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THE Mayor of Clare has said it is imperative that the Criminal Justice Surveillance Bill be quickly imple- mented in an effort to bring crimi- nals to justice.

Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn (FG) was speaking as she launched the International Police Association (IPA) annual conference in Ennisty- mon at the weekend, which was at- tended by the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.

Police from Luxembourg, Poland, USA and the UK attended the two- day conference, which is one of the major events of the IPA (Irish sec- tion).

She spoke of the importance of the police force in the community and said the new bill — the details of which were announced by the Gov- ernment last week — would provide much assistance to gardai.

She said that the community has a crucial role to play in the detection and prevention of crime.

‘The co-operation of the public re- lating to crime is essential for crime detection and prevention. We cannot afford to remove ourselves when we have knowledge or sightings of acts or behaviour that could be helpful to police investigations.

“Democracy is based on_ the strength of the security of our citi- zens. The public and gardai are in- terdependent. We are secure because of their presence and they can only

be as effective as the public enable them to be,” she said.

She said the IPA should be com- mended for the work it carries out at local, national and international levels.

“The building of transnational rela- tionships between current and retired members of police forces across the world greatly assists and enhances the work of Interpol and other inter- national police organisations. It also serves to assist the members’ under- standing of other cultures, traditions

and police practices in the many na- tions represented,’ she said.

Retired Garda Sergeant and presi- dent of the IPA (Irish section), Billy Saunderson said the conference pre- sented members with the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual personal and professional concern.

Mr Saunderson, who was based in Ennistymon for a number of years, said members of the IPA have the op- portunity to avail of support during difficult times.

‘There are many benefits for retired

and serving members of An Garda Siochana in joining the organisation. Members are provided with immedi- ate support at times of crisis while at home or abroad. The children of members engage in international cultural gatherings and exchanges, and members engage in fundraising for local and community causes,” he said.

CLARE hurlers will be a very differ- ent proposition when they play either Cork or Tipperary in the Munster Semi-Final on June 21st.

This verdict was delivered by man- ager Mike McNamara and his Gal- way counterpart John McIntyre after Clare’s depressing National League campaign ended with a 4-16 to 0-19 defeat to the Tribesmen in Cusack Park.

‘There is a passion about hurling in Clare and it’s up to the players that are there to lift it and ignite it and to come out with all guns blazing in June,” said McNamara.

“I don’t think it will be hard to rise a Clare team for championship. When we do well in the league, we don’t do well in championship and vice versa. If that trend continues we ll be smiling,” he added.

‘The one county that seem to be able to put a bad league campaign behind them and get ready for the championship are Clare,” said McIn- tyre. “Clare are always dangerous against that background,” he added.

WEDDINGS in the former “capital of County Clare” are being affected because of a lack of signage on the N18 Ennis bypass, a meeting has heard.

Cllr Bernard Hanrahan (FF) told a meeting of the Ennis electoral area that Clarecastle has become a popu- lar spot for couples tying the knot.

However, Cllr Hanrahan claimed that many people on their way to at- tend weddings in Clarecastle end up in Doora because there is no sign for the village on the N18 Ennis bypass.

“You have people coming into Clarecastle and they end up travel- ling all the way up to Doora because there isn’t a sign on the bypass for Clarecastle,” said Cllr Hanrahan.

He continued, “You have signs for Quin, you have signs for Carrigoran. I mean, what do Quin and Carrigor- an have to offer more than Clarecas- tle? Clarecastle was once the capital of Clare.”

“All I want ye to do is erect sig- nage on the main road. I spoke to the deputy head of the National Road’s Association (NRA) and they were in favour of it,’ added Cllr Hanrahan.

Supporting Cllr Hanrahan’s call, councillors urged Clare County Council to erect signs on the Ennis bypass.

Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) told yesterday’s meeting that the issue of signage for Clarecastle had been raised repeatedly at area meetings.

“That came up at the last meet- ing. It’s coming up at every meeting. Could we not just put the signs up?” he said.

Cllr Brennan added, “Why can’t we just go ahead and do it?” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said a sign for Clarecastle should be situated at the roundabout near the Clare Inn hotel.

Cllr Sonny Scanlan (FG) also called for clearer signage along all sections the N18 Ennis bypass.

‘People are going up as far as Bare- field. When you are coming from the other direction, you see signs for Scariff and Tulla and none for Ennis. How are people supposed to know’? It’s a pure joke. We need signs for Clarecastle and we also need them for Ennis as well,’ he said.

, Do- herty cut loose on stay-away players over broken promises, lack of com- mitment, turning up for gear and then saying “good luck” by walking away from the team.

“We have brought people in — I’ve spoken to people that have promised me that they’ll come in and they’ve turned around and walked away, for what reason I have no idea,’ Doherty revealed.

“ve tried to ring them, players have tried to get in touch with them.

It’s crazy stuff. Some players have got the gear, the boots and then said good luck.

“T’m disillusioned with it. I asked an under 21 player this year to come into our set-up. He said yes to me. I rang him afterwards to say where training was on — the same lad was in a pub and he cut the phone off. I know that for a fact,” he added.

He launched his broadside at the close of Clare’s National League campaign in Cusack Park on Satur- day – winning outing by 3-21 to I-7, but a game that served to expose a lack of numbers at the disposal of the Doherty and his fellow selectors Ki- eran Kelleher and James Hanrahan.

Only 19 players were togged for the game – a Shortage of players owing

to injuries, players who have walked away or declined repeated offers to join the panel.

Clare used 33 players during their eight-match National League pro- gramme, but a host of those play- ers are no longer part of the panel. These include Stephen Monaghan (Wolfe Tones), Keith Whelan (St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, Stephen Moloney and Ian McInerney (Kil- murry Ibrickane).

Meanwhile, other high profile play- ers from the county champions’ side like Mark Killeen, Michael Hogan and Brendan Moloney were invited on to the panel but declined.

“What is it with some people? Ok we re in Division 4 but we want to get out of Division 4. We need help,”

said Doherty. “Within the county we need the players who are playing for clubs to stand up and say ‘let’s get Clare out of Division 4, let’s give the management team a chance of get- ting Clare out of Division 4’,” said Die) oua

“If we had options on the bench and had a full deck to play, then you’d have a shout. Then if we didn’t suc- ceed you could say the management aren’t up to it.

“Players should be putting them- selves forward and saying ‘yes I’m available for Clare’. They’re not do- ing it and I’m scratching my head wondering why. We’re well short of a full deck at the moment,’ he added.

DURING the Celtic Tiger era prop- erty prices in Quin grew exponen- tially. But, those days have gone and even in trendy Quin you can now find some great property bargains.

The pick of the crop this week is on the books with Costelloe Estate Agents. It’s a detached bungalow located in Arbutus Grove, occupy- ing a half acre site, priced at just €285,000.

Arbutus Grove is situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Quin, opposite the post office and overlooking the church.

According to selling agent Noel Moore, “This is a truly well laid out family home with very generous ac- commodation and it is right beside all the key amenities in Quin village, yet the site is private.

The 135.45 square metres (1458 square feet) of internal space com- prises an entrance porch leading into the entrance hall, a good sized sit- ting room, a kitchen/breakfast room, family room, family bathroom, and there are four double bedrooms, with the master bedroom en-suite.

In addition there is a detached ga- rage that incorporates a utility room and WC.

The house occupies a very attrac- tive site with mature gardens. The front and rear, featuring trees, ex- tensive shrubbery, flowerbeds and a

patio area.

“While this property does require some refurbishment and redecora- tion, at this asking price it is an abso- lute bargain buy,” said Noel.

For further information contact

Costelloe Estate Agents on 065 6821299.

THE mayor of Kilrush told this month’s meeting of Kilrush Town Council that fishing in a council owned lake should not be held to ransom by a few.

Cllr Liam O’Looney (FF) said that the town council should “facilitate the fishing of Knockerra Lake and broker a deal with the adjoining land- Owners so not to let another fishing season go to waste.”

He said he was continuously asked by the West Clare Angling Club to investigate the possibility of making fishing available in the lake again.

“Here we have a natural facility that is not being utilised,” he said.

“In the past farmers had issues with littering and cattle being interfered with by a dog, but the lake is in our ownership. I don’t think it should be held to ransom by a number of peo- ple,” he added.

Town Clerk John Corry told the meeting that he was awaiting legal advice on the matter.

“IT am awaiting a map to identify where our ownership extends to,” he

said.

Mr Corry said that when he received the map he was hoping to meet with the adjoining landowners.

Cllr Colie Sweeney (Ind) proposed that the anglers would also be invited to the meeting.

The father of the council Jack Fen- nel (Ind) said the council must have

access to the lake as the lake in ques- tion once provided the water supply for the town.

THE Mid-West Regional Authority has announced details of an ambi- tious new plan to develop and pro- mote the watersports sector in the Shannon region.

The Mid-West Watersports Project, which will be launched in Ballina on April 30, is aimed at boosting the marine leisure sector and its positive economic and environmental im- pacts in north Tipperary, Clare and Limerick.

The authority intends to build on existing marine leisure initiatives, to develop new opportunities for sus- tainable development of watersports

and attract thousands of additional visitors to the region each year.

According to Project Manager Marie Collins, the regional authority will design and implement a compre- hensive online portal for watersports in the region over the next three years, working closely with the re- gion’s local authorities, tourism busi- ness sector, tourism bodies and local watersports centres.

“Through the National Sport Fed- erations, we will also develop a series of training programmes in environ- mental awareness and social inclu- sion, promoting the marine leisure sector and creating opportunities for all people to become more involved

in the sector.”

A regional launch of the Mid-West Watersports Project will take place in the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina on Thursday, April 30 from 2 to 4pm.

The event is geared towards water- sports clubs, activity centres, marine leisure businesses and tourism pro- motion bodies in the marine leisure sector.

It will feature a number of presen- tations on the various elements of the project, marine leisure and the envi- ronment.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the regional authority at 067 33197 or by email info@mwra. ilo

LATER this month, Kilfenora will erupt in an explosion of traditional music as the village celebrates it’s greatest ever export – the Kilfenora Céili Band.

The world famous band, which cel- ebrates it’s centenary this year, has both it’s past and it’s present deeply rooted in the hills of north Clare.

The festival is being put together by the newly formed Comhaltas Cuillf- hionnurach, and will take place from April 23 to 26. It will celebrate the last hundred years of the band but it will also celebrate the rich music heritage that has always been in this

area.

“It’s really unique. When you think about how many orchestras or groups who have been around for more than 100 years and there is really noth- ing else to match. You could scour the whole world and come up with maybe a handful of groups with this kind of history,” said Andy Lambert of Comhaltas Cillfhionntrach.

“We have families here who have connection with the music going back for centuries. Indeed there are very few family names here in the locality who don’t have a name in the ceili band or in the brass and reed band going back over the last hundred years.”

The festival will include a number of performances from the current and past members of the Kilfenora Ceili Band as well as a performance from the great rivals, The Tulla Céili Band, a lecture by Garry Shannon on the history of the band and a re- cital by some of Kilfenora’s talented younger musicians.

The majority of events are being offered free while a small cover charge will apply to some events. The festival will also see the launch of the first ever permanent exhibition of artifacts relating to the Kilfenora Céili Band.

“We will have a section of the Bur- ren Centre dedicated to the Kilfeno-

ra Céili Band and music generally in the area,” continued Andy

“We will have a lot of text and photographs to start with and after a while we would hope to build up a collection of music as we go on. It 1s the first time that a permanent record of the band has ever been on display and the idea is that it is something that can keep growing and growing as we go on.”

The weekend will also features per- formances by Tommy and Siobhan People, Michael Sexton, PJ Murrihy and a host of other top musicians.”

For more information on the festi- val contact kilfenoracelebrations@h otmail.com.

Dole claimant used seven names

GARY* has spent time in jail, not for holding up banks or riding around in stolen cars. The Clareman’s crime is one he says he “fell into” while he was unemployed.

“I discovered how easy it was to pretend to be someone else. It was as simple as that.”

It’s some years ago now, but Gary is one of many people who defrauded the social welfare system and by the time he was caught up with, he was drawing the dole under seven names every week.

“It started when my flatmate de- cided to go to Australia. We were living in Dublin at the time. He was fed up not being able to get work and his parents were well off, so he bor- rowed money to go travelling. The night before he went, he said – jok- ing – that I could draw his dole for him. Anyway, there must have been a mix-up because, a few days later, a payment slip arrived through the door in his name. The post office where he collected his money was a big one and there were a lot of tellers working there so I thought I’d chance it and it worked. Nobody asked me for ID or anything.”

Gary kept collecting the payments for a couple of weeks but stopped when one of the tellers seemed to be suspicious and asked for ID.

A few weeks later, Gary admitted to a friend that he had fraudulently collected his pal’s payments.

“He just laughed. He told me he was claiming for three people. All you had to do is to use the names of people who had left the country or people around your own age who had died. You just applied for a birth cert and walked in with the cert as identification. He made claims in dif- ferent areas using different friends’

addresses. That’s how easy it was dete

Gary became even more ambitious with the emergence of cheap flights to Britain.

“I could get to London for 20 quid and even use the same birth certs I used here as ID to claim the dole over there. I was cleaning up. All I needed were the certs and a couple of pals’ addresses in London. It was worth my while to fly over and back

to make claims and cash payment slips or cheques.”

Gary was caught when a computer check made by one conscientious British civil servant matched a new claim made by him to an existing claim address. The matter was fol- lowed up and CCTV revealed that one person was collecting both al- lowances. He had no means of pay- ing the money back and served three months in jail in the UK.

“Tm not proud of what I did and it wasn’t worth going to jail for. But in the end, it wasn’t rocket science and I was fed up being poor the whole time. There are a lot of people still making double claims or claim- ing and working at the same time. I wasn’t the only one at it.”

* Name has been changed to protect his identity.