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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.

SAVE the historic election of Nige- rian candidate Dr Taiwo Matthew to Ennis Town Council — becom- ing the first asylum seeker/refugee to be elected to local government in Ireland and the excitement it engen- dered – the eastern part of the county provided most of the talking points in 2004.

There were two constituencies there back then – the old Scariff Electoral Area in which there were three seats up for grabs and the Kiul- laloe Electoral Area where there were four Seats.

Two distinct areas before they were effectively merged under the terms of the latest boundary changes – ar- eas home to high drama in the 2004 poll, the tears of joy, the other tears of defeat and all that.

The Scariff Electoral Area was the smallest constituency in the county, but it provided a huge shock when Cllr Paul Bugler of Fine Gael lost a seat that had been in his family since his late father Paddy was first elected in the 1960 election.

It showed up politics and the elec- torate for what they were and always will be — no respecters of talent, abil- ity and performance.

Paul Bugler, across the Clare Coun- ty Council floor, was considered to be one of the most articulate and able performers on the local author- ity since he was co-opted following the death of his father in 1997.

Therefore, his defeat was one of the biggest shocks in the county – one he himself put down to “a high risk strategy of going all out to try and win two seats”.

Ironically, in defeat he became on of the stars of the 2004 election – taking the shock with the grace and professionalism that marked all his contributions to the local authority.

Meanwhile, over in Killaloe there were even bigger shocks — sitting councillors Mary Mannion (Pro- gressive Democrats), Pat O’Gorman (Fianna Fail) and Michael Begley (Fianna Fail) all lost their seats as the winds of change swept through the constituency like never before.

With the other outgoing councillor for the area, Tony McMahon (Fine Gael) not contesting the election, it meant that Killaloe saw the return of four first time councillors – this was unique in its own right.

Pat O’Gorman from Cratloe was sit- ting Mayor of Clare at the time of his defeat, making his defeat the biggest shock of all. The defeat of two-time General Election candidate Mary Mannion was like Paul Bugler’s de- feat in Scariff, while Michael Beg- ley’s reverse was unexpected.

Into the vacuum came new council- lors, with 21-year-old Cathal Crowe of Fianna Fail causing the biggest stir of all — all because he was the youngest councillor throughout the country and for the fact after he was hoisted aloft as an election winner he took off one of his shoes, show- ing off a massive hole in the sole as evidence of mileage he had put in on the campaign trail.

2009 has a lot to live up to!

THE company that built the Ennis bypass were paid €9 million more than the original contract of €123 million for the scheme.

New figures released yesterday by Clare County Council in response to a Freedom of Information request, show that GAMA Construction re- ceived €132 million for its work on the scheme.

The council confirmed that the final overall cost of the scheme was €197 million and this included land acqui- sition fees and other payments.

GAMA Construction failed to com- plete the construction of the project on time and only fully opened the route in December 2007 — eight months after the project was due to be completed.

Work continued on the scheme in 2008 on ancillary aspects of the project and last year, GAMA also commenced re-alignment work on part of the link-road near the Clare- abbey roundabout.

As part of the FOI request, the council was asked for any documents dating from September 1, 2007 relat- ing to the delay in completing the contract and the penalties imposed.

However, the council has responded to say that no such records exist.

The local authority was also asked to provide correspondence’ with GAMA on the need to carry out re- medial works on Ennis bypass near

Clareabbey.

However, the council refused ac- cess to these records under a number of provisions including the fact that documentation is commercially sen- sitive.

The council has yet to respond to emailed queries on why GAMA was paid in excess of €9 million more than the original contract price. GAMA has already told the Labour Court that it has lost €45 million on

the scheme after underestimating the cost of labour and materials.

Green Party county councillor Brian Meaney called on the council to provide a full report on the Ennis bypass and said he would be asking why penalties have not been imposed when it was provided for in the con- elem

“We all know that the bypass project was well behind schedule and the contract details with the penalties

were never revealed. Work is still on- going on the scheme and I believe the public should be told how their money was spent and why a com- pany was paid €9 million in excess of the original contract price in spite of the project not being complete on nbs stones

THOUSANDS of euros worth of dam- age has been caused to classrooms and facilities following a break-in at Ennis National School last week.

Vandals struck in the early hours of Thursday morning, forcing their way into five classrooms and destroying property.

Classrooms for students in first, sec- ond and third class were hit. School principal, Gary Stack said rubbish bins were emptied around in the rooms and major damage was caused to doors and windows.

“There was a stroke of evil about this,” said Mr Stack. *““They emptied bins around the place. As well as that, they went around the rooms and pulled out books and left the rooms in an awful condition. They broke two windows. It looked like they used an iron bar to force themselves in.”

This latest incident marks the 11th time in the past year that the schools has been subject to a break-in.

“It’s strange, we had a break in dur- ing Holy Week last year. They’ve been happening almost one a month over the past year. It is very disheart- ening for the caretaker and all the staff when things like this happen.”

Gardai in Ennis confirmed yester- day that they have questioned three people in relation to the incident.

SELLING agents Sherry FitzGerald, Shannon, tell us that this property 1s presented for sale in absolutely pris- tine condition, with high quality and stylish finishes throughout.

Gort nanUll was the first recognised ECO scheme in County Clare and was completed in late 2007. Built to very high specifications, it has a heat recovery ventilation system ensuring the indoor air is renewed regularly,

removing contaminants and smells, whilst recovering warmth and trans- ferring it to the fresh incoming air.

The 105 sq.m (1,130sq.ft) house has gas central heating and the attic, which is accessed via a Stira stairs, has been converted into a home gym/ office.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, utility room, guest WC, family bath- room and three bedrooms, one of which 1s ensuite, as well as the con-

verted attic.

No. 18 comes to the market in walk in condition, tastefully decorated throughout with an option to pur- chase fully furnished if desired.

For further information, telephone 061 361905 or visit www.sherryfitz. ile

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