The Clare People Archive

THE efforts of the Gleann an Oir Residents Association in Shannon have been rewarded, through its se- lection to take part in the Pride of Place competition this year.

The group is one of five projects in the county nominated to participate in the Co-operation Ireland annual competition. Pride of Place, which was first piloted in 2003, emanated from the local authority All-Island

Steering Forum, and aims to recog- nise the contributions that commu- nity groups make.

Over the past five years, several Clare communities have taken part in the competition, including Shan- non and Sixmilebridge. Along with the Gleann an Oir group, the Obair Afterschool Project in Newmarket- on-Fergus has also been chosen to Oe-Du aCe Orem NOON eet Reale tle

The Gleann an Oir Residents Asso- ciation was set up two years ago.

It was the brainchild of Michael Fleming, who felt that some im- provements could be carried out around the area, while it also gave neighbours the opportunity to get to know each other.

According to Clare County Coun- cil, the projects nominated in Pride of Place “best represent” the “depth and breath of voluntary activity un- derway underway in communities across Clare.”

Pride of Place Co-ordinator with

Clare County Council, Nicola Cull- inan said, “The competition offers communities the opportunity to showcase the positive contribution that local groups make to the overall enhancement of their localities.”

The adjudication will take place in June and July and the awards will be presented later this year. The winners in each category will re- ceive cheques for €2,000, while the runners-up will be presented with cheques for €500.

SEVEN charities will benefit to the tune of €8,625.48, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a group of stu- dents at the Shannon College of Ho- tel Management.

A hard-working committee of 16 staff and students chose the charities and organised several events, over the past six months.

They chose Clare Haven, Cancer Care West, Milford Hospice, Bar- nardos, Breast Cancer Research, the Clare Crusaders, the Children’s Hospital as the beneficiaries of the money raised.

Among the fundraisers organised included a blind date competition, a quiz night, movie nights and a pan- cake morning, along with various

events in the run-up to Christmas.

The fundraising concluded last week, with a fun soccer match be- tween the staff and students. In a game where College Director, Philip Smyth made an appearance, the lec- turers (aided by fourth year students) Tore] tusl¢ mr OO ‘2 0 F

Committee member Stella Sloane said the fundraising has come to a halt, for another academic year at least.

‘The students are finishing for this year and we will start it off again next year,’ she said.

“The biggest amount of money would come from the events at Christmas. We find that people are very supportive of that,’ said Ms Sloane, who is a lecturer at the col- lege.

All 27 staff and 200 students played a role in some way in ensuring that a significant amount of money was collected. However, much credit goes to the committee, who put hours of work in to ensure the initiative was a resounding success.

Student, Des Loughrey-Grant ex- plained the idea behind choosing the seven charities.

“It was decided collectively be- tween all of us. We decided to help local and national charities as we are from all over the country,’ he said.

He said there was plenty of panic and chaos in the run-up to the Christ- mas fundraising.

“Things came to a head. We or- dered hoodies for all of the students, with the college emblem. As we were trying to organise carol signing

in Limerick and Galway, the hood- les arrived at the same time, so there was a lot of organisation involved. We were also trying to study for our exams .. .but we got through it,” he laughed.

“We are really chuffed with the amount we collected,’ he added.

The group particularly wanted to donate money to the Clare Crusad- ers, whose founder Howard Flannery was a past pupil of the college. Mr Flannery (39) died tragically in an accident last June.

SIX amateur cavers from Northern Ireland narrowly avoided disaster this weekend when they became trapped in a pothole more than 140ft under Slieve Elva in north Clare. The group, which was made up of four men and two women, became trapped in the Poul Elva pothole just north of Lisdoonvarna on Satur- day afternoon. After spending more than five hours trapped in the dark, two members of the group managed

to abseil to the surface and raise the “IE IwOOe

A 35-strong rescue team, includ- ing members of the Doolin branch of the Irish Coast Guard, Ennistymon Gardai, the Irish Cave Rescue Or- ganisation and two ambulances, took part in a mammoth six-hour-long rescue for the remaining cavers, who were all brought to the surface in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Following the rescue, questions have been raised about the suitability of the equipment used by the group.

‘The group who abseiled down into this pothole really didn’t seem to be very experienced for the type of task they were getting involved in. Their gear didn’t reflect the task. The way they were kitted out and their per- sonal protection gear wasn’t good enough; it was sub-standard. They really weren’t prepared enough for what they were trying to do,” said a spokesman for Doolin Coast Guard.

‘The guy who was leading the group had been down that pothole once or twice but the rest of the group were

really out of their depth.”

Two members of the group were brought to Ennis hospital suffering from dehydration and hypothermia but the rest were released at the scene following a medical examination.

“The cave is located at the base of the mountain, just off a road that connects the lLisdoonvarna/Bally- vaughan Road to Fanore. It’s part of the largest cave structure in Ireland in the Poll na Gollum,” continued the spokesman.

“They were in a very deep hole.

The pothole is about 140 ft deep and they had been stuck in it since 1.30 in the afternoon. It might have been quite mild above the surface yes- terday but that cave system is more than 12 kilometres long and there is a massive draft in it.

“As well as that, one of the entranc- es into the Poul Elva pothole is an underground waterfall so they were all soaked with all the water that was flying around the place down there. The waterfall itself would also create an extra draft.”

WHEN it comes to protecting the environment, the youngsters from Mountshannon National School know that the best place to start is on your own doorstep.

That was proved last week when pupils from the school pulled on gloves, picked up plastic sacks and got stuck in to help with the town’s annual Spring Clean efforts.

The youngsters were given good example by their elders, who will- ingly came out to help the Tidy Town’s committee in carrying out a spring clean as part of National Sere Or (ee hemeelonieee

The smallest of the 80 pupils tak- ing part made a clean sweep of the school grounds while others joined their teachers and some parents in

cleaning up the harbour and the Ai- stear Park areas.

‘“We’re hoping to go for our school Green Flag later this year and this is all part of that push,” said School Secretary, Louise Moore. “The smallest ones worked around the school, picking up litter and cleaning up and the older ones went outside. We brought different sacks to sepa- rate the various items which can be recycled,” she said.

Meanwhile, the adults involved in the big clean up were busy in loca- tions all over the village.

The popular harbour area was given a facelift, with litter picked up and the area tidied. The Aistear Park, with it’s labyrinth, peaceful walks, seating areas and wildlife facilities also got the full treatment and cleaning groups moved on to the

woodlands at Forest Park and down the main street of the town.

“We wanted a general litter sweep- up and a tidying to have the town looking it’s best,’ said Tidy Towns committee member, Dave Mooney. “It’s an annual event and a great community effort. Mountshannon looks the better for the efforts of eve- ryone who took part.”

The scenic east Clare village took part in the Annual National Spring Clean along with many other villag- es and towns across the country.

The event is organised by An Taisce as part of Environmental Awareness Month and there is a special prize this year for the school which col- lects the most aluminium cans dur- ing the clean up. The final date for registering for the clean-up event is April 30, and Mounstshannon

groups were supplied with protective gloves, bags, recycling bags and pro- tective aprons.

But according to the An Taisce’s website “due to the largest ever amount of registrations for National Spring Clean ever, we have now run out of clean-up kits. If you still wish register and carry out a clean-up please do. But unfortunately, we are unable to supply clean-up kits.”

THERE was a spring in the step of staff, pupils, parents and neighbours of the Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney at the weekend.

Saturday was the day that the school held it’s annual Spring Fair and Open Day on and the event was a double celebration, the school having gained recognition form the Depart- ment of Education recently.

“We’re just going through the proc-

ess now with the department in prep- aration for being fully recognised in September,’ said School Principal, Pierce O’Sheil.

“What is important is that now there is real choice for parents, on a parity where they don’t have to pay. That is a good thing and quite unu- sual in a rural area. In cities, people tend to have more choices, with be- tween multi-denominational schools and other options. Living in a rural area, the choice is not often there.”

The annual fair initially started as a fundraiser as until now, the school was not recognised and got no help from the department.

But although funding will be in place for next year, no school will ever turn down money which could benefit it’s students.

“The parents would be delighted if they thought they never had to do an- other fundraiser but the fair is more than that,” said Pierce. “It’s a great community day and people come to

have a cup of tea, to buy things and to enjoy the day,’ he added.

And enjoy it they did, with maypole dancing, puppet shows and numer- ous other children’s activities.

There were hand made crafts and gifts on sale and delicious food from the cafe, pizza oven, and barbecue.

The school is giving school tours to interested families any morning, Monday to Friday during the months of April, May and June. For further information telephone 061 921494.

THE Kilmaley Volountary Housing Association is set to benefit from another funding boost, emphasizing again the depth of support for the KO) (elm

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 30 at a presentation in the Kilmaley Day Care Centre, a cheque for €10,000 will be handed over to Seamus Lynch, Chairman of Kilmaley Vol- untary Housing Association.

The cheque will be presented by Helen and Patricia Greene whose mother, Mary (80) is a regular client at the Centre.

Twin sisters Helen and Patricia Greene from Kilfenora organised a hugely successful Céili Mor in the West County Hotel in January of this year and raised €10,000 for the Day Care Centre.

It is the latest boost KVHA and the association’s members who recent- ly organized a series of table quiz events that were all well supported by the local community.

The association also received the backing of You’re a Star winner Lee- ane Moore who gave her support to a charity auction held in Kilmaley earlier this month.

Up for grabs was a signed Man-

chester United jersey featuring the signatories of among others, Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson. The event raised €500 for the KVHA.

Kilmaley Day Care Centre opened in 2004 and currently opens its doors three days a week to clients from a wide catchment area. Clients enjoy a dinner, card games, art, activities, computer classes and a chat at the Centre.

With the help of the HSE West and particularly Maria Molloy, HSE Area Manager for Elderly Care Serv- ices, the Day Care Centre manage- ment plan to stretch to a fourth day

of opening shortly.

Starting work in 2000, a voluntary committee of local people raised money through community fund raising and State grants to build twelve voluntary housing units for older people together with the Day Care Centre.

A presentation will also be made on April 30 to retired committee members Bernie Barry of Inch, Mar- garet Connellan of Lisroe and Mary McNamara of Inch all of whom were part of the original founding com- mittee of Kilmaley Voluntary Hous- ing Association

GRADUATES of Clare VEC’s Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) were awarded at a recent ceremony in En- nis. The BTEI presented FETAC certificates to students of its Commu- nity Care and Childcare programmes from throughout the county.

The ceremony was held at the Adult Education Centre in Ennis. The certificates were presented by Ms. Karen McCarthy from the County Clare Childcare Committee.

At the ceremony Ms McCarthy, congratulated all the students and emphasized the importance of well- trained professional graduates to work in the Childcare and Commu- nity Care sectors.

Tutors Breda Walshe, Marian McGonagle and Maire O’Riordan also attended the ceremony.

Over 70 students studying in En- nis, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Sixmi- lebridge, Shannon, Scariff and Kil-

laloe, received FETAC certification in Childcare and Community Care subjects through the BTEI in the last year.

The Back To Education Initiative offers flexible part-time learning Opportunities to young people and adults and operates throughout the county and is part of Clare VEC’s Adult and Community Education Service.

The BTEI also introduces prospec- tive students to the requirements of studying for the leaving certificate.

It is ideal preparation for the leav- ing cert, in that it allows students to gain FETAC certification in math’s, communications and personal devel- opment.

In Clare, there are currently 2,000 learners availing of adult basic edu- cation and a further 700 engaging in community education.

The recent re-development of the Adult Education Centre in Ennis has led to the provision of more services

through the BTEI.

The centre provides learning op- portunities in reading and writing, language support, youthreach pro- gression, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and family learning. Services include a creche, night classes, e-learning and adult learners guidance.

Meanwhile, Clare VEC received a Public Service Excellence Award from the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

The VEC’s ‘Adult Education Serv- ice: Clare Lifelong Learning Net- work’ was one of 20 award winners selected from 183 entries by an eight- strong selection committee chaired by Professor Mary Daly, UCD.

Minister of State Tony Killeen said that the award success was indicative of the excellent educational services being provided by Clare VEC to young people and adults in County SEK

“IT am delighted that the Clare Life-

long Learning Network has been se- lected as one of the best examples of excellence and innovation across the public service’, stated Minister Kil- oe

“The Public Service Excellence Awards are presented every two years and recognize commitment, creativ- ity and innovation behind important projects that add value to public services used by citizens. I feel that the VEC’s Clare Lifelong Learning Network is thoroughly deserving of this award due its promotion of lifelong learning in the county. This award acknowledges the supporting role played by the Network in getting learners and learning providers to work together”, concluded the Min- ister.

THE ties between two clubs steeped in similar, yet slightly different Gael- ic traditions, will be strengthened next weekend when Eire Og, Ennis host Beauly from the Scottish high- lands.

A 50 strong contingent from the Beauly club are traveling to Ennis to renew acquaintances with Eire Og.

Last year Eire Og held the distinc- tion of being the only GAA club in Ireland to be invited by Beauly to take part in the Highland games, a series of annual events held in Scot- land that celebrate aspects of gaelic and Scottish culture.

The links between the two clubs go back to 2005 when Eire Og’s Féile winning under 15 team traveled to Inverness to take part in a regional Shinty tournament.

Eire Og played Bewly under com- promise rules with the Ennis side winning 3-2. In 2005, the club won North Division One but due to league reconstruction remained in this divi- sion along with sides from the dis- banded National League One.

The club has an historic rivalry with near neighbours, Lovat and this is marked every year with the annual New Year fixture, the Lovat Cup

Beauly arrive in Ennis on Friday and will take in a Cusack Cup game

between Eire oy: and O’Currys.

Beauly play Eire Og in shinty at 3pm on Saturday in the grounds of St Flannans. The following day, both teams will then play in a swap sticks match whereby, players from Beauly will use hurleys while Eire Og will play with shinty sticks.

The Scottish club will also get the opportunity to see a game of hurling when Eire Og take on Ogonnolloe, ONO LETITer Nie

Presentations to mark the occasion will take place in the Eire Og club- house on Saturday night.

Eire Og PRO Ursula Guillfoyle said that the visit of Beuly provides a rare opportunity to see a Gaelic sport that

in recent years, has suffered from a decline in popularity.

“We’ve had a good relationship with them since our under 15s were over there so they are delighted to be coming over. It was very special for Eire Og to be invited over for the Highland games”.

“There are very few Shinty clubs left in Scotland, its been kind of on the decline. It’s good that we have this link between the two clubs. Long may it last. Over in Scotland the visit has been getting a lot of at- tention. There has been good interest in it so far. It’s a good opportunity to see a match and to raise the profile of Shinty”.

FIVE Clare men and four motorbikes will embark on an arduous journey from Clare to Belarus in June, to highlight the ongoing problems faced by people living in the region.

Michael Barrett, Neilus Shannon, James O’Donoghue and Gearoid Conroy, all from the Ennis area, will travel on four motorbikes from Clare to the exclusion zone, which still re- mains around the Chernobyl nuclear enim

As well as raising awareness, the lads hope to raise €10,000 for the Burren Chernobyl project.

The Burren Chernobyl Project

(BCP) was established in 1993 to help with the child victims of the fallout from the Chernobyl reactor explosion. Many projects have been carried out to assist the children and their families who are enduring the effects of exposure to radiation and the other social and economic prob- lems facing them in Belarus.

The Chernobyl reactor accident occurred on April 26, 1986, at the nuclear power plant in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union).

It is regarded as the worst nuclear accident in the history of nuclear power, producing a plume of radio- active debris that drifted over parts of the western Soviet Union, Eastern

Europe, Scandinavia, UK, and east- SUmONyee

30,000 people died in the initial aftermath of the blast and over five million people were exposed to ra- diation.

One of the organizers, Michael Barrett has worked in the region and witnessed first hand the devastating impact of radiation poisoning.

He said, “Saturday was the 22nd anniversary of the explosion at the Chernobyl power plant. It is to the credit of the people of Clare of the assistance provided by groups like the Burren Chernobyl project.

‘“T have worked in the region in the past and it has left an indelible im-

pression on me, the suffering of the people living in the region is getting worse, aS, with time more cancers are presenting and it is important that those of us that can assist are re- minded of the need to do so”.

In order to raise money, a poker classic to be held in the Copper Jug, Lifford Road, Ennis on Friday May 2 at 9.30pm.

All sponsorship will be gratefully accepted and cards are now avail- able.

Donations and _ other sponsor- ships and offers of assistance can be made directly to the Burren Cherno- byl Project at 7071130 or to Michael Barrett on 086 8198992.

TWO major new recreational facili- ties for young people have opened at the headquarters of Clare Youth Service at Carmody Street Ennis.

Youth Space is a youth café and meeting space for over 15s and Youth Studio offers fully loaded rehearsal and recording facilities to meet the erowing demand fostered by the Clare Youth Service Bands Project.

Both spaces were opened by lead- ing Irish musician and Ennistymon native Joe Wall in Ennis last Tues- day.

Youth Space operates as a Self-serv- ice youth café in a setting designed and fitted out by young people. The

Meeting Space element was designed and refurbished by members of the Garda Youth Diversion Project.

Youth Space is open to all young people aged over 15 years, Wednes- days to Sundays inclusive 3 to 7 and Saturdays 2 to 9. Youth Studio is booked through Brendan on 086 COL ler

Both spaces have already become operational and are attracting up to 200 young people each weekend in the pre-launch phase.

Ennis Youth Worker, Jean Tierney, is delighted at the uptake of the serv- ices So far,

“The new facilities respond directly to needs that young people have been expressing to us for some time. The

atmosphere is terrific so far and we see many benefits arising from these new facilities. Creative ideas, new relationships and simple chill out zones are all happening at the same WU Nelom Noone

As a founding member of the Stun- ning and the Walls, Joe Wall knows how difficult it can be for young bands to find a place to play.

Clearly impressed by the new fa- cilities, Wall said it was important young people had somewhere to go to express themselves.

He said, “I’m totally blown away with this facility. Every town should have something like this.

“Growing up in Ennistymon, we had absolutely nothing like this. We

kicked a ball around the streets and generally hung around not doing very much. Music has a great ability to help people express themselves…. it links across various areas, T.V. Video, filming. It’s absolutely great to have a place where young people can come and express themselves. Well done to all.

Both facilities have been made possible by funding and voluntary efforts of several organisations in- cluding the Lions Club of Ennis, Irish Youth Foundation, Clare VEC, Garda Youth Diversion Projects, HSE (Clare Community Drug and Alcohol Service), Dormant Accounts Fund and the Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force.