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A GOAL three minutes from time by Gearoid O’Brien proved the differ- ence between Kilrush and St Joseph’s and capped a thrilling afternoon of football on Saturday in Cooraclare.

Kilrush began like a dream, grab- bing the opening score and goal of the game after Cathal Carrig buried inside the opening minute.

They gained plenty of momentum from that and pushed on to stretch

the lead to seven points, scoring a second goal with barely five minutes on the clock.

But this didn’t halt the fight from St Joseph’s, who plugged away and be- gan to close the gap.

It would have happened faster only for a brilliant save from Mikey Shan- non in the Kilrush goal after Eoin Conroy blasted for the net.

Two minutes later, though, St Joseph’s did grab their first goal after Diarmuid Barron latched onto a long

dropping ball to steer to the net.

Shortly after Rory Brennan pointed to tie things up at 2-1 to 1-4.

With the game flowing nicely, St Joseph’s moved a step closer to win- ning after Ross McCarthy clinched their second goal, picking up a nice pass from David Conroy. Now, just before the break, St Joseph’s led for the first-time in the game.

But straight after the turn-around, Kilrush hit a serious purple patch and inside the first four minutes of the half, they had regained the lead after hitting 1-4: two points from O’Brien, one from John Kelliher and a goal from Conor Ellis.

They now led by four points, on a scoreline of 3-6 to 2-5, but it always felt like this one was going to go the distance.

And so it proved.

St Joseph’s, once more, showed great character to battle back into the game and with time ticking towards the hour mark, it looked like their second comeback was going to win WSO ENYA

It didn’t, though: O’Brien stepped up and rattled home to send Kilrush through after a game of huge tension ANIemorColraneonle

LADY Luck did not smile on Clare in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday when the Banner men’s determined second-half fightback fell short of forcing a draw after Frank Doher- ty’s side had whittled away Leitrim’s eight point half-time lead to three.

Aided by the breeze Clare out- scored Leitrim by 1-6 to O-4 in the second 35 minutes, but they also hit a number of bad wides which allowed the home team off the hook when they were on the rack for long peri- ods.

This victory edged Leitrim into third place on the Division Four NFL table behind promoted sides Antrim and Sligo.

For Clare a disappointing league continues, with only the lowly Car- low, London and Kilkenny beneath them in the basement division.

Goals by Colin Clarke in the 13th minute, and Shane Canning 15 min- utes later, were undoubtedly the turn- ing points in the game.

Two Leitrim players, Ray Cox and Gary McCloskey, and Clare’s David Russell were dismissed for yellow card offences in the first half.

The hosts took the lead in the fifth minute when Ray Cox shot over from play after Barry McWeeney sent a ball in from midfield.

James Glancy tapped over a free three minutes later to double the lead, after Cox had been fouled by Martin McMahon.

And the Clare defence was split wide open in the 13th minute, allow- ing Colin Clarke to solo through for 20 metres before firing to the net.

Leitrim’s Ray Cox was sent for an early shower two minutes later after he was yellow carded for a foul.

Shortly afterwards Clare finally opened their account when Frank O’Dea skilfully pointed a 20 metre sideline kick.

Gary Brennan then finished off a good Banner move by fisting over in the 17th minute.

Clare should have got on _ level terms two minutes later but unfortu- nately Michael O’Shea blazed a goal chance inches wide.

Leitrim’s advantage was cut to two points in the 20th minute when Enda Coughlan pointed after receiving a pass from Michael O’Shea.

That score was negated two min- utes later when Brendan Gallagher was fouled and James Glancy slotted over the resultant free.

Colin Clarke stretched Leitrim’s lead a minute later when pointing after being put through by Tomas Beirne.

And things got worse for Clare in the 25th minute, when David Rus- sell’s foul on James Glancy led to the Banner player’s dismissal on a yellow card and Clancy’s point from

the free.

A chink of light shone two minutes later when a second Leitrim player, Gary McCloskey, was given his marching orders for a foul.

Once more, though, the home team upped the ante for their opponents, Shane Canning firing home a second goal in the 28th minute after latching onto a free that came in over the top of the Clare defence.

It looked bleak for Clare as Leitrim led by 2-5 to O-3 at the break, and the situation worsened when Dermot Reynolds increased that advantage within 30 seconds of the restart with a point.

However, Clare signalled that a fightback could be on the cards over the next seven minutes as Timmy Ryan and Michael O’Shea notched a point each.

seroma nee VUN am encKenoemmmatsns lead to nine points by the 47th minute, James Glancy pointing after a pass from Dermot Reynolds and then turning provider for sub Declan Maxwell to do likewise.

But Clare then dominated the ex- changes for the remainder of the game.

A well-taken Garry Brennan goal in the 49th minute, after he eluded his marker Tomas Beirne, had the

Banner’s spirited comeback really motoring.

Over the next 14 minutes Clare bossed the match and closed the gap on their opponents to just three points after Timmy Ryan, Enda Coughlan and Brennan fired over in turn.

With just five minutes on the clock James Glancy pointed a free after be- ing fouled himself, for Leitrim’s first score in 18 minutes.

That steadied the nerves of a home crowd which had been displaying signs of anxiety for a considerable length of time.

Clare hit back within the space of a minute when David Tubridy split the Leitrim posts with a well-struck free from the 45 metre line.

Sadly, neither side managed to score in the five further minutes of play, and Clare were still a goal adrift as referee Declan Corcoran blew the final whistle, leaving Frank Doher- ty’s team mired near the bottom of Division 4.

A CONFIDENT Clare minor foot- ball side travel to Dungarvan to- morrow in the hopes of getting their Munster championship campaign off to a good start when they take on Waterford.

Should they advance this week, they will play the winners of Tipper- ary and Kerry in the provincial final on May.

A loss would see the Banner out later this month against another first round loser.

With a handful of last year’s panel still available, manager Colm Col- lins believes that Clare will enter Wednesday’s game with nothing but win on their minds.

“We’ve got our work done, so it’s just about transferring that and fol- lowing through on the day,’ he told

THE area around the west Clare par- ish of Cooraclare was in shock this bank holiday weekend, as a third life was lost at a notorious accident blackspot.

Jim Ahearn was less than three miles from his new home in Dan- ganallen, Cooraclare, when his 4×4 Discovery Jeep struck a ditch and overturned at approximately 5pm on Saturday evening.

The 54-year-old died in the single- vehicle collision at Tullabrack East.

Mr Ahearn, a native of County Limerick, was new to the area, hav- ing moved to west Clare after return- ing from England.

The accident victim was alone in the jeep with his dog at the time of the accident.

The dog warden removed the dog KO) TOM NO oMeo Io

THE Health Information and Qual- ity Authority found that services at Ennis General Hospital were unsafe.

In its 13l-page report following an investigation into the quality and safety of services and supporting ar- rangements provided by the Health Service Executive at the Mid-West- ern Regional Hospital Ennis, the au- thority found it was unsafe to keep the service configuration at the hos- pital as it currently was.

However, according to the report there were significant opportunities for high quality, appropriate services to be provided at Ennis General in the future but these must be safe for the benefit of the public.

According to HIQA, the investiga- tion found examples of good non- acute care being provided at the Clare hospital and a committed ethos from Hospital staff. It also identified a range of services which could be greatly expanded and enhanced at the hospital in the future, including diagnostic services, outpatients, day procedures, appropriate medical care, minor injuries and rehabilita- tion as part of the Regional Hospital Weiaerae

Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Execu- tive of the Health Information and Quality Authority, said, “The inves- tigation found that the hospital as it is currently configured is unsafe and will need to change the range and types of services it provides for its patients in order to build a thriving, appropriate and safer future for the community that it serves.

“Tt is therefore vitally important that the Health Service Executive sets about planning the implementation of all the recommendations contained in this report, in conjunction with staff

and local communities. Similarly, it is important to ensure that appropri- ate facilities, resources and staff are in place throughout the Mid-Western Hospital Network to effectively man- age these changes safely.”

Diane Whittingham, the chairper- son of the authority’s investigation team, said, “What has driven this investigation is a concern for safety and quality, and there are significant opportunities for high quality, ap- propriate services to be provided at MWRH Ennis in the future.

‘To ensure that these services are fit for purpose, the HSE should, as

a priority, undertake a review of the effective management, leader- ship and governance arrangements at Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to guar- antee the effective management and safe implementation of these chang- es. However, it is clear that it is un- safe to keep the current service con- figuration at MWRH Ennis and the changes recommended in this Report must happen in a safe and effective manner.”

The Report highlighted a lack of clarity and accountability and found

that there is no single person at hospi- tal level who is fully accountable for the quality and safety of services.

Dr Cooper said, “The case for change has to be developed and com- municated clearly and effectively to patients, the public and healthcare workers. The authority will request the Health Service Executive to pro- duce an implementation plan for the efficient, safe and effective imple- mentation of the 65 recommenda- tions contained within the Report and we look forward to working with it and all other stakeholders to driver safer services.”

EAST Clare’s oldest man placed a wreath on the graves of the Scariff Martyrs on Sunday to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the East Clare Brigade.

Paddy Gleeson was just thirteen years old when he attended the fu- neral of the four men, three of whom were members of the East Clare Bri- gade.

Memorial services were organised by the East Clare Memorial Com- mittee for the Memorial Park in Tua- mgraney and at Scariff church where

the four are buried.

The Tulla Pipe Band provided mu- sical tributes.

Memorial Committee member, Tomas Mac Conmara, plans to write a book about the martyrs with the help of people in east Clare.

He said that the memorial commit- tee “are dedicated to reminding the community of east Clare of the sac- rifices made by the men and women of the Republican movement in east Clare during the Irish War of Inde- pendence and the Civil War.”

The Scariff Martyrs – Alphonsus Rodgers, Michael McMahon, Martin

Gildea and Michael Egan – were ex- ecuted on the bridge in Killaloe on November 17, 1920.

Egan had been providing a safe house for the other three at White- gate but they were informed on, ar- rested and brought to the barracks at Killaloe where they were tortured before being killed.

The official line was that they had been shot while trying to escape but the front of each body bore up to 17 bullet entry wounds and numerous bayonet wounds. Their bodies were dumped in a shed at the back of the Lakeside Hotel.

“T would love to talk to anyone who can help to fill out both the history and the folklore surrounding these men and this period.” said Tomas. ‘People may have stories they heard from their parents or grandparents. Stories that may have been told in a particular village or area or people might have memorabilia or old pic- tures. There must have been many people who were aware of the op- erations and of the men who died and I want to record all these things whether they are fact or folklore, they all have a place in telling the story of the time.

“Any material history, including artefacts associated with the story of the four Scariff Martyrs or the fight for independence in east Clare are also welcome and encouraged.

“In particular, any elderly people who may remember or have inherited stories regarding the four young men or the period in question are asked to make contact,” said Tomas.

Anyone who would like to help with information can _ con- tact —Tomas Mac Conmara, Baile Maeloin, Tuaimgreine, or by emiling macconmarat@hotmail.com. Alter- natively you can phone 087 9160373.

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