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IT IS that time of year again when schools from around the county be- gin their annual spring clean before they break for the long summer hol1- days.

For many schools the majority of the work is already complete, as pu- pils and teachers stay ahead of any litter build up and dedicate their time to reducing, re-using and recycling.

And those who are successful with their efforts are rewarded with the

prestigious green flag award. Labasheeda National School last week celebrated its second Green Flag for Energy Conservation. ‘We had to try and reduce our en- ergy use by assessing our usage and coming up with strategies for using

less, for example monitoring of tem- perature levels in the school, closing of doors and windows, installation of a new and more efficient boiler,’ said school principal Liam Woulfe.

“To conserve electricity we moni- tored our usage levels by taking regular meter readings. We then set about reducing our usage by having ‘police’ to ensure that unnecessary light and socket use was discontin- ued,’ added the principal.

“We had a low energy day where we made a special effort to see what was the least amount of electricity we could use in a day,” he told

A CRECHE that provides services for 42 children is to close in Ennis with the loss of 16 jobs.

The Department of Finance has confirmed that the Ennis Civil Serv- ice Créche, Kilrush Road, will close on June 30.

In a statement Marie O’Loughlin, Chairperson, Board of the Civil Service Childcare Initiative said “Since October 2005, the board has sought to appoint an operator to man-

age Ennis Civil Service Créche. In the interests of parents and children in the créche, the board has kept the creche open through a series of tem- porary arrangements in this period. Following the most recent tendering process, the board is in discussions with a potential operator with a view to their taking over operation of the creche with effect from October 1, 2008.”

Ms McLoughlin said, “The board very much regrets having to close the créche. However, the current

arrangements can no longer be sup- ported. In the long-term interests of the creche it is vital that an operator is appointed under license to manage the créche.”

Ms McLoughlin added, “The cur- rent temporary arrangement comes to an end on June 30, 2008, and on this occasion 1s has not been possible to put in place arrangements to keep this creche open.”

In a statement the Department of Finance said that negotiations are underway to a permanent operator

will be in place for a five year period from October I.

The Ennis creche opened in Oc- tober 2003 and was operated for a two year period by Kite Childcare Ltd. The contract period expired on September 30, 2005, and was not re- newed.

Two tendering processes were held in November 2005 and February 2007, but, according to the Depart- ment of Finance, it was not possible to appoint an operator.

In a statement the Department of Finance said, “To ensure compliance with HSE regulations and having consulted with the HSE Preschool services, the board put in place a support structure of people with experience in créche management who were made available to manage- ment in Ennis creche three days per week.”

IT WAS always going to be more of a match on the radio.

At least on the radio there was the prospect of a contest, or so we hoped beforehand.

In Kerry’s corner were those deni- zens of the “Voice of the Kingdom’. You know them well, they’re the Ra- dio Kerry crew who provided an in- valuable service on the Clare side of the estuary a couple of months back when doing a live commentary on the Clare v Kerry first round Mun- ster minor football championship in Cusack Park.

Going over water and road was no obstacle to the Radio Kerry crew — the few hundred yards down Francis

Street was too long a journey for the Clare FM’s crew.

But Clare FM showed up this time — Georgie Fitzpatrick and Ger Keane going into battle against Gary O’Sullivan and Weeshie Fogarty in the Kerry corner.

Both teams were under no illusions of what lay in store. Lambs and lions were the order of the day for Geor- reales

“Minnows from Clare,’ he said, “came across on the ferry to try and put it up to the lion kings of Kerry in their own den.”

There was more of where that came from: “Clare came down like lambs to the slaughter in the great Kerry den,’ added Georgie.

Weeshie Fogarty wasn’t getting too

excited. “It will be an easy win for Kerry,” he said in almost subdued tones, just as Clare FM’s roving re- porter Marie Crowe struck a defiant note. “It’s anyone’s game down here in Killarney, the fans think Clare are going to do it.”

Obviously, she didn’t have one ear tuned into Ambrose O’ Donovan over on Radio Kerry. “I expect Kerry to win by 2-20 to 1-6 or 1-7,” he said confidently, while Ger Keane rub- bished this prediction mid-way through the first half when revealing that “Clare are standing up manfully to the task”.

It all changed in the second half, maybe because Kerry heard Am- brose O’Donovan’s words at half- time. “It’s a wake up call for Kerry.

Kerry must start the second half with all guns blazing and blow this Clare team away.”

Ger Keane certainly believed it was going to happen after Conor Whelan was sent off.

‘“That’s an absolutely ridiculous de- cision,’ he roared. “It makes a farce of the game and ruins the game as a contest.”

Fellow Kilkee Blue Georgie Fitz- patrick said soon afterwards: “With a cascade of scores the full-time whistle can’t come quick enough”.

As it turned out, it didn’t come quick enough for Kerry captain Paul Galvin. Radio Kerry were in no mood to condemn the man, but the Kilkee Blues were straight into the action.

‘Paul Galvin and John Hayes are having a right old battle,” exclaimed Georgie. “They’re exchanging pleas- antries,’ — a term that could be termed a euphemism for Micheal O’Hehir’s fabled used of the term ‘schmozzel’.

Then Ger took up commentary. “Paul Galvin did throw a knee,’ he roared. “Galvin’s punching Tomas O Sé on the chest…Galvin’s knocked the book out of Paddy Russell’s hand. He may not see action for three months.”

Ger Keane was the first man to make the call.

It ensured that Clare FM didn’t lose the game like Clare — they left Kil- larney with a draw on points against their heavyweight opponents.

A 30-year-old Kildare man has been brought before a special sitting of Ennis District Court, charged with assaulting a woman in Shannon last WElCE hs

Daniel Darcy, of Tannery Wharf,

Rathangan, County Kildare, is ac- cused of assaulting Bernadette Phiri, at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, on June 13 EWSe

He was also charged with steal- ing a jeep at Ballymore Road, Naas, County Kildare, last Thursday, June 12.

At Saturday morning’s court sit- ting, Inspector Tom Kennedy sought to remand the accused in custody.

“Mr Darcy was found in Shannon yesterday evening with a stolen jeep. He was charged with that and bailed to court next Thursday. Very shortly after his release, he went to the town

centre in Shannon and is alleged to have assaulted a lady in her car,” said Inspector Kennedy.

Defending solicitor Daragh Has- sett said his client would be pleading guilty to stealing the vehicle. How- ever he said the assault allegation would be contested.

“Mr Darcy will say he merely asked someone for a light,” he said.

Seeking bail, Mr Hassett said, “He is certainly not shying away from the Ot Neon

Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the accused in custody, to re-appear in court later this week.

A MUSICAL movement which has been delighting children in east Clare took to the stage last week.

The children’s orchestra from Mountshannon National School came to play a fund-raising concert in Ogonnelloe as part of the orches- tra’s move to encourage children to enjoy music.

Now children from Ogonnelloe Na- tional School have joined the music makers. Orchestra director Jantien Vandenberg says that their doors are open to children from other schools who would like to try their hand at playing an instrument.

The Mountshannon school has mu-

sic classes from senior infants on- EN KO Ke

“Most children will start on tin whistle and then move on to other instruments in first or second class,” said Jantien. “Fiddle is a popular choice, then accordion, piano, gul- tar, banjo, drums and clarinet. Every year at the end of the school term we have a big concert where all the children will play in different groups and solos. That’s how our orchestra started out a few years ago. Now they get plenty of practise as they perform several times a year.”

The young musicians play a Christ- mas carol service, at the Christmas Eve Mass and during the nativity play. In February they were invited

to join the Festival of Junior Youth Orchestras in Galway and Clare. The group also played at the Mountshan- non Arts Festival in May. They will be playing in the Aistear again at the end of year concert in June.

There are a number of music stu- dents also involved in traditional groups. Some years the school has managed to put together a band with electric guitars, drums, a clarinet and a Saxophone.

Classes also perform musical shows during the summer concert.

“The main aim is to get as many children involved in and enjoying music at all stages and combina- tions,’ the orchestra director said.

For the Ogonnelloe concert the or-

cestra was made up of children from infants upwards and they played both classical and traditional music.

“We are trying to open up the or- chestra to children of other schools, at the moment we have a few kids joining us in Gort and Ogonnelloe. Any children wanting to join up for next year are most welcome and can contact me. Any donations will be gladly received and will go towards buying a cello for the school,” said Jantien.

RESIDENTS of the Acha Bhile housing estate in Ennis fear that they will be left carrying the can for thou- sands of euro in repairs for faulty and dangerous fireplaces.

More than 14 houses in the new es- tate have been without heating since a serious house fire last November raised questions over safety.

However, a number of residents in the new eco-home development have expressed concern that their claims are “not being taken seriously” by UK-based warranty company Pre- mier Guarantee.

After bringing the matter to the at- tention of contractors Cronan Nagle, residents decided to pursue the mat- ter through the UK-based insurance firm.

“We weren’t 100 per cent sure what was happening. Nobody was telling us anything but after that incident in November, Bord Gais came out to each of the houses affected and dis- connected the fireplaces.

“Nobody would tell us what was going on except that the fireplaces had to be disconnected,” said resi- dent David Morgan.

“We are really worried that we are going to be left carrying the can for Wenn

“We are not getting any answers

about this from anyone and it is very frustrating.

“T contacted Clare County Council, I’ve contacted Bord Gais, Cronan Nagle and the Commission for En- ergy Regulation and eventually came to realise that I was going nowhere. Now we don’t know exactly where we are going to proceed because the warranty company in the UK are not being forthcoming with any in- formation as to how they are going to honour the contract that we have with them.

“It’s very frustrating to invest a quarter of a million in an eco-friend- ly home and then be told that your fire is not going to work.”

In a correspondence to Pamela Marchant-Ragan of Premier Guaran- tee, Acha Bhile resident Sean Keane outlines his annoyance at the situa- tion.

“My frustration at this stage is un- paralleled and I do not feel my claim is being taken seriously at all.

“I have been very patient to date in these negotiations and have tried to avoid a legal route so that we may reach an amicable resolution,’ he said.

A 20-year-old man from the Czech Republic has been charged in con- nection with a €45,000 haul of can- nabis in Ennis last week.

Michal Karchnak, of Lenabeg, La- hinch Road, Ennis, is charged with possession of cannabis resin and possession for sale or supply, at his

home, last Friday, June 13.

He was brought before a special sit- ting of Ennis District Court on Satur- day. Garda Stephen Hession told the court the accused did not make any reply, when charged at Ennis Garda Station the previous evening.

Defending solicitor Daragh Hassett sought bail for his client, who has lived with his mother in Ennis for

the past two years. He said that the case will be going forward for trial and there will be an “obvious delay” due to the preparation of the Book of Evidence.

He said the accused was co-op- erative with gardai and Gda Hession said that “certain admissions were made.”

Gda Hession told the court that

while the accused was in custody, he became aware that a bench warrant was in existence for him.

However, Mr Hassett said, “The bench warrant comes as a surprise to the defendant.”

Mr Hassett applied for free legal aid for the defendant, who works part-time as a stonemason. However the application was deferred until a

later date.

“He is from the Czech Republic. He’s going to meet this case fairly and squarely,” said the solicitor.

However, Inspector Tom Kennedy said the State would be opposing bail, based on the seriousness of the charges. Judge Joseph Mangan re- manded the accused in custody to re- appear in court later this month.

WHETHER you’re competing or just enjoying, this coming weekend is the time to strap on your dancing shoes.

The county fleadh kicks off in Tulla on Thursday and the line up is im- pressive, with a chance to see both the Tulla and the Kilfenora Ceili bands on the gig-rig in the square on Sunday night.

On Thursday night the courthouse is the venue for the gala concert Where Brian Rooney is performing along with Brian McNamara, Tim Collins, Mick Conneely, Lorraine O’Brien and Eoin O’Neill. Sena- tor Labhras O’Murcht, Director of CCE, will officially open the fleadh on the night.

Saturday night is the céili with Andrew McNamara, Mark Donnel- lan and Jim Corry at Minogue’s at LO eeee

Apart from the many competitions, there is plenty of entertainment for visitors throughout the weekend in Tulla.

On Friday night Peadar McNamara and The Ennis Singers will be in the Power House at 9pm while Kate McNamara will launch her cd at Minogue’s.

On Sunday at lpm Robbie McMa- hon can be heard singing Spancil Hill at Teach Ol. Sunday night is the highlight of the festival with a repeat performance of one 50 years ago when the Tulla and Kilfenora Ceili Bands both competed in the streets

of Tulla for the senior céili band title. There will be set dancing with Aidan Vaughan, half set, brush dancers and sean nos dancers on the specially erected platform from 8.30pm.

The timetable for competitions has now been finalised and first up 1s set dancing in St Joseph’s Secondary School on Friday night at 7pm for the under 12 and 12 to 15 age groups. At 8.30pm the 15 to 18 age group and senior groups will compete.

At 9.30am on Saturday morning there will be the grupai cheoil for the under 15s. This is also the time for the under nine and under 12 banjo competitions, accordion under nine, duets under 12, concertina under nine and under 12, harp under nine, fiddle under 12, flute under 12, whis-

tle under 12 and drums under 12.

Céili bands for the 12 to 15 age group are at llam, grupai cheoil for the under 12s are at 2pm while the under 12 céili bands are at 3.30pm.

The full timetable will be available in the fleadh programme or on www. tulltradfestival.com.

Competitions on Sunday morning start at 10am and the aim is to have all competitions finished by 4pm in time for the hurling semi final.

The grupai cheoil for the 15 to 18 age group 1s the first item on the pro- gramme for Sunday followed by the céili band competition for the same age group at llam. The senior céili band competition is at 12pm along with the solo competitions for the under 18 age group.

A MONDERNISED three — bed- roomed semi-detached home on Quay Road, Clarecastle, has come on the books with Location Location Carrig Maleady.

The property is only a stroll from the village and it’s amenities, which include shops, a church and the Shan- non/Limerick bus stop.

Ennis is only a few minutes drive from the doorstep and the bypass is also within very easy reach.

The property is situated in a quiet cul de sac development. Features include new wiring, plumbing, etc; an attractive spacious site; a side en- trance; Beech shaker fitted kitchen; polished wood flooring; solid block construction; off-street parking and parking to side; tarmac driveway; Sunroom; two bathrooms.

This well presented and spacious property would make an ideal home or investment.

The entrance hall has solid teak en- trance door (glass panelling), carpet- ed stairs to first floor, new laminate wood flooring, telephone point and door leading to main sitting room and study.

The sitting room has new laminate wood flooring, feature brick pointed fire place tv point, built in shelving USD LAE The study has red deal T&G flooring and fitted shelf unit.

In the kitchen there is a modern fully fitted beech shaker kitchen in-

corporating oven, hob, tiled splash back, plumbed for dishwasher and washing machine.

The diningroom/sunroom has tiled flooring, red deal t&g ceiling, sliding patio door to rear garden.

In the bathroom there is a bath with electric shower, wc, whb, tiled floor to ceiling, mirror and shelving units.

On the first floor there are three bedrooms. They all have t&g pol- ished wood flooring and fitted ward-

robes. In the main bathroom there is tiled floor to ceiling, wc, whb, bath with pump shower.

Outside there is a concrete drive, an entrance gate, a garden to the front, garden shed, private and mature gar- den to rear, it is not overlooked to aero

Viewing is strictly by appoint- ment with Location Location Car- rig Maleady only and it is priced at €205,000.

A 61-year-old north Clare man ac- cused of 10 counts of indecent as- sault in the 1960s has been returned for trial to the Circuit Court.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is facing nine charges of indecently assaulting a

female and one charge of indecently assaulting a male, in north Clare.

The alleged offences occurred be- tween January 1, 1964 and June 6, RTese2

At Ennis District Court on Friday, the Book of Evidence was served and the accused was returned for trial to Ennis Circuit Court.