Month: June 2007

THE Ballyvaughan Farmers’ Market goes against the grain of mass pro- duction by selling high quality, local produce every Saturday in the town.

The market is held weekly from 10am to 2pm _ outside St John’s Hall and has gone from strength to strength since its revival three years ago by Michael Costello.

Committee member Finola Cos- tello said that the market has been set up again in the same spot as a previous one in the 1960s- making it a local institution and a strong draw for tourists.

“It runs from May to Christmas every year. Everyone supports eve-

ryone else and we all buy from each other too so it creates a great sense of community. Not all the custom- ers are from around here- you would get everyone from backpackers and visitors to farmers and people out for their morning walk. Last week, three buses full of people showed up so it just keeps getting busier. Sometimes I am selling from boxes because people arrive early.”

She added that each member’s €20 annual fee and €5 weekly fee goes into a community fund that is used for projects such as new tarmac for the hall carpark.

Each of the 22 regular stalls has something different to offer.

“We have a mix of baking, fresh

vegetables and fruit, herbs, plants, cheeses, crafts, jewellery, sauces, honey and preserves as well as re- freshments and hot food sometimes. The only condition is that you have to produce what you sell yourself and live within a 30 mile radius of the town.”

The market also has an internation- al flavour with some of its members sharing traditions from their home felts ewe

‘“There’s an American woman who makes very popular cookies and an Australian who bakes these amazing Lemington cakes, which are like a sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut. We had a girl from Thai- land last summer who made hot Thai

food. They give the market more va- riety too.”

Mrs Costello said that the commit- tee of eight are always open to new ideas and members.

“Everyone is welcome. We are hoping to add fresh and frozen meat to the list of goods in the next few years. There is no competition be- tween us and we all help to set up. It’s a great laugh and a lovely way to meet people too,” she said.

AN ‘X’ or more accurately, a cross, marks the spot in the Burren with the official launch of a community art project designed to highlight local farming and conservation issues.

The Cross Land initiative takes the form of the coppiced shape – each arm stretching 60 metres long and 1.5m wide – cut through an area of dense hazel wood just off the side of the Tubber road.

The shape was designed and creat- ed laboriously by hand by Kilnaboy based artist, Deirdre O’Mahony and volunteers as part of the Ground Up programme by the county arts of- fice.

It was launched at Cassidy’s Pub in

Carron last Saturday after a gather- ing in the Burren Research Centre and marked with the presentation of several aerial shots of the cross to lo- cal people.

“The shots had to be taken using kite photography 300 feet up be- cause the shape is only barely visible from a height on the road itself,” said Ms O’Mahony, a painting lecturer in the Galway/Mayo Institute of Tech- nology.

“The idea for the cross shape itself came from a conversation with the farmer whose land we used when he called the marginal scrubland ‘cross land’. The reference is really a part of the local vernacular so I suppose making it part of the land can sym- bolise hope.”

The Cross Land was the result of a two-year local consultation process, based at Cassidy’s, with local people and it highlights several issues ac- cording to Ms O’Mahony.

‘The original issue was the spread- ing of the scrubland and it wasn’t be- ing cleared by wild goats because of a lot of culling in the past few years but there were other factors. Another was the impact of part time farm- ing and the fact that marginal land, which used to be grave, is not any- more.”

She said that a recurring topic was the challenge faced by farmers based in a Special Area of Conservation, regulated by “so many different agencies’.

“I spoke to people and I was in Cas-

sidy’s two evenings a week. With the help of Robert and Michelle, I posted information up in a snug so it could be read by the customers. One other thing I noticed was the lack of com- munity focus because you would be lucky 1f two or three people showed up a night.”

She thanked everyone in the area and also Burren Life for their help with The Cross Land before adding, “I hope that it makes a tiny piece of the rich local knowledge and co-op- eration visible.”

IT WAS “Lights, camera, action!” for Tubber National School last Wednesday night as a five minute film made by pupils made it through to the national finals of the FIS Pri- mary Schools Film Project.

A Lesson Learned, which was about early 20th Century educa- tion, beat off stiff competition from Holy Family Senior in Ennis, Scoil Chriost Ri in Cloughleigh, Kilrush National School and Barefield Na- tional School to be the Clare winner in the competition’s fifth year.

FIS gives students and teachers

the chance to explore the school curriculum through the medium of film and Digital Video technology and winning films will compete at the National FIS Film Awards at the HELIX, Dublin City University in October.

Principal of Tubber National School, Ann Comyn said, “The stu- dents have managed to produce a wonderfully creative piece of work that should be a source of pride for them and their parents.”

She added that the screening held at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis gave the children the opportunity to celebrate and share the work they

had been doing since February.

“They thoroughly enjoyed the whole learning experience and in most cases have realised that there is a lot of hard work and planning involved in film-making.” The chil- dren took on all aspects of the film- making process including set design, music, editing and directing.

The film subjects varied and the joint first runners up were: Are You Right There Michael, a historical drama documentary on the West Clare Railway by Kilrush NS and Dear Mr Examiner, an adaptation of a sixth class poem by Scoil Chriost Nee

The project was facilitated by the Clare Education Centre in associa- tion with the Department of Educa- tion and Science and the National Film School.

“The films produced by the children demonstrate what can be achieved when creativity and modern technol- ogy are combined,” explained Brid Talty, regional schools ICT advisor at Clare Education Centre.

Ann White of the National Coun- cil for Technology Education and competition judge said that the over- all standard was exceptionally high and for Tubber National School “the journey is just beginning”’.

KILKEE is preparing for a busy end to the tourist season this summer as it plays host to one of the biggest events in the Irish music calendar.

With names like Fun Lovin’ Crimi- nals, Ocean Colour Scene, Kila, Re- public of Loose and The Blizzards confirmed for the three-day concert, businesses in the town are expecting a huge crowd.

Cois Fharraige 2007 is expected to attract up to 4,500 people every night from September 7 to 9.

Hailed as Ireland’s first surf and music festival the three-day event will also include surfing competi- tions at the picturesque Doughmore lerereKOae

Sponsored by Sony Ericsson and MCD the concert will feature live music from the best of Irish and in- ternational acts.

The music element of the festival will be staged in a Khayyam tent, with a capacity of 4,500 people each night, overlooking the Atlantic Coast in Kilkee.

Some of the three-day line up for

Cois Fharraige has been confirmed with many more acts due to be an- nounced during the coming weeks.

On Friday the Fun Lovin’ Crimi- nals, The Blizzards, Roisin Murphy and Majella Murphy will take to the Sexes

Saturday will see Ocean Colour Scene, Republic of Loose, The En- emy, 28 Costumes, and The Kinetiks take to the stage.

On Sunday Kila, Tom Baxter, Buf- falo Souljah, Delorentos, The Wom- bats, and Amy MacDonald will en- tertain the crowd.

In addition, a carnival of water sport activities will take place in Kilkee Bay over the three-day weekend.

As County Clare has fast become a Mecca for champion surfers across the globe these activities will include an official Surfing Event on Dough- more beach in Doonbeg on Saturday, September 8 in association with the West Coast Surf Club. Further de- tails for entry to the surfing event can be found on www.coistharraige. com. Tickets for Cois Fharraige Surf Festival will go on sale on Friday site. ¢ mee nce b OO

FOR the fourth year in a row the

West Clare Show has attracted world-

renowned show jumpers and horses. Among the impressive line up were

Francis Connors, Cian O’Connor and Ronan Tynan. Despite the famous names in the Grand Prix line up, the winner of the €6,000 first prize was Kilrush bred horse Sarah’s Sparky E, the mount of Tipperary man Brendan

Ryan.

Up to 3,000 people came to Tully- brack to enjoy the day with the rain obliging everyone by staying away. The last race – the Future Young Event Horse- finished at 8.30pm.

A YOUNG woman with “chronic” drug problems has admitted produc- ing broken glass in the course of as- saulting a supermarket manager in Killaloe.

Anne Marie Fitzgerald (31) a single mother-of-three, of Clarisford Estate, Killaloe admitted assaulting Antho- ny Robinson, manager of Super Valu, Killaloe on March 2, 2006.

She also pleaded guilty to produc- ing a broken bottle in the course of the assault.

Garda Pat Ryan said he was called to the scene. As he went into the shop he saw Fitzgerald strike out at Mr Robinson.

He said that another individual known to the accused had taken two bottles and left the shop without paying. As Fitzgerald was doing her shopping she saw the other individu-

al being brought back into the shop.

She then got involved and held up a piece of broken glass to Mr Robin- son, saying “Ill cut you, b*****d.”

The garda said the accused de- clined to make a statement saying she was on medication and did not remember a lot.

Fitzgerald told the court, “I accept I had a chronic drug problem. I’m with Slainte now. I go every Wednesday. Since February I haven’t touched a

drug. I’m moving out of Killaloe be- cause | feel it is my downfall.”

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said it was positive to hear that the accused was currently on a drug treatment programme.

He adjourned the case for a year and ordered her to continue with the treatment and report to the super- intendent in Killaloe every month. “This 1s very much by way of a last chance,” said the judge.

A YOUNG man who did a 360 de- eree handbrake turn in a west Clare village last week was spotted by an off-duty garda who was on his way home from work.

Declan Carmody (26) of Caher- calla Estate, Ennis, was convicted of dangerous driving, arising from an incident in Cooraclare village on Tuesday last, June 19.

Garda John Reidy told Ennis Dis-

trict Court on Friday that he was driving near the funeral home in Co- oraclare at 10.05pm. He said he saw a car “shooting” over the bridge and doing a 360 degree handbrake turn.

The car continued up the main street and overtook a vehicle which had indicated to turn right. Garda Reidy eventually caught up with the car in Kilmihil village.

Defending solicitor, Stephen Nicho- las, said his client had just returned from the UK – where he works – and

was driving a hired car.

He said Carmody accepted that his driving was “absolutely utterly un- reasonable and not acceptable.”

“He should not have done this 360 degree turn. His conduct driving through the village was not accept- able,’ said Mr Nicholas.

Carmody had initially faced two charges of dangerous driving but one O) ME Nato eo DuUoh MAE KRU li (Oleh, 20m ahaa isle SIF rer

The court was told Carmody had

been disqualified from driving in the UK courts, but his solicitor said he did not believe this resulted in a ban in Ireland.

“It wasn’t a deliberate flaunting of the law. He genuinely believed he wasn’t disqualified to drive in this country,’ said Mr Nicholas.

Judge Joseph Mangan jailed Car- mody for three months and disquali- fied him from driving for five years. He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.

the event had its second outing last Saturday and 1300 signed up with 1100 turning up at the start- ing line in Lees Road sports park.

This was a massive increase on the 750 who signed up to run, walk, jog or race a wheelchair last year.

Cork City Marathon winner Tracey Guilfoyle couldn’t take part but in- stead was the celebrity starter who fired the gun at Lees Road to send the participants out of the sports fa- cility and onto the streets of Ennis.

Once again crowds came out to cheer the participants on as they cov- ered the route either as serious com- petitors or carrying the flag to raise money for their chosen charities.

The two charities which benefited from the registration fees were Clare Haven House and the Clare Youth Service. Gerry Ryan of Galway City Harriers was the winner for the sec- ond time, crossing the finishing line in 30.25 minutes.

First woman home was Veronica Colleran of the Ennis Track Club, who came home in 37.42 minutes. It was a Second victory for Colleran.

The only wheelchair athlete com- peting was Jerry Forde from Blarney

and he came home in 51 minutes.

The deputy mayor of Clare, Coun- cillor Brian Meaney, was joined by the mayors of Shannon and Ennis, Tony McMahon and Joe Reidy. New Clare TD Timmy Dooley was one of the competitors.

One of the largest participating groups was the Clare Crusaders. 200 members turned out. All remembered the crusaders’ founder, Howard Flan- nery, who died in a tragic accident last month.

Competitors aged 8 to 80 signed up for the day out and dozens of charities and community groups will benefit. Mayor Meaney said that the event was “a fine example of what

can be achieved here in Clare’”’. Laura Lehane of

A YOUNG Kilrush man who played a role in causing damage with acid to four cars totalling €7,500 has been told he must pay compensation.

David Rodgers (19) of Willow Green, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to damaging two cars at Limekiln Road, Kilrush, and two cars outside a house at Cappa Drive, Kilrush, in the early hours of August 2 last year.

Detective Garda Oliver Downes told Ennis Circuit Court that paint stripper was used to damage the or ase

‘He admitted on the night to driv-

ing to the locations with another per- son who did the damage. He knew at all times the damage was going to be committed. He didn’t identify the other person. Mr Rodgers didn’t car- ry out the damage,” said the garda.

The court was told that two of the cars were owned by Joe Mescall, a former employer of the accused. Rodgers had worked with him for more than three years, but had been let go two weeks before this incident. Garda Downes said he had been let go “on reasonably good terms.”

The other two cars were parked outside the home of Pat O’Malley, a retired garda sergeant, who had

been stationed in Kilrush for over 30 years.

Rodgers’ barrister Michael Fitzgib- bon said that “another individual, not Mr Rodgers, was the prime instiga- tor of this particular escapade.”

He said that Rodgers and his fam- ily were “fearful” of the other person who was involved.

Mr Fitzgibbon said his client plans to move to the UK to get away from Kilrush and the person of who he was infear.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said he would have considered a suspended sentence if compensation had been ey nKee

“In the absence of compensation given the nastiness of the offence, the reality is he either faces up to the damage he did or there is only one Ol atom Wh Ole le

“If there is no compensation, he is really putting it up to me,” said the judge.

“Perhaps if I remand him in custo- dy for a week it might open his eyes to reality. Reality has got to dawn on the boy,” he said.

Mr Fitzgibbon sought a six month adjournment. The judge said he would adjourn the case for a week and granted bail. Rodgers will re-ap- pear in court today.

LEAVING the scene of a crash, tak- ing his girlfriend’s car without con- sent and then assaulting a Garda superintendent has landed an Ennis man with jail sentences totalling 22 months.

David King of Ballaghboy, Doora, in Ennis was also banned from driv- ing for a total of 20 years after his ac- tions on the night of October 15 last at Ballykinnacorra in north Corofin.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty last

week before Corofin District Court to all charges.

Judge Joseph Mangan heard from Supt Eamon Dolan that he was off duty on the night when he witnessed a hit-and-run on a car in Corofin vil- lage.

““T followed him in my car and saw the defendant pull in at a house. I approached him produced my iden- tification and told him what I had witnessed”, the superintendent told WeomeOltv am

‘He said ‘you’re not sticking that

on me’ and then struck me on the up- per lip with his forehead.”

Supt Dolan told the court that he arrested King. There was €550 worth of damage done to the other car which King had paid and the court heard he had also apologised in person to Supt Dolan.

King’s solicitor, Catriona Carmo- dy, said that her client had a chronic alcohol problem, which he is now CCN Daremaysleee

After he heard that King had two previous convictions going back four

years, Judge Mangan gave him a five month prison sentences on each of four charges of drink driving, tak- ing a car without consent, assaulting the superintendent and driving un- insured. He also sentenced King to two months for leaving the scene and banned him from driving for a total of 20 years.

The judge set bail in the event of an appeal at €1,000 of King’s own bond, with an independent surety of €1,000 and a cash lodgement of an O0L OF