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THE ability to make an instant im- pression was put to the test in Dro- moland Castle last week, when over one hundred business people stood face-to-face and pitched their re- spective businesses at each other. This business networking evening, organised by the Chambers of Com- merce in Shannon, Limerick and En- nis, was the first initiative of its kind jointly organised by the respective chambers to encourage their collec- tive membership to pitch their busi- nesses at each other.

Organisers and attendees were delighted with the outcome of the event. Claire Bannon of Indigo Signs, Smithstown, Shannon described it as the most impressive networking event she had attended, “It was easy to chat and make contact and emails have been flying in since.”

The evening was facilitated by ex- perienced networker and award-win- ning business coach Derek O’Dwyer of ActionCoach Ireland.

Turn in fortunes for west Clare company

THE Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce mid-west re- gion said that “economic conditions will remain extremely challenging in 2009 and 2010 and that the mul- tinational community in the region, like every other business sector, will be focused on costs and productivity improvements to enhance competi- UA Nee

Speaking at a members briefing in Dromoland Castle, Mr Bill Doherty said, “In the current climate every business has to focus on the bot- tom line and on delivering value to its customers. There is pressure on all businesses to achieve improved productivity, increased efficiencies and a more prudent cost base. In the multinational environment, where individual country subsidiaries are competing against each other for in- vestment from the global parent, it is imperative that subsidiaries located here are cost competitive.

“There are challenging times ahead for the mid-west and the first priority must be to retain the strong base of existing companies in the region.”

_ Which was broadcast live on RTE on Sunday night.

The Mulkerrin Brothers, who have strong family connections in Ennis, played traditional music and perform sean nos dancing at the final.

The three brothers, Padraig, Ea- monn and Sean, from Inis Mor, beat seven-year-old break-dancer Jack

Lynch in the final showdown of the Series, to claim the €50,000 first prize.

“Getting through to the final was amazing, we thought that was a big achievement, and even got through to the final we didn’t think we had a hope, so it’s massive shock. I am speechless,” said Padraig Mulkerrin following the win.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for us, because without them we wouldn’t have won.”

There was disappointment for the county’s other two acts which made it to the grand final. ;

Both Bert and Victor and Daithi O Dronai failed to make it through to the final two.

Ballyvaughan fiddler Daithi had been many peoples favourite for the competition after he became the first person to qualify for the grand final last month.

Bert and Victor, who have strong links to Kilrush, were also hotly fan- cied to make an impact in the final.

O’Brien Boys represented Dublin in the final but are grandchildren of Kilrush couple Ted and Marga- ret Wright, and the sons of Dolores O’Brien (nee Wright) who grew up in Pella Road.

The other contestants who took part in Sunday evenings final were Donna Marie Sludds and Clidna Hagan.

ENERGY Minister Eamon Ryan has called on all homeowners and con- struction workers in Clare to register their interest in the Government’s National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery.

With a budget of €100 million for 2009, the programme will see in- sulation works being carried out in 50,000 homes, creating a potential 4,000 jobs for construction workers and energy assessors nationwide.

The energy efficiency and insula- tion programme will be delivered in three strands, with Minister Ryan’s department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources tak- ing a central role, responsible for two of the principle schemes — the Home Energy Saving Scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme will have a budget of €50 million and will apply to middle-income pri- vate dwellings. The Warmer Homes Scheme will have a budget of €20 million and will be available to those earning low incomes or in receipt of a fuel allowance.

Rural Resource Development is as- sisting Sustainable Energy Ireland in administering this scheme in County ETc

Announcing the programme, Min- ister Ryan said, “Insulation makes homes warmer and more comfort- able. Householders in Clare and be- yond can expect to halve their heat- ing bills with reductions of €700 per annum. This means more money in their pockets. Construction work- ers will benefit from the thousands of jobs these measures we create. These will be jobs for trades-people throughout the country.

“In our current economic climate, we need direction and radical think- ing. This insulation programme Saves energy, Saves money and cre- ates jobs. This is what our people, our homes and our economy need at WOT RmO UDO oMee

Grants to support a range of im- provements will be available.

For further information on apply- ing for the schemes, Sustainable En- ergy Ireland (SEI) can be contacted at www.sei.ie/hes or by calling the dedicated phonelines on 1850 927 O00 (HES) or 1800 250204 (WHS)

BUNRATTY were staring into some- thing of an abyss midway through the first half of this south east Clare derby in Bridgetown.

They were 2-0 down against the home side, getting anything from the game, let alone three precious points in their title charge simply didn’t look on against a well-organised Bridge Celtic defence.

However, in adversity Bunratty re- ally rolled up their sleeves and from a desperate situation turned things around dramatically over the last 60 minutes to run out convincing win- iol as

It was no wonder manager Donal Magee had a smile as broad as the River Shannon at the end of a roll- er coaster of a 90 minutes that now leaves the league leaders in full con- trol of their own league destiny.

It had looked bleak earlier on when goals by Kieran Aherne from the penalty stop in the 20th minute and

then a second five minutes later from Nickey O’Connell had Bridge Celtic firmly in the ascendency.

O’Connell’s goal came _ despite howls of protestations from the Bun- ratty defence – he beat the offside trap and in one-on-one match up with Darren Whelan slotted the ball home from ten yards.

It looked bleak for Bunratty but in the 35th minute they were thrown a lifeline when Trevor Howard was ad- judged to have handled in the area, allowing Terry Duggan step up and drive home the penalty.

Then five minutes before half-time, Bridge Cetlic keeper Sean Fleming failed to deal with Peter Balough’s cross and Shane O’Connor nipped in to slot home the equaliser from close range.

Bunratty were back in the ball game with a bang and on the turnover pro- ceeded to take a giant step towards league glory when banging home two crucial goals.

The impressive Terry Duggan struk

15 minutes in when it was his turn to beat the offside trap and slot the ball past Sean Fleming.

Ten minutes later Peter Balough completed Bunratty’s wonderful recovery and wrapped up the three points at the same time when curling a free kick from outside the area into the top left hand corner.

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.