Month: July 2008

THE Doolin Craft Fair has put out a call to food producers and vegetable growers whose produce is just com- ing into season at this time of the year. The fair has a number of ven- dors who would like to sell fresh pro- duce on behalf of local producers.

“It’s a win-win situation. The pro- ducers get a fair price for their pro- duce and no longer have to think of desperate ways to use up their spare vegetables and the people who come to the fair get lovely fresh vegeta- bles,” said organiser Toby Sachsen- maier.

“It has really taken off over the last

few weeks – better than any of us could have hoped for really. From the very first day that we opened we have gotten a great response from locals and visitors who have come.

“I think one of the things that makes this market really different is that we have new stalls coming in each week so people can come back week after week and have a different experience.”

The Doolin Saturday Market and Craft Fair takes place each Satur- day from 10am to 4pm at the Russell Community Centre in Doolin.

“It’s not just about having these products for sale. A few of the ven- dors are always doing something

which the people who come to the market will find interesting. For ex- ample we have Mairead who sells woolen garments. She shows people how to spin wool each week,’ con- WbOlE(ore me Re) ey\A

“It’s about creating an atmosphere for the people and I have heard from a number of people that the atmos- phere created by the vendors at the Doolin Market is something special.

“We have a core group who are there every week and then we have different people who come once and awhile when we have space. This week, for example, we have people who are making fused glass jewelry which is something that we haven’t

had before. We have a certain turno- ver each week and that keeps it fresh for the locals who come up all the Wb elen

“We are always looking for new people. We have no room at the mo- ment for permanent tables but we have space for people who only want to come in once and awhile.

“We are also looking at the possi- bility of doing a Christmas fair and it would be great to have a few people around who would be interested in that also.”

For more information on_ the Doolin Craft Fair contact Toby at doolinmarket@gmail.com or phone Paul at 065 7074229.

THEY say you should never meet your heroes. Well if your heroes hap- pen to inhabit that hallowed green space between the goals on a GAA field, then a quick trip up the road to Carron for a nice chat with the founder of the association is sure not to disappoint.

On Friday the Michael Cusack Centre launched the last piece 1n its impressive display on the Clare man who founded the GAA.

The Cusack Experience uses the latest in technology to bring the visi- tor right into the life of Michael Cu- Oe

The restored Cusack homestead now has a new lodger, a holographic

projection of Michael Cusack who brings viewers on a 20 minute inter- active tour of his home, his life and the foundations of the GAA.

“As you walk into the room you are invited by Michael Cusack him- self to start the tour by pressing the button on the wall. The whole ex- perience is designed to be as inter- active as possible – viewers must in- teract with Michael Cusack to move the tour along to the next room and the next part in the story,” said Liz Flynn, manager of the Michael Cu- sack Centre.

“We start off in the main room of the house where Cusack talks about his young life and things that he would have done in Carron when he was growing up.

“As we move into the second room he talks about his life at school and moving into his adult life and getting involved in Gaelic games.

“The final room is set in Hayes’ Hotel in Thurles in 1884 and the foundation of the GAA.”

When designing the Cusack Expe- rience, huge care was taken to ensure that the technology complements the restored cottage.

“It was very important to keep the feel of walking into the old cottage and homestead. It looks exactly how it was back in the 1850; we still have the chairs, the table top, all the fur- nishing that would have there in the old house,’ continued Liz.

‘““We were very conscious of keep- ing the cottage as authentic as pos-

sible. The technology was chosen to be as unobtrusive as possible and to fit into the cottage properly.”

The Cusack Experience was of- ficially opened by the Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Martin Mansergh, last week.

For more on opening hours con- tact the Michael Cusack Cen- tre on 065 7089944 or e-mail info@michaelcusack.ie

A BID to make the financial services regulator, IFSRA, investigate if Aer Lingus was in breach of EU market- ing regulations in the way they broke the news about the pull-out on the Shannon-Heathrow slot has failed.

Maverick airline boss, Michael O’Leary and Ryanair had applied to the High Court to have IFSRA inves- tigate how the rival airline broke the news to the Government of the pull- out.

But Mr Justice Peter Kelly ruled that the Irish Financial Services Regula- tory Authority has a wide discretion in the matter of what investigations it oF Neato melele

Mr Justice Kelly also ruled that IF- SRA is not obliged to say what it is investigating or to make public the results of any investigation.

He noted the regulations which in- clude an option to “private caution” a body for market abuse.

Ryanair – which holds a 29 per cent stake in Aer Lingus – claimed that if

Aer Lingus had informed one share- holder before another shareholder and the public, then it had breached an EU market abuse directive and regulations relating to insider deal- ing and market manipulation.

Aer Lingus publicly announced its decision to pull the route on August 7, 2007.

Ryanair cliamed that Aer Lingus chief, Dermot Mannion told RTE on August 12 that the Minister for Transport had been informed of the decision on August 3.

Ryanair initiated the judicial re- view proceedings to try to compel an investigation in January 2008.

In his reserved judgment, Mr Jus- tice Kelly found against Ryanair. The judge found IFSRA had no legal duty to advise Ryanair whether it intends to investigate the complaint or has actually investigated the complaint.

The judge said it was “remarkable” that Ryanair’s statement specified no breach of the market abuse regula- tions or act or of any other duties of of IFSRA.

JUDGES were in Shannon on Satur- day running the rule over the Gleann an Oir estate for this year’s Pride of Place awards. The estate, which is hoping for success when the na- tional finals come around in October, has made great strides over the last months and years.

A relatively new housing develop- ment, Gleann an Oir is home to some 200 residents. Taking part in the Pride of Place awards has improved the estate both physically and in terms of community spirit.

“We have about 40 houses in the estate including families, people

renting out houses and a lot of peo- ple from different counties,’ said Michelle Hayes, Gleann an Oir Resi- dents Association.

“We are located just across the road from the Wolfe Tones GAA club, where a number of presentations took place on Saturday morning before the judges took a walk around the estate. The estate was build in 2001 and this is the first time we have taken part in the competition.”

Taking part in this year’s Pride of Place competition has improved the physical look of the estate, but more importantly it has also improved the community spirit with all sections of the population working together.

“During National Tree Week, Clare County Council donated some trees to the estate which we all got together and planted. We also got a new stone for the estate with the name carved into it, which is really nice now,” continued Michelle.

‘This has been really great for get- ting the community spirit going in the area. We have a summer party at the end of the summer with a bar- becue and a bouncy castle for all the kids. It’s great for getting people together and allowing them to meet their neighbours.

“People are working on the estate during the day so it is harder now for people to meet their neighbours and

settle in.

‘Since we set up the residents asso- ciation we have had more and more people coming to the meetings which are really starting to take off. At Christmas time then we have Santa come to the estate so it is a full year of activities.”

The finals of the Pride of Place will take place in Waterford in Novem- ber. The winner’s top prize includes €2,000 and a commemorative glass plaque.

SHOW time has come around again in Bridgetown, where the |8th An- nual South East Clare Show will be held in the beautiful showgrounds in this scenic little village.

The Committee are again look- ing forward to a great turn out, and preparations are now almost com- plete for a very full and entertaining programme.

This is a family day out with some- thing for everyone to enjoy. The show started in 1990 and missed one year because of the Foot and Mouth scare. Itis very highly regarded show among the show fraternity and is in the top ten shows of its class in the

ee elem se

The horse show events are in the capable hands of Caitriona Bourke, Clonlara, with 22 classes includ- ing five all-Ireland qualifiers and the Limerick Lady Champion 2007 qualifier. Three classes are for Driv- ing Classes for Traditional Vehicles under the supervision of Pat Hayes.

Helen O’Neill has expert control of the working hunter/performance working hunter/show hunter ponies, show riding and side saddle classes. Helen has 23 classes. This section has attracted huge entries in the past, and it is expected that this trend will Loyal ApALeLSE

Show jumping is in the care of Dav- net Kiernan O’Brien and again big

entries arte expected. There are 16 events in this section. Conor Hayes takes charge of the cattle section, and has 27 classes.

Michael Hayes has the dog show portfolio. This event is improving every year, and this year huge en- tries are expected. This section of Bridgetown Show has gained a great reputation and this year there are 13 classes including the Gain Dog Food All Ireland Championship Qualifier.

A new addition to this years pro- gramme is the vintage classic cars section ably steered by Joe English.

In the home industries section, the ladies of the committee have put in a great effort to ensure that everything is in good shape.

Bernie English looks after the home baking section. The secretary of the ladies section is Kate McAuley who is in charge of the flowers section.

Of course the children cannot be overlooked, and there are 9 classes. The novelty events include the Little Miss competition, bonny baby, and AVE Cele ssetcMam eB sCCA AI Kontce

No show would be complete without the competition for the best dressed lady.

The show committee is most appre- ciative of the land owners, who with- out their help, the show could not go on. The committee would also like to thank their sponsors and particularly their main sponsor, Tom Marsh for their sponsorship.

THERE’S lots to keep kids busy at Scariff Public Library this July. As well as having all their favourite au- thors and stories including Horrible Henry, Harry Potter and Jacque- line Wilson, the library is holding a number of free events to suit children of all ages.

There’s stories, nursery rhymes and a small craft class with Josie Scholman for children aged 3-6

on Wednesday, July 16 at 3.30pm. Youngsters can be Fireman San for a day on Thursday, July 17 when they meet up at the library at 3.30pm fora visit to Scariff Fire Station. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A make and do session for children aged 7-12 will take place on Friday 18 at 3.30pm.

Come along and get the fascinat- ing facts on bats from conservation ranger Sinead Biggane on Tuesday, July 22 at 3.30pm Children aged

about 7-12 will get to hear and feel ‘real’ bats. Sinead will also lead a bat walk in Raheen Wood that evening at 9.45pm, weather permitting. Chil- dren must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s stories, games and crafts for younger children aged 4-6 on Wednesday, July 23 at 3.30pm.

On Friday, July 25 at 3.30pm Mela- nie Lorien will make corn dollies with children aged 7-12 years. Ad- vance booking is required for this

event.

Kids can sign up for the annual Clare County Library Summer Read- ing Challenge at the library where they will receive their free reading challenge pack. Entry forms for the design a t-shirt competition are also available at that venue.

And the best news of all is for par- ents – all activities are free of charge. Places may be limited on some ac- tivities, so please contact the library on 061 922893 for further detauls.

EVEN the weather was kind to Tua- mgraney on Friday when the Pride Of Place judges arrived in the vil- lage.

It was all hands on deck to make the two judges in the cross-border competition feel welcome and Tuam- graney residents showed they know how to lay out the red carpet.

“It couldn’t have gone better. Eve- ryone came together to make it a special day,” said Mary Cassidy, sec- retary of the Tuamgraney Develop- ment Association.

The day started with chairman of the association, Damien Heaney, Mary and a large group of local peo-

ple turning out to greet the judges, Tom Dowling and Alison Boyle.

They were brought to the East Clare Heritage Centre where Fr Brendan Quinliven and Alan Sparling greeted them dressed as Brian Bort and his brother and staged a small historical pageant.

Then Gordon Daly gave a power point presentation outling the local attractions and some of the history of the village.

The group then set off on a boat trip from Tuamghraney to Scariff harbour. On their return, the devel- Opment association representatives took the party on a walking tour of the memorial park and the proposed wildlife park before heading to Ra-

heen hospital.

‘At the hospital they met the staff and saw the facilities and then we introduced them to Paddy Gleeson, who turned 104 recently. He was able to talk to them about local his- tory and the the Black and Tans. It was fascinating,’ said Mary

After the hospital visit the judges went to the handball alley where youngsters put on a demonstration of handball skills.

Afterwards the winners of the anti- litter competition were anounced, be- fore the judges said their goodbyes.

Now the association and local peo- ple will have to wait until November to see if their hardy efforts will bear fruit.

“It was just fabulous that even the weather was good for that short while and they got to see Tuamgraney in the sunshine. The day was lovely and there was a lovely atmosphere, with the bouncy castle for the kids and face-painting — they were delighted,” said Mary.

She also stressed that simply win- ning is not the point in the competi- tion.

“Just to be nominated to take part for the first time was a great honour. And it was marvellous the way eve- ryone came together to lend support. The village looked lovely with all of the flags and bunting up for Clare as well. Maybe we’ll leave them up un- til November, just in case.”

WHEN the West Clare Currach Club went in search of Maggie May, there wasn’t a Rod Stewart CD in sight.

The men and women of the Kilkee based umbrella club were instead in search of the old turf boat preserved in the mud near Blackweir Bridge, Lisdeen, Kilkee.

The club members set about ex- cavating the boat, believed to more than 100 years old, last week with an aim to learn more about the old ship.

The group has taken measurements and photographs of the boat in the

hope that they may some day have enough information to construct one of these long forgotten boats.

Turf boats were unique to the Shan- non estuary and as club member Dixie Collins explained, “they would have been no use around Loophead or the other side of the peninsula in north Clare.”

Carrying anything up to a 15-ton cargo, turf boats would have moved items up and down the estuary be- tween Limerick and Clare.

“These boats would bring lime- stone down from Askeaton and turf back up from west Clare. These

boats were unique for their purpose,’ he said.

While the boats move up and down the estuary on the tidal currents, the large sail also helped with naviga- ntOne

These boats developed to meet lo- cal needs and their ability to land on the Shannon mudflats enabled them to unload and load their cargo eas- ily. Floating off on the high tide us- ing tide and wind to carry them up or down river.

These boats were in constant use around the Shannon estuary over a hundred years ago. At one stage 20

of these boats worked out of Poul- nasherry alone.

The Maggie May has been in the sand for as long as anyone can re- member, but the West Clare Currach Club are hopping that some local people may have pictures or extra 1n- formation on the 35-foot boat.

Mr Collins has asked people to con- tact him or a member of the club or email info@westclarecurrach.com.

“We are doing this project so that the history of the boat doesn’t die. We are interested in the social his- tory and any folklore surrounding the boats too,” he said.

THE Eigse Mrs Crotty Music Festi- val, Kilrush Choral Society and the Garda Youth Diversion Project under the Clare Youth Service were the three big beneficiaries of this year’s Kilrush arts and community grants.

The groups received €500, ©450 and €400 respectively.

Applications were invited in March for the Grant Scheme for Assistance to Community and Arts Related Projects 2008.

The grant was available to arts related projects and community projects from Kilrush.

Kilrush Town Council this year received a total of 26 applications seeking grant assistance, with 15 seeking assistance under the com- munity project scheme and 11 seek- ing assistance under the arts related project scheme.

This represents an increase of eight applications on the amount received in 2007 and double the amount re- ceived in 2006.

As was the case in 2007, the sum of €5,000 was made available in the 2008 Adopted Budget to fund both scheme.

“Our aim is to ensure that those who have been allocated funding in the

past are again being awarded funding this year and we have attempted to ensure that in most cases the amount of funding approved this year will not be reduced too significantly due to the increase in the amount of ap- plications received,’ said Siobhan Garvey, Marketing and Development Officer with the council.

In the assistance to the community section of the grants Clare Haven Services, Kilrush Ladies Football club, West Clare Early Years and Kilrush Rangers AFC all received €200.

Comoradh Sheandéin Naofa, West Clare Cancer Support Group, Kil-

rush Family Resource Centre, West Clare Kidney Support Group and the Kilrush Golf Club received €©150 while all the other groups in this cat- egory received €100 each. In the as- sistance to the arts category Kilrush Youth Project and the Kilrush Farm- ers’ Market received ©250 each.

Three groups received ©200, in- cluding Scoil Samhradh Inis Ca- thaigh, Kilrush Family Resource Centre and Kilrush Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

Kilrush Art Group and St Senan’s Primary School each received €150. The two remaining groups received Ja LOleR

A KILKEE businesswoman has ex- celled in her professional field for the second year in a row. ;

Public relations officer Aine Car- mody has secured a “Highly Com- mended Certificate for Excellence in Communications” by the Public Re- lations Institute of Ireland with her company Carmody Smith PR.

Originally from Tullaroe, the former pupil of Querrin National

School and the Mercy Convent Kil- kee, along with her team, secured the award for the Sligo Live Festival 2007 campaign.

From a west Clare family of II, Aine 1s now based in Dublin with her husband and one-year-old daughter.

Her mother Dolly still lives in Kil- kee and Aine likes to visit her home- town as often as possible.

She set up the successful company with her business partner in January Aue s

The company represents mostly cli- ents involved in entertainment.

Last year Ms Carmody was recog- nised for her work in promoting the very successful series of “Pop’s Fam- ily” books aimed at children with Downs Syndrome.

This year’s award was bestowed on the company for the outstanding public relations campaign it created and delivered for the Sligo Live Fes- tival 2007. Sligo Live is an annual event and returns this year on Octo-

ber Bank Holiday from Thursday, 23 to Monday, 27 October 2008.

In a statement the company said, “Carmody Smith PR is delighted to consistently achieve exceptional re- sults for its clients as demonstrated in the public relations campaign for Sligo Live Festival 2007.”