The Clare People Archive

A GIFTED Clare medical student was killed when he jumped over a small wall without realising there was an eighteen-foot drop on the other side.

Ciaran Toomey (18) of Ardnacru- sha had mistakenly thought he was being chased by gardai after a night out with friends in Galway.

An inquest on Thursday in Galway was told that Mr Toomey was return- ing home with two friends in the early hours of November 6 when the tragedy happened.

They were making their way home from the city centre around 2.40am. Mr Toomey had run into a car-park and knocked over a wheelie bin.

Shortly afterwards a Garda car on a routine patrol had come behind the trio. All three mistakenly thought they were in trouble and began to Mtbee

Mr Toomey raced about 20 metres ahead and disappeared into another car park.

One of the friends, UCD student Andrew Flood, said they tried call- ing his mobile phone when they could not find himbut there was no response. They searched for several hours, went to his apartment, and contacted the Garda to see if he had been arrested.

The two friends resumed the search early in the morning. Later they were joined by Mr Toomey’s house-mates and university friends, the group

meeting up close to the car-park.

Shortly afterwards his body was spotted at the bottom of a ravine or canal bed on the other side of the car- park wall.

Gardai who were in the patrol van when Ciaran started running told the inquest that they had no reason to stop any of the students as none of them had done anything untoward.

The victim’s father, Gerard Toomey, told the inquest that his son’s wallet had been found but that his mobile phone had not.

He was anxious to discover, through phone records, if his phone had been used since. The Toomey family was anxious to rule out the slight pos- sibility that he might have been at- tacked and jumped over the wall to get away or even been pushed over the wall.

Sergeant Senan Wall said that en- quiries had been made at Garda Headquarters to see if the records could be acquired, but it was not pos- sible, because of the Data Protection Xa

West Galway Cororner, Dr Ciaran McLoughlin said the only way he knew of to get such records was by way of a court order.

Pathologist Dr Teresa McHale said the cause of death was extensive head and spinal injuries. The in- quest was told that Mr Toomey was a gifted student who had won a place at NUI Galway without having to go through Pre-Med because he was so talented.

IN January, when Anthony Foley of- ficially anounced his intention to re- tire at the end of the season, it only confirmed the rumours that had cir- cled the Killaloe native for months. At 34, the inexorable decision came after almost 15 years at the top level with a career path that saw him be- come Munster’s most capped player (201), leading try scorer (45) and also represent his country on 62 oc- casions.

Behind the scenes, those who knew him best had already prepared them- selves for the inevitable and wanted to reward the 2006 Heineken Cup winning captain for his immense contribution to the province and in- deed the game in general. Contem- plating Foley’s impending retirement, Chairman Roger Downer and a few others formulated an idea for a tes- timonial that eventually snowballed

into a three day event on May 27-29, consisting of a two day Golf Classic, an Audience with Anthony Foley and a Gala Banquet in the Hilton Hotel, Limerick on the final night.

Considering his stature in the game and the fervent Munster support, Event Coordinator Michelle Payne admits that the testimonial week was an easy Sell to the public.

“IT think everyone knows that An- thony of all people deserves a good send-off. He has given so much to the game and there is so much good will for Anthony. People haven’t hesitated in terms of sponsorship and there is also a lot of support for the two chari- ties he has chosen to donate a portion of the funds raised.”

While the Gala Banquet sold out in under a fortnight, there are still some places available for the Golf Classic and the Audience with Anthony Fo- ley on the Wednesday evening in the UL sports arena and with the timely

matter of the Heineken Cup final on the previous weekend, Payne consid- ers the whole week a fitting tribute to a true legend of the game.

“T think it is a unique way for peo- ple to show their appreciation for An- thony and his family for everything they have done for Munster rugby. All three events are coming together nicely and I think it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everybody.”

The preparations have been metic- ulously carried out. The only aspect the organisers couldn’t plan is the Heineken Cup final itself. It’s up to the players themselves to secure that end of things.

HOW to explain away Munster’s enduring appeal!

Does it go back to the All-Blacks game 30 years ago? All to do with the one million plus who claim to have been in Thomond that famous Tuesday afternoon in October °78 and swear they were in direct line of sight across the field as Seamus Den- nison cut Stu Wilson in two.

There’s something in that game al- right, but it’s only part of the story. The real kernal of the phenomenon that has wrapped itself around Euro- pean rugby is the bond that has grown between the current crop of players and supporters. It’s their time.

It’s all to do with what Munster stands for — a province from Mizen Head in the south to Blackhead in north Clare.

The people of that province — tak- ing in everyone and not just the elite that was rugby union’s foundation Kee .@

There’ll be thousands of red Mun- ster jerseys being washed and ironed this week — be they the old Bank of Ireland logoed ones as a throwback to Munster’s earliest crusades that have a vintage quality through to the current Toyota-sponsored geansais.

And, it’s the make-up of these sup- porters that gives Munster that edge and extra dimension.

It’s a constituency that comprises a

broadband coalition that appeals to every class. Munster are like Fianna Fail — a catch-all party.

It’s GAA people that support Mun- ster, soccer people too.

They’re as important as fans who came to support Munster through their rugby clubs or fee paying schools. They don’t go to club rugby games, they go back to their GAA and soccer clubs when Munster par- Wome COR

Peter Clohessy pointed out this week that Munster have made the European Cup over the past decade and put the competition on the world rugby map.

It is true. Real Madrid did the same for the soccer equivalent thanks to

their five-in-a-row run of success from the late fifties through to the early sixties. Munster have done it through their supporters.

And, it’s these supporters that can carry Munster to their greatest tri- Uyeehe) smell

Declan Kidney won’t have to pro- duce some original thought this week as he attempts to inspire his players into giving him a fitting denouement to his Munster coaching career.

Instead, all he’ll have to do 1s trot out one of sport’s oldest call to arms: it takes a good team to win a Euro- pean Cup – it takes a great team to win a second one.

Toulouse have done that and it’s where Munster desperately want to

be.

They’re a great team already, but they need to be crowned kings of Eu- rope once more.

The supporters can get them there — those bands of brothers and sisters from Mizen to Blackhead. The ordi- nary people that make Munster the envy of every team in world rugby.

Leinster must be especially jealous. They just don’t have it. Call it the common touch.

Captain Paul O’Connell holidays in a mobile home in Liscannor – you just couldn’t imagine Brian O’Driscoll going to a trailer park for his ‘hols’.

It’s the common touch, loaded with honesty on the field that has Munster on the threshold of glory once again.

CLARE County Council claims there is already enough land zoned in the greater Ennis area to cater for new houses over the next six years.

In a downbeat assessment of the number of new homes required un- til 2014, the council has reduced its estimates of projected housing needs which was made last year when the housing market was buoyant.

In a presentation to its special poli- cy committee on economic develop- ment, the council executive stated that only 142 acres will be required

for development over the next six years.

However, there are currently 687 acres that are already zoned for resi- dential development within the Ennis area.

In its initial “high growth scenar- io’’”, the council anticipated that 3,211 units would be built until 2014 and a “low growth scenario” anticipates that 1,979 units will be built.

According to the council’s Ennis housing strategy, the high growth scenario is based on historical in- formation, but due to changing eco- nomic circumstances and major

infrastructural deficits in Ennis, it is anticipated that the low growth model would represent maximum potential.

The council now anticipates that there will be a need for 336 social houses and 235 affordable houses to 2014 and a requirement for 1,013 new private homes.

This compares to the high growth Scenario where 2,077 new homes will be required.

The strategy anticipates that the lo- cal authorities will require 40 acres of land to provide the 570 social and affordable homes during the strategy

period.

However, the the local authori- ties have no land in the greater En- nis area and it is engaged in seeking suitably zoned and serviced land for social and affordable housing.

There are 891 people on the hous- ing list in the greater Ennis area comprising mainly of 543 people who are included for financial rea- sons and 194 on medical or compas- sionate grounds.

The strategy states that it 1s difficult to forecast the numbers of social and affordable homes that will be secured in the current economic climate.

COCAINE has halved in price in Clare in recent years and has become more readily available, according to gardai.

The revelation comes amid reports that the number of people receiving treatment for drug abuse increased by 33 per cent in the mid-west, be- tween 2001 and 2006.

The report, by the Health Research Board last week, highlighted the worrying trend that the number of people addicted to drugs has risen significantly all over the country, over the five-year period.

Gardai in Clare say this period con-

tributed immensely to the growth in the use of cocaine.

According to sources, at the start the decade, cocaine was available for around €150 per gram, but is now available for just €70 or less.

‘There has been a huge increase in cocaine over that particular period (2001 to 2006),” said a garda source.

“It went from a very low base to a very popular drug in that space of time,” he said.

“At one stage it was an expensive drug and money was scarce. It was perceived as being available to the upper class and then young peo- ple became more affluent,’ said the source.

Gardai also believe that as cocaine has become more readily available, its quality has deteriorated.

They say the demand for the highly addictive drug has increased in Clare over the past few years.

‘The evidence is there is a substan- tial demand for cocaine locally. It is being supplied by the criminal gangs from Limerick. It has become a phe- nomenon throughout the country. So-called decent individuals have displayed extraordinary violence having consumed cocaine,’ added the source.

The Health Research Board report suggested that 18 per cent of people presenting for treatment for problem

drug abuse were under the age of 18. The trend in Clare is in line with Wek

“It seems to take off in their late teens, with youngsters experiment- ing in their mid to late teens. Lack of parental control plays a role,” added the source.

Gardai also say that heroin has steadily spread around the county.

‘There is a core group involved in heroin.

“It has spread throughout the Clare division and has become a serious habit for some, in major centres like Kilrush, Killaloe, Ennis and Shan- non and also even in rural parts of the county,’ added the source.

IT WAS a busy week for young farm- ers organisation Macra who help their AGM in Carlow and elected a number of new national officers. The new Macra na Feirme national executive was elected at the National AGM in the Dolmen Hotel in Carlow last Saturday evening. Michael Gow- ing from Laois has been re-elected National Chairman, with Anita Meagher from Waterford being re- elected National Secretary and Dara Kavanagh from Wicklow taking up the role of National Treasurer.

The newly elected National Coun- cil for the 2008/2010 term was inau-

gurated at the AGM. Chairpersons and members of Macra’s three sub- committees – Agricultural Affairs; Rural Affairs and Member Services and Competitions – will be elected at the next national council meeting.

Speaking at the event, national president Catherine Buckley thanked the many sponsors and congratulated the organising committee in Carlow Macra for successfully coordinating the day’s proceedings.

Also during the meeting the young farmers organisation formally adopt- ed new Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures. The Macra presi- dent stated that she believes these guidelines and procedures are vital

as many of its clubs around Ireland host and organise a variety of events and initiatives in local communi- ties at which children are present. Furthermore, Macra membership is open to 17 year olds, and in the eyes of the law, such persons are deemed to be ‘children’.

In her keynote address at the Macra na Feirme AGM, Ms Buckley said that the organisation continues to be progressive and responsive to the needs of all its members. “We want to send out a clear message that Macra na Feirme 1s a caring and safe organisation for young people,” she Crate

‘We consider ourselves as the voice

of young farmers and a strong advo- cate for the benefit of rural youth. These guideline and _ procedures demonstrate to young people and society at large that Macra takes its responsibilities seriously, and wishes to safeguard its members.

‘“Macra prides itself on its ability to provide a broad range of activities for its members including agriculture, sport, travel, performing arts, public speaking and community involve- ment. Macra is a social outlet for all its members and now with these new child protection guidelines and procedures it provides an even safer, more secure, fun environment for all its members.”

CLARE milk producers are about the feel the pinch with the news this week that the Kerry Group is to slash the price they pay to farmers by 22.7 cents per gallon.

The news comes just days after Ire- land’s biggest milk producer, Glan- bia cut their milk price by 3.96 cents per litre.

Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee, John O’Leary, described the Kerry Group decision as a terrible blow to Clare farmers and all Kerry suppliers. According to O’Leary, this cut will represents a loss of €11,365

for a full year’s milk production on a 50,000 gallon farm.

“The reality is that Kerry suppli- ers face substantially increased costs and many have made – or are making – massive investments in relation to Nitrates. It is a terrible blow to them to see their Co-op cutting the price by 22.7 cents per gallon in one go,” he said.

‘This kind of drastic cut is in sharp contrast to last year when the Co-op only increased the price by small amounts while the markets were booming. They have been much quicker to cut the price than they were to raise it last year and they

have cut the price just before peak milk production.

“It should be pointed out that Ker- ry’s profits last year were €298 mil- lion and the group indicated this week that earnings will grow again in 2008, an announcement that comes at the same time as they have slashed farmers’ earnings.

“The growth in Kerry’s earnings would appear to be at the expense of milk suppliers. Present figures indi- cate that a 50,000-gallon Kerry sup- plier will be over €13,500 worse off than a Wexford supplier based on a full year’s milk production.

Meanwhile, the IFA’s’ Richard

Kennedy criticised Glanbia for cut- ting their April milk price by 3.96c/ ie

‘“Glanbia is the biggest milk proces- sor in the country with probably the best product mix of all milk proces- sors,” he said.

“It should therefore have been in a particularly good position to hold the April milk price. It is a huge letdown to Glanbia suppliers and the suppli- ers to all other co-ops that this year again Glanbia choose to led milk prices down. We would urge Glan- bia and other co-ops to hold a strong milk price in 2008 to secure farmer confidence and milk supply.”

CLARECASTLE National School recently advertised a call for submis- sions from artists for the creation of a new public art project for the school.

The art project is to be funded un- der the Department of Education’s percent for Art Scheme and was advertised nationally and interna- tionally through press and specialist visual artists’ publications. Enquir- ies about the project was widespread with many artists from outside Ire- land expressing keen interest. A site visit for those interested in submit-

ting a proposal was arranged by the school’s Public Art Subcommittee, chaired by Tim Ryan and on May 12 the published deadline, fourteen sub- missions were received from artists from all over Ireland and Canada.

In order to engage as many mem- bers of the broad school community in the selection process, the school committee invited members of the public to view and to give feedback on the submissions which were on display,in the school hall, during First Holy Communion day on Sat- urday last. The result was a very energetic and unusual open day at

Clarecastle National School. Adults and children enthusiastically viewed and discussed each individual pro- posal and registered their preference by selecting the work they felt might be most suited to the context of the school and its surrounding area in Clarecastle. Initial feedback from the public remarked on the high standard of the proposed work and also on the degree of individuality and vision therein.

Ultimately, the final selection of the chosen proposal rests with the school’s Public Art Subcommittee but committee members will care-

fully examine feedback from adults and children who registered their preference through the process of public engagement.

Another opportunity for those in- terested in viewing the proposals is to be had this Thursday, May 22nd, when the school, once again, opens its doors to the community of Clare- castle and invites the public to visit and to give feedback on the submit- ted proposals.

Further information from Mon1- ca Spencer, Project Manager, 087 9930553, spencermonica@eircom. om

YOUNG and old joined together for a one off production of Brian Friel’s celebrated play Philadelphia Here I Come, in St Flannan’s College last Thursday.

The production is a collaborative effort between local senior citizens and transition year students tak- ing part in the Living Scenes pro- eau baebeslen

Developed by the National Uni- versity of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) Living Scenes concerns intergenera- tional learning.

NUIG Living Scenes co-coordi- nator Mary Surlis, who developed

the concept, approached local ac- tive retirement organisations such as Probus and the Active Retirement Association to invite members to participate.

It brings together young and old to work in a school-based setting where they collaborate on various activity- based projects.

This is the third year that students from St Flannans have participated in the programme.

In all, six centres of learning in the west of Ireland have taken up the project. Feedback, from students and teachers alike, has been very posi- tive.

Living Scenes seeks to promote

and cultivate the enriching relation- ship that has been established in the course of the project’s six-year his- coats

The objectives are to discover common links between “perceived” diverse generations, to foster and promote mutual respect, and to em- power both groups through consul- tation to actively participate in the development of the curriculum.

The programme sets out to break down the perceived barriers that ex- ist between the generations.

Philadelphia, here I come, which in part examines the contrast between youth and old age, was the ideal project for the Living Scenes group.

Teacher Gary Shannon, one of those involved in the project, said the experience of staging the play has been greatly enjoyable for all.

He said, “It’s a great experience for both age groups and an interest- ing spectacle for the audience to see them acting side-by-side”.

Thursday night’s event also in- cluded an exhibition of papier mache sculptures of chairs made by the group during the first term of the project.

This year’s programme at St Flan- nans follows the success of last year when participants staged a Christmas concert and took part in workshops in creative writing and poetry.

ENNIS Rugby Club’s thriving under- age set-up has seen the club named junior club of the year at the second annual Munster rugby awards.

The award is handed out by the re- gional development officers of the Munster branch who scrutinise all aspects of club management.

It acknowledges the achievement by Ennis in registering 386 players between the ages of eight and 18 with both the club and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

Ennis received top marks for its coaching structures, the club’s code of ethics and all the hidden, often overlooked effort that goes into run-

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Ennis’s contribution to refereeing also came in for praise. The club currently has one referee – Frank Butler – officiating in the All Ireland rerkea ton

The award is the culmination of five years hard work and a radical overhaul of the club’s underage struc- eb Keny

Chairman of the rugby commit- tee, John Colleran explained that the erowth of the junior section owes much to the support received from xD KLE

He said, “Last year, I think we were the only club in Munster who fulfilled all our fixtures at every age group. It shows how the club has de-

veloped in the past five years. A mad effort has been put into it, particu- larly by the parents who have given huge support.”

John continued “Every year since we Started the cost of our bus hire has reduced because more and more par- ents are bringing kids to the games. All mini rugby players now buy their jerseys. It’s small things like that that make the difference.”

Much of the credit too, John ac- knowledged, goes to coaches like mini league officer Damien Clinton and Gerry Buggy (youth officer) and John Mahon, who were responsible for the painstaking duty of regis- tering, via computer, all 386 names with the IRFU. In all, Ennis has a

coaching staff of over 50, overseeing teams in every age group.

John said, “The coaches put in a lot of effort. It 1s a hard task for the club with such a large underage section. It requires a lot of concentration. The amount of work Gerry and John did, getting kids registered, was great.”

On the field, Ennis has enjoyed plenty of success with six members of the club’s promising under 16 team selected to train with Mun- ster. Former Ennis player Liam Og Murphy played a key role in helping Young Munster to the final of the AIL division two championship.

John said, “You look at what Liam Og did this year and it shows you what can be achieved.”