 1.

However, SkyCourt has now stated that parking charges for the first two hours has been deferred and Sky- Court is working on significant plans which will improve shopping choice ANNO MIE DUCA

“Until such time as these develop- ments are advanced further, we have decided to defer the introduction of the planned parking charges on July Ist,’ said SkyCourt Manager, Pat ea

The existing pay-and-display system will continue to operate. The first two hours are free, in both the surface and multi-storey car parks. Customers who park for longer than two hours will continue to be liable for a charge

of <1 per hour. Meanwhile, SkyCourt has _§an- nounced that three new businesses will open at the shopping mall. Two of the three are restaurants and the third is a traditional Chinese medi- cine shop, Herbmedic, which has just opened its doors. The restaurants are Apache pizza and the Royal Dorbar Indian restau- rant. Apache will open in mid-May, and will employ eight people, while the Indian restaurant will open in June, also with a staff of eight. Mr Kelly said that the shopping cen- tre is currently engaged in negotia- tions regarding other shops and out- lets and he expects a number of other significant announcements shortly. The franchisee of Apache is Paki- stan-born Jimmy Ajmal who came to Ireland in [997 to study at the Shan- non School of Hotel Management. When he graduated in 2001, he joined the hotel industry and worked for five years with the Lynch Hotel Group at Breatfy House Hotel in Castlebar and the West County Hotel in Ennis. The 50-seat Royal Dorbar restau- rant will specialise in Indian ethnic foods. Director Anowar Haq Iqbal already operates a very successful sister restaurant at the Cornmarket in Limerick. It will be located upstairs between Supermacs and Shannon Gahan

SUNDAY’S road fatalities once again highlighted the number of road deaths occurring in the west Clare area. Tragically, the deaths of Eoin Glynn and Shane Donnellan bring to six the number of people killed in road ac- cidents in Clare since the start of the year. Four of the six deaths occurred on west Clare roads. Add this to the

fact that five of the county’s nine road casualties last year occurred in west Clare and the picture is particularly bleak. Nine road deaths in one area of the county over a 12-month period are far more than should be faced by local CLoyenvenlereple lee

The carnage is spread throughout the area. Communities in Lissycasey, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Kildysart, Killimer and Kilkee have mourned losses due to

road fatalities over the past 12 months.

Ironically, Sunday’s smash came al- most a year to the day since Sean Gal- lagher (71) was killed after he got out of his car at the Boree Log in Lissy- casey. That accident occurred on Mon- day, April 17, 2006.

A young Dublin man, Stephen O’Reilly (24), was killed in Kilkee in the early hours of January 29, while pensioner Tom Haugh (69) died as a

result of an accident in which his car was involved in a collision at Carrow- dotia, Killimer, on March 27.

The roads in west Clare are not alien to particularly harrowing cases of mul- tiple road fatalities. In October 2003, the community of Carrigaholt was forced to come to terms with the deaths of two young girls, Stacey Haugh (16) and Lorna O’Mahony (13). The girls died instantly when the car a young

Galway man was driving crashed into a wall, at Moyarta, on the road between Kilkee and Carrigaholt.

Tragedy on the double also struck in May 2005, when an accident in Quilty claimed the lives of Thomas Pender and David McCarthy (18). The car Mr Jo ele(o um eRO NU AAU OToam OUI Mrs Mats: 00 mm DOME HET e early hours of the morning. Mr Mc- Carthy, of Seafield, Quilty, was a front Seat passenger.

A 21ST birthday celebration ended in tragedy as two friends lost their lives in a horrific road smash close to Kilmihil in the early hours of Sun- CEMA

Eoin Glynn (21) from Shanaway, Miltown Malbay and Shane Donnel- lan (17), from Kilmore, Knock, were OU UTSTOMA YG ateseMmUsComm Vc OMBEO MUON Ce OM D SAY were travelling veered out of con- trol. It hit a ditch, before crossing the road and plunged into a field close to Goldburn Bridge, on the main Ennis/ Kilrush road, shortly before 5am.

The other two occupants of the car – Enda O’Leary (24), from Kilmihil and Mike Morrissey (20), from Kil- murry McMahon – sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to hos- pital. Mr O’Leary sustained multiple fractures to his leg while Mr Morris- sey sustained serious internal inju- ries and was taken to Limerick Re- gional Hospital where his condition is described as serious.

The four had attended a friend’s 21st birthday party in Knock earlier that night and were understood to have been travelling from Kilmihil, in the direction of Knock, when trag- Ohana (ele

The young men had gone home to Kilmihil after the 21st party and de- cided to venture out again at a later stage. Gardai say none of the four

men — who were all in the front of the van — were wearing seatbelts. Shane Donnellan is survived by his parents, Tommy and Jenny and young brother Thomas. He was edu-

cated locally in Killimer and was working in Dublin.

Eoin Glynn is the only son of Michael and Una Glynn. He has three younger sisters, Tara, Lisa and

Deirdre. His parents returned home at the weekend after a short break overseas. The heartbreaking loss of young Eoin follows a recent serious illness suffered by a family member.

The scene of the crash was exam- ined by the forensic accident exam- iner and gardai are waiting his re- eke) ay

The van travelled a distance of 180 metres from where it went out of control, to the point where it stopped. Emergency services spent a consid- erable amount of time at the scene of the crash on Sunday morning and the road was closed for most of the day.

Superintendent Noel Clarke is ap- pealing for anyone who may have seen the black Volkswagen trans- porter van in the lead-up to the ac- cident to come forward.

“We are hoping that people will come forward, people who may have been travelling on that road between 4.45am and 4.50am,” he said.

Those who knew the two young men say they were well regarded and were hard workers.

Kilmurry McMahon parish priest Fr John Kelly said everybody’s thoughts were with the families of the young men.

“It is a very sad time for the fami- lies and for the entire community that these young men were killed in such an accident” he said.