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can reveal. The hotel, which has been closed

since early 2008, will be reopened later this month under the guidance of local hotelier Noel Mulhaire. The business will now be known as the Woodstock Hotel, Golf and Spa Re- sort and will open following a deal brokered by Wyndham Worldwide on behalf of one of their largest UK-

PPO mM BETO N Koay

While a franchisee has yet to be announced, Wyndham Worldwide are reportedly in discussion with a number of interested parties.

“The Woodstock Hotel is a magnif- icent property that should never have closed. It is ideally located on its own beautiful grounds, houses an 18-hole championship golf course and has all the facilities you could possibly want from a four-star property. The tim- ing is good to make long-term deals for hotel properties in Ireland,” said Jason Wischoff, Development Man- ager for Wyndham Worldwide.

Recruitment for 50 positions will start immediately, with the hotel set to reopen on March 27. A further 20 positions will come online during the summer months.

“When times are hard, it’s all about

the product offering, the service and the value you offer. If you look after your customer, the business will look after itself,’ said Mr Mulhaire.

“IT would also add that our UK partners have a great track record in staging large events and spectacular banqueting.”

Meanwhile, the Shannon Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is warning that hotel opening on Sun- days may soon come to an end as bosses struggle to pay higher rates to staff.

“Current wage costs of over €20 an hour for Sunday working are un- justified and completely out of step with other countries,’ said Lahi- nch hotelier and chairperson of the Shannon Branch of the IHF, Michael Vaughan.

“Hoteliers have now been forced to

curtail services on Sunday as a result of the statutory requirement under the archaic Joint Labour Committee SAKURA OOM cerca DIE NUN ASN E: lore lished back in 1946 – and requires hotels operating outside of Dublin and Cork cities and Dun Laoghaire to pay double-time for work per- formed on Sundays.

‘There is no doubt that a more rea- sonable wage arrangement would re- sult in increased employment oppor- tunities on Sundays. Hotels simply cannot bear these high rates in the current market.

“It is jeopardising the viability of hotels which cannot sustain this level of cost and find themselves curtail- ing services on a Sunday,” added Mr WET ted athe

A COMMON enrollment policy for primary schools in the Ennis parish area will be launched in Ennis on Thursday.

The policy means that all student enrollments for children attending schools in the Ennis parish area will now be handled by the Clare Educa- tion Centre at the Kilrush Road, En- nis instead of by individual schools.

The key features of the new policy

are a co-coordinated structure for all schools, and common advertis- ing dates, application forms, closing dates and registration sessions.

The policy is the product of a series of meetings organised by the Ennis Education Forum, a body that rep- resents all schools in Ennis parish. The process has been facilitated by St Senan’s education office in Lim- erick. The office provides support to the Dioceses of Limerick, Killaloe and Kerry.

Speaking yesterday Joe O’Connell Director at St Senan’s said the En- nis Education Forum had explored several issues when formulating the policy.

‘The six schools in the Ennis par- ish came together to formulate the policy. The forum met regularly and a sub-committee of chairmen of Boards of Management and school principals was formed. They looked at applying a common set of proce- dures for all the schools.”

Mr O’Connell said that prior to the introduction of the new system, schools operated their own enroll- ment policies.

“One of the issues that they were working towards was a common agreement on areas such as applica- tion forms and closing dates for reg- istration. There was a lot of collabo- ration on all of the issues that were raised and the forum has worked hard to achieve it.”

The enrollment policy aims to guar-

antee 25 per cent of all new school places for minorities, Travellers and foreign nationals.

The common enrollment policy 1s due to be introduced in September. The aim is to provide a common enrollment policy for all schools in the Ennis parish, to include Catholic education and a welcome for pupils of other faiths and traditions.

The policy will be launched at in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Thursday, March 5 at 8pm

A LEAVING certificate student from Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna will this week be- come the first Clare person ever to compete in the British version of the Young Scientist Competition.

Kilfenora student Darren O’Gorman will travel to London to represent his country in the coveted competition. His entry, which was well received at both the Irish BT Young Scientist Competition and the Northern Irish competition, involved studies into the growing patterns of buttercups in and around turloughs.

Darren’s research uncovered a marked difference in the buttercups which grew in the middle of the tur-

loughs, where the waters are deepest, than the other areas.

“I went out to different turlough sites in my area and took samples of the buttercups growing in the basin and took measurements from them to see if there was different measure- ments in the flowers,” he said.

“It really was to see what impact the flood waters were having on the leaves and growth patterns of the plants. There was significant dif- ferences between the buttercups. I found a relationship between the ac- tual area of the leaf and the distance from the centre of the flood.

“My main finding is that as you moved away from the centre of the flood the size of the leaves on the flowers actually got noticeably big-

ger.”

Darren finished his Leaving Cert mock exams on Friday and will fly out to London for the competition on AYA(erebaTeTe rN

“The competition takes place in the Queen Elizabeth II Centre this week. I qualified for this exhibition because I got a Crest award in the Northern Ireland Competition. Five students from the Northern Ireland competi- tion were awarded Crests and we will be competing against people from all over the UK in the overall Crest Competition,” continued Darren.

“Beside the group in Northern Ire- land, there are qualifiers from all over the UK taking part. There will be something in the region of 200 projects in the Crest Competition al-

together.”

Over the last two decades Mary Immaculate Secondary School has established a strong tradition in the Young Scientist Competitions, win- ning a number of awards over the years and regularly having more than 10 projects in the final exhibition.

The schools endeavours in the com- petition are led by teacher John Sims, who has had students featured in the competition for more than 25 years.

PARENTS, children and teachers from all over Clare and south Gal- way are being encouraged to take the economic and environmental option when travelling to schools.

In the latest evolution of An Taisce’s Green School initiative, a programme has been started to encourage people to look at different ways of getting around.

Almost 200 children, parents and teachers took part in a mass walk-to- school at Inagh National School last Wednesday. The walk was organised to highlight the different benefits of children walking all or even some of the way to school.

“We really want to give every-

one an option of taking part in this programme – from the people who might want to walk or cycle all the way, to the people who want to start a park and stride – which means driv- ing some of the way and walking the rest,’ said Roisin Ni Ghairbhith, An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel Of- ficer for Clare and south Galway. “When children take part in any form of exercise on the way to school it has been shown that they are more focused and awake when they get to school. As well as this one in 20 chil- dren suffer from obesity problems.” Out of the 170 school’s involved in the Green Schools project in Clare, 15 are at present going for Taisce’s new travel flag. Each participating school is being offered funding for

professional cycling lessons for it’s students.

“Last week in Inagh we all walked the 600 metres from the church to the school as part of the programme. We had a great time; the children and teachers did a great job. It may not seem like a lot but even that small walk can have a great impact,” con- tinued Roisin.

“We estimate that people drove around 70 kilometres less because of the walk. For every kilometre less a car drives it mean the equivalent of 13 large balloons, filled with carbon dioxide, that won’t be released into the environment.

‘So even this small thing can make a large change. If people take even a small bit off their journey it can have

a big impact. It also makes great eco- nomic sense. With the high costs of fuels these days it just makes sense to drive less.”

Participating schools will take part in WOW Days over the next few months, where children, parents and teachers will be encourage to walk or cycle to school on one day a week.

For more information on_ this project check out www.greenschool- sireland.org.

ON Sunday, March 15, Kilrush will witness one of its biggest St Patrick’s Day Parades ever.

With more than 30 floats, 500 chil- dren dancing and a number of bands and musicians, organisers now have their fingers crossed for good weath- oe

The parade will take place two days before the patron saint of Ire- land’s allocated day, for a number of reasons.

Last year the parade was held on Sunday, which proved popular with families and visitors alike.

This year St Patrick’s Day falls close to the weekend, making Sun- day an ideal day for the festivities again in the west Clare capital.

Sunday will also accommodate floats and acts hoping to take part in the parade in Ennis, or people who wish to go to more than one or two local parades.

The Tulla Pipe Band is an exam- ple of such an act. On Sunday it will help lead the Kilrush parade, while making itself available to other Clare town’s on Tuesday, March 17.

Hell for Leather will also provide a special act to the proceedings in Kil- rush this year.

Celebrating its 25th year, the John Fennel-led dance school will march at the end of the parade. The 500 dancers will then perform in the town square for the awaiting crowd.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade will begin in Kilrush at 4pm. The theme this year is ‘Irish Legends’. Music will begin in the square from 3pm. For further information, please con- tact Vincent 086 0854834 or Karen 086 8091410.

Meanwhile, the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Miltown Malbay will take place on March 17.

This year’s theme is ‘Memorable Moments – Ireland from the ‘50s to

the Naughties’.

Registration for this popular parade is free or charge. Those taking part will assemble in the GAA car park at 2pm and the parade will start at P10

There will be nine prizes in total – first, second and third in the floats section, in the walking section and for the adjudicator’s prises.

Prizes for marks are allocated for each element of the float and group including colour and volume, theme, preparation, and entertainments.

The emphasis of this year’s parade is on participation and a great family day is guaranteed.

MARCUS Horan may be well know for his stylish playing, but now he’ll also be know for his stylish dress- oor

Marcus is one of the celebrities who will be strutting his stuff on the catwalk on March 23 to raise funds for Clonlara National School.

Clonlara Parents Association are organising a fashion show in the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe and it promises to be a fun event using chil- dren from the school, Scoil Seanain Naofa, parents, local clubs and guest celebrities.

Joining Marcus on the catwalk will be Leanne Moore and Miss Curvette, Jill Dilmac.

“Everyone is rowing in – parents, teachers, pupils from each class from the tiny infants up,’ said Maeve McGill, chairwoman of the Associa- tion.

Dads are not being shy and they will be taking part too.

They will model a range of mens’ formal and casual clothing.

“Outside of the school, we asked well-known people who have a connection with the school,’ said Maeve.

Marcus Horan’s mother, Margaret, who used to teach in the school, will be modelling and Leanne’s brother is also a pupil there.

So far, there are 11 shops on-board to style the snappy dressers includ- ing Catwalk, Spirit, Lorabees, Fuschia Queen, Aimee’s, Rumples- tilskin, Kelckids, Heaton’s, Shaws, No Name, Whelan’s Pro-Golf and Mike O’Connells.

‘“We’ve had great support between the shops providing clothes and lo- cal businesses providing prizes for the raffle. People have got behind the show and been very supportive.”

Proceeds from the night will go to school funds.

Tickets are available from _ the school and from local committee members.

CLARE people from all over the county, and the country, gathered in Dublin’s City West at the week- end for the 72nd Fianna Fail Ard Witahe

One man with more than a passing interest in proceedings was former security garda to the late Taoiseach

Charles Haughey and Miltown Mal- bay man, Martin Vaughan.

The retired Garda is now the driver for Charles Haughey’s son and jun- ior Minister Sean Haughey.

A keen tug-of-war man and boxer, Mr Vaughan began working for the late Taoiseach in 1979, providing se- curity outside his family home.

During his long service, he got to

know the family well, later attend- ing family weddings and becoming a driver to a TD he knew since he was a Schoolboy.

The west Clare man also met his current boss’s grandfather, Sean Le- mass, while he was on duty during the official opening of the Tayto fac- tory in Coolock.

He recalled pleasant memories of

working for the Haughey family, particularly during Charles Haugh- ey’s time as Taoiseach.

“He was a friendly man. He would walk up and down the avenue talk- ing to us. You had to be on the ball though. A few people tried to come in, even the press,” he said with a smile.

The west Clare man is also well

known in tug-of-war circles in OE Iccr

He set up the first Comhairle team in Dublin, which won five All Ire- land Men’s titles.

He also coached the women’s team to 11 All Ireland Titles.

He was also the anchor on the garda team that won the world champion- ship in 1989.

ROWAN ‘Tree Hostel located in the heart of Ennis will open its doors on the March 17, following an extensive two year re-development project.

The work involved a major resto- ration of the 17th century Georgian building; including preservation of the original hand carved wooden staircase, entrance pillars and main fireplace. In addition, an extension featuring 28 purpose-built rooms with ensuite facilities has been built.

The original building overlooking the River Fergus is one of the oldest buildings in Ennis and is of histori- cal significance. Built around 1740 it was the County Club for the lords and gentry of the land and the Bull Hall was used for lavish balls and occasions. In the 1940s it was used by the military as barracks. It then became the Club House Hotel and most recently operated as the Abbey Tourist Hostel.

Under the management of experi- enced hostellers, Brian O’Neill and Marianne Maurer, the hostel has a capacity for 140. With a variety of rooms including double, twin and multi-bedded dorms sleeping up to 14, Rowan Tree will appeal to both groups and individuals.

Guest facilities are brand new and include a fully equipped self-cater- ing kitchen, coffee shop, outdoor pa- tio, recreational lounges, television

and free WIFI and Internet access.

A licensed café bar on the premises will provide a relaxed setting for so- cialising and meeting guests.

“We are excited to be reopening a hostel in Ennis with all new modern facilities’, says Brian O’ Neill, Man- aging Director of Rowan Tree Hos- tel. “There is a real need for quality budget accommodation in Ennis and we are filling that gap by providing a friendly hostel that will appeal to a wide range of people including;

international backpackers, groups, families and the younger business person. Additionally, we will be cre- ating up to 20 jobs for people in the local area.”

Welcoming the new venture, Siob- han King, Shannon Development Tourism Officer for County Clare said, “Shannon Development is de- lighted to see the reopening of this much needed hostel accommoda- tion in Ennis, the gateway to County Clare. The new hostel will comple-

ment the existing variety of accom- modation in the county”

Beds start at €16 per night and include a free light breakfast. For more information visit www.row- antreehostel.ie.

Mantfacturing facility to change hands

FORD was a bit late entering the crowded SUV market, but I think it was worth waiting for their Kuga.

I first drove this neat SUV over a testing off-road obstacle course at Druid’s Glen golf course in County Wicklow last year. As I said before on these pages, car companies go to great efforts to show us what their SUVs can do off-road. In reality, the only grass that will touch the wheels of most SUVs is if the driver has to pull in and let another car pass on a CoO MYM Ouse IF

I genuinely expected the Kuga to pick up some silverware at the end- of-year Irish motoring awards, but it was beaten by the Volvo XC60 for SUV/Crossover of the Year at the Semperit sponsored awards.

Coincidentally, my week in the Kuga came immediately after testing the massive XC60. Naturally friends wanted to know which was the best. Comparisons in this instance are not fair; the XC60 is bigger and chunkier and much more expensive. The Kuga would probably be compared more with Nissan’s Quashgai, which is even cheaper. Ultimately it comes down to what you can afford in these recessionary times.

It’s no secret that I am a big Ford fan and as far as I’m concerned cars with the famous blue oval logo can do no wrong. But I also realise that others, including my own family, are not as keen on everything to come O)HmOm one

When I sat in I was immediately impressed with the way my back fit- ted snugly into the seat. There is am- ple seating for five adults. The boot is huge and of course the back seat can be let down to provide more carrying space if needed.

The interiors of most new cars are predominantly black, so it was nice to see a grey strip stitched to front and rear seats. The grey lines did brighten up the interior, but really I think they looked a bit naff.

The dash is regular Ford design with discreet slave controls for the radio/CD to the side of the steering Wheel. On the bonnet, straight in

your line of vision, are two raised creases which help you get a feel for where exactly you are positioned on the road.

Externally the car looks very neat. The front has attractive headlamps and the rear is well finished. Two sil- ver roof racks add to the SUV effect.

At night you get the benefit of a dis- creet light under the side mirrors to

help you walk away from the car in leyu rca alae lente

The Kuga, which is built on the same platform as the Focus and C- Max, handles very well and is I think ideal for city or rural driving. Natu- rally, being an SUV, the driving po- sition is high and the visibility front and back, is good.

Only available in 2.0 diesel, prices

Start at €32,565 for the five-door two-wheel drive Zetec and go up to €39,995 for the top of the range Ti- tanium All-Wheel drive. All models are in Band D for road tax which has risen to €447 per annum from Janu- Aan