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FIVE Clare companies have exported a total of € 2 billion, and made their way on to the 2013 edition of Top 250 Exporters in Ireland and Northern Ireland, in association with Investec.

None of the five companies made it on to the top ten, but have been praised by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), for contributing to the Irish export market.

Three Clare companies made it on to the top 100 with Benex Ltd making it on to the top 50 at 36th place.

The Shannon-based company exported € 1.074 billion worth of goods.

Mentor Graphics Ireland was in 74th having exported € 393 million worth of goods while Phardiag Ltd was in 77th place with € 368 in exports.

Zimmer Orthopedics Manufacturing Ltd was in 144th place with € 122 million exports and Enterasys Networks (Distribution) Ltd was in 153rd with € 114 million exports.

John Whelan, Chief Executive, The Irish Exporters Association, said, “The dominance of the information communications technology (ICT) sector in the top echelons of Irish exports industry continued in the Top 250 survey for 2013.

Total exports from the sector grew by 12 per cent in the past year maintaining Ireland’s place as the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world. Of the Top 20 companies listed, 10 of them are focused within the ICT arena.”

NUI Galway has issued a final call for applications from Clare to its Sports Scholarships Scheme for 2013/14.

Clare has a long tradition of provided students to the university who have secured scholarships, among them a slew of hurlers such as Donal Tuohy, John Conlon, Patrick Kelly Domhall O’Donovan, Caimin Morey, Cormac O’Donovan and Gerry O’Grady as well as current Clare and Sixmilebridge camogie player Chloe Morey.

The Scholarship Programme is aimed at student-athletes of outstanding calibre who register as students of the University. The scheme is open to students who are only attending the college this September for the first time.

The scheme is also open to students already studying at NUI Galway.

The deadline for application for current and prospective students is Wednesday the 31st July at 5pm.

In the current academic year, student athletes at NUI Galway received significant financial and professional support services.

The scholarships aim to help aspiring young sportspeople to continue to develop their sporting prowess while attending the university.

Currently 60 students receive support under the scheme in a broad range of sports.

The scheme has assisted dozens of athletes’ progress to the highest levels of their sport in recent years and is aimed at providing them with the tools for success in their careers in the long term.

“The strongest selling point of our Sports Scholarship program is the results that it is producing,” said Gary Ryan is Elite Sports Develop- ment Officer at the university.

“We have supported the development of numerous Irish Internationals including some World Champions and medallists over the last number of years as well as the enormous success that so many of our GAA players have enjoyed at Senior and U21 level in recent years.

“Our focus is on the support of our student athletes in their dual careers. We strive to offer world class supports in one of the Ireland’s leading universities.

“Our scholarship students develop skills that will sustain them in their future sporting and professional careers and the long list of successful sporting alumni is testament to that,” he added.

The deadline for application for current and prospective students who may be thinking of attending NUI Galway is Wednesday the 31st July at 5pm.

A WOMAN who attempted to undertake her own defense at Ennis District Court last Wednesday was urged to “talk to her husband” about securing the services of a solicitor.

Maria Tynan (46), with an address at Linton House, Oatfield in Sixmilebridge appeared on charges of assault at last Wednesday’s sitting of Ennis District Court.

Addressing the court, Mrs Linton said that she intended to defend herself in the case.

Judge Patrick Durkan said that while she had every right to defend herself, she should consider ever possibly avenue open to her concerning the case.

“If you had a pain in your side and you went to the doctor who said it was an appendicitis – that would make sense wouldn’t it.

“But it is still not a job that you should consider doing yourself,” said Judge Durcan.

Following urgings from Judge Durcan, Mrs Tynan sought legal aid for a solicitor to act on her behalf during the proceedings.

However, after stating that she and her husband own a 170 acre farm with more than 40 head of cattle, Judge Durcan indicated that she would likely not qualify for legal aid.

“I suggest that you talk to you husband,” he said.

The matter was adjourned until September 3 when it will come before the Killaloe District Court.

A District Court Judge told a sitting in Kilrush he was sending a clear message that robbery of old ladies and young children would not be tolerated.

Judge Patrick Durcan made the comments as he handed down a suspended one-month sentence to an 18year-old Kilrush woman who robbed an elderly woman’s purse at the train station in Ennis. He also told her he would send her to prison the next time she appeared before him.

She was 17 years old at the time of the theft on January 26 this year and pleaded guilty to the theft at Kilrush District Court on Tuesday.

The teenager also pleaded guilty to public order offences and using threatening behaviour in the Market Square, Kilrush on November 26, 2012.

Judge Durcan fined her € 100 for the public order offence.

The court heard that on November 26 the girl was found fighting with another person in the Square and was using threatening behaviour.

The court also heard that on January 26, a woman in her 70s had her purse stolen in what was described by the defending solicitor as “an opportunistic crime”.

When gardaí arrested the young woman before the court she told them she had thrown the purse over a wall.

The purse was recovered but € 100 cash was missing from it.

Solicitor Fiona Hehir said her client is taking medication and is “in a better condition now than she was then”.

She added that she did not remember the incident in the Square.

Following sentencing Judge Durcan said it as obvious to him from observing the young woman in court that she had attitude problems.

“If there isn’t a change in attitude to me, the gardaí and the law you will be in prison next time you appear before me,” he said.

A WOMAN was hospitalised after bring struck by Dusty the Doolin Dolphin in the water off Doolin Pier on Friday.

The woman, who is from Westport in Mayo, was struck in the abdomen and legs by the Dolphin – who has made Doolin it’s home for the past two years.

The woman received medical at- tention at the scheme and was transferred to hospital in Galway – but her injuries were not understood to be serious.

A number of reports of swimmers interfering with the dolphin have been reported in recent times. The woman was assisted by members of the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard, who have warned people not to get close to the Dusty.

“However it happened the dolphin hit her with her tail and she had lower abdomen pain. We tended her while she was waiting for the ambulance,” said Matty Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard.

“She [the dolphin] is a wild animal – people have to be careful. She enjoys the noises and vibrations of the boats and just because she swims in that area, does not give people the liberty to catch her and touch her. And that’s what’s happening.

“People seem to think that they can just catch her fin or catch her tail and when the dolphin gets frustrated then she is bound to strike back a little bit. She is perfectly fine and calm if people just give her her own room and space.

“Just like any wild animal tempers can vary. Just because one dolphin allows people to swim with them doesn’t mean that you can do it with all dolphins. People need to be aware that she is wild and she needs her space. If people want to see her that can see her from the top of the pier. People need to be responsible for themselves.”

The Doolin-based lifeguards were flying the red flag – signifying danger – at the time of the incident. It is now policy for the lifeguards to fly the red flag any time the dolphin enters the area.

A video taken last year showing Dusty getting angry with swimmers can be viewed on youtube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AAMFBvpPQ4.

A STUDENT who pleaded guilty to drink driving an ambulance he took unlawfully while it was on a call out in Kilkee, and being in possession of a steak knife at the time, has been suspended from driving for three years, fined € 250 and given a total of 200 hours community service in lieu of a prison sentence at Kilrush District Court.

Conor Hannon (21) of 102 Sycamore Drive, Rathbane, Limerick was ordered to carry out 100 hours community work in lieu of a three month prison sentence for being in possession of a fire arm – a black handle steak knife.

He was handed a further 100 hours community work in lieu of another three month prison sentence for unlawfully taking the HSE ambulance contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which is to run consecutively to the first sentence.

He was also fined € 250 and dis- qualified from driving for three years under the drink driving charge.

The court heard that gardaí were called to Victoria Terrace, Dough, Kilkee on May 6, 2013 at 2.30am by the ambulance service who were caring for a patient who had fallen and hurt his head.

A highly intoxicated Mr Hannon got into the ambulance and drove it forward a “few feet” before he was removed by ambulance personnel.

Garda Conor Flaherty gave evidence that as Mr Hannon was being removed to the Garda van a knife was found on him.

The garda added that the second year tourism student had been very apologetic the following day.

Defence solicitor Michael Ryan said that it was an indication of his client’s character that there was no element of violence on the night even though he was highly intoxicated, and that he had no recollection of the knife.

“He does feel that his drink was spiked on the night. We are not of- fering that as an excuse,” he added.

“When he got into the seat he put on the belt.

“That is an indication of the intoxication,” said Mr Ryan.

In sentencing Mr Hannon Judge Patrick Durcan said;

“In my view there is only one way to deal with that and put the message out loud and clear.”

The judge said that in his opinion “Someone who works for the ambulance service does a critically important job and if you turn on your radio and listen to Miriam O’Callaghan, Pat Kenny or better still, ‘Joe Duffy in the afternoon’, you will hear people without doubt complaining ‘the ambulance didn’t arrive on time’.

“Into this mix, you have Mr Hannon, filled to the gills with drink and he interferes with the ambulance service.”

The judge then issued the sentence suspending Mr Hannon from driving for three years, fining him € 250 and giving him a total of 200 hours community service

LABOUR TD Michael McNamara has admitted it was not an accident and that he agreed with the opposition’s amendment to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, when he voted for it during the early hours of Thursday morning.

He said however that voting for the amendment on fatal foetal abnormalities was a mistake as it could have resulted in loopholes in the bill resulting in it falling, but not because he disagrees with the opposition’s proposal.

On reflection he maintains that he should not have voted for the amendment and it was a mistake due to its timing.

The Clare TD caused uproar during the late night, early morning sitting of the Dáil, when he voted against his own party whip on the amendment on the controversial bill just before proceedings were adjourned at 5am.

“At that time, I didn’t have time to appreciate the potential legal consequences of the decision if it had resulted in a change to the legislation. While the Bill as passed would, in my opinion, almost certainly be found to be Constitutional if referred to the Supreme Court under Article 26, the Constitutionality of a clause including fatal foetal abnormalities would be slightly less certain and under Article 26 an entire Bill is upheld or struck down. Therefore, to conclude the amendment would have been a mistake. Therefore, I realised my vote was a mistake,” he said.

“The government has said it is prevented by the Constitution from legislating for fatal foetal abnormalities. Yet it told the European Court of Human Rights in 2006, it would be Constitutional,” he said referring to the argument the Government made in the D versus Ireland case at the European Court of Human Rights in September 2005.

Miss D claimed her human rights were violated because of the lack of abortion services here. Her baby had been diagnosed with foetal abnormalities so severe it could not live outside the womb. The case was dismissed after the court ruled that the aggrieved individual had not brought an action before the Irish courts, therefore failing to exhaust all domestic avenues open to her.

“I want to see the issue addressed but accepted that would not be part of this bill and I voted with the Government as further amendments on the controversial abortion legislation were debated on Thursday evening, night and into Friday morning,” said Deputy McNamara.

Bernadette DEEGAN
, Ballymacahill, Barefield, Laid to rest in the Ireland Crematorium. May she rest in peace.

Kevin CARR
, 26 Clonbealy, Newport,Tipperary / Shannon. RequiemMass onTuesday at 11.30amat Newport Church, burial afterwards in Rockvale Cemetery Newport. May he rest in peace.

Teresa CARTER
, 30 McHughVillas, Ennis. Laid to rest in Romford Cemetery, Hollymount, Claremorris, Co Mayo. May she rest in peace.

Vera KELLY (née Hassett)
Ashview Court, Sixmilebridge/Ennis. Formerly of Drumbiggle Road, Ennis. Requiemmass on Tuesday at 11amat Sixmilebridge Church, followed by burial in Killeen Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations, in lieu, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May she rest in peace.

Sean GARRAHY
, 53 College Green, Ennis. Formerly of Carnane Cross, Doolin. Peacefully at home. Laid to rest in the Holy Rosary Cemetery Doolin. Donations if desired to Doolin rescue or Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace.

John (Jack) MCMAHON
, Killenaugh, Carrigaholt. Peacefully at Regina House, Kilrush Laid to rest in Kilballyowen Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Helen O’SULLIVAN (née Moloney)
, MeadowCourt, Naas, Kildare / Ennis.After a long illness. Helen will be sadly missed by her loving husband Denis, daughters Muireann and Caoimhe, mother-in-lawMary, sisters Mary, Teresa, Brid, Evelyn and Catherine, brothers Christy, Frankie, Paddy, Joe and Sean, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family and friends. (Sister of the lateWillie, Martin and Michael, Flannan’sTerrace, Ennis.) Funeral Mass onTuesday after 10amMass at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Naas to St Corban’s Cemetery, Dublin Road, Naas. May she rest in peace.

Patrick (Pat) DOWNES,
SteelesTerrace Ennis and Castle Park, Kilmihil. Laid to rest in Kilmihil. May he rest in peace.

Marion MACKENNA (née McHALE
), Drogheda/ Clare. Peacefully, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Darragh CURLEY,
Waterdale, Ballybroughan, Cratloe. Laid to rest in Craughan Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Christina O’NEILL (née Kelly)
, Ballyline, Crusheen, Peacefully. Laid to rest in Kilawinna Cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Cahercalla Community Hospital. May she rest in peace.

Judith MCGANN
, Green Island Lodge, Ballyvaughan. Laid to rest in Ballyvaughan. Donations if desired in lieu to Milford Care centre. May she rest in peace.

YOUNG people have been gathering all weekend to lay flowers and say prayers at a canal in Ardnacrusha which only days before was the scene of summer fun and merriment.

On Friday evening last the village of Meelick was shocked as news spread that popular local teenager Joe Kileen had drowned in the canal, which for generations of teenagers had been considered a dangerous rite of passage.

The 17-year-old who was described as “charismatic” and “upbeat” lost his life in the area of the canal known locally as “Head Race” while diving and swimming with a group of friends.

Just hours before the horrifying tragedy the ESB, who own the power station in Ardnacrusha that the canal serves, had warned against using the unguarded canal.

The eldest of a family of four from Kilavoher, Meelick, Joe attended St Nessan’s Community College in Limerick and before that the local primary school.

His former schoolteacher Cathal Crowe described the teenager as “a real up beat lad with great charisma. He had the biggest smile and wave when you would meet him.”

“I remember from school, he and his brother were tenacious and wiry soccer and football players. They were gifted and talented.

“He [Joe] was well liked by young and old in the community,” said the primary school teacher who is also a local county councillor.

“This tragedy has resonated with a lot of his age group. I would have taught a lot of his peers and they are all very shocked. The whole community is in shock. The life is gone out of the place. It has really hit home how fragile life is.”

Speaking about the area where Joe died, Cllr Crowe (FF) said it was almost a rite of passage for teenag- ers, an area that mothers have been warning their sons is too dangerous for generations. Unfortunately there have been several deaths there. Every generation can recall a tragedy in the canal,” he said.

“It is a beautiful amenity area in our community but we have to remember it is an industrial canal to service the power station and it is not safe for swimming. Right now is about laying Joe to rest, but this is something we must consider in the coming weeks,” he added.

Joe is survived by his heartbroken parents Marie and Pat (Douglas), younger brother Cian and younger sisters Jenny and Tara.

THE regeneration of a Kilrush housing estate is back on track, after council officials met with a resident who raised concerns that his home would be devalued by the plans.

Last month the John Paul Estate resident told a meeting of Kilrush Town Council that the proposed Wilson’s Road entrance would pass directly beside his house devaluing the privately-owned family home.

He also raised concerns that the road would result in a lack of privacy for him and his family.

Due to these concerns the council agreed to suspend Part VIII approval for the plan, which meant the project would not get the green light from the members until the issue was resolved.

Kilrush town clerk John Corry said these issues have now been resolved after a meeting between the concerned resident, Mr Corry and a council planner.

It has been agreed to situate the footpath further from the home in question allowing for more privacy.

Mr Corry said the family are happy with this, and the council has signed of on the Part VIII.

Under the plan, which has gone to tender and a builder appointed, three houses on Elm Drive will be demolished to create an entrance to the council estate from Wilson’s Road.

This phase of the ongoing regeneration plan aims to open up the estate and remove more of the alleys at the back of some houses, which were encouraging anti-social behaviour.

The work is still subject to Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government funding, but Mr Corry said the council are very “hopeful”.

“The fact that we have received funding for the first and second phase, was are making the argument that we are brining it to completion,” he said.

“The department indicated that it is the most high priority case in the county.”

CLARE beachgoers have been asked to clean up their act, and council workers are providing more bins to help them do just that.

Clare County Council has employed additional resources to deal with the increase in litter that has resulted from what it calls ‘unprecedented’ visitor numbers to beaches such as Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point.

The local authority says it is also installing additional, temporary bins along the length of the beach in an effort to minimise littering while litter wardens have been deployed to monitor littering activity. It is now urging visitors to Clare’s main beaches to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them.

“Our beach is a fantastic resource for the wider community and it’s up to us all to ensure that we take home what we bring to the beach,” said Paul Moroney, Senior Engineer with Clare County Council.

“The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented large volumes of visitors to the beaches. In Kilkee, we are finding that some people are dumping their litter along the seawall, on the beach or beside already full bins rather than bring their litter home with them. We are installing additional bins today to counteract the problem but would continue to ask the public to take responsibility for their own rubbish and leave nothing behind but their footprints,” he said. “Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of € 150 or a maximum fine of € 3,000 if you are convicted of a litter offence in the District Court. Council litter wardens will take action where they deem necessary so we would advise the public to be wary of the law around littering. After all, indiscriminate dumping of picnic litter and other rubbish does not create a positive image for any beach or for local tourism.”