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AN ENNIS family whose home was burnt down a fortnight ago has been forced to move to temporary illegal accommodation in Limerick, the family’s solicitor has claimed.

The Mongans’ family home at Shalee Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis was extensively damaged by fire on Saturday, May 24.

The revelation came as two mem- bers of the family appeared in court last Friday, charged in connection with an incident in Ennis last Octo- ber.

Christy Mongans Senior (49) and Jim Mongans (18), of Shalee Drive, were charged with violent disorder, at Cloughleigh, Ennis, on October 11 last year.

Garda Dominic Regan told Ennis District Court last Friday that he met both men by appointment on May 25 ENe

In reply to charge Mr Mongan

Senior replied, “I was not involved” while Jim Mongans did not reply to charge after caution, said the garda.

Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said Mr Mongans Senior was not in ous

“He is unwell. He suffers from ser1- ous heart problems. The family home was burnt down recently and they are staying in temporary illegal accom- modation in Limerick,” she said.

She said Mr Mongans Senior’s doc- tor confirmed to her that he had not been in regular attendance, due to his ill health.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said he would accept what Ms Godfrey had to say.

The case was adjourned until Sep- tember.

“A MOMENT of absolute stupidity” was how a Solicitor referred to an in- cident in which her client punched a garda in the face.

The remark was made in court in the case of Flan Ginnane (26), of Quay Road, Kildysart, who was

charged with assaulting Garda Alan Kelly, at Abbey Street, Ennis, in the early hours of March 3 last.

Defending solicitor Siobhan Mc- Mahon said her client was pleading cuilty.

Garda Kelly told Ennis District Court last Friday that he was dealing with Ginnane’s friends and he got in-

volved.

‘‘He punched me in the face. He ran off. I caught up with him,” said the eee

He said the accused apologised that night and again the following day.

Ms McMahon said that when her chent saw gardai approaching, he tried to intervene to help one of his

friends who was younger than him.

“Tt was a moment of absolute stu- pidity that led to this situation. He is petrified by the whole situation,” said the solicitor.

She said her client is a “genuinely decent person” who was highly thought of in his local community, where he had a deep involvement in

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“Tt is totally out of character,” she said.

Judge Joseph Mangan imposed a two-month jail term. But he will sub- stitute this with 240 hours commu- nity service if the accused is found suitable. He adjourned the case until next month.

CLARE on the radar. Two years ago, a sopping, soggy Fitzgerald Stadium housed a little over 6,000 punters for Kerry’s opening game in the 2006 championship. Waterford visited and brought almost as many fans as those that showed up for the home side.

It was late May and one of those days when the mountains behind the stand can only be felt and not seen, when the slate on St Finian’s Hospi- tal beyond the terrace turns black.

Nobody knew it at the time but that wet May afternoon was the begin- ning of Kerry’s shot at what has now become a three-in-a-row possibility.

It was difficult to predict the suc- cess that the two years since then would bring because for parts of that game, Waterford caused problems Kerry and in fact, should have been closer than the eight point winning margin that Kerry recorded. At one stage in the second half, Waterford could have drawn level but Andy Hubbard’s penalty was saved by D1- armuid Murphy and Gary Hurney’s follow-up was brilliantly taken off the line by Seamus Moynihan.

That game is recalled merely as a Starting point for all that has hap- pened for Kerry in 2006 and 2007. Even leaving the All-Ireland of 2004 aside, the current Kerry side has evolved into one of the finest teams to ever play football.

They’re fluid and powerful in at-

tack, composed and dogged in de- fence and since 2006 their approach has again evolutionised the game. Those qualities of power and com- posure were seen several times over the past two seasons but particularly at different stages of the Dublin and Monaghan games last year.

Against Monaghan, the ball was never passed laterally in their own half and against Dublin, only very

rarely. During both games, they dic- tated the pace at key moments as time was running out and they man- aged to score goals at crucial times. It’s unfair to say that the Clare chal- lenge doesn’t register on the Kerry radar this week and that alone, high- lights the approach in the county. Twenty years ago and as recent as ten — even including ’°92 -, Clare was seen as little more than something to

swat away.

Now, there are senior players who genuinely feel as though they’re play- ing for their place on the panel, not to mind the team. Two weeks back, a handful of Kerry players were gath- ered for extra training in Killarney. It was a backflip to Mick O’Dwyer’s days but shows that Kerry are taking the Clare challenge on board, if for no other reason than to nail down places for later in the year.

“There are potential pitfalls out there. I have always maintained that,” sayS Kerry manager Pat O’Shea. “Look at Wicklow beating Kildare in the Leinster championship. Look at Fermanagh beating Monaghan. They are two prime examples of teams getting turned over unexpectedly this season.

“*T have said that to the lads and they know that. Clare will come down here with nothing to lose and they will be full of confidence after their win against Waterford.

“Tt’s a tricky tie for us because we will, obviously, be that bit ring rusty while Clare will have the benefit of their game against Waterford. But the bottom line is this is a match that we are treating very seriously, like we do with all our games. If we don’t perform then there is a good chance that Clare will beat us. We have to be at our best.”

Down the tracks, the prospect of that third title looms, strange as it sounds considering that only two

years ago, the prospects of any coun- ty achieving back-to-back titles was considered slim.

“Being honest, we haven’t spoken about that [the three-in-a-row bid] in training and we don’t have any say in regards to what people write and what people say. All we can do is concentrate on our own game and take it match by match, one step at PIB une lee

‘“That’s what we did last year and we see no reason to change a win- ning formula. The only match on our horizon is Sunday’s against Clare.

“We try to make sure that the panel is stronger every year and I think that the Under-21’s All-Ireland win is a big boost.

“The league was encouraging also with a lot of players making a claim for starting spots so the task for me 1s to now find the best balanced 15 that can Start.”

“There were times in the league when we saw the fight, heart and hunger that a team that wants to be successful needs. It was very heart- ab eehee

“These lads have always proved that they can rise to the occasion, and they will have to do that against Clare. That’s the first step in what we hope will be a long journey.”

. The advertisment read, “Mandelson’s WTO cuts and the Lisbon Treaty are linked, mes- sage to the Government, use the veto or lose the farmers.”

This is the strongest statement to date on the intentions of the IFA

and should significant progress not be made today the organisation are likely to urge farmers to vote no.

Meanwhile former Fine Gael Taoi- seach John Bruton has urged Clare farmers to vote yes in an open letter to the county’s farmers.

“T’m writing this to The Clare Peo- ple newspaper about Clare agricul- ture and the Lisbon Treaty,” read the atoe

“The EU has been good for Clare agriculture. Before Ireland joined the EU, we depended on the British market. I was Fine Gael spokesman on agriculture at that time and I well remember how prices paid to Irish farmers were artificially depressed

by a cheap food policy and a defi- ciency payments scheme that privi- leged British farmers. The European Union did away with all that.

“Tt introduced a level playing field. It pumped billions into rural Ireland, opened up markets we never had be- fore, and helped us invest heavily in skills training. “Although the two are not connected, some are now trying to persuade farmers to use the Lisbon OB IA Oo. ed coer TID elo AMBNIEKeA snes about a possible deal on agriculture in the WTO. It 1s important to be prudent about this and calculate all the consequences.”

In the letter Mr. Bruton, the EU Ambassador to the United States,

said that Ireland, and its farmers, had many ways of influencing EU trade policy.

“We are strongly represented in the Council of Ministers, through the Eu- ropean Commission, the European Parliament, and through the new role the Dail would gain under the Lisbon Treaty. These are the ways to influ- ence trade policy,” he continued.

“In contrast, voting ‘No’ in a refer- endum could be a very blunt instru- ment. Many Clare farm families get incomes from jobs outside agricul- ture, often in businesses that came to Ireland because the country is at the heart of EU policy-making and has access to the EU market.”

CLARE farmers and ICSA general secretary Eddie Punch last week met with the new Minister for Ag- riculture, Brendan Smith, to put fur- ther pressure on the government to come out with a stronger and more unequivocal line on WTO.

“We are not interested in any more rubbish about a balanced deal, nor are we falling for the line that it’s too early to talk about a veto,” he said af- ter the meeting.

“The basics of the WTO deal on im- port tariffs have remained the same, the only change being a worsening of the tariff cut from 60 per cent to a

possible 73 per cent.”

“Against that backdrop, we cannot understand how the government con- tinues to fudge around the issue of the veto. While the approach seems to be to building alliances, there is a big risk that other member states will back down if Mandelson brings back a done deal.”

‘As long as Ireland refuses to even contemplate the veto, the commis- sion will try to divide and conquer member states. Meanwhile, farmers are more and more worried that a WTO sell-out is around the corner.”

On the CAP health check, the Crat- eee Lom astlere

“EU proposals for modulation,

involving cuts of 8 per cent to the Single Farm Payment, in order to re- direct some €2 billion to rural devel- Opment measures, are completely in- appropriate in the context of a global food security crisis.”

ICSA is concerned about imple- mentation of both the Malone and Aylward reports.

Mr Punch also highlighted issues regarding sheep fencing grants alon- side raising the inceasingly impor- tant issue of the 30-month rule situa- tion for BSE testing.

“Time is of the essence here as sheep numbers across Europe con- tinue to decline,” he continued.

‘This has gone beyond a joke at this

stage. Europe is dragging its heels here, and it is costing Irish farmers millions. ICSA emphasised to Min- ister Smith the need for the EU to move swiftly on this issue.”

ICSA maintains that the recent debacle around the REPS deadline, which has been missed by up to 10,000 farmers through no fault of their own, will cause more unneces- sary stress and hardship.

It was put to the minister that con- cessions must be made to accommo- date these farmers.

General Secretary, Mr Punch also outlined difficulties with the disad- vantaged area payments, which need upward revision.

ON SATURDAY last I took part in the mini-marathon staged along- side the Burren Marathon in Bally- vaughan. It was well organised and the large crowd enjoyed a great at- mosphere at the start line.

I was feeling good, and when actor Brendan Gleeson sent us on our way with a playful ‘Ready, steady, go!’, I took off like a bullet. Despite the hard uphill stretches at the start, I passed the 3-mile mark in 20:24, but I paid for my impetuousness later on and got steadily slower over the sec- ond half.

The wonderful scenery along the

route was wasted on me as I pushed close to the pain barrier, though the sound of a cuckoo turned my grim- ace to a smile at the 4-mile mark. At 5 miles I had an animated argument with the devil on my shoulder tell- ing me to stop and walk for a while. I knew if I gave in my race would be over, so I steeled myself to push on and keep going to the finish line.

Turns out, I was the first woman over the line in 45:02. My first ever win and a memory to treasure! Un- fortunately I couldn’t hang around basking in my success; I had to get straight home to blow up balloons for my son’s fourth birthday. A mother’s work is never done.

If I’m to achieve my goal of com- pleting The Clare 10k in under 42 minutes, I obviously still have lots of work to do. Pll have to focus particu- larly on speed and pacing, but with 4 weeks to go, I’m still fairly confi- elie

The fundraising for cystic fibrosis is gathering pace too. Don’t forget you can donate online at www.cfire- land.ie (see ‘Margaret Ryan Clare 10k’ under event menu), or contact me directly at 086 6067047.

IT’S ALWAYS the little things that mess up the best laid plans. Like for- getting to pack your runners before going on holidays. Or falling over the dog the night before the race. Or — my personal favourite — that nagging hot rubbing feeling in your runner that tells you that you’re getting a blister 15 minutes into your run. What to do — stop? Take your sock off? Keep go- ing in the hope it’ll go away?

As with almost everything in life, prevention is the best cure. Know- ing the risk factors for developing a blister is the best way of avoiding one developing in the first place. Three factors make a blister — heat, pressure and friction. Some heat is- sues you can’t control, like the tem- perature of the day. Others you can, for example choosing a shoe with a large amount of mesh in the upper, and making sure your feet are cool and dry before putting your runners on by having a cold footbath and dry- ing your feet thoroughly.

Anything that intensifies rubbing can start a blister, including a faster pace, poor-fitting shoes and foot ab- normalities. There are lots of tips out there on runner forums, blogs and websites on avoiding blisters. Some

of them sensible — good fitting shoes, seamless socks, keep skin from dry- ing out but don’t let get sweaty. Some seem a bit OTT – one ultra runner ad- vises Slathering the feet in Vaseline, putting on a pair of pop socks and then normal running socks. Some (from a renowned but obviously non- running podiatrist) are impractical — stop in mid-race, have a shower and dry the feet thoroughly.

Where we Chartered Physiothera- pists as health professionals can help in the area of blister prevention is advise on foot abnormalities and bio- mechanical problems. If you have, for example, a low arched foot or poor knee muscle control your foot contact with the ground will be dif- ferent from someone who does not have these issues. If you are getting persistent problems with blisters visit your local Chartered Physiothera-

Oe To show that your local Chartered Physiotherapists are behind you

were going to be there for you on the 28th in Lees Road. A team of lo- cal pphysios will be providing free pre and post race massage, stretches and injury advice. We’ve been pro- viding this service since the start of the Clare People 10k and we’ve had hugely positive feedback.

THE number of gardai employed in the Clare Garda Division last year dropped, according to latest figures provided by the Department of Jus- nes

Last night, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said it was disappointing that the Clare division had shown a drop in strength at a time of continuing pop- ulation growth.

The figures supplied to the Clare deputy by Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern show that the numbers em- ployed in Clare last year dropped from 318 at the start of the year to 314 to year end.

Additional gardai have been em- ployed in Clare since the start of this year. However, the drop in personnel last year compared unfavourably to neighbouring counties.

Garda numbers in Limerick in- creased from 532 to 593, while the numbers in ‘Tipperary increased from 338 to 361.

The strength of Garda divisions in Galway East and Galway West also increased. Louth-Meath was the only other Garda division to see a drop in numbers.

Minister Ahern said that as with any large organisation personnel strengths of individual divisions,

districts and stations may fluctuate due to promotions, retirements and WETS CECE

Deputy Carey said it was disap- pointing that Clare lost four gardai in the past year, particularly at a time of continuing population growth. The simple fact is that Garda numbers should not be declining.

“A well staffed, resourced and bet- ter equipped Garda force 1s essential. We’re very fortunate in this country to have such as well-respected and professional Garda force.

“The gardai in Clare work extreme- ly hard, but they need more col- leagues on the ground just as much as the citizens of Clare also need to see more gardai on the streets.

“Community policing is also an in- tegral part of the policing responsi- bilities of gardai, enabling the force to assert its moral authority in a spirit of co-operation and inclusion. It is also a key factor in building vital partnerships at community level.

“Co-operative policing is the way forward and for that to work at a local level, there needs to be the numbers of community police on the ground to implement this policy effectively. In Clare, this is simply not the case and the good work being done by community gardai is undermined by a lack of numbers,” he said.

AN POST has reassured customers in the Sixmilebridge and Newmar- ket-on-Fergus that the offices there will not close when sorting and de- livery are relocated to a central office uOmey er: beuslOae

An Post has already confirmed plans to move sorting and delivery services to the Central Services Unit (CSU) in Shannon Town, a move to which staff have been opposed. At present, letter and parcel post for Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmile- bridge is sorted at the respective post offices and delivered by local staff who will move to Shannon as part of the relocation.

While the move has been deferred on four separate occasions because of staff objections, the matter has been before the Labour Relations Com- mission and is now set to go ahead this year although a final date has not yet been confirmed.

An Post says the change is being made to improve both delivery serv- ice to business and private customers and operational efficiency.

There has been some concern lo- cally about the future of the post of- neeny

While An Post is adamant that the delivery and retail services are sepa-

rate, Sixmilebridge councillor John Crowe (FG) has yet to be convinced that the relocation of sorting services is not the first step in closing his local post office.

“I am very concerned over the planned move. It is another service being taken away from rural Ireland and in our own parish, we have al- ready seen Kilmurry Post Office close. Is Sixmilebridge the next one to be closed?”

He has also expressed concern about whether people, particularly the elderly or those without trans- port, will have to go to Shannon to collect registered post if they are not at home when it is delivered.

At present in many areas, if there is no one to sign for a letter or package when postal staff call, the recipient 1s expected to travel to the nearest sort- ing facility to collect the item.

“What is the position if a person is not at home to accept a parcel or reg- istered letter? Will they have to trav- el to Shannon to collect them? If so, this will have serious consequences especially for the elderly and those without their own transport,’ Coun- cillor Crowe asked.

An Post says that while details have yet to be finalised, they hope people can continue to collect registered mail at their local office.

DEFENDING Cork City marathon champion, Tracey Guilfoyle had to settle for second place yesterday as she completed the 26.2 mile course in a time of 3.01.22 hours.

The race was won with an out- standing display of front running by Lucy Brennan from Sligo in 2.54.47 hours.

Guilfoyle, running for Kilnaboy

AC, said she was relatively satisfied with her performance adding that she has raced against Brennan previous- ly and was aware the race would set off at a fast pace. The Sligo woman broke from the leaders within the first mile and stayed away until the tape. Guilfoyle was unable to stick with the fast pace, but held her sec- ond place throughout the race. She passed through the ten mile mark in a time of 66 minutes and complet-

ed the first half of the race in 1.28 hours.

Sinead Ni Chonchuir, Eagle AC, was third in 3.01.52 hours.

It wasn’t all bad news, however, as the Kilnaboy athlete took home the ladies 040 prize.

The senior men’s race was won by Roy Fahy, East Cork AC, in 2.33.55 hours. He was followed home in second spot by Eoin O’Connell, Cork Triathlon Club, and Cathal

O’Connell, St Finbarrs AC, was third.

The first relay team home was Rivergold Road Runners, which in- cluded last year’s men’s winner Alan O’Shea. The team covered the dis- tance in 2.23.38 hours.

Around 8,000 people went to the starting line for the second annual Cork City marathon, and there were also 600 relay teams, one including legend Sonia O’Sullivan.