Author: admin

STUDENTS from St Michael’s Community College Kilmihil brought home gold in two categories in the prestigious eircom Junior Spider Awards.

First year student Jamie Mulqueen won the overall best design category for his site www.greenkilmihil.wix. com/green.

The site focuses of the School’s environmental policies, the work of the students and related projects as the school takes part in the Green Flag initiative.

Jamie has a keen interest and knowledge in both technology and environmental issues.

The judges praised the layout, design and content of the teenager’s site.

Teacher Ruth Morrissey praised the work of the young student.

“As a first year student Jamie was put into the Giga spiders category where he competed against students up to third year. Yet Jamie created a dynamic site full of resources and information,” she said.

The school’s club gaeilge website www.gaeilgegaga.com designed by Kieran Moroney and Micheál Clancy was also among the big winners at the awards winning the Suimoh is Fearr in the Tera Spiders category.

“The website is based on our club “Gaeilge Gaga” which has won many national and regional prizes. Kieran and Micheál are two transition year students in the school. They are both responsible for gaeilge gaga and both have a real passion for the language,” explained Ms Morrissey. “Micheál is responsible for the social media side of the site he regularly tweets and uploads pictures to Instagram. Kieran designed the site and is responsible for updating the site and writing about the various activities we undertake in our club gaeilge. The judges praised the passion and dedication of the students but more than anything else they said that the love for the language was evident from the site.”

A third group from the school also made it as far as the finals in the Dublin Google offices.

Aoife Lynch, Keeva Corry and Aoife Daly designed www.gaeilgelecheile.weebly.com “ – an Irish vocabulary site.

“Technology is the future we need to embrace it. We were thrilled with our victories. As mere novices we felt perhaps it wouldn’t be our year. We had three entries and won two of them. We were delighted to make the shortlist with all three entries. We competed with schools who have been doing web design for years and the standard was the highest ever. The students are a credit to their teachers, their school and their parents,” said Ms Morrisey.

A MAN caught with € 3000 worth of heroin for sale or supply in Ennis and who gardaí believe to be of a “high risk” of re-offending walked free from court last week after his case was adjourned to 2015.

Father of four David Joyce (24) was seen in possession of a glass jar of heroin after walking unawares into a garda search of a derelict property in the Dun na hInse housing estate in Ennis on May 30, 2012.

At Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Friday, Judge Gerald Keys agreed to adjourn finalisation of the case to January 2015 to allow the accused continue treatment for depression.

This was after being told by Defence Counsel Pat Whyms, that the death of Mr Joyce’s father last summer in distressing circumstances was “extremely disturbing” for the accused.

Counsel said his client was hospitalised last year after an attempt to take his own life.

He said Mr Joyce is on medication for depression and is seeing a counsellor.

Mr Whyms said his client would benefit from an involvement with the Probation Services.

Judge Keys asked Detective Garda Dominic Regan about the risk of Mr Joyce re-offending.

“There is a very high risk of re-offending” replied Det Regan.

The court heard Mr Joyce has 11 previous convictions, including for public order and road traffic offences and one for assault causing harm. Judge Keys said he would adjourn the case to January 2015.

He said, “If there is an opportunity to rehabilitate anybody, irrespective of the crime committed, I will give them that opportunity”.

“This is an opportunity for the accused to avail of a programme which I would hope would finally keep him out of trouble”.

Judge Keys said his approach to the case might “surprise” some people but he reiterated his view that opportunities for rehabilitation would be granted to criminals if such opportunities existed.

However the Judge warned Mr Joyce, who is unemployed, he would go to jail for at least a year if he offended in the intervening period.

“If the wool is being pulled over my eyes by this accused, he will go to jail”, he said.

Mr Joyce, with an address at 85 Dun ha hInse, pleaded guilty to having diamorphine, more commonly known as heroin, for sale or supply at 90 Dun Na hInse on May 30, 2012. He also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis valued at € 63.

FOUR men involved in a violent confrontation at family home in Shannon two years ago “behaved like a lynch mob from the days of Wild West”, a Judge has said.

Judge Gerald Keys told Daniel Larkin, Jake Egan, Shane O’Connor and Gearoid Condron that it was patently clear they were “fueled by alcohol” and out of control when they arrived for a planned confrontation at the Murphy household in the early hours of January 1, 2012.

All four received two year suspended sentences and were ordered to pay compensation to the victims. The judge also told the men that they should apologise to their parents immediately after the hearing for the grief they had caused them.

Grandfather Michael Murphy (45) suffered cuts to his face, lip and knee during the incident at the Cluain Alainn estate in Shannon at around 4.30am

Mr Murphy and his then 19-yearold son Kieran had to run a “gauntlet” of kicks and punches during the ordeal, the court heard.

Four people appeared before Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Friday to be sentenced having pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Schoolmates Daniel Larkin (22), from Mount Ivers, Sixmilebridge, Jake Egan (22), from Aidan Park, Shannon, Shane O’Connor (23), from Ballycasey Manor, Shannon and Gearoid Condron (22) from Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus, were among a large gang of people that traveled in cars from Shannon and Ennis to the quiet residential area near Hurler’s Cross.

Mr Murphy, his wife, son, daughter and young granddaughter were in the house at the time.

Details of the incident were first heard at the Circuit Court in March. At the time Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that at one point a person, not one of the four men before the court, threatened to burn down the house.

When Mr Murphy Snr pleaded that there was a young child in the house, the reply from the person was “F*** the kids”.

Garda Moriarty said Daniel Larkin organised people to go to the Murphy home to confront Kieran Murphy.

He said Mr Larkin alleged that he had been “jumped” by Kieran Murphy in Shannon at around 1.30am that night.

Judge Keys adjourned sentencing to allow the men time to pay compensation to he victim.

He ordered each man to pay Mr Murphy € 2000. Counsel for Mr Larkin, Michael Collins said his client had the money in court.

Counsel for Jake Egan, Lorcan Connolly, said his client had € 250 in court but had set up a standing order to pay Mr Murphy € 50 a week.

Defence Counsel Elaine Houlihan said her client Gearoid Condron had brought € 2000 to court.

Counsel for Shane O’Connor, Pat Whyms, said his client would pay a sum of € 50 a week when he begins employment in June.

All four men expressed remorse through their barristers for their actions on the night.

Judge Keys said all four men were equally responsible for their “very, very wrongful acts”.

Addressing the accused, Judge Keys said, “You behaved like a lynch mob from the days of the Wild West”.

He told them they had taken the law into their own hands because of some perceived slight.

Judge Keys said behaviour of this kind would not be tolerated by the court.

He said the court is frequently being forced to deal with violent cases that arise from a “macho type of attitude”.

Judge Keys told the accused that despite the opportunities afforded to them by their backgrounds and education, they had behaved in an “appalling” manner.

He said it was clear alcohol had an effect them and he urged them to moderate or abstain completely from drink.

Noting the men’s good previous records, Judge Keys imposed a twoyear sentence on each accused.

He suspended the sentences on condition each man pay compensation within two years; refrain from contact with the Murphy family and not be found intoxicated in public places or licensed premises.

Addressing the four men as they stood with heads bowed in the dock, Judge Keys said, “When you leave this courthouse, the first thing you should do is apologise to your par ents for the grief you have caused.”

ELEVEN additional County Clare schools have been approved funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2014.

Nine Primary and two Secondary schools have successfully secured grants to undertake small scale works following a second round of funding under the scheme. The schools were not originally included in a list of nine other Clare schools, announced by the Department of Education and Skills in March.

The annual scheme covers school projects such as electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.

Clare Senator. Tony Mulcahy (FG) commented, “I am delighted to see that this year’s Summer Works Scheme will benefit a total of 16 primary schools and 4 post-primary schools across County Clare. The investment will also create muchneeded jobs in the local construction sector. I now urge schools to ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competi- tive construction market.”

The additional Clare schools allocated funds as part of a national programme which sees € 35 million invested in a further 386 schools, include St Conaires NS, Shannon (Toilets); and St Flannan’s College, St Anne’s Community College, SN Mhuire, Rineen NS, Annagh NS, SN Mhuire Miliuc, SN Cuan, St Aidans Ns, Sn Realt Na Mara and Coore N.S. (Roof Works).

Primary Schools List (announced in March): Cratloe NS, Scariff Central NS, (Electrical), Killaloe Boys NS, Cooraclare BNS, Scoil Mhichil Cahermurphy, Connolly NS and Kilnaboy NS (Mechanical). PostPrimary Schools List (announced in March): Ennis Community College (Gas) and St Michael’s Community College Kilmihil (Electrical).

THE Church of Ireland on Bindon Street, Ennis, is the venue for a new live music experience coming to Clare.

“Switch” – a Clare Youth Service initiative aims to showcase old and new music talent from all over Ireland in unexpected locations around Clare. The group of volunteers involved promise a “unique live music experience” and is aimed at 18 – 25 year olds in the Clare area.

“Switch aims to give you a concert experience with a professional at- mosphere, and introduce you to your new favourite Irish artists” – Shane Killowry, volunteer EMP. Their first show this Friday, May 9, will present local alternative rock band “39 Shots”.

The group have been writing and performing together for over 6 years and have achieved a honed, unique and utterly fantastic original sound.

They will be joined by Ennis rap veteran Clerk 5 who will be showcasing his forthcoming EP which he recently recorded with music producer Deviant & Naive Ted.

Other acts will also perform on the night.

Switch is an alcohol and drug free event and offers an alternative Friday night experience for young people around Clare, the first event is Free but donations are welcome.

For further information check out the Ennis Music Projects Facebook page “ www.facebook.com/ennismusicproject

Doors open at 8.30PM this event is not to missed. This event is kindly supported by the Clare Youth Service, Phillip Walsh Audio Hire, Supermac’s and Suas Coffee House.

A LIMERICK man has appeared in court in Ennis charged with 32 offences relating to the alleged theft of car parts across four counties in the West and South.

The alleged thefts relate to the taking of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters mainly from highpowered vehicles in Clare, Galway, Limerick and Kerry between January 24 and February 22, 2014.

It is alleged that criminal damage was caused to the vehicles when the parts were removed.

Darren O’Driscoll (20), with an address at Monaclino Halting Site, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with stealing of cata- lytic converters and causing criminal damage to cars at the Radisson Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick; Dromoland Castle Newmarket on Fergus; Bunratty Castle; on dates between January 24 and January 26.

He is further charged with theft of catalytic converters and criminal damage at Kenna Metal Eastpark, Shannon; Modular Automation Shannon – the location of four alleged offences: Ennis Golf Club; Dunnes Stores, Ennis; Dromoland Castle and West County Hotel, Ennis on dates between February 4 and February 9.

Mr O’Driscoll is facing six charges arising from the alleged theft of catalytic converters and criminal damage to three vehicles in the car park of Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Ballybane, Galway, on dates between February 19 and February 20.

New charges relating to alleged thefts from vehicles in Kerry were brought against Mr O’Driscoll on Wednesday.

Detective Garda Emma Mullane of Tralee Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

She said Mr O’Driscoll made no reply to any of the charges after caution.

Mr O’Driscoll is charged with stealing catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters from vehicles in Farranfore Railway Station; Manor West Retail Park, Tralee, and thefts from two cars at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee, on dates between February 18 and 22.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the charges in the District Court. He outlined a summary of the alleged facts to allow Judge William Early to consider jurisdiction.

Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged Mr O’Driscoll used a battery powered saw to cut the catalytic converters from underneath the car.

Insp Kennedy said the purpose of the alleged thefts was to gain access to a valuable metal found in the converters and diesel filters.

Judge Early initially accepted jurisdiction but later changed his mind and refused it in all cases. He said he was doing so because of the cost of the damage to the car owners and the number of alleged thefts.

Judge Early adjourned the case to June and requested the DPP provide clarity on which jurisdiction the cases will be heard in.

Mr O’Driscoll was remanded on continuing bail.

THREE teenagers charged in connection with the robbery of money from two men in the grounds of a school in Ennis last year are due to appear before the Circuit Criminal Court today.

Evan Toomey (18), with an address at Oak Park, Ennis; Shane McCarthy (18), with and address at Shalee Drive, Ennis; and Jordan Whelan (18), with an address at Dun na hInse, Ennis, are charged with robbery at the Colaiste Muire school at Harmony, Ennis on December 21, 2013. The charges relate to the robbery of money from two men.

Mr McCarthy and Mr Whelan are charged with the robbery of money from Alan Markham – a member of Clare’s All-Ireland winning hurling panel in 1997. Mr Whelan is further charged with assault causing harm to a man at Abbey Street.

Mr Toomey is charged with the robbery of € 100 from another man, Sean Hogan.

Books of evidence were served on all three accused at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecu- tions (DPP) had consented to the accused being sent forward for trial to the next sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court in Ennis on April 29. Mr McCarthy was sent forward on bail subject to conditions.

Defence solicitor for Mr Toomey, John Casey, told Judge Early he was reserving his position in relation to bail for the time being.

Mr Whelan was remanded on bail as set. Judge William Early approved legal aid for the men’s solicitors and a junior counsel in respect of each accused. He delivered the alibi warning and made orders returning all three men for trial.

A DRIVER was pulled from his car and allegedly threatened after four people jumped into his vehicle in Ennis last year.

It is alleged Declan Sherlock (19) unlawfully took control of the man’s car after he was ordered into the back seat, Ennis District Court heard on Wednesday.

Mr Sherlock, with an address at 41 Dromard, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with unlawful use of a vehicle without the consent of the owner at Quin Road, Ennis, on August 19, 2013.

Details of the alleged offence were outlined to Judge William Early at Ennis District Court on Wednesday so he could consider the issue of jurisdiction, which court the case will proceed in.

Insp Tom Kennedy told the court the alleged victim was stopped at traffic lights outside Moloney’s Pub in Ennis. The court heard four people, including the accused, approached the car and jumped in.

The court heard the driver knew some of the people in the group. Insp Kennedy said Mr Sherlock asked the driver to go the Dromard housing estate.

He said that as a woman exited the vehicle at Dromard, the diver told everyone to get out.

Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged the driver was threatened and directed to drive to another area of Ennis in relation to what he called “drug activity”.

The court heard that when the car arrived at the location, a row occurred. The 18-year-old driver was pulled from the front seat and put in the back.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock took control of the car before driving to other estates in Ennis.

Judge William Early said that having heard the alleged evidence this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction meaning the case will proceed to the Circuit Court.

Separately, Mr Sherlock is also charged with a burglary offence allegedly committed at Market Hardware, Quin Road, Ennis, March 31, 2013.

Outlining details of the alleged offence, Insp Kennedy said the intruder alarm was activated at the business at around 4am.

It is alleged gardaí discovered Mr Sherlock on the premises in posses- sion of a number of stolen items.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock was holding a Stanley knife and a claw hammer.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the accused had the weapons to defend himself in case he was challenged.

After hearing the alleged facts, Mr Sherlock stood up in court and said, “This is a load of s***”.

Judge Early told the accused he had to hear the allegations to so if they are fit to be heard in the District Court.

He said he was satisfied this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction.

Mr Sherlock was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on May 7 for service of the book of evidence.

TWO new candidates have entered the race to represent their respective areas on Clare County Council.

The county’s first candidate from the Fís Nua (New Vision) party, Niamh O’Brien will contest the Killaloe Municipal Area, while Noleen Moran will take up the mantle for Sinn Fein in West Clare.

Ms O’Brien said she found herself in politics more by accident than a burning political career.

“I never had an interest in politics, but politics took an interest in me. I wanted to be able to tell my grandchildren in 30 years time when they complain about how bad things are that I tried my best, rather than just sitting there shouting at the television,” she said.

From O’Callaghan Mills, this East Clare woman is a founding member of the first Women’s Shed in the northern hemisphere.

She was also involved in the Know Your Number Campaign and works in a voluntary capacity supporting people with debt issues.

She went to primary school in Kilkishen and secondary school in Tulla and has an honours degree in Law and Business.

In the west, Ms O’Brien from Ballyvaughan has been a member of Sinn Féin for ten years and is the current county secretary.

Throughout her time in Sinn Féin she has been involved in campaigning on a range of different issues and is particularly concerned about the lack of women public representatives, because she believes that “the consequences of austerity and emigration are having a significant impact on the lives of women”.

She was educated at Lisdoonvarna Secondary School and worked in agriculture and in tourism for a time, before continuing to third level, where she attained a degree in Public and Social Policy from NUI Galway and an LLM from the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

A MAN arrested by gardaí following an alleged robbery in Ennis later allegedly smeared faeces in a cell at Ennis Garda Station, a court has heard.

It is alleged Michael Mongans (23) told a barman who had just left work that he would murder him if he did not give Mr Mongans money during the alleged robbery at around 5am on the morning of January 20, 2014.

Mr Mongans was later arrested by gardaí before allegedly causing € 600 worth of criminal damage to a cell at the Garda Station.

After hearing the alleged facts of the case at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge William Early said he had no hesitation in refusing jurisdiction of a case where it is alleged someone was subject to robbery under threat of murder.

A book of evidence will now be prepared and the case will proceed in the Circuit Court.

Mr Mongans, with an address at Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket on Fergus, is charged with robbery of € 20 from a man at O’Halloran’s Lane, Ennis, on January 20.

He is further charged with causing criminal damage at Ennis Garda Station by spreading faeces, blood and urine throughout cell number one on the same date.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the barman was leaving the Bar Code bar on Parnell Street after work on the morning in question.

He said the man was grabbed by Mr Mongans who was standing in a nearby laneway.

It is alleged Mr Mongans told the barman that he would get a beating if he did not give the accused money.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Mongans also threatened to murder the alleged victim if he did not give him money.

The court heard the man retrieved € 20 from his pocket but Mr Mongans said this was not enough.

Insp Kennedy said the alleged victim managed to break free of Mr Mongans’ grip before running in the direction of a taxi rank in the Parnell Street car park. Insp Kennedy said Mr Mongans allegedly gave chase. Insp Kennedy said the barman was “fearful for his life”.

The court heard Mr Mongans was later arrested on Barrack Street. He was brought to Ennis Garda Station, where Insp Kennedy told the court, he allegedly defecated in a cell and smeared faeces on the walls.

Judge Early refused jurisdiction of both matters. Insp Kennedy said an extension of time would be required to prepare the book of evidence.

Mr Mongans was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on July 9.