Month: May 2013

THE death of a homeless man on the streets of Ennis earlier this month may draw greater attention on the plight of people badly in need of help, a court has heard.

Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking last week following the death of Czech Republic national Josef Pavelka (52).

Mr Pavelka’s body was found in a laneway beside Supermac’s Fast Food restaurant on O’Connell Street on Saturday May 4.

Mr Pavelka and his Polish friend Piotr Baram had lived rough on the streets of Ennis.

Their plight attracted nationwide attention in April when Judge Durcan described as a “scandal” a situation whereby Mr Pavelka had spent time living in a public toilet.

Judge Durcan read about the men’s circumstances in a report handed into court by the Probation Services. Mr Pavelka appeared in court on public order charges.

Emergency accommodation was secured for Mr Pavelka and Mr Baram at a tourist hostel in Galway but they returned to live rough in Ennis.

When his case was called at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Durcan was informed that Mr Pavelka had passed away.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said no evidence was being offered in the case.

Judge Patrick Durcan said, “This man’s life in this country is a matter of which nobody can be proud.”

Acknowledging that Mr Pavelka had serious “self-inflicted difficulties” with alcohol, Judge Durcan said;

“It is shameful and sad that this man died in the circumstances that he did.”

The court previously heard that Mr Pavelka acquired a certain “celebrity status” after his plight came to national attention.

Judge Durcan said this status reflected the generosity of the people in Ennis towards Mr Pavelka.

Judge Durcan said he hoped that Mr Pavelka’s death would alert more people to the plight of people in need and “impel them to act.”

Judge Durcan added, “He always struck me as a kindly gentleman.”

Ennis Town Council has denied that the men lived in the two public toilets, saying it has no evidence that they were used for accommodation purposes.

Judge Durcan said he was “concerned” by the denial of the men’s living conditions by the local authority.

Mr Pavelka was a client of solicitor Daragh Hassett of Ennis based lawfirm, Hassett Considine solicitors.

Mr Hassett said that through his involvement with Mr Pavelka, he witnessed the enormous good work that charities and other organisations do for people in need.

He said that unfortunately help came too late for Mr Pavelka. Mr Hassett said, “He was a gentle man in every regard.”

Inspector Tom Kennedy said Mr Pavelka was always easy to deal with from a garda perspective. He added; “Most of our concern was for his own safety.”

Insp Kennedy said very good progress had been made in contacting the deceased’s daughter and sister in the Czech Republic.

He said discussions were ongoing with Czech authorities with regard to burial arrangements.

Judge Durcan commended the gardaí on their handling of the matter.

TWO local men are set to jet-ski from Clare to France this coming September in aid of three local charities.

The voyage, which begins in Liscannor on September 8, aims to raise vital funds for TLC4CF, the William Winder Rainbow Foundation and Burren Sub Aqua Search & Recovery.

Darren Hayes and Liam Cleary completed a round Ireland Jetski in 2010 and are now trying to raise corporate funds to support the cost of their check list and ensure that 100 per cent of the funds raised go directly to the charities.

According to Katie Murphy of TLC4CF, “we are thrilled that Darren and Liam are taking on this immense challenge again this year and this time going even further afield. “We are still falling short of approximately € 500,000 to completely the new state-of-the-art Cystic Fibrosis adult unit in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

The charity has said that they are overwhelmed to be chosen to benefit from this unusual yet wonderful fundraiser yet again alongside two other great charities.

“All of the funds raised from this challenge event will contribute to providing life-saving facilities for our members and of course it is so important to continually raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis both locally and nationally,” Katie continued.

Katie lives with Cystic Fibrosis and stressed the importance of having isolated rooms for CF patients in hospitals to reduce infection and prevent further illness.

“It is through fundraisers like this that we are making these advancements to reach international standards of care for people with CF.

“Liam and Darren have been wonderful supporters of TLC4CF throughout the years and we would like to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.”

The 1,300 miles trip to France is hoped to be completed in seven days return, according to Darren, “covering 240/250 miles a day”.

For more information visit their Facebook page, Ireland to France Charity Jetski.

IRELAND’S oldest matchmaking festival is going pink this September with a gay and lesbian weekend being added to the month-long Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.

This year’s matchmaking festival will begin with The Outing – a lesbian and gay weekend involving concerts, matchmaking and other events, all hosted by drag-queen Panti.

The event is the brainchild of local hotelier Marcus White who has contracted the organiser of the Dublin Pride Festival, Eddie McGuinness, to manage the event.

According to McGuinness, the event will the biggest gay and lesbian matchmaking event ever to take place, anywhere in the world.

“At the end of the day it’s about love – that what the matchmaking festival has always been about. Ireland is leading the world on gay issues and hopefully we will have gay marriage soon, so the time is right for something like this to take place,” said Eddie McGuinness.

“Nothing on this scale has ever been done anywhere else in the world. We are taking matchmaking into the 21st century. We have a five-year plan for this event. This year we are looking at attracting people from Ireland and the UK but this is going to become a very big international event.”

The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has been in operation for more than 150 years and attracts thousands of singles from all over the world to the North Clare village each September.

It is not as yet clear if Ireland’s last matchmaker, local man Willie Daly, will be directly involved in the gay and lesbian festival.

“We are trying to put a different twist on the festival. It is going to be same as any other matchmaking weekend – we will have entertainment, music and dancing – but this will be a gay and lesbian weekend,” said hotelier Marcus White.

“There will be matchmaking going on throughout the weekend. We are hoping to get Willie Daly involved as well. We are in talks with Willie at the moment and hopefully he will come n board.

“This has not been tried been tried anywhere else in the world. We are very open-minded up here in Lisdoonvarna. As Willie Daly says himself – love doesn’t distinguish, if you’re in love, you’re in love.”

The first ever Lesbian and Gay Weekend of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival will take place from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1.

CLARE County Council has ruled out the possibility of allocating a caretaker specifically for Ballyalla Lake.

Speaking yesterday, Ennis Town Manager Ger Dollard said there is a much bigger council presence at Ballyalla Lake than was the case 18 months ago.

Mr Dollard was responding to motion tabled by Ennis councillor Tony Mulqueen (FG) at a meeting of councillors in the Ennis West electoral area.

Cllr Mulqueen called on the Ennis area engineer to provide a caretaker at Ballyalla Lake “as this amenity had a caretaker in the past who carried out excellent work”.

Cllr Mulqueen told the meeting that it might be beneficial to have a caretaker in the area during summer season.

In his reply, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea stated that the council is providing the services required from existing operation personnel in conjunction with the local residents.

He continued, “The litter bins are collected by Ennis Town Council, the grass cutting is done by the grass cutting contractor covering the Ennis town and environs area, the gardening section of the council maintain the hedges near the car parking and the council area staff maintain the walks. The council has carried out improvement works at Ballyalla amenity area under the Smarter Travel Funding in 2011 and are seeking funding for further works.”

Mr O’Dea told the meeting that he could not see the caretaker position being re-introduced. He said area staff have been allocated to carry out maintenance work around Ballyalla and the system is working “reasonably well”. Mr O’Dea said the council is aware of issues that arise in the area on weekends.

Mr Dollard said that given the current financial climate, it is hard to see a caretaker being allocated to Ballyalla.

The meeting heard that one major works scheme is planned for Ballyalla. However that has been delayed pending approval of funding under the LEADER scheme.

A working group comprising residents, councillors, businesses and wildlife services has been established to examine proposals in relation to Ballyalla.

The group, former following a public meeting in Ennis last month, are due to hold their first meeting in June.

THERE have been renewed calls for the installation of a pedestrian crossing near the Eire Óg GAA grounds.

It follows concerns expressed for the safety of children attending the club every week.

Concern was also raised over the lack of a pedestrian crossing on the Gort Road.

At yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis East electoral area, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly (FF), requested an update on a proposed pedestrian crossing at the Eire Óg GAA grounds.

He told the meeting that as many as 200 children are attending the club every week. He described the situation as “treacherous” and “deadly dangerous”.

Cllr Daly warned that someone could be killed if a crossing is not put in place.

Senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea stated that Ennis Town Council will carry out the evaluation process for the provision of a pedestrian crossing on Clonroadbeg this year “and subject to evaluation will proceed to consultation process”.

He continued, “The available resources are being used to develop works where funds are provided this year and the evaluation process will follow this work. The provision of a pedestrian crossing will be subject to the evaluation and available funding.”

Mr O’Dea told the meeting that Eire Óg is one of a number of areas around the town where the council has been asked to install a pedestrian crossing.

There were also calls for pedestrian crossing on the Gort Road, close to Ashfield Park. The request was made by Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) at a meeting of councillors in the Ennis West electoral area.

Cllr Meaney said there has been an increase in the number of people crossing the road since the opening of the Lidl store. He said there is also a need for a crossing to assist some people with special needs who are living in the area.

Mr O’Dea stated that the council will carry out an evaluation process. He added, “The available resources are being used to develop works where funds are provided this year and the evaluation process will follow this work. The provision of a pedestrian crossing will be subject to the evaluation and available funding.”

Mr O’Dea told the meeting that the council will engage with residents throughout the process.

PRESIDENT of Ireland Michael D Higgins praised the work of the people in West Clare who worked to prepare for the National Famine Commemoration.

Speaking after the event from Glynn’s Mills, he described the performances by the local people as “a very fine production by the people of Kilrush”.

He paid special tribute to the drama piece, which had brought a tear to his wife’s eye.

“Sabina’s training is in the theatre and she is a founding member of the Focus Theatre with Deirdre O’Connell, and she identifies very clearly with it. That was a very moving piece. The [piece] about the eviction scene and the starvation scene was also very realistic. It is just simply a fact,” he said.

The president had spent almost an hour meeting with local people, hav- ing his photograph taken and signing copies of the Commemoration booklet.

“It was a great pleasure to come down to Clare. Earlier I was over in Carrigoran in the parish of Newmarket where I spent a long time,” he told reporters, referring to his childhood home.

The President who received his primary and secondary school education in Clare was well informed of its famine history.

“Clare had a particularly bad time with the famine because the blight lasted into the sixth year, and that meant you were still losing people. I think the deaths in Kilrush in one 18-month period were about 1,400 or 1,500. I remember seeing it when I looked at the figures over in Ennistymon,” he said.

“At one stage the two work houses in Kilrush and Ennistymon, the number in the workhouse exceeded the number in the population. And then in five years Kilrush itself lost 50 per cent of its population, but obviously for those who survived who are related this is very, very important event in terms of collective memory,” he added refereeing to information supplied to him by the Kilrush and District Historical Society.

“And then there are those who left and some of those would have died on the way to North America. If they were heading for the Canadian ports they were probably at far greater risks.

“Really in a curious way, I made reference in my own speech, that the ‘London Times’ was often unsympathetic during the middle of the famine, but 20 years afterwards said how a great mistake had been made, because now the Irish were in the country that was one of the most powerful in the world, and they would never let people forget the famine and who was responsible for it,” said the president.

THE people of Kilrush did themselves, their county and the nation proud on Sunday as they led the National Famine Memorial Day Commemoration.

As many as 3,000 people braved the elements that reflected the mood of the time being commemorated, better than the time of year.

As dark grey clouds gathered overhead the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht and chairman of the National Famine Commemoration Committee Jimmy Deenihan walked through Francis Street and on to the newly constructed stage, accompanied by military honours.

He told the people it was a “fitting tribute” to host the national commemoration in the town of Kilrush, a town that suffered most during the famine.

Then thousands of cameras and camera phones were sent into over drive as the man described by earlier speakers as a man “coming home”, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, made his way through the wide street accompanied by his wife Sabina.

Overhead residents of Francis Street looked out of their upstairs windows, and from that premier vantage point saw military honours, the presidential salute and the inspection of Captain’s Guard of Honour, 1 Infantry Battalion, 1 Brigade take place below.

Despite the large crowd spanning in age from three to 93 and the howling winds sending a haunting whistle through the town, respect was shown at all times for the ceremony which took more than three hours.

The local community for its part of the ceremony, provided a poignant and appropriate mix of song, poetry, readings, music and drama.

PJ Murphy’s ‘West Clare Famine Song’ opened the platform for readings by Mayor of Kilrush Mairead O’Brien and Mayor of Clare Pat Daly from the ‘Illustrated London News’.

Dr Ciarán Ó Murchadha then read the poem ‘An Droch Shaol i gCill Ruis’, which was followed by a memorable performance by Crack’d Spoon Theatre Company.

Prayers for the victims of the Great Famine were led by leading members of the different churches, with those of all denominations and none answering “Amen” for the call for no more hunger and pain.

As Imam Sheikh Hussein Halawa finished the prayer service with some verses from the Koran, a large and unexpected wind blew up from the Marina causing the flag at half-mast to flap so hard it almost sounded like it was applauding the prayers.

A performance of ‘Lone Shanakyle’ by local woman Assumpta Kennedy was followed by a reflection read by Aideen Henry of the Humanist Association of Ireland, and then the rain came in.

The crowd huddled together under umbrellas, hats and plastic ponchos, and no one complained.

A people renowned for whinging about the weather stayed still and silent, with the evidence surrounding them reminding them that things could and have been worse.

A commemorative dance piece by Banner Productions encouraged the rain to stop for a short while, as the people peeked out again to see local talent represent them on a national stage.

And then the president spoke. For 23 minutes he recalled the horrors West Clare had suffered in the Great Irish Famine, and reminded those present that their ancestors had lived and died in one of the three places worst affected by it.

“Today, we particularly remember the victims of this great tragedy in our history who hailed from Kilrush and its environs, and indeed from the province of Munster as a whole. Along with Connacht, Munster was severely impacted by An Gorta Mór. When the Famine ended, it had lost the greatest number of people of any province through death and emigration. A contributing factor to this outcome was that famine conditions were sustained throughout Munster for five years or more,” he said.

“Within Munster, the county of Clare was the most severely affected during the Famine and Kilrush shares the unhappy distinction of being one of the three areas worst hit by death, disease and evictions. In fact, it is estimated that Kilrush lost 50 per cent of its population between 1846 and 1851. It is very fitting therefore that we should gather today in Kilrush to honour the memory of its Famine victims. I wish to thank the people of Kilrush for so generously hosting us and for all the effort, care and imagination they have invested in this solemn national commemoration.

“Many of our Irish people died believing that their lives were of no value; that they counted for nothing. By our presence here today, we honour their lives, we remember their suffering and we grieve for them all,” he concluded.

The President then planted a tree and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The state commemoration took over from the community at approximately 4.30pm, and the crowd stood in silence for another half an hour.

During this time the Head Chaplin of the Defence Forces Monsignor Eoin Thynne led prayers followed by the piper’s lament.

The President then laid the rememberance wreath.

Afterwards 36 ambassadors from all over the world lay their own wreaths of remembrance.

A minute’s silence was observed as thousands of people continued to defy the blustering wind and rain.

The National Famine Commemoration in Kilrush then concluded with the national anthem as the national flag was raised to full mast.

BUSINESSES are to be consulted on plans to increase use of the River Fergus and turn Ennis into Ireland’s Venice.

Proposals for boat tours and horse drawn carriages were discussed at the May meeting of Ennis Town Council.

In a motion, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said in order to capitalise on the popularity of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Ennis must be promoted as Ireland’s premier romance town.

He called on the council to draft byelaws to permit and regulate horse drawn Jarveys in and around the town centre.

He also called for permits to allow for gandelow journeys on the River Fergus from Knox’s Bridge to Steele’s Rock.

The meeting heard that gandelows are boats traditional to the Shannon and Fergus estuary. Cllr Flynn told the meeting that the opening of the Wild Atlantic Way would create tourism opportunities for Ennis. However he warned that there was a danger Ennis could also be bypassed if tourists are not given enough reasons to visit the town.

Cllr Flynn said there are three gandelows in Clarecastle and that members of the Fergus Rowers club are interested in getting involved in the initiative.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) described the proposal as “innovative”.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) welcomed the initiative, saying, “Anything we can do to enhance tourism in the town should be accepted.”

In response to Cllr Flynn’s motion, town clerk Leonard Cleary states, “Ennis Town Council will discuss this proposal with Promote Ennis to establish if the business community would be interested in investing in such a project. If the business community would be interested investing in such a project. If the project were feasible, Ennis Town Council could research byelaws based on best established practice in other towns.”

Town manager Ger Dollard said the council would first have to see “workable solutions” before byelaws could be drafted. Mr Dollard added, “It would be premature until we have some discussions as to how it would work.”

AMERICAN tourists were “horrified” at the poor standard of customer service they encountered at banks in Ennis, it has been claimed.

The group from Phoenix, Arizona, which is twinned with Ennis, visited the town in March for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Ennis councillor Mary Howard (FG), a member of the Ennis / Phoenix Twinning Board, said some of the group, that included students from St Mary’s Catholic School, had problems trying to convert $100 bills to euros.

She told the May meeting of Ennis Town Council that one bank refused the change $100 bills because no one in the group had an account.

She said the students were told they “couldn’t take over the bank” and that they were “disrupting customers”. Cllr Howard says the tourists were dealt with in an “incourteous manner”. She said the group were “shocked” at their alleged treatment.

Cllr Howard added, “This is the year of the Gathering. It was horrifying.” She told the meeting incidents like this “create a bad impression” of Ennis.

She raised the issue in a motion discussed at the council meeting. Cllr Howard called on the council to request, “The Minister for Finance investigate the issue regarding $100 because financial institutions are refusing to accept same. This is causing difficulties for our tourism sector and causing embarrassment to tourists in the year of the Gathering.”

Cllr Howard said she raised the matter at the meeting because the group were guests of Ennis Town Council.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) told the meeting that banks have become “unwelcome and a nuisance” to customers. He said this was not the fault of frontline staff but decisions taken by senior management in the banking sector.

He added, “This happening was a serious embarrassment to the town.”

Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said, “We shouldn’t just write to the Minister but to the Taoiseach, not only for tourists but for local people. It’s a disgrace.”

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said the group should have demanded to see the manager. He said he is always treated in a courteous manner by staff in banks.

In a separate motion passed at the meeting, Cllr Paul O’Shea called on the council “to ensure that banking executives will include Ennis in the provision of ATM machines that dispense € 10 notes, so as to facilitate those on social welfare and on low incomes.”

THE cream of schoolboys’ soccer in Ennis will take on some of Europe’s best at tournament in Germany later this year.

A team representing Ennis will travel to the German city of Langenfeld to take part in a soccer tournament, from September 6 to 8. Details of the trip were outlined at the May meeting of Ennis Town Council.

Accommodation and food costs for the 20-strong group will be covered by the tournament’s hosts.

Ennis Town Council is proposing to make a contribution of € 3,000 to travel costs. Soccer clubs in Ennis are also being asked to make a contribution.

Town clerk Leonard Cleary explained, “A group of 20 from Ennis consisting of 15 under 13 schoolboys and four mentors/coaches and one manager will represent Ennis at the sports (soccer) initiative in September 2013 in Langenfeld. The u13 schoolboys’ coaches/mentors will be representative of each of the four soccer clubs in Ennis. One of the mentors/coaches will be the FAI Development Officer for Clare, Denis Hynes. The tournament will involve up to three matches that will be held on September 7 to 8. Other teams confirmed to date for the tournament include Montale (Italy), Senlis (France) and Langendfeld (Germany) with other teams anticipated to confirm shortly.”

He continued, “Langenfeld, the organisers of the Sports Exchange Initiative have confirmed that the cost of accommodation and food from September 5 to 9, will be covered by them. Ennis Town Council proposes to make a contribution towards the travel costs of the group of € 3,000. The four soccer clubs will cover the cost of jerseys, tracksuits, gear etc. through direct contributions and fundraising activities.”

Mr Cleary states the visit to Germany will be beneficial to the players and may result in a similar tournament being held in Ennis in the future.

Relations between Ennis and Langenfeld have been developing over the past three years strengthening links in the areas of culture and youth affairs. A delegation from Ennis Town Council visited Langenfeld in late 2010, while a group of students from Ennis also attended an International Youth Conference in the West German city. The Mayor of Langenfeld, Frank Schneider, led a delegation from Germany to Ennis for the recent St Patrick’s Day parade following on from the establishment of links between Ennis and the German town, which lies between Düsseldorf and Cologne.