Category: News

THE number of commercial flights in and out of Shannon ai r por t so far this year are up on the same period last year, however the ai r por t has the lowest number of daily flights when compared to Dublin and Cork.

According to the Irish Aviation Authority’s latest repor t, the cumulative number of flights from January to September through t he Shannon ter mi nal has increased by 5. 5 per cent when compared to the same period i n 2012.

While that proves positive for t he local newly independent ai r por t, t he average number of daily flights are still slightly less than its nearest competitor in Cork.

Cork increased its flight numbers in and out of the ai r por t by just 5.2 per cent, slightly less than Shannon, but it maintains an average daily movement of 62 flights.

Shannon is just slightly behind wit h 60 daily movements.

Dublin, which has 88 per cent of the t raffic of the three ai r por ts, also showed an increase of 6.6 per cent of flights in and out of the ai r por t wit h an average of 498 daily movements.

Total flights in Irish ai rspace increased by 0. 8 per cent when compared to September 2012, with the busiest day being September 6, with 1, 557 flights in Irish ai rspace.

IAA CEO, Eamonn Brennan said, “This sust ained growth is ver y en- couraging news for Dublin Ai r por t and t he wider economy. September was also a good month for Shannon, up 5. 5 per cent year-on-year. There is some way to go to catch up wit h previous levels during the peak years but 2013 is a step in t he right di rection.”

On a cumulative basis, commercial ter minal t raffic for Dublin, Cork and Shannon ai r por ts for Januar y to September 2013 was up by 2.7 per cent, compared to the same period in 2012.

A JUDGE has ordered the dismantling of a cannabis grow-house in East Clare that was the subject of a garda raid two years ago.

Judge Gerard Keys made the order at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court as he adjourned sentencing of Bridgetown man Sean Mason.

Mr Mason (37) pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis without license after gardaí discovered a “purpose built” and “sophisticated” cannabis grow house at his home in Ballybrack, Bridgetown on October 29 2011.

Outlining details of the operation earlier this month, Garda Francis Brennan of Ennis Garda Station told the court the search uncovered incubators containing 72 young cannabis plants.

One building was fitted out with a tiled floor equipped with drains to take away water and ventilation and lighting systems.

Gardaí also discovered cannabis resin in a lunchbox and a black plastic bag containing cannabis off-cuts.

Mr Mason accepted responsibility for the cannabis growing operation and told gardaí he used the drug for medical reasons.

Garda Brennan said gardaí did not accept Mr Mason’s reason for growing cannabis.

Judge Keys adjourned sentencing to hear the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) view on the seriousness of the offence.

On Thursday, Counsel for the DPP, Stephen Coughlan BL told the court that Mr Mason had grown cannabis for medical reasons.

He said there was no evidence this was part of an organised crime set up.

Adjourning sentence, Judge Keys ordered the complete dismantling of the areas of the premises altered for the growth of cannabis.

He said he wanted to ensure the building could not be used again for cultivating cannabis plants.

“I want it dismantled in such a way to satisfy gardaí that it cannot be used for the growth of cannabis,” he added.

The case was adjourned for mention to the final week of October.

THE members and supporters of the County Clare PB&S Association of New York City have much to celebrate at their annual ball this year.

Not only is it marking the 125th anniversary of the organisation, it is also celebrating Clare’s All Ireland Senior and Under 21 Hurling win with special guests former All Ireland winning manager Ger Loughnane and current All Ireland winning manager Davy Fitzgerald.

Since the Clare Association was founded in New York in 1888, its officers, members and friends have joined together each year to celebrate their Clare heritage and remind themselves of the purpose and goals of the association.

This year on Saturday, November 9, at Riverside Church in New York City, Sixmilebridge and Kilkee natives will be honoured as Claremen of the Year.

Association President Catherine Hogan said, “In a year where we celebrate our past, we honour our future. We are extremely pleased to announce our Claremen of the Year for 2013 are Kevin Grady and Tony Nolan.

“Kevin, a native of Sixmilebridge, County Clare, is a resident manager in Manhattan; and Tony, a native of Kilkee, is president of Allcom Electric Inc. Both these young men are relative newcomers to the association but have from the very start lent their support to many an association undertaking.

“They take great pride in their native county and are already proud members of the association, willing to lend a hand to any cause they are asked. We see them doing great things for the future of the association. We are proud to claim them as our own, and add the names of two great Claremen, Kevin Grady and Tony Nolan, to our honour roll this year,” she said.

Ger Loughnane will be returning as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event.

Partial proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to two charities Share a Dream Foundation, County Limerick, and YWCA Special Needs Programs, White Plains, New York.

A TEENAGER who stole € 1300 worth of goods from Clare businesses across an 11 month shoplifting spree has been warned she faces a rison sentence.

Roxanne Considine (19) stole goods including cosmetics, wine and a chicken roll from shops and pharmacies in Ennis and Clarecastle between November 2012 and September 2013. Ms Considine, with an address at Clarehill, Clarecastle, pleaded guilty to 14 theft charges, details of which were outlined at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. She has no previous convictions.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that from a garda point of view, Ms Considine is a “bad thief.”

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client was “subject to extreme neglect” as a child. She said Ms Considine stole to get money for cannabis, a drug to which she had been seriously addicted.

Ms Godfrey said her client was a bright woman who achieved her junior and leaving certificates.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that the accused had come from a “very sad and very difficult background” having suffered the deaths of her parents and younger brother.

Noting Ms Considine’s guilty pleas and willingness to deal with her addiction, Judge Durcan adjourned sentencing for a month. However he warned Ms Considine that she would receive a nine-month prison sentence of she re-offended in that time.

“She’s a bright young lady and she must take responsibility,” he added.

The case was adjourned for a month and Ms Considine was ordered to remain under the supervision of the Probation Services.

JAIL terms have been handed down to three men involved in a major public order disturbance in the centre of Ennis last year.

Passing sentence at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court last week, Judge Gerard Keys said, “A message must go out from this court that this constant feuding must stop.”

He was speaking as Bernie McDonagh Snr (46) (Ashline, Kilrush Road, Ennis and Nashes Boreen Cork), his son Bernie McDonagh Jnr (21) (Ashline, Kilrush Road, Ennis and Nashes Boreen, Cork City) and brother Christopher McDonagh (38) (Childer’s Road, Cloughleigh) all received prison sentences for their involvement in an incident at the Maid of Erin roundabout on October 14, 2012.

Father of 10 Bernie McDonagh Snr drove at speed the wrong way around a roundabout, nine times, in pursuit of a Hiace carrying members of the Doherty family.

He rammed three vehicles including a garda before eventually being restrained using pepper spray. A young child was in Mr McDonagh’s car at the time.

The court heard Mr McDonagh was the victim of a brutal assault in 2010 when he lost his finger after being attacked with a machete after pick- ing up his children from school. The court heard the incident at the Maid of Erin was sparked by a violent altercation at a wedding in Ennis days earlier.

In a victim impact statement, a female garda described how she suffered severe psychological trauma following the violent incident.

“It was my belief that I was going to be seriously or fatally injured,” she added.

Judge Keys said the men acted as if they were “above the law” on the night.

Sentencing Mr McDonagh to a total of four years in prison, Judge Keys said the accused displayed a “total disregard for law and order”.

“You conduct on this occasion can only be described as outrageous,” he added.

His son Bernie McDonagh Jnr (21) also received sentences totalling four years.

He arrived with two others to the Maid of Erin and “savagely attacked” victim John Doherty with a Stanley knife.

Mr Doherty was slashed repeatedly in the back and neck. “I felt like my time was up. I prayed to God for strength,” said Mr Doherty in his victim impact report.

The McDonaghs were ordered not to have any future contact with the Dohertys.

Father of six Christopher McDon- agh received a 16-month sentence for the production of an iron bar and violent disorder.

The court heard gardaí were surprised at Christopher McDonagh’s involvement. He was described in court as a devoted family man who had never bee in serious trouble before.

A 17 year-old who produced a hatchet was ordered to remain under the supervision of the Probation Services. His case was adjourned to 2014.

During that incident, Garda Martin O’Brien, a former League of Ireland referee, was used as a human shield between the boy and the person he approached.

A TOURIST who almost lost his sight in a “brutal” unprovoked New Year’s Day assault after coming to the aid of a woman in Ennistymon has been praised for his “gallantry”.

Dublin man Richard Mullen and his wife were returning to their holiday home in the early hours of January 1 when they came across a “young woman pinned to the ground by a thug” on Circular Road, Ennis District Court heard on Thursday.

Mr Mullen told the court he saw a young man standing over a woman with his hands over her throat. Mr Mullen said that after helping the woman to her feet, he received a blow to the head from William Donovan (20).

“I went down like a sack of spuds”, the 62-year-old recalled.

The court heard that after returning to Dublin, Mr Mullen received treatment for acute glaucoma caused by a swollen eye and almost lost his sight.

Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Durcan said he had never come across such a brutal assault in his time on the bench in Clare. He said Mr Mullen had required complex medical treatment to save his sight.

“He (Mr Mullen) was set upon in the most appalling, brutal and thuggish fashion,” said Judge Durcan who had considered refusing jurisdiction of the case.

Mr Donovan, with an address at Clancy Park, Ennis, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and other offences including burglary at Wilsons’, O’Connell Street, Ennis on March 22 (2013).

He also pleaded guilty to stealing clothes, cash and a mobile phone from a man who had gone for a swim in Dough Beach, Lahinch on August 28.

Mr Donovan, a father of one, stole an Apple laptop, four Nikon cameras and € 87 from Wilson’s.

He also pleaded guilty to breaking the window and stealing a jacket from a Citroen Berlingo parked behind Wilson’s.

Detective Garda Claire O’Shaughnessy said CCTV footage and DNA evidence from blood found on the broken car window were used to identify Mr Donovan. She said Mr Donovan had not admitted breaking into Wilson’s

Another man has also been charged in connection with the burglary, the court heard.

Storeowner Richard Wilson recalled finding doors to his premises smashed open on the morning after the burglary. He told the court the burglary had an effect on he and his wife. “I was very conscious of security before but even more so now,” he added.

Mr Donovan has 42 previous convictions. On March 28 he committed a string of offences in Ennistymon and Lahinch that included the theft of two Jack Russell terriers.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client apologises unreservedly to the victims of his crimes.

She said Mr Donovan had significant problems with drink and tablets in the early part of the year.

She said Mr Donovan had taken steps to address his problems and had cleaned up his act since March.

“I would ask the court to accept this is a man who has changed”, added Ms Godfrey.

Judge Durcan said the devastation Mr Donovan visited upon Wilson’s was akin to something you would see in war-torn Libya and Syria.

“He broke down doors and gates and smashed his way in the very worst John Wayne manner you’d see in the movies of the Wild West”, he added.

He imposed sentences totaling 14 months on Mr Donovan. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

A FATHER of 10 whose reckless behaviour sparked a violent disturbance at a roundabout in Ennis last year has claimed he is ready to make peace.

Bernie McDonagh Snr (46) has said he bears no ill feeling to the Doherty family after tensions between the former friends and neighbours spilled onto the streets of Ennis last October.

Mr McDonagh, with addresses at Ashline, Ennis, and Nashes Boreen, Cork City, told gardaí, “I’ve no illfeeling towards the Dohertys but they’d want to sort themselves out.”

Earlier this month Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard Mr McDonagh told gardaí that he would be willing to sit down and talk with the Dohertys.

“Peace is the only way forward,” said Mr McDonagh, who is related to the Doherty family through mar- riage.

Bernie McDonagh Snr last week received a four-year prison sentence for his role in the incident at the Maid of Erin roundabout on October 14, 2012. He pleaded guilty to driving recklessly against the flow of traffic in a manner likely to cause harm. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage.

Mr McDonagh Snr drove his car the wrong way around a roundabout nine times in pursuit of a Hiace van containing members of the Doherty family.

His son Bernie McDonagh Jnr (21), with address at Ashline, Ennis, and Nashes Boreen, Cork City, also received sentences totalling four years at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday.

Father of one Bernie McDonagh Jnr, with an address at Nashes Boreen, Cork, pleaded guilty to the production of a Stanley knife during the course of a dispute; violent disorder and assault causing harm to John Doherty.

Olympic boxer Kieran Joyce gave evidence on Bernie McDonagh Jnr’s behalf earlier this month. Mr Joyce, who competed for Ireland at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, told the court Bernie Jnr was a “very respectful young fella” and talented boxer. He said Mr McDonagh Jnr coached kids at the Sunnyside boxing club in Cork City and had hopes of competing at the next Olympic games.

A MAN who burned down his former home in Kilrush in an attempt to secure a new house for his mother has received an 18-month sentence.

Martin Blunnie (24) was “very disgruntled” with the local authority for not giving his mother Adrienne Simmons (56) after the area they lived fell into dereliction and disrepair.

The family set fire to their then home at 3 Beechpark in the John Paul Estate on March 15 (2012).

Passing sentence at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, Judge Gerard Keys said the family made frequent requests to move from the estate where houses were boarded up and abandoned.

He said nobody irrespective of their background or means should be expected to live in houses of such poor condition.

However Judge Keys added the poor condition of the house wasº no justification of the family’s actions.

“I can understand your reaction but it cannot be justified”, he said.

Martin Blunnie and Adrienne Sim mons were drinking and became involved in a row with a local authority litter warden on the morning of the blaze due to a complaint over rubbish.

The court heard the Fire Services were called later in the day after smoke was seen coming from the windows.

Martin Blunnie was arrested and admitted to gardaí that he started the fire deliberately. Both he and Ms Simmons pleaded guilty to arson.

The court heard the family’s house had fallen into disrepair and was surrounded by derelict and boarded up properties.

Counsel for the DPP, Stephen Coughlan BL said, “He became indignant and set the house on fire with the view of getting new accommodation.” Mr Blunnie has 25 previous convictions.

The court heard that areas of the John Paul Estate have undergone regeneration. Ms Simmons has since moved to new rented accommodation.

On Thursday, Judge Keys said the family’s actions were not life threatening as the adjoining houses were abandoned and scheduled for demolition.

The court heard Martin Blunnie endured a chaotic childhood due to drink and drug problems.

“It is clear that Martin Blunnie was the main instigator and your mother went along with the actions,” added Judge Keys.

He sentenced Mr Blunnie to two years in prison but suspended the final six months.

Judge Keys said Ms Simmons had lived a tragic life and there would be no benefit to society by sending her to prison. He imposed a suspended sentence. A MA N who insulted and verbally abused a Judge in a foul-mouthed tirade at Ennis Courthouse last month has been advised to keep his cool. Jimmy Doherty (40) vented his fury at the outcome of a case by roaring obscenities at Judge Patrick Durcan in Ennis District Court on September 24. Mr Doherty, with an address at Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis was arrested and charged with engaging in threatening and insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. OnWednesday, Mr Doherty pleaded guilty to the public order charge. Defence solicitor John Casey told the court his client wished to apologise for his behaviour on the day.“This was a time when he was under a lot of pressure,” explained Mr Casey. Inspector TomKennedy said he was “very surprised” to learn of Mr Doherty’s outburst. Speaking in court Mr Doherty said,“Your honour I’mvery sorry to you and I apologise to the court”. Judge Patrick Durcan said he accepted Mr Doherty’s apology.“I believe people should showrespect to one another. Mr Doherty, keep the cool inside the courthouse and outside the courthouse.” Judge Durcan struck out the charge against Mr Doherty. A T EEN A GER who was ordered to make a toolbox for his solicitor has been told he could have good career in woodwork. In July, Judge Patrick Durcan said he was making the order because it was obvious the boy had “natural gift” for woodwork.The 18 year old, who was a minor when it is alleged he committed a drugs offence, previously made a wooden toolbox as part of his involvement with the Probation Services. After reading a probation report, Judge Durcan commended the boy on his workmanship. He ordered that the teenager produce a similar itemfor his solicitor,Tara Godfrey, so she could use it while gardening. Judge Durcan said he wanted the boy to apply himself to something he is good at. “Here we have a young man that has a natural gift and I want to see himdevelop that gift,” he added. The case was adjourned to last Wednesday to allowthe teenager time to make the box. Solicitor Tara Godfrey brought the toolbox into court.“I’mvery happy with my gift. It’s fit for purpose,” she told the court. Judge Patrick Durcan congratulated the teenager on the“beautifully made” toolbox.“In my viewthat is a saleable item,” he said. “I’ll be looking out for ads in Clare newspapers as to where you’ll be selling these,” added Judge Durcan. A Probation Officer told the court that they would recommend the boy for an employment linkage programme. Inspector TomKennedy said no newissues had arisen with the accused. Judge Durcan struck out the charge against the teenager. A W ES T Clare man who caused a head on collision after overtaking on a bend near Lissycasey last year has been disqualified fromholding a license for two years. Gary Sullivan (19) was driving to Kilkee when he attempted to overtake a car on a continous white line near Caherea on NewYear’s Eve, Ennis District Court heard onWednesday. Mr Sullivan’s car collided with another car traveling in the opposite direction. No one was injured in the crash. Inspector TomKennedy told the court that Mr Sullivan made a “huge error of judgment.” Mr Sullivan, with an address at Marian Estate, Kilkee, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving an failing to have insurance.A request to reduce the charge to one of careless driving was not accepted by the court. Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir told the court her client swapped his old car for a new one in Clonmel on the night in question. She said Mr Sullivan had not yet transferred his insurance across to the newcar when the accident occurred. Ms Hehir said Mr Sullivan acted in a very mature manner in the aftermath of the accident.“He wrote a letter of apology to the family involved”, she added. The court heard Mr Sullivan hopes to travel abroad. Judge Patrick Durcan imposed fines totaling €750 and disqualified Mr Sullivan fromholding a driver’s license for two years.

A 22 YEAR-old man who used a catapult to break car windows in Newmarket on Fergus earlier this year has been ordered to personally apologise to the injured parties.

Joe Conroy smashed car windows in the Island View, Ennis Road and Glen an Aifreann areas of Newmarket on May 19, Ennis District Court heard on Wednesday. Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the accused used a catapult and marbles to cause € 705 worth of damage to three cars.

The court heard Mr Conroy had not paid compensation to the owners. Mr Conroy, with an address at The Island, Cratloe, pleaded guilty to three charges of criminal damage.

Defence solicitor Jenny Fitzgibbon told the court that her client had been under “severe pressure” in his personal life at the time the offences were committed. She said Mr Conroy acted “very stupidly” on the day.

“He didn’t hold back. He admitted his culpability. He admitted his stupidity”, she added. The court heard Mr Conroy worked as a metal fabricator after leaving school. Judge Patrick Durcan said his first priority was for Mr Conroy to pay compensation and show remorse.

“There will be a conviction in this matter but the issue is whether there will be a prison sentence,” he added.

Adjourning the case to January 8 (2014) for review, Judge Durcan said he expected Mr Conroy to have half of the compensation paid to the car owners by that date.

“I also want to be satisfied that he makes contact, personally, with the three injured parties”, he added.

PRISON sentences have been handed down to two men found driving around Ennis earlier this year with weapons including a claw hammer and a golf club.

Gardaí discovered the items along with a shovel handle and mop handle with a metal head after they were thrown from a car in Clancy Park on May 1 (2013).

At Ennis District Court on Thursday, Darren Maughan (21) and Kildare man Dermot O’Brien (25) pleaded guilty to possession of implements, contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Durcan said too often in the past 18 months he has dealt with cases where people believe they can “go around the county in a marauding fashion.”

“There is no room in our society for people who go around in mechanically propelled vehicles with implements of potential death and destruction”, he added.

Garda Stephen Dunne of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he observed a car driving in suspicious manner in the Cloughleigh area of Ennis on May 1.

He said gardaí followed the car to Clancy Park where they observed a claw hammer, mop handle, shovel handle and golf club being thrown from the vehicle.

The accused were arrested. The court heard Mr Maughan, with an address at Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis has 45 previous convictions, mainly arising from alcohol related incidents.

Defence solicitor William Cahir said Mr O’Brien is not from Ennis. “It would be unusual for him to be involved in something like this,” he added.

Mr Cahir told the court the men had not given a reason for having the weapons. “My clients fully accept these are items they should not have had”, he added.

Judge Durcan said the fact that no explanation had been offered was “very much against the defendants”.

He sentenced Mr Maughan to a total of seven months in prison and disqualified him from holding a driver’s license for a year.

Mr O’Brien, with an address at Brayton Park, Kilcock, Kildare and now living Ennis, received a suspended three-month sentence. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service in lieu of another three-month sentence.

The father of two was disqualified from holding a driver’s license for a year. The disqualification was postponed until January 1, 2014.