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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.

A GIFTED Clare medical student was killed when he jumped over a small wall without realising there was an eighteen-foot drop on the other side.

Ciaran Toomey (18) of Ardnacru- sha had mistakenly thought he was being chased by gardai after a night out with friends in Galway.

An inquest on Thursday in Galway was told that Mr Toomey was return- ing home with two friends in the early hours of November 6 when the tragedy happened.

They were making their way home from the city centre around 2.40am. Mr Toomey had run into a car-park and knocked over a wheelie bin.

Shortly afterwards a Garda car on a routine patrol had come behind the trio. All three mistakenly thought they were in trouble and began to Mtbee

Mr Toomey raced about 20 metres ahead and disappeared into another car park.

One of the friends, UCD student Andrew Flood, said they tried call- ing his mobile phone when they could not find himbut there was no response. They searched for several hours, went to his apartment, and contacted the Garda to see if he had been arrested.

The two friends resumed the search early in the morning. Later they were joined by Mr Toomey’s house-mates and university friends, the group

meeting up close to the car-park.

Shortly afterwards his body was spotted at the bottom of a ravine or canal bed on the other side of the car- park wall.

Gardai who were in the patrol van when Ciaran started running told the inquest that they had no reason to stop any of the students as none of them had done anything untoward.

The victim’s father, Gerard Toomey, told the inquest that his son’s wallet had been found but that his mobile phone had not.

He was anxious to discover, through phone records, if his phone had been used since. The Toomey family was anxious to rule out the slight pos- sibility that he might have been at- tacked and jumped over the wall to get away or even been pushed over the wall.

Sergeant Senan Wall said that en- quiries had been made at Garda Headquarters to see if the records could be acquired, but it was not pos- sible, because of the Data Protection Xa

West Galway Cororner, Dr Ciaran McLoughlin said the only way he knew of to get such records was by way of a court order.

Pathologist Dr Teresa McHale said the cause of death was extensive head and spinal injuries. The in- quest was told that Mr Toomey was a gifted student who had won a place at NUI Galway without having to go through Pre-Med because he was so talented.

IN CLARE football, you live and die by what happens in May.

A few days back, Frank Doherty rightly said that Sunday’s game is of huge significance for Clare. Win and the season stays alive, lose and the Tommy Murphy is around the corner.

For all the positive talk the Tommy Murphy has received over the past two days in the wake of Wicklow’s Leinster First Round win over Kil- dare – Wicklow won it last year – Clare are still right to target a possible meeting with Kerry in the Munster semi-final.

The secondary competition, in re- ality, won’t coax the commitment and concentration levels required after Waterford next week.So Clare, simply, must beat Waterford and the feeling here is that they will.

A lot will hinge on the availability of a handful of players but that has been Frank Doherty’s lot since the league began and though Clare lost to Limerick and Tipperary in two warm-up games over the past ten days, they had turned the corner in the league with four wins back-to- eee.

True, Offaly came to Ennis with promotion secured but they didn’t come to Ennis to lose. Wicklow had openly targeted Sunday’s Leinster Opener as their priority but in both those games, Clare showed deter-

mination that they hadn’t displayed throughout the league — with the exception of the opening quarter against Waterford in Dungarvan. Right now, captain Michael O’Shea is Clare’s biggest doubt for the game

having injured his calf in that Tip- perary challenge. Both he and Dar- ragh Kelly — who slightly damaged his hamstring – travelled to Wexford to undergo two separate days of three cryogenics sessions in a bid to ensure

fitness and Kelly should be avail- able.

On top of that, Niall Considine picked up a slight knock on his calf but he too should be available for SUTIOE NA

Laurence Healy returned from in- jury and took part in both those chal- lenge games, Ger Quinlan shouuld be fit but that 1s tempered with news that Colm Dillon and Timmy Ryan both absent with continuing problems.

Doherty once more put out the call to the football people of Clare to travel to the game on Sunday. That such a statement has to be made by the manager is telling in itself, but that’s the reality.

Sunday matters arguably more than any game Clare have played in the last five years. If the hangover from last May is to be quenched, Clare must win. If the application that they showed in the second half of the league presents itself on Sunday, then they will. Seven months of work needs to be transferred into some- thing tangible.

REQUESTS for information from Clare County Council under the Freedom of Information Act have dwindled from 94 in 2002 to just 39 AUlOwe

And councillor Tom Prendeville (FF), who asked for the figures for last night’s meeting, said that it is “notable that in 2007 we are listing 30 per cent of the applications we Sr hag OOO ae

The councillor said that FOI re- quests had “gone down to a virtual trickle” and added that he believed that the introduction of fees for the service in 2003 “and the claiming of exemptions has acted as a barrier to the public. At a time of mistrust I would be concerned that the gov- ernment are standing over legisla- tion which appears exclusory,’ Cllr Prendeville told the meeting.

Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) said he supported the Fiannan Fail council-

lor. “The Freedom of Information Act was introduced for one reason and one reason only – transparency. Since costs were introduced, enquir- ies have gone down. We can put no price on the availability of legitimate information.”

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) said that when forming Government the charges for FOI queries were “a major bone of contention’, for the Greens. “But Fianna Fail are in no way in favour of abolishing them be- cause the Civil Service hated it (the Freedom of Information Act) from the first moment.”

Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said that while he agreed there shouldn’t be a charge for legitimate information “there are vexatious requests which can cost tens of thousands of euro”.

The information on FOI queries which council officials compiled for the meeting also showed that in every year, the majority of queries concerned planning issues.

The second largest number of que- ries concerned roads and the third were seeking information about housing matters.

Corporate Services and Finance elicited 44 and 22 queries respec- tively and there were 55 environ- mental queries. Water services were the subject of 22 queries and human resources, 20. There were just two queries concerning motor tax and one concerning the library service.

So far this year, the freedom of information officer has received 19 queries, seven of which are still be- ing processed.

Since January 2002, the council has fully answered 114 FOI requests, part answered 91 and refused 110.

Ten queries were transferred, 18 were withdrawn and 52 were DOME OLOE

Exemptions because of sensitive information and other exempt areas under the act were claimed in 310 Or ose