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THREE men described by a Judge as being “armed to the hilt” outside a post office in Ennis last summer could have caused “huge injury and hurt”, a court has heard.

Details of the incident, which occurred at 11.30am at Bank Place, Ennis on June 6, 2012, were heard at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Michael Carr (22), with an address at Rose Cottage, Clarecastle and Martin Faulkner (23), with an address at Rose Cottage, Clarecastle were both charged with offences un der the firearms and offensive weapons act. Mr Carr pleaded guilty to the possession of a golf club intended by him unlawfully to cause injury to, incapacitate or intimidate a person.

Mr Faulkner pleaded guilty to possession of a timber bat intended by him unlawfully to cause injury to, incapacitate or intimidate a person.

A third man – Michael Mongans (23), with an address at Clarehill, Clarecastle, also appeared in court in connection with the incident at Bank Place. He pleaded guilty to possession of a machete.

Garda Trevor Shannon, of Ennis Garda Station, told the court that the three men became involved in a dispute between two other parties outside the post office.

The court heard the men had brought the weapons to intimidate another man who fled into the Bank of Ireland. The man did not sustain any injuries, the court heard.

Garda Shannon said the weapons were not recovered and the three accused men fled the scene.

The men were subsequently identified from CCTV footage of the area.

The court heard Mr Faulkner and Mr Carr have no previous convictions. Mr Mongans has previous convictions.

Solicitor for Mr Faulkner and Mr Carr, Daragh Hassett, said his clients had arrived at the “tail end of the dispute” and had been put under pressure to get involved.

He said Mr Carr is a “law abiding man” who had never been in trouble with the gardaí before. Mr Hassett said Mr Faulkner had never been to court before. He added, “He wishes to apologise profusely for his behaviour on the day.”

Solicitor Tara Godfrey said Michael Mongans’s attendance at the post office was “entirely coincidental.”

She told the court that her client suffers from depression and is the father of a seriously ill infant.

Judge Patrick Durcan said the people of Ennis had been confronted with the sight of three men actively involved with other third parties.

He said the timber bat and golf club were not for sporting purposes on the day while “there was no good purpose to have the machete.”

He said the three accused were “armed to the hilt” and could have caused “huge injury and hurt.”

Judge Durcan described the behaviour as “blaggardly”, “insolent” and “thuggish”. Noting Mr Faulkner and Mr Carr had shown a level of total cooperation with gardaí, he imposed 100-hour community service orders on each accused. Their cases were adjourned until March 20.

Of Mr Mongans, Judge Durcan said he had brought the most serious of the three weapons and the one that was most lethal. Mr Mongans was sentenced to six months in prison. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

FRACKING may not be needed to extract the large reserve of natural gas from the Clare Basin.

In his first ever Irish interview on the subject, Nick Elwes of UK company Enegi-oil, told The Clare People that fracking is just one option being explored for the Clare gas reserve. Mr Elwes also confirmed that Enegi-oil will be applying for an exploration licence for the Clare Basic before the approaching deadline.

“We are aware of the opposition [to hydraulic fracturing or fracking]. As, when and if we get a licence, it is too early to say how we would drill it and whether we would frack,” he told The Clare People .

“We are in the process of applying for that [a exploration license]. We have an option over the area which, as you’ve seen in our announcement last year, showed the prospectively of it and we must apply for an exploration licence before the end of this month.

“It’s too early to confirm at this stage how we’re going to take it forward as we’ve only proved there is some prospective there. We are try- ing to get to the next stage, [which is] the exploration licence. I wouldn’t like to comment on alternative methods at this early stage.”

Hydraulic fracture or fracking is a controversial technique used to release the natural gas from rock. It involves pumping water and other liquids deep underground under high pressure to break shale rock and release natural gas trapped inside.

Opponents to fracking say it could contaminate ground water systems over a large area, especially in West Clare where the shale rock layer is unusually shallow.

A number of anti-fracking groups, including Clare Fracking Concerned, have formed in recent months. It is also unclear if fracking will create any local jobs if it is allowed to go ahead.

“It’s too early to say [how many jobs will be created]. I don’t mean to be difficult but, at this early stage, I wouldn’t like to comment on things like that. It depends on how the project progresses,” continued Mr Elwes.

Public submissions to the EPA regarding the use of fracking in Ireland must be sent by email on or before March 8, 2013. Tue19February13

GARDAÍ say investigations into prostitution in the Ennis area are ongoing following the arrest of two Romanian women in the Mill Road area of the town last Monday night.

The women were detained at Ennis Garda Station before being brought before Kilrush District Court on Tuesday morning.

Ann Maria Prisaca (19) and Anisoara Popa (25), both with addresses at 19 Millstream Court, Mill Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences Act 1993).

The charge states that the women did knowingly live in whole or in part on the earnings of the prostitution of another person and aided and abetted that prostitution.

The charge states that the offence was committed at 19 Millstream Court, Mill Road, Ennis on February 11 (2013).

The women were each sentenced to 10 weeks in prison. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

Solicitor Patrick Moylan, who represented the women in court, said they had co-operated completely with the gardaí. He said the women had become involved in prostitution in order to get money to send home to their families who live in “dire poverty” in Romania.

Mr Moylan said it had been accepted that the money was not destined for a criminal organisation.

He said the women had been in Ireland for two weeks and are eager to return to Romania.

Speaking on Thursday, Inspector John Galvin of the Clare Garda Division confirmed the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into prostitution in the Ennis area.

Last February, an RTÉ Prime Time Investigates programme focused attention on a brothel operating in the Mill Road area of Ennis.

Gardaí in Ennis confirmed at the time that the premises had been under investigation.

Garda sources told The Clare People at the time that brothel start-ups are not uncommon in Clare but that they close as quickly as they open.

Internet advertising and mobile phone technology means that brothels can be set up and dismantled within a couple of hours.

“OH GOD!” Those were the words quietly whispered by Cllr Christy O’Malley (FF) as he was welcomed back to Kilrush Town Council on Tuesday night, as he listened to words of praise from his fellow councillors.

The former mayor of the town was nominated by his Fianna Fáil colleagues – Cllr Tom Prendevillle and Cllr Liam O’Looney – to fill the “Casual vacancy” arising from the death of Stephen O’Gorman in December.

“What do I say about Christy that has not been said or written,” said Cllr Prendeville, to which a bashful Cllr O’Malley was heard to whisper “Oh God”.

“He will light up this council because he is a very articulate and very intelligent man,” added the man charged with the nomination.

He paid tribute to the soon to be appointed councillor’s common sense, and his singing ability.

Cllr O’Looney described Cllr O’Malley as a welcome addition to the council. “He will defuse many a situation,” he said.

Members of the council that had not previously worked with Christy welcomed his “wealth of experience”, while old comrades spoke of a “very constructive and honest man”.

“It is lovely to see you here again. It was very sad for this council to see Stephen go, but it is fitting that you replace him,” added Cllr Marian McMahon Jones (FG).

Officially accepting the nomination under the Local Government Act, town clerk John Corry said that Mr O’Malley had been nominated by the Fianna Fáil party, and that the soon to be councillor had written to the clerk accepting that nomination.

“It is the only nomination I have received, so I am happy to receive it.”

As has become expected from the bi-lingual former Garda sergeant, Cllr O’Malley accepted the nomination in both Irish and English.

“All those glowing remarks. Were ye really talking about me?” he said.

He said he was honoured to take the seat vacated following the death of Cllr O’Gorman and paid special tribute the late councillor’s wife Geraldine and family, whom he described as dignified and caring at a time of great pain. “I hope to work in a cohesive, positive unit,” he said.

THE roads grant for Kilrush has been cut by 17 per cent this year to € 115,000.

For the last three years Kilrush Town Council had been allocated € 139,000 from the Discretionary Block Grant to Urban Authorities.

At this month’s meeting of the town council, executive engineer Derek Troy said the council was requested to direct as much as possible of this funding at road and footpath strengthen, remedying road and foot- path defects and maintaining and improving drainage. The work identified to be completed this year in the town is work on the main thoroughfare – Francis Street.

As well as resurfacing and new street markings, Mr Troy said the council also plan to draw up special parking spaces for buses and coaches. “It will be included but we will loose a few parking spaces,” he said.

The member of the council agreed however that the new bus spaces were necessary to promote tourism in the town.

The remaining budget will be al- located to road repair parking and public lighting, as well as signage and draining improvements. Repairs to footpaths “in the interest of safety and accessibility” will also be undertaken.

In issuing the grant, the Department of the Environment and Local Government also directed that expensive reconstruction should be avoided by timely resurfacing.

“This is particularly relevant in the case of worn concrete surfaces. Ideally resurfacing should form part of a programme extending over a limited number of years,” it stated.

A MAN found selling quantities of alcohol from a car in Clarecastle has been told he is facing a four-month prison sentence. Kevin Maughan (21), with an address at 42B Lissadyra, Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, Galway, pleaded guilty last week to handling stolen property at Clarehill, Clarecastle on October 5. The case came before Ennis District Court on Thursday. Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Gardaí found Mr. Maughan selling alcohol valued at € 539 from the boot of his car on the date in question.

Mr Maughan had 72 cans of Bulmers, 72 cans of Budweiser, 48 cans of Carlsberg, 48 cans of Guinness, two bottles of Huzzar vodka, one bottle of Tequilla, one bottle of liqueur, two bottles of Powers whiskey and cigarettes valued at € 132.

On hearing the “array” of alcohol discovered by gardaí, Judge Patrick Durcan said, it was “better than any you’d find in any cocktail bar in the county.” Insp Kennedy said Mr Maughan told gardaí he purchased the alcohol in Northern Ireland and intended to sell it in the South.

However the court heard that the accused later told gardaí that his wife bought the goods for € 160 from a man in a van in Crusheen. The court heard Mr Maughan has a number of previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Shiofra Hassett said her client suffered a serious head injury as a teenager and that the injury allied to a dependency on drugs had led Mr Maughan to make “very bad decisions.” She said Mr Maughan sold the alcohol because he was under pressure to pay off a drug debt.

She added, “He should not have done this. He is apologetic.”

Ms Hassett said Mr Maughan has taken steps to deal with his drug problems and is seeking employment. Judge Patrick Durcan said it that he had a four-month prison sentence in mind. He adjourned sentencing until April 3 to allow for a report from the probation services.

THE only name coming from Kilkee Town Council as a possible contender for the county council election in 2014 is that of Paddy Collins (FG).

Cllr Collins is leaving his final decision until the boundary commission has decided the new electoral areas.

“On a personal level, it depends on legislation in March regarding the size of the districts. It looks like it would be impossible if seats are reduced and the constituency goes up as far as Ballyvaughan. I would need possibly 4,000 votes and there ain’t 4,000 votes back here,” he said.

In Kilrush, councillors Liam Williams (FG), Paul Moroney (Ind), and Tom Prendeville (FF) are likely contenders but again the boundary commission is reducing any commitment.

“I am not prepared to commit. I have an interest but it will depend on the boundary commission,” said Cllr Williams.

Cllr Prendeville said, “I will take all matters into consideration – my family, the people of Kilrush and the boundary commission. If it is favourable, I will stand.”

Cllr Moroney said his family are still young so he would have to take that into consideration. The inde- pendent councillor added that he has already been approached by two parties to run, a fact that he is also taking into consideration.

The boundary issue also proved contentious in Ennis, with Cllr Peter Considine (FF) leaving his decision until it reports.

For other councillors, the decision is more straight-forward. They will not be running in the county election.

Kilrush councillor Tom Clyne (Ind) had already decided to retire after serving 10 years on the council, but others were forced to make the decision.

In Kilkee, Mayor Clare Haugh (FF) said she enjoyed her 27 and a half years on the town council to date, but would not be contesting the county elections.

“I hope I have made a contribution to Kilkee,” she said.

Cllr PJ Lardner (FF) said “There’s enough of them there. I prefer working for the community of Kilkee as I have done since ‘94. Maybe 15 years ago but it’s a no for now anyway.”

Cllr Lily Marrinan-Sullivan (Ind) came to the realisation that being a county councillor to a vastly increased area would be a full-time job.

“I hadn’t even thought about it. I’m still hoping they’ll save the town council. I would have to say no. Well, I have a full-time job and I’m not in a position to give all my time, which is what you would have to do,” she said.

Cllr Elaine Haugh-Hayes (FG) has other priorities at the moment.

“No, not me anyway. I have no intention. I have a new baby so I’m a little busy at the moment,” she said.

In Kilrush, it was disillusionment with politics in general that will help former mayor of Kilrush, Liam O’Looney (FF), to leave the world of politics behind after the next local election.

He said, however, that the town council would be missed when it is gone.

“If I never went, I would like to see a council there.”

EDUCATION Minister Ruairi Quinn has warned that it’s “unacceptable” that every national school in the Shannon and Newmarket-on-Fergus area remains under the patronage of a Christian Church.

Minister Quinn made his comments as the month-long school patronage survey close on Friday, just as fears have been raised locally that “pressure” was brought to bear on parents to demand that the status quo of eight Catholic schools remain in the Shannon and Newmarket-onFergus catchment.

“Ireland is a changed place and we have to reflect that change,” warned Minister Quinn, “so it’s simply not acceptable that 96 per cent of primary schools in the country be under the patronage of a Christian Church.

“The Shannon area has to play its part in that, so we have asked parents what kind of ethos they would like to have other than what’s already there. I would expect that in the Shannon region it’s not unreasonable to say of the eight Catholic schools, at least one of them should be in a position to be transferred by way of patronage to the Department of Education.

The eight Catholic schools in the survey area are Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Clonmoney and Stonehall in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Gaelscoil Donncha Rua, St Aidan’s, St Tola’s, St Senan’s and St Cronan’s in Shannon. A number of parents have complained that a letter circulated in Newmarket-on-Fergus amounted to pressure from the Catholic Church wanting three schools in the parish included in the survey to remain under Catholic control.

“The schools are rooted in the community and each one has its own distinct identity. A change of patronage would have major implications for staff, boards of management, parents and children,” the letter said.

The results of the survey of these schools will be made known to the Catholic authorities by the end of the month. The church authorities will then have to come back to the Department of Education within three months, ahead of a final resolution of the patronage issue by the end of the year.

“We want to reflect the change in Ireland and provide people with a choice,” said Minister Quinn. “We will assist the Catholic Church authorities in whatever way they want in identifying and selecting a school that could be reasonably transferred.

“In this day and age I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that one or two of those schools can’t change. If this is a true Republic and we accommodate and respect everyone equally. If this is the Banner County, where De Valera was elected for so many years, he would be to the forefront of a republican approach.”

TOWN councillors from Clare’s four different authorities who plan to run for the next local election have one major fear in common, that there respective towns will be forgotten in a new larger local authority.

They say that the major driving force behind their intention to stand is to ensure that their town and the surrounding area will continue to have a voice.

“I would prefer to be standing for Shannon Town Council than Clare County Council. I think town councils have a lot to offer and I think the current situation with the councils being disbanded should be reversed,” said Shannon’s Greg Duff (Lab).

Kilrush town councillors Ian Lynch (FG) and Marian McMahon Jones (FG) know what it is like not to have town representation at county level, and it is with this in mind that they both had decided to contest a county election, even if the town councils had remained.

“It is of the up most importance that we have a strong voice from West Clare,” said Cllr McMahon Jones.

“The town of Kilrush plays a huge part in the development of West Clare. Kilrush needs a councillor on the county council to ensure that the town and West Clare are represented and the concerns and needs of the electorate served,” said Cllr Lynch.

And while Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) may be preparing to contest the county council election, he will forever be a “townie” at heart.

“Look I’m going to have to see what the results of the boundary commission are but I would be intending to go. I would like to see people from the town have someone from the town to vote for. You could have people running that wouldn’t be inclined to have the same love for the town as a townie. I’d be inclined to run just to give people in the town a chance to vote for a townie,” he said.

Cllr Michael Fleming (FG) is keen to represent his town and area but realized getting the opportunity will not be easy.

“It is going to be difficult for anyone to get elected to these new municipal districts, but for people like me who contested their first election in 2009 it is going to be even harder. But despite that I am willing to throw my hat into the ring. I would be a lot happier to run for Shannon Town Council and not this new district,” he said.

THE owner of a well-known hotel has expressed concern that Ennis is falling behind other areas of the country when it comes to attracting tourists.

John Madden of the Temple Gate Hotel called yesterday for a more unified approach to the promotion of the county capital, saying that groups currently involved in the tourism sector are “not working together”.

Mr Madden said he is concerned that Ennis is losing tourists to areas such as Westport, Cork and Galway.

He said, “Are there too many organisations? I don’t know but we need to be acting and working together.”

“There is a huge push going on in Limerick at the moment and it just seems that we don’t have the same push in Clare,” he added.

Mr Madden was speaking at a meeting of Clare County Council’s Community and Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Services, Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

He said the recent purchase of the West County Hotel by the Treacy Group could also be a huge boost to the town.

Mr Madden said the hotel’s reputation as a conference venue would continue to be “crucial” to bringing visitors to Ennis.

He explained, “I remember a time when there were up on 19 or 20 conferences a year in Ennis.

“If the West County can be encouraged along, we can get back to that stage again.”

He continued, “We had the AllIreland Darts Championships in the West County at the weekend and the hotels were full.

“I saw families of players coming back to the hotel with bags after shopping in the town. If we can get more of that (type of business), Ennis will do well.”

Mr Madden said all groups involved in the promotion of Ennis should meet and agree on a unified approach.

Director of Service and Ennis Town Manager, Ger Dollard told the meeting that groups such as Promote Ennis are working to bring more tourists to Ennis.

However, Mr Dollard said that both Promote Ennis and the Clare Tourism Forum will have to “gear up for a new reality” when the responsibility for tourism promotion for the mid-west is transferred from Shannon Development to An Bórd Fáilte.

Mr Dollard said initiatives such as the recent Purple Flag are aimed at bringing more tourists to Ennis.

Mr Madden told the meeting that businesses are concerned over the time it is taking for responsibility for the newly independent Shannon Airport to be transferred away from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to the new board.

He said, “It hasn’t really transferred and it is a worry and the people that are going to suffer are businesses.”

He also called for Clare to be better promoted in the arrivals hall of Shannon Airport.

Mr Dollard said a two-person board has already been set up and further appointments are expected.

He said stands promoting Clare will be on view in new destinations serviced by Shannon, such as Phoenix and Washington.

Mr Dollard told the meeting that the Clare Tourism Forum will spend up to € 10,000 this year on signs at Shannon Airport. Ma n u fa c tu re rs o f Bo x P ro file Cla d d in g a n d Co rru g a te d Sh e e tin g a ls o ma n u fa c tu re rs o f No n -Drip In s u la te d Ro o fin g , All Fla s h in g s , Cla p p in g s a n d Gu tte rs e tc Sp e e d y d e live ry, ke e n e s t p ric e s fo r a ll yo u r n e e d s in Ro o fin g Ag ric u ltu ra l o r In d u s tria l