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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.

THERE’RE not many who can swal- low the bitter pill with a smile on their face – fewer still who can pause while licking their wounds and offer a good word for their conqueror. But that was the scene in the chat-rooms and blogs on the internet this week- end. But maybe we were set up for a fall. One Clare supported had ob- viously eating absolutely all of the optimism pies before throw in as he predicting not just a Banner victory but a good old fashioned hockeying for the Rebels.

“Cork have already shot their load

and will not hang with the Banner for the full seventy minutes,” comment- ed Osceola on AnFearRua.com.

‘Memories of the Munster final still loom large, what better way to erase them – the half back line looks solid and the forwards could finally come good… Clare 2-24 Cork 1-15.”

If only supporter optimism could fuel a hurling team.

After the final whistle however, the Cork bloggers were uncharacteristi- cally humble in victory while the neutrals pointed to “hurling” and “the championship” as being the real winners. Now there’s some cold ofeynen Koya m

‘The game was won pure and sim- ple on the bench. Cork have the subs to bring on and we don’t. It’s just that simple. People will blame the wides Clare had but if you don’t have a go you can’t score,’ said Give Em Tim- ber. “The strength in depth in the Cork panel was the killer punch from a Clare point of view.

‘They even had 15 subs on standby to Clare’s 10. That statistic on its own speaks volumes.”

“Clare could have won it but I think for the Championships sake it was best that Cork came through,’ said Qwerty. “They will obviously give Kilkenny a decent game. To my

mind the Cork/Kilkenny semi-final is the All-Ireland Final.”

Meanwhile, all was quiet on the Clare corner over on boards.ie, but the thoughts of the Rebel posters have already turning to Kilkenny and one major piece surgery of the own starting line-up.

“We need to drop the Rock and move Gardiner in his place and bring Cadogan on at right half back,” post- re Cod aliiouaur-rmeyeieny

“If Cork can hold them in the first half and not give away a silly lead like the past two games I can see them having a chance but if they give away a lead I can’t see KK giving

away a lead like Galway and Clare did.”

Last word to Clare poster Turfcut- ae

“Living proof that despite the dark- ness and despair in the Saffron and Blue corner, we’re still the supporters with best craic. “Fair play to Cork, they took their chances, we didn’t.

‘Perhaps D Murphy didn’t help us but he didn’t help Cork a few times either,’ said Turfcutter.

‘Hope to see ye all in Lisdoonvarna for September. The farmers are back in popularity with the girls up there… the bit of land is handy again. Up the By Teneo ae

Be UAUDerea(oie mo sce) ony (Or memne ne Mazda 2 at the end of last year and this time I was due to test the re- vamped Mazda 5, the one with the sliding door. But due to a mis-under- standing I got the Mazda 2 diesel in- stead, but I have no complaints. The Mazda 5 can wait for another day.

Last year was a great one for Maz- da Ireland with sales here taking a major leap after they decided to dis- tribute the cars directly in Ireland themselves.

Also at the end of last year their Mazda 2 finished second to the Fiat 500 in the European Car of the Year competition, but didn’t make the top five when it came to vote for the Semperit Irish Car of the Year. As the Lisbon Treaty vote proved we do things different than our European colleagues.

However, Mazda has been boosted with the recent news that they were named ‘Best Carmaker’ in the second annual Which? Awards. The maga- Zine has a good reputation for testing absolutely everything and they said that all Mazda cars are interesting to drive and there is something for eve- ryone in the Mazda range.

So this light Supermini could be the car in your range. It’s reasonably small but very nippy and my family loved the fact that it had four doors. When I drove the petrol model last year | commented on how quiet it was. Naturally the diesel 1s every so

slightly noisier.

It’s has been said, mainly by me on these pages, that diesel is the new black. So if you happen to be driving a black model of the sporty-looking

Mazda 2 diesel then you should re- ally feel that you are up to date fash- 10n-wise.

In the past I have often complained about the interiors of cars being pre-

dominantly black. This time the in- terior was mainly black again, with just the odd speck of silver on the doors and a touch of great on the seats. But I did like the exterior black

and I thought it gave the car a classy look.

On the dash the instruments are well laid out and easy to use. I like the way the gear lever is incorporat- ed into the dash rather than a stand alone item. The only complaint was that the digital clock had to share dis- play space with my choice of radio station. So often I found myself look- ing at something like: ‘1I800RTEI’ or ‘(0900 TodayFM.’

Eventually I copped on that there was a dot between the time and the name of the radio station, but it was very small one and difficult to see.

While the back seat could take three adults it’s unlikely to happen with most families, but it is fair to say that there is plenty of room for children. The boot is small, but deep.

Mazda have a marketing line where they say that their cars have more ‘Zoom-Zoom’ and it certainly is true of their Mazda 2.

Prices start at €14,995 for the 1.3 petrol model, while the 1.4 diesel I drove costs €17,495. For that you get a few extras like 15 inch alloys, elec- tric and heated mirrors, air con and MP player. Also the diesel comes in at Band A, the lowest in C02 emis- sions, which means just €100 road tax per annum.

BOYS and girls from north Clare are being offered the chance to hone the soccer skills this summer thank to a new Summer Camp.

The camp, which is being organised by newly formed local club Sporting Ennistymon FC, if aimed at young people from 6 to 14 years and will run for five days from August 11 to 15. The camp will take place from 10am to 3pm each day at the Lahinch Community Sportsfield.

“Each day we will start with a warm-up and some soccer drill to get

ourselves going. Then we will have things like passing games, passing competitions, shooting competition and most days the last hour and half will be spent in mini-leagues,” said camp co-ordinator Vinny Leigh.

‘Fun is really the main focus of the camps. They key for kids of that age first of all is for them to enjoy them- to hone

It’s great fro them to learn a pit and pick up some new skills and exercise out in the open air is always good – but first and foremost the focus is on enjoying themselves and having a good time.

“They will be learning the basics of the game such as passing, shooting and heading but it will all be done in a fun way which will incorporate all sorts of fun drills.

At the end of the week we will have a few mini-competitions just for a bit of fun. All the kids will come out at the end of the week with a goodie bag and a certificate of participation. So everyone will walk away a winner.

“We will have a crew of qualified FAI coaches with us and we will map out a programme for the camp. A lot of the camp will be based on the FAI recommended programme for this

age group.”

This years camp will also see the return of former Irish International Mick Kennedy to assist with the weeks coaching activities. The coach to kid ratio is kept to 1:14 ensuring plenty of individual attention for each child over the week.

The camp is open to boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years and will run each day from 10am to 3pm.

Application forms are available throughout local businesses and all details can be obtained by contacting Vinny at 086 0886015. Early book- ing 1s advisable.