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“THE seven luckiest divers in Eu- rope’ was how the group rescued from the water in Kilkee on Saturday was described.

The group had a lucky escape af- ter very strong currents swept them 600 metres out to sea, at lunchtime

on Saturday.

The group, members of the Athlone Sub Aqua club, spent two hours in the water, before being taken to safety.

The group went diving off George’s Head in Kilkee Bay at around mid- day and had only intended undertak- ing a 30-minute dive. However, the alarm was raised some 45 minutes

later, after they failed to resurface.

One of the group, a 20-year-old man, suffered from hypothermia as a result of the incident, but has made a recovery. None of the others suf- fered any consequences of what hap- pened. They were visiting Kilkee for a weekend trip.

The rescue operation got underway

through contact with Valentia Coast- guard. The Irish Coastguard helicop- ter was then contacted, while Kilkee Marine Rescue was then notified of the incident.

Kilkee Marine Rescue Service spokesman, Manuel Di Lucia said

conditions were atrocious on the CENA “Visibility was so bad. They

wouldn’t have been able to see where they were going. The waves were all over the place. They were thrown around by the swell and ended up 1,500 metres from where they went in,” he said.

After being dispatched to the scene, the coastguard helicopter spotted the group in the water and two of the men were airlifted to safety. The other five were picked up by the res- cue boat, which was in the area at the time.

“They were very lucky. They can count themselves the seven luckiest divers in Europe. If the helicopter hadn’t spotted them, they would have been in serious trouble. Even the diver boat coming back found it very tough,” he said.

‘This was one of the more serious incidents in Kilkee, but as it turned out, it wasn’t tragic, thankfully,” he Crate

PLATO MidWest, Supply Network Shannon (SNS), Limerick Insti- tute of Technology (LIT) and the University of Limerick have joined forces to host a seminar for start up entrepreneurs and established SMEs to focus on the supports available to assist them to invest in R&D and in- novation.

The seminar, entitled “Knowl- edge Economy Research, Supports for Third Level and Companies to Facilitate Commercialisation and Collaboration” is to take place at Thomond Park on the April 2 from 2.30pm until 5.00pm.

Plato MidWest is a business sup- port forum for owner managers of SME’s. It is funded by the Enter- prise Boards of Limerick City and County and Clare. Through a unique partnership with large ‘parent’ com- panies, it provides its members with facilitated group learning, specialist expertise and advice and networking opportunities.

Commenting on the forthcoming seminar, Eoin Tynan-O’ Mahony, Re- gional Manager, Plato MidWest said, “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with LIT and SNS to bring this seminar to SMEs in the mid-west region. Both Plato and SNS members believe that there needs to be a greater awareness amongst companies in the SME sector of the supports available and easier access to funding opportunities open to them for R&D and innovation.

“The aim of this seminar is to pro- vide SMEs with the opportunity to see the value of and understand how research and technology transfer in the knowledge economy, can work for them and identify the routes to those supports. The starting point is to know who to contact in the third- level sector, Enterprise Ireland and other agencies and to learn about the success of other small companies in this field.”

Keynote speaker, Dr Siobhan Moane from LIT will provide an overview of Ireland’s drive to en- hance research linkages between enterprise and third-level education. Dr Moane, a native of Caherdavin, has worked as a science lecturer at LIT since 2000 and was recently appointed to the post of head of re- search and technology transfer to further develop links between re- search at LIT and industry.

SNS is an industry led, open, sec- toral network of manufacturing and service providers located in the Shannon region. Its aim is to rep- resent, promote, develop and inter- connect manufacturing and service companies in the region, regardless of size or activity.

Other speakers at the event will include Mr Liam Brown, National Contact Point NMP FP7, Enterprise Ireland (EI), Tom Bannon and Deir- dre Brougham, Enterprise Ireland

For further information and to reg- ister for this event contact Eoin Ty- nan-O’ Mahony, Regional Manager, Plato MidWest, mob: 086 303 5664 or email eoimn@platomidwest.ie. There is no charge for the event.

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.

INDEPENDENT councillor Taiwo Matthew has confirmed that he will be running as a candidate in June’s local elections.

Speaking yesterday Cllr Matthew said he is seeking to retain his seat in Ennis Town Council.

The Nigerian born doctor made history when he became the first im- migrant to be elected to local office in Ireland in 2004.

At the time of his election in 2004, Cllr Matthew addressed his support- ers in Ennis. “You have written the name of Ennis in gold in the book of history,’ the former Nigerian asy- lum-seeker said proudly to the sup- porters who helped elect him to En- nis Town Council.

“By electing me, the Ennis people have looked beyond the colour of my skin and accepted me on my indt-

vidual merits.”

Cllr Matthew said he is looking forward to again contesting the elec- tion.

[have had a great experience in the council. I have learned a lot in these last five years. I will be running for Ennis Town Council again.”

While he says that he is looking for- ward to getting out and meeting vot- ers, Cllr Matthew admits that regain- ing his seat in Ennis Town Council is going to be a tough challenge.

“Tam looking forward to it. It was a great experience when I first ran for office in 2004 and it is a process that I am looking forward to taking part in again. But I know that it will hard and that it will be very challenging to get elected again. But as I said, I am looking forward to the election,’ said the councillor.

Cllr Matthew explained that he had just moved house and was now con-

centrating his energies on the elec- tion campaign.

‘‘T have just moved house so things are very busy at the moment.”

Cllr Matthew’s election to Ennis Town Council occurred in the same year as the election of fellow Nigeri- an, Rotimi Adebari in Portlaoise. Mr Adebari made history when he was elected Ireland’s first black mayor in 2007.

In the same year Cllr Matthew missed out on election as Ennis’s first black mayor when he was defeated in a vote by fellow Independent coun- cilor Tommy Brennan.