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THE owner of a shop in Ennis that was the scene of a bizarre accident last week has said it is a “miracle” no one was killed.

Barry Lynch said Lynch’s Centra was like a “bomb scene” after a van crashed through the front door on Wednesday night.

A number of shoppers were in the store when a white van driven by an elderly man reversed through the main entrance of the busy Gort Road store at around 8.25pm.

It is thought the accident may have occurred due to a clutch fault causing the van to jerk suddenly backwards to the horror of staff and members of the public.

The van had been parked in a space directly opposite the front entrance of the shop. Gardaí, Clare Fire Services and paramedics were on the scene within minutes. Five people were treated for minor injuries at nearby Ennis General Hospital.

The car is being examined by Garda investigators but it is not thought that charges will be brought against the driver.

Shop owner Barry Lynch praised the response of staff and the emergency services to the accident.

“All I can say is that is a miracle that no one was killed. The shop had been very busy but it had quitened down a small bit but there was still around six people at the tills,” he explained.

Mr Lynch continued, “There was a lot of people coming and going and there would have been people, including children, who would have walked directly behind the van before this happened.

“It was like a bomb scene, there was so much glass and shelves everywhere. But credit to the staff. They rolled up their sleeves and got the place cleaned up and we were up and running again by 11.30. But the bottom line is that we’re just so relieved that no one was killed.”

Lynch’s wasn’t the only shop in Ennis unexpectedly damaged by a car on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were also called to the Applegreen Petrol station and shop at Captain Mac’s cross near St Flannan’s College at around 11.30pm after a car smashed into the front window. Gardaí arrested a 37year-old man on suspicion of drink driving. He is due to appear before Ennis District Court on November 27.

A SIXMILEBRIDGE woman who left Ireland for London when she was just 15 has been honoured for her work with vulnerable children’s in London’s East End.

Sister Mary Lawrence received the Irish Youth Foundation’s fourth annual Nessa O’Neill award at the charity’s prestigious Hibernian Hero Award ceremony.

The Clare nun joined the Convent of Mercy in Stepney soon after she arrived in England, and spent her novice days in North London before returning to the East End of the city.

Sister Mary Lawrence, who is now 82-years-old and battling some ill health, told The Clare People that she came from a family of seven. Three of her four sisters also joined convents, one in Texas, and one in Malta and one sister joined the Salesians in Limerick. A fourth sister became a nun and married in London.

Both of her brothers joined An Garda Síochana in Dublin. Her cousins continue to live in Sixmilebridge but her nieces and nephews live in other parts of the country and other countries.

Sister Mary Lawrence has dedicated her life to helping the youth of the London for more than 40 years.

Just over 45 years ago the parish priest of the area came to the convent asking for a club to be formed to help children, many of Irish decent, you were living in difficult circumstances.

The 11-Plus Club was formed and Sister Mary Lawrence was its leader for 41 years.

She eventually changed the name of the club to the St John Bosco Youth Club, named after the saint who dedicated his life to poor children.

The Clare nun has won many awards for her efforts over the years, and her latest accolade comes from a charity, which offers financial assistance to the club, to allow it to continue its vital work.

THERE are almost half the number of dogs entering the pound now as there was five years ago, and significantly less being put down thanks to voluntary re-homing schemes, an organised dog spaying system in the county and the use of social media.

That is according to Clare dog warden Frankie Coote, who said that approximately 1,200 dogs went through the pound last year compared to more than 2,000 half a decade ago.

He said Ennis dog pound gets a lot of help from a number of animal charities such as Rover Rescue in Ennis and Mandy Ellis in Kilkee who have taken hundreds of dogs between them to be re-housed abroad, usually Britain.

Shena Twist from North Clare has also taken dogs and re-housed them at home and abroad as well as providing the ISPAC with advice on donkeys and horses.

“If we lose their help we would go back to the bad old times,” he said.

He added that the local ISPCA have also re-housed dogs through a Facebook drive.

“It is very important to realise that not every dog that comes into Ennis Dog Pound is re-houseable,” he said.

He said that some dogs that come to the pound do so because they are very old and their owners have no way of disposing of them.

“There are approximately 100 dogs every year that are dangerous. They would have attacked livestock or people.

“We also find dogs on a regular basis that we have no history for so it would be very hard to put them in homes when we don’t know how they react with children for example.”

Mr Coote said that the ISPCA does not deal with horses and the control of horses is overseen by Clare County Council and the Gardaí.

A WEST Clare farmer was ordered to sell all his livestock and sentenced to 10 months in prison after a district court judge heard “horrific evidence” of animal cruelty.

Judge Patrick Durcan said Patrick Shannon (60) of Carnaculla, Kilrush, had caused “great cruelty” to the cattle on his farm and the reputation of the agricultural industry.

He ordered that Mr Shannon’s herd of 75 cattle be disposed of within 28 days as he “did not want to cause and further suffering to these animals”.

The court heard that the married father of three had used an extreme form of strip grazing that left animals gnawing with the hunger.

Despite the intervention of the Department of Agriculture for more than a decade, the West Clare farmer could not see the error of his ways, the court was told.

Vincent Lambert, Veterinary surgeon and veterinary inspector with the Department of Agriculture gave examples of cows and calves held in “paddock” areas surrounded by electric fences with no feed, water, shelter, or comfortable place to lie, during a visit to the farm on November 1, 2012. He said the paddocks were bare and it was obvious that the animals had reached under the fence to access grass outside.

He also gave an example of nine weanlings in a cubical shed with no feed or water and the animals were very thin.

“Mr Shannon arrived and provided three bags of weathered grass mainly rushes. It has a very poor nutritional value,” said Mr Lambert. The vet said he had explained that he had seen animal cruelty and Mr Shannon agreed that it was as he described but saw nothing wrong with it. There were 122 bales of silage on the farm on that date. He returned the following day and found the fences extended slightly in some fields and feed for some animals but no water. “One animal was on its knees trying to reach outside of the fence and receiving electric shock from the fence,” he said. When Mr Lambert and his colleagues returned to the farm again in December 11, 2012, they found scenes of thin animals gnawing with the hunger, with some animals so undernourished that their growth was stunted. He told the court the “Mr Shannon does not accept animals should walk on what they eat and should eat under the fence. “Since 2003 we have dealt with Mr Shannon and this is the way he farms. Mr Shannon doesn’t see anything wrong with this.” Solicitor for the defence John Casey said that his client “genuinely cares about these animals but it is misguided”. He said that Mr Shannon has a fear of the animals grazing on grass on which they walk. “He believes if they eat wet grass it will make them cold from the inside out,” he said. “The worst penalty that could happen to him would be to have these animals taken from him. Yes it is his livelihood and income, but I feel the loss of these animals would have a severe impact on him.” Judge Durcan suspended the jail term for two years and set recognisance in case of appeal.

THERE was a double boost for Shannon Airport yesterday with the news that traffic volume continued to grow in the Clare airport in October and the announcement by Aer Lingus of a number of new routes for 2014.

According to figures from Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the numbers of commercial planes using Shannon Airport in October was 1, 582 – or 51 per day. This represents a 1.5 per cent increase on the same period in 2012 and draws Shannon Airport closer to passing out Cork Airport and reclaiming its position of Ireland’s second most used airport.

There was a further boost for Shannon yesterday as Aer Lingus announcing a new service between Shannon Airport and Malaga in 2014 and an increase infrequency on a number of other routes. A twiceweekly service between Shannon and Malaga will begin from March 30, at a cost of € 66.99.

Aer Lingus will increase frequencies on transatlantic routes from Shannon to New York and Boston, almost doubling its schedule between the two US hubs and upgrading the flights to a year-round service.

Flights between Shannon and New York will be increased three to six return flights per week while flights to Boston will be increase from three flight per week to a daily service.

Meanwhile, there was more good news for Shannon Airport chairperson and North Clare businesswoman, Rose Hynes, who won the President’s Award at the annual Limerick Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Awards held last Friday.

“We are making lots of progress. But we must do an awful lot more, and we will.

“People have to use Shannon, and to see Shannon as their airport. This is my message – the one way to get more flights and more routes, is to fill the ones we have,” she said while accepting the award.

THE Environmental Agency (EPA), Clare County Council, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are to meet later today (Tuesday) to discuss the issue of a noxious smell in Shannon.

Residents say that the smell appears to be abating slightly, but understand that it is the type of smell you get use to and therefore is still an issue.

The underlying cause of the odour is also worrying concerned locals.

The foul fetor has been investigated by the (EPA) and the environmental watchdog has advised that investigations to date indicate that the source of the odour appears to be the sewer network in Shannon.

The EPA and Clare County Council, with the assistance of the HSE, have also put in place an action programme for further monitoring and investigation.

Continuing investigative efforts are being focused on the sewer collection network including all discharges to the network.

The government bodies continue to monitor the smell as well as any unusual patterns of illness in the local population.

Air quality monitored by the EPA in the Shannon area between March 2012 and June 2013 showed pollutant levels were found to be below EU limit values.

ARE the services for people affected by domestic abuse in County Clare serving people’s need or are there gaps in the system. That is the question being put to those that know best, the people that have used the services.

The HSE has said this week that domestic abuse and sexual violence is an alarming problem in our country. As a result the Speak Up Café initiative has been organised to involve individuals who have been affected by domestic abuse and/or sexual violence to come and tell organisations how services can be improved.

The Speak Up Café event in Clare will take place in the Temple Gate Hotel, 11am to 2pm, and is part of a wide range of initiatives undertaken by the Mid West Regional Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women and local agencies during the 16 Days of Action Campaign.

The 16 Days of Action Campaign is an international campaign to raise awareness of the reality of domestic abuse and violence and to push for positive change to increase women’s safety.

The café is open to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual violence either currently or in the past. It is open to family members and close friends who may be living with or supporting survivors. It is also aimed at those who may not have accessed a service but could have potentially benefited from doing so.

“The Speak Up Café model is built on the assumption that people already have within them the wisdom and expertise to advise organisations as to what’s important when dealing with a crisis or on-going problems related to domestic abuse and /or sexual violence. The organisers believe that by listening to what the public and service users say is essential if organisations wish to improve services. The changes will make services more relevant, of a higher quality and which staff are proud to provide,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone who would like to voice their opinion at any of these events in the mid west region, just drop in to the café and meet informally with a representative of an organisation and chat with others with similar experiences. Those that cannot attend on the day, can also phone in with comments on the free phone number 1800 311 511 or complete the on-line survey. For further details see www. midwestvaw.ie.

A MOTHER has called for security cameras to be installed at Dumcliffe graveyard after the grave of her infant son was interfered with.

Ennis woman Christine Quinn says she was “shocked” to discover damage to corner of the headstone on the grave of her dead son Patrick Quinn.

Baby Patrick was born stillborn. He would have celebrated his third birthday on December 12.

Ms Quinn believes the damage was caused sometime between 7pm on Wednesday, November 13, and 5pm on Thursday, November 14.

However she thinks the grave may have been vandalised over a number of weeks.

“We have these angels which are glued down to the grave and they were getting knocked down. I thought it was the wind but now I’m not so sure,” she said.

“I was devastated when I saw what happened and so was my husband, absolutely devastated. It breaks my heart. Who would do such a thing?”

The mother of three believes there should be greater security around the graveyard.

“I’d like to see CCTV around there. I was onto the council [Clare County Council]. At least whoever does things like that would be caught,” she added.

A Garda spokesman confirmed on Friday that gardaí in Ennis are investigating the complaint and have inspected the grave for damage.

Clare County Council last night said it had received a

a report of vandalism in section D of the graveyard.

The Council said it recently appointed a registrar who is a regular prescence in the graveyard.

It said CCTV is not being considered at this time but that gates are locked to assist in deterrring anti-social behaviour.

“We will continue to monitor any issues with the burial ground” added a spokesman.

THE Office of Public Works is to be requested to boost the profile of the historic Ennis Friary by erecting new signs.

The 13th century building reopened to the public last year following an extensive restoration project.

The purpose of the estimated € 100,000 works project was to provide protection for the collection of carved features which survive at Ennis Friary.

A roof was installed over the 18th century church in order to provide protection for the collection of carved features, which survive at Ennis Friary. The OPW also aimed to improve visitor access to the site.

Entry to one of the town’s top tourist attractions was free when the Friary re-opened in June 2012.

At yesterday’s meeting of councilors in the Ennis East Electoral Area, Cllr Johnny Flynn called on the OPW to retain free entry and provide improve signage for one of Ennis’ most popular tourist attractions.

Cllr Flynn (FG), a member of Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council, says a record 22,000 people passed through the doors of the Friary this year.

He is calling on the OPW to retain the free entry as a means of maintaining high visitor numbers.

He states free entry would also “give Ennis town centre a boost following the necessary but disruptive Flood scheme”.

In a motion tabled at the meeting, Cllr Flynn also called for the OPW to permit greater cultural, musical and educational uses of the Friary.

Town clerk Leonard Cleary stated the opening of the Friary for greater public use “is a manner for the OPW in the management of the facility”.

Mr Cleary said in relation to new signs, “Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council are currently working with the Office of Public Works in relation to the provision of new signage for the old Ennis Friary. This matter will have to have regard to road signage regulations.”

Cllr Flynn also called on the OPW provide more funding for improved tourist services including guided tours at Quin Abbey. Mr Cleary stated the council would discuss with the Office of Public Works “if such a proposal were to emerge”.

Town manager Gerard Dollard said Cllr Flynn’s proposals would be sent to the OPW.

Cllr Sonny Scanlan (FG) backed calls for improved facilities at Quin Abbey.

A GOVERNMENT agency has been accused of intimidating Clare County Council staff in their own homes at night prior to bringing charges against the local authority.

The claim was made by county solicitor John Shaw in a report relating to two cases taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against the local authority in the Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Shaw said the charges arose out of an incident where it was considered necessary to continue supplying water to the town of Ennis, despite there being a problem with treating the water.

He said the problem was notified to the environmental watchdog, the EPA, as well as a proposal to rectify the issue.

“Notwithstanding the notification to the EPA, charges were subsequently brought in a manner which was to say the least, untypical of a state body.

“Council staff were approached late in the evening in their homes and intimidated into giving statements,” he said.

The county solicitor was then notified of this behaviour and arrangements made that all other statements would be made in the presence of the county solicitor.

Soon after charges were brought by the EPA under the European Communities (Drinking Water) No.2 Regulations 2007.

“The approach of the EPA in relation to this prosecution was, to say the least, high handed,” pointed out the solicitor from Michael Houlihan and Partners.

The council’s defence team mounted a defence against the case, which was adjourned three times in the circuit court.

“During the course of adjournment, the Circuit Court judge commented with regard to one public authority prosecuting another and questioned the value to the public in proceeding in this way,” explained Mr Shaw.

The DPP, and by extension the EPA, entered a “nolle prosequi” on September 24, meaning no case was to be answered.

Mr Shaw argued this should have been done much sooner or a case not brought at all as “a valid defence” would have been raised by the council.

Clare county manager Tom Coughlan was also vocal on the cost of this case, and another similar case, to the public purse.

The second case in Mr Shaw’s report referred to 20 indictable charges brought by the EPA against Clare County Council relating to the odour from Ballyduff beg Landfill site in Inagh.

Mr Coughlan explained, “Of the 20 indictable charges, 19 were ultimately struck out.

“The maximum penalty on each of these counts was € 15 million per charge.

“The council was fined € 5,000 in respect of one charge on which it pleaded guilty.

“The EPA sought costs and the council agreed to make an ex-gratis payment of € 3,700 towards the EPA’s cost.

“The council has expended considerable financial and human resources in preparing a defence against 20 indictable charges.

“Those scarce resources could have been expended on delivering and improving services for the people of the county,” said the county manager.

He added while he was satisfied with the council’s defence in relation to Ballyduff beg, he was acutely aware of the significant additional costs, which would be incurred in the event of the 20 charges going to a full hearing.

“In the circumstances, and mindful of the potential waste of public money, the council pleaded guilty to one charge in relation to Ballyduffbeg,” he said.

Mr Coughlan said he was also aware that both the EPA and the DPP must also have incurred huge costs and had agreement been reached at an early stage the cost to the taxpayer would have been significantly less.

Mr Coughlan was also critical of the EPA’s treatment of his staff while investigating the Ennis Water issue, claiming that as well as sending an investigation team to their homes at night, the agency also “commandeered an office in Áras an Contae to conduct interrogations of council staff ”.

“This had a serious impact on staff, particularly having regard to the fact that the EPA were seeking to identify individuals to possibly pursue criminal proceedings,” he said.

Concluding his report, Mr Shaw said the prosecution was particularly annoying as it was without merit and the investigations that were conducted were in a manner that was utterly unacceptable.

“Assurances have been received from the EPA to the effect that such conduct would not be repeated.”

As the report reached The Clare People late last night, the paper was unable to contact the EPA for comment at this time.