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A FOUNDING club in the Clare Soccer League has joined forces with a founder member of the Eng- lish Football League in a move that could pave the way for professional soccer careers for the cream of its underage talent.

Lifford AFC, the only Clare club to produce three schoolboy internation- als has linked up with Notts County in a venture that will give its play- ers direct access to the English club’s School of Excellence.

“It’s an exciting departure for the club,’ says Lifford chairman John O’Neul. “In the past we produced schoolboy internationals like David Ryan, Alan Brooks and Gary Flynn, so in the future if we have players who might be good enough to pursue professional careers, this link with Notts County gives them a chance. It will be for Lifford players only,” adds O’ Neill.

The link up between the two clubs has come about through Lifford head coach Mick Kennedy’s friendship with Notts County’s Mick Leonard, who comes to Clare this week to for- malise the new arrangement. Both began their professional playing ca- reers together at Halifax Town.

“Players coming through the ranks of Lifford will be given a chance with Notts County. Mick Kennedy (picutred below) will be responsible for assessing and coaching the play- ers, and Notts County will take them on,’ says O’Neill.

The relationship between the two clubs is being seen as the next step in Lifford’s development. It comes in a decade that has already seen the club purchase and develop one of the best soccer grounds at this level of the game at Cassidy Park in Drumcliffe.

Clare’s builders ‘underemployed’

Flynn to run again at the behest of leader Kenny

CONNOLLY Celtic became the lat- est side to fall prey to the goal scor- ing talents of Rock Rovers hitman Stephen Hickey on Sunday.

Hickey scored a hat-trick to secure a win that puts Rock three points clear at the top of division one.

Hickey struck midway through the first half and twice after half time to kill off the challenge of a spirited Connolly side.

Brendan Dillon scored a late con- solation goal for bottom of the table Connolly who dominated for long stretches of the second half.

Indeed Celtic squandered a glori- ous opportunity to tie the game early in the second half.

Rock, who were far from their best, were thankful to Hickey’s predatory instincts close to goal.

The striker had already seen one

towering header rebound of the foot the post before he gave Rock the lead.

Connolly will be disappointed with the manner in which they conceded the goal. The away side were award- ed a free kick from a promising posi- tion on the right.

However the ball was cleared swift- ly to Hickey who broke clear of an under-manned Connolly defence to score.

Connolly caused plenty of prob- lems for the Rock defence early in the second half but were desperately unfortunate not to score.

Rock, with David Considine a steadying prescence in midfield, sur- vived and doubled their advantage in the 65th minute.

Brian Fitzpatrick picked out Hickey with a great pass, and, as before, he buried to the back of the net.

The goal took the wind out of Con-

nolly and minutes later the visitors fell further behind. This time Dean Gardiner did the spadework, digging out a byline cross that Hickey tapped home from close range.

Dillon scored a deserved goal late on when he created a yard on the edge of the area and found the net with a low drive.

The future may not look too grim for Connolly if they can play with the same attitude for the remainder of the season. Rock, meanwhile, will hope Hickey keeps doing what he does best.

A NATIONWIDE carers support group, whose foundation and base is in Ennis, is growing in strength thanks to its hard working staff, ded- icated volunteers and the determina- tion of carers to finally speak out.

Family carers throughout the coun- try who had been overlooked by the Government and society for decades are finding their voice thanks to Car- ing for Carers Ireland.

That strength was in numbers at the organisation’s 18th National Carers Conference and Respite Break at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney.

As many as 84 delegates from nine Caring for Carers groups in County Clare were among the 500 family carers who took part in and contrib- uted to the conference.

Training and Development Officer Susan Hogan – who, among her many roles, oversees the nine branches of the organisation in Clare – hailed the conference a success.

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Sustaining Care in Challenging Serato

Ms Hogan explained that acute disappointment was expressed at the decision by the Minister of Social and Family Affairs not to publish the National Carers Strategy. Caring for Carers had made a submission to the Carers Strategy Consultation Forum, which sought to advocate the enact- ment of a Carer Act, to improve sup- ports and services into the future.

The National Conference, repre- senting the 161,000 family carers in Ireland, called on Minister Hanafin for the immediate publication of the Carers Strategy, pointing out that its implementation need not necessarily mean increased funding in the cur- rent economic climate, but to put ex- isting funding to better use.

‘We believe that the strategy should still be published. A lot of what is in it would not cost a lot, if anything,” said Ms Hogan.

Those taking part in the conference also argued that family carers are the backbone of community care and should be supported in every way possible, not only to maintain their own health and well-being, but also those for whom they care.

Caring for Carers Clare was repre- sented strongly at the weekend con-

ference through its 85 members and the newly elected chairperson.

Chairperson Margaret Scanlon who hails from Cranny, is expected to provide strong leadership for the 4,671 family carers in Clare.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing chairperson, Helen Kelly, who pro- moted the position of family carers in County Clare for the past three ert ae

THIS was a must win for both teams and for very different reasons. Lif- ford, on the back of a disappointing loss to Newmarket on St Patrick’s Day, had to win to stay in with any kind of chance at league honours. The Newmarket defeat meant they missed on the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Bunratty and a successive defeat would almost cer- tainly have dashed their title hopes.

Moher, on the other hand, are bat- tling the long arm of relegation and needed to get something from the game to ensure they stayed in touch at the bottom of the table.

In the end, the game went accord- ing to league standings but it came with a scare for Lifford as well. Twice Moher lifted their game to reel in Lifford but eventually, Lifford had enough class and composure to see them through to securing that much needed victory.

In the early stages, it seemed as though Lifford could run away with the game as they took control of the game and on five minutes they were rewarded for their hard work when Ryan Boyle was on target.

Moher didn’t he down though and Johnny Daly popped up to direct a free kick to the net with a fine header that equalised proceedings. It an ac- tion packed first half, Lifford once more pressed forward and Roberto put them back in front after a neat dribble from the edge of the box saw him drive the ball low and accurately into the corner of the Moher goal.

But the away side still weren’t finished and just before the break, Shane Keane headed home Moher’s second goal to leave the sides locked at 2-2 at the break.

Just when it looked like Lifford could become frustrated with the lack of a breakthrough, David Mc- Carthy popped up with a superb strike. David McCarthy latched onto a cleared header and volleyed to the top corner from the edge of the box. From there, Lifford dominated and took the points to ensure they could still have a say in this year’s league.

AVENUE United must now be won- dering what they have to do to get back on track in the league – a few short weeks ago everything looked rosy in their garden on the strength of back-to-back wins over Bunratty, but since then they’ve only picked up one point from a possible six.

That point came in this game, but it looked like being all three until Eoin Hayes struck for an equalising goal two minutes into injury time to deal Avenue’s league title hopes another big blow.

They looked to have secured all

three points when substitute Davide Ghilardi put them 2-1 ahead with six minutes remaining, but the final twist of an entertaining morning’s action between these two old rival was pro- vided by Hayes who latched on to a long ball from Mike O’Malley and lobbed Simon O’Donnell to give the champions a share of the spoils.

It should have come to this for Avenue – they had the better of this game for most of the 90 minutes, but paid the price for not taking their chances.

The first goal did come Avenue’s way in the 30th minute when Gary Flynn’s free kick from near the end-

line was met on the half-volley by Eamonn O’Reilly on the edge of the six-yard box.

Avenue were full value for the 1- Q half-time lead, but three minutes after half-time were rocked back on their heels when Newmarket levelled up proceedings.

In what can be loosely termed a goalmouth scramble, the ball was de- flected to the net by the combination of Newmarket’s Monty Mulqueen and Avenue’s Anthony Whyte.

Avenue didn’t dwell on their mis- fortune though and a bought of heavy pressure eventually reaped dividends when a great run by David Smythe down the left saw him centre the ball to Davide Ghilardi who dispatched the ball to the net from eight yards. Three minutes later Bratislav put Ghilardi in on goal, but the French- man’s effort just went over the top – a miss that came back to haunt Avenue when the impressive Hayes struck for his dramatic equaliser.

THE developers of a €1 million cre- matorium in Shannon are to look for financial support as the economic climate is poised to present major stumbling blocks for their project.

The project has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanala, de- spite objections from local residents and local county councillor Gerry Flynn (Independent). It will be the third crematorium in Ireland, adding to existing facilities in Dublin and Core

The plan – which will include a chapel for 70 people – close to [lau- namanagh cemetery, has been on the cards for three years. Plans were in1- tially lodged in 2006, but were later revised, after queries were raised by county council planners. Its develop- ers, Shannon town councillor Sean Hillery and undertaker Tony McMa- hon, are disappointed that it took so long to achieve planning permission, but are relieved that the permission was granted.

They brought in consultants from the UK – involved in similar schemes worldwide – and an ecologist from Dublin, to assist with their plans.

Mr Hillery said that the developers will have to sit down and go back to Clare County Council, with a view to purchasing or leasing the land, on which to locate the crematorium.

Mr Hillery said the prospect of undertakers getting involved, finan- cially, in the crematorium, is a strong possibility.

“Some undertakers may take more than an interest in the crematorium. I’d say we will probably go down that road to collect money. We always in- tended to go down that road,” he said. He said the current recession “will make it much more difficult” to come up with the money for the project. “If there wasn’t a recession, we wouldn’t have to be selling shares,” he said.

‘“T have had that dream for 20 years and the location is ideal. I’ve been proven correct. The greatest ecolo- gists have come in now and said that.

I’m sorry it took so long, but on the other hand, I’m satisfied their con- cerns have been dealt with,” said Mr Hillery.

‘“Cremating will be much more cost effective than traditional burial,’ he Said.

“The grounds will be nice and secluded. There will be a concrete building and wall of remembrance,” he added.

ROCK Rovers advanced to the quar- ter finals of the Clare Cup after a penalty shoot out victory over Bridge United A on Sunday.

After defeating clubmates Bridge B on penalities in the previous round, it looked for a while on Sunday that Bridge A would prevail yet again.

Bridge goalie Paul Tuohy produced two good saves to keep out penalties from Barry Woods and Brian Fitz- patrick.

But Bridge were having troubles of their from the spot with Greg Deegan and Gary Kelly missing their efforts.

After Francis Daniels converted Rock’s seventh penalty, goalkeeper Leonard Keane saved from John Ke- ogh to ensure a sudden death victory for Rock

Premier league Bridge got of to a quicker start but it was their first di- vision opponents who made the best of the early chances.

Niall McNiven did well to hold possession on the left before a firing a dangerous cross to the back post where Roan Eade smashed a half volley against a Bridge defender.

At the other end for Bridge Derek Fahy and Trevor Maxwell linked well and provided a useful outlet on the flanks.

Rock’s spluttering first half display owed more to a lack of composure at critical moments rather than a lack of effort. With half time approach- ing, the visitors started to find some oy oTeeN ba teace

Glynn glided past two players in midfield and drilled a low shot that

Tuohy did well to hold.

Bridge came out after half time playing with renewed effort and de- termination and dominated the early

Stages.

Despite pushing Rock back inside their half, Bridge lacked the killer in- stinct near goal. Barry Downes came

closest when he drove through the

middle but had his shot blocked. With Luke Coote mopping up at

the back momentum gradually shift-

ed back in Rock’s favour. Fullbacks Greg Howard and Barry Woods ex- celled during this period.

Howard linked well with McNiven in the 72nd minute but saw his low centre cleared.

Referee Julian Stanford blew the final whistle with the sides level at 0-0. Rock had the best chance to win it in extra time when McNiven teed up Glynn who had his shot from four yards well saved by Tuohy.

It was time for penalties. Howard, Stephen Hickey, Dean Gardiner, Daniels and McNiven converted for Rock. Fahy, Gavin Downes and Billy Maxwell were equally composed for Bridge. Keane denied Kelly to keep Rock’s cup bid on track.

FIANNA Fail has announced the selection of a third candidate for the Ennis West electoral area.

Tom McNamara (56) from Kil- maley has joined Councillor Peter Considine and Garrett Greene in the line-up for the county council elec- tion.

Tom is a first time candidate who is a retired assistant director of nursing

with Clare Mental Health Services. He has been extremely active in the community in Kilmaley, helping to form the Kilmaley Development As- sociation ‘Meitheal’ in 1995, a body which he chaired for 12 years.

Tom believed it was necessary to form the association to provide a voice for the people of Kilmaley as they had no local representation on Clare County Council at the time. The purpose of Meitheal was to pro-

vide an outlet for the people of the parish to take control of their lives and make improvements for the local community. Over the years Meitheal and Tom have been very successful in achieving this goal, building 12 houses for the elderly of the parish along with a day centre that acco- modates 25 people a day, four days a week. They have also set up a FAS scheme which has helped to tidy the area, mending walls and footpaths,

as well as organising CPR training for 35 people and installing two defi- brillators in the parish.

Tom has also co-ordinated the in- stallation of a radio communication to help broadcast Mass to the elderly of the parish. He also chairs the field development committee for Kilma- ley GAA which is looking to secure two hurling fields for the centre of Kilmaley and has successfully raised €200,000 for this purpose to date.