Month: June 2007

A PROJECT which has had a quiet existence in Shannon for the past 40 years was introduced to the wider community in the town last week.

The Sheltered Community Work- shops provide people with intellec- tual mental disabilities with an outlet that they would not otherwise have.

Through the project, hundreds of people – whose ages vary from 39 to 70 – work in a socially inclusive training environment, at the Indus- trial Estate in Shannon. They hail from all over the Munster region.

The group has been in existence for four decades, but has gone un- noticed by much of the community in Shannon, during that time.

Last week its co-ordinators decided to introduce the group and its work to the local community, through an open day at the Sean Lemass library in the town.

“The open day turned out very well. The aim was to get the people more involved in the community in which they live,’ said co-ordinator Martina Halpin.

‘People didn’t even know the work- shop and the disability centre was here. I was surprised by that,’ she added.

Art work, put together by members of the group, was put on display, for the open day.

Over the past 10 years, the group has mainly worked with Irish Coun- try Pottery, while some of its mem- bers have also worked in the restau- rant, located on the same premises. Their pottery is sold throughout the country and has grown in popularity in recent years.

Training, through Clare Adult Education Centre as well as through the FAS Community Employment Scheme, takes place on a regular ba- Sy

“We have done extensive training over time. The main focus of the workshops is to give people with mental intellectual disabilities an en- vironment where they feel included and it also puts something back into society, said Ms Halpin.

‘They produce the pottery here and are learning a lot at the same time,’

added Ms Halpin.

“If they didn’t have this place, they wouldn’t have any place. It is a home for them. It gives them an independ- ence,’ she said.

‘For over 40 years, the many train- ees within the workshop have seri-

ously contributed to the economic growth of Shannon town, bringing a beautiful selection of tableware, decorative lamps to the Irish and in- ternational markets,’ she added. More than 100 pieces of pottery will be displayed at the Sean Lemass

library during the month of June. These are the work of the commu- nity employment participants.

WITH the technology sector coming under increased pressure in recent months, one Clare man has bucked the trend this week by being appoint- ed to one of the most senior positions in California’s Silicon Valley. Clarecastle’s Tim Leyden last week rejoined IT giants Western Digital, and will take over as Chief Finan- cial Officer (CFO) for the company, which is the worlds second largest producer of hard disks, on Septem-

ber 1, 2007.

Fifty-five year old Leyden is a sen- ior figure in the global software sec- tor and joins Western Digital from Sage Software where he was a Senior Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer.

This is Leyden’s second time at Western Digital having previously worked there from 1983 to 2000 in a variety of different capacities. He will be joining fellow Irishman, John Coyne, at the company which has more than doubled its revenues from

$2 billion in 2000 to $4.3 billion in paul eToys

“IT am delighted to welcome Tim back to the Western Digital team and look forward to having him work closely with me in addressing the tremendous opportunities available to Western Digital as the world’s sec- ond-largest supplier of hard drives,” said Western Digital CEO, John Srey sites

‘“Tim’s deep knowledge of the com- pany, its finances and operations and the hard drive industry will be major

assets to me and to the entire West- ern Digital organisation.”

Western Digital is currently consid- ered one of the most profitable firms in Silicon Valley. In recent years it was moved from making losses of $188 million to an income of $396 million, which has swelled it invest- ments to $699 million and posting one of the IT industry’s leading re- turns on invested capital in the proc- ess.

Coyne took over as CEO last No- vember and has acted early in an-

nouncing Leyden as successor for outgoing CFO, Steve Milligan.

Leyden will serve as Executive Vice President for Finance, reporting to Milligan until September 1, but will take full control before that date should Milligan decides to leave his post earlier than planned.

After leaving Western Digital for the first time, Leyden joined Sage Software in 2001 and also worked as a management consultant to tech- nology based companies such as Pit- tiglio, Rabin, Todd and McGrath.

STUDENTS are being sought for a new course in equestrian studies to be held in Clonlara Equestrian Cen- tre as part of the educational pro- gramme for Limerick Senior Col- lege.

Course co-ordinator Sharon Tan- nian explained what the one year full time course aims to cover.

“The course will be very hands on and practical. The majority of the week will be spent at the cen- tre where students will develop and progress their horse-riding and sta- ble yard management skills. Limer- ick Senior College will be attended

for the essential science and business related modules.”

She added that the course was be- ing run is association with several equestrian bodies including the Irish Horse Board, Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE), Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) and Shannon Development.

‘The Irish Horse Board considers it vitally important that individuals involved in the horse industry have access to education and training in horsemanship and horse care. Such training would facilitate an improve- ment to the conditions and welfare of the Irish horse by providing relevant and practical training to individuals

involved with horses on a day to day basis,’ she added.

The centre’s owner, Davnet Kiern- an O’Brien, has taught horse-riding at various levels for 12 years and she will be the course’s main instructor.

‘This course will cater for students of varying horse-riding abilities. We have no set number of places- around 10 to 15 most likely for the first year. The demand for qualified instructors and staff is definitely there so we are really looking forward to starting,” she said.

Clonlara Equestrian Centre is around 5km from Limerick and all equestrian disciplines are taught there including showjumping, cross-

country and dressage.

Potential students should have Leaving Certificate or FETAC quali- fications although mature students are exempt from some requirements.

The course will begin in September and application forms are available for download on www.limericksc. ie or by phoning the college on 061 ae

LITRES of ice cream were eaten at the Old Forge in Tulla on Sunday, May 27 but it was all for a good cause as the community hosted a very successful HB Ice Cream Sun- day in aid of Down Syndrome Ire- land.

The event, among several around Clare and many nationally, was organised by local woman Maeve Mulcahy and her neighbour, Max Krauss.

“My husband’s nine-year-old niece has Down’s Syndrome and so we al- ways attended the event in Ennis so I decided it might be nice to have one locally. We applied online and printed off posters for around the village. We got a fantastic response and there was probably a couple of hundred people throughout the day from one to four o’clock.”

The Tulla Ice Cream Sunday raised nearly €900, the majority of which will go to the Clare Down Syndrome branch.

“We just put out a donations box rather than charging per ice cream and that actually raised a lot more Wer DOr. @ oe Cereb

“You never know how some- thing will go for the first time and weather-wise it was a bit dodgy but it didn’t stop people. Wveryone was very good,’ she added.

The event became a real commu- nity effort, with businesses and or- dinary people contributing.

“I have to thank a lot of people — a lot of them approached us with

help. Sla’s Powerhouse donated four crates of minerals, crisps and sweets. East Clare Bouncing Cas- tles and Circus Bouncing Castles gave us two castles free of charge. O’Hallorans Service Station gave us cones and JP O’Connor allowed us to use his land for the party. Ann Cahill helped us out too,” said Ms Mulcahy.

She said she hoped that Tulla might play host to another party next year as part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s continuing fundraising efforts.

ASPIRING gardeners and environ- mentalists can help funds to grow for Special Olympics Ireland by work- ing in the gardens of the Irish Seed Saver Association in Scariff.

The pay for every hour spent volun- teering at the 20-acre site at Capparoe will be donated to the ‘Support An Athlete’ initiative, to pay for the team’s trip to the World Summer Games in China this October.

Marketing Co-ordinator, Hilary Gleeson, said that the seeds of this inaugural scheme were planted by a part-time worker in Scariff.

‘Joe McGrath was involved with ‘Support an Athlete’ and he asked us if we would be interested in help- ing out. Over 140 athletes will travel to Shanghai in a few months so it 1s nice to give something back. We are aiming to raise around €1,000 so if we only got 10 volunteers for a day or two each, we would easily reach that target.”

She added that the association was hoping to cultivate an interest in its work as well as help a worthy cause.

‘This would be a unique opportuni- ty and a nice experience for someone to see how the organisation works. Summer is a lovely time to be out in

the gardens or orchards. They would be digging, mulching, using organic sprays, fixing beds to plant or work- ing in the poly-tunnels. Volunteers would also be learning about seeds, apple trees, soft fruit, herbs and veg- etables. They could even try some of our produce at lunch.”

There are no minimum or maxi- mum age restrictions to participate and no prior experience is needed. Volunteering hours run from Mon- day to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm.

Ms Gleeson explained that Scariff was the hub of the Irish Seed Saver Association, which works to promote organic and biodynamic farming and

preservation of seed varieties.

“The organisation has gone from strength to strength since it was founded by Anita Hayes in 1991. We acquired another 10 acres to add to our previous 10 in the last three years. We have a seed bank of 600 rare seeds and seeds from abroad, as well as lots of ‘old’ varieties of fruit and vegetables. There are other organisations saving seeds but Clare is very important in the scheme of donb enoacn

People interested 1n raising money or volunteering can contact the as- sociation on 061 921866 or, for more information, visit irishseedsavers.ie.

THE owner of a creche in Ennis has been charged with 50 offences relat- ing to the running of the business.

Before Ennis District Court on Friday was Martina Baker, of Hop- scotch Childcare and Montessor1, Quin Road, Ennis.

The case, relating to seven sum- monses, totalling 50 alleged offenc- es, 18 being brought by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The alleged offences relate to a number of separate dates between March 2006 and January 2007.

The allegations against Ms Baker include that she failed to take all reasonable measures to ensure the

health, safety and welfare of all pre- school children; that she failed to en- sure every child had a suitable means of progression and development with books, games etc, regarding his/her age and stage of development and that she failed to ensure the furniture and fittings on the premises were kept in a proper state of repair and in a hygienic condition.

Ms Baker is accused of failing to ensure there was a sufficient number of competent adults to supervise pre- school children in the service at all mb ealeKy

She is also accused of failing to ensure adequate arrangements were in place to summons medical assist- ance promptly or at all in an emer-

gency. The charge relates to a young child who allegedly suffered an in- jury. She is charged with failing to keep a record, in writing, of details of the injury.

She is also accused of failing to ensure the premises was adequately heated and failing to ensure there was sufficient nutritional and varied food available for the children.

She is facing charges of failing to ensure there was adequate and suit- able facilities for the storage, prepa- ration, cooking and serving of food, and adequate eating and washing facilities provided where food was consumed on the premises.

She is also accused of failing to en- sure suitable facilities were available

for the pre-school children to rest and play indoors and outdoors dur- ing the day.

Ms Baker is also charged of fail- ing to ensure there were adequate suitable sanitary facilities provided. She is accused of failing to ensure all waste and refuse was disposed of frequently.

The HSE’s solicitor told the court on Friday that the case, involving 17 witnesses, is expected to last two days. He said the alleged offences are under the Childcare Act. A number of professional witnesses, including two doctors, will give evidence in tem er Kor

Judge Joseph Mangan adjourned the case until later this year.

THE number of traditional family units in Clare is higher than the na- tional average, according to figures published last week. Thirty-five per cent of homes (13,393 homes) 1n the county are occupied by a husband, wife and children, which is above the national average of 32.5 per cent. Central Statistics Office figures, compiled from last year’s census, show that the traditional family unit has declined in the country’s cities since 2002. Dublin has the lowest amount of traditional families at 19.4 per cent. Just 22.2 per cent of fami-

lies in Limerick are traditional fami- lies. Meath has the highest amount, at 39.5 per cent.

The figures show that 23 per cent of homes in Clare are occupied by one person, while seven per cent of homes are occupied by cohabiting couples.

Lone mothers with children ac- count for almost nine per cent of homes, while lone fathers with chil- dren make up less than two per cent of homes. The majority of lone par- ents live with their children, while a small number live with children and other persons.

Three per cent of homes in Clare

are occupied by people (non-cohabit- ing) who are not related to each other. There are 38,210 private households in the county with a_ population of 106,683. The average number of peo- ple in houses in Clare is 2.79.

More people live in rural Clare than in urban parts of the county. 64,804 people live in private house- holds in rural Clare, with 41,879 in towns. There are 22,765 house units in rural Clare, with 15,445 in urban parts of the county.

The figures show that almost three per cent of couples who cohabit do not share with anyone else, while four per cent of cohabiting couples

share with children or others.

8,812 houses in Clare are occupied by just one person, while 5,839 are shared by a husband and wife. Cohab- iting couples account for 1,399 homes, lone mothers with children account for 3,108 homes, while lone fathers with children live in 598 houses.

668 homes in Clare are occupied by a husband and wife with children and other persons.

SW aleom ercabeuoxmcs ee) \Aler:IMNelsKem-VRem~nOL. private houses in temporary housing units in Clare. 121 of those are oc- cupied by husband and wives with children, 91 by one person and 30 by husbands and wives.

A JUDGE has expressed the view that the State has failed a young man who requires treatment for drug ad- diction, but has not received it.

Gerard O’Connor (18), of Chapel Street, Killaloe, has pleaded guilty to more than 20 charges, including burglary and criminal damage of various business premises in Kil- laloe between September 2006 and February 2007.

When he appeared in court last month, he was refused bail amid fears from a judge he would re-offend. Defending solicitor Daragh Hassett

said his client had been in custody in Limerick prison for a fortnight.

‘He is prepared to stay in Limerick prison and hopefully take up a place in in-house residential in autumn,” he said. “He 1s agreeing to comply with the Probation report and stay in cus- tody. It is hoped he will get a place NOW aWAONODOM EN aUllcAUNc mmr My oLeeaFDURIMUUODL for young people. He is prepared to stay in custody on the basis he will get the help,” he said.

Judge Joseph Mangan said he would no longer penalise the young ner-VO MAUD MN Elo) m

“It is unsatisfactory this treatment is not available. I’m not willing to

penalise him further. We will see on the 20th of July,” said the judge.

Inspector Michael Gallagher said, “We all agree he needs treatment.”

The judge replied, “It appears to me the State is failing him.”

Mr Hassett said, “He has been promised assessment in Il weeks time and he has decided to stay where he is. That’s assessment, not treatment. It isn’t good enough in this day and age.”

The judge remanded him to appear bOmecel vou mm pOmULEUR YA

A MAN has appeared in court, charged with robbery at knifepoint in Ennis.

Frank Hassett, of Clancy Park, En- nis, was arrested last week, and 1s charged with the alleged offence.

Ennis District Court was told that Hassett was found in possession of a knife last Monday, May 28.

Garda Stephen Hession said that a

file was being prepared for the DPP and further charges are likely.

The court was told it was alleged that the accused threatened and robbed €400 from a man at knitfe- point.

Inspector Michael Gallagher said, “I think the people of Ennis need some kind of protection.”

Defending solicitor Daragh Has- sett said it was accepted that his cli- ent had a problem with alcohol and

orae reas

“Up to quite recently he was on the wagon and he fell off the wagon in spectacular fashion,” he said.

He said his client had a very bad skin disease which deteriorated when he went to jail and also had psychiatric difficulties.

“Orders made in the Circuit Court as to what attention he should get were more neglected than adhered to.

“He does need help. He will not get the help in Limerick prison,” he rH lee

“Td ask that the court to allow him to be released, to get the treatment that he needs,” said the solicitor.

Judge Joseph Mangan said the al- legation was serious.

He remanded the accused in cus- tody with consent to bail, on the accused’s own bond of €5,000, along with an independent surety of

€5,000 and cash of €5,000.

He imposed bail conditions, in- cluding that the accused abide by a curfew, reside at home, sign on daily at Ennis Garda Station, abstain from alcohol and stay out of pubs.

Regarding the bond of €5,000, Mr Hassett pointed out that his client came from a low income family.

The judge replied, “This is a very serious offence. This is as far as I can go to meet you.”

A SHANNON-based | pharmacist has warned Leaving and Junior Cer- tificate students of the health risks posed by exam stress.

Feidhlim Hillery of the Irish Phar- maceutical Union (IPU) said that stress could cause an increase in a number of minor ailments among students including headaches, stom- ach upsets, diarrhoea or constipation and a flare up of certain conditions Such as eczema, asthma and acne.

Long hours spent revising or cram- ming for exams can lead to insomnia as students find it difficult to switch off from exam preparation. Muscular and joint pain can result from exces- Sive time spent writing or typing on a computer. Pharmacists have issued a safe code to help students minimise some of the symptoms that can be as- sociated with minor ailments result- ing from exam stress.

“Students can be under great pres- sure at exam time and stress mani- fests itself in the body in a number of

ways, both mentally and physically. We would encourage students and/ or their parents to talk to their local pharmacist 1f they have any concerns or want to take precautions in ad- vance of the exams starting. Coping with the exams is stressful enough without the added pressure of deal- ing with uncomfortable symptoms that can be distracting and upset- ting,’ said Mr Hillery.

The code encourages students to drink plenty of water to avoid dehy- dration and to study in a well-venti-

lated room. When eating, students should take small amounts regularly and avoid eating spicy foods.

Asthma sufferers are urged to be extra vigilant and to carry an inhaler Alar V OBB BOL ehe

Those who suffer from hay fever should take steps to ensure that the condition does not flare up during their exams. The safe code advises simple precautionary measures such as keeping doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak. It also sug-

gests that sufferers apply Vaseline inside the nose to help reduce symp- Ke sene

Mr Hillery added that if stress re- sulted in ongoing problems, students should consult with their local phar- macist.

“Obviously these are just guide- lines and we would recommend a face-to-face consultation with a local pharmacist who can assess whether a student needs further medical inter- vention depending on the nature and severity of a condition.”