Category: News

FOR 180 years, the McNamaras have been looking after the health of the people of Corofin.

This weekend marked the end of an era, with the retirement of the fourth generation of the family of GPs.

Dr Maccon MacNamara celebrated his retirement with his wife Finola, family, many friends and patients after dedicating 40 years of his life to the welfare of the North Clare village.

The towering, softly spoken doctor took over the Corofin practice from his father Donough, who was preceded by his father George.

The dynasty of doctors in Corofin began with Dr Maccon’s great grandfather Michael in 1826, with every generation there after providing a GP.

Dr Maccon joined the practice in 1966, having graduated from the University College in Galway in 1960. The popular GP had previously attended Corofin National School and later Castleknock College in Dublin, before studying medicine.

“I never considered anything else,” he said.

From a family of four, Maccon’s late eldest brother also chose a career in the medical field.

Maccon’s own six children have decided to carve out careers in other professions, but this is a fact the retiring GP is content about.

For 37 of his 40 years in the Corofin practice, Dr MacNamara ran the practice single-handedly.

“On the upside, patients had 24 hour access to you, 365 days a year,” he told The Clare People .

However, the GP admitted that the long and unpredictable hours meant family and social life could be quite restricted.

When Dr Maccon began practicing in the 1960s, the two surgeries in his dispensary area were primitive. Telecommunications and transport were not as advanced.

“The postman would come and tell you someone was out of medicine, or needed to see you,” explained Dr Maccon.

With the introduction of the public health nurse, a lot of pressure was taken off the local GP.

Three years ago, Dr Maccon purchased the medical centre in Corofin, and has since been joined by a new team of medical experts he describes as “a first division team”.

The doctor is full of praise for his practice nurse, Mary O’Brien, fellow GP Dr Fergus Glynn and secretary Geraldine Cahill.

The retiring GP will stay on in the practice in an advisory capacity.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the patients,” he said.

He is also proud of the camaraderie between the GPs in the county.

KILRUSH Town Council will recognise the town’s unique community spirit when it presents the “Gradaim Ui Rhochainn” awards this Friday at 7 pm.

This year, 17 people and groups are nominated for the award from a cross-section of artist, entertainers, volunteers and community workers.

Among those nominated are Gerardine (Ger) Rush, Toler Street, Kilrush; Antonio Cebas for his work with the Brothers of Charity in Hector St., Kilrush; Breda Roughan, Granatooha, Knockerra, Cooraclare; and Patti Lynch, John St., Kilrush who has not let her battle with Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) deter her from fundraising for the charity DEBRA Ireland. Other nominees include Vincent O’Halloran; Bridín Griffin, O’Gorman St., Kilrush; Saint V.De.P. Society, Shannon Heights, Kilrush; Robert Clancy, Barrack Road, Kilkee and the director of the Hell for Leather school and show, John Fennell.

The organisations and groups short listed for the overall award include the West Clare Dyslexic Support Group, Family Resource Centre, West Clare Women’s Forum, Irish Red Cross Kilrush Branch, and South West Clare Community Radio Ltd./Raidio Corca Baiscinn. The late Úna Coffey of Burton Street, Kilrush has also been included on the list of honours.

Two members of Kilrush Town Council have also been nominated for the award. Cllr Stephen O’Gorman (FF) has been included on the list as has Mary Prendeville and her husband Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF), who as mayor, presented the award last year.

In 1993, the council established the concept of the awards to give public recognition to the great work, commitment and dedication of Cllr. Cissie Roughan, a member of Kilrush Urban District Council from 1980-1991. Last year, the Sisters of Mercy won the town’s highest accolade, for their 150 years dedication to education in the West Clare capital.

A LIMERICK-BASED company has failed in its third attempt to transform the former AIB building in Ennis into a commercial development.

Ennis Town Council has refused Brookvale Construction permission to develop the protected 19th-century building on Bindon Street.

Brookvale had submitted plans to construct retail and other commercial outlets on the extensive site around the building, which is currently occupied by property company, the Munster Group.

The plan was opposed by Oliver Moylan, Chairman of the Clare Association of An Taisce.

“An Taisce is very anxious that the integrity of this whole area be maintained,” he stated, adding that the Brookvale plan was totally at variance with the environmental sensitivity of this part of Ennis.

In refusing permission, the town council found that the proximity, height, scale and extent of the proposed development, at its boundary to the north, would seriously injure the amenity and depreciate the value of the property due to overshadowing.

The council stated that there was no substantial difference between the new proposal and one previously refused by An Bord Pleanála.

It is the third time that Brookvale Construction has been thwarted in its plans to develop the site, since it purchased it from the AIB seven years ago.

Ambitious plans for a 71-bedroom four-star hotel at the location were refused by both Ennis Town Council and An Bord Pleanála.

In 2004, the company lodged plans to construct a pub and restaurant.

However, the plan ran into opposition from An Taisce and prominent Clare personalities, including Reverend Bob Hanna, Martin Linnane and Tony Honan.

Mr Moylan claimed that the development “would destroy the whole character of this unique area in Ennis”.

The plan was passed by Ennis Town Council, but refused by An Bord Pleanála.

A COURT has heard how the “bizarre and intimidating” behaviour of a man led to concern amongst his neighbours in Meelick.

The claims were made by a solicitor representing a man accused of a public order offence, arising out of an incident in the early hours of January 8 last.

Patrick Fitzgerald (50), of Kyleavogher, Meelick, was charged after an incident with his neighbour, Joseph Touchstone.

Mr Touchstone, a member of the army, said he saw the accused “kicking the hell” out of his front gate before 2am.

“He said he was going to run me out of the area. He said to me that I was a sick f*****. He offered me to come down and fight with him,” added Mr Touchstone. Patrick Fitzgerald denied this.

Mr Fitzgerald’s solicitor Daragh Hassett said the accused’s sister used to live beside Mr Touchstone, but sold her house because he made her life a misery.

“You are renowned in the area as a night owl, who doesn’t have curtains in the house, standing in the window late at night, staring out at people on the street. Do you accept that?” asked Mr Hassett.

“I do, with good reason,” replied Mr Touchstone, who also agreed that he played loud music late at night.

Referring to the incident, the solicitor said his client was walking home, when Mr Touchstone stared at him in a “menacing fashion” and started taking photographs of him.

Mr Touchstone denied this but admitted that he “occasionally” videotaped people on the street. He said the reason his light was on at 2am was “to see who might be trying to get me or get to my house. At one stage, I have had a brick thrown through my window.”

Mr Hassett said the witness’ behaviour was “bizarre, unusual and quite intimidating of young people” and that he stared at young girls on the street, calling them “slappers.”

Mr Touchstone said he used that expression on one occasion in the past and it has been held against him since.

Mr Hassett said concerns about Mr Touchstone’s behaviour prompted a special residents meeting to be held.

Garda Eugene Long said Mr Touchstone was hassled by children in the area, due to his “eccentric behaviour.”

Mr Hassett said his client’s behaviour was far short of what would constitute the charge he was facing.

Judge Joseph Mangan said he found the offence proven and adjourned the case for a year.

AN APPLICATION to highlight the geological heritage and treasures of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher has been submitted to UNESCO and the European Geoparks Network to preserve the area’s geological heritage and provide a major tourism base for the west of Ireland.

Ireland currently has two designated Geoparks: the Marble Arch Caves/Cuilcagh mountain park in Fermanagh and the Copper Coast in Waterford.

The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Geopark application has been prepared by Clare County Council and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher GeoPark Committee, which comprises Shannon Development, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Clare Biodiversity Steering Group, Geological Survey of Ireland, Burren Outdoor Pursuits Centre VEC, and BurrenBeo Teo.

According to county council heritage officer, Congella McGuire, the establishment of The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher Geopark will allow for the economic development of this area through the development of a branded image linked to the geological heritage and the development of Geotourism.

The application includes proposals geared towards the enhancement of existing visitor facilities and the development of other centres in the area. These include the upgrading of the Burren Centre in Kilfenora and the development of other educational and visitor resources.

“It is planned to target these and other facilities to include up to date information on the geology of the region. It’s hoped that the partnership and the proposed entity, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Committee, would be the ideal structure to secure funding to enable a geological input into any new developments”, said Tourism Council and Geopark Committee member, Paddy Maher .

“The New Visitor Experience currently under construction by Clare County Council at the Cliffs of Moher will further enhance the site”, he added.

Meanwhile, it has been proposed that the National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Rangers will monitor the sites while the proposed Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Committee will manage and co-ordinate all the geological developmental and presentational aspects proposed in the application.

The Committee will work in consultation with elected members of Clare County Council, the tourism sector, and local community groups. They have suggested in the application to the European Geopark Network that the areas surrounding the high Burren could be included in any future submission. Such areas would include the East Burren Wetlands and the eastern lowlands incorporating the villages of Ruan, Tubber, Boston, Kinvara and Gort.

AN POST say a new sorting office opened yesterday in Ennis will improve postal services in the region.

The new custom-built delivery services unit officially opened for business yesterday. Located on the Gort Road, it will handle incoming mail for Ennis and the majority of the Clare area.

However, internal post within Clare will still have to be sent to a regional sorting office in Cork before being distributed within Clare.

The new facility has been fitted out to enable postal staff to handle increased mail volumes and delivery points, and will stand on 10,000 square feet, which will allow for future expansion of delivery addresses in Ennis. Approximately 80,000 items of mail will transit through the new Delivery Services Unit every day.

“It will improve the service in terms of the numbers handled. It’s primarily for the Ennis area but will be used to distribute throughout Clare. Given the high quantities of mail handled then, mail will still have to be sent to one of the larger centres before returning to Ennis,” a spokesperson for An Post said.

An Post are occupying the Gort Road site on a long-term lease and have invested significantly in capital. The fit-out of the new premises includes modern sorting equipment and delivery services accommodation, security systems, communications infrastructure and improved staff welfare facilities. The new premises are accessible to large vehicles and have dedicated parking facilities for both customer and company vehicles. There will also be improved mail collection facilities and physical PO Boxes available to all box holders.

An Post have denied that technical problems delayed the opening of the centre. Delivery delays in September and October of last year in the Ennis area were the source of much frustration to local residents and the business community.

“This is an extremely important development for the Ennis area and it will enable An Post to maintain an efficient and reliable service and satisfy the long-term needs of both staff and customers,” said Eoin Morgan, An Post Director of Collection and Delivery.

PEOPLE have been urged to exercise caution in Clare resorts during the summer, in the wake of six drownings nationwide last week.

Clare County Council’s Water Safety Officer Liam Griffin is warning people travelling to the county’s beaches to exercise caution. There will be full-time lifeguard cover on Clare’s top 12 beaches, throughout July and August.

“Fanore, Lahinch, Spanish Point and Kilkee are four of the biggest beaches in the country and huge numbers of people go there every week,” said Mr Griffin.

He is warning people not to swim in unguarded locations, as these are the areas which present the most risks.

“I am getting calls that people are jumping into lakes all over the county and that is very dangerous. Make sure you don’t swim after eating and never go into water when you have alcohol consumed,” he warned.

He said people who bring children to the beach must ensure they are prepared to look out for their safety also.

“An average of 170 people drown in Ireland each year. When you compare that to the number of people who die on the roads, it is an unacceptably high figure, given that less people use the water than use the roads,” said Mr Griffin.

“There have been no drownings at any guarded beaches in Clare, so far as I can remember,” he said.

Weekend lifeguard cover is provided at the four main beaches in the county until the end of June, and this will convert into full-time cover at all beaches in July and August, where a team of 24 lifeguards will be on duty between 11am and 7pm.

“All of our lifeguards have qualifications. We feel that the beaches we have are big beaches, with huge volumes of people and we want the highest standards possible,” he said.

Clare’s beaches will attract thousands of surfers throughout the summer and Mr Griffin is advising surfers not to go beyond their depths.

He is also advising people of the dangers of swimming with dolphins, after a German tourist sustained serious injuries, after colliding with a dolphin, off White Strand beach, Miltown Malbay, last year.

“My worry is there is going to be a fatality if people don’t stop swimming with the dolphin.

“By their nature, they need deep water. You are in deep water if you swim with the dolphin,” he said.

A second carrier of US military personnel could be on the verge of pulling out of Shannon after it was confirmed that World Airways, the largest transporter of American troops for the Pentagon, will move to Germany from July 1.

It has now emerged that North American Airlines, a sister company of World Airways, is also looking at alternatives to Shannon.

According to a company spokesman North American Airlines “have the same economic concerns as World Airways but there is no review in place at the moment.”

Shannon Airport is already set to lose millions of euro worth of Pentagon business, following confirmation that the worlds largest carrier of US military personnel is set pull out of the mid west airport next month.

If North American Airlines makes a similar move, the airport will lose at least half and as much as 75% of its US military transit traffic business.

World Airways confirmed last week that from July 1, they will use Leipzig in Germany as their primary technical stop for US military flights.

The move is expected to result in the loss of three flights and 750 troops a day at Shannon where 330,000 military personnel stopped over in 2005 alone. Shannon could lose an estimated €20 million in services, fees and charges. However, the effect will not be as serious as it might have been three years ago when US military traffic made up a much larger proportion of Shannon’s annual traffic. With the continued expansion of the airport, US military business at the moment only makes up approximately 10 per cent of the overall traffic at Shannon.

Despite last week’s announcement, World Airways maintain that it is still committed to the Clare airport.

The company spokesman said that “Shannon has always been one of our preferred locations in Europe and will continue to be so. We may continue to use Shannon periodically for World Airways and North American Airline flights. We have utilised Shannon successfully for many years.”

A YOUNG man has been charged in connection with an alleged knife attack on a 21-year-old, at a house in Shannon in January.

James McAuley (23), of Inis Ealga, Shannon, appeared before Kilrush District Court yesterday (Monday), facing three charges, arising out of an incident on the evening of January 20 last.

Detective Garda Stephen Ryan gave evidence of arresting the accused and charging him.

Mr McAuley is charged with assaulting Michael Delaney, causing him serious harm; with inflicting injury, which would create substantial risk of death or serious harm; and with producing a knife in the course of a dispute.

The alleged offences occurred at a house in the Cronan Park estate in Shannon at around 9.30pm on January 20.

The case was adjourned for preparation of the Book of Evidence.

Mr McAuley, who was represented by solicitor Caitriona Carmody, was remanded on bail and will appear before Shannon District Court at a later stage.

Bail was fixed at €500, and an independent surety of €1,000.

Free legal aid in the case was granted.

TIME was that Clare’s male GAA stars were happy to be sporting hairy, manly chests. But some noughties GAA men are every bit as willing to dare to bare as trend-setting premiership soccer names, if a Limerick company’s experience is anything to go by.

The Otto Clinic in Limerick’s Barrington’s Street is offering a painless treatment that removes unwanted hair and rejuvenates the skin in 20 minutes. It’s proving a big draw with the men and women of Clare, according to Ita Murphy, Otto Clinic manager.

She says men are becoming more body-conscious and their role models are bare-chested leading sports stars, like Munster rugby players and Premiership footballers.

“It used to be only women who came in for hair-removal treatments, but now one in four of our clients are men. They come to us from all over Munster looking for both body contouring and for hair removal treatments.

“We get a lot of men coming in to have their backs and chests done. I have two lads from Clare. They are in their early 20s and they play a lot of sport and they have their chests, and backs done.”

Murphy says she has GAA players among her clients for chest hair removal.

“I have one family who come to me as a group, the father, the mother and two daughters. I even give them a group rate.

“The father doesn’t want a hairy back and shoulders on the beach and the mother and daughters come for facial hair removal.”

The Otto Clinic is associated with the Harley Clinic in London.

They have also launched a new non-surgical method of skin-tightening, called Radiofrequency.

The treatment uses heat and cold to contract collagen beneath the skin’s surface and to tighten the outer-layer of the skin.