The Clare People Archive

CLARE children with intellectual difficulties will remain forgotten and neglected because there is no dedi- cated intellectual team for children in the county.

According to the 2007 Mental Health Commission Annual Report, a consultant psychiatrist visits the county just once a month to provide a mental health clinic for 120 children.

In between these visits, all clinical problems – including prescription of medication – are dealt with by phone.

The commission’s report into men- tal health services in the country showed that there were no nursing

staff, psychologist, social worker, oc- cupational therapist, speech and lan- guage therapist or any other facilities available to these children in Clare.

The report carried out by the In- spector of Mental Health Services found that since the last report in 2006, there had been no change in provisions for services for adults and children with an intellectual dis- ability who require a mental health service.

“There was a need for the HSE to take a lead role in organizing the de- velopment of this specialist service based on a catchments population model,” it said.

‘The child and adolescence service

in Limerick, Clare and north Tipper- ary remain under-resourced. None of the multidisciplinary teams had a full complement of core staff.”

The report stated that there was a part-time consultant psychiatric post designated to children who at- tended the Daughters of Charity, but observed that early intervention teams set up in the region do not see

was in contact with staff who had not received the required Garda clear- ance.

“The staff had also not received training in the care of these children. “Appropriate accommodation, in- cluding segregated sleeping areas and bathroom areas, were not avail- able in the unit.”

The annual report also. stated,

children with more that two develop- “Children admitted to the unit did not

mental delays.

Meanwhile, the report into mental health practices in Clare was critical of the admission of a child to the psy- chiatric unit at Ennis General Hospi- tal in November 2006.

The report revealed that the child

have access to appropriate educa- tion provision. The unit has a written operational policy and protocols in relation to the admission of a child but this did not include a policy and procedure in relation to parental con- sent.”

MENTAL health services in Clare are significantly under-funded, ac- cording to the annual report of the Mental Health Commission (MHC) released last week.

The report also pointed to a sig- nificant reduction in the amount of patients admitted involuntarily to in- patient mental health units.

“The Clare Mental Health Service had been proactive in developing a community-based model of care over the five years since the closure of Our Lady’s Hospital,” said a spokes-

person from the Mental Health Com- mission.

“It had sourced external support to further develop the workings of teams and had a written plan based on the national planning document, ‘A Vision for Change’.

“However, Clare faces consider- able challenges in reconfiguring ex- isting nursing resources, introducing health care assistants and accessing funding to achieve appropriate staff- ing levels on all teams.”

The figures, which covered all of 2007, revealed a 25 per cent reduction in the number of involuntary patients

in health care centres since 2005. Na- tionally, just over 2,000 people were involuntarily admitted in 2007.

“2007 was a milestone year for men- tal health services in Ireland. It was the first full year of the implementa- tion of the Mental Health Act 2001 and this has had a significant effect on the delivery of mental health services in Ireland,” said Brid Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of the MHC.

“While we acknowledge _ that changes have taken place in a lot of approved centres, there are a still a number of centres which are not op- erating to best practice. It is the goal

of the commission to continue to pro- mote high standards during 2008 and onwards.”

Despite improvements made in mental health services in 2007, the MHC expressed its concern about the lack of progress in the implemen- tation of the Government’s policy on mental health.

“The implementation of “A Vision for Change’ is necessary so that a modern, comprehensive person-cen- tred model of mental health service provision is available for all of those who need to avail of it,” said Dr Ed- mond O’ Dea, Chairman of the MHC.

THE Government has serious con- cerns about the latest proposals ta- bled last week at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, according to Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Tony Killeen.

The Clare TD made the comments after the Minister for Foreign Af- fairs, Micheal Martin attended his first EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

Speaking following the meeting, Minister Martin said that he had grave concerns about the latest WTO

papers on agriculture and non-agri- cultural market access.

‘The risk of serious damage being caused to European agriculture from an unsatisfactory WTO deal must be of grave concern to everyone in Europe, producers and consumers alike,” said Minister Killeen.

“This is particularly the case at a time when food security is looming as, potentially, a major issue for the jaUinet none

“After his first meeting with other European foreign ministers, Minis- ter Martin said that he had serious concerns that new market realities and emerging food security issues

are being ignored in the rush towards an early deal.

‘He made it known that Ireland has profound reservations about the lat- est WTO papers on agriculture and non-agricultural market access. He also agreed with others present who questioned whether the objective grounds currently exist for an early WTO ministerial meeting.

“Minister Martin made it very clear that the obvious imbalance in the present set of proposals makes them unacceptable to Ireland and to others.”

“If it is to be acceptable, a WTO agreement must not undermine Eu-

ropean agriculture. A WTO deal must deliver real benefits to Europe and to developing countries.”

“Ireland wants a WTO agreement as much as any other member state but it must be fair and balanced in re- spect of what the EU is being asked to concede and what it is receiving in return.

“Minister Martin and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, are determined to continue working with other mem- ber states so as to ensure that any outcome to these negotiations will not result in our key interests being sacrificed.”

DESIGN plans for the redevelopment of Fahy Hall are close to completion according to the Doora Barefield parish pastoral council.

At a public meeting held in Fahy Hall last week, residents viewed drawings by architect Victor Leyden and were invited to make their own submissions.

A new church, community facilities including a children’s playground and a new hall are proposed on the three-acre site.

Concern over the lack of commu- nity facilities initiated the drive to redevelop Fahy Hall.

Fr Michael McNamara explained

that the greater facilties were needed to service the growing population in the Roslevan area.

“There are roughly over 1,000 houses in the area and that works out at around 3,000 people, according to the Ennis and Environs Develop- ment plan. A lot of the land has been zoned housing. One of the biggest complaints has been that there is no social facilities,” he said.

Fr McNamara said funding for the majority of the work has already been secured.

“It looks like we have money avail- able. The cost to the local commu- nity would be about one third of the estimated total cost. Until we get planning permission we won’t be

able to put a proper figure on it,” said Deer ee

This is the third version drawn up for the redevelopment of Fahy Hall. Fr McNamara is confident that this part of the process is nearing com- pletion.

‘“We’ve had progress. People have been invited to submit their thoughts and suggestions on the plans. This is the third professional plan that we have had drawn up. People have had a good chance to look at it and ex- amine. We feel the plan that is there at the moments is fairly close to the final plan,” he said.

‘At the moment the sooner we can progress the better. A lot of the back- ground has been done. The commit-

tee have been told the financial re- sources are available,’ he added.

A cornerstone of traditional Irish music and culture, Fahy Hall has been home to the Doora Barefield branch of Comhaltas Ceolto6iri Euir- eann since 1972.

In the late 1970’s the decision was taken that the branch should look for a permanent home. Colm Fahy, a member of the branch, very kindly donated the site for the hall, and it has been home to the Doora Barefield branch ever since, becoming a focal point in the community ever since.

Members of the Doora Barefield branch together with friends and neighbours built the hall on a volun- FD AYA Oy SC

TRADITIONAL African and Irish musicians will join together for a special concert in Ennis on June 14. Organised by the Pastor Bright Martey from the Global Revival Evangelistic Ministry (GREM), tick- ets for the event are now on sale. Among the names taking to the stage in Cois na hAbhna are singer Kate Purcell, singer Amo Ghana, Evelyn Bamfo, the Ennis Gospel Choir and the GREM praise team. The event is being organised to

raise money for the Ennis based Eee SE Moroes (eee

Clare Haven women’s refuge opened its doors in Ennis in 2002 and over the years has provided a place of safety and a range of sup- ports to hundreds of women and children who were made homeless due to domestic violence.

Clare Haven Services refuge has been shortlisted as one of the local deserving children’s projects in con- tention for the €10,000 prize from AIB Ennis through the Better Ire- land Programme.

The branch will award €10,000 to the local project that tops the poll in a public text vote which has contin- ued over a four-week period from May 6 to June 6.

Anyone who would like to regis- ter their support for the charity can simply text ENNIS followed by B to 53099 by Friday, June 6.

The award is part of AIB’s Better Ireland Programme which supports children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and also chil- dren affected by drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness or a lack of ac-

cess to mainstream education due to poverty.

Pastor Bright Martey who started the GREM in March 2005 said “We want to do a concert and we want to do it right. I have always said that if I was going to put on a concert then I would do it right. I am very busy at the moment; we have bands com- ing over from Holland. Hopefully we will get a good crowd in Cois na hAbhna.”

For further information and ticket reservations contact 087 2919619 or log onto www.brightmartey.com.

A CHANCE to help out in one of Africa’s most troubled regions was enough to persuade Ennis woman Sarah Geraghty to spend her summer bem Ose: beler-m

On June 10, 23-year-old Sarah will catch a flight to Nairobi, Kenya be- fore boarding a bus without suspen- sion for a 17-hour trek to neighbour- ing Uganda.

Her destination is Gulu, in the northern part of the country. There, along with four other Irish voloun- teers, Sarah will work with staff from the Gulu Medical Research Centre, in one of the region’s many Internally Displaced Camps (IDC).

The camps are home to thousands

forced to leave their homes as a result of fighting between the Lords Resist- ance Army and the Ugandan govern- ment that has flared since 1986.

Sarah is currently in her third year studying Social Care in the Water- ford Institute of Technology.

Her duties in Gulu will involve counseling AIDS victims, helping at the clinic and distributing clothes and food.

Sarah is expecting a massive cul- ture shock when she gets to Africa.

‘A friend was over there a few years ago and that’s how I heard about it. She told me it’s going to be massive culture but a great experience. She told me it would take a while to get used to everything, the culture, the scenery the way people are treated”.

Doctors with the Gulu Medical Re- search Centre are conducting a study on sexual and gender-based violence in the IDCs. Sarah will contribute by helping to compile data.

She explained, “There is a lot of violence against women in the camps and there are a lot of reasons for this. There are no jobs; people just spend their days in these camps, bored and with nothing to do. Because they have no role men struggle to express their masculinity. It’s a vicious cycle. The doctors are hoping to find a link between the violence towards women and HIV, which is a problem particu- larly in that part of Africa”.

Tensions between the opposing fac- tions have eased though child abduc- tions remain a danger.

Sarah is both nervous and excited loyeltl mst swt Oy

“It’s exciting, I suppose, but it’s also nerve-wracking at the same time. I’ve been told that its one of those things that will really open my eyes. We have it very easy over here com- pared to the lives people have over there. It’s good to be able to go out help people.”

Before setting off Sarah will hold a fundraiser in the Barge Rooms, Ennis on Friday June 6. Tickets are €10 and are available from the Barge Rooms with plenty of music and food on the night.

“T’ve had great support, from my family and loads of others like Ken from Realprint. It should be a good night”’.

MUSIC and food are the dominant themes of Glor’s new summer pro- eau beebetlen

In a departure, for a venue more commonly associated with music and the arts, a farmer’s market will open in Glor later this month.

Beginning on June 24, the mar- ket will be open for business from 10.30am to 2.30pm on the last Tues- day of each month for the remainder of the summer.

The farmer’s market is one of the new features announced in Glor’s new summer programme.

The other main development is the “Sounds of Programme” which will be held each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, over six succes- sive weeks. The programme starts on Thursday July 24 and over the sum- mer will feature many international, national and local acts.

Thursday evening is themed “All that Jazz’, and will also feature live comedy acts. Friday evenings are be- ing themed “An Enchanted Evening of Opera and Song”. Saturdays have a more traditional flavour with per- formances from some of the top names in Irish traditional music.

Clare ska band Skazz are among

the bands who feature during the six- week programme. This Clare band, formed in early 2006, had been play- ing under the name Doonbeg Swing & Jazz for several years.

Opera and song will be provided by Sandra Oman; Sinead O’ Sullivan, Peter O’Donoghue and Dean Power with Noel Lennon on Piano and Car- mel Griffin on Keyboard. There will also be special guests each week and some “Legends of Swing” specials, featuring the music of the “Brat Pack” era. Concerts will showcase old favourites, music from the mov- ies and popular classics.

Traditional acts to feature include,

Josephine Marsh, banjo player John Carty, Dermot Byrne, Brid Harper and John Joe Kelly of the high-en- ergy band Flook.

David Collopy, Acting Director, Glor, commented, “All of this high calibre entertainment will be pro- vided in a relaxed cabaret style. You can enjoy a glass of wine or a cof- fee and weather permitting our café chefs will cook up a culinary storm with an Al Fresco BBQ.

He continued, “Thankfully, the space at Glor is very flexible, so on the evenings when the gods don’t smile, we can move the dining expe- rience indoors”.

SUSU Sm bi ontromO MNase (Come ME (steno Michael Harold was recognised at Ennistymon Vocational School’s an- nual award ceremony last week.

Mr Harold, who devoted a 40-year career to teaching mathematics and Science in the school, retired four years ago and passed away last month. An image of Mr Harold was included on the cover of the award ceremony’s programme and a minute’s silence was observed in his memory before iW elomre Mise 0 6 om ol oseee TOE

During the ceremony, the senior student of the year was announced as John O’Brien, Ardnaculla, Ennisty- mon, who received the Patrick Com-

NeEN eM aNNe-HKCE

This and four other special awards commemorated students who died while attending the school and one who met tragedy a short while after graduating from the school.

Junior student of the year went to Seamus Crosbie who received the John Kierce Award, while the senior and junior sportspersons of the year award went to Micheal O’Loughlin (Jimmy Considine Award) and Pa Na- gle (Seamus O’Donoghue Award).

The Emer O’Loughlin Award for transition year student of the year, first presented last year, went to Michael McCormack.

The awards were presented by chairman of the school’s board of

management, Cllr Flan Garvey, school principal Enda Byrt, and a number of teachers. The event was co-ordinated by teacher Halimah Heaslip and the student council.

Music to entertain the big number of students, parents and staff was provided by Shona Long, Seamus Crosbie, Cathal Hogan, Mairead Fahy, Gavin Coughlan, Seamus Scholand, Shane Sexton and Sinéad RST rededee

Enda Byrt congratulated students and staff on a very successful and busy year and told the parents that they could be justifiably proud of everyone who was nominated for an award as well as those who were eventually chosen for awards.

He reminded the attendance that the school’s award concept was root- ed in two fundamental ideals – do your best and show respect.

“Ours is a small school and one in which we pride ourselves in concern for students and in our efforts to help them maximise their social and per- sonal qualities while under the care of the school,” he said.

‘“T would also like to recognise the very dedicated teaching and support staff who prided themselves in hav- ing a care and concern for students that extended far beyond the class- room door.

“T hoped that this continued to be the foundation on which the school’s success 1s based.”

THREE worthy north Clare organi- sations are vying for the chance to invest 10 grand of AIB’s money in their own special project.

The Kilfenora Community Centre, Ennistymon Daycare Centre and St Flannan’s National School in Inagh are all taking partin AIB’s Better Ire- land Programme. Local people have been invited to text in their votes to decide which of the worthy organisa- tion should get the cash windfall.

ACen EDU Kore mn WOU MOO MED TOMO NCoamsr-D ONY 1980’s and it has been working away ever since,” said Pat Kenny from the Kilfenora Community Development Group.

“At the moment we are in the proc- ess of furnishing the interior of the

building and making it suitable for things other than sport – because the sports is already up and going.

“This is really something for the whole of north Clare. At the moment we have youth club, the fitness groups, Irish dancing, hip-hop, indoor soccer, badminton, trad for teens and cards. We’d also like to look at providing an after school service.”

Also in contention is the Little Dears Childcare Centre in Ennisty- mon.

“We are a full-time childcare cen- tre with créche, pre-school and after school facilities. We are a non-profit organisation so we rely on grants to get by,” said Marilyn Smith of Little Dears.

“If we were to win the money we would upgrade our outdoor play fa-

cility and make things more secure for the children. We have around 50 children at the moment and we are the only full-time childcare centre in iW slomreN usr b

‘AS we are non-profit, we have spe- cial rates for people on low income.”

The final organisation looking for your texts is the autism specific class at St Flannan’s National School in Inagh.

“Tt’s really for children who would not be able to go into regular classes. They might have sensory issues or imaginative issues or some problems with communication,” said a spokes- person from St Flannans.

“A lot of these children come to us with no language at all. They really have to work very hard on this and we would use the money if we won to

buy computers that could help them overcome their communication dif- ficulties.

“Tt’s about integrating the children into mainstream classes, but they will have this unit as their base.”

To vote for your chosen group text ENNISTY followed by A (for Kil- fenora Community Centre), B (for Little Dears) or C (for St Flannans) to 53099.

AFTER months of preparation, the grand opening of the Doolin Satur- day Market and Craft Fair will take place this weekend.

The market, which will take place every Saturday throughout the sum- mer, will run from 10am to 4pm at the Russell Centre in Doolin.

“By combining the produce and foods of a traditional farmers’ mar- ket with the hand-made goods of a craft fair, this market will uniquely appeal to both local consumers,” said organiser Toby Sachsenmaier.

“Local people will benefit from having fresh, locally produced foods on their doorstep on a weekly basis,

and the visitor, who is looking for unique and authentic handcrafted items to take home from their visit to north Clare.”

To celebrate the opening, which takes place this Saturday, June 7, the organisers have decided to host a special American-style barbeque with free samples and special home- made burgers.

Some of the locally produced foods that will be for sale include cheeses, breads, cakes, cookies, chocolates, vegetables, and sauces and chutneys.

The market will also include a va- riety of plants, seedlings, hanging baskets, cut flowers, plant pots and one-off garden furniture.

With more than 20 local produc-

ers attending the craft market, many one-of-a-kind items will be for sale.

Items on display will include pho- tographs of north Clare, pottery, crocheted, hand-knitted, and quilted items, bags and jewellery made of beads, silk and felt, small furniture, handmade chess sets, handmade pens, accessories, natural cosmet- ics, kites, prints, paintings and note or Tce

“The aims of the market and craft fair are to provide a place for local small producers to sell hand-pro- duced goods on a weekly basis,” continued Toby.

“We also want to provide high- quality, reasonably-priced hand-pro- duced goods for the enjoyment of lo-

cal people as well as visitors.”

‘The idea is to promote traditional and hand-made craft locally, provide a source of fresh produce and food products in Doolin, which is not currently served by a supermarket or other major food market,’ added Se)o)’7

“We would also like to encourage community interaction by providing an enjoyable daytime activity in a pleasant atmosphere for local people and visitors alike. Teas, coffees, and baked goods will be available.”

The market committee Toby, Emma Willcox, Michelle de Villiers and Steve Mathieson and can be reached by email at doolinmarket@gmail. onee