Category: Uncategorized

LIAM Daly of Property Partners Joseph Daly and Associates, Ennis, this week warned owners of second properties not to get hit with a fine for late payment of the new property FD. @

“The new €200 annual charge has been introduced on Irish residential property on non-principal private residences payable by the owners of these properties under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009. The charge applies mainly to owners of private rental property and holi- day homes. However, it also applies to vacant residential property unless newly built but unsold,” said Daly.

He explained, “Liability to pay the charge is determined by ownership of a relevant property on the “liabil- ity date” and July 31, 2009, has been set as the liability date for the current

year.

Payment of the charge for this year is due by September 30. If payment of the charge is not made by Octo- ber 31 this year, a €20 late payment fee will apply for each month or part of month during which the charge is us} oy-Blee

Liam Daly observed, “We have found the majority of our clients are aware of the second homes property tax but are not aware of the fine.

‘“There’s enough pain in having to pay the €200 tax in the first place, especially in light of reduced rents and BER Cert costs. You want to avoid getting hit with an additional €20 fine for every month after Oc- tober that you haven’t paid because it could add up”.

For more details of how the Second Home Tax may affect you, contact Property Partners Joseph Daly and Associates on 065 6893257.

AT the beginning of the year, the Kilrush management sat down and put their faith in the up and com- ing talent at the club. A few months later and the first hurdle has been navigated. In reaching the quarter- final stage of the championship, they haven’t even clipped the hurdle and go into the next round without hav- ing the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths. a

It means that Eire Og are out of the championship. The county capital will thus have no representative in the quarter-final of the senior hurling or the senior football championship.

That’s something that needs to be ad- dressed for a number of reasons, but this isn’t the place.

A couple of swings in this game more or less broke down Eire Og’s resolve and resigned them to defeat. The first came with the introduction of Paddy Clancy to midfield for Kil- rush. He put in a storming second half around the centre of the field, covering ground, winning possession and breaking down Eire Og attacks.

If Clancy’s performance helped Kilrush to the points, then so too did the hour logged by Con O’Brien. The wing-back was a constant thorn in the side of the Ennis club. He defended well, raided up the field at every op-

portunity and ended the game with three points to his name.

But that wasn’t all. With a quarter of an hour to go, Kilrush had a one point lead, Peadar McMahon having just scored to keep Kilrush ahead, their first point in 18 minutes.

Right after McMahon’s score, it looked for all the world as though Eire Og were about to put their stamp on the game and take the lead for the first time all afternoon.

David Russell was through on goal, the Kilrush defence having breached for one of the only times in the game. Russell struck and the crowd waited for the net to bulge. That it didn’t was down to a fantastic save from Tony

Burke. It kept Kilrush in the lead and heaped added frustration on Eire Og. From there, it took Eire Og a further 11 minutes to score, by which time Con O’Brien had rattled over his third score of the game.

They were now ahead by three and as clock began to wind down, ste Og pushed on and heaped an amount of pressure on the Kilrush defence. After mounting a number of attacks in search of a goal that could draw the game, they eventually had to set- tle for a point.

It came from the boot of Shane Daniels — their most effective play- er on the day — but it was far from enough.

A poor season ended for Eire Og ended in the grey of Kilmihil but for GUT MU e Med eomcl ube ebeeto) mm orca LUrcimoleraUbOe

CLARE took a leaf out of the book being read by Kerry’s men folk on Saturday when producing their best performance of the year to advance to the All-Ireland final in four weeks abeelon

That book is the one about the Munster championship having very little in common with the real busi- ness of the All-Ireland series — Clare proved that when crushing Waterford by eight points and thereby reversing their four-point defeat to the Deise in the Munster final in Bruff back in July.

It was a brilliant display by Clare’s forwards that did the trick — they needed to be on top of their game because their sometimes leaky de-

fence conceded three goals over the hour and were thankful to the bril- liance of Denise Walsh between the sticks who deprived the Deise of a few more goals.

Walsh put her body on the line for the cause of reaching the All-Ire- land final, while further afield some brilliant combination play involv- ing Eimear Considine, Aine Kelly, Majella Griffin and Niamh Keane simply overwhelmed a shell-shocked Waterford side.

Add in the considerable influence of captain Louise Henchy, Fiona Laf- ferty and Eithne Morrissey around the middle and you had a Clare team what were not to be denied their shot at All-Ireland final redemption on September 27.

The final scoreline reflected the

gulf in standard between the two sides, but an Achilles heel of conced- ing goals threatened to wreck Clare’s day in the first-half. Seven minutes in a poor kickout was returned with interest by Waterford, with Elaine Power putting Louise Ryan in on goal and she made no mistake when drilling home from 10 yards.

It put Waterford 1-1 to 0-1 ahead and while Clare hit back with points from Majella Griffin (2), Eimear Considine and Aine Kelly to lead again by the 12th minute, a second Waterford goal from Aoife McGov- ern in the 17th minute rocked them back on their heels again.

Waterford looked capable of work- ing goals anytime they broke into the attack, but a much improved defen- sive display in the closing ten min-

utes of the half and the continued brilliance of Eimear Considine et al in attack turned this game decisively in Clare’s favour.

Niamh Keane scored a _ brilliant solo point in the 21st minute and fol- lowed up with another a minute later when picking up a break from Ma- jella Griffin. Then in the 25th minute Griffin turned provider for Aine Kel- ly in a neat one-two that saw the Fer- gus Rovers girl rifle a low left-footed drive into the bottom right hand cor- ner of the net.

Clare were back in control and fur- ther points from Niamh Keane and Eithne Morrissey helped them into a 1-11 to 2-5 interval lead. This three- point lead became eight four minutes into the second-half thanks to a blitz- krieg restart from Clare.

Majella Griffin pointed inside eight seconds; Louise Henchy pointed in the 33rd minute while a minute later Aine Kelly thumped a rebound to the net after Eimear Considine goal ef- fort was stopped by Aimee Jordan in the Waterford goal.

The game was as good as over — it was just a matter for Clare to keep their heads for the remainder of the game. That they did, albeit that a third Waterford goal in the 40th minute courtesy of Michelle Ryan brought it back to a six point game.

Clare led by 2-14 to 3-5 but held their nerve admirably in the closing stages, with Majella Griffin, Louise Henchy and Eimear Considine chip- ping in with points before Eithne Mortrrissey’s 53 minute goal put them 3-17 to 3-7 ahead.

Waterford gave up after Denise Walsh saved Michelle Ryan’s poorly hit penalty in the 55th minute.

Timmy-top dog for expenses

Flood scheme finishes phase one

THE ROYAL National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has confirmed that the only coastal RNLI station in County Clare will receive a new lifeboat next year. On his last visit to Kilrush before he retires, the Chief Executive of the RNLI Mr Andrew Freemantle confirmed he has sanc- tioned the purchase and delivery of a new Atlantic 85 B Class lifeboat for the RNLI station at Kilrush.

During a recent tour of the station, Mr Freemantle confirmed that next June, the latest generation of inshore lifeboat will be delivered to the vol- untary crew in Kilrush. The Atlantic 85 (Rigid Inflatable boat) RIB is not only bigger and more powerful than Kilrush’s existing RIB but it is also fitted with the latest Search and Res- cue technology and instrumentation, equipping the service to continue saving lives into the next generation. Kilrush will be one of only two sta- tions in Ireland and the UK which will receive such an upgrade next

year.

Following the construction of a new station in 1996, an Atlantic 21B Class lifeboat was placed on tempo- rary duty at the Kilrush station how- ever it was replaced by a new Atlan- tic 75 lifeboat the following October. This vessel will now be replaced by a

new Atlantic 85 in 2010.

Kilrush Lifeboat Operations Man- ager John Lamb said, “This is a great vote of confidence in the crew here at Kilrush. It shows that we are do- ing what is being asked of us and that we are being rewarded by being en- trusted by this the latest in lifeboat

technology and development”

Lifeboat Training Officer Pauline Dunleavy added, “It is paramount that those who give of themselves by volunteering as a lifeboat crew mem- ber are equipped with the best and the latest equipment. RNLI crews are trained to the highest standards to answer the call of those in most dif- ficulty at sea. It is only fitting that we have the best means of answering that call. The Atlantic 85 which is coming to Kilrush next year is just that.”

The crucial task of maintaining the lifeboat in Kilrush falls on me- chanic Martin Brew who said, “This is a bigger boat allowing us to carry more equipment, more crew mem- bers and more casualties. It is also a more powerful boat, giving greater endurance time allowing us to go further with greater speed while not compromising the safety of crew or those we rescue.”

CLARE leading lights such as Brian Lohan, Martin Donnelly and Fr Har- ry Bohan are just some of the people from the Banner lending their names to the Yes to Lisbon campaign.

Clare For Europe, a new independ- ent group of Clare men and women campaigning to ensuring a repeat of the Yes vote in Clare in the forthcom- ing referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, will launch its campaign tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Westpark Busi- ness Campus in Shannon.

Clare For Europe is comprised of leading figures from business, farm- ing, the arts and sport, who believe a Yes vote is in the best interests of this county and key to the future of WeemeO LUNN BAYA

Well-known names from across the county, including Brian Lohan, estate agent and former Clare hurl- ing star, leading Clare businessman Martin Donnelly, Managing Direc- tor of M. Donnelly and Co. Ltd, Fr Harry Bohan, long-time campaigner for rural development, Katie Verling, arts administrator, Michael Vaughan, hotelier, and the Clare leadership of the IFA are all throwing their weight behind the campaign.

Promising a vigorous campaign, Clare For Europe Co-ordinator, Michael McNamara, an unsuccessful candidate in this summer’s European election, said that this was a crucial time for the mid-west region and, in- deed for Ireland as a whole.

‘We need to vote Yes to secure jobs and our economic recovery,’ he said. “Being at the heart of Europe has been central to the development of Clare. Our main industries – agricul- ture, tourism and our manufacturing

base – are all dependent on us re- maining at the heart of Europe. Now more than ever, we need to build on the best partnership this country has ever had; our membership of the SOR

Clare was one of only nine con- stituencies that returned a Yes vote in the last Lisbon Treaty election in June 2008.

Meanwhile, European Movement Ireland, the organisation that ex- plains the work of the European Un- ion in a jargon-free way, launched its ‘Just the Facts’ campaign for the Lis- bon Treaty. By circulating a series of easy-to-read factsheets and hosting a range of events, this campaign aims to encourage a factual and balanced debate in the run up to the referen- dum, without telling people which way they should vote.

Andrea Pappin, Executive Direc- tor of European Movement Ireland, said, “I think we’re all tired of the shouting matches which were all too prevalent last year. This time, it’s es- sential we all get to grips on what we are being asked to vote on, and that means cutting through all the guff and getting to the real truths.”

FOR 50 years, John Allen has been involved in some way or other with the Scariff Show. And he and others who have been involved for all those decades are delighted to see that the show will celebrate its 65th birthday this year by going from strength to strength.

86-year-old John has been presi- dent, manager and chairman, and his son Tom has been involved as secretary before his daughter-in-law, Joanne, took that task on.

John – who is now still involved in the show and is also now the long- est serving member of the National Show Society – says there are many people who got stuck in early on and are still involved.

“It’s a great show and the commit- tee and the people who support are a lot of its success. There is great involvement from people. People like John Blake, the vet – he’s been involved since day one and is still 2100 Une

One of the biggest changes John has seen recently is in having to raise sponsorship for the show. “For a long time, we didn’t have trouble getting sponsors but it was that bit harder this year.”

One of the important show sec- tions is the All-Irleand Yearling Filly Championship and the Giblin brothers of Irish Sports Netting have stepped up to the mark to sponser this section and the Irish Show As- sociation have also come on board, promising €100 for each entrant in the competition.

The Scariff Show Society will cele- brate the milestone birthday this year on Saturday, September 5. Staged every year at Fossabeg, the 65th birthday show is expected to draw record crowds and entries. There’s something for everyone at the show, with an indoor section as well as sec- tions for horse, ponies and sheep.

There will also be a Most Appro- priately Dressed Lady competition, kindly sponsored by Karena’s; a Most Appropriately Dressed Child

competition, sponsored by Bane’s Gift Shop; and a Bonny Baby com- petition, sponsored by the Dunphy Allen School of Irish Dancing. There will also be a dog show, pony and horse jumping and many trade stands and activities for young and old on the day.

And just for the fun of it, there will be bungy bull, giant slides, kids

Sumo, costume characters, laserzone, hotshots football and pony hops, novelty races and hurling penalty shoot-outs, while face and nail paint- ing and temporary tattoos will add colour to the day.

Entry forms for all the competi- tions will be available from Bane’s Gift shop, Scariff Post Office, Scar- iff Library or online at www.scariff-

Sate wacrerne

“Even if people don’t enter any of the competitions, we really hope they will come along and support the show on the day,” said Joanne Allen. “We are conscious that there are many demands made on the community throughout the year. However, the committee appreciate that the area has kindly supported us in the past

and would greatly appreciate its con- tinued involvement with the Scariff Show Society. We hope to see you all on Saturday, September 5,” she said.

THE energetic Shannon Flyers Spe- cial Olympics Club is making acome back after its summer break in a new location.

The athletics club, which previous- ly used the Shannon Leisure Club as its base, will now meet every week at the hall in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Chairman of the club, Frank Fit- zgerald said the new location will be open to all and encouraged potential members to come along and see the fun and training for themselves.

The athletes train every Saturday from 10am to llam.

They will continue using the hall in Newmarket-on-Fergus for this train- ing until next year, and will then move to outdoor training.

For the last number of years the club has undertaken it’s summer training in Lees Road, Ennis.

In its fifth year, the Shannon Fly- ers club is going from strength to strength and is looking for more ath-

letes for its prize-winning club.

The 15 athletes currently members of Shannon Flyers did the town and county proud last year, returning with numerous medals from the re- gional games in Cork.

Roisin Fitzgerald and Colleen Mulcahy even went on to secure a place on the Munster team and will take part in the All Ireland Games next June, in Limerick.

The athletes at the Shannon Flyers Special Olympics club train for vari- ous athletic events including various distant running, the short put and the long jump.

As well as the 15 athletes the club also has more than 20 volunteers, in- cluding coaches and helpers.

The mission of Special Olympics Ireland is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic compe- tition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to de- velop physical fitness, demonstrate

courage, experience joy and partici- pate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

With more than 11,000 athletes participating in 12 sports through 402 clubs, supported by 100 commu- nity networks and 18,000 volunteers, Special Olympics Ireland is now one of Ireland’s largest community and

voluntary organisations, reaching 27 per cent of persons with intellectual disabilities all over the country.

TRIBUTES have been paid in the last week to well-known west Clare musician Peadar Crotty.

The Moyasta man died suddenly on Wednesday morning, August 19, just hours after he chaired a meeting of the Nell Galvin Festival Committee.

The 69-year-olds unexpected pass- ing was a shock to family and friends, among them some of the county’s most revered musicians.

Peadar’s popularity in music circles was clear following his burial when 20 musicians gathered in the local public house and played in his hon- o)ine

It was, however, as a husband, fa-

ther and kind neighbour that the committee chairman and farmer will be missed most.

Secretary of the Nell Galvin week- end, and long-time neighbour of Mr Crotty’s, Mary Haugh paid tribute to his kind and placid nature, and a su- perb since of humour.

‘He was one of the best neighbours anyone could be blessed to have,” she PALO

‘He was ideal as chairman for the Nell Galvin. He never lost the cool, and if things were tense he always had a funny word.”

Fellow musician Murt Collins de- scribed the death of Peadar as “an awful loss and a loss to the festival as well.”

Peadar, a talented player of the concert flute and tin whistle, played regularly with Mr Collins, Bernie Keane nee O’Halloran and Bernie Eustace in pubs and at events around the county.

A keen singer, Peadar was also one of the musicians to grace “Blondes” in Miltown Malbay on a regular basis with other local musicians, including the last Michael Mahoney and Gerh Collins who also passed away in the past year.

A regular member of the choir at Lisdeen Church, one of Peadar’s proudest achievements was to play for the former American ambassador Jean Kennedy-Smith in the Phoenix Park.

Peadar Crotty came from a family steeped in Irish traditional music and dance.

His father Tommy played the fiddle, as did his grandfather also Tommy, who was well-known for dancing the “orange and green’. Peadar’s brother, the late PJ Crotty, was also a well re- nowned musician.

He is survived by his wife Jose- phine (O’Brien), sons Brian and Ger- ard and two sisters Bridget Leonard and Maura Clohessy.