Month: October 2007

CLARE is on the brink of bread shortages this winter with skyrock- eting overheads threatening to put many bakeries out of business.

The price of wheat and flour in Ire- land increased by 70 per cent in the 12 months from September 2006 to September 2007, with a further 30 per cent increase reported over the last six weeks alone.

“We have already seen a number of bakeries close over the past few years because of cost pressures. Considering this recent spate of cost

increases, I would not be surprised to see more casualties, as businesses can’t continue to absorb these kinds of cost increases,’ said Paul Kelly, of the Irish Bread Bakers Association. “The bakery sector is of significant importance to the Irish economy, employing over 4,000 individuals throughout the country. The cost of doing business in today’s market is becoming increasingly difficult.” These unprecedented increases are as aresult of a combination of factors all connected with global warming. European grain crops were deci- mated this year as a result of drought

in the south and too much rain in the north. Fear of global warming has also cause hundreds of thousands of farmers worldwide to abandon tradi- tional crops in favour of bio-fuels.

“It’s cheaper to burn the grain as fuel than it is to change it into food. The Americans have set targets on bio-fuel and it is unlikely that they will back down on them,” said Sea- mus Murphy, head of the IFA in Ee

“If you look back a few years, we had grain mountain in Europe. The EU changed their policy and all of these stores disappeared and that is

what’s driving the cost increases.

‘The reaction from farmers will be to produce more grain, so hopefully over the next few years grain sup- plies will come back a bit.

“This is providing that there is no major incident in a grain producing ote as

“Whatever about the chance of a grain shortage, from a farming point of view the pig, chicken and beef farmers cannot take this rise in the cost of grain; especially the pig farm- ers, they have been loosing money on every pig they have sold after the last few months.”

KINCORA Macra, founded in No- vember 2003, is based in the Ballina/ Killaloe area and attracts members from surrounding areas including Bridgetown, Ogonnelloe, Scarriff, Feakle, Ballinahinch and Whitegate.

The club has a current membership of 35 and this year had the honour of been chosen as one of the final 12 clubs in the AIB Club of the Year Sroyeayereisisceyee

This competition is designed to award the most dynamic and active clubs in the country.

As a relatively new club, adjudica- tors were impressed with the level of involvement and commitment Kincora club members had shown to

competitions and festivals through- out the year. The Macra na Feirme Leadership Training Programme is hugely important to the organisation and has been acknowledged by many of today’s leaders as the foundation for future careers.

Kincora members have taken part in club, county and national training programmes and are proud to have members on both the county com- mittee and national executive.

Learning the skill of oratory is a key area in the club’s programme and members competed in the na- tional debating and impromptu speaking competitions. Links were made with the local Toastmasters Clubs and Janice Mooney, PRO of Kincora branch, would like to thank

Toastmasters for all the help and ad- vice members were given.

Farming members of Macra na Feirme were kept up to date through- out the year through discussion eroups, young farmer development groups, seminars and competitions. Key areas, which members compet- ed in were The Bord Bia Stock judg- ing Competition, The Alltech Silage Competition and FBD Farm skills Competition.

Every member has an opportunity to travel with Macra and take part in exchanges with other clubs. Recently Kincora members have travelled to Edinburgh, Brussels, Paris and they are discussing the 2008 programme.

Kincora members had a very suc- cessful year at various festivals, with

three ladies from Kincora chosen to represent Clare in the Blue Jeans Festival, The International Miuiss Macra Festival and ‘Queen of the Land Festival’.

Macra is a democratic organisa- tion and every member is entitled to his or her opinion at club meetings. The success of Kincora Club was in the collective responsibility of all the members in the running of it. It was not in the individual skill of one person but in the way members sup- ported and worked with each other.

CLARE suckler farmers are to re- ceive €80 per cow thanks to last week’s approval by the EU of the new fully Exchequer-funded suckler welfare scheme.

The suckler herd is the source of much of Ireland’s high-quality beef, which is so important to the rural economy and comprises 65,000 herds with over one million cows.

The minister for agriculture be- lieves that increased welfare stand- ards will add to the high quality rep- utation of Ireland’s beef sector. “This

is an important initiative aimed at improving welfare and quality in the national suckler herd.

‘Participation in the scheme is vol- untary and will be open to all suckler farmers, including those with mixed enterprise herds containing both suckler and dairy animals,” said Minister Mary Coughlan.

The delivery of the scheme was signalled as a key element of the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan which identified the beef sector as a vital area for development.

The new plan was welcomed by Clare TD Timmy Dooley. “Mainis-

ter Mary Coughlan has informed me that the EU has just approved a new fully Exchequer-funded suckler welfare scheme,” he said.

‘Participation in the scheme is vol- untary and will be open to all suckler farmers, including those with mixed enterprise herds containing both suckler and dairy animals.

“A payment of €80 per cow up to a limit of 100 cows will be available to suckler cow farmers who comply with six animal welfare measures in relation to calves born from January eles

The department will shortly write

to all potentially eligible farmers with details of the main aspects of the scheme. Application forms, help- sheets and the terms & conditions will be issued soon while farmers who apply under the scheme will be issued with the Animal Events Book, which will be used to notify the reg- istration of calves, as well as certain events relating to breeding.

The scheme will operate for five years, while the closing date for ap- plications is March 31, 2008. A Lo- call number has been created by the department at 1890 252707 and will operate from Tuesday, October 30.

VICTIMS of breast cancer will be the beneficiaries from an Ann Sum- mers party which will be hosted in Kilmurry next week.

A purpose-built room at the rear of the Pumphouse will house the Ann Summers lingerie party, on Friday week, November 9, at 9.30pm. Or- ganisers are hopeful that at least 100 women from the locality and around the mid-west will gather for

Heo eae

The event is being called “Think Pink’ and people attending are being encouraged to wear pink clothing.

Ann Summers parties are more akin to peoples’ sitting rooms, but organiser Vicky Ward is hoping that the spacious venue in Kilmurry will encourage several dozen people to attend. Inspired by the pain and suffering endured by many victims of breast cancer in the locality, Ms Ward is optimistic that this event

will raise awareness of early detec- tion of breast cancer.

‘This month is breast cancer aware- ness month. The special thing about this event is that the 10 per cent com- mission which normally would go to the hostess, will go to the Irish Can- cer Society,” said Ms Ward.

“My grandmother had cancer and leukemia. It is believed that one in 11 women have breast cancer and it is important to raise the awareness of this and a night like this is something

women should support,” she added.

‘People can support the event by or- dering something through Ann Sum- mers. It is just in time for Christmas. Ann Summers has a new catalogue coming up for Christmas and what better time to get some treats for yourself,” she quipped.

“Tam hoping that at least 1OO wom- en will attend,” she said.

Anyone who wants further infor- mation on the event should phone Vicky on 083 3003941.

THERE was plenty of excitement in the air as St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon played host to the RTE symphony orchestra last week.

The school hosted two concerts performed by the orchestra, as part of a week-long residency in Clare.

The initiative was carried out in conjunction with Glor and the Clare County Arts Office and is focused on primary and secondary students in the county.

Students from eight schools in the

mid-west travelled to St Caimin’s for the visit by the orchestra. Those included St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon; Scariff Commu- nity College and Ardscoil Ris, Lim- erick.

Art teacher Anne Whitty, who or- ganised the visit, explained the back- ground to the idea.

“Tt all started with a phone call, months ago. We were asked if we were interested in hosting the event. Representatives from the orchestra came down and viewed the gym, where we chose to host it,” she said.

“This was an enormously signifi- cant event that provided a unique op- portunity to students to experience at first hand the musicianship and pro- fessionalism of a performing group with over 90 members. St Caimin’s school was honoured to be part of an exciting and enriching educational experience,’ said Ms Whitty.

“It is a coup to host this orchestra. It will be one of the highlights of our Arts calendar.

“We are trying to raise the arts pro- file in the school,’ she added.

The programme included extracts

from ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ from the Leaving Certificate curriculum. It also included Brittens’

THE dedication of Shannon chess club over the past decade will be rec- ognised by Shannon Town Council next month.

The local authority will present the club’s members with a Liosta na Lao- chra accolade, to honour its efforts in promoting chess among young peo- ple in Shannon.

The council will present a fine chess set to the club, at a function in the town.

The junior chess club in Shannon has become one of the most success- ful junior clubs in the country.

Shannon librarian Carmel Daly has instigated much of the events of the chess club.

“It all began about 10 years ago.

I was seeking a volunteer to coach children to play draughts or chess better. Both games were available for children to play in the library. It took a little while to find a coach, but then Stephen Danaher answered the call,” she said.

“The enthusiasm of children for learning has been fantastic. With confidence they progressed from learning draughts to playing chess competitively. Stephen got the club to compete in the Community Games chess competition every year. Win- ning out regularly in the Clare and Munster competitions, teams from the club have also won the coveted All-Ireland title in 2002 (gold, un- der-12), 2003 (gold, under-12), 2004 (silver, under-16), 2005 (gold, under- 16) and 2006 (gold, under-16),” she

Said. Members of the junior team, Shane O’Connor, Catherine Danaher,

Stephen Hanly and Liam Normoyle have also held individual Champion All-Ireland titles. Many members such as Eanna Ryan, Karl and Olivia Fitzmaurice, Shane O’Connor, Cath- erine Danaher, Stephen Hanly, Liam Normoyle have had the honour of representing their country in tourna- ments abroad even in the prestigious Junior World, and European Chess Tournaments.

“The centuries old game, once a pastime for aristocracy and royalty in courts, has changed to adapt to competitions and society. It provides an opportunity for regular meetings for fun and_ friendships, building concentration, confidence and ca-

maraderie, and their community,” enthused Ms Daly.

“Shannon Town Council has always demonstrated a positive attitude and support of the Shannon Junior Chess Club. In the past it has recognised the achievements of members,’ she said.

“This recognition is most valuable both as a moral support in produc- ing a greater sense of belonging, and acts asa motivator to potential mem- bers ensuring the club’s continuity. It builds on personal development, our community confidence, and leader- ship roles,’ added Ms Daly.

The Shannon Junior Chess Club meets in the Sean Lemass Public Library from November to March every Friday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

MANAGERS at all levels of experi- ence have been invited to hone their skills in Ballyvaughan next month by taking part in a leaders for busi- ness programme.

The programme, which has been developed by the Burren Leadership Forum, will take place in the Burren Coast Hotel in Ballyvaughan from November 25 to 28.

“We are bringing together a group of 15 managers from various dif- ferent levels to take part in the pro- eramme. The premise of the ap- proach is that, in order to be able to lead others, we have to be first able to lead ourselves,” said Barry Walsh,

leadership coach and organiser of the Leadership for Managers Pro- eramme.

“We will look at ourselves as indi- viduals and establish what kind of leaders we want to be. So each in- dividual will then develop a specific plan for becoming the leader that he or she wants to be.”

The organisers have developed a programme of modules over the last number of months which they believe is unique to the industry of developing managers.

“One good example of this is a module on leadership through crea- tive thinking, which we hope will be a great success. Another is ‘Leader- ship Through Finding Your Own

Voice’ where we will be working with a vocal coach and a psycho- therapist on body posture and find- ing your authentic voice. The core programme is to develop a strategic personal plan and finding one’s own leadership goal.”

The programme uses methods such as reflective enquiry, detached ob- server and Enneagram personality profiling, which organisers claim are unique to developing an authentic leadership style.

The programme is different from others as it helps participants to work from the inside out as opposed to tra- ditional approaches that encourage information download from the out- side in. This is very much the core

of the Burren Leadership Forum phi- losophy.

Those leading the modules include Barry Walsh, leadership coach, Mar- tin Hawkes, entrepreneur and per- sonal development specialist, Mary Hawkes Green, founder of the Bur- ren College of Art, Professor Timo- thy Emlyn Jones, artist and dean of the Burren College of Art, Mar- tin Myler, psychotherapist, Archie Simpson, vocal coach and Padraig Cleary, management consultant.

THE countdown is on for the sixth annual Burren Sponsored Walk, which takes place in Fanore on Sun- day, January 6, 2008. Proceeds from the annual walk, which begins and ends in O’Donoghue’s Pub, go the Clare Branch of the Alzheimer’s As- sociation, who provide home care and home support for the families of Alzheimer’s sufferers in the Clare ussca (eye

‘We send in carers to help the fam- ily to deal with their loved one. It al- lows the family to get out to work, it allows them to get on with their own life without having to worry about

the person at home. A lot of people cannot afford to stay at home in this day and age,’ said Marissa Butler McCarthy of the Clare Alzheimer’s Association. We also have a daycare centre in Ennis. It’s small at the mo- ment but we would be hoping to ex- pand that in the future as well.

‘Alzheimer’s can be a great deal of work for the family of the sufferer. We provide support groups for fami- lies in Ennis, Kilrush and Ennisty- mon, where people come together and talk about what it is like to care for someone with dementia.

“It’s great for the families of peo- ple who have been newly diagnosed to come and talk to people who have

already been through it. They can get advice about entitlements and money as well, which is very useful.”

More than 980 people suffer from Alzheimer’s in Clare at present. The Alzheimer’s Society helps the fami- lies of sufferers by providing home care through a mixture of FAS- employed home helpers and others employed directly by the society.

“The walk is our main fundraiser. It brings a lot of money for us and it is a very enjoyable day as well. All the money raised from the walk goes towards subsidising the in-house car- ers,’ added Ms Butler McCarthy.

“It’s a great day, there is a great atmosphere and great craic. We have

music and food and a raffle with great prizes. The Radisson usually gives us a weekend away for our top prize. We get a group of people who come back each year.”

To get involved in the Annual Burren Walk or to learn more about Alzheimer’s, simple contact the Clare Branch of the Alzheimer’s society of Ireland on 065-6868621 or call into the office on the Clon Road Business Park in Ennis.

A COORACLARE student made history last week with a group of colleagues from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.

Thomas (Tommy) Breen was part of the determined GMIT Archery Club that broke the Guinness World Record 28-hour indoor shoot.

Through the gruelling feat the stu- dents also raised more than €4,000 for the People in Need Trust.

Ten per cent of the money was raised in Tommy’s home parish of Cooraclare.

The charity shoot took place in the GMIT Sports Hall from 2.30pm on

Friday, October 19 to 9pm Saturday, October 20.

Bandaged elbow and plastered fin- gers Tommy was one of the six to continue shooting to the bitter end.

The 21-year-old is the son of Tho- mas and Imy Breen and has a brother and sister.

He 1s a past pupil of Cooraclare Na- tional School and St Michael’s Sec- ondary School Kilmihil,

It was when he went to GMIT three years ago that Tommy found his sporting niche in archery.

Since then the architectural tech- nology student has won numerous awards in the sport.

Based in the Mayo campus, Tom-

my was one of 20 students including stewards that took part in the GMIT charity shoot, with many travelling from UL, DIT and DCU to support and take part in the event.

Eleven shooters took on the 28- hour challenge and six, including the Cooraclare man completed the task.

The €4,000 raised by the students was handed over to a representative of the People in Need Trust later that week. The proceeds will be distrib- uted to a number of charitable organ- isations throughout the county.

Thomas Barrett, Captain, GMIT Archery Club, who initiated the charity shoot, said it was a thorough- ly enjoyable experience.

“Thank you to everyone who sup- ported us, to the many sponsors, GMIT staff and students, and mem- bers of the media who helped publi- cise the event.”

GMIT Archery Club was estab- lished in the early 1980s by Hotel and Catering lecturer Robert Dagger and was the first college to start the Intervarsity competition in this sport. The club currently has over 30 arch- ers and up to one hundred members, with branches in the Dublin Road and Castlebar campuses.

KILRUSH Town Council and Clare County Council have launched a Fire Safety Initiative aimed at mak- ing householders more aware of fire safety routines and potential fire hazards.

The ‘Fire Safety In The Home’ initiative is being rolled out on a pilot basis and will initially involve 45 households in a number of areas throughout the town from November a.

Mayor of Kilrush, Councillor Tom- my Clyne said, “The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Clare Local Authorities to improve the overall fire safety in the home. Sadly, the number of incidences of fire in Clare

remains unacceptably high, which 1s why I would encourage householders to use their own initiative to learn and do more about fire prevention in the home.”

The launch of the new scheme co- incides with the release of new fig- ures indicating a slight drop in the number of incidences attended by the County Fire and Rescue Service in Kilrush in 2006.

Approximately 126 emergency calls were made from Kilrush to the Fire and Rescue Service last year, representing a 5.5 per cent decrease on figures for 2005.

A total of 126 emergency calls were made to Kilrush Fire Station in paul eTes

There were 80 calls to Kilkee in

2006 up 43 per cent on the previous year.

According to Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, County Fire and Rescue Service, “Fire statistics from recent years reveal a continued high rate of chimney and domestic fires. The key to reducing such incidences 1s to 1n- creased fire safety awareness among householders.

“IT welcome the launch of this new initiative, as it will assist the public in preventing incidences of fire in deCoy bum ele) 08 (ona

The new programme follows on from a similar initiative in Ennis, which focused on approximately 70 houses in the McHugh Villas and Turnpike areas of the town. Where necessary, smoke detectors were

also provided by the County Fire and Rescue Service.

“The objective of this initiative is to reduce the incidence of chimney fires in Kilrush during the winter pe- riod, which is a peak time of year for chimney fires,” said Fiona Mooney, Kilrush Town Clerk.

“This initiative will result in greater awareness of fire hazards in the home with a reduction in the risk of injury/loss of life and should minimise property damage from fire related incidents. This initiative will have a positive impact on use of re- sources of the Fire and Rescue Serv- ice in Kilrush Town and should lead to further enhancement of quality of life for local residents,’ Ms Mooney AYOe(exen