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NEWS of a major data security breach in Ennis travelled around the world in November after it was revealed that a cyber attack had taken place on the Station Road-based company LoyaltyBuild.

The Data Protection Commissioner said the credit card details of over 500,000 people across Europe may have been compromised by the data breach at Loyaltybuild.

The company was sold in 2008 by businessmen Dominic Considine, Domhnal Slattery and Sean Lyne for € 25 million to American company, Affinion.

Suspicion about a possible breach emerged on Friday, October 25, and a team of “expert forensic investigators” was appointed to determine what had happened.

On Wednesday, October 30, it emerged that a breach may have occurred and it contacted the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) on November 1.

An inspection team from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has also confirmed that the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of around 1.12 million clients were also taken.

Billy Hawkes said his office has now made contact with colleagues across Europe to inform them of the security breach.

Loyaltybuild runs special offers and incentive schemes for major retailers, utilities and service providers in Ireland, the UK, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

The ODPC said an inspection team has confirmed that the full card details of over 376,000 customers were taken.

Of this figure, over 70,000 were SuperValu customers and over 8,000 were AXA Leisure Break customers.

The details of another 150,000 clients were also potentially compromised. It said initial indications are that the breaches were the result of an “external criminal act”.

Managing director Peter Steenstrup has said he is deeply sorry for what is described as a major security breach at the company.

He urged customers to check their bank account statements and report any suspicious activity.

Mr Steenstrup said Loyaltybuild takes data security very seriously and the company is working to ensure that this will never happen again.

The Data Protection Commissioner said the criminals who breached security have all the information they need in order to use the payment cards.

LoyaltyBuild stated that the system breach was discovered last month, and that they have been working around the clock with their security experts to get to the bottom of matter.

“From the moment we first detected a suspected security breach on Friday, October 25, we immediately engaged the services of an expert forensics security team and have worked tirelessly to try to rectify this situation,” they noted.

“The DPC and the Gardaí will be kept informed of any further developments.”

CLARE’S six TDs and senators declared a variety of commercial interests to the Dáil in 2012, including eight rental properties, two farms and a trip to France paid for by the Alternative Iranian Government in Exile.

North Clare senator Martin Conway (FG) listed a trip to an international conference in Paris, paid for by the Iranian group, in the official list of interests submitted to the Dáil for 2012.

The conference, which cost € 395 between hotels and flights, was attended by former Taoiseach John Bruton (FG) as well as members of former US president John F Kennedy’s family.

“It was an informative and important event but it didn’t cost the Irish taxpayers, high up or low down, for me to attend,” Senator Conway told The Clare People yesterday.

“We stayed in extremely basic accommodation. We flew in on Friday night, spent all day Saturday at the conference, and flew home early on Sunday. So it certainly wasn’t a holiday.”

Senator Conway also declared his interests in Conway’s Shop in Ennistymon, in addition to four rental properties in Quin, Tobertascain in Ennis, Woodview in Ennistymon and Ard Donagh in Ennistymon as well as his family home in Ennistymon. Fellow senator Tony Mulcahy (FG) lists two rental properties in Shannon and a property for sale in Bal- lycasey among his commercial interests. Senator Mulcahy also listed his business property in Smithstown Industrial Estate in Shannon and his directorship of Clare School Meals and Catering Ltd among his assets. Senator Mulcahy also amended his declaration in November of this year to include statutory gratuity payment received from his time as a member of Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council. Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley listed two rental properties in Dublin among his declared interests. The properties are located in Charlotte Quay in Dublin 4 and Moyville in Rathfarnham. Deputy Dooley did not list any Clare properties among his interests. East Clare Deputy Michael McNamara (Lab) declared income from occupation as a barrister at law and from his farm in Tuamgraney amongst his declared interests. Deputy Pat Breen (FG) listed the income from his farm in Lisduff, Ballynacally amongst his assets while Deputy Joe Carey (FG) listed no commercial or property interests besides his family home at “the Land” in Clarecastle.

IT WAS Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald who memorably told the Troika, Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi and anyone of our European partners who were watching the Clare homecoming celebrations in Ennis on September 29 that “the recession can go to hell”.

Well, come October it was revealed that the recession did just that around All-Ireland time and that the words of Clare’s All-Ireland winning manager were proving prophetic.

Early estimates of the spending power of the Clare public during those heady September days into early October suggested those memorable celebrations were worth € 1m to the local economy alone.

Meanwhile, while players’ attention turned to the club championship in October, it was also time to look forward to the end of year celebrations.

The team holiday destination of Mexico was decided in October, while as part of the fundraising drive for this trip of a lifetime for players and mentors an official team and team calendar were organized dur- ing the month to go on general sale around the county and beyond.

The Clare Hurling Supporters Club asked members of the public to be wary of pirated versions of pictures or calendars on sale, as none of the proceeds of this merchandise would be going to the hurlers’ holiday fund.

Chairman of the Clare Hurling Supporters Club PJ Kelly told The Clare People that the fundraising for the player’s holiday fund would be stepped in October and continue for the rest of the year.

“Of course the players and man- agement deserve a holiday for all their incredible achievements and the sacrifices they made this year,” he said.

“We would ask the Clare public to get behind the team as we try to raise money for that trip. With this in mind we will be making an official team photograph with the Liam McCarthy Cup available for sale shortly. It will sit perfectly beside the pictures of the 1995 and 1997 All-Ireland winning squads,” said Kelly, a former treasurer of the Clare County Board and father of All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Patrick Kelly.

THE number of young Clare girls who are purposely cutting themselves every day has increased dramatically since 2009, prompting fears of a epidemic of self harm in the county.

According to figures obtained by The Clare People in May, the number of Clare girls deliberately cutting themselves jumped dramatically in 2010 and has remained high ever since. This has prompted fears of a self harm epidemic amongst Clare school girls, with fears also being raised about the possibility of copy cat cutting.

According to the National Register for Deliberate Self Harm, 100 Clare girls and women received hospital treatment because of self harm in 2009, with 186 hospital visits taking place in total. In the same year, 96 Clare boys and men required hospi- tal treatment, with a total of 172 hospital visits taking place.

These figures are broadly in line with national and international averages, with girls generally engaging in self harm slightly more than boys. However, in 2010 and 2011 the number of Clare girls self harming jumped dramatically, with 124 and 120 girl receiving hospital treatment respectively.

Cutting is the most common form of self harm, however poisoning and alcohol abuse is also common, especially amongst males.

“It has become more and more common among school girls,” The Clare People was told.

Girls as young as 12 years old are cutting themselves, or injuring themselves in some other way, with hundreds requiring hospital treatment for their self acquired injuries each year.

CASH strapped parents facing back to school bills of more than € 700 per child were being forced to turn to moneylenders and charities such as St Vincent de Paul in desperation.

The Clare Citizen Information Service surveyed stressed parents who sought their advice and assistance and discovered the cost of one second level student starting school in Clare had reached € 800.

“The € 200 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was not taking the pressure off,” warned Clare Citizen’s Information Development Manager Paul Woulfe.

He raised concerns that the financial pressure is forcing people to turn to “legal and illegal moneylenders in desperation”, who charge exorbitant interest rates and in the case of illegal moneylenders can resort to threatening and abusive behaviour when collecting debt.

Parents were also finding some solace in organisations like St Vincent de Paul.

“It is easy to see how the costs add up. Shoes cost about € 250 because you need runners too, € 200 for school uniforms and tracksuit, books cost anything between € 200 and € 250 with miscellaneous classroom costs at least € 50.

“The volountary contribution to schools is usually between € 100 to € 125,” explained Mr Woulfe.

The Citizen Information development manager said many parents find themselves in debt at the start of the school year, especially the Back to School Footwear and Clothing Allowance and children’s allowance is reduced as costs increase. The cost of school tours and extra curricular activities or tuition can also be very high.

“Though not compulsory, such activities are often essential with re- gard to social an educational inclusion,” said Mr Woulfe.

He continued, “Children from lower income families are likely to benefit most and yet be most at risk of exclusion from costly extra curricular activities and supports. Additionally a child who has to opt out of school tours or outings is likely to experience social stigma.

“Evidence from MABS suggests that parents may opt to ensure that their children do continue to par- ticipate in extra curricular activities, school tours etc, but that this brings with it the risk of deepening household poverty, which carries with it not only health risks associated with food and fuel poverty but also the stress of household indebtedness and social exclusion of the parents and family within the broader community or socio-economic context.

“They have so many costs it is crippling and they face a great burden,” said Mr Woulfe.

FOUR people have appeared in court charged in connection with a disturbance at Tesco’s shopping centre in Ennis earlier this month.

The accused were arrested following an alleged incident at Tesco’s on Wednesday, December 18. Two people Anne Delaney (45) and James Delaney (26) were brought before Ennis District Court within hours of the alleged incident.

Garda Michael Daniels of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of both accused.

Ms Delaney, with an address at Waterpark Heights, Ennis, and Mr Delaney, with an address at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis are both charged with engaging in threatening, insulting or abusive behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Garda Daniels told the court that in response to charge after caution, Ms Delaney said, “I’m sorry for throwing the bottles”.

Mr Delaney made no response to charge after caution.

Both accused were granted bail subject to conditions. Garda Daniels said there is a possibility of further charges being brought.

Both accused were remanded on bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on February 12. The State were granted liberty to re-enter the cases at 24 hours notice. Two other people – a man and a juvenile – appeared at Ennis District Court on Thursday, December 19, charged with public order offences arising out of the same alleged circumstances. A M A N has appeared in court charged with weapons and criminal damage offences arising out of an alleged incident in the market area of Ennis earlier this year.

It is alleged Patrick McCarthy (20) had a hatchet which had a blade or was sharply pointed at Lower Market Street, Ennis on February 18, 2013.

Mr McCarthy is further charged with the criminal damage of a car at the same date and location. The accused, with an address at Woodlawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday (December 18).

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the matter would be proceeding on indictment and that a book of evidence would be required. Mr McCarthy was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court in February (2014). Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey consented to an extension of time for service of the book of evidence.

AUGUST was the month when Clare’s dreams of capturing an historic All-Ireland double started to gather real momentum.

The Banner’s golden year took flight in Thurles on August 7 when they swept aside Tipperary to win a second successive Munster under 21 title.

Clare’s 1-17 to 2-10 scoreline was built on a solid defensive performance from man of the match, full back David McInerney. The Tulla man was imperious throughout, illuminating his hour with spectacular catches and launched clearances. Tipperary’s much vaunted forward division never got going thanks to dominant displays from Clare’s half and full back lines.

The victory marked the completion of an historic ‘double/double’ for joint manager Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney. Having guided Clare to back to back Munster minor championships in 2010 and 2011 the pair followed that achievement with Munster under 21 titles in 2012 and 2013, not to mention and All-Ireland title in 2012.

“I have never seen a bunch of guys to set out a standard in terms of behaviour and in terms of how to work, and anything that strays from that standard, to them is totally unacceptable”, joint manager Donal Moloney told The Clare People afterwards.

Ten days later Clare’s journey to hurling’s summit hit top gear as they produced an outstanding performance to beat Limerick in the All-Ireland senior semi-final.

The brilliance of Tony Kelly, Podge Collins and Colin Ryan inspired Clare to a 1-22 0-18 win over the Munster Champions and prematch favourites.

Captain Patrick Donnellan was hugely influential in a sweeper role that was the platform for Clare’s dominance.

“The way we have to rank this is that Clare have only been in six finals over 120 years and that’s a pretty big achievement whatever happens” said jubilant Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald afterwards.

“I’m so proud of these young lads. They are an example to everyone playing the game because they work so hard and never die,” added Fitzgerald.

“It’s great to be here, great that we played well and great that we have another day to look forward to,” said Patrick Donnellan.

That win sparked a rush for AllIreland final tickets. The hunt began in earnest when clubs across the county received an initial allocation of 9,000 tickets.

The second allocation of tickets to be administered by the Clare County Board via the clubs was predicted to be 3,000, which meant that a total of 12,000 were made available to GAA clubs.

With tickets proving to be scarce many fans took to the internet to source tickets.

Clare fans got the opportunity to meet their heroes when the gates of Cusack Park were thrown open for an open training session.

On the field, Clare kept on winning as the county’s under 21s beat Galway 1-16 0-7 in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Clare blew away the Tribesmen thanks to another dominant performance at full back from David McInerney and a 1-6 haul from corner forward Cathal O’Connell.

DESPITE repeated warnings, a second person was hospitalised after being injured Dusty the Dolphin.

Local organisations and Clare County Council have told people not to swim with the dolphin who had taken up residence at Doolin pier.

Clare County Council lifeguards stationed at Doolin Pier had taken to raising the red flag, which indicated it is not safe to swim when Dusty is in the area.

Despite this people continued to swim close to the dolphin with re- ports of people covering Dusty’s blowhole and pulling her fins.

The latest took place when a female swimmer was charged as she left the water after a swim.

The dolphin is believed to have struck the woman in the kidney, knocking her over and leaving her winded.

The woman received treatment at the scene by the Doolin Unit of Irish Coast Guard and was taken by ambulance to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for treatment.

Her injuries were described as not serious but she was badly bruised and shocked by the incident.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group put up posters in the area recommending that people not swim with Dusty.

The posters were distributed to premises in Doolin while additional posters were placed on the Doolin ferries.

“IWDG acknowledges that many people have had a fantastic encounter with Dusty and have built up a person relationship with the dolphin. However IWDG is very concerned that any visitors, especially in the summer, do not recognise the signals Dusty sends out when she is not happy with behaviour,” a spokesperson said.

“Ignoring such signs or behaving inappropriately had led on a number of occasions to aggressive interactions with some people being severely injured. If this continues it may lead to a fatality and then there will be strong pressure to remove or destroy the Dolphin.

“If you really are concerned about Dusty you will not swim with her or at least if you do, you will show her the respect a wild dolphin is entitled to.”

SHANNON suffered a major jobs blow in December when it was revealed that one of the longest serving companies in the Free Zone will close its manufacutring facility in 2014.

It was announced through a public relations firm in Dublin that Kraus and Naimer would shut down the manufacturing arm of its operation in the industial estate early in the new year.

“Production at the facility, which supplies electrical switchgear, will cease at the end of January 2014,” a statement issued by through FleishmanHilliard revealed.

The announcement was made to the total workforce of 63 by senior management from the company’s parent group in Austria.

The employees were told that “the closure is due to the business sustaining losses for the last number of years, which have been driven by the impact of weak customer demand due to the global recession.

“The decision follows previous efforts to restructure the facility and a move recently to enter short working time arrangements,” the statement continued.

“It is with deep regret we have had to make this decision which has been made due to ongoing and unsustainable losses incurred at the Shannon facility,” said Ted Naimer, Global President at Kraus and Naimer.

“We will be entering into a process with staff over coming days in relation to an orderly winding down of the facility, and thank them sincerely for the contribution they have made to the company,” he added

Kraus and Naimer established its facility, which is involved in the manufacture of a variety of electrical switches for industry, in Shannon in 1973.

SIPTU, which had been in talks with the company about strategies to maintain its operation in Shannon, said workers are shocked and angered to learn of the company’s decision to end production.

The union says further talks are due to take place at the company next week.

It will explore all avenues open to maintaining employment and if necessary trying to secure the best redundancy deals possible.

MONEYPOINT Power Station continues to power the West Clare economy and contribute to the national electricity grid in a significant way, but in December concerns were expressed for the future of Kilrush and the environs if and when this station closes.

“A power station that was built in the 1980s would have probably been designed at that time to run for maybe 30 to 40 years or what ever would be typical enough for a plant,” said Brendan Kennedy, Station Manager at the ESB plant when addressing a meeting of Kilrush Town Council.

“I suppose we have done the maintenance over the years to keep that in line. I would be surprised if the station didn’t have it running for another decade anyway. I would expect Moneypoint to run on a high merit in the national grid for the next number of years,” said the Ennis native.

The ESB company pays up to € 12 million in rates to Clare County Council every year, as well as supporting sport facilities, clubs, organisations and the Christmas lights in Kilrush and West Clare.

“I hate to think what Kilrush would be like if Moneypoint never came,” said former mayor of Kilrush Liam O’Looney.

Cllr Mairead O’Brien is what is known locally as a Moneypointer, having moved to Kilrush when her father was transferred to the power station.

“Even if you see that is might last 10 years, that is a shock to me that it might not last any longer. I suppose I would have never contemplated West Clare without it,” she said.

“I would certainly hope there is a way for it to diversify,” she said adding that she hopes the company remains part of West Clare. Mr Kennedy said he did not wish to alarm people and that despite a very competitive market Moneypoint continues to be one of the main suppliers to the national grid.

There are currently 192 full-time people working at the plant, follow- ing 34 voluntary redundancies this time last year. At its peak in the 1980s there was an average of 450 people working there.

Having completed a € 360 million retrofit on site during the last decade the ESB plan to complete re-engineering work on the ash storage area next year as well as further investment in the coming years.