Month: February 2008

EARLIER this month, surviving members of the victorious team that won the 1982 Intermediate Champi- onship attended a reunion in Mike McNamara’s bar in Scariff.

Twenty-six years ago, Scariff had plenty to be proud about. Their in- termediate team beat all other Clare teams and achieved the ultimate dream, they swallowed the opposi- tion whole, winning the 1982 Inter- mediate Championship.

After simmering for several months, the people of Scariff were finally presented with the banquet that was a “bua’ for their new heroes, who conquered Clare on the pitch.

The team members included the

following: captain Liam Nugent; Adrian Nugent, son of Tom Nt- gent; Brendan Walsh, son of selec- tor John Walsh; Peadar McMahon; John Minogue; James O’Grady; Gerry Nugent; Mike Minogue; Pat Minogue; Teddy Murphy; Neilus Minogue; Pat Clancy; Mike Mc- Namara; Padraigh Giblin; Eamon Giblin; Mike Ryan; Jim Corbett; Pat Carey; TJ O’Callaghan; Aiden Rochford; John O’Grady; Martin O’Grady; Sean McInerney; Eamon Fahy; John Liddy; Sean Murphy; Mike O’Donnell; and selectors John Walsh, Tom Minogue and Tommy Giblin.

Twenty-six years on, and not much has changed. The win hasn’t been forgotten, and the lads are still pas-

sionate about their sport.

Some have even remained in the sporting world. John Minogue is the Clare county under-2] manager, and Mike McNamara is the Clare coun- ty senior team manager. But sadly Scariff lost Mike O’Donnell, John Walsh, Tom Minogue and Tommy Giblin, who have passed away since WeomNante

At the long-awaited reunion, eve- ryone had the chance to renew old friendships and reminisce on life all those years ago. Each member was presented with a framed photograph of the winning team and a reproduc- tion of the match programme.

Special guests were former Clare captain Sean McMahon and Pat Fitzgerald, newly-appointed Clare

County Board secretary.

THE gloves are on for the annual Scariff Spring Clean, part of the na- tional event sponsored by An Taisce every April.

Last year, a number of community eroups in Scariff, including Scariff National School, stepped up to the mark and this year, the appeal has gone out early through the Scarif Newsletter to encourage all groups in the area to get organised and join ne

Those who volunteer for the big clean up get Spring Clean packs, including an information pack, some gloves and lots of large bin bags, which are colour co-ordinated for

plastic bottles, tins and drink cans, and general rubbish. This will make recycling the haul so much easier.

Anyone can sign up by registering online at www.nationalspringclean. Oo uee

Clare County Council is supporting the campaign by providing groups with free access to local centres to deposit waste and recyclables col- lected during clean-ups. To avail of a free pass to dispose of waste collect- ed as part of the Spring Clean Cam- paign groups can contact the Envi- ronment Section on 065 6846331 or Olea morse Teve toler

Phoebe O’Brien, one of the organis- ers of the clean-up last year said that small groups set out “each armed

with a couple of bags of each colour to see what we could tidy.

“The children were really helpful, and great at spotting things hidden in the bushes. It was lovely to see them becoming aware of their en- vironment and having such a sense of empowerment from their achieve- ment. As the groups arrived back for a celebratory tea, we were amazed at the full bags being loaded into the trailer, which we filled twice over. This was from just under three miles of roads, a mile of which had been tidied the year before.”

Notices will be posted around the town in the coming weeks, and the organisers are asking as many peo- ple as possible to come out and give

a hand.

Particularly needed are adults to collect rubbish along the main roads where it wouldn’t be possible for the children to clean.

‘In spite of our efforts, there seems to be a lot of litter about. Most of the litter along the road is drink bottles, fast food packaging and cigarette boxes. Apparently, people are more likely to throw rubbish where litter is already noticeable. So please be a part of the clean-up this spring. We are lucky to live in an area where the majority of people dispose of their rubbish properly and cleaning up what doesn’t get into the bins is not an insurmountable challenge,” said Phoebe.

CLARE Living Links will hold a healing programme for people whose lives have been affected by suicide. The introductory night is on Wednesday, February 27 at the meeting room, 52 Kincora Park, Lif- ford, Ennis.

The programmme will continue each Wednesday night for eight con- secutive weeks. It aims to help adults who have experienced a death by sui- cide to find healing and support in a safe and caring environment and to provide and opportunity of meeting others who have experienced loss by suicide. The meetings aim to provide

healing through talking and listen- ing in small groups.

For the past six years the Living Links organisation has offered a suicide outreach support service to families and individuals in Clare who have been bereaved by suicide. There are currently ten fully trained volunteers staffing the service in EK

Clare Living Links operates under the auspices of the Health Service Executive and all volunteers are ful- ly trained.

In addition to healing programmes volunteers respond to approaches made by a bereaved family or in- dividual and can arrange to meet

them inside or outside their homes or wherever the bereaved person feels most comfortable.

All meetings are conducted with complete confidentiality. A spokes- person for Clare Living Links ex- plained the meetings are handled entirely at the discretion of the indi- vidual concerned.

“Healing programme volounteers respond to approaches made by a bereaved family or individual and can arrange to meet them inside or outside their homes, or wherever the bereaved person feels more comfort- able.

‘All meetings and sessions are con- ducted with complete confidential-

ae

The spokesperson added

“The aim is to help people talk about their loss and the whole proc- ess of bereavement. There is no set formula for bereaved persons feel- ings or reactions. Different people will react in different ways and in a different order. Through talking and sharing in a safe environment the pain is eased and healing is allowed to begin”.

For further information regard- ing individual or family support or the healing programme contact the Support co-ordinator between Spm to 7pm Monday to Friday at 086 Onto eee

TEACHERS and students at Clare Music Makers will be looking to build on 14 years of achievement and acclaim at the Feis Ceoil in March.

IN 1993, founding directors And- rea Creech and Tony Ovenell accept- ed the first classes of young classical music students into the new Ennis music school, Clare Music Makers (CMM).

In the 15 years since that date there have been many changes in the teaching staff and hundreds of new students. Many of these stu- dents have moved on to national and international post secondary music schools and into music teaching and performance careers.

Consistent however has been the erowing national reputation of Ennis and CMM as centre of excellence in teaching music.

Each year CMM students, at all performing levels, have been award- ed a high number of honours at major Irish festivals, including Féile Lu- inmi (Limerick), Feis Maitt) (Cork) and Feis Ceoil (Dublin).

There was further national rec- ognition of CMM’s high standards at recent festivals in Limerick and Cork for students of Danette Eddy (violin), Tanja Fritschi (flute), Fred Hannford (brass), Marta Lalek (vio- lin), Michael Joyce (piano), Teddy McCoy (flute) and Catriona Moloney (violin).

Flute players entering Feile Luinmi

included Sinead McAteer, under 16 silver medal, Madeleine Arkins, un- der 14 gold medal, Alice Twomey, under 14 bronze medal, Eimear Ca- sey, under 12 silver medal and Orla Bredin, highly commended in the under 12 category.

Violinists entering Feéeile Luimni included Crea Sullivan, under 9 gold medal. Crea shared the bronze med- al with Hannah Bredin in the under 11 category and Heidi O’Dwyer was highly commended in this same cat- egory.

Abbie O’Sullivan won the silver medal and Emerald Kennedy was commended in the under 13.

Michelle Heffernan won the silver medal in the under 15. Michelle also received the silver medal and Bron-

wyn Power won the gold medal in the prestigious Bernard Cup. Cellist Hannah Ryan was awarded the silver medal in the under 15 category.

Trumpet player Roisin Phelan re- ceived the gold medal in the under 14 category and pianist Donal McHugh received the gold medal in the under 17 category.

In addition Donal was awarded third place in the under 17 category Feis Maitu in Cork.

At the same competition, CMM v1- olin students Crea Sullivan won the silver medal in the under 9 catego- ry. Abbie Sullivan won silver in the under 13 and Darelle Colleran was awarded a certificate in the under 13. Michelle Heffernan won a silver medal in the under 15 category.

A BRIGHT future is forecast for AskMoby.com after the Ennis based company made a major impact at the world’s largest communications show in Barcelona.

The Ennis firm has developed de- tailed accurate digital weather fore- casting and is now targeting the glo- bal mobile phone market after taking part in Barcelona.

Located in the Ballymaley Indus- trial Park, AskMoby.com has devel- oped a global reputation providing detailed weather forecast and analy- sis for a variety of industries.

AskMoby.com is a free weather forecast service from Nowcasting International based in Ballymaley.

It is designed for mobile phones providing a forecast for the area in which the receiver is located and re- lated to the specific activity picked by users, who should log onto www. askmoby.com on their mobile phones and click the appropriate choices. Hourly forecasts are provided and there are choices of detailed maps, Synoptic charts and satellite pic- RUN KeNe

Minister for Trade Enterprise and Employment Micheal Martin, TD was on hand in Barcelona to support the efforts of AskMoby.com to tar- get new markets. More than 60,000 delegates from the top international mobile phone networks attended the World Mobile Congress.

Paying tribute to the companies

team of 12 people at the Ballymaley Industrial Park Minister Martin said they had developed a cutting edge product which has huge potential worldwide.”

“The mobile phone sector is one of the fasting growing in Ireland with exports doubling since 2005 to €280 million. Companies such as AskMoby are at the forefront of our efforts to remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry. The Clare based company already has a worldwide reputation for providing high tech weather forecasts for oil and gas sector as well as shipping. It is now delivering forecasts to mobile phones. The forecasts can be as spe- cific and detailed as the user wants.”

Minster Martin said the reputation

of companies like AskMoby.com was an important factor in Ireland’s ability to compete in the global tel- ecommunications market place. ‘“AskMoby is one of 21 Irish firms who made important contacts with the world’s leading mobile phone networks in Barcelona. They trav- elled to congress with the support of Enterprise Ireland.”

“Such companies are important if we are to ensure that we continue delivering quality jobs for people in communities across Clare and around the country’, concluded Min- ister Martin.

AUSSIE rockers AC/DC famously declared “it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll’, and new band CMC will discover just what it takes when they compete against other new bands in Dublin next eeKeyeiaee

The Clare band will not only be judged on their musical capability, but also on their ability to success- fully co-ordinate all the elements that go into making a live rock show.

Seven steps up – a nationwide mu- sic competition for young people, is a competition with a difference. The aim is to provide young bands with an insight and practical knowledge of the music industry.

CMC were elected top of Clare’s youth bands at a recent Clare Youth Service gig. Before they hit the road to perform alongside some of Ire- land’s best up and coming bands, CMC will be performing on Satur- day February 23 at a gig in Ennis.

Other acts taking the stage in the youth centre on the night include “A star called Henry, the Alan Rooney Experience, The Elastic Band, Dara O Loughlin and Ceile Varley”.

CMC will then go on to compete against 17 other winning acts from around the country in Dublin at the Seven Steps Up awards day on March.

The acts will be judged not only on their musical ability but on the efforts of a full back-up team which

include media, stage crew, and PR eroup made up of over 20 musicians from the competition all working to support and promote the band in the Dublin gig.

CMC will have the chance to play their demo and be mentored by mu- sic industry professionals.

The winners of the overall compe- tition in Dublin will have the chance to make a professionally recorded album, featuring the other acts from their region.

Ceile Varley an acoustic performer involved in the project, said the com- petition provided a great opportunity for young musicians.

She said “This competition is an amazing opportunity for young mu- sicians – both for the winning act and

for the music and media team. Eve- rything is organised by young peo- ple, which means that we gain valu- able information on setting up gigs and managing bands.

Ceile explained “We learn how to promote bands and musical events, giving us an insight into the music industry.

“Everyone involved is working ex- tremely hard for this so come to the Youth Centre and support us – we guarantee an exciting night”

CMC play in the Clare Youth Serv- ice, Ennis on February 23, from 7- 9.30pm. The cost of entry is €5 and all over 15’s welcome. As with all other events the gig 1s drug and alco- hol free. For more information con- tact Jean Tierney 065-6845356

A MAJOR fundraising drive is to be launched, towards the purchase of new equipment for the gaelscoil in S)at-vevaeyen

Management at Gaelscoil Donncha Rua is planning to equip every class- room with interactive whiteboards, which will benefit the young stu- CSTE

It follows on from a recent upgrade of the furniture at the school.

The new equipment will cost up to €20,000 and the people of Shannon are being asked to help out in the fundraising drive.

“This is the first fundraiser we have done since 1992. We want to get state-of-the-art equipment. We had not changed the furniture since 1984, when the school was built,”

said school principal Eamonn Bro- nO

“The boards are computerised and use touch screen technology. They are interactive in that both the teach- ers and children can use them,” said Mr Bromell.

The first fundraiser will be a social night out at the Oakwood Arms Ho- tel, on St Patrick’s night.

“There will be five or six live

bands, followed by a disco on the night. Meals will also be provided,’ said Mr Bromell.

“This is the first in a couple of events that we have planned during the year. It should be a good start,” he said.

Tickets for the nights events cost €25 each and can be _ purchased by contacting the school on O61 363165.

RETIRED principal of St Tola’s Na- tional School, Joe Walsh, will be the master of ceremonies at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in the town.

Mr Walsh, who retired last year, will also be the adjudicator for the parade. He has close links with sev- eral groups and associations in Shan- non and is highly respected.

Several groups will participate in the parade this year, many of who will demonstrate novel and fun ways to celebrate the event.

While several community groups and organisations from Shannon town will take part, groups from sur- rounding areas will also enter floats

on the day.

Among those are Bunratty Rescue and the scouts in Newmarket-on- Fergus.

The Ennis Brass Band and a band from the CBS in Sexton Street, Lim- erick, will also join in the festivities in Shannon.

The local international club, Le Chéile na Sionna, has entered its own group, which will consist of members of several countries, who have moved to Shannon.

Le Chéile was set up last year and its aim is to integrate all ethnic groups in the town. It has representa- tives from countries including Egypt, France, Germany, Mauritius, Eng- land, Netherlands, Pakistan, China

and Africa, who live in Shannon.

A school group from Derby in the UK will also take part in the cel- ebrations. The group, which will be on holidays in Liscannor, will take part in music and Irish dancing in the SkyCourt foodcourt after the pa- rade.

One of the organisers of the parade, Greg Duff said everything will be done to ensure everyone is welcome to take part.

“We are going all out to try to in- clude the multi-cultural. There will be a good variety,’ he said.

“Thirty-six groups took part last year, which reflected a variety of eroups including sports groups, along with voluntary, cultural and

community groups,’ he added.

He said the decision to invite Joe Walsh to take on the role as master of ceremonies this year followed on the popularity of Aodhan Fox, who carried out the role last year.

“Joe would know the groups, schools and teams very well, as he is very well known in Shannon. We wanted someone who would be able to interact with the crowd on the day,’ he said.

The participants will meet in the Wolfe Tones carpark at lpm and the parade will get underway at 2pm. The parade will round up at Sky- Court, where the music and dancing will continue throughout the after- noon.

THE first birthday celebrations of Shannon’s youth café will take place on Friday evening (between 5pm and 110} os00)F

The Kick Back Café was set up last year at the Respond Communi- ty Building, in response to demand in the town and surrounding areas. Young people felt there was a need for a café solely dedicated to between the ages of 16 to 21.

Run under the auspices of Shannon youth office, the café has provided a safe and comfortable space for young people, on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

“The committee of volunteers who run the café are now planning activities and events for the coming months, to highlight the role of the café for young people in Shannon,” said Shannon youth worker, Cathal DIU eyne

“The first birthday celebration plans are in full swing and the café committee is currently finalising the details of the event,” he added.

Among the events planned for the night include an eighties theme disco, singstar competition and a variety of games. One of the volunteers, Aoife Wright has offered to make a special birthday cake for the occasion!

Meanwhile, the youth workers are

continuing to carry out their outreach work, on the streets of Shannon.

‘The youth office 1s open to arrang- ing projects to meet the needs of the young people in the Shannon area,” said Mr Dillon.

The office is open between 4pm and 6pm every Tuesday and Thurs- day, for young people to drop in and chat to the youth workers

Both the Skyview and Drumgeely youth clubs have re-opened follow- ing the winter break.

The Drumgeely club was set up last year and is based at St Senan’s primary school. It runs between 7pm and 9pm every Monday night.

The club has received funding from

Clare Sports Partnership and Clare VEC and a programme is currently being put together in an effort to en- courage new members to join.

The Skyview club meets between 7pm and 9pm every Thursday night. It is open to young people aged be- tween 12 and 16. Admission to the clubs is just €2 per night and further details can be obtained by phoning 061 364318.

Both clubs are keen to encourage volunteers to help organise the activ- ities every week. Volunteers should be aged 21 and over and a full range of volunteer supports and leadership training is available for those who are interested.

STAFF and students at St Senan’s National School are this week cel- ebrating their fifth green flag!

The school will be presented with the green flag by An Taisce, at a ceremony in Galway tomorrow (Wednesday).

This is the fifth time the school has won the flag, which is awarded to

schools every two years.

The project was co-ordinated by teacher Margaret Murphy and all 102 students played their roles in en- suring the environment was treated well.

During the past year, children at- tending the school have been educat- ed on the importance of reducing the carbon footprint and the impact that transport has on this. They have also

been made aware of the importance of saving water and electricity.

The staff also encouraged the pu- pils to engage in healthy eating poli- cies and cut down on refuse.

School principal Sally O’Neill said the honour is recognition of the ef- fort put in by everybody.

“The discipline of the project is good for the children and a concert- ed effort was put in by everybody.

We have the green flag for 10 years now and to maintain that momentum each time is great. It 1s an achieve- ment to have the five (flags), said Ms O’ Neill.

“It is part of the curriculum pro- gramme and it is topical too. It is 1m- portant that the students understand it as well,’ she added.

The flag will be officially raised in in the next few weeks.