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THE Department of Education is analysing the structures in place at Ennis Community College for teach- ing new students for whom English is a second language.

Department officials visited the school in May as part of nationwide research project to see how it is adapting to the influx of internation- al students. The school caters for 430 students, 78 of which are foreign.

That number has jumped from just two in 2000. Patricia Murray, teacher of English as an Additional Language (EAL) co-ordinator at Ennis Com-

munity College, said the experience has been rewarding for both students and teachers.

“We presently have 78, the growth has been rapid and has required ad- justments on behalf of the teachers and other staff.”

She added “However, the influx of EAL students has contributed to the diverse culture in the school; given the opportunity to ‘learn’ from each other about different countries, cul- tures, languages and systems in our ever shrinking world. Teaching stu- dents with little or no English has proven challenging for the teaching staff, but has given great rewards in

terms of achievement”.

The resource department in the school give extra tuition to EAL stu- dents and support teachers in their subject areas, in many classes team teaching has been incorporated to help the students.

‘““We are very proud of the diversity of cultures that exist in our school community,” said Mrs Murray

“In recognition of this our students painted and framed their national flags. The flags were placed on the wall facing the main entrance the school.”

A multicultural evening orgainsed each year by students and teachers

is another method aimed at bridging the language gap.

“All in all, the whole school has benefited in terms of fostering, un- derstanding and appreciation of all the varied cultures that now make up the Ireland of the future,’ said Mrs Mylene ears

A lack of English does at times re- strict older students capabilities par- ticularly where technical subjects are eeieouiee

School principal Matt Power said, “There is a language barrier when it comes to taking exams in subjects like woodwork and technical draw- ing. Many would definitely do bet- ter if they had better understanding of English. That would only apply to students who are later entrants into the school system. It’s not an 1s- sue with students in first year.’ The breakdown of countries represented at Ennis Community College is as follows;

Nigeria (9); Kenya (1); South Af- rica; (5) ;Ghana (5); Czech Repub- lic (3 ); Poland (10); Slovakia (10); UK (2); Germany (3); Lithuania (6); Brazil (7); China (1); Philippines (2) Zimbabwe (1); Macedonia (1); Rus- sia (1).

TOMMY ‘Tubridy is more accus- tomed to big days than any man involved with the Doonbeg senior team. He goes back all the way to the 1972 minor county final win with Clohanes, while in his playing days in the black and white he won seven county championships.

Now, he’s one game away from guiding the Magpies back to the big

day for the first time in seven years — the longest ever gap in the long village between county final appear- ances since they started blazing their trail in the storied final win over En- nis Faughs in ’55.

However, Tubridy has known his share of disappointments too and was taking nothing for granted at the end of their facile enough 2-11 to 1-5 quarter-final win over Ennistymon. Instead, he sounded a somewhat pes-

simistic note.

“It was a good win, but I was dis- appointed with the performance overall. We have to up it if we’re to progress to the final. That’s how I feel about it,” he said.

‘“Ennistymon put it up to us at vari- ous stages of the game and I’d have to say that I’m disappointed with the performances of some of the players. The goals were vital for us and at the end of the day they were the differ-

ence for us. We have a few injuries and hopefully they’ll be cleared up before the semi-final.”

Liscannor await in that semi-final — a team that was dismantled by the Magpies in their final group game by Ce Leone noen

It suggests easy pickings in the penultimate round, but Tubridy is taking nothing for granted. It’s no wonder as Doonbeg have lost their last three semi-finals — to Eire Og in

2004 and ’06 and St Senan’s Kilkee heey

“We had a big win over them the last day. They conceded a few soft goals but that won’t happen the next day. It is really up for grabs and that’s the way we’re looking at it.

“We’re getting ready for a tough one. Playing Liscannor is always a tough game for Doonbeg but we’ll be up for it.”

A lot done, but more to do.

FIVE people arrested in connection with the death of Richard ‘Happy’ Kelly, whose body was found in Clare last year, were subsequently released from garda custody.

The five were arrested last Tues- day in Limerick in connection with the abduction and murder of the 17- year-old. His body was discovered in Lough Brigid, close to O’Callaghan’s Mills, in November 2007. His body had been weighed down by blocks.

He was last seen alive in April 2006.

The five arrested – four men and a woman, aged between 20 and 36 – were detained at Ennis, Killaloe and Shannon garda stations.

Three were released on Wednesday and the remaining two the following day.

A file is being prepared for the Di- rector of Public Prosecutions.

These were the first arrests in the investigation which is being led by gardai in the Killaloe district.

A HUGELY popular music project which has run in the east Clare area for the past eight years is resuming WOT Were) @

‘Music World’ is hosted by Scariff Community College and is open to the wider community in east Clare. Seven teachers tutor a variety of in- struments including piano, fiddle, guitar, accordion, traditional flute, tin whistle, keyboard and classical voice training.

The classes are run each evening and are open to young music enthusi- asts right through to adults.

While the classes have always at- tracted much interest, the develop- ment of a new state-of-the-art music

room at the school last year signifi- cantly increased interest in music in the east Clare area, and more than 100 people are poised to attend this year’s classes.

The room is fully equipped with a range of musical instruments, in- cluding drums, electric guitars, and a piano, while a specially designed stage gives students the opportunity to exhibit their talents.

According to John O’Brien, who is a music teacher at the school, there is a huge demand for music classes in the wider community, while the new state-of-the-art music room also helps examination students.

“Up to 50 per cent of the Leaving Certificate (music) can be for per- formance,’ said Mr O’Brien.

The new room is a hive of activity throughout the year. A talent show was launched in the school last year and much of the activities for this also takes place in the room. The East Clare Musical Society helped to fund the room and also use it, ensuring that the entire community benefits.

“Not only is it a classroom, it is also a community room. It is a great facility for the school and goes way beyond the classroom,’ said Mr O’Brien.

While much of the music curricu- lum is focused on theory, the advan- tage of the special music room is that students who are keen to progress in playing music are afforded a good opportunity to do so.

“A lot of younger children, aged six and upwards, who aren’t in the school, come and attend lessons.

‘There is a huge interest 1n music. It is fabulous. Setting up the talent competition last year was a big thing. That will take place again this year,’ added Mr O’Brien.

The classes are resuming this week and there are still a number of places available. Further information is available on phone 061 921083.

has learned.

This is despite a number of ground- breaking developments made in the provision of integrated education in Gort over the past decade and the ad- mission by the Minister for Integra- tion Conor Lenihan, earlier this year that the village was a blueprint for successful integration in Ireland.

Founder of the Gort Brazilian As- sociation, Frank Murray has said that the best method for integrating

children is in one class, despite calls from Fine Gael last month for chil- dren to be segregated.

“The best method is to keep the kids together. The schools here in Gort have had no guidance on this issue and have had to figure it out themselves. There were no guide- lines in place here when the Brazil- lans started coming here ten years ago or more, so the teachers here de- veloped a groundbreaking system of their own,” said Mr Murray.

‘After the argument on segregation and apartheid a few weeks ago that cause such a storm, the government response was that research was being carried out on the issue. But I con- tacted all of the schools in Gort, be-

cause they are cutting edge in terms of integration policy, and no one had come near them.

“You have to wonder about the money that is being spent on this re- search and how effective it is going to be if they don’t consult the main players involved in integration in Ire- land.”

According to the Gort Brazilian Association, if a scenario 1s handled incorrectly it can actually lead to an increase 1n racism instead of integra- nln

“It can sometimes cause conflict with local parents if they fell that their kids are being held back, espe- cially in secondary school. That is a situation which can cause friction in

the community and can lead to rac- ism,’ continued Mr Murray.

“Tt is an awful strain on the teach- ers, they are the forgotten people in this situation. We had thought that the numbers of migrant children at- tending the primary schools here would go down this year because of the economic situation but they have been overwhelming.

‘That was a surprise, it shows how difficult it is to be on top of this situ- ation which is changing all the time. Because of this it’s a bigger shame that the people doing these surveys do not see fit to contact the teachers in Gort who have made some great innovations over the last ten years.”

THE allocation of almost €140.000 to two historic town projects in En- nis and Kilrush will enable the town councils provide a range of tourist signage, including orientation, in- terpretive and information boards, along the designated

historic trails.

€112,760 has been allocated to the Ennis Historic ‘Town Trail and €27,080 to the Kilrush Historic Town Trail under Failte Ire- land’s Historic Towns Initiative.

Welcoming the al- location, Munister of State Tony Killeen (right) said the initiative is aimed at the develop- ment of a series of historic walking trails in up to 100 towns around the country and the grants would assist in maximising the tourism potential of Kilrush and Ennis.

“T hope that funding will enhance the overall experience of those who visit Kilrush and Ennis. Clare 1s for- tunate to possess so many important heritage sites. Therefore, we must do everything possible to make them more accessible to members of the local community and visitors to the

respective towns.”

The Historic ‘Towns Initiative forms part of the Tourism Product Development and Infrastructure sub- programme of the National Develop- ment Plan 2007-13. It is also a com- ponent of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which supports local authori-

ties and other infra- structure providers to develop facilities for RO) UONMEUG MEE KEYEIe ing and cycling routes, jetties and moorings, angling stands, and ac- cess paths to areas of environmental and sce- nic interest. The funding was also welcomed by Deputy Timmy Dooley who said that the historic town trails were very popular with tourists in other parts of the country and should lead to more tourists coming to visit Clare.

“Tt will also be good news for any businesses along the trail and will help provide an extra boost to the local economies. I hope that other Clare towns will also be considered for other historic trails and I plan to raise this with Minister Cullen and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism,’ Deputy Dooley conclud- ed.

EXTRA parking in the town of Kil- laloe is vital if the town is to continue to grow and prosper, a local council- lor has said.

Cllr Tony O’Brien asked at a meet- ing of the Killaloe area committee of the council about progress on plans to provide extra spaces for cars while people shop, socialise or visit the amenities in the riverside town.

“We’re not gong to go anywhere

without parking. The centre is con- gested and we’re doing our best to get business into the town but without parking, people are not going to find Killaloe an attractive place to come and do their business or to visit.”

Cllr O’ Brien said traders and resi- dents want to see more facilities to park.

Senior Executive Engineer, Sean Lenihan, said that a potential site has been identified in the town and plans for parking facilities have been drawn

up. He said that funding would have to be provided from the development levy fund and that he is following this up with the relevant person.

‘This is one of a number of things that the development plan clearly outlines the need for. It’s certainly a priority of mine and I have made recommendations that a site be ac- quired”, said Mr Lenihan.

He told the meeting of elected rep- resentatives that he would “raise the matter again and I would hope to

have more information in the com- ing days.”

Cllr O’Brien thanked the execu- tive engineer for his attention in the matter and added that it would be of great importance to the people of Killaloe that they make progress on this issue.

“It’s very important, from every point of view whether it’s busi- ness, residents in the town or people coming to enjoy the amenities, he stressed

THIS is the Banner side’s fourth attempt at winning this final since 2003. Having drawn two of those de- ciders in Croke Park to Dublin and Galway only to lose in the replays and who in the camogie world will forget the heartbreak of last year’s defeat to Derry when Clare looked to have the work done. They were un- able to hold out though for the eight minutes of injury time played on the day and a lucky shot from Derry found the net to deny Clare their mo- ment in the sun.

Clare though will take note of the determination of last year’s victors. That was Derry’s second attempt at the final in successive years, having lost the previous year. Clare have now managed to do what Derry did last year and despite some tough battles this year, the Clare girls are back again in Croke Park. That was the aim from the start of the year to get back to the ultimate stage and then take things from there. Clare have worked hard in this quest. The Banner took a step up in the League campaign choosing to go from Di- vision 3 to Division 2. This was in search of games that would test the squad and get competition going ear- ly in the year to build strength, both physically and mentally. This move has certainly paid off so far as Clare went undefeated in the League beat- ing Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford on their way to the final where they had a hard fought win over last years victor’s Derry. This gave silverware to the girls, exacted some revenge for last year’s All-Ireland defeat and provided encouragement for the rest of the year.

Clare have remained unbeaten since. They have had tough encoun- ters but have always managed to grind out that win. With group wins over Offaly, Down and Antrim and a Semi-final win over Laois, the Ban- ner girls now find themselves back in Croke Park facing first round oppo- nents Offaly.

Clare had a tough opening round game against the girls from the faith- ful county, who this year have been working under Joachim Kelly. Clare found the Offaly girls hard to shake off but did in the end come out three

point winners. Clare will know go- ing into this final that they will not have things all their own way from the opposition. Offaly had a strong win over Waterford in their semi-fi- nal and have a lot of hard work put into this campaign. They also have six of their minor side who recently won the minor B All-Ireland final over Waterford. This will give Offaly a huge boost going into the game and while they will be ranked as under-

dogs, they know that they will have nothing to lose on the day and will throw all they have at the Banner. They were unlucky to have been de- feated in the replay of the Division 3 league final to Antrim but have grown in strength and determination since then.

Clare for their part have the expe- rience of playing in Croke Park last year. While last year was not the first time in recent years for the Banner to

be participating on All-Ireland final day, it was the first time for a large number of the panel. Those new members will now have last year’s experience to build on and also have suffered a second final defeat just two weeks ago to the hands of Kilkenny in the U18 A final. These girls will not want to repeat that losing feel- NITcar DOCCMMY SUSSMAN LOM MUI RUUO NUE CNTe game against Cork intermediates under their belts, the final touches

will have begun in earnest within the Clare camp.

On thing is for certain. Clare cap- tain Deirdre Murphy has stood in the winning and losing dressing room on final day twelve months ago and will not want to have to sense the losing dressing room from a Clare perspec- tive this time round. She will be us- ing all within her to lead by example and help to drive the team forward. Murphy has been the building block on which a lot of hard won victories for Clare have been built on this year and her presence will help to steady those around her. The team as a whole are very focused this year on what they want to achieve and with the groundwork done, there is just 60 minutes separating Clare and that Junior title which has eluded them so often over the last number of years.

Clare will know that to overcome that final hurdle, all members will have to perform to their best. Down the middle Siobhan Lafferty, Dee Corcoran Sharon McMahon and Claire McMahon have worked well this year with Laura Linnane, Claire Commane, Shonagh Enright and Carina Roseingrave adding strength and pace to the wings. Deirdre Mur- phy has worked well with Chloe Mo- USA TOON COCIOCs)(emr-TeLOMNeCoM sr-UEMey:(eqbntTe has worked hard with Kate Lynch and Jane Scanlon flanking Corcoran. Competition for places is intense in the full-back line with Any Colleran, Aimee McInerney and Cathy Halley fighting it out for the two corner posi- tions and whoever loses out will be unlucky to do so. They also have sev- eral options on the bench with Aoife Ryan, Fiona Lafferty, Aine O’Brien, Aiveen O’Shea and Aoife Griffin able to help out in any sector and adding the depth that is needed to any team in winning an All-Ireland title.

Clare will certainly be hoping to put the thoughts of last year out of their heads and will be hoping that they will be returning home as All- Ireland champions next Monday.

THE Tourist Information Office at Killaloe has become the latest cas- ualty in the cuts which are seeing tourism attractions and facilities all over Clare shut up shop early.

The office on the bridge would nor- mally continue to provide services and information for visitors until the end of September, but it has been an- nounced that the facility will now close for the winter season much ear- lier than that.

It is the latest in a number of early closures, with Craggaunowen’s “The Living Past Experience’ closing several weeks earlier than normal and Bunratty Folk Park bringing in weekday winter opening times in September.

And this week, Killaloe councillor, Tony O’Brien (FF), called on Clare County Council to negotiate with Shannon Heritage to try to keep the tourism office open.

“This 1s a serious blow to people involved in tourism in east Clare,” he told a meeting of councillors for the Killaloe area.

‘We need the opening of that office extended, not curtailed.’

Smaller visitor numbers and a sea- son which is petering out early are the factors being blamed for the early AON Kee

Shannon Development’s Nandi O’Sullivan said that the move is “just good business sense. It’s a little bit quieter and there isn’t a need to open for an extra half hour. But the attrac-

tion will remain open at the week- end.”

Last month, when it was announced that Craggaunowen was to shut up shop early, a spokesman for Shannon Heritage said that a number of factors had affected the decision. “Easter came almost three weeks early this year so we had in fact opened that bit earlier. It is a challenging year gener- NO AA

To combat dwindling tourism num- bers, Shannon Development, in con- junction with the tourism and travel trade has been involved in a number of strategies to get more visitors into the region.

One plan has already seen 20,000 additional bed nightsbrought to the region. This involved negotiating working partnership arrangements with 15 travel operators in the US, including 13 tour operators sell- ing dedicated Ireland holiday pro- grammes in the US market.

The organisation is also working with Tourism Ireland and other tour- ism authorities on the €3 million Discover Ireland’s Wonderful West campaign.

Included in the campaign are US print, radio and online advertising with carriers.

IT costs some €20,000 to run Bun- ratty Search and Rescue annually and the service is heavily dependent on fundraising. The money raised for the group by gardai on Saturday will be put to good use.

Bunratty is one of seven water- based emergency services across the county to benefit from the 20th an- nual Garda Charity Cycle. Dozens of gardai will cycle the 130 kilometres trek starting in Ennis and finish- ing up in Twomilegate in Killaloe, throughout the day on Saturday.

The club recently spent more than €30,000 refurbishing the boathouse in Bunratty and it intends to put the money collected by the gardai to- wards the upkeep of the building. When the boathouse was built in 1998, the club had very little money at its disposal. Over the years, damp- ness came through, so the outside walls had to be realigned.

The only funding the club receives is 2,000 from Clare County Coun- cil every year. Aside from that, the club carries out its own fundraising.

“We have a lot of collection boxes in pubs in Limerick and Bunratty,

while families of people who have been recovered from the water ar- range functions and send us money. We also receive donations,’ said club treasurer Bob Potter.

While the regular income is low, the expenditure is high as much needs to be purchased to keep the club in existence. Money is spent on petrol, insurance, heating, lighting, phone bills, wetsuits, body bags, welling- tons, cradles, while the two boat’s engines have to be serviced on a reg- ular basis. Training programmes are essential and also cost money to run.

As treasurer since 1989, Mr Potter

knows at first hand the significance of ensuring there is enough money to keep the club running. “The club is always in the red because we plan ahead and watch the pennies,’ he Cr nCee

“Locally, the support is excellent,” he added.