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INSPIRED by a surprise victory for St Joseph’s on Friday night that opened up the group once more, both teams pinpointed this game to get their challenge back on track.

As a result, Corofin and Tubber tore into each other in real local der- by fashion, producing a compelling yet open encounter in the last of the championship games on Sunday.

Despite a strong breeze blowing towards the clubhouse, it was a rela- tively even affair throughout but that SOKO LNAUE NUM Mmoiesleore menace phant was due to a ten minute pur- ple patch directly after half-time in which they outscored Tubber by 2-6 to 0-1 to overturn a one point deficit into a ten point lead.

Admittedly, they took their foot off the gas after that and allowed Tub- ber to charge at them once more but after building up such a mammoth advantage, they deservedly held on to complete the victory.

Essentially, the difference overall was the ability of Corofin and Kevin Heagney in particular, to obtain goals out of nothing. The Clare mi- nor set up Corofin’s first goal for Kil- lian Neylon and then scored two op- portunistic goals in the space of six minutes after half-time, first gather-

ing a John Williams puck-out before slipping his shot into the far corner of the net.

The second was even better when he again fielded from a Darragh Clancy clearance before jinking past his man and burying into the top corner.

At the other end, despite grabbing two late goals, Tubber had four clear goal chances over the 60 minutes that were twarted by goalkeeper John Williams, including a late first

half penalty save from Blaine Earley that would have given Tubber a four- point half-time cushion.

Tubber had started brightly and were Q-5 to O-2 ahead at the end of the first quarter, mainly thanks to three Blaine Earley frees but they were rocked by Neylon’s goal that cancelled out their early advantage.

From that juncture to the break, the sides went point for point until the impressive David O’Donoghue con-

verted his third point of the half to give Tubber a slender half-time lead.

Corofin emerged a more focused side in the second period and mov- ing Dara Shannon to midfield, they opened up Tubber with ease to score 2-6 and push them into a command- ing lead.

Tubber emptied the bench and it sparked a reaction with first, Shane O’Connor and then first cousin Bar- ry grabbing two goals by the 55th

minute to produce a nervy finish.

As the heavens opened though, the game petered out and Corofin held their ground to carve out the much needed win and even up the group once again.

THE Shannon fire service has got the go-ahead to extend and refurbish the local fire station.

The Department of the Environ- ment, Heritage and Local Govern- ment has approved the tender recom- mended by Clare County Council under the fire services capital pro- gramme and will contribute more than €1.2 million to the project.

The proposed improvements in- clude the addition of three extra fire bays, developing the drill yard as well as the inclusion of new accom- modation facilities for the crew.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Tom Burke described the announcement as a major step forward in the ongo-

ing development of fire and rescue services across County Clare.

“The fire fighting capability of the local service will be greatly en- hanced through the provision of a refurbished and larger station in County Clare’s second largest town,” he said.

“The completion of these works will enable the Fire and Rescue Serv- ice to allocate additional fire vehicles in Shannon. We also intend develop- ing training facilities in Shannon, similar to those currently being put in place at Ennis Fire Station.”

“Furthermore, the service intends to locate a new water tanker in Shan- non, subject to the approval of fund- ing by the Department. The provi- sion of this unit will help us deal

with structural fires along with fire incidents in rural areas throughout Shannon and the wider region”.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Tony Killeen (FF) said, “Although the existing station has served the area well since 1979, the considerable development in all sectors, including the tourist, com- mercial and industrial sectors in the intervening period necessitated addi- tional investment in the fire services in Shannon in order to deliver a mod- ern service.”

“The proposed works will add fur- ther to the capability of the fire serv- ices in County Clare. The project will now proceed to construction stage and is expected to be complet- ed within 10 months,’ concluded the

Junior Agriculture Minister.

ClUlr Patricia McCarthy (ind), Chairperson of the Strategic Policy Committee on the Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Affairs, added her approval for the refurbishment.

‘This is great news for the County Clare Fire and Rescue Service con- sidering it follows on so quickly after the official opening of the new Kil- laloe Fire Station and the Depart- ment’s approval of funding for a new fire training centre in Ennis.”

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is currently made up of 12 Senior Fire Officers, one whole time Station Officer in Ennis and 77 Re- tained Firefighters in seven stations throughout Clare.

DESPITE the rain, hail and winds they danced, played and sang in Kil- rush at the weekend as visitors and locals made the most of the Eigse Mrs Crotty.

The public houses and workshops were a place of refuge and entertain- ment, as the crowds forgot one of the wettest Augusts on record with the help of an accordion, tin whistle or bodhran.

The Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival is in its 13th year and the traditional mu- sic festival has grown to incorporate music, singing and dancing work- shops, a Mrs Crotty memorial con- cert, singing sessions, recitals and a vibrant session trail.

The five-day festival would not be possible without the hard work of the local committee and the influence of the talented Mrs Crotty.

Born Elizabeth Markham in 1885 near Cooraclare, Mrs Crotty, was the youngest of the large Markham fam- ily. By the time of her death in 1960

she had become recognised as one of Ireland’s foremost exponents of the concertina

She married Miko Crotty and to- gether they established Crotty’s Pub- lic House in the Square, Kilrush. It was from this House of Music that Elizabeth Crotty’s reputation qul- etly grew. Ciaran MacMathuna’s first excursion to rural Ireland in the 1950’s with RTE’s mobile unit was to record the talented woman for the nb usa bE Toe

Mrs Crotty was described as a gentle and unassuming woman and a natural musician who enjoyed a unique mastery of the concertina.

It was said that people would seek out her company and sit quietly cap- tivated as she played. According to the official website “what she loved most of all was teaching and encour- aging young musicians”.

The spirit of this inspiring woman was well and truly in Kilrush this weekend as young people learnt from talented musicians and singers as part of the many workshops.

A FATHER stole DVDs to sell them so he would have money to treat his teenage daughter during an access visit, a judge was told.

Michael Chapman (37) of 29 Clancy Park, Ennis, pleaded guilty to a number of thefts, including stealing ten DVDs worth €79.90 from Xtra Vision in Ennis.

He also pleaded guilty to taking a digital camera worth €162 from K and K computers, a mobile phone from another premises and a Nike jacket, and three bottles of perfume worth €148.50 from Cassidy’s phar- TaT-Teaye

His solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that Chapman has two children and considers himself the father of his partner’s three children.

“He has a teenage daughter who does not live with him or her mother but he plays a supportive role in her life. It is poignant that he tells me, he stole the DVDs with the intention of

selling them so he could have a good access visit with that daughter,’ Ms Godfrey said.

She added that Chapman has a drink problem and the crimes are “drink related”.

‘He has previous convictions – the last one was in 2005. That he has not offended since then is quite remark- able for him.”

He sentenced Chapman to four

months for the theft of the camera and four months for the theft of the perfume, to run concurrently. Other charges, including the DVD thefts, were taken into consideration.

The judge set bail for an appeal at Chapman’s own bond of €500 with an independent surety of €1,000.

MAYBE Shannon, in a club cham- pionship gone wrong weather-wise, could be the spark for St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield to roll back the years to when they were the most feared club in the land.

Remember when they were kings in °99 — county, Munster and All-Ire- land champions, but when those titles would have counted for little had they failed to finally exorcise their Clare- castle demons in championship.

It finally happened in Shannon, a semi-final showdown moved from Cusack Park because of the inclem- ent weather. So it was that this fixture fell in Cusack Park and was trans- ferred to Shannon.

So it was that St Joseph’s produced their best display in three years. With seven survivors from their storied championship years from 1998 to ’O1 still manning gaps all over the field they blitzed a Sixmilebridge team re- duced to bagging a consolation goal two minutes from time.

But that’s not to suggest that this St Joseph’s is an ageing team digging out one final kick at the big time — at the kernel of this their impressive seven-point win was the fusion of old and new.

The work of the last few years in getting the blend right seems to be clicking into place. St Joseph’s have finally emerged from a three-year championship slump with their new team, built on familiar foundations, but with enough young blood to give enthusiasm and no little adventure.

Cue their first half display in this one when they ran a ragged Sixmi- lebridge off the park and into their dressing room at half-time trailing by 1-11 to O-7. Double scores and St Joseph’s were full value for eve- ry point of that lead as they left the ‘Bridge floundering in their wake.

It was champagne hurling at times, with intensity and hunger for the sli- otar and scores that following over- whelming a Sixmilebridge side that only offered some token resistance through Caimin Morey up front.

St Joseph’s had big performers eve- rywhere — David Hoey sniping pos- Session in the half-back line; Ken Kennedy beside him keeping Niall Gilligan very quiet; Marty O’Regan having his best championship game ever in the corner; Greg Lyons’ in- dustry in the middle; Seanie McMa- hon’s impressive championship debut as a forward; Michael McNamara’s haul of scores.

Of course a 1-1 inside three min- utes was the perfect launching pad. Darragh O’Driscoll fired over the Opening point, while the goal came after David Fitzgerald could only bat a 60-yard sideline cut from Conor

Hassett into the path of Michael Mc- Namara who flashed to the net from ATE TECK

St Joseph’s never really looked back and though Sixmilebridge responded with two Niall Gilligan points, it was “The Parish’ who really caught the eye as they chased after the two points with a real sense of purpose.

Conor Hassett knocked over a cou-

ple of long range frees for fun while Michael McNamara had the facility to pop up anywhere and then more importantly pop over the points. Mc- Namara put St Joseph’s 1-4 to O-2 in front by the 13th minute and there was much more to come.

Caimin Morey did reduce the gap to three points by the 15th minute as a clear pattern began to emerge.

Whenever the “Bridge looked like edging towards parity, St Joseph’s just moved through the gears at will and eased away towards half-time. David Hoey and Seanie McMahon stepped up with inspirational scores by the 20th minute, while a two-point scoring burst from Greg Lyons in the closing minutes of the half again showcased St Josephs’ hunger.

The “Bridge were just hanging in there thanks to points from Derek Fahy, Niall Gilligan and Caimin Mo- rey in the closing ten minutes of the half, but even at that the last act was played out by the hardworking Dam- ian Kennedy when he got his name on the scoresheet in the final few seconds.

There never looked like being a way back for Sixmilebridge, albeit that they had the wind advantage to come. St Joseph’s had the hunger again though and points by Michael McNamara and Conor Hassett post- ed their early intentions.

A tally of 1-4 in the second half was never going to be enough for the “Bridge, especially against a St Joseph’s team that were rampant at times. There was the individual bril- liance of Greg Lyons’ scores, and the teamwork behind Michael McNama- ieee

Teamwork and individual brilliance are potent forces that could carry St Joseph’s a long way in 2008.

SOCCER has been a big part of Brendan Wall’s life and the Shannon man has played a big role in develop- ing the game in Clare.

Last week, friends and colleagues gathered in Ennis to mark Wall’s 20 years of service to soccer in the county.

Wall moved to Shannon in 1977 and a year later joined the local New- town soccer club. In 1988, he joined the committee of the Clare School- boys Soccer League, then headed up by founder and Kilmaley man, Frank etry

In those days, schoolboy teams competed in just three age groups

under 11, under 13 and under 15. However, in the intervening years, schoolboy’s soccer has undergone a major transformation, with the num- bers playing the game now at record levels.

19 clubs, some fielding as many as three teams in one age group, now compete across 13 leagues. This summer saw the largest ever expan- sion of the league with the entry of 19 new teams.

Wall served for 15 years as league chairman and says the work of done by parents and coaches at club level is the driving force behind the growth of the game.

He cites the first time a Clare team entered the prestigious Kennedy Cup

in 1996 as one of the highlights of his long association with the game.

“That was a great experience,’ said Wall. “That and the year we drew with the Dublin District Soccer League. They went on to win it out, so that was a great result.

‘There was also the year when Edel Malone from Lifford, who is an Irish international now, captained Clare in the Kennedy Cup. We have a picture from the year of Edel and Katie Tay- lor (World Champion Irish boxer), who was playing for Wicklow at the nb slome

Wall said the appointment of Denis Hynes as FAI County Development Office for Clare and the opening of the Lees Road sports facility in En-

nis, were also major milestones for Or eaNeedoe

He also paid tribute to his col- leagues on the committee of the schoolboy league

He said, “They all do a great job. Ronnie Pyne does amazing work as fixtures secretary. The standard of officials on the schoolboy league is second to none. The newest recruit 1s Clive Slater, who’s work rate makes the job of Chairman a lot easier”.

Wall steps down as league chair- man this year but is still actively involved with soccer with Shannon. He is manager of the Newtown La- dies side that will play St Mochtas in the semi-final of FAI Umbro Junior Women’s Cup on August 31.

THE Health Service Executive’s fail- ure to replace retired surgeons at En- nis General Hospital has raised fresh concerns over the downgrading of the hospital. ;

Mr Gerry Byrnes and Mr Denis O Ceallaigh, two of the longest serving consultants at the hospital, recently retired from their senior positions at

the Ennis Hospital.

Asked if the HSE plan to replace them with two full-time surgeons or with locum surgeons who will be shared with other hospitals, a spokes- woman said they had been replaced by locum consultants who “work ex- clusively at Ennis General”.

One of the locums is understood to be on a long-term contract and Green Party county councillor Brian

Meaney has expressed unease with the situation given that the HSE has initiated a review of surgical serv- ices.

“It seems we won’t just be battling for A and E but also for surgery. If the hospital cannot retain surgery, it will effectively kill off the A and E, because you won’t have access to all acute facilities,’ he said

Ennis Hospital Development

Committee chairman Ciaran O’Dea said the refusal of the HSE to replace retiring consultants with permanent appointments was further evidence, if any was needed, that the HSE will continue to undermine the future op- erational feasibility of Ennis Hospi- ee

‘Mary Harney’s stated strategy for the hospital is to remove 24-hour A and E status. One would have to wonder if there is a level of suffering or “acceptable losses” which the HSE will tolerate in the apparent drive to reduce services in Ennis to minor in- jury and day care treatment.

“The continuing delays in upgrad- ing the hospital, the recent “Ennis bypass” ambulance protocol, staffing embargos and the failure to replace consultants or provide staff for a CT scanner are all issues that lead one to wonder how many more will suf- fer before the HSE decide that Clare people deserve a properly resourced hospital and health service.

“It is increasingly obvious that a new approach is needed to combat the pressures to centralise services and population.

“It 1s unacceptable to the people of this county that our lives and the lives of our loved ones will be sac- rificed for an ineffective, inefficient unaccountable national body and political system, which seems to dis- regard councillors and TDs alike, as has happened with other issues such as Shannon Airport,’ Mr O’Dea con- cluded.

A MAN who put off-licence staff in fear by his antics when he was drink- ing 1s “a nice, polite man” when so- ber a judge heard yesterday.

The Ennis District Court heard that Michael Maughan (34) with address- es at 18 Beechwood, Clarecastle, and 20 Stone Court, Ennis, had 33 previ- ous convictions mostly for theft.

When he appeared before Judge Leo Malone last week, the judge or- dered that he be remanded in custody after hearing he had assualted one member of staff at Dunnes Stores and intimidated another.

He appeared before the court in- toxicated and his solicitor, Tara God- frey, said yesterday that he wished to “sincerely apologise for that”.

Maughan pleaded guilty to charges of stealing drink, cigarettes and gro- ceries on various dates from Dunnes Stores in Ennis.

He also pleaded guilty to assault on a member of Dunnes staff and to public order charges.

Judge Malone heard that some of the items had been recovered but there was €160 worth of vodka and cigarettes not returned to their right-

ful owners.

Ms Godfrey said that her client has a bad problem with drink, which he is hoping to tackle after being ass- esed for a course of detox treatment in Bushy Park.

She said that the tragic death of his brother and the grieving process had not helped the problem.

‘He is seperated and does not have access to his children as his wife now lives in the UK and one of those chil- dren is now in hospital.

“Drink has taken over his life and he has no compunction about steal- ing when he is drinking, even if he knows he will be caught,” she said.

Inspector Michael Gallagher said that the accused “frightened staff at Dunnes when he was drinking. He just walks in behind the counter and takes drink. But when he is sober, he is anice, polite man.”

After Maughan’s brother produced €160 compensation for stolen goods in court, Judge Malone imposed fines totalling €365 on the theft charges and a three month jail sentence for the assault. But he ordered that the jail term not be invoked, provided Maughan commits no offence in the next two years.

CARRON was the venue last week for the launch of a new scheme which it’s hoped will bring walking in the Burren to a whole new level.

North Clare is a beautiful place when the sun shines, and it was in one of those rare patches of sunshine last week that newly appointed Rural Recreation Officer, Eimer McCarthy, met with two local landowners to fi- nalise the new walking scheme in the area.

The scheme, which has been intro- duced in 12 counties by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv, will see a new partnership approach to rural walks, with farmers being compen- sated for the use and uptake of their

land.

“The real significance of today is that we initiating this new walk scheme payment which means that the government are now paying land owners on national way marked ways for access through their land,” said Eimer.

“We have been walking with the National Trails Office who have sup- plied me with six inch maps on which I can identify farm boundaries. This morning I met with two farmers on the Carron Loop, which is part of the Burren Way, and I met them so that we can agree their work plans so that they can be part of this new walks scheme.

“The thing that is great about the Carron Loop 1s that it is off-road. It starts from Cassidy’s Pub and goes

off road for a nine kilometre loop which is a wonderful walk, very sce- nic and rustic but safe and well sign- posted.”

It is hoped that the new scheme will see farmers and walking organisa- tions working in partnership to pre- serve the country’s tradition walks.

‘This scheme is an important step in enhancing the quality of the four National Way Marked Ways in Clare, while also benefiting local farmers, and of course walkers themselves,” Gerard Kennedy, Rural Resource Development and The Burren Way Ltd.

“It should increase County Clare’s position as a leading walking desti- nation, and with suitable promotion could attract increased numbers of walkers to the county, benefiting lo-

cal businesses and service providers alike.”

Once the scheme is up and running in the Burren Way, plans are in place to extend it to the Mid-Clare, East Clare and Lough Derg Ways.

Meanwhile a number of events have been organised to mark National Trails Day which takes place on Sep- tember 28. To learn more about these check out www.nationaltrailsday.ie.

AS THE amateur musical and drama season prepares to take hold all over the county, the Shannon Musical So- ciety 1S preparing for a first with this year’s production.

This year the society will become the first amateur society in Ireland to perform Joe DiPietro’s ‘All Shook Up’. The musical, which was a huge success on Broadway, is based loose- ly on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night’ and inspired by the music of Elvis USA

The society will be having a launch night on Wednesday, September 3, 1n the Oak Wood Arms Hotel at 8pm.

“Each year we host a night to en-

courage new people to come and join the musical society. It’s really more of an informative night, I think a lot of people think that it’s all about music and if you don’t have loads of talent you can’t join,” said Mary O’Loughlin of the Shannon Musical Society.

“It’s much more than that. Every- thing involved in the musical, except for the orchestra, 1s produced by lo- cal people. We have the costumes, the stage crew – the whole set is made from scratch, the front of house team and the booking office. So there is a great amount for people to be doing beside the work on the stage itself.

“It’s a great social outlet for people, especially if you have just moved to

Shannon. The society can be a great way for getting to know people and getting involved. It’s a great team effort and right across the board in terms of ages.”

This years production will be di- rected and choreographed by Oliver Hurley while Carmel Griffin will the musical director.

The musical society are hoping for a good turn out at the up coming launch night.

“Tt can be difficult enough some- times to get new male members but once they join up they stay with us for years and years. They might be that bit shy at the beginning but once they get involved in it they love it,’ she continued.

“It’s going to be afun show this year. The show will use a lot of the Elvis songs to help tell the story. There is a great story running through it, the music is really secondary – it helps to tell the story.”

Anyone interested in joining the So- ciety can take a browse through the website on Www.shannonmusical. com or call Siobhan on 086 2142554 for details on membership.