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AN AMBITIOUS | new project, which aims to document the oral his- tory of the county, was launched in Ennis last week.

The Clare Oral History and Folk- lore group was formed in February and their latest project Cuimhneamh an Chlair or Memories of Clare aims to record, archive and share the memories or the older people living in the county.

The group has began a programme digital recording and already con- ducted more than fifty interviews with older people in Clare – includ- ing two 105-year-olds, one of whom, Margaret Hoey, passed away just two weeks after her life story.

According to Cormac McCarthy, Leas Cathaoirleach with Cuimh- neamh an Chlair, a huge amount has been achieved by the organisation in a relatively short time.

“Since February, we have worked extremely hard at developing a well planned, strategic and systematic in1- tiative. We had to begin by consult- ing with all relevant agencies and or- ganisations both across the country and internationally in order to ensure all our elements were developed ac- cording to best practice,” he said.

“The group have been busy with organising the professional training of all the Cuairteoiri, who have vol- unteered from across County Clare. In addition, Cuimhneamh an Chlair

have been invited to speak at many conferences including an interna- tional folklore conference in Kerry, a national oral history summer school at the University of Limerick, the Milwaukee Irish Festival and other lecture series across Clare.”

Since their formalisation, Cuimh- neamh an Chlair have recruited and professionally trained 25 volunteers

who have been contacting and visit- ing some of Clare’s oldest citizens in order to record their unique insight into a fading way of life in County ETc

Age Action Ireland have acknowI- edged the ‘Cuairt’ of visits by the group is an excellent way of docu- menting memories and endorsed the work of Cuimhneamh an Chlair in

the county.

“The resurrection of Cuairt will help to build social cohesion in com- munities across Clare by enhancing connections within towns, villages and townlands in the county and by highlighting the presence and the value of elderly people who re- side in different parts of Clare,” said Edel Greene, the Group Secretary of

Cuimhneamh an Chlair.

‘The primary aim of Cuimhneamh an Chlair is to record the precious memories of our elderly, while they PVeomS SOOM aloe me ne

CLARE All-Ireland Under 21 win- ning heroes have been challenged to move on to the next level with the county by stepping up to the senior plate and trying to bring the Munster and Liam McCarthy cups back to the reel ANe

It was a challenge thrown down by All-Ireland Under 21 winning man- ager John Minogue when addressing players and Clare County Board offi- cials at Friday night’s medal presen- tation in the West County Hotel.

“The players have been magnifi- cent,” said Minogue. “The effort and the commitment they have shown has been wonderful. They have all had hectic years being involved with their clubs while some were involved with the senior team. In addition to this many are working or else study- ing and it was very hard to travel from colleges and far away but they did and that’s why were here today with a title in our hands.”

For Minogue, however, this A\ll- Ireland cannot be the final stop on Clare’s journey to even greater suc-

cesses. He put the question to his players, where do we go from here? The simple answer, he volunteered, is that more hard work, and plenty of it, can yield even greater harvests.

“Have you the commitment to go forward?” he asked. “You have to,” he added defiantly.

“People of Clare need you to, the county team needs you, the county board as well, we all want you to progress and grow and to try and make us even happier than 2009.”

Minogue then turned to his back- room team. “I have to thank them for

their efforts,’ he said, “and for their commitment, their mentoring and every positive thing they carried out. We had a big panel of players and there was a lot to be done and con- trolled. The four of us worked well with one another and thankfully it all gelled together”.

Now to see if things can be gelled back together at senior inter-county level. Minogue has publicly stated that he doesn’t covet the job — he let that be known in the hours after Clare’s epic triumph over Kilkenny in September.

Who knows. That no could very well become a yes over the next few weeks. We’ll just have to wait and see.

A MAN lost his life in tragic circum- stances when a tractor jumped for- ward and knocked him to the ground, Ennis Coroner’s Court has heard.

An inquest into the death of Michael Conroy (81), of Tubber, heard that he was showing a tractor to a man when tragedy struck, on July 12 last.

Tim Walsh was home from the US on holiday when he visited Mr Con- roy.

In a statement, Mr Walsh said that Mr Conroy turned the key in the tractor and it jumped. As a result, the

rear wheel ran over Mr Conroy, who was a retired mechanic.

Garda Marius Stones said he re- ceived a call shortly before 6pm that evening to go to Tubber.

He said he was told that Mr Conroy had wanted to show his vintage trac- tor to Mr Walsh, who was home from the US on holidays and was staying AU Mrs im ole) Fd poe) b0

He said that Mr Conroy reached in from a standing position to turn on the tractor. However, the tractor was in gear and it moved forward, knock- ing him to the ground.

The inquest heard that an autopsy

was carried out on Mr Conroy’s body at Limerick Regional Hospital. This concluded that death was due to trau- matic chest injuries, consistent with pecleneerae

County Coroner Isobel O’Dea said it was “abundantly clear from the statement of Mr Walsh that an unfor- tunate accident occurred.”

The jury returned a verdict of ac- cidental death.

DOZENS of senior citizens from Newmarket-on-Fergus gathered on Sunday for their annual Christmas party.

The Christmas bash is generally one of the highlights of the year for mature residents in the Newmarket- on-Fergus area and this year was no different.

The event would not be possible without the fantastic efforts of local volunteers and businesses who help

out on an ongoing basis.

Support is vital for the Christmas party and this year it came in the shape of €500 from the Shannon and District Lions Club, along with spot prizes from various businesses in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Shan- rHTOyee

PRO of the committee, Michelle Quigley, said more and more peo- ple are getting on board, helping out with the club every year.

“The committee has got bigger. Newer members have joined in and

therefore we can carry out extra ac- tivities,’ she said.

There is a lot of goodwill. Because we have a bigger number of people in the committee, we can spread it out. “We have been very lucky to get sponsorship from local businesses and the Lions Club. That helps to make the Christmas party a great Success,’ she said.

Fundraising also plays a role and the committee spearheads various projects, such as bag packs and poker classics.

“A lot of people are living on their own and the Christmas party is their only outlet. It is good for people to meet others that they only meet on these occasions, while they also get to meet new people. It is very much hands on,” she said.

Throughout the year, the club’s members are treated to various trips around the county and they thor- oughly enjoy these tours. More than 50 people travel on those trips, while more than 150 attend the annual Christmas party.

GAA 125 year. What better way to celebrate Michael Cusack, who founded the GAA back in 1884 than by bringing an All-Ireland title to his home county.

It’s why this was a lavish affair from the moment a Tulla piper led captain Ciaran O’Doherty into the Liam McCarthy Suite with Munster and All-Ireland trophies in hand.

“It’s an honour to be here tonight in your company representing the views of the people of Clare. I salute you all and your marvellous achievement,’

said county board chairman, Michael O’Neill by way of introduction.

Others had plenty to say too, like broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh, who also had a year to remember when clocking up 60 years commentating for RTE.

“I was passing through Ennis and decided to spend the night in the West County Hotel,’ O Muirc- heartaigh revealed. “I thought it was a big wedding but then when I saw my good friend Pat O’Donnell I re- alised something special was taking place. Before I knew it he had a ticket out of his pocket and I accepted his

invitation gratefully. ;

“We all need each other,’ added O Muircheartaigh. “The players need WM aLomnar-Nercbexesee (ole LMmNeloaTmoLeOMNeloMeCOlelete ty board. John Minogue spoke of the players from the year before carrying the hurleys this year — everyone com- ing together and working together. Everyone rallied together and that brought success.”

“In the early ‘90s apparently the county board got in touch with Pope John Paul IT saying they wanted to get rid of me and they were very success- ful,” said Bishop Willie Walsh when presenting the medals. “It worked

because Clare won the All-Ireland the following year,” he joked. “Compliments have to be paid to the whole team here tonight. The panel, the backroom team everyone was magnificent. In Thurles we saw an exhibition by these extraordinary hurlers. Galway hit back with goals but we showed great heart like no other team would have,” he added. “On behalf of the players I would like to thank the great men behind me, without them we would certainly not be here. They are John Minogue, Cyril Lyons, Sean O’Halloran and Alan Dunne,” said team captain Ci-

aran O’Doherty.

“T would like to thank ye all for coming to all the games during the year. The events at the homecoming in Ennis after the all Ireland really capped it all off,’ added O’Doherty.

ALL of the families who had to flee their homes have now returned.

But an 80-year old woman who had to be brought down ramps in her wheelchair still can’t return to her Clonlara house because everything in her home has been destroyed.

Nora Mason can’t return to her house in Springfield and most likely SAU oLemmcy oles NOCD OToMm GUST MINNeT-MAU LOOM slot daughter, Geraldine Quinliven, who was also evacuated with her husband

and four children.

‘Everything in my mother’s house is gone. There’s an inch and a half of silt covering the floors in there. She has to start again at her age,” said Geral- otter

Geraldine and her family returned home on Saturday, more than a week after having to leave their house in Springfield. They spent the time in the interim in a Limerick hotel. The clean-up operation has taken all weekend, she said.

My husband is taking all the sand-

bags away from our doors and stack- ing them behind the house. I really hope we’re not going to need them again.” said Geraldine.

The burning question for Geraldine – and other families flooded out – is how this will affect their insurance. “We haven’t even gone there yet. We’re just trying to get the boys back into school and into a routine and set- tle ourselves back in.” she said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the emergency team has confirmed that all 20 south east Clare families evacu-

ated have been told they can return home.

GE Tiee Orel Seer elm-riCmsiew ele met on Friday with the families who are residents of the Hampstead Park and Riverbrook Lawn estates in Shan- non Banks.

Mary Halpin General Manager with the HSE said “We have met with the families involved and assured them in relation to their dwellings and offered general advice in relation to any is- sues that may require to be addressed. All families are delighted to be able

to return to their homes and the HSE will continue to offer whatever sup- port it can to families that have been displaced as a result of the flooding” Ger Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council said: “The HSE and council have no objection to people returning to their homes. The 20 houses in question have not been affected by flooding while the con- struction of a 310-metre long earthen embankment along the river bank has greatly reduced any risk of flooding taking place in the area in question.”

THE spirit of co-operation was shown to be alive and well in New- market-on-Fergus last week when Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire held its annual Christmas Fair.

From 12 midday to 5pm, members of the school and local community flocked to the school hall to admire and purchase a wide variety of items from over 20 talented craftsmen and

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They were spoilt for choice, with goods from chocolates and home baking to handbags and hand-knitted crafts. People could buy yule logs, Christmas wreaths and choose from a huge selection of books.

While the adults perused the many displays, the younger visitors availed of face painting and visited Santa Claus who had made a special ap- pearance on the day.

School principal, Ann McMahon one of the organisers of the popular annual event, expressed a huge ‘thank you’ to all those who supported this year’s fair.

“T would like to sincerely thank the people of Newmarket for their con- tinued support. Thanks also to all the friends who came forward to help with the setting up, as well as the clearing up at the end,” she said.

aU ielOyelea ape: Biocemr-l mn elome-UPURN aI UM oe

used to buy much needed resources for the school, which is celebrating its SOth anniversary this year.

MARK Fitzgerald, Karuna O’Rahilly’s trainer, is lamenting a season just passed. Lamenting the referee too.

“It’s gut-wrenching,” he says, “and we were hit with a dubious decision. I just hope that they were the right decisions because players put their lives on the line.

“David Moran came back two weeks earlier from Australia. Mike Quirke cut a honeymoon short. I just hope the decisions were right and if so fair enough, but Barry John Keane was not given any protection.”

However, then Fitzgerald puts his hand up. “We did have enough pos- session and we did have enough chances. The nine wides in the first half killed us.

“We thought if we won the toss and had the wind that David [Moran] would be best utilised at full-for- ward, he is a good fielder and a good kicker but it did not work out. We did not get quality ball into him.

He said he was pleased with how his side applied themselves in the second-half.

“We upped it after the sending off because we had to, we possibly had chances but took the wrong options rm Ob estoy

“It was hard playing into the breeze with 14 men. You think you might nick it in with a goal chance.”

Then there’s the red card. “I did not see what happened with the incident that led the first yellow card, but the leg was raised for the second one.

“Then again the Kilmurry players were grabbing fellows around the neck and there was no recourse to them. It is tough to take again.

“The free count at half-time was something like 16 to six in their fa- vour and we said that to the referee at half time. We were not asking for any favours but a fair crack at this den eetcaae

BUSINESSES around the county are picking themselves up after the big clean-up and the receding flood waters and are ready to go with the Christmas trade.

‘Everyone is getting down to busi- ness again,’ said Chamber of Com- merce CEO Rita McInerney. “Eve- ryone is back in action and looking forward to Christmas. We are already one quarter way through the Christ- mas shopping season and businesses are concentrating on that. It will be January before people can really take stock of all that has happened.”

Ms McInerney said that the Shop In Ennis drive which is in operation at the moment appears to be bearing fruit. “There is a feeling of pride in shopping in our own area and that is a good thing and I think it has been reinforced because of the floods. We’ve had a few businesses saying that they have found good local sup- port.”

Meanwhile, insurance companies are still dealing with the barrage of claims which have resulted from the deluge.

Hibernian Aviva’s have been deal- ing with €250 million in claims countrywide. Spokesman Alan Tyrell said that there is no breakdown avail- able locally.

The thorny issue of re-insuring business and home owners who have suffered flooding is still to be tack-

tereR

“It’s too early to say how that will work out. The focus is on getting over this issue and then all the stakehold- ers will have to sit down and take stock of what can be done to prevent this in the future, whether this is a one-off occurrence, something that’s going to happen every ten years or something which will happen more

regularly than that as a result of cli- mate change,’ Mr Tyrell said.

SCHOOL is not the place young- sters usually expect to see Santa so it was a great treat for the pupils at St John’s National School in Cratloe when he turned up at their annual Christmas fair.

There was great excitement as the man himself stepped down with a sackful of presents.

“There was a fabulous atmos- phere,” said Parents Council Chair, Taly Crowe. “I think the adults were as excited as the children, jumping up and down and waving and cheer- ing as he arrived. It was brilliant.”

Of course, Santa’s reindeer have to rest up for their marathon efforts on the big night so local woman, Linda Gleeson volunteered the services of her horse and trap to get Santa to the school.”

The school has an annual fundrais- ing craft fair organised by the parents council, but this year they decided to go all out.

“We invited Santa, who very kind- ly turned up, and as well as the usual crafts, we made it more like a Christ- mas fair. Everyone chipped in and supported it,” said Taly.

Local businesses also chipped in with prizes for the raffle. “We had great support from the businesses here and in Sixmilebridge. Crowe’s supplied baked goods, we got fuel vouchers, we had a round of golf from Dromoland and Shannon; all the business people got on board and the whole community came together for it.”

A native of New York, living in Cratloe for the last two years, Taly said that the response to Santa and the Christmas fair is another exam- ple of the community spirit which constantly amazes her.

“Everyone worked very had to

make the day a success and it was just that. Santa’s grotto was all done up and it looked amazing.”

The school – like all schools – tries to supplement the money they get from the department with various fundraising efforts.

The main drive at present is to buy interactive whiteboards, which are replacing the old-fashioned black- boards.