Month: October 2008

A WOMAN threatened to kill four gardai during a stand-off at her home on the outskirts of Ennis, it has been alleged.

Caitriona Barker (37), of Bridge Court, Roslevan, Ennis, is accused of threatening to kill or harm a garda sergeant and three gardai, on May 14, 2007. She is also accused of pro-

ducing a knife, on the same date.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told En- nis District Court that gardai were called to the home of the accused at 1.40am. The front door was open and the accused was staggering on the street. He said she appeared she be 1n a distressed state.

“It will be alleged she produced a knife from behind her back and threatened the guards she would kill

them and herself,” he said.

‘There was a stand-off for a short period before gardai overpowered her and took possession of the knife. Gardai were not injured,” he said.

He said Ms Barker was disorien- tated and fell over a flowerpot.

Judge Joseph Mangan (right) said he was declining jurisdiction. The case will be sent forward to the Cir- cuit Court.

ADULTS are buying alcohol for those under the age of 18, while they wait outside off-licenses for them, it has been claimed.

The revelation emerged in court from a 17-year-old girl from Ennis, who said she asked people to buy alcohol for her at three named off- licenses in the town.

The girl is accused of being in- toxicated in public at Abbey Street, Ennis, on May 18 last. Judge Joseph Mangan noted that “Drink seems to be at the root of all these problems.”

Ennis District Court was told on Friday that the young girl accepted that this was the case. Her solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client would be prepared to comply with the Pro- bation services.

Judge Mangan called the girl up before him and asked her where she was getting the alcohol. She said it was being bought in off-licences. ‘‘Any of them,” she said.

Asked to specify, she replied, “Fine Wines; over by MT Pockets; Carry Out. That’s all.”

Judge Mangan asked her, “How do you get drink?” She replied, “People that I hang around with are 18.”

He asked her where she was located when the alcohol was being bought for her. “Waiting outside the offie,” she replied. The judge asked her was it handed to her as the buyers left the off-licences and she said, “Ya.”

Inspector Tom Kennedy then told the court that a recent case in Shan- non had been brought to court, where a young man bought alcohol for a girl who was under 18. The judge asked,

“Is it a case with some people, Hear no evil, See no evil?”

The inspector replied, “We have carried out surveillance. It 1s difficult enough to detect. It is not always as blatant as that.”

The judge placed the girl on proba- tion for 12 months. He ordered her to comply with counselling and treat- ment and undertake to comply with a urine analysis programme.

A MAN whose urine was left for two months before it was tested for the presence of drugs has been convicted of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Niall O’Gorman (21), of Hurlestown Meadow, Broadford, Co Clare, pleaded not guilty to the of- fence, at Hurdlestown, Broadford, on

November 23, 2007.

During evidence in the case last Thursday week, it emerged that two months had elapsed before his sam- ple of urine was tested for the pres- ence of drugs at the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in Dublin.

While his urine sample was sent away for analysis just days after he was stopped by gardai, the test for

the presence of drugs did not take place for two months.

The sample was tested for the pres- ence of alcohol within weeks. He was notified in December 2007 that the result for the presence of alcohol was ‘nil.’ However, it was not until three months later that he received notification from the Bureau, indi- cating the presence of cocaine class

and cannabis class in the urine.

The Bureau said the delay was due to the Christmas backlog and gardai said the testing was done in accord- ance with procedures.

However, the accused’s solicitor Daragh Hassett said it was incum- bent on the gardai to get the samples off to the Bureau and for the Bureau to analyse the specimens as quickly

as possible. “There is a delay of three months here for a positive drug anal- ysis,” said the solicitor.

Judge Joseph Mangan adjourned a ruling in the case for a week. Last week, he convicted the accused and disqualified him from driving for four years. He fined him €800 and fixed a bond in the event of an ap- ered

CLARECASTLE is famous for it’s sluice gates, but it’s the ones up in the great beyond and not down on the River Fergus that attracted most at- tention on Saturday afternoon. They just wouldn’t shut and were intent of spoiling the showpiece occasion of intermediate hurling year.

But even the rains failed to spoil the Broadford party that started up around the midfield area of Clare- castle’s second field just after Spm on Saturday. It was there that the play- ers gathered in one big scrum to cel- ebrate joining the elite of Clare hurl- ing for the first time in 14 years.

That’s a long time, before Ger Loughnane’s hurling revolution swept the county to Munsters, All- Irelands and high kingship of the game. Maybe that’s why the scrum was so big and why the rains failed to put a damper on a huge day for Broadford hurling.

In time the scrum became one big rolling maul to the sanctuary of a fence on the sideline from where county board treasurer Bernard Keane addressed the crowd from on high and presented the intermediate cup to Padraig Hickey.

A winning captain, Hickey was al- ways going to get to lift the cup, but if ever a man deserved the honour it was the stylish corner-forward. He led by example, scoring four brilliant points from play over the hour in a man-of-the-match display.

“Give me the ball and I’ll score, that’s my motto anyway, but it’s the men that give me the ball, it’s the men that put super ball my way,’ he said after his winning speech and when the scrum had finally left for the dressing room and the bars of Broadford.

“We knew we were going to be there or thereabouts this year. At the start of the year we lost a couple of games and we knew afterwards that we just

had to get things right. Parteen beat us twice this year. Fair play to them, but it was a kick up the backside for us. Once we knew we had a lot of work to do we really got down to it, especially over the last two months. We put the foot to the floor and drove on. The rewards are here by winning the championship.

“It’s a massive step up for Broad- ford hurling. We haven’t played sen- ior championship since 1994. We went up Senior “B’ in ’97 and again in 2003, but playing Senior ‘A’ now is going to be a massive step up again. We’re going to have to put our foot to the floor again to even stay in the gerade, but we’re not going to worry about it tonight.”

UP TO €100,000 damage was caused in a suspicious weekend fire in Killaloe that destroyed two boats and damaged two others.

The bank holiday weekend blaze which is being investigated by gardai, led to chaos at the moorings close to the Harbour Village apartment com- plex in Killaloe on Sunday evening, amid fears that the fire would spread

to dozens of other boats that were moored in the immediate vicinity.

A 36-year-old man was taken from the water by two people who dis- covered the blaze. He was taken to hospital in Cork, where he is being treated for burns to the body.

The pleasure boats were parked to the rear of the apartment complex and were privately owned by locals. Gardai are awaiting forensic reports before they ascertain how the blaze

started at around 8pm.

The boats were empty at the time, but several other boats were moved from the area, amid concerns that the fire would spread. Two of the boats are irreparable, while the other two were smoke damaged.

Killaloe Coastguard was dis- patched to the scene, where 15 crew were on duty. Killaloe and Ennis fire crews also attended the scene of the blaze.

EVER imagine waking up with the beach on your doorstep? How about sleeping in the middle of a deep for- est with the sound of trees rustling in the wind? Or maybe you are more of a city stroller? Well whatever your preference you can do it in the comfort of your own campervan and recently I had the opportunity to ex- perience this in glorious French sur- TKOLebeLe nb ereace

I had the pleasure of travelling not only in good company but in the lat- est Cityvan campervan, the CV57P which is just one of several versions that Cityvan have to offer. If ever there was a campervan made for nar- row roads or city streets then this is the one. And on Irish roads this would be the ideal choice, especially for those of us who are not so com- fortable driving those back roads only known by “the locals”’.

Whether it’s a family holiday or sporting weekend, campervans are becoming more and more popular. In May 2007 Vanderlust camper- vans identified this growing market

and joined forces with the french motorhome giant Pilote. Vanderlust have the exclusive Irish distribu- tion rights to three of their brands namely, Cityvan, Bavaria and Moo- veo. With such an extensive range to choose from, which include over for-

thy five internal designs. Vanderlust offer Coachbuilt, low profile and for those who want it all.. the A Class motorhome.

Vanderlust also offer a conversion service for those wanting a truely individual motorhome and can also

supply accessories such as_ bike racks, reversing cameras, awnings, TV/DVD’s and consumables.

For me though the Cityvan was my desired choice, kind to the driver and even kinder to its occupants. It came with all the essentials that one re-

quires when touring from place to place. A stylish yet comfortable lay- out with a double bed, four dining seats, a table, fully equiped kitchen, shower, toilet and enough cupboard space for your entire trip. If you’re into water sports or cycling they also have all the holding space you’ ll need for the roadtrip of your life.

Our road trip took us from Nantes to La Rochelle and on to Biscarosse, a picturesque seaside resort west of Bordeaux. Here there is believed to be the oldest elm tree in the world planted in 1350! Interesting as that may be, it was the sun, wind, water and french way of life that we were looking for. Unfortunatey the weath- er wasn’t good to us at the beginning of our journey but having total mo- bility made up for it. We could go wherever the van would take us, so finding the sun became our primary objective. Finally after the second day we caught up with the sun or maybe we’d driven away from the clouds? Either way, we now had sun and the perfect conditions to get in the water for some kitesurfing and some lazing about on the beach.

“Tell them to wait until next year, until I win it,” he told his grandmoth- er Kay.

True to his word the 16-year-old won the competition in Old Trafford WORN ore

This was no mean feat as he beat off stiff competition from all over Europe, including the German teen- ager that piped him at the post last year.

Now the Killimer teenager is pre- paring to take part in the World

Skills Final, as a result of his win.

The international competition will take place on November | in the Cliff Training ground – the Manchester United and England training ground in Manchester.

Ruairi will also play on the Old Trafford pitch before the Manchester United home game against Hull City, and the winners of the world skills finals will be presented to the fans at half time. With his strong determ1- nation and winning attitude Ruairi’s family and team-mates are hoping that he is among the winners.

Living in Kilmihil with his grand- parents Sennan and Kay Honan (nee Gallagher) who are originally from Burton Street Kilrush, Ruairi is ded- icated sports man.

For the past three years he has made the trip to Manchester to take part in the World Skills Final.

The avid Manchester United fan 1s currently playing with the Money- point under 16 team and has been a constant team member with Mon- eypoint AFC from the under 11 age ea celel oy

Ruairi has won Clare league and Cup medals at various age levels over those years with Moneypoint AFC. Ruairi has also been a member of the Clare County Soccer Squad at various age levels.

His proud grandmother Kaye paid tribute to the young soccer star.

‘He is a great kid and very moti- vated,” she said.

Although he is also a keen golfer

and enjoys chess, Ruairi is now dedi- cating most of his spare time to prac- ticing his skills.

The fifth year student from Kilrush Community College can be seen training alone in the “field in Killim- er’ in the evening and at weekends.

A spokesperson from Moneypoint FC also wished the young soccer player well as he prepares to fly to Manchester with his grandparents on October 31.

And who knows if he wins we might just get another picture and interview.

WOMEN are renowned for their ability to multi-task but the ladies that make up the Kilmihil Football team are taking this skill to a whole new level.

A number of years ago when the club needed a new committee, the team members decided it was time the sisters did it for themselves.

So on Sunday when Fiona O’Neill led her team to victory at the clubs first ever Munster Intermediate Championship Final on Sunday, she was not just the centre back, or the captain, she was also the club’s chair- person. Her fellow Ulster Bank col- league Rosemary Currane was not just a forward for the team, but also

club secretary.

These women like so many of the others who are dedicated to club and team have eaten, drank and slept football since last February.

Training began for the team nine months ago and since then the ladies have met three times a week to train.

Many of the dedicated team travel from Limerick, Cork and Dublin to ensure they are at training.

This year the squad of 26, along with management team Damien De- vine and Thomas McMahon were determined to win the county inter- mediate championship, having come so close in the last two years.

Kilmihil Ladies Football Club was re-established in its current format in Re

It started out as an underage club that grew with its members.

In its first year it won an under 14 B and C final. From there its teams went on to win competitions at all ages including Under 16 B and C finals and Minor As and B titles, as well as numerous national school ti- Coxe

At the turn of the century – just eight years ago – a junior team was formed in the club and in the same year they won the junior title.

In 2000 Kilmihil fielded a senior team with Crusheen, called Kilero- nan and reached the county final.

In 2001 Kilmihil won the All Ire- land seven aside and two years later joined Doonebeg to form the senior team Kildoon Gaels that won the

county final.

Next year Kilmihil will reach the senior grade in their own right.

Despite not fielding a team for three years the Ladies club came back to win a Junior League title in 2006.

Despite winning the Intermediate League title too, the championship evaded the team until this year when it beat Shannon Gaels.

Now the Ladies Team are looking forward to next season at senior lev- el, and even more local support.

“Before people were not that in- terested in Ladies Club, but new we have a lot of support. Local spon- sors played a big part this year as we wouldn’t have a lot and would have been scrapping through,” said Rose- nerve

ONE of Clare’s leading Construction and Civil Engineering companies is this week launching a development close to its geographically origins.

L and M Keating Ltd was estab- lished in 1987 by Kilmihil couple Louis and Mary Keating, and on Wednesday the company will unveil its Kilrush development to the busi- ness and political community.

Over the years the company’s work has included major Civil Engineer- ing and Building works covering all sectors of the industry, with some of its major projects including the living bridge at the University of Limerick and the River Shannon Crossing En- abling Works.

Many of the company’s previous wok can also be seen around the west Clare capital, including the Shana- kyle Community Housing, the Garda Station, Hector Street apartments and the Moanmore Windfarm.

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday) Jim Power, Chief Economist Friends First will officially open the Busi- ness Quarter of the Landmark Office Development at the Merchant’s Quay Business Quarter.

The development includes two fa- miliar landmarks on Francis Street – Kelly’s Mill and Foley’s Store.

A glazed atrium which will extend the full height of the building links the two buildings and offers excep- tional views over the Shannon Estu- ary and the Marina.

According to Pat Quinlivan, Com- mercial Director of LandM Keating Ltd, the location of these two impos- ing six storey buildings is as relevant today as it was when they were built over 150 years ago.

“By retaining the original 19th cen- tury structure and combining it with State-of-the-art internal fit-out, an ideal working environment has been created,” he said.

“The versatile layout design ena- bles effective subdivision of units to provide quality office accommo- dation of 500 square feet to 20,000 square feet.

‘Anchor occupants will include the Civil Service as well as Medical and Professional businesses.

“These prestigious offices will pro-

vide outstanding modern tax efficient accommodation for existing busi- nesses operating in the Kilrush area and for those seeking to establish a Kilrush base, as well as catering for new start ups” he said.

“Anchor occupants already con- firmed include the Civil Service as well as Medical and Professional businesses,” said Mr Quinlivan.

On Wednesday local business peo- ple, potential business people and members and officials from Clare County Council and Kilrush Town Council can avail of an opportunity to see the building at its best and hear from a well known economist who will review the budget and national and international financial maters for those present.

AS IT prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday next year, a basketball club in Shannon is planning to expand and attract new members.

Phoenix Shannon basketball club was set up in 1999 by local ladies Carmel Howard, Karen O’Callaghan and Bella Boyle and has participat- ed in the Limerick league, over the years.

It was narrowly pipped for over- all league honours last year, but its members are hopeful that silverware will be won this year.

PRO Majella Lillis said the club has enjoyed phenomenal success, but the ultimate aim is league honours.

“We were beaten in the play-offs

the last two years. Mary Immaculate College, Limerick beat us last year and University of Limerick were the victors the previous year. The aim 1s to win this year. We were just pipped last year in the play-offs. It went down to points,” she said.

The first match of the season, two weeks ago, saw Phoenix defeat St Colm’s Saints, also from Shannon. Tonight they will play University of Limerick, away, and are hopeful of Panne

“It will be a massive game for us, as the league has been between Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick and ourselves over the past couple of years,” she said.

A lot has changed since the club was initially set up and hopes are

high that it will continue to make good progress.

“When the club started off origi- nally in 1999, the players were from Shannon. Now, we have players trav- elling from Ennis to Shannon,’ she PALO

To cater for the Ennis players, the training 1s split into two locations – St Flannan’s College, Ennis and St Caimin’’s in Shannon.

“This year, it is the same group of players that have been there for the past few years,” she said.

“Up until recently our club had been the only basketball club representing Clare in the Limerick League. Last year the club played 14 games. We won 12 and only lost two. This is a fantastic record by any standards,”

she added.

There is a close-knit aspect to the club – which is sponsored by Maid- enform – as the girls who play also run the club. Mike Hickey, who trains the girls, is also the chairman; Karen Moclair and Grainne Lynch are the treasurers, while Majella is the PRO.

New members and_ supporters should contact Mike Hickey on (086) 6030250.