Month: June 2007

A CONVERTED vintage World War One Dodge truck will be the centre- piece of the largest music festival to hit Ennis in years.

The Amazen music festival takes over the Showgrounds on July 21 when some of the biggest names in Irish music and international dance come to town.

Among the bands already con- firmed are the Undertones, the Walls, the Revs and local heroes Bushplant.

Dance fans are also well catered for with DJs from the four corners of the globe already confirmed.

Among the names set to rock the showgrounds are Dutch duo JP and

Lady Dana, Finland’s DJ Proteus and all the way from Australia Dr Wil- lis.

The vintage Red Bull owned truck has been converted into a fully equipped DJ booth. The station will be manned by a host of top foreign and local DJs from early to late.

Complementing the outdoor DJ booth will be an indoor dance arena and outdoor live stage area.

There will also be performances from motorbike exhibitions special- ists Trialstar. Live drummers will play alongside traditional musicians and break dancers in what is one of the most diverse festivals of the Irish summer.

Organisers say the event is an ideal

family day out with plenty to see and do for young children including bouncy castles and go-karting.

The bar area will be restricted to over 18s only while there will also be an on-site food court available for anyone needing to re-fuel.

Those travelling to the festival can leave their cars in the parking facili- ties provided at the Clare Mart from where a bus service will shuttle festi- val goers to the Showgrounds.

The arduous task of co-ordinating and bringing AMF to life falls to three men, Gabriel Moloney, Kevin Mulqueen and Eric McNamara.

DJ and promoter Gabriel Molo- ney is banking on the festivals di- verse make up to attract big summer

crowds to Ennis.

He said, “We’ve had great feedback from all over the county about who’s playing and the people coming over. There’s never been a festival in Clare like this before. The response has been good. The fact that there is so many different things, drumming, live bands, exhibitions, 1s what make it such a unique festival”.

LABOUR councillor Tony McMa- hon’s year-long term comes to an end tonight, when he is expected to be succeeded by Cllr Sean McLough- lin (FG), at Shannon Town Council’s Annual General Meeting.

After enduring a busy year as ca- thaoirleach, Cllr McMahon believes that, looking ahead, the future of the airport and the development of Shan- non town will be priorities.

“T am glad the problem at the air- port has resolved. I’m glad there is a positive outcome for Shannon, relat- ing to the restructuring. Many chal- lenges lie ahead,” he said.

“The biggest challenge now is the fact there is a possibility of a new town structure with a proper street- scape. That is one of the biggest challenges, that people would en- gage in that and get it right. I have asked the planners and the people of Shannon have a degree of pride in it. It will be difficult to achieve,” he ac- knowledged.

“IT am also anxious to see an arts centre being built. It is one of the missing things in Shannon,’ said Cllr McMahon, who has been a town councillor for the past eight years.

Cllr McMahon reflects on a busy year aS mayor and was particularly pleased to have played a crucial role

in raising money, through the May- or’s Ball. That money went to Clare Haven, which provides support for female victims of domestic abuse, something he feels strongly about.

When he pledged the money to Clare Haven last February, Cllr Mc- Mahon said he was shocked to hear some of the tales from victims of do- mestic abuse.

He said it was “very sad that such a service is needed at all. Domestic incidents are sad and terrible”.

He had viewed a presentation by Clare Haven and found it “not just enlightening, but shocking”.

“Some of the things I heard were beyond belief,” he said.

On a more positive note, he said that he enjoyed many things about his year as mayor.

“There were a lot of high points. I was pleased with the Mayor’s Ball. I was also glad we had an Easter Com- memoration and celebrated the 25th birthday of the town council.

“Going to France with the Twin- ning Association gave me the oppor- tunity to promote Shannon overseas, while I got to talk to a lot of people and promote Shannon during the trip to America for St Patrick’s Day.”

‘“T have enjoyed it. It was challeng- ing in ways. It was a great privilege and honour and was fulfilling,” he Sr BKOE

A GROUP of young Danish people will visit Sixmilebridge next week, as part of a cultural exchange with locals.

The group of 56 young people and nine leaders will travel from Had- erslev and will spend five days with families in Sixmilebridge and Kil- TOU AA

They will be treated to local per- formances in hurling and camogie, while they will get the opportunity to travel around the county.

They are scheduled to visit Bunrat- ty Folk Park, John’s Castle in Limer- ick, while a trip to the sights in north Clare should take in Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves.

An exchange has been ongoing be- tween Sixmilebridge and Haderslav since 1988. Last year, 45 members of the Sixmilebridge variety group spent nine days in Denmark, where

they enjoyed a major festival and mingled with locals.

One of the organisers of the ex- change in Sixmilebridge, Kevin O’ Loughlin, is hopeful that the event will pave the way for a twinning be- tween the two areas.

“An unofficial twinning has been taking place between the two ar- eas since 1988. Next year will be 21 years and we hope to formalise it in some way and maybe look at a for- mal twinning,” he said.

“We will be trying to give those who arrive here a flavour of Irish culture, including Irish dancing. We are also putting on a camogie match and we will give them the chance to participate in camogie and hurling,” he said.

“The important thing is that they spend time with families and en- joy the Irish lifestyle,” added Mr O’ Loughlin.

Over the years, several trips to Den-

mark have been enjoyed by members of the Sixmilebridge variety group. Many members of the group have visited Haderslav on a number of occasions, such was their love of the people and the place.

“The main benefits that come out of this are the lasting friendships. The bond is not just a five day won- der, but a lot of solid friendships are formed,” said Mr O’Loughlin.

The group will arrive in Sixmile-

THE principal of an all-Irish pri- mary school in Shannon, which has held classes in prefab buildings for 23 years, has said the accomodation situation is no longer acceptable.

Gaelscoil Donncha Rua was one of 176 school inspection reports pub- lished nationally by the Department of Education and Science last week.

The report concluded that the school – which has 54 pupils – pro- vides a positive learning environ- ment, although a lack of storage space presents a clutter problem.

The report acknowledged that frustration has been expressed by those involved with the school, due to the lack of progress in relation to the provision of a permanent school Sea bCeae cen

“The board has been for many years in consultation with the build- ing section of the department in re- gard to the provision of a permanent school structure. Board members expressed considerable frustration at the lack of progress emanating from these discussions,” it stated.

It also pointed out that the absence of storage space and the limitations of the prefabricated classrooms have resulted, in certain instances, in the creation of a cluttered learning en- vironment. It advocated the use of free-standing and mobile furniture, which would facilitate the storage of materials.

The principal of the school, Ea- monn Bromell said he is still holding O)UI MN Ko) oles went-VilovelMmoleun(ennetce

‘Twenty-three years in prefab ac- commodation is not acceptable. We

received a verbal assurance from the department in 2000 that we would be given a permanent building. They did a u-turn the following year,” said Mr Bromell.

“The board of management is still hopeful the department will recon- sider,” he said.

The report included a number of key recommendations, including that the board of management become more proactive in terms of its leadership and management of the school; that all school plans and policy documen- tation be fully and comprehensively reviewed, while it also stressed that the need to provide administrative support be immediately addressed.

The report also noted that the school currently provides official documen- tation only in the English language and should do so in Irish, given that

itis an Irish medium school.

The school was founded in 1984 and after moving from home to home, it found a base, adjacent to the leisure centre, in 1990.

The school, which has three teach- ers – along with a shared special needs teacher – was destroyed by fire in 2000 and while its records were lost, it has, nevertheless, prevailed.

The report also suggested that the board of management should look at shaping the longer term future direction of the school. This would include planning for a permanent school building.

“The report was positive. It high- lighted that the standard of education in the school was high, with a fam- ily atmosphere and the children very happy,’ said the school principal.

THE young students attending a primary school in Shannon were in celebratory mode last week, as they scooped a prestigious environmental AMEN ROR

St Senan’s national school won the Discover Primary Science Award of Excellence, for the promotion of Sci- ence in schools.

The initiative was set up by the De- partment of Education and the INTO to promote science in schools and re-

warded the schools which were seen to have made the best efforts.

The third and fourth class students worked under the auspices of their teacher Miss Murphy, in showing an interest 1n science.

The award was won after the judg- es took a variety of criteria into ac- count. These included a number of projects, including the construction of a lighthouse with circuit boards; and the overall promotion of science in the school.

School principal Sally O’Neill

said everyone was delighted with the award, which follows the Green Schools flag won by the school last year.

“It is a bonus for the school and is the first time we have won such an award. Hopefully we will now retain the green flag next year, when trans- port will be the theme. Most of it was for work based on science,” she said.

“This was all about everyday sci- ence, making a lighthouse and about sound and how it travels.”

“There are a lot of initiatives in

place to support science in schools now and there is an overall greater awareness of science,’ added Ms O’ Neill.

She said that children at the school were eager to participate 1n various science events.

“They are all full of interest . . jumping out of their seats to get in- volved,” she laughed.

Students Jamie Mulcahy, Jane Sol Datkina and Killian Doody accepted the award on behalf of the students of the school last week.

HIGH Jinks fit for a high king is the fare on offer as plans are finalised for this year’s Brian Boru festival in Kil- laloe.

Among the highlights of this year’s festival will be the magical parade, on a theme of myth and legend, the fireworks show and a circus ex- travaganza with the Galway circus Ke) (elm

The festival will be launched on July 4, with a fun table quiz and Thursday night sees the return of the popular talent show at the Kincora Hall hotel.

The show has launched many tal- ented performers into the world of composing and performing their

own material.

After a ‘Reeling back the years’ show, serious rivalries will take cen- tre field at the hurling tournament between Ballina and Killaloe. The small entry fee will go to charity.

On Saturday, youngsters will en- joy the Beat on the Street and in the evening the excellent Bradd Pitt Or- Teer ENA

On Saturday, it’s the children’s turn with an art competition and CELT will be giving workshops on basket weaving and other crafts.

Also on Saturday, the Galway Cir- cus Project will be performing in the big top and in an unusual twist, they will be teaching youngsters circus skills such as juggling.

The US choir, Spirit Song will be

singing at Mass on Saturday evening and afterwards they will be taking to the stage for a performance.

And the zany comedy duo, the Fan- Zini Brothers are also giving a per- formance.

The day will wrap up with a fabu- lous fireworks display.

All day Saturday and Sunday there will be canoe polo on the river and an open Feis at the GAA Field. The very popular farmers market will be on the go both days and the raft races will take place on Sunday this year.

There will also be a pub music trail and an art trail, involving works from thirty artists in the shops, restaurants and pubs.

John Grimes, chairman of the festi- val committee, said that the plans for

this year’s event promise to make it one of the best festivals yet.

‘“We’ve got a great line up this year and all we’re hoping for now is good weather. But there will be lots to do, inside and out so we’re keeping our fingers crossed.”

As well as being great fun, the fes- tival is big business for the town and thousands of visitors come to the lakeside setting every year for the events.

Last year, upwards of 5,000 people visited during the festival.

A RAILING which will stop impetu- ous youngsters from darting out un- der the wheels of cars has become a critical need in an east Clare estate.

Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald has called on county council officials to step in and erect railings between Thorn- brook Estate and the main Athlunk- ard Road.

At a recent local area meeting, Cllr Fitzgerald said that youngsters are regularly hoping out on to the main

road as a shortcut to the shops.

“The developer is reluctant to have this railing erected. I feel that Clare County Council should erect a rail- ing and furnish the bill for the total cost to the developer. The residents have had to wait long enough for this matter to be sorted. Local Gardai are aware that this is frequently used by youths as a quick exit onto the main road. It is only a matter of time be- fore somebody is injured,’ the coun- cillor said.

Councillor Fitzgerald said that he

has been asking for something to be done to make the situation safer for a long period and felt his only option to secure action was to make an of- ficial request by way of a motion for the local area meeting.

In an official written reply to the councillor’s motion, a senior council official said that as the development is not yet in public charge, the matter is the responsibility of the developer.

“T will endeavour to have them complete the section of missing rail- ing as soon as possible.

However, I am aware of the prob- lem there and indeed have received correspondence from the Gardai myself on this matter. The fact that it bounds a busy regional road is a concern. Accordingly, I have sought prices on the completion of the 50m section approx. of railing. I will dis- cuss with my colleagues in planning enforcement and if itis in order to do so, and funding permitting, I will ar- range for the erection of the railings in the near future,’ the official said.

AN OUTING involving 27 members of one family would be a big enough deal if the family were going down

the road for a picnic.

But 80-year old Eileen Springer from the US took the family outing concept to a whole new level when she brought the clan back to Cratloe, Galway and Kerry to revisit the fam- ily roots.

The Chicago octogenarian has wanted to give her family a gift of joining her on a trip to Ireland for

many years, her daughter in law Kit- ty Springer explained.

“This is something my mother in law has wanted to do for a long time. There’s so many of us that the easiest thing to do was to hire a bus to bring us all around,” said Kitty.

The party is made up of several generations, consisting of Eileen’s six children, their spouses and a gag- gle of grandchildren.

Eileen’s father, Patrick Cherry came from Cratloe and her great- erandfather from Galway, so the grand Springer tour started in Crat- loe last week.

“Her father, Patrick, came to the US in 1924 to become a priest but left before taking his final vows. He met and married Elileen’s mother in New York and the rest is history,’ said Kitty.

This trip was Kitty’s third visit to Ireland but she hadn’t been here for 33 years.

‘| have many cousins here and now this time, there were two new gen- erations to meet.”

The Springer family on tour visited east Clare, Galway, Kilkenny and the Dingle Penninsula, Kitty explained.

“We even got to kiss the Blarney

stone – you can imagine how much noise there was after that with 27 of us all gabbing away.”

The week-long visit finished with a visit to Bunratty Castle where the Springers enjoyed a banquet and me- dieval entertainment before flying home via Shannon.

ARTISTS may endlessly search for their muse but this month, Clare County Council is searching for art- ists.

The local authority has announced that it is currently seeking applica- tions from artists for places at the award-winning ‘Tulla Stables Stu- dios.

“The Tulla Stables Studios is an ideal studio resource for artists of all disciplines,” stated Ms Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare Arts Officer.

“It comprises of six studios each with power and water, four with a mezzanine for storage, an exhibi- tion/workshop spaces, toilets and showers. Provision has been made for broadband in each of the studios. The facility is alarmed and has pri-

vate parking.”

The original building was bought by Clare County Council in 1950 and had been used as a store until it was restored and developed into an arts facility by the Arts Office of Clare County Council with support from Clare County Council and the De- partment of Arts, Sports and Tour- ihe0e

Tulla-based architect Siobhan Mulcahy was the design leader on the Tulla Stables Studios project, which was constructed by local con- struction firm Matthew Sheedy & Company.

In January of this year, the devel- opment was named the ‘Best Public Building’ in Ireland. The title was bestowed on the studio at the an- nual Local Authority Members As- sociation (LAMA) awards hosted by

RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan. The Tulla Studio was nominated alongside Cork University Maternity Hospital, Longford Court House, Erasmus Smith House in Tipperary, Johnston’s Central Library in Cavan and Lady Lane Library in Water- ford.

“The Tulla Stables Studios has played a crucial role in keeping art and, more importantly, artists in the local community,” stated Ms Mulc- ree

Commenting on the invitation of applications from artists wishing to take up residency at the studios, she stated, “Interested artists are being given until July 6 2007 to submit their applications. Artists must sub- mit a current CV and a typed cover letter including the proposed use of the studio or gallery/workshop

space, any specific requirements they may have in terms of equipment, the length of time the studio is sought for, and any proposed community involvement or projects.”

Studios will be let initially from September 3, 2007 for a 12-month period. All applications will be placed before an independent selec- tion committee who will make rec- ommendations on the allocation of studios to artists. Final approval of allocations rests with Clare County Council.

Applications should be submitted to: “Tulla Stables Application’, The Arts Office, The County Library, Mill Road, Ennis.

Further information is available from the Clare Arts Office at tel: 065 6846267, fax: 065 6842462 or ema1l: arts @clarelibrary.1ie.

CLARE is the most supportive county and the Burren one of the most inspiring sites for writers, ac- cording to an author who will soon bring a unique writing course to north Clare.

Irene Graham, from Wicklow, has been running courses since estab- lishing The Creative Writer’s Work- shop in 1991 and the Burren is one of three places that she brings aspiring writers to.

Her next retreat course will run in The Burren College of Art from July 7 to 10 and she explained why her techniques are particularly success- ful in helping people to write.

“The courses are based on right brain/left brain learning, which is very powerful and helps to show people how to tap into creativity and imagination. We also look at the el- ements of storytelling. You have to know the rules before you can break them and the course helps you to think like a writer.”

She added that the idyllic north Clare setting is very inspiring and attracts a lot of people from other countries as well as budding writers from Ireland.

“It is a great setting and partici- pants have ranged from 20 to 80 years old. Clare is great and so many people are interested in it. Siobhan Mulcahy is an excellent Arts Officer and the book festival in Ennis early next year 1s going to be a very noted event too.”

Several former students of Ms Gra-

ham, who studied creative writing in Los Angeles, have gone on to get work published.

“A girl I taught years ago has just had three books accepted by Mills and Boon and another student now has a Hollywood literary agent but a lot of people might just keep journals or want to leave a memoir for their family. Not everyone wants to write a bestseller.”

Further information is available on 086 2523428 or at Wwww.thecreative- writersworkshop.com.