Category: News

A WEST Clare teenager has proved himself to be an “honourable man” by admitting a driving offence and paying compensation, a court has heard. All charges against Drew Clancy (19) were struck out at Ennis District Court last week after he paid full compensation for the damage his driving caused.

Mr Clancy crashed his car into the side of a van as Mr Clancy exited a car park and drove onto the road at Dough, Spanish Point on February 13.

At a sitting of Ennis District Court earlier this year, Mr Clancy, with an address at Fintra More, Miltown Malbay, pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention. He also admitted charges of driving without insurance and failing to report the occurrence.

In October, Garda Margaret Leahy of Ennistymon Garda Station told the court she responded to a report of a hit and run accident at Spanish Point on the date in question.

Garda Leahy said a van driver told her the car that struck his vehicle drove away from the scene. No injuries were suffered as a result of the accident, the court heard.

Garda Leahy said Mr Clancy later made a cautioned statement to gardaí in which he admitted hitting the car.

The court € 1500 worth of damage was caused to the van.

Judge Patrick Durcan asked Garda Leahy why the accused left the scene.

“He panicked. He had no insurance and he was aware he had no insurance”, Garda Leahy said.

Judge Durcan adjourned the case to allow time for payment of compensation. On Friday, defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said full compensation of € 1460 had been paid.

Mr Clancy, a farm labourer, told Judge Durcan he saved the money from work.

Judge Durcan told Mr Clancy he had proved himself to be an “honourable man” by facing up to the charges and paying compensation. “I’m striking out all charges against you which means you’re record is clean”, Judge Durcan added.

THE case of a Kilrush man charged in connection with the alleged sending of indecent telephone messages has been adjourned to the new year.

Conor Haugh (21) appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He is charged with sending indecent telephone messages on two dates in November. Mr Haugh, with an address at Killballyowen, Cross, Kilrush, is charged with sending by telephone a message that was indecent on November 6, 2014.

He is further charged with sending an indecent message by phone on November 10, 2014. The charges state the alleged offences were allegedly committed at a named location in West Clare. Defence solicitor Patrick Moylan told the court the matter had previously been adjourned following an application from the State.

The court heard that directions are yet to issue from the DPP on how the case against the accused is to proceed. Inspector Tom Kennedy said he required time to obtain directions from the DPP.

Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case to February 18, 2015 Mr Haugh was remanded on continuing bail.

THE ACCOUNT in the name of S Barrett, listed in a whistle blower’s dossier on alleged tax evading accounts held by politicians, did not belong to the late Clare TD and minister, Sylvie Barrett, according to his family.

Gerard Ryan, a civil servant in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who was charged with investigating such accounts, recently availed of the whistleblower legislation to send a dossier containing allegations about tax evasion by former politicians to the Public Accounts Committee.

These names were read into the Dáil record last Wednesday by Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, although no evidence has emerged in investigations to sustain the allegations.

The politicians named have denied any involvement in tax evasion.

While the other politicians were named in full, the last name was read into the record of the Dáil as S Barrett. Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett denied immediately that the account was his.

Meanwhile the family of the late Sylvester Barrett stated;

“Our late father did not have any bank account with wither Guinness Mahon or Ansbacher therefore any account in the names of S Barrett had nothing to do with our late father.”

The late Deputy Barrett was a popular Fianna Fáil TD who was f rst elected to the Dáil during the 1969 by-election.

He served his constituency as a TD and Minister until his retirement in 1984. He passed away in 2002.

Having lived most of his life in Clarecastle, he had studied engineering as a young man and served as an army cadet.

Mr Barrett, widely known as ‘Sylvie’ was appointed Minister for the Environment in 1977 by then Taoiseach Jack Lynch, and also served as a member of the European Parliament. He famously voted against then leader of Fianna Fáil Charles Haughey in a leadership heave, becoming a member of the renowned ‘Club of 22’.

His father Frank, a member of Clare County Council, was a member of Sinn Fein prior to joining Fianna Fáil.

Last week the deputy leader of Sinn Fein was criticised for using Dáil privilege for listing some of the names allegedly contained in the dossier submitted to the PAC.

AN Ennis man charged with the theft of € 14,650 from a woman in Limerick has been returned for trial to the circuit criminal court.

Alan Custy (38) appeared before Ennis District Court where he was served with a copy of the book of evidence against him.

Mr Custy, with an address at Dun Na hInse, Ennis, is charged with f ve counts of theft allegedly committed between June and November 2013.

Mr Custy is charged with stealing € 3,900 contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act from the woman in the district court area of Limerick between November 19 and 31 last as well as stealing € 3,400 from the woman in the same area on November 18 last.

He was also charged with stealing € 700 from her in the same area on September 17, 2013; stealing € 3,450 from her on dates between July 3 and 7, 2013, and stealing € 3,200 from the woman on June 17, 2013.

Mr Custy was previously granted conditional bail when he f rst ap peared in court in September.

Mr Custy was granted bail on condition he have no contact with the alleged injured party and no contact with any alleged witness.

The court heard that it is also a condition of bail that Mr Custy give an undertaking not to create any prof les on dating websites. On Wednesday, Det Gda Claire O’Shaughnessy of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on Mr Custy.

Inspector John O’Sullivan told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consents to the accused being returned for trial, on bail, to the next sessions of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Grainne O’Neill delivered the alibi warning to the accused and made the order returning Mr Custy for trial. Judge O’Neill approved legal aid for solicitor Tara Godfrey and one junior counsel.

TRIBUTES were paid last evening (Monday) to popular Tulla publican John Minogue.

The man described as ‘knowledgeable”, “wise” and “well liked” by those that knew him best, passed away in Cahercalla Hospital, Ennis yesterday morning, just a week shy of his 86th birthday.

The face of Minogue’s Pub for six decades, John also served as an Independent member of Clare County Council for 31 years.

He loved his hurling as much, if not more than his politics, and as Fr Harry Bohan recalled, “I’d say Clare hardly played a game he wasn’t at.”

Famed in many local stories John is also reputed to have taught Christy Moore the song ‘Spancilhill’ by Robbie McMahon that later passed into the national repertoire.

Christy Moore, at the time a clerk in the local bank, played some of his f rst gigs in the back room of Minogue’s pub in Tulla.

Minogue’s or “The Hotel” as it was referred to by many since the days of the fairs, was central to a lot of community events and John was central to the public house.

“He was a very popular man. There was somethings he never missed.

“He was a huge hurling fan and never missed a match. He was at every funeral too. He was linked with a lot of people,” said Fr Bohan.

“He was at everything and knew everything locally. He was a wise man and well liked.”

His popularity and hard work saw him elected to Clare County Council in f ve successive elections, starting in 1960.

He topped the poll for the Killaloe Electoral Area in his last two elections – in 1979 and 1985. He left local public off ce in 1991 but continued to help and assist the local people and community.

Labour TD Michael McNamara last night said the passing of John Minogue would be widely mourned.

“He was one of the most popular members elected to Clare County Council in modern times,” he said.

Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF) described the late publican as a “fantastic Community leader.”

“I found him to be a wise political council from the time I was elected,” he said adding he got to know him well while living in the village of Tulla. John Minogue is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Sandra, relatives and many many friends.

THE State has withdrawn charges brought against against a director of a West Clare pharmacy relating to the alleged unlawful possession of veterinar y medicine. Marie Kelly and A ndrew O’Donoghue, both with an address at Westpark, Spanish Point, were originally both charged with 26 counts of possession of various animal remedies where the label or package was altered without the authorisation of the Irish Medicine’s Board. The same 26 charges were also brought against Ester ville Ltd, the company of which Ms Kelly and Mr O’Donoghue are directors. But at Ennis District Cour t on Friday, State Solicitor for Clare, Mar tin Linnane, told the cour t the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP) had directed that all charges against Mr O’Donoghue be struck out. Mr Linnane said the DPP had fur ther directed that the case against Marie Kelly and Ester ville Ltd proceed. Jurisdiction was previously refused by district cour t Judge, Patrick Durcan and the case was adjourned to allow for DPP’s directions. Mr Linnane applied to have the cases adjourned to March 13, 2015, to allow time for the preparation of the book of evidence. Solicitor for the accused, Michael Lannigan, consented to the State’s application to have the matter adjourned. Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case to March 13, 2015. He also consented to an extension of time to allow for the ser vice of the book of evidence. The charges states that Ms Kelly was in possession of the animal remedies, as

NEW charges of dangerous driving have been brought against a Galway man allegedly involved in an incident where he drove on the wrong way on a dual carriageway in Clare.

John Keane (24), with an address at Monalee Manor, Knocknacarra, Galway, is facing three charges of dangerous driving and an alleged public order offence arising from incidents that occurred in Clare and Galway on June 27, 2014.

Mr Keane appeared at Ennis Dis- trict Court in September where he entered a plea of guilty to a charge of dangerous driving at Srangaloon, Crusheen on June 27, 2014.

Defence solicitor Brian O’Callaghan told the court his client was anxious to enter a plea. However Mr O’Callaghan said that he was aware that the State may be considering a further charge against Mr Keane.

At the time, Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court this was a case where the defendant is accused of driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway. “It is a very serious matter,” he said.

Mr Keane appeared back before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

Garda Francis Corey of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of three new charges against the accused. Garda Corey said Mr Keane made no reply to all three charges.

Mr Keane is facing two dangerous driving charges at Knockanean, Ennis, and Carrigoran Newmarket on Ferguson on June 27, 2014.

He is also charged with engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ballyboy, Gort, Galway, also on June 27.

Inspector John O’Sullivan said the accused is currently on bail. He asked Judge Grainne O’Neill to extend existing bail to cover the new charges.

Defence solicitor Brian O’Callaghan applied to have the matter adjourned. “I brief y opened the matter to be fore Judge Durcan and it won’t be troubling the court for too long,” he said. Mr O’Callaghan said he had full disclosure from the State.

Judge O’Neill remanded Mr Keane on bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on December 10.

A TEENAGER who stole € 206 worth of diesel from businesses in Clare has paid compensation.

The 17-year-old boy stole € 100 worth of diesel from the Bunratty Services Station before stealing a further € 106 worth of diesel from a petrol station at Minister’s Cross, Sixmilebridge.

Both offences were committed within a short time of each other on July 27, 2014.

The boy pleaded guilty to the offences at Ennis Children’s Court in October.

At the time, Garda Patrick Gardiner of Sixmilebridge Garda Station outlined details of the offences. Garda Gardiner said the accused was a passenger in a van that pulled up at the Bunratty Service Station. He said the boy got out and f lled two drums with diesel before the leaving the scene without paying.

A short time later, the court heard, the boy committed the same offences at a petrol station at Minister’s Cross.

Garda Gardiner said the matter was reported to gardaí. He said the accused was spotted by the owner of the Sixmilebridge station, driving the van on the dual carriageway. The case was adjourned to allow the boy time to pay compensation.

The boy, accompanied by members of his family, appeared before Ennis Children’s Court on Friday.

Judge Patrick Durcan said there was a “reasonable” probation report in respect of the accused before the court.

Defence solicitor John Casey said his client had compensation of € 206 for the court.

Judge Durcan said he was putting the matter off for six months. He ordered the teenager to comply with the directions of the Probation Services and granted the State liberty to re-enter the cases.

Addressing the teen, Judge Durcan said, “If you dirty your bib, you’re in trouble”.

ONE OF Kilrush’s best-known establishments, Crotty’s, is now on the market.

Deciding to sell the iconic public house and hostelry after two decades of hard work and investment was not an easy one for owners Rebecca Brew and Kevin Clancy, but the couple believe now is the time to direct their attention elsewhere.

The couple are to retire from this business but still have a number of other interests in the town that will keep them busy and give them more time for family life.

“It is a thriving business,” Ms Brew told The Clare People , but it was a huge commitment for the husband and wife team and their young family.

Kevin would usually spend seven days a week in the business, with Rebecca also working there full time.

Ms Brew said she would love to see a young person or couple take on the business, as she believes that there is still room for further development.

“Maybe even some of the young people who are now in America or Australia would be interested, as sometimes the only way to secure employment in some areas is to in- vest in a business.”

That is exactly what Kevin and Rebecca did 20 years ago, and indeed what the f rst owner did 100 years ago. In 1914 it was Micko Crotty that returned to Kilrush from the United States and purchased this property looking on to the Market Square and across from the Town Hall.

Shortly afterwards the building traded as Crotty’s.

Famed as being the home of the legendary concertina player Mrs Elizabeth Crotty the interior still plays homage to her home today.

The original bar sits to the right as you enter the pub from the square, with its original pitch pine bar still in place. The kitchen Mrs Crotty and her family used, along with the store and taproom, are still there to be seen.

Crotty’s also holds on to its authentic past through the original snug where many a marriage was arranged, cattle sold and many a lady had a quiet drink out of the public eye.

In 2005 the bar was expanded again, when the owners purchased Mrs O’Dwyers stationary and sweet shop next door.

The old shop counter has been restored as the new bar, while jars of sweets and toy cars in situ behind the bar are a reminder of bygone days.

Today Crotty’s award winning bar serves drink and food all day, provide accommodation in seven ensuite rooms upstairs, and provides a helpful guide to tourists through its tourist information.

During Kevin and Rebecca’s two decades at the helm the business also won numerous awards including the prestigious Munster Black and White Pub of the Year, Tourism Bar of the Year and has been repeatedly recommended and approved by Georgina Campbell’s Guide.

CLARE County Council is seeking tenders from contractors aimed at establishing the extent of asbestos contamination in areas of West Clare.

Last June, the council’s Environment Section received a complaint from a member of the public regarding a number of areas where asbestos waste materials were deposited. The council subsequently identif ed nine sites where pieces of asbestos waste was dumped.

Six sites are in the vicinity of Kilkee while the remaining three sites are located in the vicinity of Kilrush. The nine sites include four sites within the ownership of Clare County Council and f ve sites in private own ership. Concern over the dumping of asbestos was raised by former Kilkee town councillor and local resident PJ Linnane, last June.

In March Clare County Council commissioned an external independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the depositing of asbestos-cement materials at a number of sites throughout West Clare. At the time the council conf rmed it