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FIVE new community travel services are to open up in the north Clare this month, making it the largest single expansion to date of the Clare Ac- cessible Transport network.

This expansion, which will bring to eight the total amount of routes oper- ated in the north of the county, will be completed and fully online from ord MAW Leis) ©

The new routes will serve Bally- vaughan, Lisdoonvarna, Ennistymon and Kilfenora on Tuesday, Liscannor,

Ennistymon and Ennis on Thursday as well as Tubber to Gort and Carron to Gort on Friday.

“We are there to transport anyone and everyone. It is really designed SO anyone can use it. We conducted a number of surveys in the north Clare area and have developed our new services to match the people who need this transport the most – but once they are up and going they are available for anyone to use,’ said Laura Ward of Clare Accessible ‘Transport.

‘The service is for every part of the

community and we have developed a fair structure which makes it even more accessible for everyone to use. We like to think of it as an access- able service in every way.”

Clare Accessible Transport now operates six buses full-time through- out the county.

The not-for-profit organisation op- erated 10 services in east Clare, eight in north Clare, and three each in west and south Clare.

‘We are always open to consultation and if anyone wants to get in touch at any point about future routes, they

are more than welcome.

‘The certain consideration here is that we do not open routes that we feel we cannot sustain. We consider our routes very carefully before we Sree

‘Because we are a not-for-profit or- ganisation we cannot collect money on the buses so people need to ring in and register or register on their first journey which is free.”

For more information or to register for the new service telephone 061 924375 or 1890 687287 or check out www.catconnects.ie.

ENNIS man Rob Kiely has the hon- our of leading his country at the World Ultimate and Guts Champion- ship (WUGC) in Canada in August.

Rob has been chosen as one of Ire- land’s four captains for the event, the world cup of Frisbee throwing.

More than 100 teams from 30 coun- tries will compete for the title from August 2 to 9.

Ireland will be represented by two teams in the Open and Women’s categories, at the championships or- ganised by the World Flying Disk Association (WFDA). Rob ts a sea-

soned ultimate Frisbee international, having represented his country on four occasions. Before departing for Vancouver, Rob said the memories of one of Ireland’s greatest sporting achievements fired his ambition to represent his country.

“Having the opportunity to repre- sent Ireland is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a young lad watch- ing Italia ‘90 on the big screen in the Roslevan,’ said Rob.

The Ennis native also hopes, that just like Jack Charlton’s team, Ireland can again cause a few upsets. “I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in four national squads up to now, and

as one of this year’s captains, Ill be looking to get the most out of myself and our squad to bring Ireland to new heights at the world level, and take a scalp or two along the way.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the challenge of facing Switzer- land again, and hopefully this time coming out on top.”

Both Irish teams have completed an intensive training programme over the past six months, compris- ing of fitness, skill-based and set piece training. The teams have both competed in a number of prepara- tion events. At a recent tournament in Amsterdam, featuring the best

teams in Europe, the Irish Women’s team achieved runners-up placings, after the first final appearance for an Irish Women’s Team. The Open team faced a number of European teams at an event in Berlin and achieved im- pressive victories over Germany and Holland.

The Open team is seeded 10th of a division of 19 teams, and will travel to Vancouver full of confidence fol- lowing strong performances in the lead-up to the competition.

The Irish women are seeded 12th of 15 and are fired up to make an im- pression on only their second world championship.

ANOTHER step along the way to bringing Clare closer to claiming a spot in their second successive AlIl- Ireland final. That’s the way Clare are regarding this win over Antrim. While it’s the common sense ap- proach of one game at a time, there is no denying that the true wish is there to rid the ghosts of last year’s final defeat at the hands of Derry. Winning the Division 2 league fi- nal was a significant step on that re- covery ladder and now securing the semi-final spot has Clare’s top side another rung on the way with just 60

minutes and Laois between the Ban- ner and that second last spot with the last step obviously being Deirdre Murphy taking to the first step of the Hogan Stand on September 14.

‘“That’s the hope and dream but the team will settle down now to prepar- ing for that challange’, according to team manager Colm Hanley. “We were happy with the performance at the weekend but what has been better is that we have had more of a chal- lange on the way to this semi-final and with every outing we have im- proved as a unit”.

Antrim put up a stiff challange to the Banner on Sunday and had just one point between the teams with just 10 minutes remaining. “Yes it was a real test of the team’s charac- ter but they have steadied themselves this year and in sticking to the game plan don’t panic and have hurled clever out of the tight situations this year. That’s what really seems to have stood to them since last year, we have learned the hard way to hurl to the end and never give up. With still room for improvement and the squad still not fully fit this for the moment is a nice place to be in.”

A ROBBERY in Shannon has de- prived a young man of his social life, a court heard yesterday.

Christopher McGorrian (19), of Rossbracken, Shannon, pleaded guilty to robbing Stuart Talbot of a gold chain and bracelet and robbing Andrew Brennan of ©25, on Septem- ber 2, 2007.

Garda Michael McGreal told Ennis Circuit Court that Mr Talbot and Mr Brennan were looking for a “control- led substance. In order to purchase the controlled substance they met the accused. There was no purchase made.”

He said that an arrangement was made whereby the two men, the ac- cused and another “unknown person”

went to the Cronan area of Shannon, in a car being driven by Mr Talbot.

“Mr McGorrian exited the car with Mr Brennan in a laneway in the environs of a shop. It was there the accused demanded €25 from Mr Brennan and in the process of hand- ing over the money he assaulted Mr Brennan. He punched him in the mouth,” said the garda.

He said the accused then returned to the car. Mr Talbot became aware that something was “amiss” and the accused chased him. He caught up with him and tore his jewellery from avbene

“The accused shouted to him, ‘I have a blade. When I catch you, I’m going to stab you’,” said the garda.

The court was told that Mr Bren- nan did not wish to go to court as he

feared the accused would recognise him. As a result of the punch to his mouth, dental treatment, at a cost of almost €11,000, would be required, the court heard.

“He won’t go out on his own. He doesn’t goes out in Shannon since. He suffers from psoriasis. His condi- tion has worsened considerably since these events,’ said the garda.

Judge Carroll Moran asked what was behind the incident relating to Mr Brennan and the garda said, “Quite simply to rob him, to take his money. That is all.”

Judge Moran said, “I have to take a serious view of this and consider imposing a sentence.”

He adjourned it until later this week and remanded McGorrian in custo- dy.

THE Irish Petrol Retailers Associa- tion (IPRA) and retail representative body, RGDATA have come together to oppose plans by TESCO for a pet- rol filling station in the west Clare town of Kilrush.

Earlier this year, the retail giant lodged plans for a four island petrol station outside its new TESCO store.

However, the move has provoked an angry reaction from local petrol owners.

Now, in a new submission from the IPRA state, “The proposed scheme,

in particular the retailing and petrol filling uses, would directly impact upon the planning polices and ob- jectives for this local community as set out in the statutory development eae

They state, “The effect of creat- ing an unregulated — in policy terms — petrol filling station on the site would duplicate needlessly land uses already provided for in this local community and more importantly already acknowledged to be located at a more appropriate position by the adopted development plan.

“The applicant has provided no

evidence as to why the subject lands Should now take on the effective role, of an additional petrol filling station, when neither the land use zoning, nor the established land use here, would support such a change

“The current proposal conflicts with a number of policies as set out in the Kilrush Town Council includ- ing the need to maintain the vital- ity and viability of existing centres, the location of such activities and in terms of minimising the demand for AoE

“This instant application would re- sult in the direct opposite.

In its submission, RGDATA states that it “believes that building a four island petrol filling station at the ex- isting station Tesco supermarket de- velopment which is an edge of centre site would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Kilrush town centre”.

In summary, RGDATA respect- fully submits that this application Should be refused, because it is not consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of Kil- rush Town centre.

A decision is expected on the appli- cation later this year.

CLARECASTLE woman bBreige Scanlan is getting into shape as she prepares for the New York City Mar- athon.

61-year-old Breige will run 26 miles through the streets of New York in November.

She is taking on the gruelling chal- lenge to raise money for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

In the meantime, Breige has em- barked on a strict training regime.

Breige explained, “I wanted to do something and I thought running a marathon would be a lovely way to start my sixties. I’m really starting to think seriously about it now. I go for arun in Raheen Woods three times a week and every day I do a jog from

Clarecastle to the roundabout down by the Clare Inn”.

Unsurprisingly, Breige believes in the importance of a healthy lifestyle. She worked in health care for over 35 years, first as a registered gener- al nurse and then as a public health TOS aSoR

She puts her own high fitness levels down to Chi Running, a technique that stimulates immense mental focus to combat the wear and tear caused by running.

Breige’s life changed dramatically when, in 1979, she moved to Bang- ladesh to work with the aid agency Sonteoue

It was there, in the slums and vil- lages, working with the sick and the poor that Breige first became aware of the healing potential of the body.

“IT was there for two years and it was where I first came in contact with natural healing. Here there was all these people who were very sick and who didn’t have access to differ- ent medicines but were still surviv- ing’. She adds, “I really believe that people need to be more committed to staying healthy. People should have a greater reasonability for looking after themselves. We can’t be relying on the HSE and all these big institu- tions or taking injections for every- thing. Its down to the individual.”

In 1985 Breige moved to New York where she lived for 20 years. She is familiar with the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and her training regime was based around one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

“Ttis a totally different place. I used

to do my training in Central Park. A circle of that 1s six miles and I con- vinced myself that if I could do three of them, I could definitely do a mara- ste) s a

Breige returned to live in Ireland in 2005. She now practices reflexology at her home in Clarecastle. Refelxol- ogy is a gentle preventative health care measure that relies on the body’s own healing ability.

Before hitting New York Breige must raise €5,000. In order reach that goal, Breige is offering reflexol- ogy sessions in return for donations. For further information contact Breige at 065 6847255.

MILTOWN have made some decent strides this year at Under 21 level and have been rewarded with the op- portunity of making a final. Corofin stand in their way and they should have a big say in how this one devel- ops at Ennistymon on Saturday.

Miltown will be looking to the likes of Shane Curtin, Gearoid Hynes, Joe Curtin and Enda O’Gorman to propel them to victory but Corofin scored freely in over-coming Clooney-Quin earlier this month.

That day two weeks back they rat- tled in three goals and if they can pro- duce a similar goal fest on Saturday, they will be hard beaten. Miltown

also racked up 2-11 in their defeat of Kildysart so all signs point to a high scoring and entertaining encounter.

The second semi final also prom- ises to produce some good football. Lissycasey will take on Clondegad at Clareabbey in a game that is also set to take place on Saturday.

Garry Brennan will look to anchor his side at midfield while closer to goal, Paudge McMahon will look to emulate the form he showed in scor- ing nine points to help Clondegad edge into this semi final.

With local bragging rights at stake, Lissycasey will also be keen to en- sure thay put in a quality display and if they can curb Brennan and McMa- hon, they could edge it.

AN ENNIS man has been denied a bed in the Central Mental Hospi- tal (CMH) in Dublin due to lack of space, despite a court ruling that he be moved there.

The dramatic revelation emerged at Ennis District Court last Friday evening, shortly after Judge Joseph Mangan had directed that the man, who was in court on several charges, be taken to the CMH in Dundrum.

The court was later told that there

was no bed available for the man, whose identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons. He was then taken to the psychiatric unit at Ennis General Hospital.

Earlier the court heard there was a fitness to plead issue relating to the case.

The court heard from Derry O’Donovan, a solicitor representing the Health Services Executive. “In relation to fitness to plead, there are six different categories. Even if he is fit to be tried, it doesn’t get away

from the fact the man has a mental disorder,’ said Mr O’ Donovan.

ATUTelexemm\Y Ev oteecvomncr-D(CMmNet-lMmislommereleyas had heard previously that the accused was not fit to be tried.

Mr O’Donovan pointed out that the ultimate decision regarding whether the man be received at the CMH rest- ed with its Clinical Director, Profes- sor Harry Kennedy.

Judge Mangan said he was ordering “that the accused be transferred to the Central Mental Hospital”.

Inspector Michael Gallagher then

told the court that previously in an- other court where a similar order had been made, gardai arrived at the CMH and the patient had been re- JEU ore MSIL NAA

Judge Mangan replied, “If they refuse to take the patient at the door of the CMH, the order collapses. I don’t see why he would be brought back to this court. It’s out of the hands of this court.”

Mr O’Donovan said that he was in- volved in the previous matter which was referred to by Inspector Gal-

lagher and said the problem related to bed space. “The CMH has more staff per patients than any other psy- chiatric unit in the country. It is a very secure unit,’ he said.

‘I can’t see the director refusing. If he does, his (the patient) status 1s that of an involuntary patient in the men- tal health system,” said the solicitor.

“The CMH is the only place in the country. If there 1s no space, these particular laws are set to nought and we are dealing with sick people,” he added.

DOZENS OF gardai from across the Clare division will get on their bikes and cycle 130 kilometres across the county later this year – all in the name of charity.

The 20th annual garda charity cycle which will take place on September 13 this year is in aid of the seven wa- ter-based emergency services across the county.

The gardai will cycle the 130 kilo-

metres trek from Doolin to Two Mile Gate, outside Killaloe.

Doolin Coastguard, Lahinch Sea and Rescue, Kilkee Marine Rescue, Kilrush Lifeboat, Bunratty Search and Rescue, Killaloe/Ballina Res- cue and St Caimin’s in Mountshan- non will receive equal shares of the money raised through the cycle.

Ennis Sergeant Joe Downey, who is PRO for the event, said the excellent work put in by the emergency serv- ices should be recognised.

“The importance of the role they play in rescuing people and some- times the grim task of recovering bodies should be highlighted,” said Sgt Downey.

“They are fantastic organisations who give their time _ voluntarily and who need money on an ongo- ing basis. While they all get a little bit of money from the Government, their ongoing yearly running costs are pretty high. We recognise that and we decided to donate money to

them,’ added Sgt Downey.

Kilkee Marine Rescue will use the money for upgrading equipment at its rescue centre. The equipment is updated on an annual basis and funds are always welcomed.

Killaloe/Ballina Rescue will buy a trailer and mobile communications centre, while Doolin Coastguard intends to use the money raised to- wards the purchase of an automated telephone paging system, which indi- cates the position of its units at sea, through global satellite.

Lahinch Sea and Rescue will put the money towards replacing its boat, while St Caimin’s in Mountshannon will purchase new suits for its mem- bers. Kilrush Lifeboat will use the money to train its volunteers and buy new crew kits, while Bunratty Search and Rescue intends to put the money towards maintaining its newly refur- bished centre.

All of those due to take part in the cycle are members of the gardai. Some have cycled for this event for several years and have raised thou- sands of euro each year.

“We are hoping that 40 cyclists will take part this year,’ said Sgt Downey.

The participants will all have spon- sorship cards, while several volun- teers will travel the route on the day, collecting money and members of the public are being urged to contrib- ute towards a good cause.

SUSU Srteclmco im elle icsucwullempbems bletece ratty has raised money for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crum- lin. More than 100 people took part in the event earlier this month and in the process raised almost €2,500. The event was organised by Sixmi- lebridge brother and sister Bridget and Gerry O’Halloran, who were delighted with the turnout. The ma-

jority of the participants ran the 10k, while others walked it, during what was a family fun day.

Bridget explained her reasons for organising the event; “I fundraised for Crumlin for the New York mara- thon last year and work in the leisure centre in Bunratty. A lot of people have connections with Crumlin, while there had never been a road race in Bunratty before,” she said.

Bridget works as a fitness instructor

and to say that she is a sporting fa- natic would be putting it mildly. She plays soccer with Newtown in Shan- non and camogie with Sixmuilebri- dge, while she also took up running last year. She is currently in training for a triathlon in Chicago on August 24. This will consist of a 1,500 metre swim, 40k cycle and 10k walk.

She had organised several fund- raising events for Chicago and over the coming weeks will continue to

encourage people to help with her 8 Ce ae

“I will be fundraising coming up to it and hoping that everyone will get involved,” she said.

Anyone interested in helping Bridg- et with her fundraising should phone her on 087 2282461.