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STALWART Vie Leahy has been awarded the Spirit of Shannon Musi- cal Society award as a mark of rec- ognition of over thirty years’ dedica- tion to the group.

Over the years, Vie has been in- volved in many aspects of running the show, such as making costumes, sourcing items required on stage and assembling props. She was chair- person in 1989 and has always done her duties in a quiet way with a huge smile.

The award was presented to the so-

ciety in 2005 by the Barrett family in memory of the late Gus Barrett who is remembered for his contribution, integrity, dedication and spirit to the ere AYA

A member of the society receives the perpetual award every year and it represents the true spirit of the group.

“Where there is any thing in need of being done Vie is there ready to help,” said PRO of the society, Mary O’ Loughlin.

“Although this spirit is not easily defined, we feel it is for someone who applies themselves to doing the

best they possibly can in whatever area of the society they get involved, in a Selfless and positive way.

‘They are not necessarily to the fore of what is going on but can be work- ing away in the background, some- one who is sensitive and respectful of other people, approachable, for whom there is no problem too big or too small,” she added.

Society chairperson Dara Gough said, “I think Shannon Musical So- ciety has a unique quality we can all be proud of, and that’s the unity and solidarity that shines through year after year in the weeks prior to, and

the week of the show. Testament to this is the fact that we have members and friends who are with us since the lerexcauebau ee rome

“We have looked back over the re- cent months and years to try and pick out someone who epitomises the true spirit of Shannon Musical Society and whose selfless actions and deeds make this society more enjoyable for everyone to be a part of,’ added Dara Grolbred se

The society is currently preparing for its forthcoming production

THERE was some good news for Clare farmers yesterday with the an- nouncement that the Department of Agriculture have started payments under the Suckler Welfare Scheme.

Payments amounting to €80 per cow will continue on a rolling basis in respect of the 2008 born calves, as additional animals become eligible.

“These payments will be worth some €77 million in respect of 2008 born calves for the 53,000 applicants in the scheme and payments will continue into 2009,’ said Munister Brendan Smith.

“It is expected that up to €33 mil- lion will be paid this year, and a further €44 million paid in 2009 in

respect of cows that calved in 2008. The sooner farmers complete these important returns the sooner these cases can be processed.

The Department is now issuing letters to farmers where there were queries and farmers are urged to re- ply as quickly as possible to any cor- respondence in relation to Suckler Welfare Scheme.

Clare and Galway farmers can get more information by ringing 1890 252 707 while Limerick farmers should ring 1890 252 822.

Meanwhile, the Minister also con- tacted EU Commissioner Fischer Boel last week to express his serious concern about the current weakness in dairy product prices.

Minister Smith called on the Com-

missioner to introduce early supports for the sector in order to restore con- fidence and put a floor under current market prices.

During the Health Check nego- tiations Minister Smith had made crystal clear his view that the criti- cal market management mechanisms underpinning the sector must be maintained throughout the transition period to the ending of supply con- trols in 2015, in order to deal with periods of volatility that could arise.

“These mechanisms must retain their essential characteristics and should be used when necessary to respond to developments on interna- tional markets,” he said.

‘Now would be an appropriate time to demonstrate responsiveness to dif-

ficult market conditions by deploying the market management tools at her disposal.

Despite current difficulties, Minis- ter Smith believes that the medium term prognosis for the international dairy sector is extremely positive.

“There are significant new oppor- tunities for growth in Irish dairy product sales arising from world population growth and GDP growth in developing counties and in Asia,” he said.

“The immediate outlook necessi- tates that the Commission acts now to restore confidence in the market and in so doing provide a reassuring signal to stakeholders of its willing- ness to act decisively when there is a perceptible need in the market.”

A FORMER heroin addict has been warned she will face a stint in jail if she fails to co-operate with the Pro- bation services.

Carmel Duggan (23), of St Munch- in’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick

was one of two people who admit- ted entering homes in Meelick and Cratloe as trespassers, with intent to commit theft, in April 2007.

At Ennis Circuit Court last year, Duggan was handed a suspended jail term. Part of the conditions of the suspension was that she be un-

der the supervision of the Probation os ais one

However, the matter was re-entered by the Probation services last week. The court was told that she had failed to attend meetings with the Proba- tion services on two dates in Febru- ary and did not contact the office to

explain her absence.

Defence barrister Lorcan Connolly told the court his client was “gravely addicted to heroin” at the time of the offences, but has been drug-free for the past 17 months.

However, he said her house in Lim- erick has come under attack and she

was “hounded” out of it. “She was living in fear. She wishes to be given a second chance,” he said.

Judge Carroll Moran adjourned the case until January and said he would activate the sentence on that occa- sion if she fails to co-operate with the Probation services.

CLARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey is one of a number of political fig- ures that has asked the minister for health to reverse her decision not to proceed with the vaccination programme against HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), a sexually trans- mitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer in some women. Deputy Carey said the abandon- ment of the programme proved that

“the minister for health is not pre- pared to address the fundamental issue of a real and genuine public sector reform’.

Speaking in the Dail on the HPV debate Deputy Carey explained how cervical cancer had ruined the life of one of his neighbours.

“She was diagnosed two years ago with cervical cancer. Her life was turned upside down; in her words, her life has been “wrecked” by the scourge of cancer. Her family life

has been ruined. She cannot under- stand what the minister is trying to do to the Irish people,” he said.

Cervical cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Ireland, with 240 new cases diagnosed every year and some 100 deaths.

“The minister gave an assurance to the public three months ago that this vaccine would be provided to all 12 year old girls. Three months later, however, this lifeline has been taken away for no apparent

reason other than to save a few euro. It is absolutely outrageous,” he said.

Clinical trials have shown that HPV vaccination prevents ad- vanced forms of non-invasive cer- vical cancer.

Although there are in excess of 200 HPV strains, just a small number are associated with the de- velopment of cancer of the cervix.

HPV types 16 and 18 are found in almost 70 per cent of cervical can-

cers, while another five sub-types are responsible for a further 20 per cent of cases.

However, the published data on the vaccine does not yet extend be- yond a six and a half follow-up pe- riod. There is currently a nine year study been under taken.

It has therefore yet to be scien- tifically proven that HPV vaccine prevents invasive cancer of the cer- vix or if a booster injection will be required in the future.

YOUNG people interested in music in the Shannon area are being chal- lenged to take part in a musical bat- tle, during which they can showcase Wd eCoy Dame DCooeLm

‘The Battle of the Bands’ compe- tition is being organised by Clare Youth Service in conjunction with the Shannon Music Project.

Open to all musical genres and all young bands, aged between 15 and 25, the competition will take place on Saturday, November 29, in New- market-on-Fergus hall.

Shannon Music Project was set up

to offer young people in Shannon the Support they need to develop their musical talents and provide them with a space to practice, perform and showcase their talents in their com- munity.

This is the first time that the Shan- non Music Project has organised such a competition. It is the latest in a series of well-organised initiatives run by the youth office in the town, which seeks to encourage young peo- ple in every way.

The youth office focuses on assist- ing young people to get the best out of their lives, through a diverse range of activities, competitions and social

events.

Local youth work worker, Cathal Dillon is hoping for a large turnout of bands, given the huge level of in- terest in music in the area.

“We hope that youth bands in Shannon will see this as a chance to showcase their talents and hopefully win the top prize title of Best Band in Shannon 2008,” said Mr Dillon.

While participation will be at the centre of the competition, there will be the added incentive for ambi- tious potential music stars, as there are prizes on offer on the day. Com- petitors will attempt to win the ‘Best Band in Shannon 2008’ or ‘Best

Original Song! award.

The winning band will receive an inaugural trophy, while the runners- up will receive five free music prac- tice sessions valued at €100. The third-placed team will win a €50 voucher for Roxy Records in Shan- nevae

Entry is by completed application form and these are available from music teachers at St Caimin’s and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon and from Shannon Youth Office in Rineanna View.

Full information on the rules of the competition and eligibility can be found on the application form.

CLARE TD, Tony Killeen, came out swinging last week in response to a number of negative comments made by Irish farm leaders in relation to last month’s budget.

Despite much negative sentiment being directed towards the budget, and especially it’s impact on poorer farmers, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisher- ies and Food, released a statement on Thursday describing Ireland’s Dis- advantaged Area Scheme as one of the best-funded schemes of its type in the European Union.

Minister Killeen said that a total of €200 million in funding has been earmarked for the scheme in 2009.

“Despite the intense pressures

caused by the current economic difficulties, the fact is that Ireland continues to benefit greatly under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme,’ he said. However, the decision has reluctantly been taken to reduce ex- penditure on the disadvantaged area scheme in 2009.

‘This had been done in a targeted way that ensures that 67,000 of the 102,000 farmers in the scheme will experience no reduction in their pay- ments.

“All participants in the scheme will continue to benefit from the substan- tial increase of 8 per cent introduced in the rate of payments introduced in 2007 while almost half of those in receipt of disadvantaged area pay- ments will also benefit under REPS, which includes a seventeen per cent

increase in the level of payments made under REPS4.”

In addition, over 47,000 participants will benefit from the suckler welfare scheme, which is a new stream of in- come for Irish farmers and in respect of which €77 million will be paid out in the next couple of months. Furthermore, farmers in disadvan- taged areas will receive €920 mil- lion in single farm payments.

Despite these reassurances, Clare opposition TD Joe Carey last week attacked the government for the budget and in particular it’s effect on farming.

“The farming sector is being hit disproportionately in this budget. Hitting farmers by amounts in ex- cess of €2,000 is simply not right,’ he said.

“The measures are unfair, unjust and clearly need to be revisited. I appeal to the Minister to look again very closely at the harshness of sus- pending the young farmer’s installa- tion aid scheme, the early retirement scheme and the disadvantaged area payments.

“In disadvantaged areas 40,000 farmers will lose over €1,000 per year. This cut is a direct attack on the rural communities in the West of Ireland, it’s a direct attack on Farm- ers in my own constituency of Clare, where 6,120 farmers will be directly NEKO Koen

“The disadvantaged area payment was introduced to give farmers some respite as the land which they farm is poor and much harder to make a living from.”

THE well-known peace activist Ed Horgan has appeared in court, charged in relation to an incident at Shannon airport last June.

Mr Horgan (63), of Charnwood, Newtown, Castletroy, Limerick, 1s accused of failing to comply with the requirements of an airport police of- ficer, at Shannon airport, on June 18 last.

Mr Horgan, a retired army com- mander, told Shannon District Court last week there were a number of 1m- portant preliminary issues he wanted the court to address, concerning the summons.

Judge Joseph Mangan said, howev- er, that he would deal with the issues on another occasion.

Mr Horgan replied that there would

be an issue as to whether the sum- mons was valid or bad.

“It was issued to me to appear be- fore court today and that’s why I came. It claims to be issued by the DPP. . . Sergeant O’Hagan applied for the summons on behalf of the DPP; this I believe to be untrue,’ he said.

Judge Mangan said it was clear the matter would take some time and he did not have the time to deal with it on that day.

Mr Horgan replied, “This is the third time I have been brought be- fore the court on spurious charges, at great expense and inconvenience.”

The judge adjourned the case until next January.

CLARE County Council and Ennis Town Council are aiming to house 60 Traveller families in standard council housing in the greater Ennis area over the next five years.

According to the council’s draft Traveller Accommodation Plan, there will be a need to house 123 Traveller families between 2009 and 2013. It has been established that 88 indigenous Traveller families are in need of permanent accommodation and it 1s anticipated that an addition- al 35 new families will also require accommodation during the period of the draft plan.

The draft plan confirms that the county’s Traveller population will be concentrated in Ennis, Ennistymon and Shannon where all but two of the 123 residential units will be pro- vided. The other two homes will be provided in Scariff and Killaloe over the five years.

The council makes no provision for transient sites in Clare, holding the view that this should be implement- ed on a national basis using regional NSM CRE Kony

The local authority will gener- ally endeavour to accommodate a minimum of one Traveller family in a grouping of ten local authority rented houses and give due consid-

eration to proportionality throughout the county, subject to the interests of proper estate management.

“This will allow for the ongoing integration of Traveller families into standard housing. The council will promote a progression from Travel- ler specific accommodation to stand- ard housing where appropriate and where the family so desires. This would serve to minimise the number of Traveller specific sites required in the future.”

A comprehensive assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers took place in September when it was established that by far the greatest need for accommodation was in En- nis where 65 families required hous- ing. This compares to thirteen in the Ennistymon area and eight in the Shannon area.

The plan anticipates that 60 Travel- ler families will be accommodated in standard council housing in the greater Ennis area with 24 families accommodated in group housing or SEVER UNTSMESSI Roe

Ten Traveller families will be ac- commodated in standard council housing in Shannon, while six fami- lies will be accommodated in En- nistymon in council housing, while an additional twelve families will be accommodated in group housing in the north Clare town.

A INNOVATIVE programme which encourages children to think posi- tively has been introduced at Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket- on-Fergus.

The ‘Incredible Years’ programme focuses on communication and en- thusiasm and is geared towards mak- ing children happier and more pro- gressive.

School principal Ann McMahon decided to introduce the programme in September, having seen the ben- efits achieved in other schools.

“T have always had an interest in positive behaviour management strategies. It is easier to lead children than to drive them,” she said.

The idea for the initiative was first mooted in 2006, but it took careful consideration by management and

staff at the school before any deci- sion was made to implement it.

“Richard Egan from NEPS (the National Education Psychological Service) mentioned the programme. It had been piloted in Cloughleigh in Ennis and had a huge impact in eliminating negative behaviour. We discussed the possibility of bringing it in,’ she said.

Nine of the 20 staff at Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire attended an in- formation evening on the project and were very enthusiastic about it. Two of the teachers – Moira McMahon and Elaine Ryan – went to Wales for training and the project was started in September.

The project will be achieved through commitment from teachers, parents and students. “It is a multi- agency approach, between teachers, parents and children,” she said.

The programme was devised in the US and has been taken up all over the world. Although relatively new in Ireland, Ms McMahon believes it will become hugely popular across WeTemeOLUUNLB AYA

“I believe this is a programme that will be adopted in every school in the country. You have the costs (to set it up) but the pay-off is massive,” she said.

“I found that previously I had to make telephone calls around nega- tive behaviour, but since we adopted this programme, I have made a point of making telephone calls around positive behaviour. Parents have been very supportive. The days of parents standing at the door of the school and coming no further are gone,” she added.

“Communication 1s critical, not just the children’s ability to communicate

with each other, but their ability to communicate with the staff and staff to communicate with parents,” she said.

While the programme is specifi- cally designed for children aged between three and 10, it has been adopted across the school and all 185 students will be part of it.

“The real proof of the pudding will be to come back in eight years’ time, when the juniors will have eight years of the programme. I firmly believe we will have almost no nega- tive behaviour. It can only augur well for Newmarket as a community,’ she added.

FINE Gael in Clare are calling on the Government to introduce emer- gency legislation to close a loophole which allows head shops in Galway and Limerick to sell potentially dan- gerous herbal-drugs legally. Concerns have been raised over the mental health implications of the use of a herbal version of ecstasy known as the ‘party pill’. According to South Galway Senator, Fidelma Hea- ly Eames (FG), two young people are currently undergoing treatment for

mental health problems in the area as a result of taking the ‘party pill’.

Herbal ecstasy contains a substance knows as BZP or Benzylpiperazine, which has been banned in most EU countries but remains legal in Ireland. According to north Clare county councillor and psychiatric nurse, Joe Arkins (FG), legislation is needed to tackle this situation.

“The onus is on the Government here to resolve this situation. If a sub- stance is dangerous then it should not be sold. Cannabis is a herb and that is not for sale legally in Ireland so the

same should apply here,” he said.

“These substances have been banned in most EU countries already but it is better later than never. If we had a good, quick bit of legislation on this then we could solve this problem very quickly.”

While no official figures exist on the usage of herbal drugs in Clare, anec- dotal evidence would indicated that both the ‘party pill’ and the halluci- nogenic herb salvia are both widely used in the tourists areas in the north and west of the county, particularly CLUN mn ercaMetomclUbevaeCoumeelOyelsetcy

Salvia, which is a variety of sage, is the only naturally occurring sub- stance known to induce a visionary or hallucinogenic state.

Last week gardai carried out searches in a number of head shops throughout the country as part of an investigation into the licensing of certain products.