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THE four-day count down to the first ever all-singing, all-dancing West Clare’s Got Talent show has begun.

A total of 20 acts have been select- ed for the night’s final from an audi- tion earlier this month.

Acts include everything from sing- ing to dancing, comedy to drama sketches, gymnastics, hip-hop danc- ing, magic tricks and juggling.

The night’s entertainment will be- gin at 7pm sharp, on May 17, at the Kilrush Community Centre.

The mystery fifth judge on the night has also been announced as Ger Rush from the Kilrush Commu- nity College.

Mr Rush will join TG4 Coun- try and Western star Sonia Carrig, primary school teacher and singer Linda Clohessy-O’Gorman, Hell for Leather’s John Fennell and hip-hop instructor Nelly Gilligan.

Another award has also been add- ed to the line-up, the Adjudicators’ Award sponsored by Cooraclare’s Bernie Tubridy.

The winner on the night will walk

away with the perpetual shield spon- sored by Hartman’s Jewellers in Kil- rush. The jewellers will also sponsor a €50 voucher as a prize.

There will also be medals for sec- ond and third prizes on the night as well as vouchers provided by Holly- wood Hits and Tranquility.

By taking part in this competition Kilrush children and teenagers are being encouraged to help other chil- dren while displaying their talents, as all proceeds for the night will go towards the ISPCA.

The brainchild of Kilrush woman

Teresa Carrig, the talent show will see children from 10 to 18 years of age take to the stage to showcase their talents.

The event is being supported by the whole community with local busi- nesses all providing spot prizes for the night.

It is hoped that Saturday’s show is the first of many that will be repeated every year.

“It is very much community driven and it is great to see all the commu- nity involved in something like this,” said Ms Carrig.

ORGANISERS are confident this year’s Fleadh Nua will exceed the standards set by previous events.

There is a strong international di- mension to the programme as well a renewed emphasis on education.

Some 54 events are scheduled to take place over eight days includ- ing performances from a Congolese drum band and the Ulster Scots band, the Hounds of Ulster.

Focus in recent times has also switched to incorporating a more ed- ucational aspect to the festival. This is reflected in the growing popularity

of Scoil Fleadh Nua, which this year takes place in St Flannan’s College on May 24.

Rory Casey is a long time member of Fleadh Nua who is credited with pioneering Scoil Fleadh Nua. He is also the man responsible for publish- ing Nasc, the Fleadh Nua electronic newsletter.

According to Casey, the workshops are an integral part of the Fleadh Nua experience. He said, “Each year we are saying this year will be the biggest and the best, but this year it’s shaping up definitely, to be one of the biggest ever.

We have added to the programme

and there is something happening every night in the town.

“There is a lot of street entertain- ment, sessions, storytelling, Irish nights.

“We have the workshops for young- er musicians and they have become a really important and very popular element of the Fleadh Nua.”

A series of workshops in some of the more popular traditional music instruments forms the backbone of Scoil Fleadh Nua.

Teachers for this year’s event in- clude All-Ireland winning accor- dion player Damien O’Reilly, Caitlin Nic Gabhann (concertina), Siobhan

O’ Donnell (bodhran/singing), Anne- Marie Grogan (flute), Jack Talty (concertina), Aine Bird (fiddle) and Michael ‘Blackie’ O’Connell (uil- eann pipes).

It’s fitting then, Casey believes, that this year’s Fleadh Nua, recognises the career of one of Clare’s most respected music teachers, Frank Custy.

He said, “I suppose the main thing and perhaps one of the biggest high- lights is the tribute night to Frank Custy. Frank is recognised as a leg- endary teacher in Clare and around Ireland, so that should be a great night in Cois na hAbhna”.

IN what will be one of his first of- ficial functions since he was con- firmed as the incoming President of the GAA, Christy Cooney will be in O’Callaghan’s Mills next Saturday to officially open the club’s new field, Pairc Naohn Padraig.

The opening will take place at 5.30pm and will be followed by a Clare and Galway hurling challenge game which throws iat 6.30pm.

This should be a competitive and sharp game before both counties face into their All Ireland campaigns and both Mike McNamara and Ger Loughnane have confirmed that they will field strong starting fifteens.

The pitch had been under develop- ment since 2001 and includes a hand-

ball alley and car parking facilities as well as modern dressing rooms. The pitch itself has been up and running for the past two years but Saturday will see the red tape cut officially. At half-time in the senior hurling

challenge, some of the club’s great- est representatives will also be hon- oured. The 1977 intermediate cham- pions of Clare will parade before the crowd and their presence is sure to stir some local passions. This was the same side that then went to the senior final in the same year and failed to take the top prize by a single point.

There are those in the Mills who still say they should have done that unique double 31 years ago, but Sat- urday’s opening, which will draw a large crowd, could herald the begin- ning of a new chapter in the club’s history.

has learned that the three-day long festival will take place from September 5 to 7 in Kil- kee. Promoters MCD have been tight- lipped about the possible line-up for this year’s festival but early specula- tion is that Meteor Award winners Cathy Davy and Duke Special are being lined-up as possible headline acts.

Last year’s festival featured 2007 Choice nominees Roisin Murphy and Delorentos as well as international acts such as Ocean Colour Scene, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Enemy, Tom Baxter and Badly Drawn Boy.

Last year’s festivals was a sell out and attracted tens of thousands of tourists to west Clare for the week- Ker

‘Following on from the phenomenal success of last year’s Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson, we are excited to confirm that the three-day festival is back on the west coast this Septem- ber,” said an MCD spokesperson.

“From the outset, Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson was a roaring success, selling out well in advance of the festival weekend. Cois Fhar- raige 2007 received huge critical ac- claim from fans, performing artists

and critics alike, boasting a stellar line up and an original festival con- cept.

“The success of Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson was reflected by it being awarded the title of Best New Festival 2007 by the Irish Fes-

tival Awards. Fans can look forward to sealing off their summer with more of the same this year, leaving the best to last, Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson wraps up the festival season.”

The festivals surf section was can-

celled last year due to the lack of waves but organisers are hopeful for this year. Information will be availa- ble soon on www.coisfharraige.com.

THE Kilrush Family Resource Cen- tre Dyslexia Support Project has gone from strength to strength in the last three years.

The impact the project has on the lives of children from the west has now been recognised as it has been short listed as one of the local de- serving children’s projects in the Bet- ter Ireland Programme which could earn it as much as €10,000 with the support of the public.

The Dyslexia Support Project was founded three years ago, a pilot project brought about as a result of collaboration between West Clare Dyslexia Support Group and Kilrush Family Resource Centre.

The project offers affordable tui- tion to dyslexic children and young

people.

It provides all materials needed for each of the sessions and offers an individual child centred approach to learning. The project also provides support for parents in their quest for equal access to education for their Nh Ker

Prior to the dyslexia project being formed children from the west of the county were very restricted in the extra educational support theory received. While they received some tuition in schools, parents had to travel to Ennis, Limerick and Shan- non every week for further classes for their children.

Should they win the text competi- tion for a €10,000 award from AIB Kilrush through the Better Ireland Programme the money will go to- wards the purchase of a content/

ability appropriate reading scheme, workshops in local schools, support sessions for older dyslexic young people and the printing of a user friendly booklet providing relevant information for dyslexic children and young people.

The branch will award €10,000 to the local project that tops the poll in a public text vote over a four-week period until June 6.

Anyone in the local community can simply text KILRUSH and B to 53099 to vote.

If the project does not top the poll it will still benefit from the texts. Each text vote costs 60 cent and proceeds generated by the text voting for the Dyslexia Support Project will be do- nated to the project.

Sue Moore, the project tutor, said “We are delighted to be in the run-

ning for this award from AIB Kil- rush through the Better Ireland Pro- gramme. We are a small group, and therefore, really need the local com- munity to pull out all the stops to vote for us. Winning €10,000 would allow us to continue and extend the work we do for the children of our local community so please ask ab- solutely everyone you know in the area to get texting to ensure we top the poll.”

There are three groups from west Clare vying for the €10,000 prize. Next week we will feature one of the other two.

CLARE farm leader Martin McMa- hon, has welcomed the ban imposed by the Minister for Agriculture on the import of animals from blue- tongue infected regions.

In one of her last acts as Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan in- troduced the ban following on from a unilateral move by Ireland some months ago.

McMahon, who is Chairman of ICMSA’s Beef and Cattle Commit- tee, argues that, to some extent, the Irish Department of Agriculture has forced the EU Commission to act in a sensible way to stop the spread of bluetongue.

He has however, expressed concern about any possibility of bluetongue being imported into the country.

“Given the serious potential losses from bluetongue, ICMSA’s view is that the import of animals which are still legally allowed should be reduced to the absolute minimum,” he said.

“Tt is essential that every precaution is taken against the spread of blue- tongue to Ireland and we feel that voluntary restrictions combined with the legal ban from bluetongue infect- ed regions may be required.

“Our second concern is around the area of vaccination.

“Tt is crucial that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has

adequate stocks of vaccine should an outbreak occur.

“In this connection, ICMSA notes that Ireland still has not got a sup- ply of vaccine unlike other countries whose vaccination programmes are well under way. We need to do two things immediately: firstly, we need to secure a supply of the vaccination and, secondly, we need to consider voluntary vaccination by individual farmers who wish to protect their herds against any possibility of an outbreak.

“ICMSA is going on the record to express our concern about the degree of complacency that seems to be set- ting-in around the possibility of a bluetongue outbreak which would

put a beef industry already under threat under the most severe strain imaginable.”

Speaking after the ban Minister Coughlan said that notwithstanding the introduction of these new meas- ures, she would continue to insist that the EU must keep the bluetongue control measures under ongoing re- view and that if necessary these must be modified should evidence emerge that would demand such action.

“My priority continues to be to keep bluetongue out of this country and I will not hesitate to introduce additional safeguard measures, as I did in February, if I consider that Such action 1s warranted,” said the Minister.

IT continues to get better and better for the ladies of Ennis. This week- end they travelled home with more silverware in their boot when they retained their Munster title having beaten Douglas in the final at the Monkstown Golf Club.

It was a case of living on the edge as Pamela Murphy sank the win- ning putt for the Clare club on the 19th hole under serious pressure. She showed her mettle when the ball dropped in the hold though and En- nis were celebrating.

The nerves of steel show a team who can not only play fantastic golf, but one that can also dig out a victory in the face of adversity.

That win follows their Senior Cup success of last year when they de- feated Royal Portrush in the year’s

final in Miltown Golf Club and the remainder of this season promises to hold more silverware for Ennis as they strive to dominate ladies golf.

“Ennis have proven themselves to be a fantastic team,’ said Ann Brad- shaw, ILGU President. “They’re go- ing from strength to strength and it goes to show hoe healthy the game 1s in Clare at present.”

A MAJOR HURDLE to plans for a €50 million retail park on the fring- es of Clarecastle has been removed.

This follows local developers, Sean Lyne and Noel Connellan with- drawing their objection against the planned retail park by Stephen Har- ris for a 48-acre site near Clarecas- (oe

It is now almost two years since Mr Harris lodged plans for the retail park at Skehanagh, Clarecastle and

the council is still awaiting further information it requested last Septem- ber on the plan.

Mr Lyne and Mr Connellan were rivals in the race to secure planning permission for the first large-scale retail park on the outskirts of Ennis.

However, Clare County Council refused planning permission after a consultant’s report stated that at that time, there was only capacity for one retail park and the Harris proposal was better located.

The two appealed the decision to

An Bord Pleanala, however, they withdrew their appeal late last year.

Now, it has emerged that they have withdrawn their objection against the Harris proposal.

In a letter to the council, their con- sultants state, ““We are now writing to confirm that our clients, Noel Connellan and Sean Lyne no longer wish to make any objection to the proposed development and wish to withdraw our letter of objection.

They ask the council to disregard the submissions made in September

2006 and October 2007.

The two do not give the council a reason as to why they have decided to withdraw their objection.

In their original objection, they Stated, “While it is understood that the council can interfere with healthy competition in retailing, it would be prudent for the council to seek justification for this proposed development in light of available in- formation on other retail outlets that include built developments since the 2003 adopted Retail Strategy.”

A DOZEN teenagers from west Clare with a keen interest in agri- culture took part in a tractor skills course last week.

As the sun heated the grounds of Kilrush mart the tractor enthusiasts – all males – learned how to use the VU OO MONT-Le UDI MYACT NK Ns

Their reasons for taking part in the course were various.

For Kevin Fennell from Fadragh, Kilkee the prospect of a life farming is one that appeals to him. Already familiar with farming life he could drive a tractor, but the course en- sured he had the necessary skills to look after the huge vehicle and drive it safely.

For fellow Kilkee teen Finbarr O’Gorman learning to drive a tractor properly will help him with his sum- mer job, as he takes up employment with a farming contractor, putting out slurry and cutting silage.

As most of the teens taking part were under 16, the daylong course concentrated on the use of tractors and machinery within the farm and did not include road usage.

A teenager is permitted drive a tractor on a farm from the age of 14, but must be 16 before they can be insured to take the vehicle on to the road.

The course agenda included safety checks before starting, setting up a good driving position, safe driving, hitching the tractor to other imple-

ments, operating trailed machinery from the tractor, checking the terrain and practical driving skills.

Each participant drove the trac- tor with trailer, provided by local agriculture and fencing contractor Damien Haugh, around a specified fe aston

They also took part in basic first aid training where each participant learned skills with particular atten- tion to common farm accidents such as cuts and bleeding, electrocution ANNO MEAN OK

Each participant received a certifi- cate of achievement.

The dangers associated with farm- ing have been well documented, in particular, the dangers of the farm- yard to young children and teenag-

ers. An average of 20 deaths and over 3,000 accidents are reported on farms each year. According to the Health and Safety Authority one in five deaths, which occur on Irish farms, involves children. Almost half of these deaths involve tractors and other types of machinery.

It was in response to these statistics that the Safe Tractor Driving Skills course was Set up by the Farm Fam- ily Support Service and Farm Relief Services, just before young farmers get their summer holidays and begin their summer work.

IT’S been real roller-coaster ride, but after almost four years of bargain- ing, horse trading and achievement, Mary Coughlan left the Department of Agriculture for the last time on Thursday morning.

The last 5 year have been some of the most eventful and controversial in recent memory for Irish farmers, although Minister Coughlan has certainly left the office with more friends than she had back in 2004.

The Donegal woman will now take up a new position as Minister for En- terprise, Trade and Employment and will also act as Tanaiste.

Speaking on Thursday, IFA Presi- dent Padraig Walshe wished Minis-

ter Coughlan well in her new posi- tion and said she could look back on a number of achievements during her four-year term as Minister for Agri- TTA Ken

He also congratulated Brendan Smith on his appointment as Min- ister for Agriculture. Walshe said he looked forward to working with Minister Smith and dealing with the issues in agriculture.

ICSA president Malcolm Thomp- son has welcomed the appointment of Brendan Smith as the new Min- ister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

“We worked well with the minis- ter when he was a minister of state before and look forward to a positive and pro-active relationship with him

into the future,” he said.

“However, we would urge him to ‘hit the ground running’ so to speak on WTO issues, as he will have to vigorously defend Ireland’s agricul- tural interests both in Europe and at WTO.”

Macra na Feirme also welcomed the appointment of Brendan Smith and wished Mary Coughlan the best of luck in her new post as Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment.

However, it was not all kind words from the young farmers organisa- tion.

“We want to warn Brendan Smith that the task ahead as Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Food will have immediate challenges such as

WTO and the CAP health check, farm waste management scheme along with young farmer specific 1s- sues such as the reintroduction and the continual supports and incentives to young farmers to readdress the age profile in agriculture,’ said a spokes- person from Macra.

Indeed questions have been raised about the timing of this Government reshuffle and the impact that it might have on the upcoming WTO negotia- tions. Minister Coughlan had almost single-handedly been managing the Government’s plan for handling the WTO negotiations.

Fears have been raised that Minis- ter Smith may not have enough time to fully understand the complex is- sues on discussion.