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CONTINUING the evidence on sus- pected poison found in Essam Eid’s cell in Limerick, a scientist said she found a “strong positive reaction” for ricin, the trial heard yesterday.

Last Friday, the court heard that the lens case was taken to the UK for analysis, in April 2007. One of the scientists who analysed the samples gave evidence to the trial.

Emma Stobberfield, a microbiol- ogist with a veterinary laboratory in Surrey, told the court that she carried out a test on samples in April 2007, for the purpose of detecting the pres- SN eemovan uO bee

‘“Ricin is a toxin that is poisonous if inhaled, injested or injected,’ she Sr NIGE

She said that one of the samples Showed a weak reaction, while an- other sample had “a very strong posi-

tive reaction”.

Asked by Prosecutor Tom O’Connell what the strong positive reaction was for, she replied, “For ju (on bn

Michael Collins, BL for Mr Eid, asked her why she had included the phrase ‘strong positive reaction’ in court when she had not included it in her statement made in March.

She replied, “It was more positive than the weak reaction.”

Meanwhile, an investigator with American Express, Paul Shingles, told the trial that charges to PJ Howard’s credit card, in September 2006, were disputed.

Five payments, totaling almost €2,000, were made from the ac- count. These were for two US Air- ways flights, one for accommodation with Alpha International and another for an international phone call to California.

Mr Shingles said that a dispute oc- curs when the account holder does LO] Mrs Res Kerem ALO Ors MC e-IKes08(o 81m

He said thaton September 22, 2006, a caller phoned the American Express call centre, with a query re- lating to the limit on Mr Howard’s card.

However, when the caller was asked what the cardholder’s mother’s maiden name was, there was a pause and the caller hung up.

RESIDENTS in the Drumgeely area of Shannon want their local hall de- molished, as it is becoming a haven for anti-social activity in its current state.

The Park Hall has been out of use for some time and locals now feel it is time that it be replaced with a new hall which would be made available

Ko) upseleroi nu sttae

Fine Gael Town Councillor Sean McLoughlin raised a query on the matter at a meeting of the Shannon electoral area committee last week.

He asked what the current leas- ing arrangement was and whether it could be redeveloped.

“It is an anti-social attraction. If it is derelict, it should be knocked and identify a more suitable site for a

community hall for meeting rooms. It is needed. There is no point in hav- ing it there if it is beyond repair,’ he said.

He was told, in a written response from Senior Executive Officer Michael McNamara, _ that several years ago, Shannon Development had agreed arrangements for the lease of the hall to Shannon Youth Service Council.

“The council has had no input into the operation of the facility since the transfer of the town and does not re- ceive a rent in relation to the prop- erty,” he said.

Councillor McLoughlin pointed out the council would meet with the representatives of the committee re- sponsible for the Park Hall, “to as- certain current status and seek to ad- dress any relevant issues.”

has achieved since its launch in June 2005.

To confirm the paper’s dominance, senior journalists Emer Connolly, TJ Flynn and Claire Gallagher won awards for their work with the pa- per.

TJ won the award for best sports writer on the strength of an article on the Clare football Munster final suc- cess in 1992 at the Mid-West Arts,

Media and Culture awards. This was published in the first issue of

THE Christian Brothers have an- nounced that they will hand over trusteeship of their four remaining Clare schools to a specially formed lay trust from September.

Edmund Rice Schools Trust was established last week and will be charged with continuing on the edu- cational ethos of the Christian Broth- ers into the future.

The trust will have some role to play in the administration of the Ennisty- mon CBS Secondary School, the En- nistymon CBS Primary School (now amalgamated with the Ennistymon Convent), Rice College in Ennis and Ennis CBS.

Nationally the trust will take over from the Christian Brothers in 96 schools representing some 35,000 Students and more than 2,700 teach- ers nationwide.

The trust is being registered in the names of its members and directors, comprising a group of respected in- dividuals including former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox, The Honourable Mr Justice Peter Kelly (Chairperson) and Dr Daniel O’ Hare, Founding President of Dub- Tre O a Oko RIAs

While the Christian Brothers have appointed this list of members and directors, the appointment of all fu- ture members and directors will rest with the new trust company.

‘The announcement marks the be-

ginning of an exciting new chapter for both the Christian Brothers and for education in Ireland of which our schools form an integral part,’ said Brother Kevin Mullan.

“We wish to express our apprecia- tion and thanks to the members and directors who, on a voluntary basis, are taking on the important role of trustees into the future. Their gener- osity and spirit of service to Catholic education is most encouraging at this time of transition in the mission of the Congregation of Christian Broth- ers in Ireland.”

The Department of Education and Science and the Teachers’ Unions have been made aware of the estab- lishment of the trust, which has giv- en a commitment to working with all stakeholders.

“The establishment of the trust company will ensure a continuity of a tradition generated over two cen- turies by the Christian Brothers. As trustees we are extremely conscious not only of the tangible value of the network of schools but equally of the invaluable educational ethos estab- lished by Blessed Edmund Rice that has been entrusted to us,” said Pat Diggins, Chairperson of Directors of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust.

“We will be working in conjunc- tion with the Christian Brother Trustees and with all of the relevant stakeholders within our educational environment to ensure a smooth transition.”

A NEW page in the long history of the Ennistymon Courthouse was turned last week with the appoint- ment of the gallery’s first ever pro- fessional co-ordinator.

The historic building, which came within a whisker of being demolished a number of years ago, now boasts one of Clare’s most dramatic exhibi- tion spaces as well as top quality loft studios for artists in residence

With a rich background in art and art administration, Maria Kerin from Bellharbour has been appointed as the gallery’s first professional coor- dinator.

“It’s a very interesting set-up here

because the whole thing is voluntar- ily run. This building was saved by the historical society in Ennistymon and then a number of artists moved in and gave it an artistic presence,” said Maria.

“Bit by bit they got help from Clare County Council and put together the building that we have in Ennistymon today. The amazing thing about it is that all of this has been achieved al- most totally by volunteers.”

Up until last week the day-to-day running of the gallery has been man- aged by volunteers like Catherine Comber from the historical society.

“We want this gallery to be open to all and to be an inclusive space for the whole of the locality,” continued

Maria.

‘We aim to run all of our events to he highest quality standards. There has been a wonderful sense of pro- fessionalism and respect in the way that the gallery has been run up to now. It’s very important to keep that going.

‘“Ennistymon is changing and this street is changing so we really want to get people up here. We want this space to be an integral part of En- nistymon and the community of north Clare.

“It’s not visual art, we are hoping to attract more people in to do poetry recitals and small musical events. We are looking at putting more workshops together and organising

more outreach projects with the lo- cal primary schools and secondary schools.

“We really want it to be opened up to the community. I’ve been asking local people as I meet them what they would like from their gallery space. Anyone who has any idea should re- ally feel free to get in contact – we are open to any ideas that people migfht have.”

To learn more or to get involved contact the Courthouse Gallery at 065-7071630.

AFTER just a few years in exist- ence Macra Na Feirme’s Know Your Neighbours weekend has already grown into one of rural I[reland’s most important social and cultural events.

Last week the young farmers or- ganisation announced more details of the event watch by a star-studded gallery including GAA personality Micheal O Muircheartaigh, Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Ire- land, and Clare TD Tony Killeen.

This year’s Know Your Neighbour Weekend will take place on July 12 and 13 and is aimed at encouraging people to do more to get to know their neighbours.

“While we’ve seen increased pros- perity in Ireland in recent years,

many people are now also faced with the increased pressures that come hand-in-hand with modern living,” said Macra na Feirme’s national president Catherine Buckley.

“Long hours at work, ever-increas- ing commute times, family and other commitments mean that people are spending less and less time involved in community-based activities.

“All too often we hear people say- ing that they don’t even know their own neighbours. This initiative is a great way of encouraging people who don’t know anybody living in their local area to really do something to rectify that situation. Only you can get to know your neighbour.

“Vd encourage anyone interested in organising an activity or event to order their organiser’s pack straight away and start planning for the

weekend of July 12 and 13.”

Also attending the event was Gov- ernment Chief Whip Pat Carey.

“T am delighted to be here to launch the third Know Your Neighbour weekend,” he said.

“The initiative is a great way of encouraging people to do something about the disconnectedness they may feel from community, or people’s lack of belonging to an area.

“There is no magic wand for ener- gising communities but I look for- ward, as Minister for Active Citizen- ship, in working with organisations like Macra to make real progress in communities right around the coun- ae

The initiative is being driven by Macra na Feirme with the support of ESB Customer Supply.

“ESB Customer Supply is once

again delighted to partner with Mac- ra Na Feirme in sponsoring the ini- tiative for the third successive year,” said Pat Fenlon, General Manager ESB Customer Supply.

“ESB has over the decades con- tributed to the development of every community in Ireland, rural and urban, and 1s committed to further enhancing this with support for com- munity based initiatives.”

THE Christian Brothers have played a central role in the history of north Clare since they arrived in En- nistymon almost 200 years ago. In 1824 local parish priest Rev Pe- ter O’Loughlin wrote to Christian Brother Edmund Rice, asking him to send two brothers to provide for the education of the many Catholic boys in the area who, due to the Penal Laws, had no opportunity of receiv- ing any schooling.

Later that year two brothers arrived in Ennistymon and took up tem- porary residence in a small house owned by a Mr Arthur near the Prot- estant Church, while a new dwelling was being built at the south end of the old Ennistymon Chapel.

In 1825 a lease was drawn up mak- ing over the premises “for the pur- pose of a school to Edmund Rice and Philip Hally of Mount Sion, Water- Ko)Ke ae

In the same year the famous Wel- lington of Waterloo made a donation of £100 to aid in establishing the said school on the understanding that the premises would always be used for that purpose. Another donation of

£100 was made by the Parish Priest.

The Chapel was converted into classrooms with a small organ loft that was removed from the north transept. In cold weather turf fires blazed in each of the three fireplaces and there was an abundance of fuel supplied by the parents of the boys.

In the five years after the arrival of the brothers between three and four hundred boys were enrolled in the school. It is recorded that “the fame of the establishment soon spread far and wide-distinguished visitors coming to see the work of the new brotherhood and, in many instances, oLoyele ul oLUceb rca Com meteam aun Telan

In May 1827 the brothers moved from their temporary residence at Arthur’s Arch into their new Mon- astery beside the school. The site on which the monastery and school stood became known as Mount St Joseph.

During the construction of the Monastery the boys, after school- hours and during playtime, helped to lay out the grounds and to build an enclosing wall.

Much of this information was first published on Wwww.homepage.eir- com.net/~cbsennistymon/

AS the leaving cert comes to a close for another year, one student has more to celebrate than most after complet- ing her entire secondary education without missing a single day.

As Martina Murphy completes her leaving cert music exam at Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon last Wednes- day, she also brought to a close a six year journey without missing a day.

“I don’t think I did it on purpose re- ally. I just never really had any cause to miss a day. But then I got half way

through Transition Year it kind of dawned on me so I decided to just keep going and never miss a day,” said Martina.

“I started to think about it a bit af- ter that. I got a certificate every year to mark completing the year without missing a day – so I have six of those now.”

Despite taking part in a number of extracurricular activities, Martina still managed to show a face on each and every day.

‘“T never really seemed to get sick. | eaetp rColmecLeeKomAy eh VAup Lan Lec ap NCoAV ol MB KSr DUN

seemed to be an issue for me. I guess I’m really healthy,’ she continued.

“T was in ‘Hell for Leather’, the set dancing show, and we had loads of tours around the country but I was always able to make it in. I remem- ber my grandaunt died and I went to the funeral, but I still came in in the morning for a few classes or on other days I came in for a few hours in the afternoon.

“I guess I value my education. Of course it was to see my friends as well. My friends are great. I really loved secondary school, it was so

much fun.

“I did miss a day 1n primary school. Well, one or maybe even two days in primary school, I’m not really sure. But other than that I was always in.”

With her leaving cert finished Mar- tina is hoping to extend her second level record into third level.

“Tm actually hoping to be a sec- ondary school teacher when I finish in college. The place has obviously had a good impact on me,” she con- tinued. Maybe I can go through my first few years as a secondary school teacher without missing a day?”

IRISH food producers appear to be winning the battle against unwanted food contaminants appearing in the Irish food chain.

According to new research released last week just 24 positives cases of food residue contamination were re- corded last year. These positive cases were taken from more than 30,000 overall samples and represent a 0.08 per cent contamination rate. This represents a 50 per cent decrease on the 0.17 per cent recorded in 2006.

Of the 24 positive samples, 14 taken in the poultry sector contained residues of a feed additive approved

for use in poultry production.

Both the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Department of Agriculture declared themselves satisfied that these positives cases did not pose a specific risk for con- sumers of poultry meat.

Of the remaining ten positives, nine contained residues of author- ised veterinary medicines, while an individual sample of wild game was positive for an environmental con- ieDeaupar-balm

In the milk sector, where 1,134 samples in total were taken, two samples or 0.18 per cent contained residues at levels above the MRL for Anthelmintics, which are medicines

approved for the treatment and con- trol of parasites.

Of the two positives, one related to cows milk, while the other related to goats milk and were due to failure to comply with requisite post-treatment withdrawal periods.

Another reassuring aspect of the 2007 results for consumers is that no traces of banned medicines or growth promoters covered by the hormone ban were found in any samples.

This reflects the fruits of the robust approach taken by the department in the past as well as a responsible ap- proach taken by the farming sector. Notwithstanding this good outcome, the department will continue to be

vigilant in monitoring activities both at farm and slaughter house/process- ing plant level.

Meanwhile in the aquaculture sec- tor more than 650 tests for 2,219 de- terminants were carried out on 161 samples of farmed fin fish for a range of residues. As in 2006, no positive results were detected in the national monitoring programme for farmed finfish in 2007.

The Food and Veterinary Office (F VO) of the European Commission, as part of its ongoing programme of inspections in EU member states and in third countries, carried out an au- dit of Ireland’s national residue plan during April 2008.

AS KERRY manager Pat O’Shea emerged from the dressing rooms to greet the waiting media, his demean- our was not typical of a manager whose side had just won by twelve points in their opening game of the championship. His acute frown ex- hibited all the signs of a manager who was expecting a barrage of criti- cism for his side’s performance and who could blame him for such obvi- ous disappointment?

His Kerry side are ret hot favour- ites to complete a three-in-a-row of All-Irelands, not seen since the days of Pat Spillane, Jack O’Shea and the ‘Bomber’ Liston. The county expects and it is up to Pat O’Shea and his team to deliver and facing Clare in the first round was simply a distrac- tion he could have done without. A

hammering would have given them little preparation for their annual Munster final outing while if Clare had run them close, the purveyors of doom would have descended on O’Shea and his side.

As it was, this game produced a mixture of both scenarios with Ker- ry unable to get into their normal rhythm in the opening period but flexing their muscles significantly in the second half to brush off Clare’s flagging challenge.

There were also the added dis- turbances of captain Paul Galvin’s sending off and his histrionics in it’s aftermath as well as a serious injury to key forward Declan O’Sullivan. Therefore the frown was understand- able as O’Shea dealt with the per- formance first.

“It was probably not a great per- formance by us to be fair. It’s our first

championship match of the year and obviously there was a little bit of a settling-in period in the first half and it took us time to get into the game.

“It was a stop start first half, there were a lot of stoppages in play, there was a lot of time wasting in certain things and there was no fluency in the game. But you have to play every way and thankfully we were in the lead and thankfully we got off to a good start in the second half and closed out the game. Right now we want to try and progress but we also want to work on our performance and after today, we are going to have a lot to work on.”

Assessing O’Sullivan’s knee injury as a ‘worry’, the questions inevitably switched to the major talking point of the game, the sending off of Paul Galvin and understandably, O’Shea was coy with his opinions on the

subject.

“To be fair, I think from our point of view, we will have to look at the incidents that led up to the sending off. Obviously Paul was very frus- trated and I think he felt himself that maybe he was sinned against in that situation. Obviously, I haven’t seen the video so I’m not sure until we have a look at it. I mean the game of football is all about emotion and Paul probably showed a little bit too much emotion there but he obviously felt that he was sinned against in that incident.”

Evaluating the game as a two fold test, O’Shea went on to explain that what he looked for on Sunday was firstly the result but also the perform- ance and in that regard, his side still have a lot to do before the Munster final. But he is in no doubt that the Clare game will benefit his side go-

ing forward.

““T think when you play a first round game against Clare, people will talk about no win situations. You win the game by too much ‘Was it really a test?’, you win the game by a little bit “Will it really stand to you?’. Look, that was a physical game, that was a championship match, there were a lot of big hits going in there and it was a tough game. I’m sure it will stand to us. It’s our first game in the cham- pionship this year and I hope we will come on from it but you know, we will obviously have to learn from what we did today and there is im- provement to be done.”

Improvement seemed to be the re- sounding theme to emerge from both camps on Sunday but with Clare and Kerry at varying ends of the cham- pionship divide, the degrees of that improvement are still worlds apart.