The Clare People Archive

TWO Clare artists have just repre- sented Ireland at a major internation- al art fair. SOFA Chicago attracts some of the world’s leading galler- ies and collectors and Nicola Henley and Kathleen Moroney both did ex- ceptionally well.

Nicola creates textile art from her studio in Tuamgraney where she is inspired by birds and their relation- ship with the sea and the sky. She spends a good deal of time studying and drawing their movements before making her textile pieces. Using a combination of dying, painting and screen printing cotton calico, she tex- tures her work with materials such as Japanese paper and silk stitching.

Ceramicist Kathleen Moroney was also a big hit at the Chicago fair. Her two-part ceramic forms are made from slipcast tinted stoneware. El- egantly simple, her work is inspired

by the Japanese appreciation of space. She is based in Kilkishen and recently became involved in an art project in the newly refurbished art- ists studio spaces in Tulla.

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to discover the work of these two inspi- rational artists. Both have just been featured in the

SPEAKING following a study tour to Italy in association with An Bord Bia, Clare farmer and Chairperson of ICMSA’s Beef and Committee, Martin McMahon, said that the Ital- ian market currently presents valu- able and worthwhile opportunity to increase the value of Irish weanlings and must be developed to its maxi- mum potential.

Following visits to a number of feedlots and discussions with many Italian farmers, many of whom are already buying Irish weanlings, Mc- Mahon said that the prices received for Italian cattle are well above the Irish price with some farmers receiv- ing up to €3.60 per kg liveweight.

Given these prices, Italian farmers assured the ICMSA Chairman that they will buy a lot of Irish weanlings if they can get the appropriate type of cattle and would not hesitate to pay a premium price to Irish sellers.

McMahon said that the Italian buy- ers were pleased with the cattle from Ireland this year, but he warned that if we were to develop this market, it is important that suckler farmers produce cattle to Italian specifica- tions.

“If this 1s to be achieved, the role that Bord Bia and Teagasc will have to play is informing farmers on the type of cattle required for this mar- ket in order to achieve maximum value,” he said.

“At a difficult time of low margins

for suckler farmers, the Italian wean- ling market certainly provides an op- portunity to enhance suckler farmer income and it must be pursued.”

Meanwhile, Clare dairy farmers will have the opportunity to meet leading New Zealand fertility ex- pert, Scott McDougall, at a special meeting on dairy breeding and fer- tility in the Radisson SAS, Limerick on Thursday, December 13.

Scott McDougall, who leads the re- search and development team at the Animal Health Centre in the heart of New Zealand’s dairying territory, will be joined on the platform by some of Ireland’s foremost authori- ties on breeding and fertility of live- stock.

The high-powered panel includes

Par Dillon and John Mee from Moorepark, Michael Diskin from Teagasc Athenry and Teagasc dairy specialist, George Ramsbottom. Doreen Corridan from Dairygold AI as well as Mark Crowe and Finbar Mulligan from UCD will also par- ticipate.

The meeting runs from 9.15am to 4pm. Clare farmers unable to attend the Limerick meeting can go to a meeting featuring the same panel in the Silversprings Moran Hotel, Cork on Wednesday, December 12 at the same starting time.

To reserve a place at either meeting, contact Event Plus at 01 2302591, e- mail info@eventplus.ie. Registration fee, which including lunch and cof- fee, 1s €55.

THE Irish Beef Sector is set to lose as much as €100 million should a proposal contained in the review of the CAP, known as the “health check” come about.

Commissioner Fischer Boel has proposed to increase the compulso- ry modulation levy from its current level of five per cent to 13 per cent by 2013.

This proposed move has led to an- ery responses from the IFA.

“While the commission is suggest- ing that part of this cut-back in fund- ing of the EU Single Payment could be recycled to some farmers, this is far from clear, and such ‘rural de-

velopment’ and ‘agri-environment’ measures are likely to impose ad- ditional costs on farmers,’ said IFA National President, Padraig Walshe.

‘In addition to the cut in the Single Payment due to the increase in the modulation levy, many farmers most dependent on the Single Payment for their incomes, particularly cattle and sheep farmers, would also lose out from the proposal to switch from the current individual farmer payment, based on his past level of production, to an average payment across all the land of the country.”

Speaking on the issue, the Minis- ter for Agriculture, Mary Cough- lan, was more positive, saying that the CAP Health Check provide an

ideal opportunity to reduce the ad- ministrative burdens on farmers by simplifying the requirements of the Single Payments System and cross- compliance.

The minister said she had serious concerns about the commission’s pro- posal to increase the rate of compul- sory modulation. Noting that Ireland had shown its strong commitment to rural development through very sub- stantial national exchequer funding, she said she did not see the merit of Supporting rural development at the expense of direct payments to farm- ers, especially at a time when farm- ers were still adapting to the impact of decoupling.

Coughlan also expressed scep-

ticism about the suggestion that changing from a historic to a flat rate model of payment would simplify the Single Payment system and she emphasised that she had no plans to do so in Ireland.

On milk quotas, she stressed the need for careful analysis before any final decisions are taken and said that she was undertaking a consulta- tion process with key stakeholders in Ireland on this important issue.

“Tam optimistic that we can find a practical and useful outcome that de- livers real simplification and assists our farmers to take advantage of the opportunities offered by decoupling and by stronger dairy markets,’ she said.

THE future of Clare’s traditional arts took centre stage last night when peo- ple from all over the county gathered for the third meeting of the Clare Traditional Arts Forum.

The time for talking was over as the enthusiastic group made provisions to assist individuals and organisa- tions in working together on shared projects of interest.

The aim of the forum was to put those involved in the traditional arts in the county in a stronger position

for accessing funding at local and na- tional levels.

Clare people involved or interested in the traditional arts were urged to consolidate the future development of the sector by attending last night’s meeting in the Old Ground Hotel, Spay AvESe

The forum, which was established in 2006, aims to strengthen Clare’s musical tradition by assisting indi- viduals and organisations to work to- gether on shared projects of interest, thereby putting them in a stronger position for accessing funding at lo-

cal and national level.

“While previous meetings have proven to be a great avenue for dis- cussion of issues and ideas, this meeting and future meetings will be focused on putting these ideas into action. Some of these actions are already underway so it is, therefore, important that anyone interested in assisting or facilitating actions would be in attendance in Ennis this evening,’ said Tara Connaghan, Traditional Arts Co-ordinator, Clare County Council.

According to Ms. Connaghan, “The

forum has been set up by the Arts Office of Clare County Council with support from the Arts Council of Ire- land. The role of the Arts Office is to organise meetings, offer support, advice and assistance as required. The forum members determine the activities of the forum.

“The Clare Traditional Arts Forum will open up various opportunities for the traditional arts in Clare where people can get support for ideas or projects they want to undertake,” she added.

The benefits of traditional arts fo- rums and networks are widely known and can be seen in various commun1- ties throughout Ireland. For exam- ple, the Roscommon Traditional Arts Forum – the first of its kind in Ireland – has undertaken various projects including the transmission of tradi- tional arts in primary schools and the production of marketing brochures and an on-line archive.

All traditional musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, festival or- ganisers, promoters, traditional arts organisations and anyone involved or interested in the traditional arts attended the meeting facilitated by Margaret O’Sullivan of Key Cul- aubeed

THE number of “non-believers” in Clare has seen a massive increase of over 150 per cent in the past 15 years.

According to the latest statistics on religion from the 2006 Census, the number of people who state that they have “no religion” has jumped from 1,778 in 1991 to 4,680 in 2006 — a jump of 2,902 or 163 per cent.

The number of non-believers makes up 4.2 per cent of the Clare popula- tion of 110,950.

The figures also show that the

number of Roman Catholics has dropped marginally in percentage terms from 89 per cent to 88 per cent, although the numbers of Catholics has increased from 92,340 in 2002 to 98,189 to 2006.

The marginal percentage drop in Catholics comes against the back- ground of scandals for the Roman Catholic church in Ireland during the period between the two censuses showing that the Church remains quite a resilient institution.

The figures show that the Church of Ireland population in percentage terms remains more or less static; the

community by increasing from 1825 in 2002 to 1978 in 2006 accounts for 1.78 per cent of the population.

The number of Muslims in Clare 1s now 728 or .65 per cent with 493 liv- ing in Ennis.

Some 48 Jews live in Clare; during the 1930s and 1940s, there were no Jews recorded in Clare.

The 1961 Census recorded 4 Jews and the numbers in the Jewish com- munity have climbed slowly since.

The figures show that there are 333 Presbyterians in Clare, 332 Method- ists and 3,406 of other stated reli- gions.

According to consultant psychia- trist Dr Moosajee Bhamjee the fig- ures relating to non-believers “show that people are looking at life differ- ently now where church and state are not seen as the controlling institu- tions that they once were”.

Clare’s best-known Muslim added: “The Clare figures offer a micro- cosm of what is taking place in Irish ele iA

“The figures relating to the Mus- lims show that the Clare population is becoming more diverse and that we are all learning to live together,’ he said.

THE numbers of people aged 15 and over travelling to work each day by car in Clare has increased by 5,213 despite additional expenditure on public transport.

Recent census figures also confirm a trend of fewer people travelling to work by bicycle, on foot or bus in the four years between the 2002 and 2006.

Some 68.7 per cent of people used a car to get to work in 2002, increasing to to 69.7 per cent in 2006.

In 2002, 29,092 people aged over

15 travelled to work by car out of 42,238. This increased in 2006 to 34,265 out of 49,138.

Despite millions of euro being in- vested on the Ennis-Limerick rail line, the census shows that only .22% of the Clare population over 15 use the train to get to work.

The census shows that in 2006, 111 people aged over 15 used the train to get to work. This was five times the number who travelled to work by train in 2002 when only 21 used it. The numbers using the train are ex- pected to increase in 2009 when the Ennis-Galway rail line reopens.

The numbers aged over 15 who get to work by bus has marginally dropped in the four years between the two censuses.

In 2006, 1.7 per cent or 871 people aged over I5 travelled to work by bus; the 2002 census shows that 1.8 per cent or 794 people travelled to work by bus.

The figures also show that the per- centage numbers travelling to work by bicycle has dropped.

In the 2002 Census, 487 or 1.15 per cent of people cycled to work com- pared to one per cent or 536 in 2006.

The number of those getting to

work by foot has dropped from nine per cent or 3,843 to 8.9 per cent or 4,390 people n 2006.

The percentage number of people working at home has dropped from 8.8 per cent or 3,272 in 2002 to 7.3 per cent or 3,598 in 2006.

Clare Green Party councillor, Bri- an Meaney said yesterday that the figures exposed the county’s growing over-reliance on the car.

‘The rise in our reliance on the mo- tor-car is unsustainable and we can’t have a transport system based on fos- sil fuel as we face into the future,’ he said.

THE challenges facing suckling beef production and in particular the pro- duction of weanlings will be top of the agenda at a Clare Teagasc Semi- nar which takes place in the Auburn Lodge Hotel this evening at 8pm. This seminar is taking place at a critical time for farmers in suckling with the fall of about €100 per head in weanling prices and a drop of over 25 per cent in weanling exports. This has resulted in a squeeze on margins and while we can expect an improvement in prices in the years ahead the implementation of effi- cient practices at farm level will be essential to achieve a reward for the

time and labour spent in weanling production.

‘This Seminar will enable farmers to get the best advice on increasing the value of output and reducing the costs of production in suckling which are the key factors that determine profit,’ said Gerard MacMahon, ‘Tea- gasc Area Manager.

“With the increase in concentrate prices, we will need to get a greater proportion of live weight gain from grass – a feed that Ireland can pro- duce better and cheaper than any- where else in Europe.”

Better breeding through the use of ICBF breeding programmes enables farmers to identify the best bulls both AI and stock bulls to produce

high quality weanlings.

It also identifies the best cows from which to breed replacements. The biggest overhead cost in suckling is that of keeping the suckler cow. Strategies to reduce the over-win- tering costs of suckler cows will be outlined.

Meanwhile, Clare IFA in associa- tion with Clare Marts, Teagasc and ICBF will hold an information meet- ing at Ennis Mart on Monday, De- cember 10, at 8pm.

The important forum will cover all aspects of the €80 Suckler Cow Yel tessa len

“There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed and questions an- swered as a lot of farmers are only

receiving poor third hand informa- tion,’ said County IFA Chairman, Seamus Murphy.

“It is essential that weanling pro- ducers in Clare maximise on this scheme as it is the only life line to maintaining suckler cow numbers in the county.”

John Bryan, National Chairman IFA Livestock Committee, will ad- dress the meeting and cover all as- pects of the scheme and there will also be a presentation from Vivian Silke of Teagasc on beef produc- tion in Clare and a presentation from Sean Coughlan ICBF on their involvement in the scheme and the necessity for animal events record- ing going forward.

ICSA President, Malcolm Thomp- son, has attacked the Brazilian offer to voluntarily restrict exports of beef to Europe as “contemptuous” while reiterating his demand for a full ban on Brazilian beef exports to the EU.

“News on the latest FVO visit shows serious deficiencies still exist and nothing but a full ban on Bra- Zilian beef imports to the EU will be acceptable. Given that EU FVO inspectors have just returned from a further inspection in Brazil, one can only assume that Brazil’s offer of concessions is a dead giveaway that

things are as bad as ever.”

“Brazil is trying to play a shrewd political game with the EU but Irish farmers will not fall for their trick- ery. Since there are grave concerns surrounding Brazilian beef, half measures are not good enough.

“We know that Brazilian beef has traceability problems, and there are formidable clouds of suspicion re- garding hormone use banned in the EU for the last 15 years, so it makes no sense at all to let any Brazilian beef in. This is purely a food secu- rity matter, and the EU must ensure that Brazilian beef is banned imme- diately. It’s a bit like having a prison,

and instead of leaving the front door wide open, you just leave it slightly ajar. You are still assuming the same risk that the prisoners will escape.

“It 1s also highly suspicious that this concession comes just days be- fore the EU ombudsman is due to deliver his opinion on Brazilian beef imports, on the back of a complaint by ICSA and other members of FFE (Fairness for Farmers in Europe),” Thompson continued.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Thompson, and several current ICSA position holders were re-elected unopposed at the organisations AGM last night.

The highlight of the night was a

hotly contested election for the na- tional executive’s nominee to the management committee.

The packed house was treated to lively presentations by the two can- didates, Brendan McLaughlin, the Donegal county chairman, and cur- rent position holder, who was pitch- ing against Gabriel Gilmartin, the Sligo county chairman.

In the end, the Sligo man prevailed by a modest majority, having also been elected unopposed to the na- tional rural development chair. The previous incumbent, Leitrim’s John Flynn, vacated his RD seat to assume the role of honourary secretary.

WHEN former county councillor PJ Burke first proposed a sewerage scheme for Mullagh he did not ex- pect that more than 30 years would pass before the contract for the work would be signed.

The retired Mullagh man was in Scariff last week to see Clare County Council sign a €7 million contract with P&D Lydon Plant Hire Ltd of Gortacurra, Cross, County Mayo to provide a Bundled Sewerage Scheme for five villages and towns in Clare, one of which was Mullagh.

As far back as September 10, 1973 the members of Clare County Coun- cil approved a sewerage scheme for both Mullagh and Quilty.

On January 31, 1974 the then Coun- ty Manager, Joe Boland appointed

a consultant engineer to prepare a preliminary report and establish the cost of a new sewerage scheme for nine villages among them Mullagh, Quilty, Carrigaholt, Doonbeg and Cooraclare.

On December 12, 19774 the prelimi- nary report for Quilty was sent to the Department of Local Government for approval, with the Mullagh report to follow on September 10, 1974.

It would be the 1990s before the sewerage schemes would become a live issue again at which point Mul- lagh and Quilty were considered as oiler

During the early part of this decade the schemes were “bundled” with Scariff and Feakle for consultancy purposes and after much interaction with the Department of the Envi- ronment and Local Government the

scheme finally got the go ahead.

The civil engineering contract signed on Wednesday is the first of two major contracts associated with the scheme (Mullagh, Quilty, Feakle and Scariff) and involves the con- struction of over 20 kilometres of sewers and two kilometres of wa- ter mains, along with Stormwater (drainage) sewers and other ancil- lary works. The Bundled Sewerage Scheme is scheduled for completion in November 2008.

Speaking following the contract signing at Clare County Council’s re- cently opened area offices in Scariff, Mayor of Clare, Councillor Patricia McCarthy said, “This is a contract of major significance for the county and will provide vital infrastruc- ture for the people of east and west Clare. When completed, the scheme

will introduce significant scope for increased development and tourism potential in these important rural akon

“IT am particularly pleased to sign this contract given that I, along with many others, have had personal in- volvement going back over 30 years in campaigning for the advancement of the Quilty and Mullagh schemes,” added the mayor.

West Clare councillor Christy Cur- tin said “The intense campaign over the last decade has paid diffidence and I hope it will compensate for the frustration for the long wait since 1973 when it was first muted.”

Meanwhile Mr Burke said that it was great to see the contract signed finally. The council is currently con- structing a water supply improve- ment schemes in Kilkee.

THE West Clare Women’s Forum is continuing their campaign to high- light the on going violence against women across the country and coun- AYA This Saturday and Sunday in Kil- dee Parish Church a two day long exhibition will be hosted by the west Clare women to mark the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women.

The project created by the West Cork Women Against Violence Project and entitled “In Her Shoes”

pays a poignant tribute to all those women who lost their lives to vio- lence during the last 11 years.

The exhibition follows on from the weekends of reflection the west Clare women took part in.

As part of their contribution to the campaign the West Clare Women’s Forum contributed to the weekend Masses in Kilrush, Kilkee and Lis- deen during the past fortnight.

The exhibition in Kilkee this week- end comprises more than 120 pairs of shoes, each pair representing one woman who had been murdered in Ireland since 1996.

A date of death for each woman who had been killed was written on a la- bel on each shoe alongside the name of a woman who donated a pair of shoes in that woman’s remembrance. A number of prominent women do- nated shoes for this purpose.

“We felt that the stark image of an exhibition of shoes would be poign- ant for viewers as they would rep- resent individual women’s stories, their lives and their deaths. The shoes symbolised the empty spaces left by the women. We called the ex- hibition “In her shoes” to bring home the fact that any one of us could be

in this situation. Domestic violence and murder can happen to anyone,” a spokesperson for the exhibition said.

The exhibition was on display in four different towns in west Cork on four days over the 16 Days of Action – Bantry, Macroom, Castletownbere and Dunmanway.

‘We chose towns where we wished to raise awareness of the issue and of our service. Volunteers and staff were available to hand out leaflets outlining the background to the 16 days of action campaign and contact details for our services,’ the spokes- person added.