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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.

A HIGHLY invasive species of marine animals known as “marine vomit” has been discovered in the waters off the North Clare coast.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says it is aware of the spread in south Galway Bay area of the carpet sea squirt known as Didemnum vexillum, a highly invasive non-native species that can smother marine life.

Didemnum vexillum are tiny animals in the tunicate family, that form together in massive colonies when conditions for breeding are suitable. These massive colonies spread quickly along the surface of the water, growing over and smothering anything in its path such as muscles, clams, oysters and plant life.

The marine vomit, which is given its names because of the colonies appearance as it spreads under water, is understood to have been carried to Clare from Japanese waters on the hulls of ships or in ballast wa- ter discharged from certain vessels.

It is not as yet clear if it will have a serious detrimental effect on the local shellfish populations, but tests carried out in waters close to Traught Beach on the Clare/Galway border indicate that it could pose a threat locally.

Indeed, these tests reveal a significant presence of marine vomit growing on the sea bed for the first time in Ireland. Up until now concentrations of Didemnum vexillum have been found on floating structures which cause little danger to other marine life.

Once the marine vomit become established it can spread rapidly. Indeed, the species could one day cover the entire of Galway Bay as was seen in George’s Bank between Canada and America where it now covers an area estimated to be more than 200 square kilometres.

Marine vomit has been located at more then six places around the Irish coast but Galway Bay now appears to be at the highest risk of invasion.

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.

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.

SHANNON is set to have a key role in the celebration of 75 years of transatlantic travel into Ireland, with Clare’s international airport teaming up with the former flyingboat airbase in Foynes for the Foynes/Shannon 75th Anniversary Airshow in July.

The event takes place on July 5/6, details of which were officially announced at the weekend at Shannon Airport by its Chairman Rose Hynes and Foynes Flying Boat Museum Director Margaret O’Shaughnessy to coincide with yet another key milestone for aviation on the estuary – the 75th anniversary of the first aircraft, the Irish Air Corps Aero Anson A43, landing at Rineanna, which is now Shannon Airport.

The high point of the July festival will be a three-hour airshow on Sunday, July 6, featuring some of Europe’s leading aerobatic experts in a range of aircraft. Over 20 acts from Ireland, the UK and Europe are booked to appear in what promises to be the country’s most spectacular airshow for many years. Sunday will also see An Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveil a plaque to all who used the Foynes Air Base.

The festival will also include a stunning dare-devil display at dusk on Saturday by the UK based-Breitling Wing Walkers as well as a Sky Pyro Show and a fireworks display over the river and harbour.

Looking ahead to the festival, Shannon Airport Chairman Rose Hynes said the 75th anniversary is not just significant for Shannon and Ireland but for aviation internationally.

“The name Shannon is recognized and respected across the world of aviation as it has such a pivotal place in the history of air travel. It was the first European gateway for transatlantic flights and so much history also followed. While it is all concentrated today on this side of the estuary, it really began across the estuary at Foynes.

“We are delighted to support this very important anniversary and all the more so today as we celebrate our own 75th anniversary this weekend the landing of the first aircraft here at Shannon.

“We are very proud of our place in global aviation, having achieved so many firsts, from being the original transatlantic crossing to the birthplace of duty-free and right up to becoming the first airport outside North America to have full US preclearance. It is right that we honour that history in style with the weekend festivities in Foynes and look to the example given by the pioneers of 75 years ago as an inspiration going forward.”

In addition to Shannon Airport, other organisations and companies supporting the event are Shannon Foynes Port Company, Limerick City & County Council, IAA, Avolon, which is headed up by Clare People owner Domhnal Slattery, Air Contractors and Irelandia Aviation.

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.

THERE were celebrations at Ennis College of Further Education on Friday as over 100 QQI Level 5 Certificates were presented to graduates across a range of courses.

The college is part of the Ennis Community College campus, which has a long tradition of Post Leaving Certificate and Further Education in Clare. The certificates related to courses in Legal Studies, Business Studies, Childcare, Special Needs Care, Nursing Studies, Community & Health Services, Office Administration/Medical Secretary and, for the first time, Health Science, Physiology & Sport.

Friday’s presentations were made by Ms Catherine O’Sullivan, FETAC External Authenticator, who congratulated the group and highlighted the currency of their awards for further education and in the workplace.

Mr John Cooke, Principal of En- nis Community College, praised the class for their dedication and hard work. He highlighted the fact that QQI qualifications open the door to third level for many students as they are accepted by the CAO as part of the Higher Education Links Scheme.

“These courses offer a wide range of employment opportunities and many of this year’s graduates have already secured employment in offices, crèches, nursing homes and sports facilities,” he added.

He also announced two new programmes which will begin in September: Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education will enable learners to take on a supervisory role in an Early Childhood Education setting; Level 6 Business delves into business management and will offer a strong foundation for anyone wishing to take on a responsible role in business or pursue further studies at third level. These new programmes have been introduced as follow-on training from Level 5 courses.

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.

MORE than a a dozen people Clare people will be affected by the temporary closure of the Rape Crisis Centre Midwest in Ennis.

The centre yesterday cited funding shortfalls as the reason for closing offices and services in Ennis, Nenagh and Limerick.

Rape Crisis Midwest provides a confidential one to one counselling service to both male and female survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. The service sees approximately 80 clients a week in the entire midwest.

Between 12 and 14 people a week attend the service at the Tracklands business park in Ennis.

Many of those are adults who suffered sexual abuse as children.

The Ennis centre is due to close on a temporary basis in September.

A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis Midwest said yesterday, “The financial status of the centre is at a critical point. We are part funded by the Child and Family Agency and, like many other charities, have experienced significant cutbacks over the last number of years. There is no reasonable prospect of meeting our shortfall, estimated to be in the region of € 120,000 in the entire midwest. The current fundraising programme in place will not satisfy that shortfall.”

Rape Crisis Midwest provides 3.2 counselling staff to cater for demand in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

She continued, “We regrettably have been forced to implement cost saving measures including a decision to temporarily close the Clare and Tipperary service for at least one month and possibly more. In addition, we have had to implement similar measures in Limerick and will only be in a position to offer a skeletal and limited service over the coming months. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly and has come on the back of additional significant cost-saving measures over the last number of years.”

The decision to close will not affect the centre’s forensic service unit for sexual assault victims, which will continue to operate at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

The service is appealing for donations. For further information log on to www.rapecrisis.ie or contact 1800 311511.

The spokeswoman continued, “It is ironic that during difficult economic times, demand for the service in the centres is even greater and we do not wish to have to close our doors to those who are most vulnerable in society. Please assist in helping to save our centre and providing this muchneeded service to survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse.” TODAY A ve ry we t a ft e rn o o n in sto re , te m p s a t 16c b u t h e avy sh o we rs.

DANGEROUS scenes unfolded in Shannon on Saturday night when local gardaí had to call for assistance as a stand-off developed between members of the force and soccer supporters from Moyross on a bus attempting to return to Limerick.

It is understood that the extra gardaí called to the scene, arrived in Shannon already in riot gear.

Following the stand-off, which lasted for more than 20 minutes, gardaí made an arrest and recovered items allegedly stolen from a group of local teenagers earlier that evening.

Locals watching the scenes in Shannon on Saturday night described the situation as fraught.

“It was frightening for a while. The gardaí weren’t wanted on that bus and they were slow to come off it. Thankfully the reinforcements arrived when they did, otherwise I don’t know what would have happened,” a man who did not wish to be identified told The Clare People .

Seven teenagers were in a wooded area in Drumgeely when they were approached at around 7.30pm by a group of three males. Two of the group were wearing hoodies. One of them produced a knife and demanded money from them. The suspects stole € 24 and a speaker for a mobile phone before making off in the direction of Corrib Park.

It transpired the gang had travelled to Shannon with the Moyross United soccer club from Limerick. The suspects were part of a group of supporters that travelled by bus to play local side Shannon Town.

Gardaí in Shannon were alerted and intercepted the bus before it left the area. The passengers were asked to disembark and one of the injured parties was able to identify an 18year-old man suspected of being involved in the robbery.