Category: News

SINN Fein remain confident as early indications suggest it could secure its first Clare County Council seat in living memory when the electorate go to the polls on Friday.

With national polls showing voters favouring Independent and Sinn Féin candidates, those canvassing in Clare said the party is looking strong.

Independent candidates have also reported that people on the doorsteps are indicating support for non-parties and the Government opposition party. Despite being in Government, Fine Gael remains optimistic although cautious, while Fianna Fáil are getting a less hostile reception than the last time they went on the hustings. Meanwhile Labour is reportedly hopeful but taking nothing for granted.

Director of Elections for Fine Gael Edmund Jennings said that while candidates are getting a good reaction on the doorstep, there is a fear there could be a surprise when the votes are counted.

Finbarr MacGabhann, Director of Elections for Sinn Féin in Clare told The Clare People the party was very encouraged by the reception on the doorstep.

Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil Gerry Reidy said that reception on the doorsteps for the party’s candidates is much better than the last local elections in 2009 and general election in 2011.

Labour TD Michael McNamara said that while the party is confident it is taking nothing for granted.

Meanwhile, the majority of Independent candidates believe this is going to be their election as the electorate says anything but party politics.

AN alleged attack by two teenagers on a family vehicle on a main street last month formed part of a “wider dispute” between two Ennis based families, a court has heard.

Three people were in the car when it was allegedly attacked by two males allegedly carrying hurleys on O’Connell Street on April 10.

Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident.

They appeared before Ennis District Court and Ennis Children’s Court on Wednesday. They are charged with public order and weapon’s offences.

James Keenan (18), with an address at Childer’s Road Cloughleigh is charged with having a hockey stick intended to unlawfully intimidate or incapacitate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to a vehicle.

He is also charged with criminal damage of the car owned by a woman and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

A 15-year-old boy is also charged with criminal damage and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace arising from the alleged incident at O’Connell Street.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is further charged with having a hurley intended to cause injury, incapacitate, intimidate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to the windscreen, bonnet and side of a car while three occupants were on board.

On Wednesday, Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the cases in the district court.

He outlined the alleged facts of the case to allow Judge Patrick Durcan consider whether to accept jurisdiction of the matter in the district or transfer it to the circuit court.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged both accused were carrying hurleys when they set upon the vehicle owned by Kathleen Doherty.

He said damage costing 4000 euros was caused during the alleged attack. Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the incident is part of a wider dispute between the families.

Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction, meaning it will now proceed in the circuit court.

Defence solicitor said he consented to the cases being adjourned to September 10 for service of the books of evidence. Both accused were remanded on continuing bail.

WATER safety officer Liam Griffin has retired from Clare County Council after more than four decades service.

Last summer the Ennis man led the campaign for people to stay safe in Clare waters during one of the warm- est spell in almost a decade.

As well as over seeing water safety in the county’s public bathing areas, Mr Griffin was also charged with responsibility for the Civil Defence.

The proud Eire Óg man joined Clare County Council on July 16, 1973, as an assistant civil defence officer.

He served in this role until 1996, when he was appointed Civil Defence Officer and Water Safety Development Officer.

Retiring “a few years early” to make the most of his retirement years, Mr Griffin said he was looking forward to the freedom of not being governed by the clock and the freedom to travel more, even at short notice.

First on his itinerary is a trip to America with his wife Marie at the end of the year.

“I have been most places in the world except America, so the trip is planned,” he said.

He is also looking forward to spending time with his family – daughters Sinead and Eimear, son John and his fiancé Jenny, and son-in-law Aidan – as well as his grandchildren, the fourth of which is due to make their way into the world any day.

Asked if he will miss the job, the father of three said, “I have made a huge amount of friends and friendships through the years, but those will be friends for life.”

The Mayor Joe Arkins (FG) and county manager Tom Coughlan led tributes to Liam for his outstanding work in the area of civil defence and water safety over 41 years.

A CAR enthusiast who punched a business sign and verbally abused gardaí after his vehicle was seized in Ennis has escaped a prison sentence.

Shane O’Sullivan (23) was instead ordered to carry out 75 hours of community service in lieu of six weeks in prison.

At Ennis District Court on Tuesday, Judge Patrick Durcan said Mr O’Sullivan behaved in a “contemptible manner” towards members of the force after being stopped on the Quin Road on May 17, 2013.

The seizure occurred minutes after another car was taken by gardaí from Mr O’Sullivan who had been driving in an enclosed area of an industrial estate.

Garda Liza McDonagh told the court she stopped Mr O’Sullivan’s vehicle on the Quin Road at around 22.54pm because it was in very poor order.

A Garda PSV report subsequently found the car to be defective with problems including three bald tyres and no audible warning device.

Garda McDonagh said that after informing Mr O’Sullivan she was seizing his car, he replied “This is my f*****g car”.

After punching a nearby sign, Mr O’Sullivan told Garda McDonagh and her colleague to go “f*** themselves”, the court heard.

Mr O’Sullivan, with an address at Rockmount Cross, Kilrush Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a dangerously defective vehicle and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

His solicitor told the court his client’s behaviour was more in frustration with himself after having two cars seized within a matter of minutes.

The solicitor said his client initially bought the defective car to sell it. He said the vehicle had been booked in for its National Car Test (NCT).

The court heard Mr O’Sullivan comes from a well-known family in the motor trade and intends studying mechanical engineering.

His solicitor said Mr O’Sullivan “behaved outrageously” and subsequently apologised to gardaí.

Judge Durcan asked Garda McDonagh if the apology was genuine. Judge Durcan said that going by Garda McDonagh’s response, Mr O’Sullivan’s had given a “mealy mouthed apology”. Garda McDonagh agreed he had.

The court heard the accused has two previous convictions for road traffic offences and has not come to garda attention since the incident.

Judge Durcan said he regarded this as a “serious offence”. He said Mr O’Sullivan used “foul and filthy language” to gardaí who had just seized his “rattletrap”.

He imposed a € 300 fine and ordered Mr O’Sullivan to complete 75 hours community service in lieu of six weeks in prison.

“Hopefully working for the community he will realise he has to keep his temper under control”. The Judge said.

Judge Durcan said he was also disqualifying Mr O’Sullivan from holding a driver’s license for three months, by way of ancillary order.

However after noting the pleas submitted in mitigation and Mr O’Sullivan’s intentions to work in the motor trade, Judge Durcan vacated the order and did not disqualify him from driving.

SINN Fein remain confident as early indications suggest it could secure its first Clare County Council seat in living memory, when the electorate go to the polls on Friday.

With national polls showing voters favouring Independent and Sinn Féin candidates, those canvassing in Clare said the party is looking strong.

Independent candidates have also reported that people on the doorsteps are indicating support for non-parties and the Government opposition party. Despite being in Government, Fine Gael remains optimistic although cautious, while Fianna Fáil are getting a less hostile reception than the last time they went on the hustings.

Meanwhile Labour is reportedly hopeful but taking nothing for granted. Director of Elections for Fine Gael Edmund Jennings said that while candidates are getting a good reaction on the door, there is a fear that there could be a surprise when the votes are counted.

“There could be a swing against the Government and we are very mindful of that, but we are not getting it on the doors,” he said.

“Most of our candidates are sitting county councillors and those that are not are very strong. When you speak to the individual candidates they are quietly confident,” he added.

Sinn Féin in Clare has a pep in its step as it canvasses the doors believing there is a real chance of returning a county councillor to the chamber for the first time in almost 90 years, with Shannon and Ennis polling strong for the party.

Finbarr MacGabhann, Director of Elections for Sinn Féin in Clare told The Clare People the party was very encouraged by the reception on the doorstep.

“There is a lot of anger at the Government and previous government, and we would be confident of taking a seat.

Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil Gerry Reidy said that reception on the doorsteps for the party’s candidates is much better that the last local elections in 2009 and general election in 2011.

“There is very good engagement. It was visibly hostile the last time,” he said.

“Our fear is visible apathy. We are not too confident of a large turn out.”

Labour TD Michael McNamara said that while the party is confident it is taking nothing for granted. The party is particularly hopeful of taking a seat in Ennis area.

A CLARE man has appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a girl in the county just over a year ago.

The alleged offences are alleged to have occurred at a named address in South Clare.

The 39-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with five counts of sexual assault of the female on dates unknown between December 1, 2012 and January 2, 2013.

The alleged offences are contrary to section two of the criminal law rape amendment act as amended by section 37 of the sex offender’s act 2001. A schedule of the evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the accused was handed into court by Insp Tom Kennedy.

Defence solicitor Oonagh Moylan made an application for legal aid. However she said this was not a normal application.

She said her client is a factory worker but has debts of € 17,000.

Ms Moylan said the case could require the services of both junior counsel and senior counsel.

She said the legal aid application was an appropriate one given the serious nature of the charges her client is facing. She said her client had filled out a statement of means.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the State had no objection to legal aid.

He said the case would proceed on a book of evidence to a higher court and that senior counsel may ultimately be engaged.

Judge Durcan granted legal aid.

He also imposed reporting restrictions. Judge Durcan ordered that the name of the accused, the alleged victim and the location of the alleged offences not be published.

He said the media could say the accused is from Clare and could also refer to the general geographical area where the offences are alleged to have occurred. THE case of three people charged following an altercation outside a pub in the Parnell Street area of Ennis last year is due to be heard on October. Solicitors for Kevin Cooper (52), Terry Sherlock (26) and Martin Sherlock (27) told Ennis District Court on Wednesday that a date for hearing would be required. The case, which involves allegations of assault and public order offences, is expected to take three hours to hear. Mr Cooper, with an address at Drumcairnmore, Loughville, Ennis is facing a charge of assault causing harm arising out of an alleged incident near Barcode Bar on March 31, 2013. Martin Sherlock, with an address at Clancy Park, Ennis, is charged with assaulting Mr Cooper arising out of the same circumstances. It is also alleged Martin Sherlock engaged in threatening, abusive and or insulting behaviour at Parnell Street on March 31. Another man Terry Sherlock with an address at Westbourne Watery Road, Ennis is charged with assaulting Mr Cooper at Parnell Street, Ennis on March 31. On Wednesday, solicitor for Mr Cooper, Stephen Nicholas told the court the case involves lengthy CCTV footage. Inspector Tom Kennedy said seven witnesses may be called to give evidence. The court heard the case could take three hours to hear. Judge Patrick Durcan set October 28 as the date for hearing.

A HIGHLY invasive species of marine animals known as “marine vomit” has been discovered in the waters off the North Clare coast.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says it is aware of the spread in south Galway Bay area of the carpet sea squirt known as Didemnum vexillum, a highly invasive non-native species that can smother marine life.

Didemnum vexillum are tiny animals in the tunicate family, that form together in massive colonies when conditions for breeding are suitable. These massive colonies spread quickly along the surface of the water, growing over and smothering anything in its path such as muscles, clams, oysters and plant life.

The marine vomit, which is given its names because of the colonies appearance as it spreads under water, is understood to have been carried to Clare from Japanese waters on the hulls of ships or in ballast wa- ter discharged from certain vessels.

It is not as yet clear if it will have a serious detrimental effect on the local shellfish populations, but tests carried out in waters close to Traught Beach on the Clare/Galway border indicate that it could pose a threat locally.

Indeed, these tests reveal a significant presence of marine vomit growing on the sea bed for the first time in Ireland. Up until now concentrations of Didemnum vexillum have been found on floating structures which cause little danger to other marine life.

Once the marine vomit become established it can spread rapidly. Indeed, the species could one day cover the entire of Galway Bay as was seen in George’s Bank between Canada and America where it now covers an area estimated to be more than 200 square kilometres.

Marine vomit has been located at more then six places around the Irish coast but Galway Bay now appears to be at the highest risk of invasion.

TWO Limerick men appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court yesterday charged in connection with thefts from cars in Clare GAA grounds on Sunday.

Jonathan McCarthy (23), with and address at Quarry Road, Thomondgate, Limerick and Samuel Quilligan (25), with an address Altamira, Thomondgate, Limerick, are accused of stealing a hurley and € 20 from a car in Sixmilebridge GAA club on May 18.

They are also charged with the theft of a crate of Smirnoff Ice from a car in Broadford GAA club on May 18.

Mr McCarthy is accused of causing criminal damage to a side window of a car in Kildooras, Clonlara on the same day.

Detective Garda John Mulvihill of Killaloe Garda Station gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr McCarthy.

He said in response to two charges, the accused replied, “I’m very sorry”. In reply to the other charge, Mr McCarthy said, “I’m very sorry. I will pay for the costs”.

Detective Garda Bernard Casey of Killaloe Garda Station told the court Mr Quilligan made no comment to charges after caution.

Both men were granted bail subject to a number of conditions.

They were ordered to reside at their addresses; observe a curfew between 11pm and 7am and be available for inspection to gardaí.

They were ordered not to drive any motor vehicles until the case is resolved.

Both men were also ordered to stay out of Clare except for court business. Solicitor for both accused, John Herbert, told the court Mr McCarthy intends to receive immediate psychiatric treatment.

Judge Mary Larkin said Mr McCarthy must notify gardaí of any change in his address.

Both men were assigned legal aid after Mr Herbert said they were suitable candidates.

A third person, Danika Frahill (22) also appeared before the court.

Ms Frahill, with an address at Caherdavin Shopping Centre Apartments, Limerick, is charged with handling a stolen Nokia mobile phone at Shannon Garda Station on May 18. Detective Garda Stephen Ryan of Shannon Garda Station said Ms Frahill made no reply to charge after caution.

Ms Herbert told Judge Larkin that Ms Frahill is presently out of work and a suitable candidate for legal aid. The accused was granted bail on the same conditions as Mr Quilligan and Mr McCarthy.

All three were remanded on bail to appear at Killaloe District Court on July 1 for DPP’s directions.

ONE thousand years after his victory at the Battle of Clontarf, Brian Boru’s castle has finally been taken.

Gardaí in Killaloe are investigating the theft of a massive wooden reproduction of Brian Boru’s castle Kincora, which has been taken from a community garden in the village.

The central tower section of the castle, which is understood to be in excess of 16 foot tall, was taken last week and the local community are appealing for its safe return.

The castle, along with the large tower centre-piece, were constructed over the past six months by an army of local volunteers including members of the local Men’s Shed. The structure was built to mark the thousand year anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and had already been used at a number of commemoration events and reenactments.

According to the secretary of the Killaloe/Ballina 2014 Committee, Brona Moriarty, the local community are desperate to get the castle back.

“It really was the most incredible structure. They worked on it for more than two months and put hundreds of hours into it. The tower itself is a really substantial structure, it would take about eight strong men to left it. It was about 16 feet high with a a thatched roof on it and beautifully designed and built,” she said.

“It would have taken a truck or a large van to move it, and a large group of people much have been involved. We would really love to get it back. It was made by the community, for the community, so maybe if the people who took it were aware of that they might give it back.

“Making the castle was such a positive thing for the community so it is quite upsetting and disheartening that it has been taken.”

The castle was designed by Scariffbased artist Nathalie El Baba.

“It’s such a big structure so it’s not the kind of thing that could have been taken easily. It’s really big, it’s the king of thing that you couldn’t really hide so we believe that a number of people must know where it is,” said Nathalie.

“Whoever took it much have take it in the middle of the night or they would have been seen. We just want it back.”

The castle was taken at some time between Friday evening, May 2, and Monday morning May 5. A local campaign was launched yesterday to raise public awareness of missing tower as well as the ‘Free The Tower’ facebook group.

FRESH allegations of historic clerical sexual abuse in the Killaloe Diocese have emerged in the wake of the publication of a review of safeguarding practices by Bishop Kieran O’Reilly last week.

The report, which was undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church of Ireland, details 26 separate allegation made against one priest, identified in the report as “Father A”, which took place on various dates from the mid-60s to the 1990s.

The priest was subsequently identified by Bishop O’Reilly as Fr Tom McNamara, who passed away in 1997.

Since this information was made public last Tuesday, The Clare People has been contacted by a number of people who claim to have been abused by Father McNamara – including one man who alleges that the abuse he suffered was not part of the 26 cases identified in the report.

The man, who has asked not to be identified, claims to have been abused by Father McNamara in an East Clare primary school in the mid to late 1960s.

“He abused me when I was at school. He would line up the boys against the school wall and put his hands inside their trousers. I would have been 12 years-old at the time. He would bring us to matches and no-one would want to sit in the front seat,” said the man.

“It wasn’t hidden at all. Everyone knew about it. What I don’t understand is why the teacher didn’t do anything. She [the teacher who is now deceased] must have known what was going on and did nothing. There was never a formal complaint made. Sure who would I complain to?”

Despite this alleged abuse, the man has a positive outlook towards members of the local church, and Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh in particular. The man met Bishop Walsh during his time at St Flannan’s School in Ennis and described as “an honorable man, a decent man that you could say something to”.

Current child protection procedures at the Diocese of Killaloe was commended as part of last week’s report. Both current Bishop Kieran O’Reilly and his predecessor Willie Walsh were commended by the report for their handling of allegation made in the diocese and the steps they have taken to improve child safety in the diocese.

The diocese of Killaloe has designated two people, Cleo Yates and Fr Pat Malone, to receive all historic and new reports of abuse. Their contact information is available on www.killaloediocese.ie.