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A GROUP of 20 young Clare people will travel to Sydney in July to cel- ebrate World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI.

The annual event, which takes place in a different location each year, gives young people from all over the world a chance to celebrate and speak about their faith with each Oo) i aterm

“World Youth Day is a gathering of people from all over the world. It has taken place all over the world. The Limerick and the Killaloe dio- cese have travelled together for the

last couple of year,’ said Deirdre Convey, local organiser and Deputy Principal of St Don Bosco’s School in Kildysart.

“The highlight of the week would be on the Saturday night when the Pope attends for a vigil and then on Sunday morning when he says Mass. There is a designated park area and the young people all camp there in their sleeping bags.

“There could be as many as a mil- lion young people at that event. At the moment we have 20 signed up and ready to go from Killaloe and 25 from Limerick. We have our quota of people but if there are people still in-

terested we could squeeze one or two more people in if they really want to attend.”

Because of the location of this year’s World Youth Day, cost has be- come a real factor for the people who wish to attend.

“It is going to be expensive all right. At the moment we are look- ing at €2,500 for flight and accom- modation. But some people are go- ing to stay on afterwards and make a holiday out of it as well,’ continued Deirdre.

“We are hoping that parishes will Support the people who are go- ing from their own locality. The

age group is from 18 to 35, and the younger ones would not have that kind of money to put to something like this but they may do a bit of fun- draising themselves.

“When people come back there is a real change in them. The trip gives them a positive way of expressing their faith and when they return it is something that they can share with the whole community.

“So it is a really positive experience for all concerned.”

To find out more about World Youth Day or to enquire about booking one of those last few spots to Sydney con- tact Deirdre on 065 6834461.

THE ties between two clubs steeped in similar, yet slightly different Gael- ic traditions, will be strengthened next weekend when Eire Og, Ennis host Beauly from the Scottish high- lands.

A 50 strong contingent from the Beauly club are traveling to Ennis to renew acquaintances with Eire Og.

Last year Eire Og held the distinc- tion of being the only GAA club in Ireland to be invited by Beauly to take part in the Highland games, a series of annual events held in Scot- land that celebrate aspects of gaelic and Scottish culture.

The links between the two clubs go back to 2005 when Eire Og’s Féile winning under 15 team traveled to Inverness to take part in a regional Shinty tournament.

Eire Og played Bewly under com- promise rules with the Ennis side winning 3-2. In 2005, the club won North Division One but due to league reconstruction remained in this divi- sion along with sides from the dis- banded National League One.

The club has an historic rivalry with near neighbours, Lovat and this is marked every year with the annual New Year fixture, the Lovat Cup

Beauly arrive in Ennis on Friday and will take in a Cusack Cup game

between Eire oy: and O’Currys.

Beauly play Eire Og in shinty at 3pm on Saturday in the grounds of St Flannans. The following day, both teams will then play in a swap sticks match whereby, players from Beauly will use hurleys while Eire Og will play with shinty sticks.

The Scottish club will also get the opportunity to see a game of hurling when Eire Og take on Ogonnolloe, ONO LETITer Nie

Presentations to mark the occasion will take place in the Eire Og club- house on Saturday night.

Eire Og PRO Ursula Guillfoyle said that the visit of Beuly provides a rare opportunity to see a Gaelic sport that

in recent years, has suffered from a decline in popularity.

“We’ve had a good relationship with them since our under 15s were over there so they are delighted to be coming over. It was very special for Eire Og to be invited over for the Highland games”.

“There are very few Shinty clubs left in Scotland, its been kind of on the decline. It’s good that we have this link between the two clubs. Long may it last. Over in Scotland the visit has been getting a lot of at- tention. There has been good interest in it so far. It’s a good opportunity to see a match and to raise the profile of Shinty”.

THE first year boys at Kilrush Com- munity School have plenty to cel- ebrate, having won a bronze medal at the All-Ireland Basketball Finals in Tipperary last week.

As a result of beating teams from Clare, Limerick and Kerry, Kilrush went to the finals representing the south west region.

In their pool they found themselves up against De La Salle, Wicklow and Magherfelt, winners of the south east

and north regions respectively.

A superb team performance saw Kilrush defeat De La Salle on a scoreline 39-16.

Magherfelt proved to be a tougher opposition but some outstanding rebounding by Ben Nolan and ex- ceptional performances from Kevin Looney and Cian Murray saw Kil- rush defeat the Northern boys on a scoreline of 31-24.

As winners of their pool, Kilrush went through to the All-Ireland semi-final where they took on the

team from Cnoc Mhuire, Granard, winners of the midlands region.

In what was a very tight game, Kil- rush held the lead for the first three quarters of the game, only to be pipped in the final quarter.

According to coach, Suzanne Whe- lan the Kilrush lads “played some terrific basketball in this game, with every member of the team playing his part with great heart and deter- mination”.

She added that they “have been a ereat group of youngsters to work

with and they should be very proud of their All-Ireland bronze medal in their first year”.

The team members were presented with their medals by martin Hehir of Basketball Ireland, who remarked how great it was to see Kilrush Com- munity School back in the All-Ire- land Finals again.

“YOU have ruined my life.” That was the stark message yesterday from a 60-year-old woman to the knife- wielding drug addict who viciously attacked her.

A court heard how Jean Nolan is in fear of leaving her home alone after a nightmare attack in broad daylight in Shannon.

It was revealed that a bench war- rant had been issued for her attack- er’s arrest when he failed to turn up for sentencing at Ennis Circuit Court at the end of 2006.

He had robbed two other women — aged 75 and 23 — in Ennis in Septem- ber 2004 and was due to have those matters finalised in 2006.

Robert Nestor (27), originally from Hermitage, Ennis and also with an address at Elm House, Drumgeely, Shannon, admitted robbing €110 cash from Ms Nolan at Dun an Or1r, Shannon on November 20 last. He also pleaded guilty to producing a knife, in the course of robbing the

cash.

Detective Sergeant Michael Houli- han told the court yesterday that Ms Nolan was walking home from work at 2pm when she noticed someone following her.

She heard a low murmur behind her and a man jumped out in front of her.

“He was wearing a hoodie pulled tightly around his head. She resisted by holding on to her handbag. She was pulled forcibly and knocked to the ground. She noticed the accused was holding a knife,” he said.

“I believe he repeatedly swung the knife at her. There was evidence of that on her coat and also on the in- jury she had,” he said.

Ms Nolan sustained a finger injury, for which she received five stitches.

A number of witnesses were swift- ly on the scene and pursued Nestor. When gardai arrived, he was hiding in a Shed in a nearby housing estate.

GRADUATES of Clare VEC’s Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) were awarded at a recent ceremony in En- nis. The BTEI presented FETAC certificates to students of its Commu- nity Care and Childcare programmes from throughout the county.

The ceremony was held at the Adult Education Centre in Ennis. The certificates were presented by Ms. Karen McCarthy from the County Clare Childcare Committee.

At the ceremony Ms McCarthy, congratulated all the students and emphasized the importance of well- trained professional graduates to work in the Childcare and Commu- nity Care sectors.

Tutors Breda Walshe, Marian McGonagle and Maire O’Riordan also attended the ceremony.

Over 70 students studying in En- nis, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Sixmi- lebridge, Shannon, Scariff and Kil-

laloe, received FETAC certification in Childcare and Community Care subjects through the BTEI in the last year.

The Back To Education Initiative offers flexible part-time learning Opportunities to young people and adults and operates throughout the county and is part of Clare VEC’s Adult and Community Education Service.

The BTEI also introduces prospec- tive students to the requirements of studying for the leaving certificate.

It is ideal preparation for the leav- ing cert, in that it allows students to gain FETAC certification in math’s, communications and personal devel- opment.

In Clare, there are currently 2,000 learners availing of adult basic edu- cation and a further 700 engaging in community education.

The recent re-development of the Adult Education Centre in Ennis has led to the provision of more services

through the BTEI.

The centre provides learning op- portunities in reading and writing, language support, youthreach pro- gression, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and family learning. Services include a creche, night classes, e-learning and adult learners guidance.

Meanwhile, Clare VEC received a Public Service Excellence Award from the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

The VEC’s ‘Adult Education Serv- ice: Clare Lifelong Learning Net- work’ was one of 20 award winners selected from 183 entries by an eight- strong selection committee chaired by Professor Mary Daly, UCD.

Minister of State Tony Killeen said that the award success was indicative of the excellent educational services being provided by Clare VEC to young people and adults in County SEK

“IT am delighted that the Clare Life-

long Learning Network has been se- lected as one of the best examples of excellence and innovation across the public service’, stated Minister Kil- oe

“The Public Service Excellence Awards are presented every two years and recognize commitment, creativ- ity and innovation behind important projects that add value to public services used by citizens. I feel that the VEC’s Clare Lifelong Learning Network is thoroughly deserving of this award due its promotion of lifelong learning in the county. This award acknowledges the supporting role played by the Network in getting learners and learning providers to work together”, concluded the Min- ister.

THE DEPARTMENT of the En- vironment has told Clare County Council that over 60 homes will have to be excluded from the €200 mil- lion plan to create a new suburb on the outskirts of Ennis.

Last month, Ennis developers, Crystal Partners lodged plans for 471 residential units in the first phase of a masterplan that will ultimately de- liver 700 new homes in the Gaurus area on the eastern outskirts of En- nis. When fully occupied, the first phase of the housing development will almost double the current popu- lation of the Doora parish of around

Pelee

The plan is facing opposition from locals and now the Department of the Environment has recommended that the plan be scaled back by 63 homes.

In a submission to the council, the department expressed serious con- cerns about the loss of wetland habi- tat that will be infilled and lost as a result of the proposed development ‘This is a Serious concern in relation to cumulative loss of wetlands and flood storage to the south and east of Ennis. Apart from a small area that will be retained, the ecological and hydrological assessments of the site have not informed the layout and de- sign of the proposed development to

any significant extent

To reduce loss and fragmentation of wetland habitats, the department rec- ommended that at a minimum, the 63 houses be relocated or excluded from the overall development.

The department also raised con- cerns on the impact the development could have on the EU Protected Lesser Horseshoe bat.

According to the department, the site 1s important for bats in general and supports a bat roost, described as a minor night roost, which would be demolished as part of the devel- opment. The roost is used by the Lesser Horseshoe bat and by Brown Longeared Bats.

The department is also concerned about increased disturbance and negative effects on the new bat house at Knockaskibole, which was built as part of the Ennis bypass project.

In a separate submission, An Taisce

expresses concern over the fact that so many large housing estates are being built with or without services are being developed in the Ennis and Environs area ‘According to the latest census, 16- 21 per cent of dwellings within the area are still vacant and less than 40 per cent of the inhabitants who live in Ennis work in Ennis

A decision is due on this applica- tion next month.

THE Limerick Clare Energy Agency (LCEA) has said that the Govern- ment’s launch of a Home Energy Saving Scheme had presented the people of Clare and Limerick with an ideal opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The LCEA, along with Clare Coun- ty Council and Limerick County Council, will administer the multi- million euro pilot scheme. “The aim of the scheme is to en- courage homeowners to improve the

energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce energy use and green- house gas emissions,’ explained Pat Stephens, Director of the LCEA.

“By participating in the scheme, householders in counties Clare and Limerick, with the exception of Lim- erick City, can potentially save up to €500 on their energy bills every year,’ he said.

“Thousands of tonnes of CO2 will also be saved in its first year alone. The full €100 million scheme is ex- pected to yield greenhouse gas sav- ings of 175,000 tonnes per year,” said

Mr Stephens.

Outlining the operation of the scheme across Clare and Limerick, Mr Stephens stated, “Householders will avail of a Building Energy Rat- ing (BER) assessor to come to their house, give the home a BER rating and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve energy efficiency. The homeowner will pre- pay €100 towards the cost of this assessment, with Sustainable Energy Ireland subsidising the balance. The Government, therefore, will cover approximately two thirds of the cost

of the assessment.”

“The assessor may advise that the house requires such work as attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low emissions double- glazing, heating control or a range of other energy efficient works.

“The Government will then cover up to 30 per cent of the cost of these works, to a maximum of €2,500. On completion of the works a follow-up energy assessment on the building will be undertaken so that there is a “before and after” test of what has been done,” he said.

Mr Stephens urged householders across Clare and Limerick to imme- diately consider the scheme. ‘Homeowners interested in receiv- ing financial assistance in improv- ing the energy efficiency of their own home should call the Lo-Call number that will be advertised by Sustainable Energy Ireland the Gov- ernment over the coming days. “Alternatively, they may view our website at www.lcea.ie for further information on the Home Energy Saving Scheme,’ concluded Mr Stephens.

THE Kilmaley Volountary Housing Association is set to benefit from another funding boost, emphasizing again the depth of support for the KO) (elm

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 30 at a presentation in the Kilmaley Day Care Centre, a cheque for €10,000 will be handed over to Seamus Lynch, Chairman of Kilmaley Vol- untary Housing Association.

The cheque will be presented by Helen and Patricia Greene whose mother, Mary (80) is a regular client at the Centre.

Twin sisters Helen and Patricia Greene from Kilfenora organised a hugely successful Céili Mor in the West County Hotel in January of this year and raised €10,000 for the Day Care Centre.

It is the latest boost KVHA and the association’s members who recent- ly organized a series of table quiz events that were all well supported by the local community.

The association also received the backing of You’re a Star winner Lee- ane Moore who gave her support to a charity auction held in Kilmaley earlier this month.

Up for grabs was a signed Man-

chester United jersey featuring the signatories of among others, Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson. The event raised €500 for the KVHA.

Kilmaley Day Care Centre opened in 2004 and currently opens its doors three days a week to clients from a wide catchment area. Clients enjoy a dinner, card games, art, activities, computer classes and a chat at the Centre.

With the help of the HSE West and particularly Maria Molloy, HSE Area Manager for Elderly Care Serv- ices, the Day Care Centre manage- ment plan to stretch to a fourth day

of opening shortly.

Starting work in 2000, a voluntary committee of local people raised money through community fund raising and State grants to build twelve voluntary housing units for older people together with the Day Care Centre.

A presentation will also be made on April 30 to retired committee members Bernie Barry of Inch, Mar- garet Connellan of Lisroe and Mary McNamara of Inch all of whom were part of the original founding com- mittee of Kilmaley Voluntary Hous- ing Association

SIPTU members in Aer Lingus have rejected the company’s cost cutting proposals in a secret ballot which concluded yesterday.

A spokesman for the union said it was “clear that intensive local dis- cussions did not reach an acceptable conclusion in all areas of the opera- alo) ae

1,800 SIPTU members involved in check-in, loading and catering op- erations, had a second vote on the company’s proposals in relation to a saving of €10 million in their section

of operations.

The new measures would involve changes to rostering arrangements, including 4am starts, 12 hour shifts and split shifts.

Management set a deadline two weeks ago for the staff to operate the new proceedures or face outsourc- ing or closure of their area of opera- tions.

“While SIPTU regrets the rejection of these proposals, which were rec- ommended for acceptance by shop Stewards, itis clear that our members view them as a step too far, given the changes sought by the company

and profits announced in excess of €80m”, SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Gerry McCormack said.

Meanwhile trade unions represent- ing all the staff at Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports have condemned proposals to saddle Cork Airport with €113 million of debt.

The DAA/Aer Rianta Group of Unions, which is backed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, is calling on Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to honour guarantees given to work- ers four years ago when the State Airports Act 2004 was enacted.

These included protecting the com-

mercial viability of all three air- eae

Workers, who had opposed the break up of Aer Rianta and warned that it could make some of the air- ports unviable, are opposed to any measures which leave Shannon and Cork airports unable to call on re- sources generated by the current DAA/Aer Rianta Group.

The Chairman of the Group, Tom- my Guilfoyle, said after a heated meeting in Cork that the consensus was that “the people of Cork and the Midwest Region are being sold short by this misguided policy”’.

A DUBLIN man who came to Ennis believed he had found the drugs “sale of the century” when he discovered he had bought 41 ecstasy tablets for €60.

Matthew Moore, (25) of 37 Blue- bell Road, Dublin 12, was “genuine- ly surprised” after he was searched and gardai found more than 40 tabs of the drug on him, a Garda court witness said.

Garda Stephen Jenkins told the

Ennis Circuit Court that Moore had travelled from Dublin to attend a DJ night in the nightclub in The Barge Rooms on April 1.

He came to the notice of gardai through an interaction with another man who had been the subject of an undercover Garda surveillance op- eration, Judge Sean O’Donnabhain heard.

When the accused was approached, Garda Jenkins said, he put his hand in his pocket and drew out a plastic bag containing 37 tablets. Four more

were found on him when he was searched, the garda said.

These were later tested and it was confirmed that they were the drug ecstasy.

The garda agreed with Patrick Whyms, BL, defending that Moore seemed “genuinely shocked” to learn how many tablets he possessed.

‘He said that he had bought what he thought was 20 tablets for his own use,’ Garda Jenkins said. The garda agreed that the price of the drug var- ied and would be on sale in Dublin

for about €5 a tab while bulk-buying of tablets often involved discount.

“He agreed during interview when it was put to him that this was the sale of the century,” Garda Jenkins Sr AKOE

Moore pleaded guilty to posses- sion of the drug. Mr Whyms told the court that his client had built up a courier business which was earning good money and which employed two people paying PRSI and PAYE.

‘‘He’s a young man who drifted into using soft drugs. He came to Ennis

with his girlfriend for the weekend. It was their first weekend away to- gether. He bought the tablets for his own use,’ Mr Whyms said.

“At the time he was using ecstasy quite a bit. This was a turning point for him. He was arrested, spent the night in the Garda station and never saw the girl again. Since this hap- pened he has addressed his problem and has never taken ecstasy again.”

After hearing Moore’s business had a turnover of €140,000 per annum, the judge fined him €1,000.