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AN alleged attack by two teenagers on a family vehicle on a main street last month formed part of a “wider dispute” between two Ennis based families, a court has heard.

Three people were in the car when it was allegedly attacked by two males allegedly carrying hurleys on O’Connell Street on April 10.

Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident.

They appeared before Ennis District Court and Ennis Children’s Court on Wednesday. They are charged with public order and weapon’s offences.

James Keenan (18), with an address at Childer’s Road Cloughleigh is charged with having a hockey stick intended to unlawfully intimidate or incapacitate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to a vehicle.

He is also charged with criminal damage of the car owned by a woman and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

A 15-year-old boy is also charged with criminal damage and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace arising from the alleged incident at O’Connell Street.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is further charged with having a hurley intended to cause injury, incapacitate, intimidate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to the windscreen, bonnet and side of a car while three occupants were on board.

On Wednesday, Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the cases in the district court.

He outlined the alleged facts of the case to allow Judge Patrick Durcan consider whether to accept jurisdiction of the matter in the district or transfer it to the circuit court.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged both accused were carrying hurleys when they set upon the vehicle owned by Kathleen Doherty.

He said damage costing 4000 euros was caused during the alleged attack. Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the incident is part of a wider dispute between the families.

Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction, meaning it will now proceed in the circuit court.

Defence solicitor said he consented to the cases being adjourned to September 10 for service of the books of evidence. Both accused were remanded on continuing bail.

A CLARE man has appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a girl in the county just over a year ago.

The alleged offences are alleged to have occurred at a named address in South Clare.

The 39-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with five counts of sexual assault of the female on dates unknown between December 1, 2012 and January 2, 2013.

The alleged offences are contrary to section two of the criminal law rape amendment act as amended by section 37 of the sex offender’s act 2001. A schedule of the evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the accused was handed into court by Insp Tom Kennedy.

Defence solicitor Oonagh Moylan made an application for legal aid. However she said this was not a normal application.

She said her client is a factory worker but has debts of € 17,000.

Ms Moylan said the case could require the services of both junior counsel and senior counsel.

She said the legal aid application was an appropriate one given the serious nature of the charges her client is facing. She said her client had filled out a statement of means.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the State had no objection to legal aid.

He said the case would proceed on a book of evidence to a higher court and that senior counsel may ultimately be engaged.

Judge Durcan granted legal aid.

He also imposed reporting restrictions. Judge Durcan ordered that the name of the accused, the alleged victim and the location of the alleged offences not be published.

He said the media could say the accused is from Clare and could also refer to the general geographical area where the offences are alleged to have occurred. THE case of three people charged following an altercation outside a pub in the Parnell Street area of Ennis last year is due to be heard on October. Solicitors for Kevin Cooper (52), Terry Sherlock (26) and Martin Sherlock (27) told Ennis District Court on Wednesday that a date for hearing would be required. The case, which involves allegations of assault and public order offences, is expected to take three hours to hear. Mr Cooper, with an address at Drumcairnmore, Loughville, Ennis is facing a charge of assault causing harm arising out of an alleged incident near Barcode Bar on March 31, 2013. Martin Sherlock, with an address at Clancy Park, Ennis, is charged with assaulting Mr Cooper arising out of the same circumstances. It is also alleged Martin Sherlock engaged in threatening, abusive and or insulting behaviour at Parnell Street on March 31. Another man Terry Sherlock with an address at Westbourne Watery Road, Ennis is charged with assaulting Mr Cooper at Parnell Street, Ennis on March 31. On Wednesday, solicitor for Mr Cooper, Stephen Nicholas told the court the case involves lengthy CCTV footage. Inspector Tom Kennedy said seven witnesses may be called to give evidence. The court heard the case could take three hours to hear. Judge Patrick Durcan set October 28 as the date for hearing.

A HOME-MADE knife was discovered in the entrance at Ennis Courthouse following a number of scuffles that broke out on Wednesday.

Gardaí are investigating altercations which flared up between members of two families who were present in the courthouse on the day.

A fight between younger members of both families developed at the entrance at around 11am.

The courthouse was busy with sittings of Ennis District Court and the High Court underway.

People standing in the lobby area initially thought the parties were “messing about” but the incident turned serious when a male teenager was knocked to the floor and struck a number of times.

There was a large number of gardaí present inside the district court positioned between the families who were sat at opposite sides of the courtroom.

Men from either side traded verbal insults. At one point, Judge Patrick Durcan said he would adjourn court business if peace was not kept in the courtroom.

Judge Durcan said law and order was not being maintained in the courtroom and said decent citizens who had business in court were being subjected to “vile behaviour”.

Order was restored both inside and outside the courtroom. A number of people were arrested.

The knife was discovered on the floor just inside the front door at around 11.30am.

It is described as home-made, with two short blades sitting on a handle wrapped in red tape.

Gardaí are investigating the incident and are studying CCTV footage taken from cameras in the Courthouse.

The two Ennis families suspected of being involved in the fracas have been engaged in a dispute for much of the past 12 months.

This is the first violent incident to occur in Ennis Courthouse in recent months.

The building was the scene of a spate of similar fights and altercations throughout 2012 and 2013.

Last October Ennis-based solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court there were times during the year when legal practitioners feared for their safety such was the frequency of fights at the time.

FR TOM McNamara, the priest identified as “Father A” in last week’s review of safeguarding practices in the Diocese of Killaloe, may have abused children in America before returning to the diocese in the late 1960s.

Reports of three separate allegations of abuse involving Fr McNamara have emerged.

These reports involve separate allegation made by adolescents in the Diocese of St Augustine in north Florida where the Clare priests was stationed on dates between 1966 and 1968.

The diocese, which is located near Jacksonville in north Florida, say it was not aware of any subsequent abuse carried out by Fr McNamara until after the priest’s death in 1997.

A report by the Diocese of St Augustine undertaken in 2004 identifies Fr McNamara as the priest accused of “inappropriately touching” three youths during his service as a visiting priest in diocese in the late 1960s.

At the time of the report, a spokes- person from Diocese of St Augustine, which represents 162,000 Catholics, said there was no indication that diocesan officials knowingly returned the priest to an unsuspecting Irish church.

Indeed, according to the report, officials in the diocese only became aware of the allegations in 2003 six years after the death of Fr McNamara.

According to reports, McNamara served as a visiting priest at Christ the King and St Patrick parishes in Jacksonville. It is not clear if the allegation were made by boys or girls – or if the alleged abuse took place on church grounds.

The Bishop of Killaloe, Kieran O’Reilly, last week says he regrets the actions taken by the diocese, which allowed Fr McNamara to remain in active ministry for more than three decades, despite allegations of sexual abuse being made against him.

At the time of the initial abuse, Fr McNamara was not removed from active ministry but was instead sent by the diocese for therapy.

Fr McNamara retired from active minister in 1993 and died in 1997, aged 77.

Patrick (Brud) SKEHAN
, Faheymore, Bridgetown. Peacefully in the Millbrae Lodge Nursing Home, Newport. Removal fromhis residence on Tuesday for 11.30amRequiemMass in Bridgetown church. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Bridget (Pydge) STACK (née McNama
ra) , Deerpark, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Formerly of Glin, Co Limerick. RequiemMass in Sixmilebridge Parish Church today (Tuesday) at 12.30pm, followed by burial in Killeen Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Michael O’BRIEN
, 8 Summerhill, Ennis. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Donations, if desired, to the Clare 250 Mile Cycle. May he rest in peace.

PJ GINNANE
, Quay Road and formerly of Horse Island, Kildysart, Clare. Peacefully at his residence. Laid to rest in Kildysart. May he rest in peace.

Kieran MCNAMARA
, Portobello, Dublin/Kilkishen, late of Enagh East, Kilkishen. Laid to rest in Clonlea Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

James (Jimmy) RYNNE
, Ballykeale, Kilfenora. Peacefully. Laid to rest in Kilfenora cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Marie CLANCY (née McDonagh)
, Kilnaboy Road, Corofin, formerly of Glasha, Doolin. Laid to rest inThe Holy Rosary Cemetery, Doolin. Donations, if desired, toThe Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse Fund. May she rest in peace.

Patrick DILLON
, Muckinish, Ballyvaughan. Pecefully after a short illness. Laid to rest in Bishopsquarters Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Kathleen KELLY (née Phelan)
, Rock Bungalow, Old Gort Road, Ennis. Peacefully at the University Hospital Limerick. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Jane O’SHEA (née Sutton)
, Darragh, Ennis. Laid to rest in Ballyea. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May she rest in peace.

Hugh RICE
,Attyterilla, Ruan. Peacefully at Milford Hospice Limerick after a short illness. Laid to rest in Ruan Cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace

Eamon LEAHY
, 48 Cronin Park, Shannon. Laid to rest in Illaunamanagh Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Tony LYNCH
, Lissycasey. Peacefully at Cahercalla Hospice. Laid to rest in Lissycasey. Donations if desired toWest Clare Cancer Support and Cahercalla Hospice. May he rest in peace.

Martin QUEALLY,
Meelick, Inagh. Laid to rest in Inagh. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace.

Michael ROUGHAN
, Ennis, Galway. Formerly of Ballyneylon, Fountain. Laid to rest in the new Cemetery,Athenry. May he rest in peace.

FRESH allegations of historic clerical sexual abuse in the Killaloe Diocese have emerged in the wake of the publication of a review of safeguarding practices by Bishop Kieran O’Reilly last week.

The report, which was undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church of Ireland, details 26 separate allegation made against one priest, identified in the report as “Father A”, which took place on various dates from the mid-60s to the 1990s.

The priest was subsequently identified by Bishop O’Reilly as Fr Tom McNamara, who passed away in 1997.

Since this information was made public last Tuesday, The Clare People has been contacted by a number of people who claim to have been abused by Father McNamara – including one man who alleges that the abuse he suffered was not part of the 26 cases identified in the report.

The man, who has asked not to be identified, claims to have been abused by Father McNamara in an East Clare primary school in the mid to late 1960s.

“He abused me when I was at school. He would line up the boys against the school wall and put his hands inside their trousers. I would have been 12 years-old at the time. He would bring us to matches and no-one would want to sit in the front seat,” said the man.

“It wasn’t hidden at all. Everyone knew about it. What I don’t understand is why the teacher didn’t do anything. She [the teacher who is now deceased] must have known what was going on and did nothing. There was never a formal complaint made. Sure who would I complain to?”

Despite this alleged abuse, the man has a positive outlook towards members of the local church, and Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh in particular. The man met Bishop Walsh during his time at St Flannan’s School in Ennis and described as “an honorable man, a decent man that you could say something to”.

Current child protection procedures at the Diocese of Killaloe was commended as part of last week’s report. Both current Bishop Kieran O’Reilly and his predecessor Willie Walsh were commended by the report for their handling of allegation made in the diocese and the steps they have taken to improve child safety in the diocese.

The diocese of Killaloe has designated two people, Cleo Yates and Fr Pat Malone, to receive all historic and new reports of abuse. Their contact information is available on www.killaloediocese.ie.

SINN Fein remain confident as early indications suggest it could secure its first Clare County Council seat in living memory when the electorate go to the polls on Friday.

With national polls showing voters favouring Independent and Sinn Féin candidates, those canvassing in Clare said the party is looking strong.

Independent candidates have also reported that people on the doorsteps are indicating support for non-parties and the Government opposition party. Despite being in Government, Fine Gael remains optimistic although cautious, while Fianna Fáil are getting a less hostile reception than the last time they went on the hustings. Meanwhile Labour is reportedly hopeful but taking nothing for granted.

Director of Elections for Fine Gael Edmund Jennings said that while candidates are getting a good reaction on the doorstep, there is a fear there could be a surprise when the votes are counted.

Finbarr MacGabhann, Director of Elections for Sinn Féin in Clare told The Clare People the party was very encouraged by the reception on the doorstep.

Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil Gerry Reidy said that reception on the doorsteps for the party’s candidates is much better than the last local elections in 2009 and general election in 2011.

Labour TD Michael McNamara said that while the party is confident it is taking nothing for granted.

Meanwhile, the majority of Independent candidates believe this is going to be their election as the electorate says anything but party politics.

TWO Limerick men appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court yesterday charged in connection with thefts from cars in Clare GAA grounds on Sunday.

Jonathan McCarthy (23), with and address at Quarry Road, Thomondgate, Limerick and Samuel Quilligan (25), with an address Altamira, Thomondgate, Limerick, are accused of stealing a hurley and € 20 from a car in Sixmilebridge GAA club on May 18.

They are also charged with the theft of a crate of Smirnoff Ice from a car in Broadford GAA club on May 18.

Mr McCarthy is accused of causing criminal damage to a side window of a car in Kildooras, Clonlara on the same day.

Detective Garda John Mulvihill of Killaloe Garda Station gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr McCarthy.

He said in response to two charges, the accused replied, “I’m very sorry”. In reply to the other charge, Mr McCarthy said, “I’m very sorry. I will pay for the costs”.

Detective Garda Bernard Casey of Killaloe Garda Station told the court Mr Quilligan made no comment to charges after caution.

Both men were granted bail subject to a number of conditions.

They were ordered to reside at their addresses; observe a curfew between 11pm and 7am and be available for inspection to gardaí.

They were ordered not to drive any motor vehicles until the case is resolved.

Both men were also ordered to stay out of Clare except for court business. Solicitor for both accused, John Herbert, told the court Mr McCarthy intends to receive immediate psychiatric treatment.

Judge Mary Larkin said Mr McCarthy must notify gardaí of any change in his address.

Both men were assigned legal aid after Mr Herbert said they were suitable candidates.

A third person, Danika Frahill (22) also appeared before the court.

Ms Frahill, with an address at Caherdavin Shopping Centre Apartments, Limerick, is charged with handling a stolen Nokia mobile phone at Shannon Garda Station on May 18. Detective Garda Stephen Ryan of Shannon Garda Station said Ms Frahill made no reply to charge after caution.

Ms Herbert told Judge Larkin that Ms Frahill is presently out of work and a suitable candidate for legal aid. The accused was granted bail on the same conditions as Mr Quilligan and Mr McCarthy.

All three were remanded on bail to appear at Killaloe District Court on July 1 for DPP’s directions.

SINN Fein remain confident as early indications suggest it could secure its first Clare County Council seat in living memory, when the electorate go to the polls on Friday.

With national polls showing voters favouring Independent and Sinn Féin candidates, those canvassing in Clare said the party is looking strong.

Independent candidates have also reported that people on the doorsteps are indicating support for non-parties and the Government opposition party. Despite being in Government, Fine Gael remains optimistic although cautious, while Fianna Fáil are getting a less hostile reception than the last time they went on the hustings.

Meanwhile Labour is reportedly hopeful but taking nothing for granted. Director of Elections for Fine Gael Edmund Jennings said that while candidates are getting a good reaction on the door, there is a fear that there could be a surprise when the votes are counted.

“There could be a swing against the Government and we are very mindful of that, but we are not getting it on the doors,” he said.

“Most of our candidates are sitting county councillors and those that are not are very strong. When you speak to the individual candidates they are quietly confident,” he added.

Sinn Féin in Clare has a pep in its step as it canvasses the doors believing there is a real chance of returning a county councillor to the chamber for the first time in almost 90 years, with Shannon and Ennis polling strong for the party.

Finbarr MacGabhann, Director of Elections for Sinn Féin in Clare told The Clare People the party was very encouraged by the reception on the doorstep.

“There is a lot of anger at the Government and previous government, and we would be confident of taking a seat.

Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil Gerry Reidy said that reception on the doorsteps for the party’s candidates is much better that the last local elections in 2009 and general election in 2011.

“There is very good engagement. It was visibly hostile the last time,” he said.

“Our fear is visible apathy. We are not too confident of a large turn out.”

Labour TD Michael McNamara said that while the party is confident it is taking nothing for granted. The party is particularly hopeful of taking a seat in Ennis area.

A LIMERICK man has pleaded guilty to handling stolen property in Magowna last May.

Darra Moore (23) admitted handling stolen property including four pairs of sunglasses, a harmonica, sunglasses and kodak digital camera on dates unknown between May 22 and May 23 in Magowna.

Mr Moore, with an address at Cosgrave Park, Moyross, Limerick, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the property was stolen form an unlocked car outside a house between the dates in question.

A follow up investigation found that Mr Moore was in the area at the time.

The property was recovered and Mr Moore was charged with handling the stolen items.

The court heard Mr Moore has 76 previous convictions including for theft and handling offences.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client fully cooperated with gardaí and took responsibility for all of the items recovered.

Mr Hassett said the offence was committed at a time when Mr Moore was taking drugs.

He said the accused is now dealing with his addictions and is genuinely remorseful for his actions.

The court heard Mr Moore is currently serving a prison sentence and is due for release in December.

Judge Patrick Durcan asked Insp Kennedy if anything could be gained by adding to Mr Moore’s prison sentence.

Insp Kennedy said the point had to be made that Mr Moore is a “serial offender” who shows no regard for other people’s property.

He said society could not tolerate persistent criminal behaviour such as this.

Judge Durcan imposed a three month prison sentence but told Mr Moore this would not extend his time in prison beyond December when he is due for release.

He said Mr Moore’s activities had hurt other people.

Judge Durcan concluded by encouraging him to avail of opportunities in prison.

WATER safety officer Liam Griffin has retired from Clare County Council after more than four decades service.

Last summer the Ennis man led the campaign for people to stay safe in Clare waters during one of the warm- est spell in almost a decade.

As well as over seeing water safety in the county’s public bathing areas, Mr Griffin was also charged with responsibility for the Civil Defence.

The proud Eire Óg man joined Clare County Council on July 16, 1973, as an assistant civil defence officer.

He served in this role until 1996, when he was appointed Civil Defence Officer and Water Safety Development Officer.

Retiring “a few years early” to make the most of his retirement years, Mr Griffin said he was looking forward to the freedom of not being governed by the clock and the freedom to travel more, even at short notice.

First on his itinerary is a trip to America with his wife Marie at the end of the year.

“I have been most places in the world except America, so the trip is planned,” he said.

He is also looking forward to spending time with his family – daughters Sinead and Eimear, son John and his fiancé Jenny, and son-in-law Aidan – as well as his grandchildren, the fourth of which is due to make their way into the world any day.

Asked if he will miss the job, the father of three said, “I have made a huge amount of friends and friendships through the years, but those will be friends for life.”

The Mayor Joe Arkins (FG) and county manager Tom Coughlan led tributes to Liam for his outstanding work in the area of civil defence and water safety over 41 years.