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THE challenges posed to Broadford National School by rising costs have met with a terrific response by the lo- oN ereyeapeeltvaviare

Enrollment numbers at the school are set to jump by 50 per cent in September, meaning that extra strain is being placed on the school’s re- sources.

Like many schools in Clare and around Ireland, Broadford has been hit by cutbacks to the summer works scheme and the imposition of water charges.

In order to raise money to increase the playground area, improve the schools IT facilities and replace doors and windows, a fundraising committee was established in the school.

So far the support received has sur- passed all expectations. The most re- cent event was a race night held over the weekend at Vaughan’s Bar.

Liam Patterson who has been prin- cipal in Broadford since 2006 said the challenges faced by the school are emblematic of those faced by countless other schools in Clare.

“The capitation fees the schools

receives only covers about half of the running costs. The cutback in the summer works scheme has hit us and the water charges are big things. It seems to be endemic of the melt- down that is occurring across the Department of Education. It is the children that are suffering. But we are no different than any other of the hundreds of schools who find them- selves in this position.”

He continued, “The fundraising committee has been extremely well supported by the staff, the parents, the kids and by the wider community outside Broadford.

The number of pupils attending has risen from 66 in 2006 to 90, with the jump largely attributable to the rise in development in the area.

As well as the upgrade work to the existing facilities, an unit for chil- dren with autism will be opened in the school.

Mr Patterson added, “A new hous- ing estate has opened across from the school. We have about 83 families in the school at the moments and all of them have given great support.

“We have had great support from local businesses. It has surpassed all expectations.’

AMBITIOUS plans for a new hotel on the Main Street of the north Clare resort of Lahinch have been given the go-ahead.

Clare County Council has given William Stackpoole the go-ahead to construct the 16-room hotel in spite of opposition from Pat Kenny of Main Street, Lahinch and Donal Kenny of Kenny Woollen Mills.

In a hard-hitting objection against the planning application lodged by William Stackpoole, Pat Kenny claimed, “This proposed develop- ment is over-build of the worst kind. This is a village. This site is a cottage with a small yard and some outhous- es. The proposal to build 16 apart- ments, restaurant, bar and reception areas on this small site is ludicrous and has already been refused by An Bord Pleanala.”

Mr Kenny states, “This develop- ment does not materially differ from the previous application that was re- fused by An Bord Pleanala. The cur- rent proposal shows only cosmetic differences from the previously re- fused plan and none of the root issues of the refusal have been addressed.

“The construction of this un- derground car-park will certainly compromise the structure of Kenny Woollen Mills and Avondale Apart- ment Block to the south of the devel- opment.”

In his objection, Donal Kenny stat- ed, “I own a building, Kenny Wool- len Mills, directly south of the site. This proposed development would seriously devalue my property.

My building is being overlooked by this proposed development. We will have windows facing directly into apartments and commercial areas. Privacy 1s compromised.”

However, in the planner’s report, the council planner stated, “It is considered that the proposed three- storey building is of an appropriate scale for the main street of Lahi- nch, having regard to the respective heights of the adjacent buildings to the north, Shamrock Inn and south, Kenny’s Woollen Mills.”

The council gave the plan the go- ahead taking into account the urban setting and concluded that it would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area.

THE growth of Clare-based poker schools and online gambling has led to people losing their businesses in high-stakes gaming sessions.

And according to the Bushy Park Treatment Centre in Ennis, the num- bers presenting for gambling addic- tion more than doubled last year.

Centre Director, Margaret Nash said that there is anecdotal evidence of people who have lost businesses to other players in local poker schools.

“You have well-run businesses transferring over. You could be a business owner today and working for the person you gave the business to next week.”

In all, the centre admitted 14 peo- ple with gambling addictions — an increase on the six admitted in 2006. Ms Nash said that online gambling is now huge and that online companies have strategies to lure players back by forwarding them advances.

On the rise in gambling addictions, she said the primary causes were online gambling, horses and poker schools which “were quite big in the

Ennis and Clare area”.

‘The debts are quite big. People es- cape their debts by getting into fur- ther problems with gambling. They have no choice but to go for treat- ment. It is a serious problem.

“Gambling isn’t about winning, it is about the buzz of trying your odds and having a formula that you believe gives you better information — a better formula than the next per- son. It is not about the winning. The buzz is about putting €100,000 on the nose of number seven.

“The hard part of gambling is that there are no symptoms or signs for the family until it gets serious but in hindsight, the family may real- ise that the symptoms are similar to other addictions and these are black- outs, loss of memory, affecting your eating, lack of sleep and agitation.

“Online gambling is huge and banks are beginning to realise that people have problems. There have been cases where banks have called people and there has been no obvi- ous expenditure and big withdraw- als of three and four thousand euro,” said Ms Nash.

A €10 MILLION retail development will need the support of three quar- ters of Clare County Council mem- bers in order to proceed.

Tom Lavelle and Adrian Callanan’s plan to construct 56 units at Boherar- oan, Newmarket-on-Fergus materi- ally contravenes the County Devel- eo) eee lm ate

The plan includes 16 commer- cial units, 22 duplex apartments, 11 apartments, a medical facility and six office units, and the council noted that the site is zoned for commercial non-retail purposes.

They state: “While the principle of a mixed use commercial and resi- dential development is acceptable on site, it is also considered that it is contrary to the zonings of the site. Consequently, a material contraven- tion would be required.”

As a result, the planning applica- tion will need to go before a council meeting in the coming months. The developers have been requested to lodge a revised design for the scheme ‘as any development should have re- gard to the character of the existing village”.

The proposed development is locat- ed about 200 metres east of Lough Gash turlough candidate Special Area of Conservation (CSAC).

The council states: “The proposed development has the potential to have significant effects on the SAC and its conservation objectives.”

The retail plan also faces opposi- tion from local resident, Patrick J Hannon, who owns land to the rear of the development.

Mr Hannon pointed out to the coun- cil, “No details are submitted with the application to the retail impact the proposal will have on the village

of Newmarket-on-Fergus. I contend that there is a substantial need for the retail development proposed and the applicant has failed to show this.

“As elsewhere, out of centre retail developments should not be allowed as this development is likely to lead to a reduction in the range of local facilities in the town that will affect the diversity of shops and lead to a loss of general retailing from the vil- lage centre.

“It would appear as an aggressive and incongruous feature in the area, contrary to the requirements of the development plan.”

He added, “The proposed develop- ment has an unduly monolithic form, arising from the absence of any re- lief from fenestration thus producing an unattractive facade to all public views.”

A decision is due on the application next month.

THE fourth member of an east Clare family joined the Irish army on Thursday, the same week as his older brother arrived home from a tour of duty in Kosovo.

The Boyce family from Meelick have a proud history of serving with the Irish Army, as father Company Sergeant Tommy Boyce and his three sons have all served their country.

The youngest son Alan, now Private Alan Boyce, graduated in Clonmel with 34 more recruits from Munster.

The 121st Recruit Platoon was at- tested on November 19, 2007, in Col- lins Barracks, Cork.

Training commenced immediately and was completed on April 3.

As well as Private Boyce, Private John Corry from Clarecastle also

joined the army in November and passed out on Thursday.

While it was an especially proud day for the young man from Meel- ick, it was tinged with an element of saddness. His older brother Tommy lost his life in a car accident on his way to work in Clonmel in 2000.

The officers in Clonmel have since dedicated an award for new recruits to the memory of the late private.

This year Alan was part of the group to win the award, a fitting trib- ute to his late brother.

Meanwhile Alan’s brother Private Jason Boyce and his father served with the 37th Infantry of the Defence Forces in Kosovo for the past six peepee stse

The young private arrived home on Tuesday from his tour of duty with 90 more soldiers, just two days be-

fore his brother passed out.

His father is due back from Kosovo this Thursday with the remaining 150 personnel of the 37th infantry eroup.

Private John Joe Rouine from En- nistymon was the second member of the Defence Forces from Clare to arrive safely back to Shannon last Veto

AN ALL graded eleven-race pro- eramme greeted racegoers at Gal- way Greyhound Stadium on Thurs- day with the two semi-finals of the Outback Kennels A4 525 the twin KorHAU Ken

In the first semi final the Jerry Maloney of Clarecastle owned Bal- laghboy Cool (Big Daddy Cool-Sues Beauty) stormed home up the outside to run down the leaders to defeat Georges St. Girl 1n29.35.

In the second semi final the Luke Kilcoyne owned Ougham Light re- ally brightened up proceedings as he scorched around the track in a superb 28.94 to put himself in prime posi-

tion for outright success in the com- petition. Ballyea Nikita for Johnnie Maher of Kilmaley runs from trap two in the final could also have a say in matters.

The opening contest was an N3 eraded 525-yard contest for young- sters and it was won in trap to line fashion by the Martin Keane of Kilmihil owned Tiro who cmfort- ably made all to defeat the gambled on Big Bamboo by seven lengths in 29.89. The second was an S10 325 and following a pretty level break Belcarra Duke led briefly be- fore the Mary Kennedy of Lisheen owned Clonmore Honcho took over along the inside rail to lead by three lengths racing to the opening corner

Where there was trouble among the py TO ep nthe Bu.Couce

But up front Clonmore Honcho (Honcho Classic-Clonmors Classic) strode clear to defeat Belcarra Duke by six lengths in 18.43.

The fifth contest was for A8 graded runners and on the run to the open- ing corner it was the blue jacketed Shetland Sue that held the call from Clonmore Misty with Missthebus in third place as they turned down the back straight. Racing past halfway Missthebus went to the front and quickly went three lengths clear and as they began the swing for home and and as the leader faltered, the Miss Allanna Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Lamie got up on the line

for a neck success in 29.82.

The Brownes were in the winner’s enclosure in the feature event on Friday night, as the David Browne owned Burnpark Duke in trap three came away first. Up front though Burnpark Duke was throwing down the gauntlet to the chasing pack as he opened up a fine lead racing to the penultimate corner. Boho Phoebe shaded the second spot but the ‘duke’ was gone beyond recall as he won by over 10 lengths in 30.15

Race ten on the night was for A2 graders over 525 yards and here a very closely bunched field raced to the Opening corner covered by less than two lengths with the trap four runner Coomlogane Ronan at the head of af-

fairs turning down the back straight. Passing halfway Coomlogane Ronan led by five lengths and the Noel Mul- lins of Gort trained runner got on top to win going away by three lengths haa

The seventh contest was for A4 eraders and from traps it was the Aine McGuire of Mullagh owned Clounlaheen Lad who was away smartly to lead at the opening cor- ner. Racing along the back Clounla- heen Lad led from Around The Bend with Bodyshop Direct in third as they swung out of the back straight. Racing off the home turn the Joe and Alan Fahy owned Around The Bend swung wide and cut down the leader for a two-length success.

AN ILLNESS that has been de- scribed as causing suicidal tenden- cies in patients affects an estimated 3,000 people in Clare.

The number is only an estimate, however, as the majority of people with psoriasis suffer in silence.

A survey of those afflicted with the lifelong skin condition showed that as many as 81 per cent felt it had affected their self-confidence; 81 per cent felt embarrassed undertak-

ing activities such as undressing in front of others; and 85 per cent felt that psoriasis limited their choice in clothing and lifestyle.

When asked how the ailment made them feel, replies ranged from “fed up, angry, frustrated and embar- rassed” to “helpless and self-con- SC10US’.

This week is National Psoriasis In- formation Week and Clare patients are being encouraged to visit their doctor rather than endure the cond1- tion in silence.

One local person, who like many more 1s embarrassed by her condi- tion, recalled how devastated she felt when a hairdresser reached for rub- ber gloves before treating her hair.

Like others, this person did not understand the condition or how emotionally painful it can be for the Us tce

Dr Trevor Markham, Consultant Dermatologist at University College Hospital, Galway, said, “Psoriasis patients have a reduction in their quality of life similar to or worse

than patients with other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. While there is no ideal treatment for the condition, there are many different treatments available. “Although psoriasis generally does not affect survival, it certainly has a number of major negative effects on patients, demonstrable by a signifi- cant detriment to quality of life. “Patients feel stigmatised by the condition leading to depression and suicidal ideation in more than five per cent of patients,’ he continued.

‘Patients may not realise the treat- ment options that are available, due to the poor access to dermatology services. In addition, the lack of ad- equate phototherapy services, espe- cially in the west of Ireland, contrib- utes to this.”

An information meeting will be held in the South Court hotel, Lim- erick, tomorrow for psoriasis suf- ferers and will be addressed by der- matology nurse, Carol Collins, who will talk about various creams and their application.

THE old telephone exchange sits at the back of the Cooraclare post office, just metres from the new high-tech computer. For retired postmistress Moria Garry, both objects represent the huge change her career has taken during the past 41 years.

On March 31, Moira stood down as the local postmistress, but she will

never be too far away from the core of the small but busy post office, as she continues to assist the new post- mistress Gerardine Donnellan.

Moira took over the reins of the post office from her aunt’s husband – Martin Joe O’Doherty – in October Teter

A year later, she married Michael Garry and the post office was to play a central role in their lives and that of

their family for years to come.

Moira Garry has quite literally seen and heard it all as the centre for in- formation, services and advice for the rural west Clare village and sur- rounding area.

Up until the late 80s, the exchange was central to the services provided by this busy post office.

Moira remembers how her late hus- band Michael would get up in the

middle of the night to answer the ex- change. “We had a bell for it outside our bedroom door,” she recalled.

The exchange was a 24-hour day job, with Moira providing the only connection for many an ex-Pat and the family back home.

She always had the emergency numbers at hand – the doctor, the priest – and hers was one of the few exchanges in the country that had a minister on the local exchange – ““Co- oraclare 40”.

Just as the post office played a cen- tral part of Garry family life, so too did Moira Garry play a central role in the lives of other families.

Little Jessica O’Gorman was the fifth generation of the Gallagher- O’Gorman family to get a stamp from the former postmistress. “I put the stamp into her little hand. I have a picture with her,” said Moira.

Moira laughs as she recalls how she still continues to provide the local in- formation at the end of a phone line.

Since evening Mass has been shared on a monthly basis between Coora- clare and Cree churches, she often answers the phone to the question, “Is Mass above or below tonight?”

As well as the usual post office du- ties, Moria also dispenses 135 cop- les of

‘BE alert, be involved’ was the mes- sage at the launch of the Ballybeg Community Alert scheme.

Clare’s top ranking Gardai urged communities to support the new partnership initiative, launched in the West County Hotel on Wednesday.

A joint initiative between residents and local Community Guard Den- nis Collins, the Ballybeg Commu- nity Alert scheme is the first to be launched in Clare.

Representatives of community groups in Quin, Sixmilebridge, Lis- sycasey and Crusheen were also in attendance and it is hoped similar schemes will be established in those Kersh

Addressing what he termed the changing dynamic of Irish society,

head of the Clare Garda division, Chief Supt Gerry Mahon, said local communities have an important role to play in crime prevention.

He said, “I would ask that people to be aware of what is going in their own community. We are not asking people to snoop, just to be reasonably conscious of their own safety.”

Chief Supt Mahon continued, “Irish society has changed so much, there are a lot of new dynamics. We have new communities coming in, different cultures, and people aren’t interacting in maybe the way they used to. It has left a gap, particularly in daylight hours. It can leave elderly people vulnerable.

“We are not being overly demand- ing, just asking people to be con- scious of people that need help in their community. It’s down to a few

at the end of the day.”

Supt John Scanlon of Ennis Garda Station urged closer links between the gardai and community groups.

‘Things are good in Clare but from time to time you will have people coming in and doing burglaries. If we get a heads up about suspicious behaviour, we can prevent it. The main problems we are dealing with are burglaries in homes, a small bit of anti-social behaviour and break- ins to cars”.

Supt Scanlon added that an extra community guard would soon be al- located to Ennis.

Garda Dennis Collins said, “We have had great interest in the scheme since last August. Ballybeg has to have one of the most pro-active com- mittees in Clare. It has led to people getting to know each other better and

closer contact with the Gardai.”

Crime Prevention Officer Joe Downey said, “This is about being active, being involved and being alert. It is a joint, co-coordinated and structured approach to crime preven- tion. This doesn’t have to die after this meeting. We want you to bring this message back to your commu- ia Ae

The Community Alert programme was established by Muintir Na Tire in 1984 in partnership with An Garda Siochana, with the aim of providing an effective Community Policing and Crime Prevention Network.

There are now 1250 community alert groups throughout the country.

Bernard Kearney of Muintir Na Tire urged the new committee to publish a regular newsletter and avail of Government funding.

EARLIER this year, Colin Lynch met and addressed the 2008 Clare minor panel for the first time. Af- ter the meeting had finished, the panel and management had decided on their goal for the year. The aim would be Croke Park. Anything less would be interpreted as an opportu- nity lost and just by mentioning the country’s top stadium, this group had already lifted expectations in Clare football.

Michael Considine looks back over the past few months and says that all the negativity that has surrounded football in this county is unneces- sary, but he believes it’s up to those involved at the coalface to rid Clare of that mindset.

“We’ve got to stop feeling sorry for ourselves in Clare,’ says Considine. ‘“We’ve got to raise the bar and that’s down to ourselves. Clare teams have to be going out wanting to get to Munster finals, wanting to get to All Ireland quarter finals. Until we start thinking that we’re good enough to raise the bar and until we get rid of that negativity we’re never going to 20 forward.”

Look across the country and you’ll find that no team at this level has pre- pared better. Considine, along with James Murrihy and Colm Collins have covered all bases. Former Ker- ry goalkeeper Declan O’ Keeffe was brought in to add another dimension to goalkeeping training, Collins has been involved in improving fitness since the beginning of October and all players have had ongoing access to training facilities over the past seven months.

So far, over 50 sessions have been logged and according to Considine, every player has shown application and dedication.

“We sat down back in September and October and decided that we were going to put pride back in the jersey. For too long lads have been getting it too easy. When they go out in championship games with 10 min- utes to go they’re blowing up, they’re hiding.

‘“That’s one thing that we can guar- antee – that the 15 guys who go out against Kerry in Cusack Park will have earned their Clare shirt.”

Though it’s Kerry, the objective doesn’t shift. Play well and progress. Despite the safety net that exists — the team that loses on Wednesday goes

into a Munster Final playoff, with the first game scheduled for April 16 — Considine says that Clare are go- ing out to win at all costs tomorrow night.

“T don’t buy into this theory that it doesn’t matter if we win on Wednes- day. My view is that we’re going out to beat Kerry and I believe we’re good enough to beat Kerry.

“The bottom line is we’ve put in a savage effort. Just think about tt: 50 sessions since October 5. These young fellas have given their hearts and souls to the county jersey and if you base it on the fact that you get out of it what you put in, then we’re in with more than a fighting chance.”

Undoubtedly, a Kerry scalp — on the back of the Under 21 win over Kerry last year — would provide growing

evidence that a core group of tal- ented players are coming through the grades. Ensuring they remain inter- ested and ensuring the incentives ex- ist then becomes the aim.

“We’ve got to make it attractive for players. We’ve got to have a profes- sional set-up and fellas have to be looked after. I can’t complain with the minor set-up, because anything we ve asked for we got it.

“But to keep moving forward the right structures have to be in place. There was a lot of talk about the Un- der 15 set-up this year. No mentor moved from the Under 14 to Under 15 SO we’ve a new Set-up coming in who don’t really know the players and it means the players aren’t as comfort- able. ““What happens then is you can lose three or four players through the

net and that’s not good enough. You have to keep the continuity. Once you’ve a relationship built up, you stay with them and move up along the line.”

With a reasonably tight base of players to work with, the directive given to potential dual players to chose between hurling and football could have had a negative effect on preparations. Considine rolled with it though.

“The [minor] hurling management made their decision that lads would have to make their choice. My think- ing on it is that lads should have the opportunity to play both codes up to minor. I think in a county like Clare if we had lost some of those lads [dual players], it would have been a serious blow to our team.

‘Now, I’m sure that them three guys are a loss to the hurling side, but good luck to the hurling management, they stuck to their beliefs and they believe they’re in contention for All Ireland honours. If that pans out, then they’ Il have been proved right.”

Last year, Considine watched from the sideline as his Clare side were beaten by Limerick after a replay. A dozen of that team are in conten- tion to start this year. Stronger, wiser and just as focused. A win tomor- row night would be reward in itself for Clare’s persistence and effort. A win that could be the first step on that road to Croke Park.