Category: News

A District Court Judge told a sitting in Kilrush he was sending a clear message that robbery of old ladies and young children would not be tolerated.

Judge Patrick Durcan made the comments as he handed down a suspended one-month sentence to an 18year-old Kilrush woman who robbed an elderly woman’s purse at the train station in Ennis. He also told her he would send her to prison the next time she appeared before him.

She was 17 years old at the time of the theft on January 26 this year and pleaded guilty to the theft at Kilrush District Court on Tuesday.

The teenager also pleaded guilty to public order offences and using threatening behaviour in the Market Square, Kilrush on November 26, 2012.

Judge Durcan fined her € 100 for the public order offence.

The court heard that on November 26 the girl was found fighting with another person in the Square and was using threatening behaviour.

The court also heard that on January 26, a woman in her 70s had her purse stolen in what was described by the defending solicitor as “an opportunistic crime”.

When gardaí arrested the young woman before the court she told them she had thrown the purse over a wall.

The purse was recovered but € 100 cash was missing from it.

Solicitor Fiona Hehir said her client is taking medication and is “in a better condition now than she was then”.

She added that she did not remember the incident in the Square.

Following sentencing Judge Durcan said it as obvious to him from observing the young woman in court that she had attitude problems.

“If there isn’t a change in attitude to me, the gardaí and the law you will be in prison next time you appear before me,” he said.

A NUMBER of gorse fires broke out across the county over the weekend as drought condition once calling the county’s fire services into action.

Fire-fighters were called out on Saturday night to deal with a large gorse fire near the Hand Cross in Miltown Malbay.

The fire, which was situated close to a major blaze which destroyed acres of land earlier this year, was quickly brought under control.

The Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was also called to a minor grass fire on the N18 near Ballymorris over the weekend. This fire was also brought under control quickly.

The number of gorse and forest fires taking place during the recent drought has been reduced greatly as a result of the early wet start to the year. Many forest and scrub areas, which is previous years would have been susceptible to fire, have been saved so far this year because of a larger than normal growth of green vegetation earlier in the year.

Clare chief fire officer Adrian Kelly has called on the public to be vigilant and keep a close eye on vegetation in the weeks ahead.

“As the current spell of weather is conducive to forest, bog and gorse fires, we would like to remind landowners that it is an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn growing vegetation between March 1 and August 31 in any year, on any land not then cultivated. The sad fact is that if this simple rule was adhered to, many costly and dangerous wildfires would be avoided,” he said.

Landowners burning gorse, scrub, or vegetation must inform the Fire Service at least one day in advance and provide details of the location, time and duration of burning. Landowners burning within 1 mile of woodland must notify the local Garda Station and woodland owner in writing at least 7 days in advance.

THE Broadford and wider East Clare community was plunged into shock over the weekend following the untimely death of noted sportsman and community activist Tony Marsh following a tragic accident.

Seventy-year-old Mr Marsh was killed on Saturday morning when he was kicked by a horse. The tragedy occurred at around 10am in a field adjacent to his home in Main Street, Broadford.

Many tributes have been paid to Mr Marsh in the intervening days, with local community leader PJ Mason telling The Clare People that he was “a great parish man” and a “huge loss” to everyone in the village and beyond.

“Everyone in Broadford feels like they’ve lost a member of their fam- ily,” said Mr Mason. “He was tee-totaller, didn’t smoke and lived a very active life. He loved set dancing and was a great parish in every way possible.

“He lost his older brother in 1984 after an accident and then he lost his son just over three years ago. His family has suffered more than it’s fair share of tragedy.

“He was a local postman for 40 years and was very involved in hurl- ing and was an outstanding sportsman of his time and very competitive on and off the field in that he demanded high standards from everyone and from himself,” he added.

Mr Marsh had the distinction of being on the first ever Clare Under 21 hurling team that contested the first championship in the grade in 1964.

He played minor hurling for the county in 1960 and ’61, while his senior competitive debut came in a National League tie against Cork in October 1963.

He made his senior championship debut at full-back in the 4-14 to 26 win over Limerick in 1964. He was also a member of the team that contested the 1966 National League semi-final against Tipperary when Clare were beaten 3-14 to 4-7.

Away from the hurling field Mr Marsh was an outstanding horseman and a founder member of the East Clare Harriers in 1974, serving as Master of the hunt for a dozen years.

“He loved hunting and horses and it was a great passion in his life,” said Mr Mason. “He would have taken part in Hunt Chase at the RDS horseshow for a number of years. It’s a huge shock to the community.

“The most deceiving headline of all is that he’s being described as a 70year-old man.

“He was anything but a 70-year-old man, he was more like a 35-yearold in terms of energy, attitude and way of life. The description of his age doesn’t do him justice at all – he was so active and so energetic,” he added.

THE heat wave and drought of the last two weeks looks let to give way to thunderstorms and flash flooding in parts of the county later this week.

A thunderstorm warning has been issues for Clare and a number of counties in Connaught – with downpours likely to lead to localised flash flooding when and if they strike. With top soil compacted as a result of 17 rain-free days and extreme temperatures, any large downpour will run straight off the land – creating flash flooding in local areas.

While rivers across the county are currently at some of their lowest levels in recent history, a sudden over- load of rain and debris could block storm drains and prevent an extreme surge of rain water from reaching rivers.

The River Fergus was yesterday recorded at its lowest level since 1995 and the River Inagh in Ennistymon has run completely dry – leaving the towns famous cascades silent.

Clare officially entered drought condition on Saturday, July 20, following 15 days without rain. Clare County Council are appealed to consumers to restrict their use of water to essential purposes following a huge increase in demand for water since the dry spell began.

“Conservation is being urged not because of a shortage of rainfall but due to the surge in demand for water,” said senior engineer, Paul Mo- roney.

“This becomes a problem where demand exceeds the amount of water being produced by the county’s public water supplies. Every reduction, no matter how small, will contribute to maintaining supplies and your cooperation is appreciated.”

While Clare County Council have not introduced a hose-pipe ban, as was introduced by Galway County Council and Tipperary North County Council, they have urged customers to conserve and avoid washing cars, leaving taps running and watering lawns.

THE owner of a popular West Clare tourist attraction has reported losses of up to 80 per cent trade since a 12year-old sign signalling his business – the West Clare Railway – was removed.

Describing the situation as “a disaster” Jackie Whelan said the loss of trade to his business during what should have been the busiest times of the year is putting his livelihood under threat.

“If the signs are not put back up by the council we will have no choice but to open Sundays and Mondays only,” he told The Clare People .

“They [tourists] are passing up and down by us all summer and people are complaining they can’t find us,” he said.

The owner of the Moyasta-based business said that the removal of the signs is contrary to the Clare County Development Plan, which states all tourist attractions should be adequately marked.

Clare County Council said that the National Roads Authority removed all commercial signage that did not have adequate planning permission, as the signs were along a primary route and within the national body’s jurisdiction.

Mr Whelan said he has now been asked to pay out € 650 to reinstall his sign and to apply for planning per- mission.

The businessman maintains that he received the permission of Clare County Council’s area engineer more than a decade ago to erect a sign as a part of the agreement for the development of the West Clare railway as a tourist attraction.

Under the agreement Mr Whelan carried out £29,000 worth of work, including work on footpaths, lighting and landscaping in the village of Moyasta.

CLARE farmers could be forced to begin using winter fodder, just harvested over the past few weeks, as the drought has brought grass growth in the county to a virtual standstill.

Clare farmers, especially in shallow soil in the North and West of the county, have been unable to fertilise land following the first cut of hay or silage. This, coupled with drought conditions experienced over the past two weeks, has created a situation where fresh grass for livestock is running out – and few farmers have been able to generate enough grass for a second cut of silage.

With thunder storms expected in some areas in the coming days, there is also the prospect that farmland in the county may become flooded, while other areas may remain in drought.

According to Martin McMahon of the ICMSA, Clare farmers desperately need a number of days of moderate rain to return the grass to growth.

“Grass has already started to burn in many parts of the county and this does not bode well for the rest of the year. If we don’t get some grass growth soon farmers will have to start giving out the fodder they have just saved – which is bound to create another big fodder shortage this winter,” he said.

“There is definitely going to a problem with grass. Fertiliser wont go into the ground at this stage so there is no point in spreading it. The chances of a second cut of silage on most Clare farms is not there at the moment. This mean that there will be less grass for cattle after the second cut is eventually made this year – which will put even more pressure on fodder.

“We need to get three or four inches of rain over a few days and then for the weather to clear again. If we get that then we have a good chance of saving enough fodder this year. If we don’t get that then farmers will be in trouble fro fodder again this year.”

THE HSE in Clare are warning people, especially older people and those that live alone, about bogus health and care staff.

The warning follows an attempt by criminals to use a HSE identity as a cover for their activities.

The Health Service Executive is advising people throughout the midwest to always be satisfied that people presenting at their homes as HSE staff are genuine.

All HSE staff carry official I.D.

“Most people have an ongoing relationship with their HSE staff in the community and this is not a problem. However when a home visit is taking place on a one-off basis or new staff are appointed, the public don’t necessarily know the staff involved,” said a HSE spokesperson.

“In such cases it is always advisable to ask for I.D.”

If the public are not satisfied with the I.D. then they should ask for the office number of where the staff member is based and call to check that it is genuine.

If in doubt people are advised not to admit anyone to your home until fully satisfied.

Commenting on this issue, HSE area manager for the mid-west, Bernard Gloster, said, “In most cases our staff know the public and the public know our staff. However we are a large organisation and this is not always possible. We are concerned based on a recent report in the mid-west that the public need to be vigilant as unfortunately there are a small number of people who might try to use our identity as a means of gaining access to the homes of unsuspecting and vulnerable members of the public.”

“We continue to work close with our staff and the Gardaí in minimising such risk. Remember always ask for I.D. if you don’t know the person and even never let someone into your home until you are completely satisfied they are genuine,” he said.

AN OPEN verdict was recorded in the inquest into the death of Thomas Keane, Kilclogher, Cross in West Clare at yesterday sitting of the Ennis Coroners Court. Mr Keane (45), was discovered by his wife Ursula and his brother in law Brendan in his car, roughly two miles from his house, on February 7, 2013. Coroner Isobel O’Dea ruled that death was the result of acute cardiac arrest as a result of carbon monoxide inhalation. ENNIS Coroners Court heard yesterday that the death of Tina Doyle, from Ivy Hill, Gort Road in Ennis was the result of cardio-respiratory failure with a drugs overdose as a secondary cause. Mrs Doyle, born on April, 23, 1968, was discovered at her home by Garda Donagh Walsh from Ennis Garda Station on Janu- ary, 11, 2013, after being contacted by Mrs Doyle’s landlord. Coroner Isobel O’Dea recorded an open verdict in the inquest. AN OPEN verdict was recorded in the inquest of Barbara Glover, born July 31, 1964, at yesterday’s sitting of Ennis Coroners Court. The court heard that Mrs Glover was discovered by her husband, Sean Peter Glover, at their former home in Mountshannon on February 25, 2013. Coroner Isobel O’Dea ruled that Mrs Glover’s death was the result of asphyxiation with ligatures on the neck given as the secondary cause. THE DEATH of Niall Quinn of Cooraclare, Kilrush, was the result of asphyxiation, Ennis Coroners Court heard yesterday. Mr Quinn (55), was discovered by his wife Gretta Quinn in a shed at their farm on the morning of February 19, 2013. Coroner Isobel O’Dea recorded an open verdict in relation to the death. A VERDICT of death by misadventure was recorded in the inquest of Frank (Frankie) O’Connor at Ennis Coroners Court yesterday. The court heard that Mr O’Connor, born on June 4, 1969, was at a friend’s house at Clancy Park in Ennis, in the early hours of January 19, 2013, when he full unconscious. Coroner Isobel O’Dea ruled that Mr O’Connor’s death was the result of the combined effects of drugs and alcohol. A SMALL amount of prescription drugs combined was found to have caused the death of Ennis man Mark Travers in January of this year. Ennis Coroners Court heard yesterday that Mr Travers was discovered by his friend and employer, Leo Mannion, at his Ennis home on January 7 of this year. Mr Travers, born on March, 20, 1975, was found to have died from acute cardiac failure. Coroner Isobel O’Dea recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

HOLIDAY homeowners are disposing of their rubbish at beaches in Kilkee and Lahinch.

Although the majority of these holidaymakers are leaving their rubbish beside public bins, they are still in violation of the Litter Act 1997.

Clare County Council’s Environment Section spokesperson Mary Skehan warned that people caught dumping their domestic rubbish on the beach, near or beside refuge bins, will be prosecuted.

“The record volume of people visiting our beaches has resulted in an increase in littering and the council has employed additional resources and installed extra bins to ensure the problem is minimized,” she said.

“However, some people are taking advantage of the situation by depositing domestic refuse at our bin collection points. Such dumping is unsightly and tarnishes the image of the locations in question and indeed, it is a breach of the Litter Act 1997 to depose of refuse in such a manner.”

Since the beginning of the warm spell of weather, the local authority has recorded a significant increase of domestic rubbish being placed alongside bins at popular seaside resorts.

“Holiday home owners and other householders are reminded that the onus is on them to dispose of their domestic waste at either of the Council’s West Clare Civic Amenity Site Recycling Centres at Lisdeen and Ballyduff beg or to avail of a private refuse collection service,” explained Ms Skehan.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council is also urging visitors to Clare’s main beaches to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them.

“The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented large volumes of visitors to the beaches. In Kilkee, we are finding that some people are dumping their litter along the seawall, on the beach or beside already full bins rather than bring their litter home with them. We have installed additional bins to counteract the problem but would continue to ask the public to take responsibility for their rubbish.”

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of € 150 or a maximum fine of € 3,000 if convicted of a litter offence in the District Court.

A WOMAN was hospitalised after bring struck by Dusty the Doolin Dolphin in the water off Doolin Pier on Friday.

The woman, who is from Westport in Mayo, was struck in the abdomen and legs by the Dolphin – who has made Doolin it’s home for the past two years.

The woman received medical at- tention at the scheme and was transferred to hospital in Galway – but her injuries were not understood to be serious.

A number of reports of swimmers interfering with the dolphin have been reported in recent times. The woman was assisted by members of the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard, who have warned people not to get close to the Dusty.

“However it happened the dolphin hit her with her tail and she had lower abdomen pain. We tended her while she was waiting for the ambulance,” said Matty Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard.

“She [the dolphin] is a wild animal – people have to be careful. She enjoys the noises and vibrations of the boats and just because she swims in that area, does not give people the liberty to catch her and touch her. And that’s what’s happening.

“People seem to think that they can just catch her fin or catch her tail and when the dolphin gets frustrated then she is bound to strike back a little bit. She is perfectly fine and calm if people just give her her own room and space.

“Just like any wild animal tempers can vary. Just because one dolphin allows people to swim with them doesn’t mean that you can do it with all dolphins. People need to be aware that she is wild and she needs her space. If people want to see her that can see her from the top of the pier. People need to be responsible for themselves.”

The Doolin-based lifeguards were flying the red flag – signifying danger – at the time of the incident. It is now policy for the lifeguards to fly the red flag any time the dolphin enters the area.

A video taken last year showing Dusty getting angry with swimmers can be viewed on youtube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AAMFBvpPQ4.