Month: February 2009

IT’S only the second week of the sea- son but Ballyea are already making waves in their first ever minor league campaign. Last week, they surprised Newmarket to prevail by three points and on Saturday, they took another scalp in the form of St Joseph’s Doo- ra/Barefield.

Now it’s early days and most sides are still adjusting to the new season but the most impressive part of this Ballyea side so far is that they are a very young side. Half of their start- ing line-up on Saturday are still un- derage for Under 16 this year, having built up a winning mentality from their Feile na nGael excursion two years ago.

In contrast, St Joseph’s, off the back of a battling two point victory over Eire Og, were a totally different side and never got to grips with their livlier opponents over the hour. Bal- lyea were sharp and incisive while St Joseph’s, depsite having the physi- cal advantage, were unable to find space and appeared quite toothless Vom BKeysle

Even a lack of nets or lines couldn’t knock the home side off their stride and in fact, neither goalkeeper had to make a save, which made umpiring duties all the easier. Instead, Ballyea were content to pick off their points, with Tony Kelly’s unerring free-tak- ing punishing St Joseph’s repeated indiscipline. Wing-forward Kelly converted fourteen points, thirteen of those from frees and his reliability from placed balls was a real source of confidence for his side over the telene

St Joseph’s started with the aid of a significant breeze and in fact were Q-2 to 0-1 ahead after seven minutes with a great Niall Deloughery score on the run from halfway and a Shane O’Connor free cancelling out Kelly’s

opening free. However, it was to be Doora/Barefield’s last score for 44 minutes as Ballyea finally settled. Instead, the home side hit six suc- cessive first-half points, four from the stick of Kelly to lead by O-7 to Q-2 at the break and it could have

been much worse only for some good defending from Kieran Clune and Conor Lyons.

Ballyea were equally miserly in de- fence though and as Doora/Barefield totted up six first half wides, Ballyea had impressive displays from Paul

Flanagan, Jack Browne, Gearoid O’Connell, Martin O’Leary and Kel- ly. The second half continued in the same fashion with Kelly converting four more frees along with one from play through Martin O’Leary before St Joseph’s would score again.

The change came with Kieran Clune’s switch to the forward line but some last gasp defending from Cathal Doohan and Declan Keane ensured that Doora/Barefield could not pierce their defence. Leo Duggan did finally put over for the away side in the 51st but by then, the game was clearly beyond them and four more Kelly frees and some quick think- ing from Gearoid O’Connell to set up midfield partner Stan Lineen for the final score rounded off a hugely impressive afternoon for Ballyea.

With one foot already in the semi- finals, a win against Eire Og this week will guarantee their place at the penultimate stage. Considering that they were unsure of whether even to enter the tournament at the start of the year, it has certainly been a beneficial first foray into a Minor A competition.

PREMIER League on.

That was the word in Avenue Unit- ed’s corner just before lpm on Sun- day after they threw the destination of this year’s title into the melting pot thanks to their second victory over Bunratty in the matter of a week.

Bunratty’s recent woes continued with this defeat — after only taking a point at home to Burren Utd two weeks ago and then dumped out of the Clare Cup race by Avenue, they needed to get their season back on track by taking something from this game.

No wonder they were very vocal at half-time of this potentially season- defining game. ‘Win today and we win the league’, was one line. ‘This is the league title if we want it,’ went another.

They wanted it alright after a fine strike from Pat Twomey, who cut in from the right and drove the ball to the net from a tight angle, had lev- elled matters five minutes before nee abe slon

Avenue had taken the lead 22 min- utes in through David Smythe. The fleet of foot teenager showcased his wonderful skills when outfoxing the Bunratty defence before chipping the

ball nonchalantly over Darren Whe- lan to the net from eight yards.

Avenue were the better team in that first half, but the complexion of the game altered drastically after Twom- ey’s equaliser and the departure with an ankle injury of Avenue keeper John Healy.

With no recognised replacement keeper in their ranks, substitute cen- tre-forward Bratislav was forced to take over in goal. However, it tran- spired that the 6 foot 5 inch stand-in had a relatively easy time of it in the second half as Avenue never looked back after being gifted back their lead only two minutes in.

Eamonn O’Reilly floated a long ball forward and with Ciaran McManus and David Herlihy putting pressure on Noel Collins, he headed the ball into his own net from just outside the six-yard box.

Bunratty never really recovered from this sucker punch and in the 78th minute Avenue really turned the screw thanks to Mikey Mahony who made a cameo appearance as a sub in the second half in his comeback game from suspension.

Picking the ball up in midfield, Ma- hony outpaced the Bunratty defence before laying the ball off to Ciaran McManus who tucked away the all-

important third goal.

Bunratty, who are beginning to look like the Lifford team of three years ago that got caught in the head- lights when the league looked under their control, did set up a grandstand finish when sub Terry Duggan forced the ball home from close range in the 88th minute.

However, Avenue held on for the crucial three points.

COROFIN Harps secured a place in the third round of the Clare Cup with a victory that was in no way as easy as the final score line suggests.

Turnpike Rovers, to an extent, were authors of their own misfortune giv- ing away two own goals before suc- cumbing to two sharply taken Noel Mullane goals. Mullane’s pair of late strikes summed up the major dif- ference between the sides on Sun- day; Corofin made the most of their chances; Turnpike blew theirs.

In an open and exciting encounter at Lees Road, Harps took the lead after 14 minutes before Pike equalised.

The remainder of the first half flared out in a series of wasted goal chances, with both sides equally cul- pable.

Pike’s profligacy was to prove the costher. After Andy Hayes inadvert-

edly became the second Pike player to put through his own net in the 58th minute, Corofin went for the kill.

The Harps line-up had a familiar look to it with one exception as cen- tre forward Gavin Dinan stepped in as emergency goalkeeper. Dinan ac- quitted himself well. The highlight undoubtedly being his 76th minute penalty save from James Ferns.

It was Dinan’s opposite number, Marty Whelan who was first to be tested with the Turnpike goalie get- ting down smartly to stop Mullane in the 4th minute.

Pike’s best chance of the opening quarter arrived in the 10th minute When Thomas Cronin’s shot was cleared of the line. Corofin took the lead soon after. John Keane whipped a low cross from the right that came of Eric Hayes and into the net.

Pike were level by the 20th minute. Donnacha Hassett’s cross from the

left was touched on by Cronin to the unmarked Stephen Burns at the back post. Cool as you like, Burns curled a low shot past Dinan to make it 1-1. Both sides had opportunities to take the lead before the break.

Cronin missed a glorious chance when he chipped inches wide in the 39th minute before Mullane and Ja- son Tierney combined for Keane to blast over from ten yards on half mnealee

Harps regained the lead shortly af- ter when Brian Halipn’s fizzed low free kick clipped Andy Hayes and trickled to the net.

Corofin’s lead was almost wiped out minutes later when Andy Hayes touched Cronin’s drive over the bar.

Mullane put daylight between the sides when he swept home in the Sede maenselbicon

Two minutes later Mullane bur- ied Corofin’s fourth goal and with it

Turnpike’s chances. Dinan kept out Fern’s penalty as the champions of 2005 and 2006 advance into familiar territory.

The Harps could be on the move ey lerem an leyue

IT was a comfortable victory in the end for champions Rock Rovers, but the thin line between victory and defeat was graphically illustrated in this full-blooded Sunday morning cup tie.

Rock, in their first defence of the title they won so sensationally in the County Grounds last May when beat- ing cup specialists Bunratty, were a goal down at half-time courtesy of Danny Scanlan’s brilliant finish in the 13th minute.

Throw in the fact that the Manus defence was in an uncompromising mood in that first half, snapping at the heels of their more vaunted op- ponents and not yielding an inch, let alone a clear-cut chance at goal.

But most of all throw in the fact that three minutes into the sec- ond half opportunity knocked for Michael Geraghty to put Manus into the dreamland of being 2-0 up on the cup champions and on the road to the last 16.

Geraghty was one-on-one with Rock keeper Leonard Keane — it looked easier to score than miss, but the latter prevailed when Geraghty blasted the ball wide from just inside the area.

Manus would have been full value for a 2-0 lead — they had dominated the first 35 minutes of the first half, forced six corners, controlling the midfield exchanges thanks to they physicality and looking dangerous up front thanks to Danny Scanlan.

His goal had class written all over it as he controlled Seanie Travers’

free with his left, dragged it onto his right foot and then hammered a low drive beyond Leonard Keane from

six yards. Ironically, Rock’s equaliser that came 40 seconds after Geraghty’s

miss was nearly a carbon copy of Manus’ opener. Greg Howard and Dean Gardiner worked the ball down

the right — Gardiner found Ashley Glynn on the edge of the six-yard box he controlled the ball with his left and then drove home the equaliser.

Rock were in the ascendancy from there on — they had the edge in fit- ness, but the game looked like going into extra-time until substitute Ro- nan Arthur struck for the lead goal with two minutes remaining.

The summer signing from Newmar- ket Celtic latched onto Barry Woods’ free and beat Blaise Talty from six yards. The icing was applied two minutes later when Shane Daniels’ free from midfield was headed home by Rowan Eade.

Rock could be on another cup run, but the 3-1 defeat definitely didn’t done Manus justice.

KATE Winslett warmed up for her best actress triumph at Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony with a Clare hooley in honour of her agent, Hylda Queally from Barefield, who was honoured at a prestigious pre-Oscar event in Hollywood.

The ‘Oscar Wilde; Honouring the Irish in Film’ award was presented to the Clare woman by Ms Winslett who said she was delighted that her “long-time friend and agent” was be- ing honoured. The star of the award- winning movie

MAYOR of Clare, Madeleine Taylor Quinn (FG) is leaving frontline poli- tics when her term in office finishes in June.

She will not stand in the upcom- ing local elections for Fine Gael, and confirmed that she would not be run- ning as an independent candidate.

On Friday last, Cllr Taylor Quinn announced her intention to leave elected politics for now, although she warned she was not leaving politics.

“Sometimes people go on a leave of absence and on this occasion I am taking a break. I am not saying I am quitting politics but I am not seeking a nomination to run as a Fine Gael candidate,’ she told the party’s Kil- rush convention on Friday night last.

The west Clare woman has had a distinguished career in politics as the only Clare Fine Gael TD ever to sit on the front bench. She was a mem- ber of the Seanad and a member of Clare County Council for 30 years. She followed her father, Frank Taylor, into the world of politics.

60 council workers to lose jobs

EMPLOYERS body IBEC have announced plans for a practical in- formation briefing for employers in Limerick, Clare and North Tipper- ary on the critical people manage- ment issues that businesses have to face to survive this recession.

The event will take place between 8.30am and 10.30am on Tuesday, February 24 in the Strand Hotel, Limerick and is open to all, IBEC members and non-members alike.

“The economic downturn is of grave concern The role of manage- ment is to chart a course through these challenges. In doing this, IBEC can provide the support and advice that a business needs in order to po- sition itself to weather the storm and come out stronger at the other end.” stated IBEC Director for the mid- west, Chris O’Donovan

SW slomm oyulosibercamrsU0 mele (onlAU Ram nelommOyon tions and risks for businesses to con- sider when making decisions on pay costs, downsizing and absenteeism, among other issues, in the current economic environment. It will also highlight key legal issues involved when addressing people manage- ment issues.

A spokesman for IBEC explained what will take place during the brief- ing.

“Topic one of the IBEC briefing will specifically focus on under- standing your costs Payroll costs are a significant cost in every organisa- tion. IBEC will guide you in how to scrutinize your pay costs so you can ensure every element is adding value; what to examine in reviewing pay costs; how to measure the cost of absence; sector, national and interna- tional comparators.”

“Topic two will focus on reduc- ing costs. What are your options and what do you need to consider to make the right decisions? Redundan- cy, Lay-off and short-time working, Pay reductions, Leave, Implications of the national wage agreement”

“Topic three is about manag- ing people. For those left behind, how do you cope with the ‘survivor syndrome’; communications- who, when, how? Managing performance, cross-skilling; managing absence,’ he added.

“In 2007, National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) inspectors carried out over 14,000 inspections and detected 2,344 breaches of em- ployment legislation securing almost €2.5 million in arrears for employ- ees. Compliance with constantly changing employment law is becom- ing more challenging than ever.

“Membership of IBEC provides companies with access to specialists in a broad range of business areas including human resources. Local services include practical industrial relations assistance, including IBEC attendance at any third-party repre- sentation.

“Your local office is also a mecha- nism to ensure policy issues of local importance are raised at national level,’ he concluded.

If you would like to attend the briefing, please book online at www. ibec.ie/O/briefing.

THERE have been renewed calls for the Irish Government to order gardai to search all US military aircraft which stop at Shannon Airport fol- lowing news that a fugitive wanted by the FBI managed to fly into and out of the mid-west aerodrome with millions of euro worth of gold with- out being detected.

Christopher Warren (26), who has Since been arrested in the US, was wanted over a $100m (€78m) mort- gage scam in California. He spent a day in Shannon earlier this month af- ter chartering a private jet in Las Ve- gas. US authorities believe Warren may have had up to €4m worth of gold, weighing over 160 kilograms, in his possession when he arrived in Ireland however he managed to pass through Shannon without being stopped.

Millions of euro of taxpayers’ mon- ey 1S spent at Shannon to provide round-the-clock armed protection for US military aircraft. Despite the security presence at the airport and countless claims that US planes have illegally carried armaments and pris- oners through the airport on small private jets, no searches are carried out on aircraft there.

Retired Irish Army Commandant and prominent anti-war campaigner Edward Horgan has reiterated his calls for all US planes to be searched at Shannon, describing the airport as

the “wild west”.

“Gold is a harmless and completely inert substance to be taking through Shannon, but it does emphasise that Ireland, and Shannon airport is the “wild west” as far as controls are concerned. It now appears that any- thing can be brought through Shan- non Airport mainly because the gardai have been told not to search any US aircraft, especially executive type jets, in case they may turn out to be CIA planes carrying prisoners. This of course would embarrass the Irish Government and expose their complicity with the torture rendition programme.”

Mr Horgan added, “Again, I strong- ly recommend that the garda do their duty at Shannon and carry out regu- lar and random checks on all aircraft, including and especially US aircraft, to ensure that no such aircraft are carrying contraband of any sort, es- pecially drugs, dangerous explosives or kidnapped prisoners.”

The jet which Warren had char- tered made a refuelling stop at Shan- non on February 3rd where the pilot and crew took a rest break before flying the fugitive on to Jounieh in Lebanon.

Warren was apprehended last week after attempting to return to the US using a false passport.

When caught he was carrying two false passports while immigration officers also found a total of $70,000 (€54,554) in cash; $lm (€778,970)

in Swiss bank certificates and nearly $6,000 (€4,675) worth of platinum. Warren now faces charges of con- spiracy, fraud and conducting a fi- nancial crime.

It appears that the FBI was unaware of Warren’s movements until after he had left Shannon.

It 1s believed that neither gardai nor customs were informed by US

authorities that Warren was passing through Shannon.

MINISTER of State Tony Killeen TD this week said that the prepara- tion of a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Burren re- mained a key priority for the Depart- ment of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The North Clare TD explained that Environment Minister John Gorm- ley was committed to developing a management plan, which would have to be undertaken as part of the nom1- nation process.

The World Heritage List includes 878 properties in 141 countries, which the World Heritage Commit- tee considers as having outstanding universal value. They include monu- ments and landmarks as diverse at the Great Wall of China, the Great Bar- rier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, Machu Picchu in Peru, as well as the historic centres of famous cities such as Venice, Prague, Rome and Paris.

Ireland currently boasts two list- ed World Heritage Sites; Skellig Michael (1996) and Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne (1993). Each World Heritage Site 1s the property of the state on whose territory the site is located, but it 1s considered in the interest of the in- ternational community to preserve each site.

According to Minister Killeen, “A

key initiative of the Department’s UNESCO world heritage programme is the preparation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Burren. Munister Gormley has informed me that work on progress- ing the nomination will be brought forward in the context of the priori- tisation of the constituent elements of the Department’s UNESCO world heritage programme.”

“IT am especially delighted to learn from the minister that consultation with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties will be an inte- gral part of this nomination process. Consequently, I urge all local people to join in the discussion around the Burren region’s attempt to acquire World Heritage Site status’, he add- ed.

Minister Killeen noted that achiev- ing World Heritage Site status would be an important milestone for the future of the Burren. He explained, “Such status would not only help raise the profile of the Burren and at- tract additional tourists but it would help ensure the conservation of the fragile landscape for future genera- tions. The continued protection of habitats, including Special Areas of Conservation designated under the EU Habitats Directive, and conser- vation of sustainable farming prac- tices are also vitally important to the Burren region.”