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HOW to explain away Munster’s enduring appeal!

Does it go back to the All-Blacks game 30 years ago? All to do with the one million plus who claim to have been in Thomond that famous Tuesday afternoon in October °78 and swear they were in direct line of sight across the field as Seamus Den- nison cut Stu Wilson in two.

There’s something in that game al- right, but it’s only part of the story. The real kernal of the phenomenon that has wrapped itself around Euro- pean rugby is the bond that has grown between the current crop of players and supporters. It’s their time.

It’s all to do with what Munster stands for — a province from Mizen Head in the south to Blackhead in north Clare.

The people of that province — tak- ing in everyone and not just the elite that was rugby union’s foundation Kee .@

There’ll be thousands of red Mun- ster jerseys being washed and ironed this week — be they the old Bank of Ireland logoed ones as a throwback to Munster’s earliest crusades that have a vintage quality through to the current Toyota-sponsored geansais.

And, it’s the make-up of these sup- porters that gives Munster that edge and extra dimension.

It’s a constituency that comprises a

broadband coalition that appeals to every class. Munster are like Fianna Fail — a catch-all party.

It’s GAA people that support Mun- ster, soccer people too.

They’re as important as fans who came to support Munster through their rugby clubs or fee paying schools. They don’t go to club rugby games, they go back to their GAA and soccer clubs when Munster par- Wome COR

Peter Clohessy pointed out this week that Munster have made the European Cup over the past decade and put the competition on the world rugby map.

It is true. Real Madrid did the same for the soccer equivalent thanks to

their five-in-a-row run of success from the late fifties through to the early sixties. Munster have done it through their supporters.

And, it’s these supporters that can carry Munster to their greatest tri- Uyeehe) smell

Declan Kidney won’t have to pro- duce some original thought this week as he attempts to inspire his players into giving him a fitting denouement to his Munster coaching career.

Instead, all he’ll have to do 1s trot out one of sport’s oldest call to arms: it takes a good team to win a Euro- pean Cup – it takes a great team to win a second one.

Toulouse have done that and it’s where Munster desperately want to

be.

They’re a great team already, but they need to be crowned kings of Eu- rope once more.

The supporters can get them there — those bands of brothers and sisters from Mizen to Blackhead. The ordi- nary people that make Munster the envy of every team in world rugby.

Leinster must be especially jealous. They just don’t have it. Call it the common touch.

Captain Paul O’Connell holidays in a mobile home in Liscannor – you just couldn’t imagine Brian O’Driscoll going to a trailer park for his ‘hols’.

It’s the common touch, loaded with honesty on the field that has Munster on the threshold of glory once again.

FOR Bunratty, this defeat was dilf- ficult to swallow. Normally accus- tomed to the big occasion with four cup titles in nine years, they never really exhibited the desire shown in previous rounds and nervously ap- peared more like the team who were participating in their first ever final. That was the most disappointing aspect for manager James Carrig and his team, the fact that they didn’t play to their potential. Had they played to

their maximum and still lost, then defeat wouldn’t have tasted as sour but despite being visibly disappoint- ed, Carrig was gracious in defeat, admitting that the best side won on the day.

“It is bitterly disappointing but Rock wanted it more on the day. They battled hard, they are a big physical team and we knew they could play football and for the neutral, I’d say it was a good game to watch. But they just wanted it more on the day, fair play to them and they took their

chances and the best team won. The own goal was a big boost to them. It put heart into them and they kept on playing. Fair play to Tommy and the boys, I hope they enjoy it but as I say, we are gutted.”

Bunratty are normally a good pass- ing side but even that aspect of their play deserted them on Saturday. The own goal was certainly a major set- tling point for Rock but Carrig felt that Bunratty panicked a bit after that and played into Rock Rovers’ hands.

“We never really got going. We

knew they were big and strong up the centre but we just launched balls at them instead of keeping it on the deck.

“When we did bring it down, we did get a bit of joy but we had to give them a two goal lead before we started to play. When we did eventually start to play, we grinded them down but we still never threatened the goalkeeper. Their defence was excellent tonight. They were well organised and they deserved it on the day.”

Bunratty know what it is like to

upset the odds and win the cup as underdogs.

They were a First Division side when they claimed their first title back in 1999, before going on to add three further cup titles this decade.

Considering their pedigree in the competition, they will certainly be amongst the challengers for next year’s Clare Cup.

But that’s of no consolation now as they have the summer to reflect on this missed opportunity and what might have been.

CLARE’S lack of an Applied Behav- ioral Analysis (ABA) facility prompt- ed a bout of political mud slinging at last night’s meeting of Clare County Council.

The meeting descended into a inter- party slagging match with a number of Fine Gael councillors applying pressure to Brian Meaney (GP) over his party’s action on the ABA issue while in government.

While putting forward the motion,

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) accused the Green Party of turning it’s back on the provision of ABA once it got into Oo

“The day of treating children who suffer from autism as second class citizens should be long gone,’ he said.

“I believe that Minister Gormley gave commitment when he was in Clare before the election that if he ever got into government that the 1s- sue of ABA schools would be on the agenda.”

Responding to the allegations, Cllr Meaney said that the issue should not be treated as “a political football”.

“The Green Party are quite com- mitted to ensuring an extension of the 12 school pilot in the west of the country. The problem with this was the election, with the other parties who are now languishing out of pow- er and in the back benches.

‘The position of the Green Party in relation to ABA doesn’t need to be restated. Early intervention is vital in terms of dealing with autism. ABA is

a proven method of doing this and I am not going to take comments, such as that one from Cllr Murphy, lying ele) a0 ae

The original motion was put for- ward by Cllrs Tony Mulcahy, Martin Conway and Murphy, and highlight- ed that of the 12 ABA facilities in Ireland, only one, located in Galway, is outside the Pale.

“IT would appeal to the new Minis- ter for Education to turn a new leaf and rise to the challenge of this sort of essential education,” said Cllr CONE

“When it comes to education and the opportunity of giving a young person the opportunity for a full edu- cation we have to rise to it. I was very disturbed last week when I was ap- proached by a young mother in En- nistymon who is on a waiting list to get into the school in Inagh.

“She could not be guaranteed a place because of the lack of funding that that school enjoys. We cannot drag our feet on this.”

Cllr Mulcahy called for more fund- ing to be provided.

‘There are 12 of these institutes in Ireland and only one of them is to the west of the Shannon. It should be conveyed the importance of the ABA school in County Clare,” he said. “It is critical that funding is provided and funded is provided to help these young children in County Clare.”

2.7 million refurbish- ment with the splendid Great Hall reopening for a glamorous summer ere CO ENTS

“This has been an extraordinary day and a wonderful way to celebrate the new-look Temple Gate,” said Paul Madden. “For several months, we have watched the builders and deco- rators transform and enlarge not only The Great Hall but also create new reception and public areas. We have also redesigned and enlarged our res- taurant which we are confident will be at the forefront of dining venues in Clare. Weddings, conferences and other events will only come to Ennis if we provide facilities and service to a high standard,” he said.

The hotel is holding a Wedding In- formation Day on Sunday, May 25, from 2pm to 7pm. The main purpose is to showcase The Great Hall as a wedding venue. Among the wedding specialists attending are Scarlett Bridal, Patrick Bourke’s Menswear, The Flower Den, Studio 22, Cakes by Desire and C&M Limousines. Wine

and canapés will be served through- out the evening.

Mr Madden said that with a capac- ity of 220, The Great Hall is one of the most unique wedding venues in the region. With strong colours, the new vibrant design enhances the hall’s Gothic features. The new Great Hall foyer with private bar is ideal for standalone receptions as well as pre-function drinks.

With increased capacity, The Great Hall offers an excellent corporate setting for conferences, product launches and exhibitions. The ex- isting conference rooms, known as Plazas 1 and 2, can also be used as a breakout area for the Great Hall. A unique facility offered to business and meeting groups are two new ex- ecutive boardrooms fitted with the sophisticated equipment which are regarded as a prerequisite for most meetings in today’s world.

“The first big change that people will notice when they walk into The Temple Gate is the new reception area and lobby,” said Paul Madden. “We tried to create a new sense of space and brightness. Brave choices were made in combining the Gothic arch and the Classical column, but I believe they work. People assure me that it has the wow factor,” he added. He also said that the hotel has lis- tened carefully to the comments and opinions of customers and he is very

hopeful that people will be pleased with the result.

Paddy Burke Builder Ltd, of Lis- doonvarna, carried out the refurbish- ment of The Temple Gate between January and April of this year. The architects were Frank Ennis and Associates of Dublin. The newly appointed management team at the hotel includes a sales and marketing manager, conference and events co- ordinator and a dedicated wedding co-ordinator.

Formerly part of Ennis Convent of Mercy, The Temple Gate was opened as a hotel in 1996 by John and Vera Madden. With over 30 years’ experi- ence in the hotel business, John Mad- den had a vision to develop this his- toric site as a high-quality hotel.

“I believe we have succeeded. In Dublin, they used to say, I’Il meet you under Cleary’s Clock. In Ennis, The Temple Gate is the meeting point. In a short space of time, the hotel has achieved iconic status as a point of convergence in the heart of Ennis. We are very proud of that. However, we have to reinvent ourselves for new times. This latest investment is our contribution to the development of the hotel in the first decade of the 21st century,” he said.

THE fundraising towards a major project at Scoil na Mainistreach in Quin is reaching its final stages fol- lowing a hugely successful Who wants to be a Thousandaire? event. More than €60,000 was raised as a result of the evening which was held at The Clare Inn hotel last month. The event was the culmination of

much work by the school develop- ment committee. Proceeds go to- wards development of a school field. The overall project is costing more than €200,000, most of which has been pledged. The school is encour- aging those who have pledged money to honour their commitments, so that the project can come to fruition. While the thousandaire evening was mainly geared towards the

adults the pupils were not forgotten. The school organised a children’s Who wants to be a Thousandaire? show. Contestants Mr Lynch, Emer Moynihan, Siobhan Frain, Conor Mahon and Dearbhla Holohan all played a role in ensuring everyone savoured the atmosphere.

Elsewhere, the school has contin- ued to earn plaudits in sporting cir- cles. Most notable among these was

Quin winning the community games swimming competition which was held at the Ennis Leisure Centre. Wins were achieved by Aoife Deane, Hannah O’Brien, Briana Fennell, Cathal Browne, Sarah O’Reilly, Or- laith O’Neill, Michael Corry and Eoin Beirne.

The enrolment evening for new stu- dents to the school will take place on May 29.

IN January, when Anthony Foley of- ficially anounced his intention to re- tire at the end of the season, it only confirmed the rumours that had cir- cled the Killaloe native for months. At 34, the inexorable decision came after almost 15 years at the top level with a career path that saw him be- come Munster’s most capped player (201), leading try scorer (45) and also represent his country on 62 oc- casions.

Behind the scenes, those who knew him best had already prepared them- selves for the inevitable and wanted to reward the 2006 Heineken Cup winning captain for his immense contribution to the province and in- deed the game in general. Contem- plating Foley’s impending retirement, Chairman Roger Downer and a few others formulated an idea for a tes- timonial that eventually snowballed

into a three day event on May 27-29, consisting of a two day Golf Classic, an Audience with Anthony Foley and a Gala Banquet in the Hilton Hotel, Limerick on the final night.

Considering his stature in the game and the fervent Munster support, Event Coordinator Michelle Payne admits that the testimonial week was an easy Sell to the public.

“IT think everyone knows that An- thony of all people deserves a good send-off. He has given so much to the game and there is so much good will for Anthony. People haven’t hesitated in terms of sponsorship and there is also a lot of support for the two chari- ties he has chosen to donate a portion of the funds raised.”

While the Gala Banquet sold out in under a fortnight, there are still some places available for the Golf Classic and the Audience with Anthony Fo- ley on the Wednesday evening in the UL sports arena and with the timely

matter of the Heineken Cup final on the previous weekend, Payne consid- ers the whole week a fitting tribute to a true legend of the game.

“T think it is a unique way for peo- ple to show their appreciation for An- thony and his family for everything they have done for Munster rugby. All three events are coming together nicely and I think it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everybody.”

The preparations have been metic- ulously carried out. The only aspect the organisers couldn’t plan is the Heineken Cup final itself. It’s up to the players themselves to secure that end of things.

THERE seems to be a magnetic draw between Tommy Leahy and the Clare Cup. A winner as a player with Corofin Harps a few seasons back, it wasn’t long before he got back to the final of Clare’s premier cup competi- tion, now as manager and sometimes player of his adopted Rock Rovers. They may be a First Division side but Rovers played like the Premier team on Saturday, remaining com- posed throughout and demonstrating to all that they were worthy champi-

ont

Leahy, the orchestrator, remained positive on the touchline even in that nervous finish and as his side entered the dressing room after the game, he attempted to express his thoughts beneath the cries of “Champione, Champione”’

“Tam absolutely delighted. In fair- ness to the lads, they totally deserved it on the day. I thought for the whole 90 minutes, the heart they showed was unbelieveable and they showed that they can certainly play football because this was a very good Bun-

ratty side.”

The key to this hard earned victory for Leahy was workrate, something he asked for before the game and his players didn’t disappoint.

“The defence was outstanding and the lads worked hard and from one to eleven, they really worked their asses off.

‘In fairness, everyone worked tire- lessly, the backs were solid and they didn’t shirk away from anything. It’s a credit to all of them really.”

Nevertheless, besides their obvious hunger, they needed a bit of luck to

settle them by means of a Bunratty own goal in the 18th minute which had a double impact on the game. After that, Rock settled and gained confidence while Bunratty became more desperate and anxious on the ball.

“The first goal kind of took the nerves off it and we knew then that we just had to push on. In fairness, we hit the crossbar twice and we just kept pushing them and pushing them. All credit to them though, they are a good side.

“They are big and physical but they

are well able to play football. In the last ten minutes, they really had us under the kosh but again our defence stayed solid and we held on for the win.”

Leahy’s ambitions don’t end there. Rock’s league form suffered as a re- sult of their various cup exploits this season and the First Division title is top of the list of priorities for next season. For the moment though, he is just happy to saviour the moment. Being a cup winner as a player and now as a manager doesn’t happen too aK

PLANS to re-zone land which will be earmarked for a crematorium for Shannon were given the green light at a meeting of Clare County Coun- cil last night.

Local authority members voted 26 to one in favour of a material con- travention of the development plan at [Ilaunamanagh in Shannon to make way for building the crematorium.

Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) said he could not understand “why the plan- ers are asking us to contravene the plan which we put so much work into oD apace y oman

He said the lands in question are “adjacent to a Special Area of Con- servation. This 1s space which is dedicated to amenity and open space

and the council is proposing in the future to develop it as a nature re- serve. This proposal goes against our own policies.”

Cllr Flynn pointed to the speech made earlier yesterday by Environ- ment Minister, John Gormley on the launch of the EU report on the status of habitats and species in Ireland.

‘The minister tells us that over the next five years, we are to concentrate on preserving habitats and SAC’s. That is what we are being told by the minister, who is our boss and I say we should follow the Green man.”

A report on the proposed material contravention was presented to the members.

The proposal was carried when Chairwoman, Cllr Patricia McCa- rthy (Ind) put it to a vote.

RESIDENTS of an upmarket estate on the outskirts of Ennis have succeeded in blocking plans for a €25 million housing development in the area. Ear- lier this year, Galway-based company Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd lodged plans for a 97-unit residential estate at Ballycorey on the Galway Road oppo- site the Auburn Lodge hotel. However, a submission lodged by Hassett Leyden & Associates on be- half of a number of residents in the

nearby Parnell Grove estate com- plained that they would be looking at ‘something akin to a prison wall” if the development proceeded.

Ennis Town Council rejected the proposal due to lack of sewage treat- ment capacity.

Ruling that the plan would be “pre- mature due to the existing deficiency in the provision of sewage treatment facilities’, the council concluded that the proposal was “not in the interest of public health, proper planning or sustainable development”’.

The planner dealing with the appli- cation stated that it would be “appro- priate in principle” for the council to consider medium to high density development on the site if service in- frastructure was in order and did not have adverse impact on neighbouring property.

The council also refused plan- ning over concerns that the proposal would have a negative effect on natu- ral habitat types or species in Annex II of the Habitats Directive.

It was also pointed out that site con-

tains part of a recorded monument and the council was concerned that the development would have a sig- nificant negative effect on it and its associated deposits and features.

Permission was also refused because of the difficult site configuration, to- pography and resulted convoluted road layout, lack of adequately-sized public open spaces, separation of the Open space from the houses by the distributor road and the lack of pedes- trian and cyclist facilities.

Taking on board the concerns of the

Parnell Grove residents, the council refused planning permission on the basis that the finished floor levels of the homes would result in significant overlooking into the rear gardens of nearby homes and would require them to have excessively high retain- ing boundaries.

As a result, the council ruled that the proposal would materially con- travene the Ennis Development Plan which requires that residential de- velopments maintain the amenity of neighbouring properties.

A NEW initiative which encourages young children to do their homework is proving a phenomenal success in Shannon.

The local family resource centre has set up a Kool Kids Club, which is also known as a Homework Club.

It is the first time that the centre, which was set up eight years ago, has organised an initiative like this. It is also one of three local groups in Shannon nominated for the AIB Bet- ter Ireland Awards, which presents an opportunity to win €10,000.

The club runs two afternoons every week, on Wednesdays and Thurs-

days. It is funded by the Health Serv- ice Executive through the traveller health initiative and is organised by Debbie O’Halloran-Browne.

The co-ordinator of the fam- ily resource centre, Marie Rowland, pointed out that it was the children themselves who saw the need for this facility.

‘An evaluation was done with chil- dren in our activity club and from that evaluation we decided to run a pilot programme. It is very success- ful. It is very well attended,’ said Ms Rowland.

On arrival, the children are provid- ed with healthy snacks, after which they do their homework and then

play games. This ensures the project is a combination of education, health NCO Moot U Kee

“They are encouraged with their work and are supported by a number of volunteers,” said Ms Rowland.

“We find that the children are here from 3.15pm wanting to do their homework,” she said.

‘This is the first time the family re- source centre has done this and the feedback in the local community has been great,” she added.

Given that this initiative is support- ed by the Traveller Health Initiative, integration is key to its success.

“Tt is all about integration,” said Ms Rowland.

Fifteen young children attend the club and other spaces could be made available if additional volunteers are KOMEDI KCC

SUsloeel elem mclen enc tl bap DON senercam Vole unteers to assist them with their activities. Full training in childcare protection will be provided to volun- teers, who will be just asked to com- mit to a few hours a week.

Anyone interested in _ helping out should contact Debbie on 061 Uroue

SRO VOlrem Kem NsleROllomsmsNewAUEs maior ter Ireland Awards, text SHANNON, followed by B to 53099. The voting lines opened on May 6 and remain active until June 6.