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EIGHT Clare start-up and develop- ing companies are exhibiting next week at the Millennium Theatre at Limerick Institute of Technology.

Clarefocus.ie, Evolve Software, Fahy Analytical, KPM Group, Pedi- ereecattle.ie, Pitchside Products, The Irish Bread Mix Company, and Tour- ist Republic are among 27 businesses that will be exhibiting at the 2nd MidWest Entrepreneur Showcase and Seminar on Thursday, October oe

The event is organised by the En- terprise Acceleration Centre (EAC), a business incubation centre serving the Mid-West region. The EAC is located on the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus.

Clarefocus.ie, Evolve Software, KPM Group, Pedigreecattle.ie and Pitchside Products, which were all set up by Clare residents, are partici- pants in the current LEAP (Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform) programme. LEAP is aimed at help- ing high-potential start-up compa- nies to develop an investor-ready business plan and take their compa- WUC RUD MNO Oe

These five companies cover a range of activities, some running innova- tive websites, some providing train- ing and consultation in mission-criti- cal areas, and one developing a new type of sports product.

Fahy Analytical provides special- ist chemical analytical services, The Irish Bread Mix company has devel-

oped niche home-baking products, and Tourist Republic developed and runs the Unique TouristR website.

The Seminar and Showcase are sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and AIB, and the event chairperson is Gary Carroll. Founder and director of EAC-based Episensor, Mr Car- roll also chairs the EAC Advisory Board.

The seminar topic is “Winning Sales — the Key to Start Up Success’. Attendance at the half-day event is free, but registration in advance is So TE

The organisers are encouraging business professionals from all over the mid-west to attend — that includes entrepreneurs, emerging entrepre- neurs, sales professionals, investors and business advisors. Third-level students are also welcome.

The Seminar and Showcase will run begin with registration at 8.00 Aaeee

After an official welcome at 8.55 am by Dr Maria Hinfelaar, Director of the Limerick Institute of Technology, Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland, will speak on

‘Entrepreneurship in Ireland — from Start-up to Global Success’.

One of Enterprise Ireland’s main aims is to accelerate the develop- ment of world-class Irish companies so that they can achieve strong po- sitions in global markets. At a time of intensifying global competition, increasing market challenges, and worldwide financial uncertainty, this talk should be of particular interest.

Entrepreneurs need to be able to give an elevator pitch at the drop of a hat, so Paul O’Dea of Select Strategies will give advice on how

to prepare a great pitch. He is to be followed by Padraic O’Maille, of O’Maille Group, advising on how to inspire a “super-positive” sales atti- tude in your team.

After an open forum, at 11 am there is a one-hour coffee break to allow time for visits to the stands at the ex- hibition.

At 12 noon the first of three case studies of sales successes is to be given by Jim Breen, CEO of Pulse Learning in Kerry, which he founded in 1999. The second will be given by Frank Hannigan, CEO and founder of YouGetitBack.com, a Cork-based fey enh ey ahs

John Collins, CEO of Limerick- based Original Solutions, which was acquired in May this year by Perot Systems Corporation, will present the third case study.

After a second open forum, chair- person Mr Carroll will make his closing comments. A networking re- ception is scheduled for 2 pm.

For further information and to book online log onto www.leap.ie/ showcase or contact Graham Royce at graham.royce@lit.ie, telephone O61 490152.

THE Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has dismissed allega- tions that it has been turning a blind eye to breaches of it’s code of practice regarding advertising on Clare FM. The commission received a number of complaints from former Clare FM employee, Tommy Kelly, earlier this year in which Mr Kelly alleged that the station was consistently exceed- ing the 10 minutes of advertising al- lowed per hour by the BCI.

A letter sent to Mr Kelly by the BCI earlier this year stated that a number of breaches had been uncovered.

“Our review of the programme logs from the dates highlighted by you has indicated that Clare FM has operated in breach of the 10-minute hourly limit on a number of occasions last August,” read the letter.

“Our subsequent discussions and exchange of correspondence with the station also show that a misinterpre- tation of the sponsorship regulations contributed to these breaches.

“The station has confirmed that a new process has been put in place to address these issues and the com- mission will monitor progress in this regard over the coming months.”

Despite this however, Mr Kelly be- lieves that Clare FM have continued to breach the 10 minute per hour rule and has also accused the BCI of turn- ing a blind eye to the situation.

“T brought this to the BCI in August of last year and after much delay they came back to me last April,” said Mr Nhe

“T have continued to check Clare FM following this incident and they have continued to breach this. I don’t know are the BCI implementing this law at all or are they willing to turn a blind eye to this law.”

A spokesperson from the BCI told

IT HAS been on the cards for several years and now the builders have ar- rived on site. The long-awaited con- struction of the €1.2 million créche in Sixmilebridge has got underway.

Builders moved in to the site on the Shannon road last week and it 1s hoped that the creche will be com- pleted by next Easter.

Its completion will dramatically increase the number of childcare places available in Sixmilebridge. At present there are just 20 spaces and this will increase to 102 (51 full-time and 51 part-time) when the new fa- cility is up-and-running.

Among the facilities to be built at the créche will include two montes-

sori rooms and baby rooms, while a sensory room may also form part of the plans, at a later stage.

The creche 1s part of an overall €10 million project which will incorpo- rate a playground, community centre and multi-purpose hall.

It had been anticipated that the playground would be the first part of the project completed, but there has been a delay with this part of the de- (odo) oy anton le

PRO of the Bridge Complex in Sixmilebridge, Marelen Cadogan, said there is great joy that the work has got underway.

“There will be a huge increase in numbers. We will be able to take children from three months to 12 years. We had originally looked at

figures in 2003. It has taken this long to get it going. It seems to be very much on par with what we need,’ she said.

“The railway station in Sixmilebri- dge is due to open in 2009 and that 1s literally over the bridge. It would be ideally located as a drop-off place,” added Ms Cadogan.

The existing montessori school has operated at the parochial hall in Sixmulebridge for a number of years, but has now moved into the court- house building. It will continue to operate out of there until the comple- tion of the créche.

After the summer break, several projects have regained pace over the past few weeks. There was good news for the teen café, which was

eranted €1,000 in funding from the National Lottery, towards the pur- chase of equipment.

Funds of €20,000 were also grant- ed for renovations to the courthouse. The works were carried out in 2005, at a total cost of €40,000 and the money was granted by the Depart- ment of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The committee is indebted to Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley, who delivered the good news that the money was granted.

THE DPP has not yet decided if former Killaloe-based doctor Pas- chal Carmody is to be retried on 11 charges of deception and false pre- aeons

Mr Carmody (60), of Ballycug- garan, Killaloe, was acquitted of 14 charges, at the end of a five-week trial at Ennis Circuit Court earlier this year.

However, the jury could not decide on 11 charges and verdicts of disa- greement were returned on those. The 11 charges relate to more than €30,000.

The charges relate to three cancer patients who visited his clinic in Killaloe, between September 2001 and October 2002. They were John Sheridan from Kilkenny; John James Gallagher from Westmeath and Conor O’Sullivan, a 15-year-old boy from County Wexford.

All three died within a relatively short period of time of receiving treatment at the East Clinic.

Mr Carmody had denied obtaining money by falsely pretending that he would cure the terminally ill cancer patients through photodynamic ther- “lO ae DADE

The case was adjourned to yester- day, for directions from the Direc- tor of Public Prosecutions on the 11

outstanding charges. However, Ennis Circuit Court was told yesterday that no decision had been made.

“The DPP hasn’t made a decision yet, but it is imminent,’ Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan, BL, told the court.

Defending solicitor Michael Staines asked that the case be made peremp- tory against the State.

Judge Carroll Moran said he had not presided over the trial, but if there was to be a retrial, October (when the next trials will take place in En- nis) would be too near in time to the initial trial, which concluded in July. He adjourned the case until January 12, when the DPP directions will be made known to the court and marked it peremptory against the State.

Mr Staines said he may make a number of applications on the next date. He applied to the court for his client’s passport to be returned to him for three weeks in November and this was granted.

During the trial, the trial Judge Rory McCabe directed the jury to find Mr Carmody not guilty on eight charges, due to insufficient evidence. The jury found him not guilty on six other charges and failed to agree on Oe beer

A MAN who pestered his former girlfriend through offensive text messages and phone calls after their relationship ended found himself before a court on charges of harass- ment. The man sent flowers to the woman and also played requests for her on several radio stations, a court heard yesterday.

John Considine (29), of Bramble Lane, Ennis, pleaded guilty to har-

assing his former girlfriend over a period of time and also admitted as- saulting her, by throwing a drink at her in a nightclub last year.

Detective Garda Andrew Hayes told Ennis District Court that Con- sidine persistently contacted the woman, between August 2 and Oc- tober 25, 2006 and between October 31 and November 27, 2006.

The court also heard that he rang her last Tuesday and left a voice mes- sage on her phone, saying, “See you

in court”.

Defending solicitor John Devane said his client was contrite and said his affections “went a little bit too far” but the garda said that last week’s phone call to the woman showed that he hadn’t changed his ways.

Considine apologised in court and said he accepted he had sent curt, an- noying and rude text messages to her > ercannseulsselem

Asked about last week’s phone call, he said, “I was very drunk and very

bitter at the time over this. I accept now I put myself in this position.” The court heard that his former girlfriend had made a complaint to gardai in 2005, but this did not go any further as they got back together. Asked about this, Considine said in court, “She liked the attention.” Judge Joseph Mangan asked him, “What attention?” Considine re- plied, “In fairness, with all due re- spect, calling the guards and then getting back with someone… It was

my own fault. I should never have got back with her.”

Considine said he would undertake to stay away from the woman and her current boyfriend.

Judge Mangan put it to Considine, “You have leveled criticism at the in- jured party here today. I don’t think you are in any position to criticise anybody.”

The judge said he would adjourn the case for six months when the matter will be reviewed.

A MEMBER of the Newmarket- on-Fergus Gun Club was the star of the show as Ireland took part in the Home Countries international tour- nament last week.

Although the Irish lost out to Eng- land, by 40 targets, Seamus Ryan of the Newmarket-on-Fergus club per- formed impeccably.

The two-day event took place at Llandegla shooting grounds in

Wales. Winning his first cap, Ryan stole the show, particularly as he outshone professional shooters Peter Cole and John Winn from England. He outscored the duo, who have fine reputations at international level, and in the process finished near the top of his class.

He finished with a total of 192 targets, which was a single target behind the tournament overall high gun Ian Mullarkey.

According to Pat McCoy of New-

market-on-Fergus Gun Club, Seamus Ryan’s performance was fantastic.

“He did very well against two of the top guns in England. They scored 99 and he scored 100,” said Mr McCoy.

Mr Ryan (53) 1s a native of Limer- ick and was previously a member of the Castleconnell Gun Club in Lim- erick. He has been a member of the Newmarket-on-Fergus club for more than two decades.

He runs a garage Newmarket-on- Fergus and lives in the area. He has

shot for County Clare on several oc- casions over the past few years and his selection on the Irish team was a welcome boost for his dedication over SO many years.

“It was a dream come true for me. I didn’t think I would make the team, having hurt my shoulder in qualify- ing,’ he said.

He hopes to compete for Ireland again next year and also has ambi- tions to participate in the Olympic trench event in 2009.

ENNIS Chamber is lending its sup- port to the inaugural Clare Enter- prise Week, which takes places from October 6 to 10, by organising two free seminars in the county capital to assist business with their day-to-day ey oe: (Oy eke

The first seminar entitled “Ready for Business” presented by Niall Garvey, Chartered Accountant and Solicitor William Cahir, will take place on Wednesday, October 8.

The seminar is aimed at those em- barking on their own business and wish to know the financial and legal steps to take. It would also benefit those already in business who wish to increase their knowledge of these vital areas of business. Some of the Topics to be covered include; Finan- cial Planning, Taxation, and Record Keeping Requirements as well as the Legal Format, Protecting Intellectu- al Property and Business Names, and Business Types.

Then on Thursday, October 9 Pe- ninsula HR will present an “Employ- ment Law Seminar” for the small to medium enterprise. It is very difficult for businesses to keep on top of all the new employment law legislation as well as Health & Safety require- ments. Yet failure to do so can lead to awards and fines that can cripple even the most financially robust business. This fast paced seminar, specifically designed for business owners, man- agers and directors, is full of useful information, tips and advice to assist businesses in understanding their obligations. Everyone businesses at-

tending will have the opportunity to avail of a free consultation to review their current Employment Law prac- (Che

The Chamber Enterprise Week Seminars are scheduled from 6pm to 9pm on both evenings in the Ban- ner Room of the Old Ground Hotel, O’Connell Street, Ennis.

Speaking on Clare Enterprise Week, Ennis Chamber President Niall Garvey said “Ennis Chamber is delighted to be involved with the first ever Clare Enterprise Week and to lend our support by organising relevant and informative seminars for the benefit of the business com- munity.”

Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no charge to attend either seminar. However booking 1s advisa- ble as places are limited. Booking can be made by contacting Ennis Cham- ber, 54 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare by telephoning 065 684 2988 or emailing info@ennischamber.ie by Monday, October 6.

TWO young men have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a fa- tal road accident which claimed the life of an elderly man in Ogonelloe a year ago.

John Cooney (89) was killed in- stantly when he was struck by a pass- ing car, as he crossed the road after attending Mass at around 8.30pm on the night of September 8 last.

Two men were later charged in connection with the incident and returned for trial to Ennis Circuit Court. Both entered guilty pleas yes- terday, when a date for their trial was due to be fixed.

Tadhg O’Flynn, of Canal Bank, Killaloe, admitted dangerous driv- ing causing the death of Mr Cooney,

on September 8, 2007.

He and another defendant, Patrick Hannon, of Clarina Park, Ballinacur- ra Weston, Limerick, both pleaded guilty to intent to pervert the course of justice, by setting fire to the motor vehicle that had been involved in the accident in which Mr Cooney was fatally injured.

O’Flynn’s counsel told the court yesterday that his client is receiving counselling arising out of this mat- ter. Hannon’s counsel pointed out that he is currently in custody on an- ols slosmpeerelanel a

The court was told the case has OTe ENT OMS SS STUB AYALA (ok Meme: DOC6 MAA) Mam ole given priority on the sentencing date, November 10 next. Evidence in the case will be heard in full on that date.

THE holy grail of Irish surfing has been re-forged and this weekend scores of surfers will compete to be the first to lift the Irish Trophy Cup in almost four decades.

The cup was one of I[reland’s first surfing competition and attracted dozens of surfers to the fledgling sport when held in Lahinch in 1969, ‘70 and °71.

This weekend, hoards of surfers are expected to descend on Lahinch as the West Coast Surf Club and Kenny Bar re-stage the competition for the first time in 37 years.

The inspiration behind relaunching

the competition came when one of Ireland first and most famous surfers visited Lahinch a number of years ago.

“The idea of this came about four or five years ago. One summer, Brian Britton came into the pub. To look at him you wouldn’t think he was a surfer but he walked over to the counter and said that 33 years ear- lier to the day he had pulled into the same parking space and walked into the pub,” said Kenneth Kenny.

‘He was telling us all about the old days of surfing and he mentioned the surfing competition. So eventually we decided to get it going again.”

The original winners of the compe-

tition were awarded a carved stone trophy, which quickly became the most recognisable prize in Irish surf- ing. Having since been lost, com- petition organisers contracted local sculpture Shane Gilmore to remake the holy grail of Irish surfing.

“The trophy is wonderful, like the original it’s made out of stone and has four sides that show off the dif- ferent elements of surfing in Lahinch. We also have a carved bog-oak surf- board that the winner will be able to keep forever. We will also have a larger bog-oak surfboard in the pub which will carry the winners name each year,’ continued Kenneth.

“It’s really going to be more like a

celebration of surfing than a compe- tition. The whole idea is to bring the past and the present together and to celebrate the West Coast Surf Club and the wonderful surfing that we have had over the years in Clare.

“We are hoping that this will turn into an annual event and host it in Lahinch every year.

The competition will take place on October 4, 5 and 6, in Lahinch. For more information or to enter check out www.westcoastsurfclub.com.

THE CLARE fire and rescue serv- ice has reported a decrease in the number of road traffic incidents around the county for the first eight months of the year.

Between January and August, the service was called to 148 road traf- fic incidents in Clare — a decrease of over 12 per cent on figures for the same period last year.

While it may have dampened the holiday spirit, the record-breaking rainfall of recent months led to a 55 per cent drop in the number of forest, grass and bog fire incidents. While house fires were up 8.5 per cent to 64, chimney fire call-outs dropped by 12 per cent. The overall number of incidents attended by the Service dropped from 879 to 823.

Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly said the number of fires in Clare was un-

acceptably high and there were five fire-related fatalities in the county between January and August. He en- couraged householders to learn more about fire prevention in the home.

He said that the decrease in the number of call outs to road traffic incidents showed that road safety awareness initiatives were having a positive impact in Clare’.

Expressing disappointment at the number of false alarms, Mr Kelly said there were 93 false alarms, 38 of which were malicious, between Jan- uary and August and these resulted in fire and rescue service resources being deployed unnecessarily.

The release of the statistics coin- cides with the Clare launch of Na- tional Fire Safety Week, which runs from October 6 to 13. The Clare Fire and Rescue Service will host a series of local prevention activities to heighten fire safety awareness.

Open station nights will be held at Ennistymon, Shannon, Ennis, Killa- loe, Scariff, Kilkee and Kilrush fire stations where local fire fighters will offer advice and give out leaflets and posters on fire prevention.

The open nights will be held in En- nistymon and Shannon on October 6; Ennis on October 7; Kilrush and Kilkee on October 8; Scariff and Killaloe on October 9.

Mr Kelly said fire safety week would highlight the importance of testing smoke alarms weekly, having an escape route planned and know- ing your obligations regarding fire safety in the home.

The fire service will also be asking schools and businesses to undertake fire drills during the week.