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AN ENNIS man convicted of intimidating his brother-in-law has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Last October, Martin Joyce (22), with addresses at 113 Dun na hInse, Ennis and 2 St Patrick’s Mews, Clarecastle, was found guilty by a jury of the intimidation of his brother-in-law Michael Ward and Mr Ward’s wife, Rose Ward.

The offences were committed while Mr Joyce was on bail, Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard on Friday.

He was acquitted of a charge of threatening to kill Mr Ward at Shannon Airport on May 3 2011.

The Wards had travelled to Clare from England to give evidence at an arson trial against the Mr Joyce’s brother David. David Joyce was acquitted of the charge.

Sentencing in Martin Joyce’s case had been delayed pending the finali- sation of another case in the Midlands.

On Friday, Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL, said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had decided that Mr Joyce’s case could proceed to sentencing.

Judge Gerard Keyes said the victims in the case had given sworn evidence that they felt “frightened and intimidated” of Martin Joyce and were afraid to come to court.

He said that in their victim impact statement, the Wards said they lived in a “twilight world” unable to attend family occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Judge Keyes said intimidation of witnesses is a “serious matter and goes to undermine the whole justice system.”

He said people who witness crime must feel safe to come forward “otherwise anarchy would prevail and we would end up with a lawless society.”

Judge Keyes commended the Wards for their “resilience and bravery” for enabling the trial to proceed.

The court heard that Mr Joyce has 32 previous convictions, the majority for road traffic offences.

Noting the length of time it has taken for sentencing to be finalized, Judge Keyes imposed a two-year sentence on both counts to run concurrently.

Judge Keyes suspended the final six months of the sentence on condition that Mr Joyce have no direct or indirect contact with Michael and Rose Ward.

He backdated the sentence to September 30 (2012) in acknowledgement of the length of time Mr Joyce had spent on remand.

Addressing Mr Joyce, Judge Keyes said there should not be any more difficulties between the families.

Mr Joyce replied;

“There won’t be Judge. Thanks very much.”

A DISTRICT
Court Judge has hit out at what he called the“abuse” of the courts system in Clare. Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking during at Ennis District Court Wednesday after being informed of a proposed change in legal representation for a Limerick man. Solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that she had been asked by Limerick solicitor John Devanne to take over the case of Martin Casey (22). Mr Casey, with an address at Bay 6Toppings Field, John CarewPark, Limerick, is accused of handling stolen property – a green blade hedge trimmer and Efco Chainsaw- at Carrahill Crusheen on February 27 (2013). Mr Casey is also alleged to have handled a stolen Stihl chainsawat the same location and date. After being told of Mr Casey’s proposed change in legal representation, Judge Durcan said he was getting “very tired of abuse of the courts systemwhere people are coming on an off record.” He said if a solicitor ceases to represent someone, then“they should showrespect to the court, the registrar, the client, to showup and come off record.” Judge Durcan added,“This isn’t the London Underground where people can simply can come on and off.” Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case to May 1 when he said he would consider Mr Devannes application to come off record. Another Limerick man also appeared in court charged with the incident at Crusheen. Anthony Quinlivan (18), with an address at 12 ElmPlace, Rathbane, Roxboro Road, Limerick, is charged with handling a green blade hedge trimmer, Efco chainsawand Stihl chainsawat Crusheen on February 27. Mr Quinlivan is also charged with having an article which had a blade or which was sharply pointed at the same location and date. Mr Quinlivan was represented by solicitor Fiona Hehir. His case was adjourned until May 1.

THE cases
of two men charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Courthouse are to be heard next month. Anthony Doherty (27) and Dylan Dinan (20) were both before Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Mr Doherty, with an address at 30 Lenabeg, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). Mr Dinan, with an address at 6Waterpark Court, Drumbiggle, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse on January 16 (2013). He also charged with assault at the same location and date. Mr Doherty is represented by solicitor John Casey. Mr Dinan is represented by solicitor Tara Godfrey. CCTV evidence is to be sought in the case, the court heard. The cases were adjourned for hearing until May 20.

A MAN
found in possession of a Stanley knife in a pub in Ennis has received a suspended sentence. At Ennis District Court onTuesday, Darren Maughan (21) pleaded guilty to possession of a knife at Knox’s Bar,Abbey Street, Ennis on February 2 (2013). Inspector TomKennedy told the court that gardaí were called to deal a public order incident at Knox’s involving Mr Maughan. Gardai searched Mr Maughan and found that he was carrying a knife for “no good reason.” Mr Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis also pleaded guilty to stealing seven bottles of wine fromNext-Door offlicense, Gort Road on April 16 (2013). Mr Maughan also pleaded guilty to a charge of assault at Ennis Courthouse. Defence solicitor WilliamCahir said his client is a young man who has “chronic problems with alcohol.” He said Mr Maughan had recently tackled his problems before but had recently “fallen off the wagon”. Judge Eamon O’Brien imposed a nine month suspended sentence in relation to the offences at Knox’s. All other matters were taken into consideration. Judge O’Brien said he would suspend the sentence on condition that Mr Maughan enter a bond to be of good behaviour. He told Mr Maughan he should join Alcoholic’s Anonymous (AA).

ALMOST five percent of the priests currently service in the Diocese of Galway and Kilfenora have had official abuse claims levelled against them. The diocese, which includes the Clare parishes of Ballyvaughan, Carron, New Quay, Ennistymon, Kilfenora, Liscannor, Moymore, Lisdoonvarna and Kilshanny, has recorded of a total of 38 allegations made against 14 priests or members of religious orders since 1975.

According to the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, the Church’s own internal watch-dog body, 27 of these allegations were reported to the gardaí.

The report indicated that three of the 63 priests currently serving in the diocese have had claims made against them. No individual priests were named in the report nor was any indication given as to what part of the diocese the priests are currently serving.

Speaking after the publication of the report, Bishop Martin Drennan said that the concerns expressed were “not of a sufficient nature” to warrant their removal from active ministry.

The report also recommends that a review of any cases of allegation which were made against living priests who are no longer in active service or are on administrative leave should be carried out.

Minister Drennan said that the results of the review were good news for the diocese.

“Last week’s report shows that we have at last turned the corner. It offers encouragement in many forms, safeguarding practice is reported as good in the diocese, complaints are dealt with promptly,” said Bishop Drennan.

“There is ongoing help available for victims of abuse. Counselling is offered to complainants and their families.

“The diocese works closely with the HSE and with the Garda Siochana in an effort to make sure that children participating in Church-related activities are safe. To date three hundred and fifty five people have been given training so that their work as safeguarding representatives may be as effective as possible.”

FARMERS from the North and West area of Clare are reporting thefts of bales and other fodder from their farms.

As the farmers endure the greatest fodder shortage in living memory, those lucky enough to still have some of last year’s harvest now fear it may be taken as some farmers already say they have been the victim of such thefts.

Gardaí say that while they have heard of a number of incidents of this happening, they have received just a few official reports to that effect.

Kilrush area Superintendent Gerry Wall described these thefts as “particularly nasty”.

The senior garda maintains that stealing bales, silage and other fodder from hard-pressed farmers, is adding to their stresses and making life even more difficult.

Farmers are not just at the financial loss of the bale of hay or silage, but find it difficult to replace it to feed their own animals as the crisis fodder continues.

“It [fodder] has a value, and people are taking advantage of those who are already in a difficult situation. It is a particularly nasty theft,” said the superintendent.

He encouraged people to come forward and report such incidents and anyone with any information to also call the Gardaí.

“This is a particularly difficult time for the farming community, and I am happy to help in any way,” he added.

Farmers say those with bales to sell can name their price as most farmers have come to the end of their own supply.

A wet summer and autumn last year resulted in a very poor harvest. Leaving many farmers short of the required fodder to feed their animals. A cold and wet spring is adding to their difficulties, as their animals cannot be let out to graze, adding to an already deepening agricultural crisis.

RECEIVING your First Holy Communion used to be a traditional celebration of receiving a holy sacrement for the first time; nowadays parents are spending hundreds of euros on what has become somewhat of a competition.

Many fear that My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding has set a trend of vulumtuous dresses and extravagant parties that are costing parents up to € 600, according to a survey conducted by EBS; but is this true for our home town of Ennis and have we lost sight of Catholic practice and fallen into the trap of hypocrisy and mass delusion?

Despite the on-going economic crisis, the amount of money being spent on a child’s First Holy Communion has increased dramatically over the last few years.

It empties the already dwindling pay-packets of parents and, in fact, the earnings of a typical eight year old child making their First Holy Communion could pay for majority of the party.

The survey shows that in 2011 thousands of Irish children received monetary gifts to the value of nearly € 350. The survey further suggests that in 2013 their days makings will add up to nearly € 500 – almost enough to pay off the average party.

Barefield National School Principal, Mr John Burns said “Families are generally sensible and curtail the costs within their budgets. However, there are a minority of people who can be extravagant and can expend a considerable amount of money, which they may not have.

“In my time, we went home. The evening was spent at home with my family and relations. Today, families use hotels or organise caterers for home dining with the all important bouncing castle.

“It is a most exciting day as it involves the whole family being connected together in preparing for this wonderful sacrament. It is not meant to be a one day religious ceremony. It is for life”.

There is however, only so much that can be taught in our schools. Whilst our teachers prepare and educate our children for their big day in every way possible, home is their biggest influence. The home is the “domestic Church”, and also where the heart is.

When the public were asked their opinion on cost control during First Holy Communion time some felt that parents let their children get away with the fancy dress and extravagant parties. However, Emily McGrath believes that “it’s still under the con- trol of the parents and it’s up to the parents to make a stand and say how much they are prepared to say.

“There was much more family involvement when I made my first holy communion”, Ms McGrath continued, “there would have been a big reception, but there still would have been emphasis on the dress.

“I think people tend to forget that the obsession with fancy communion dresses goes back quite a long way, it’s not just today.

What is really important is realising that this is your child’s day to take “centre stage” and for their relationship with God to further grow and flourish.

Fr Ger Fitzgerald of the Killaloe Diocese believes that too much focus can sometimes be put on the aftershow and that some forget what is really important on the big day.

“I think it easy to sensationalise big dresses and hummers whilst missing the kernel of truth that shows us that there is real faith on display here, in the prayer of the children.

“It is I believe also easy to bemoan the fact that there are the presence of hummers and outlandish dresses”, he continued, “but, I think that we, as priests and Church, should try to educate a little more.

Fr Fitzgerald further stated that during “our teaching and preaching we should try to point out that maybe the First Holy Communion is perhaps not the place for these things as it can distract not only the adults but also the children from what has taken place.

“I think that if we highlight the “extras” we, the Church and media, should work together to highlight as well the absolutely necessary components, those being the joy with which the children come to receive and also the faith they display in their prayer and in their wonder and awe in the presence of something that is greater than all of us combined. They are a joy to us and many of us could learn from their example of simplicity, true humility and love of God”.

Ennis National School recieved their First Holy Communion two weeks ago and, according to Fr Fitzgerald, “they sat there, rapt in attention, hands joined, watchin. In their world, they knew something was happening, something special.

“As I looked on”, Fr Fitzgerald continued, “one could effortlessly see that they knew this was a special day and that Jesus, their friend, was coming to them in a new way. In the way they prayed, in the way they behaved, in the way they watched and paid attention and most specifically in the way they received, they demonstrated that they at that moment were close to Jesus and that is what communion is ultimately about, a relationship with the Lord”.

A JUDGE has rejected a Clarecastle man’s offer to pay € 5,000 compensation to a plasterer he assaulted with a golf club 17 months ago.

David Casey suffered a fractured skull when he was assaulted by Ian Considine (25) at St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, in the early hours of December 27 (2011).

Mr Considine, with an address at 55 St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, appeared at Ennis Circuit Crminal Court on Friday.

Judge Gerard Keyes rejected Mr Considine’s compensation offer, saying he was conscious of the perception that exists that people can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

In February, Mr Considine pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Casey, a father of two who also lives in the St Joseph’s Terrace area.

The court heard that on the night in question Mr Casey was involved in an incident outside the Considine family home.

Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station said Mr Casey threw a crutch at the door and broke one of the windows.

Members of the accused’s family including his father came outside, the court heard.

Mr Considine, who lives near the home, was awoken by his sister and arrived at the scene armed with a golf club, the court heard.

Counsel for the State Stephen Coughlan BL, told the court that for want of a better expression, Mr Considine, “literally pole-axed Mr Casey”.

Mr Casey was transferred to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and later Cork University Hospital.

He sustained a right frontal skull fracture and 6cm laceration.

Mr Casey required further treatment in 2012 to remove skull fragments that were “leaning on his brain”, the court heard.

In his victim impact report, Mr Casey said the incident had greatly affected his life.

He said he had been unable to work since the assault. He said he is worried every time he goes to the doctor.

Mr Casey added, “I have no grudge against Mr Considine.

“I want to put this behind me and move onto the next chapter of my life. …. “What is done is done and there is nothing we can do about it now.”

Defence Counsel Kenneth Kerins, said his client, a qualified carpenter, made a “very foolish and rash decision” on the night.

Mr Kerins added, “He stands before the court genuinely remorseful.”

Mr Considine has no previous conviction and has not come to garda attention since the assault, the court heard. Mr Kerins said there had no further incidents between the parties.

The court heard Mr Considine de- scribed as a hardworking, reliable man.

The father of two is a long serving member of Manus Celtic soccer club.

Mr Kerins said his client would be willing to pay € 5000 compensation to the injured party.

Judge Gerard Keyes said he found the figure too low, noting the length of time the victim had been out of work.

Judge Keyes said he was also conscious of the perception that exists among the public that defendants can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

Judge Keyes indicated that he might accept a figure of € 10,000 but added that payment is no guarantee that a suspended sentence will be imposed.

Judge Keyes said he required time to consider the case in greater length.

He added; “I cannot ignore the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on this man with a golf club.”

AFTER months of delegations meeting with ministers, political lobbying and strategic plans drawn up, the Loophead Peninsula was part of the new tourism imitative, the Wild Atlantic way, announced this week.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring (FG) unveiled the final route for the new touring route running from Donegal to Cork, which includes the picturesque and rugged coastline of Clare.

The 2,500km final route was unveiled following a comprehensive public consultation process and includes 156 strategically placed discovery points for tourists along the way. While the route comprises the main spine of the Wild Atlantic Way, a series of looped itineraries off the spine are also planned to further develop the experience for visitors.

This includes a detour to Clare sights such as the Loophead Light- house and the Bridges of Ross.

While new clearer signage is to be erected to accommodate busloads of tourists embarking on the longest coastline drive for tourists in Europe, there are no immediate plans to upgrade the road infrastructure along the Clare part of the route.

The majority of the Clare part of the tour is along the N67, a national primary road, but the route also diversifies on to secondary routes particularly around Fanore.

Senior engineer with Clare County Council Tom Tiernan said that while realignment along the route is desirable, it is not on likely in the near future.

“Significant allocations of the route need significant improvement, but that is not part of any immediate plans,” he said.

He explained the buses and coaches are already using this route, and that the condition of the roads is similar to a lot of other counties along the scenic route.

FIFTY-FIVE years after its first transatlantic flight from Shannon, Aer Lingus is on the cusp of resuming a year-round transatlantic operation from Clare’s international airport.

Aer Lingus sources have confirmed that the restoration of the permanent 12-month a year service from Shannon to both New York and Boston could be facilitated by the use of smaller, more fuel efficient aircraft on the transatlantic fleet from next winter.

The move comes just under three years after the national airline announced its first suspension of services to Boston and New York from Shannon – the first 11-week break from taking place from January to March 2011, which was repeated in both 2012 and 2013.

The decision to suspend services to Boston and New York during the off-peak winter months was made on the back of heavy losses on the two routes stretching back over 15 years.

“Both these routes have incurred significant losses during the winter months in 14 of the past 15 years. Since 1995, Aer Lingus has lost a total of € 163m on its transatlantic flights from Shannon during the winter months, with an average operating loss per winter season of almost € 11m,” said Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller.

“In addition, the airline has sustained declining load factors on these routes for a number of years. Aer Lingus is committed to the Shannon market as an important part of our network. However, in order to maintain the viability of our Shannon transatlantic operations throughout the remainder the year, the three-month suspension of these routes when seasonal demand is at its lowest is crucial,” he added.

However, three years on it’s hoped that the year-round service will be resumed through the use of the smaller and more viable Boeing 757 aircraft on the route.

Aer Lingus has completed a deal to lease three Boeing 757 jets to operate North Atlantic services starting in early 2014. It’s understood the aircraft will be leased from Dublin based air contractors.

LESS than three years from after it was decimated in a General Election, the Fianna Fáil party in Clare believes it is regaining its political stronghold once again in the county.

Two full buses left the Banner county on Saturday morning for the party’s 74th Ard Fheis in Dublin, with more travelling the night before.

Among the delegates were men with 30 years membership who had never before attended an Ard Fheis, and numerous young people.

The Clare branch of the party was celebrating the fact that it had reached 800 in membership, the majority of the new recruits under the age of 30.

Adding to their confidence of local support was the fact that they won a prize for the second year running for the second highest gate collection in the country and the second best contribution to the National Draw.

And to top it all off, there was a former Green Party councillor now one of their own also wandering around the RDS wearing a “guest badge”.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) is now an official member of the party, but it will be another 12 months before he graduates to the stature of delegate and have a vote in party affairs.

The weekend and perceived growing support within the county was also a boost of confidence for those who must encourage and organise candidates for the local election next year.

Constituency organiser Michael Neylon said, “It shows that we are active.”

Clare is also punching above its weight when it comes to the national executive.

Two Clare men were elected to the “Committee of 20” at the weekend, to join Constituency Secretary Gerry Reidy and TD Timmy Dooley on the executive.

Ennis man Garrett Greene, who was returned to the “Committee of 20”, is even among the older members on the influential committee at just 38 years old.

Newcomer, Eoin Neylon also from Ennis is considered among the average age at just 26 years old.

Mr Greene is a manager of TTM Healthcare’s Medical Division in Ennis.

“The positive atmosphere and the energy we saw this weekend is testament to the fact that Fianna Fáil has a strong and vital role to play in the future of Irish politics. I want to thank all of those from Clare who attended the Ard Fheis and made their voices heard about the future of the party,” he said.

Mr (Eoin) Neylon is a structural engineer based in London and set up the city’s first ever Fianna Fáil Cumann.

“It is a wonderful honour to be chosen by Fianna Fáil members to represent them on the National Executive. I want to thank all the party members who voted for me and I will endeavour to perform my role to the best of my ability. The grassroots of the party needs to have a greater say in how the party is run and I hope to provide a direct link to the Ard Comhairle for many local members,” he said.

PRESSURE is mounting on the Minister for Agriculture to “put his money where his mouth is” and bring forward an emergency aid for the Clare farmers worst hit by the fodder crisis.

Addressing a meeting of more than 200 farmers in Ennis on Friday, Fianna Fáil’s agriculture spokesperson, Eamon Ó Cuiv, said an aid deal in needed urgently if Clare farmers are to be able to continue feeding animals over the next two to four weeks.

Deputy Ó Cuiv said that plan of Minister Coveney to fast-track payments under some farm scheme would have little or no effect in tackling the current crisis and a € 10 million aid package was need immediately to tackle the current problem.

“Steps taken yesterday by Minister Coveney to fast-track payments under various farming schemes will not help the most urgent cases,” said Deputy O’Cuiv.

“What is now needed is straight cash to assist farmers who cannot get credit and do not have enough money to feed their cattle.”

The former Fianna Fáil minister was speaking at an emergency meeting which took place at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis on Friday night last.

Speaking ahead of last Friday’s emergency meeting in Ennis, Minister Coveney said that access to credit was key for farmers to see themselves through this difficult period.

“Access to credit is crucial at this time and flexibility from both banks and merchants is vital. I will be speaking to banks to highlight the challenges facing farmers as a result of the weather, and insisting they take a flexible approach to dealing with short term credit issues,” he said.

“I have also been in contact with co-ops and grain and feed merchants to urge them to be flexible during this difficult time. This is an occasion when solidarity is needed among the farming community.

“I would ask those that have fodder to be proactive in making it available to neighbouring farmers who are encountering severe problems.”