Category: News

RECEIVING your First Holy Communion used to be a traditional celebration of receiving a holy sacrement for the first time; nowadays parents are spending hundreds of euros on what has become somewhat of a competition.

Many fear that My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding has set a trend of vulumtuous dresses and extravagant parties that are costing parents up to € 600, according to a survey conducted by EBS; but is this true for our home town of Ennis and have we lost sight of Catholic practice and fallen into the trap of hypocrisy and mass delusion?

Despite the on-going economic crisis, the amount of money being spent on a child’s First Holy Communion has increased dramatically over the last few years.

It empties the already dwindling pay-packets of parents and, in fact, the earnings of a typical eight year old child making their First Holy Communion could pay for majority of the party.

The survey shows that in 2011 thousands of Irish children received monetary gifts to the value of nearly € 350. The survey further suggests that in 2013 their days makings will add up to nearly € 500 – almost enough to pay off the average party.

Barefield National School Principal, Mr John Burns said “Families are generally sensible and curtail the costs within their budgets. However, there are a minority of people who can be extravagant and can expend a considerable amount of money, which they may not have.

“In my time, we went home. The evening was spent at home with my family and relations. Today, families use hotels or organise caterers for home dining with the all important bouncing castle.

“It is a most exciting day as it involves the whole family being connected together in preparing for this wonderful sacrament. It is not meant to be a one day religious ceremony. It is for life”.

There is however, only so much that can be taught in our schools. Whilst our teachers prepare and educate our children for their big day in every way possible, home is their biggest influence. The home is the “domestic Church”, and also where the heart is.

When the public were asked their opinion on cost control during First Holy Communion time some felt that parents let their children get away with the fancy dress and extravagant parties. However, Emily McGrath believes that “it’s still under the con- trol of the parents and it’s up to the parents to make a stand and say how much they are prepared to say.

“There was much more family involvement when I made my first holy communion”, Ms McGrath continued, “there would have been a big reception, but there still would have been emphasis on the dress.

“I think people tend to forget that the obsession with fancy communion dresses goes back quite a long way, it’s not just today.

What is really important is realising that this is your child’s day to take “centre stage” and for their relationship with God to further grow and flourish.

Fr Ger Fitzgerald of the Killaloe Diocese believes that too much focus can sometimes be put on the aftershow and that some forget what is really important on the big day.

“I think it easy to sensationalise big dresses and hummers whilst missing the kernel of truth that shows us that there is real faith on display here, in the prayer of the children.

“It is I believe also easy to bemoan the fact that there are the presence of hummers and outlandish dresses”, he continued, “but, I think that we, as priests and Church, should try to educate a little more.

Fr Fitzgerald further stated that during “our teaching and preaching we should try to point out that maybe the First Holy Communion is perhaps not the place for these things as it can distract not only the adults but also the children from what has taken place.

“I think that if we highlight the “extras” we, the Church and media, should work together to highlight as well the absolutely necessary components, those being the joy with which the children come to receive and also the faith they display in their prayer and in their wonder and awe in the presence of something that is greater than all of us combined. They are a joy to us and many of us could learn from their example of simplicity, true humility and love of God”.

Ennis National School recieved their First Holy Communion two weeks ago and, according to Fr Fitzgerald, “they sat there, rapt in attention, hands joined, watchin. In their world, they knew something was happening, something special.

“As I looked on”, Fr Fitzgerald continued, “one could effortlessly see that they knew this was a special day and that Jesus, their friend, was coming to them in a new way. In the way they prayed, in the way they behaved, in the way they watched and paid attention and most specifically in the way they received, they demonstrated that they at that moment were close to Jesus and that is what communion is ultimately about, a relationship with the Lord”.

AN ENNIS man convicted of intimidating his brother-in-law has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Last October, Martin Joyce (22), with addresses at 113 Dun na hInse, Ennis and 2 St Patrick’s Mews, Clarecastle, was found guilty by a jury of the intimidation of his brother-in-law Michael Ward and Mr Ward’s wife, Rose Ward.

The offences were committed while Mr Joyce was on bail, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard on Friday.

He was acquitted of a charge of threatening to kill Mr Ward at Shannon Airport on May 3 2011.

The Wards had travelled to Clare from England to give evidence at an arson trial against the Mr Joyce’s brother David. David Joyce was acquitted of the charge.

Sentencing in Martin Joyce’s case had been delayed pending the finali- sation of another case in the Midlands.

On Friday, Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL, said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had decided that Mr Joyce’s case could proceed to sentencing.

Judge Gerard Keyes said the victims in the case had given sworn evidence that they felt “frightened and intimidated” of Martin Joyce and were afraid to come to court.

He said that in their victim impact statement, the Wards said they lived in a “twilight world” unable to attend family occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Judge Keyes said intimidation of witnesses is a “serious matter and goes to undermine the whole justice system.”

He said people who witness crime must feel safe to come forward “otherwise anarchy would prevail and we would end up with a lawless society.”

Judge Keyes commended the Wards for their “resilience and bravery” for enabling the trial to proceed.

The court heard that Mr Joyce has 32 previous convictions, the majority for road traffic offences.

Noting the length of time it has taken for sentencing to be finalized, Judge Keyes imposed a two-year sentence on both counts to run concurrently.

Judge Keyes suspended the final six months of the sentence on condition that Mr Joyce have no direct or indirect contact with Michael and Rose Ward.

He backdated the sentence to September 30 (2012) in acknowledgement of the length of time Mr Joyce had spent on remand.

Addressing Mr Joyce, Judge Keyes said there should not be any more difficulties between the families.

Mr Joyce replied;

“There won’t be Judge. Thanks very much.”

A DISTRICT
Court Judge has hit out at what he called the“abuse” of the courts system in Clare. Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking during at Ennis District Court Wednesday after being informed of a proposed change in legal representation for a Limerick man. Solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that she had been asked by Limerick solicitor John Devanne to take over the case of Martin Casey (22). Mr Casey, with an address at Bay 6Toppings Field, John CarewPark, Limerick, is accused of handling stolen property – a green blade hedge trimmer and Efco Chainsaw- at Carrahill Crusheen on February 27 (2013). Mr Casey is also alleged to have handled a stolen Stihl chainsawat the same location and date. After being told of Mr Casey’s proposed change in legal representation, Judge Durcan said he was getting “very tired of abuse of the courts systemwhere people are coming on an off record.” He said if a solicitor ceases to represent someone, then“they should showrespect to the court, the registrar, the client, to showup and come off record.” Judge Durcan added,“This isn’t the London Underground where people can simply can come on and off.” Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case to May 1 when he said he would consider Mr Devannes application to come off record. Another Limerick man also appeared in court charged with the incident at Crusheen. Anthony Quinlivan (18), with an address at 12 ElmPlace, Rathbane, Roxboro Road, Limerick, is charged with handling a green blade hedge trimmer, Efco chainsawand Stihl chainsawat Crusheen on February 27. Mr Quinlivan is also charged with having an article which had a blade or which was sharply pointed at the same location and date. Mr Quinlivan was represented by solicitor Fiona Hehir. His case was adjourned until May 1.

THE cases
of two men charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Courthouse are to be heard next month. Anthony Doherty (27) and Dylan Dinan (20) were both before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Mr Doherty, with an address at 30 Lenabeg, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). Mr Dinan, with an address at 6Waterpark Court, Drumbiggle, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). He also charged with assault at the same location and date. Mr Doherty is represented by solicitor John Casey. Mr Dinan is represented by solicitor Tara Godfrey. CCTV evidence is to be sought in the case, the court heard. The cases were adjourned for hearing until May 20.

A MAN
found in possession of a Stanley knife in a pub in Ennis has received a suspended sentence. At Ennis District Court onTuesday, Darren Maughan (21) pleaded guilty to possession of a knife at Knox’s Bar,Abbey Street, Ennis on February 2 (2013). Inspector TomKennedy told the court that gardaí were called to deal a public order incident at Knox’s involving Mr Maughan. Gardai searched Mr Maughan and found that he was carrying a knife for “no good reason.” Mr Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis also pleaded guilty to stealing seven bottles of wine fromNext-Door offlicense, Gort Road on April 16 (2013). Mr Maughan also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault at Ennis Courthouse. Defence solicitor WilliamCahir said his client is a young man who has “chronic problems with alcohol.” He said Mr Maughan had recently tackled his problems before but had recently “fallen off the wagon”. Judge Eamon O’Brien imposed a nine month suspended sentence in relation to the offences at Knox’s. All other matters were taken into consideration. Judge O’Brien said he would suspend the sentence on condition that Mr Maughan enter a bond to be of good behaviour. He told Mr Maughan he should join Alcoholic’s Anonymous (AA).

CLARE opposition to a massive organic fish farm planned for off the North Clare coast took shape following a mass meeting of local fishermen and women in New Quay.

The meeting, which was originally organised by Clare TD Michael McNamara (Lab) as a means of developing local coastal businesses, turned into a virtual campaign meeting to oppose the proposed fish farm – which locals claims is the biggest threat to indigenous local fish industries. The proposed twin fish farms will cover 500 acres of water off the Doolin and Fanore coast if it given the green lights by the Department of Agriculture. Government agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) have proposed that a licence be granted for a third party operator to build and manage the farm – which they claim will create 500 jobs.

These claims are being opposed by a number of groups, including Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFA) – a second government agency, who claim that the project will create far fewer jobs and will also destroy a large number of smaller local businesses.

Doolin local, Mattie Shannon, attended the meeting and said that the vast majority of local people are against the fish farm. “Everybody who attended the meeting and has anything to do with fishing or Doolin or the Aran Islands was against the proposed giant fish farm. BIM are proposing to build 10 of these off the west coast – from Mizen Head to Malin Head,” he said.

“There are a number of large fish farms like this in Canada but, under their own regulations, a farm of this size would no longer be allowed in Canada. It really is massive, it is half the size of Inis Oirr.

“They are dangling theses jobs in front of people. They started off talking about 300 jobs and then they upped it to 500 jobs. It is quite possible that there are a large number of jobs in it but whether these jobs are for local Clare people in another thing,” he said.

“At the same time this will destabilise jobs that are there already in smaller family operations all along Galway Bay. South west are the main winds in that area, so any contamination or spills or anything like that will wash in to us and effect all the small industries that are there already. I don’t know why we are talking about threatening jobs that are there already to create jobs for some multinational company.”

A JUDGE has rejected a Clarecastle man’s offer to pay € 5,000 compensation to a plasterer he assaulted with a golf club 17 months ago.

David Casey suffered a fractured skull when he was assaulted by Ian Considine (25) at St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, in the early hours of December 27 (2011).

Mr Considine, with an address at 55 St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, appeared at Ennis Circuit Crminal Court on Friday.

Judge Gerard Keyes rejected Mr Considine’s compensation offer, saying he was conscious of the perception that exists that people can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

In February, Mr Considine pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Casey, a father of two who also lives in the St Joseph’s Terrace area.

The court heard that on the night in question Mr Casey was involved in an incident outside the Considine family home.

Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station said Mr Casey threw a crutch at the door and broke one of the windows.

Members of the accused’s family including his father came outside, the court heard.

Mr Considine, who lives near the home, was awoken by his sister and arrived at the scene armed with a golf club, the court heard.

Counsel for the State Stephen Coughlan BL, told the court that for want of a better expression, Mr Considine, “literally pole-axed Mr Casey”.

Mr Casey was transferred to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and later Cork University Hospital.

He sustained a right frontal skull fracture and 6cm laceration.

Mr Casey required further treatment in 2012 to remove skull fragments that were “leaning on his brain”, the court heard.

In his victim impact report, Mr Casey said the incident had greatly affected his life.

He said he had been unable to work since the assault. He said he is worried every time he goes to the doctor.

Mr Casey added, “I have no grudge against Mr Considine.

“I want to put this behind me and move onto the next chapter of my life. …. “What is done is done and there is nothing we can do about it now.”

Defence Counsel Kenneth Kerins, said his client, a qualified carpenter, made a “very foolish and rash decision” on the night.

Mr Kerins added, “He stands before the court genuinely remorseful.”

Mr Considine has no previous conviction and has not come to garda attention since the assault, the court heard. Mr Kerins said there had no further incidents between the parties.

The court heard Mr Considine de- scribed as a hardworking, reliable man.

The father of two is a long serving member of Manus Celtic soccer club.

Mr Kerins said his client would be willing to pay € 5000 compensation to the injured party.

Judge Gerard Keyes said he found the figure too low, noting the length of time the victim had been out of work.

Judge Keyes said he was also conscious of the perception that exists among the public that defendants can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

Judge Keyes indicated that he might accept a figure of € 10,000 but added that payment is no guarantee that a suspended sentence will be imposed.

Judge Keyes said he required time to consider the case in greater length.

He added; “I cannot ignore the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on this man with a golf club.”

A CAMPAIGNER for the homeless is facing a possible prison sentence after being convicted of stealing almost € 27,000 from an 87 year resident of St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis. At Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, a jury convicted Josephine O’Brien (59) on nine of 10 counts of theft from the bank account of Stephen O’Halloran.

Ms O’Brien, with an address at 15 Bridgeview, Roslevan, was found guilty of stealing € 26, 503 on dates between July 2006 and October 2010. The pair first met when they were patients living in Ennis General Hospital. They subsequently lived together in rented accommodation.

The two-day trial heard that after Mr O’Halloran became a resident of St Joseph’s Hospital in December 2005, he gave Ms O’Brien his ATM card for the account that received his English pension.

The court heard that when enquiries were made to arrange for the pension to pay for Mr O’Halloran’s care in St Joseph’s, there was very little money left in the account.

Ms O’Brien admitted making the transactions over the period from January 2006 to October 2010, claiming she had consent to do so.

The court heard evidence from Mr O’Halloran who said she did not have the authority to make the withdrawals. The court heard that Mr O’Halloran said Ms O’Brien visited him for the first six months of his stay in St Joseph’s but that the visits stopped after June 2006.

This was disputed by Ms O’Brien. The court also heard evidence from Detective Garda Beatrice Ryan who investigated the theft.

In a Garda interview, Ms O’Brien said, “I know I shouldn’t have taken the money but I did.”

She told gardaí, “I am sorry. I want to pay it back.”Ms O’Brien told gardaí that she never spent the money on herself. She said she used it to pay rent and to fund a drop in centre for the homeless in Chapel Lane, Ennis.

Ms O’Brien is co-founder of the Homeless Education Learning Programme (HELP), an Ennis-based organisation that supports homeless people. In his closing speech, Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan said there had been a pattern of Ms O’Brien “clearing” out Mr O’Halloran’s bank account.

He said, “You don’t get a blanket authority to raid a person’s account.”

Counsel for Ms O’Brien Lorcan Connolly BL said, “She opened a drop in centre. Is that the profile of a dishonest person?”

It took the jury two hours to return a unanimous verdict of guilty in nine of the ten counts Ms O’Brien was charged with. They returned a verdict of not guilty for the count covering January 2006 to June 2006.

THREE men alleged to have been involved in a “fracas” at a wedding in Ennis last year have had the charges against them struck out.

Three men – Jimmy Doherty (40), John Doherty (47) and Simon Doherty (41) were charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Cathedral, O’Connell Street, on October 11 (2012).

Jimmy Doherty, with an address at 8 Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis, and Simon Doherty, with an address at The Cottage, Granard Road, Edgeworthstown, Longford, were both charged with the assault of John McDonagh at the Cathedral on October 11 (2012).

They were also charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty, with an address at 60 Abbeyville, Ennis, was charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty was also charged with assault causing harm to John McDonagh.

The court previously heard that it would be alleged that Mr Doherty struck Mr McDonagh across the head with a slash hook. Jurisdiction of John Doherty’s case was refused in the District Court.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Inspector John Galvin said he did not have directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Jimmy and Simon Doherty. He requested a two-week adjournment.

Defence solicitor John Casey said this was the second occasion the State had sought an adjournment. He added, “This is not a very complicated matter. There are not a huge number of witnesses. There has to be movement on it.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said the delays are “very unfair” on the Dohertys. He said, “This is crazy carry on. These men are innocent in my eyes. They have been coming to court since February 6.”

Judge Durcan said, “These men can’t be coming in here. They have other things to be doing.”

Mr Casey applied to have the cases dismissed. Insp Galvin applied to have the cases struck out.

Judge Durcan also struck the cases against John Doherty. He said, “John Doherty can’t be coming in here day after day.”

A CLARE war hero, who was refused a personal bi r thday card from Queen Elizabeth II, as he “could not prove he was British”, will instead receive a letter to mark his 100th bi r t hday today (Tuesday).

The U-tur n by Buckingham Palace, which fol lows a petition by 800 people, means Dr William Navin who is originally from Clarecastle, will now receive a message from the Queen.

Dr Navin was bor n in Clare on April 30, 1913, and his family still own and operate Navin’s Bar in Clarecastle village.

His late brother Fr Charles Navin ser ved most of his li fe as the parish priest in Tubber. His other brother Dr Cyril was a monsignor in America while Pat rick ran the publ ic house in Clarecastle.

Dr Navin left Ireland for Coven tr y in 1939, to work with the ear, nose and throat specialists at Walsgrave Hospital. This was not to be however and he ended up in general practice as the war broke out.

During World War II he was a medical officer and ser ved with the Home Guard, ear ning seven medals for ser vice.

The reti red GP car ries an Ir ish passpor t, even though he is also en- titled to a British one.

Buckingham Palace said the Clare native did not qualify for the queen’s bi r thday message without a Br itish passpor t as proof of citizenship.

However t he petition by the people of Coventr y saw a change of hear t being the palace gates and t his man is to be sent a personal letter from the Queen instead of t he t raditional card.

The decision came after the LordLieutenant for the West Midlands, Paul Sabapathy CBE, cont acted the anniversaries office.

He said he had been informed t he Queen’s secretar y would now be sending a letter to Dr Navin on the Queen’s inst r uction.

Dr Navin’s family said they were ext remely disappoi nted when they received the letter from Buckingham Palace denying hi m t he card.

The letter stated, “Her Majesty only sends messages to people who are citizens of Her Realms or UK Overseas Ter ritor ies, and as your father was bor n in what is now the Republ ic of Ireland, I am afraid it is necessar y to see evidence of his Br itish citizenship.”

Dr Navin has t hree chi ldren, seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, and lives on his own in Coventr y since his wife Molly died 23 years ago.

A WEST Clare man could have his Olympic dreams dashed if he goes to prison for firearms and drugs offences.

Weightlifter Sean McNamara is a Munster and All-Ireland titleholder. The 21 year-old also holds two under 23 national records and has been short listed for the Irish weightlifting squad for the 2014 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Mr McNamara, with an address Doonogan, Mullagh, appeared at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, having pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a sawn-off double barrel shotgun. He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply.

The items were uncovered during a raid by the Clare Division Drugs Unit at Doonogan, Mullagh on October 16 (2010).

Detective Garda Stephen Hession told the court the gun along with 29.82 grammes of cocaine, glucose for mixing and a weighing scales were found in an abandoned farmhouse across the accused’s home.

Det Hession said the accused was under pressure to store the gun from other parties.

The court heard that at the time Mr McNamara was part of gang involved in drug dealing in North and West Clare. The gang, the court heard, was headed by a 17 year-old who had “control” over the accused.

Det Hession said the gun was sourced following an altercation between the gang and other parties carrying axes in Kilrush during October 2010. The court heard that the shotgun had been stolen in Kilrush in 2009. Mr McNamara had no connection with the theft, the court heard. Det Hession said the gun was sourced as a “scare tactic.”

Text messages sent by the 17-yearold from Mr McNamara’s phone were also read out in court by Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL.

One of the messages sent by the 17 year-old stated; “Getting tooled up. Kilrush is going to get a shock.”

Det Hession said Mr McNamara co-operated with gardaí and has since broken all connections with the gang. He added, “I believe he was apprehended at the right time before anything serious happened.”

Defence Counsel, Michael Collins BL, said his client had “started hanging out with the wrong crowd and was completely out of his depth.”

Mr Collins said his client acknowledged that these offences may “jeopardize” his involvement in the Olympics.

Mr Collins urged the Court not to impose a custodial sentence as it might harm his client’s Olympics hopes. Judge Gerard Keyes adjourned the case to June 18.

AN EAST Clare businessman could be on the verge of changing the way that people are buried forever. Killaloe-based inventor Bar ry Spearman has founded the company New Age Memorials – Europe’s first provider of fiberglass headstone.

According to Bar ry, his new headstone could save people thousands in cleaning and other costs when compared to traditions headstones. The idea for fiberglass headstones came to him about two years ago, when he was tr ying to clean one of his own family headstones.

“I was quoted € 250 for sandblasting and re-lettering which I thought was excessive. Then I bought various stone cleaning chemicals and none of them worked well,” he said.

“Up to that time, I had not thought about the ongoing costs involved in maintaining headstones and it was only when I mentioned it to other people I discovered that a whole industry of cleaning headstones had come into existence.

“I thought there must be a modern material, with similar properties to stone, but without the drawbacks, that could be used just as efficiently.”

Barr y had his Eureka moment while fishing on Lough Derg.

“Every few months, a bit of surface mould might grow where rain has lodged, but this is easily brushed off. This boat, li ke 90 per cent of all modern boats, is made from marine grade fibreglass. I had found my headstone material,” he said.

Spearman set up the company in May 2012, and has been working with a number of companies trying to perfect moulds, finishes, designs and the manufacturing process.

“I discovered that a design for a fibreglass headstone was patented in 1973 in the US. This patent has now lapsed and the design was totally different from mine,” he said.

“Now that the product has been perfected I hope to sell directly to the public in order to keep the purchase costs down. This would not happen if sold through under takers. I have just begun to advertise in the local papers and free sheets and also by putting posters up in shops and so on.”

LESS than three years from after it was decimated in a General Election, the Fianna Fáil party in Clare believes it is regaining its political stronghold once again in the county.

Two full buses left the Banner county on Saturday morning for the party’s 74th Ard Fheis in Dublin, with more travelling the night before.

Among the delegates were men with 30 years membership who had never before attended an Ard Fheis, and numerous young people.

The Clare branch of the party was celebrating the fact that it had reached 800 in membership, the majority of the new recruits under the age of 30.

Adding to their confidence of local support was the fact that they won a prize for the second year running for the second highest gate collection in the country and the second best contribution to the National Draw.

And to top it all off, there was a former Green Party councillor now one of their own also wandering around the RDS wearing a “guest badge”.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) is now an official member of the party, but it will be another 12 months before he graduates to the stature of delegate and have a vote in party affairs.

The weekend and perceived growing support within the county was also a boost of confidence for those who must encourage and organise candidates for the local election next year.

Constituency organiser Michael Neylon said, “It shows that we are active.”

Clare is also punching above its weight when it comes to the national executive.

Two Clare men were elected to the “Committee of 20” at the weekend, to join Constituency Secretary Gerry Reidy and TD Timmy Dooley on the executive.

Ennis man Garrett Greene, who was returned to the “Committee of 20”, is even among the older members on the influential committee at just 38 years old.

Newcomer, Eoin Neylon also from Ennis is considered among the average age at just 26 years old.

Mr Greene is a manager of TTM Healthcare’s Medical Division in Ennis.

“The positive atmosphere and the energy we saw this weekend is testament to the fact that Fianna Fáil has a strong and vital role to play in the future of Irish politics. I want to thank all of those from Clare who attended the Ard Fheis and made their voices heard about the future of the party,” he said.

Mr (Eoin) Neylon is a structural engineer based in London and set up the city’s first ever Fianna Fáil Cumann.

“It is a wonderful honour to be chosen by Fianna Fáil members to represent them on the National Executive. I want to thank all the party members who voted for me and I will endeavour to perform my role to the best of my ability. The grassroots of the party needs to have a greater say in how the party is run and I hope to provide a direct link to the Ard Comhairle for many local members,” he said.