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APRIL began with bad news for Clare primary schools with the news that 60 schools could face closure or amalgamation. According to a leaked Department of Education, small school across the county face an uncertain future.

The ‘Value for Money Report’ recommends the all primary schools should have a minimum of 80 pupils and four teachers. This, according to Irish National School Teacher’s Organisation (INTO) Clare Executive Sean Mc Mahon puts almost 60 schools in Clare at risk of closure, which is 50 per cent of all the primary schools in the county.

According to the most up to date official Department of Education figures for the school year 2011-2012, there are 59 rural schools in Clare with less than 80 pupils.

When asked about the proposal and its impact on the county’s primary education ahead of the INTO congress meeting in Cork in April, Mr McMahon described the suggestion as an April Fools joke.

“Considering today is April 1 and we hear news that a Minister is seek- ing to close down 50 per cent of the schools in Clare and hundreds across the country, it must be an April Fools joke,” said the Mullagh School Principal who is tipped to be elected that next national vice president of the primary teachers union.

“A Value for Money Report is a very narrow way to determine the future of rural schools and their value to the community. It does not take into account location or distance students must travel for an education,” he added.

Should the report get the support of the Minister for Education and the Department of Education and Skills it will mean the closure of more than 1,000 schools across the country, 600 of which have less than two mainstream teachers.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said however that the report’s findings did not mean it would be Government policy to close schools with fewer than four teachers.

Information from the report is emerging as teachers from all over the country meet for their traditional trade union congresses this week.

DESPITE repeated warnings, a second person was hospitalised after being injured Dusty the Dolphin.

Local organisations and Clare County Council have told people not to swim with the dolphin who had taken up residence at Doolin pier.

Clare County Council lifeguards stationed at Doolin Pier had taken to raising the red flag, which indicated it is not safe to swim when Dusty is in the area.

Despite this people continued to swim close to the dolphin with re- ports of people covering Dusty’s blowhole and pulling her fins.

The latest took place when a female swimmer was charged as she left the water after a swim.

The dolphin is believed to have struck the woman in the kidney, knocking her over and leaving her winded.

The woman received treatment at the scene by the Doolin Unit of Irish Coast Guard and was taken by ambulance to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for treatment.

Her injuries were described as not serious but she was badly bruised and shocked by the incident.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group put up posters in the area recommending that people not swim with Dusty.

The posters were distributed to premises in Doolin while additional posters were placed on the Doolin ferries.

“IWDG acknowledges that many people have had a fantastic encounter with Dusty and have built up a person relationship with the dolphin. However IWDG is very concerned that any visitors, especially in the summer, do not recognise the signals Dusty sends out when she is not happy with behaviour,” a spokesperson said.

“Ignoring such signs or behaving inappropriately had led on a number of occasions to aggressive interactions with some people being severely injured. If this continues it may lead to a fatality and then there will be strong pressure to remove or destroy the Dolphin.

“If you really are concerned about Dusty you will not swim with her or at least if you do, you will show her the respect a wild dolphin is entitled to.”

A SUB group of the Regional Drug Taskforce was established in Kilrush in November amid fears a growing heroin problem in the West Clare capital.

The Garda move is seen as a move by law enforcement agents to see if there is a serious deep-rooted heroin problem in the town.

Gardaí in Kilrush, in conjunction with the National Drugs Unit, have been tackling the supply issue with a special five-month undercover operation spanning the end of last year and the first quarter of this year.

A total of 1,400 Garda man-hours were used in the investigation and sting that resulted in at least eight arrests that have come before the courts so far. The Clare People learned that a special “drop-in clinic” for drug addicts was opened in the town eight weeks ago, to deal with the sociocriminal problem that has taken hold for the last year.

Regional drugs coordinator with the HSE Rory Keane said a heroin issue in a town of this size is usually attributed to a social-economic issue and supply.

Meanwhile Mr Keane said the health service has been aware of a problem in the town for the last year. He added that a specialist team made up of the HSE Drug and Alcohol Service, Mid Western Regional Task Force, Bushy Park and the Commu- nity Substance Misuse Team, were now working in the town to examine the general drug issues including heroin.

The special drop-in clinic will close in the next few weeks and the body will regroup to assess the situation.

“It has been a concern for the last 12 months that there does seem to be a pocket of heroin use in Kilrush that would not be on other parts of the county,” said the drugs specialist.

“Availability would be an issue. The other concerns would be social-economic factors and issues of unemployment, motivation and poverty.

“A drug problem might come up centred around a few individuals or a supply issue in a rural area,” he explained, adding that the concern in Kilrush was the problem was established for longer than would be expected in a town of its size.

“It is too early yet to say if it is a deep-rooted problem or a long-term episodic issue. We are not in a position to predict what will happen,” he said. “My sense from talking to people is it is definitely a social and economic issue here,” said Mr Keane adding that it is no coincident that you see an increase in drug use at times of economic difficulties.

THE parents of a three-year-old boy, who waited for hours in Accident and Emergency at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick with a head wound in June, told The Clare People that it was the longest, most stressful time of their lives.

Little Colm Murrihy, who was four years old in July, waited for five hours to have his head wound glued and dressed, while blood seeped through the interim first aid bandage his father Leslie had treated him with.

Mother Elaine said she was frustrated and annoyed by the Sunday evening wait but most of all she was worried as the wound continued to bleed. “He was losing so much blood. The bandage was thick and it was still coming through it,” said Elaine from Ennis.

Colm had been playing on his toy car at his grandparent’s house in Kilmihil on Sunday afternoon last when he stopped a bit too suddenly and went over the top of his car. The adventurous toddler landed on his head, resulting in a deep cut on his forehead.

“I had first-aid experience so I knew it was a deep cut. I bandaged it up and we drove to the A & E in Limerick,” said Mr Murrihy.

A while after registering at the hospital Mrs Murrihy accompanied the wounded toddler through to triage to be assessed. There began the mother’s first cause for concern as the bandage was not removed and the wound assessed by the nurse.

“I was just asked about what happened but no one looked at the cut. I was told we would probably be waiting a while. I was expecting an hour or two,” she said.

After a while spent back out in the waiting room the blood began to seep through the home-made bandage, causing the parents of two to worry. Mrs Murrihy said she asked that the little boy be seen so that the bandage could at least be changed but said she was told that was not necessary, as the blood “was not dripping”.

“I was very worried, and as we waited we could see people who came in after us being taken in. They had wounds to arms and legs but I was really worried because Colm had a head injury,” she said.

CLARE’S six TDs and senators declared a variety of commercial interests to the Dáil in 2012, including eight rental properties, two farms and a trip to France paid for by the Alternative Iranian Government in Exile.

North Clare senator Martin Conway (FG) listed a trip to an international conference in Paris, paid for by the Iranian group, in the official list of interests submitted to the Dáil for 2012.

The conference, which cost € 395 between hotels and flights, was attended by former Taoiseach John Bruton (FG) as well as members of former US president John F Kennedy’s family.

“It was an informative and important event but it didn’t cost the Irish taxpayers, high up or low down, for me to attend,” Senator Conway told The Clare People yesterday.

“We stayed in extremely basic accommodation. We flew in on Friday night, spent all day Saturday at the conference, and flew home early on Sunday. So it certainly wasn’t a holiday.”

Senator Conway also declared his interests in Conway’s Shop in Ennistymon, in addition to four rental properties in Quin, Tobertascain in Ennis, Woodview in Ennistymon and Ard Donagh in Ennistymon as well as his family home in Ennistymon. Fellow senator Tony Mulcahy (FG) lists two rental properties in Shannon and a property for sale in Bal- lycasey among his commercial interests. Senator Mulcahy also listed his business property in Smithstown Industrial Estate in Shannon and his directorship of Clare School Meals and Catering Ltd among his assets. Senator Mulcahy also amended his declaration in November of this year to include statutory gratuity payment received from his time as a member of Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council. Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley listed two rental properties in Dublin among his declared interests. The properties are located in Charlotte Quay in Dublin 4 and Moyville in Rathfarnham. Deputy Dooley did not list any Clare properties among his interests. East Clare Deputy Michael McNamara (Lab) declared income from occupation as a barrister at law and from his farm in Tuamgraney amongst his declared interests. Deputy Pat Breen (FG) listed the income from his farm in Lisduff, Ballynacally amongst his assets while Deputy Joe Carey (FG) listed no commercial or property interests besides his family home at “the Land” in Clarecastle.

NEWS of a major data security breach in Ennis travelled around the world in November after it was revealed that a cyber attack had taken place on the Station Road-based company LoyaltyBuild.

The Data Protection Commissioner said the credit card details of over 500,000 people across Europe may have been compromised by the data breach at Loyaltybuild.

The company was sold in 2008 by businessmen Dominic Considine, Domhnal Slattery and Sean Lyne for € 25 million to American company, Affinion.

Suspicion about a possible breach emerged on Friday, October 25, and a team of “expert forensic investigators” was appointed to determine what had happened.

On Wednesday, October 30, it emerged that a breach may have occurred and it contacted the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) on November 1.

An inspection team from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has also confirmed that the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of around 1.12 million clients were also taken.

Billy Hawkes said his office has now made contact with colleagues across Europe to inform them of the security breach.

Loyaltybuild runs special offers and incentive schemes for major retailers, utilities and service providers in Ireland, the UK, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

The ODPC said an inspection team has confirmed that the full card details of over 376,000 customers were taken.

Of this figure, over 70,000 were SuperValu customers and over 8,000 were AXA Leisure Break customers.

The details of another 150,000 clients were also potentially compromised. It said initial indications are that the breaches were the result of an “external criminal act”.

Managing director Peter Steenstrup has said he is deeply sorry for what is described as a major security breach at the company.

He urged customers to check their bank account statements and report any suspicious activity.

Mr Steenstrup said Loyaltybuild takes data security very seriously and the company is working to ensure that this will never happen again.

The Data Protection Commissioner said the criminals who breached security have all the information they need in order to use the payment cards.

LoyaltyBuild stated that the system breach was discovered last month, and that they have been working around the clock with their security experts to get to the bottom of matter.

“From the moment we first detected a suspected security breach on Friday, October 25, we immediately engaged the services of an expert forensics security team and have worked tirelessly to try to rectify this situation,” they noted.

“The DPC and the Gardaí will be kept informed of any further developments.”

CLARE erupted in celebration as the county’s hurlers were crowned AllIreland champions after an epic two game series against Cork.

Darach Honan’s goal in the dying seconds ensured a 5-16 to 3-16 win for Clare over the Rebel County in the All-Ireland final replay played under lights on an unforgettable Saturday night in Croke Park.

Teenage forward Shane O’Donnell became an overnight sensation after scoring a first half hat trick. O’Donnell also scored three points as Clare’s pacy and skillful brand of hurling illuminated a final hailed by many as the greatest of all time.

Cratloe’s Conor McGrath scored a wonder goal at a crucial period in the second half to put Clare on the road to victory.

All this after the first game between the counties ended in a draw earlier in the month. Despite dominating the game, Clare could not shake off a dogged Cork side who edged a point ahead in the final moments.

But in one of the most dramatic passages of play in All-Ireland history, corner back Domhnall O Donovan burst up field to swing over the eqaulising point deep in injury time to leave the sides all square (Clare 025 Cork 3-16) at the end of a pulsating encounter.

It meant the counties had to do it all over again three weeks later. By the time the replay rolled around, Clare had already secured a second successive All-Ireland under 21 title following a comfortable victory over Antrim.

Thousands of Clare fans mobbed the pitch as captain Paul Flanagan was presented with the trophy. Days later Clare were celebrating again as the county claimed its fourth senior All-Ireland title.

Goal scoring hero Shane O’Donnell was the man everyone was talking about afterwards.

“If I had a dream last night that I was going to score 3-3, I’d have woken up and said that’s ridiculous. I’d have been happy with one. It’s the stuff of dreams since I was five or six when I picked up a hurley,” he said.

The Éire Óg player was only told he would be starting instead of Darach Honan when the team gathered for their pre-match meal in St Patrick’s College.

“The last few weeks in training have been good to me. The week before the 21 match and from then I’ve been going well. You just hit a patch of form and I got it at the right time and I got put on,” he added.

Ballyea superstar Tony Kelly was superb on the day, scoring three vital points.

“The saying goes, ‘make hay while the sun shines’ and it’s been shining now for the last couple of years and long may it continue,” he said

Patrick Donnellan joined the short but illustrious list of Clare men who have captained their county to AllIreland glory.

“Surreal, absolutely surreal, you feel like you’re watching yourself do it. It’s the only way I can describe it,” said Donnellan of climbing the steps to receive the Liam McCarthy trophy.

“It absolutely unreal and just rewards for the amount of effort that those lads have put in all year to get their day in the sun and we had it this day.”

Close to 30,000 people packed into the Fair Green in Ennis to welcome home the All-Ireland champions. “The recession can go to hell” declared Davy Fitzgerald to the jubilant crowd.

“In 1995 I was privileged and honoured to be part of something special in the Banner County. I was lucky to play with a bunch of players that were exceptional. I was lucky to be led by a manager that was exceptional, so I was. Them guys are what led the way to this success,” said Fitzgerald.

“But the one thing I want to say tonight, we enjoyed our time in 95 and 97 but it’s now the time for 2013 and these exceptional players.”

THE accolades keep coming for Davy Fitzgerald after the Clare manager was announced as Clare Person of the Year.

The Sixmilebridge man was named the recipient of the annual award given out by the Clare Association Dublin. It was a bumper year for Fitzgerald and Clare hurling. The former Clare goalkeeper guided Clare to the All-Ireland hurling title. The Banner captured a fourth title after a thrilling victory over Cork in a replayed All-Ireland final.

Fitzgerald was last week honoured by RTÉ when he was named Manager of the Year, while his Clare team won the ‘Team of the Year’ award.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Clare and for Clare hurling and we’re delighted that Davy is the Clare Person of the Year,” says Association PRO Gerry O’Reilly.

The Clare Association Dublin 2014 Yearbook was launched in Dublin earlier this month in Glasnevin by businessman and former Clare Person of the Year, Martin Donnelly.

Readers can expect the usual great mix of stories, reflections on events throughout 2013 and several personal accounts of what the year’s great sporting accolades have meant for parishes and county alike.

“To much applause, Davy Fitzgerald was revealed as this year’s successful nominee following a year in which he, together with his players and management team, brought so much pride to the county,” stated Mr O’Reilly.

The Clare Association Dublin Hall of Fame Award 2014 was also announced as going to another very worth recipient, Fr Harry Bohan.

To mark another successful year’s running of the Martin Corry Memorial Walk, a cheque was presented to Mary Crawford-Barry, Principal of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point.

Details were also announced of the upcoming Annual Dinner Dance. The event will take place on January 25, at The Clyde Court Hotel (formerly The Berkley Court Hotel) from 8pm. The presentation of the Clare Person of the Year and Clare Association Dublin Hall of Fame awards will be made on the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Brian Boru Band. Tickets are available from any member of the committee. (Liam O’Looney 087 2377957; Gerry O’Reilly 086 8498192; Pauline Cummins 01 8531037; Mary Barry 087 2244343).

BUNRATTY was the place to be in April as a small school of dolphins took up residence under the famous bridge. The dolphins drew large crowds for weeks – and prompted much concern over their safety before if became clear that they were there by choice and had not become trapped.

An attempt to rescue the bottle nose dolphins was planned early in April but never went ahead. Speak- ing ahead of the proposed rescue missing, the Clare based Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), said the dolphins appeared “relatively healthy”.

“In my opinion something will have to be tried this week. They are healthy at the moment but with the low tide coming on Wednesday, something will probably have to be tried,” said Simon Berrow of the IWDG in early April.

“The longer this goes on the more stressed the animals will get. They are in fresh water and that is damaging their kidneys right now and it will also start to damage their skin as well.

“We have also heard reports of kids throwing stones at them when they get close to the shore and we would appeal to anyone who comes to visit the dolphins, not to engage in this sort of behavior.”

The dolphins were discovered on March 31, in murky water close to the old bridge over Bunratty River, close to Durty Nelly’s Pub. The last time that dolphins became stranded in this area was in 1995, when Clare recorded one of its finest summers in recent memory.

Some locals are hopeful that the return of the dolphins are a sign of a good summer ahead. Hurling fans are also hopeful that the return of the dolphins to Bunratty may also be on omen suggesting a hurling season similar to what took place in 1995.

SUICIDE continued to take a large number of lives in the county in 2013, with a number of local organisations being formed to deal with the issue.

In February it was reported that a person living in Clare is 10 times more likely to die by suicide than on our county roads, yet preventing death by suicide seemed to be way down the Government’s list of priorities when it came to funding.

There was just one resource officer for suicide prevention in the mid-west region – looking after three counties including Clare.

This professional with a vast wealth of experience was described by HSE area manager Bernard Gloster as “one of the HSE’s most valuable resources”.

However those dealing with people at risk of suicide on a daily basis said more resources are needed.

Concerns had already been raised that the psychiatric nurse specialising in assessing patients out of hours is often redeployed due to staffing issues in other areas of the mid-west region’s hospitals.

Pieta House said that not only should that specialist nurse not be redeployed, but more were needed.

As the recession ate more into public funding, figures suggest that there were also more people at risk of suicide, as life got significantly more difficult.

The Samaritans in Clare received more than 40 calls in confidence every day from people in crisis.

The organisation, which received no Government funding and is manned by up to 100 volunteers in Clare, also met in confidence with 295 people face to face last year.

The newly-appointed director of the local branch said that the numbers of calls have increased significantly since the recession.

“Everyone is different. Some people are very anxious, distressed, lonely, in financial difficulties or have relationship problems,” she said.

Pieta House – the suicide and selfharm crisis centre – received just 15 per cent funding from the Government.

Tom McEvoy, Funding and Advocacy Department, for the organisation in the mid-west said that the charity is being strongly supported by the community, an indication of how much the service is needed.

Pieta House opened four more houses in the coming year, bringing the number of houses to nine. However more needed to be done at national level to tackle the issue, according to former psychiatric nurse and member of the HSE West Health Forum Cllr Tom McNamara.

“We are going to have to take it on the same way as we tackled the road deaths.

“There are more people losing their lives through suicide than ever died through the road deaths,” he said. The councillor said that an organisation similar to the Road Safety Authority needs to me employed to deal with the issue,” he said.