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UNTIL the Leapfrog Creche and Montessori opened it’s doors in Tua- mngraney, parents had to take their tots twelve miles or more to be cared oe

This month, the busy facility is cel- ebrating it’s first birthday by having an official opening, because, says owner Sarah Ryan, “thing were too hectic to do anything about the open- ing before now.”

“It’s been an amazing twelve months but now that we’re settled, I just want to do something that will

acknowledge the parents and chil- dren who come to us.”

Sarah and husband Johnny decided to open the childcare facility when they were expecting their second child and it became clear that that the nearest purpose built facilities were miles away.

The fact that the pair were running a carpentry business was a huge help at the time in constructing the build- ing.

Now Leapfrog has 39 pre-school and 13 afterschool children all being cared for under the watchful eye of creche manager Claire Heaney and

her staff between 8am and 6.30pm each day.

The youngest of their charges is a five-month-old baby, “although this is unusual’, says Sarah.

“With better maternity leave enti- tlements, most babies come to us at around ten months, but if like me, you re self employed, you need a few hours every day to do things and par- ents need a facility where they can bring young babies.”

Leapfrog has baby, toddler, play- school, Montessori and after-school care and it’s little customers come from all over east Clare, from every-

where between Tulla and Whitegate.

“At the moment we’re full and we have a waiting list, so the opening isn’t to show off the créche, it’s just to celebrate the year that’s gone and getting up and running,’ said Sarah.

Local councillor, Joe Cooney, will be performing the official opening at the creche in Tuamgraney village on February 26.

BRENDAN O’Regan’s first love in a working life that stretched over 70 years was the hotel business, his son Andrew told those attending his fa- ther’s funeral mass in the Pro-Cathe- dral Ennis on Monday afternoon.

Fitting then that after his burial in Drumcliffe Cemetery, family and friends of the Shannon pioneer re- treated to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis in remembrance and celebra- tion of a remarkable life.

The Old Ground Hotel was once owned by the O’Regan family and it was from there that food was pre- pared for in-flight catering on the

transatlantic route when Shannon be- came the hub of the aviation world.

Tributes to O’Regan, who died on 3 February aged 90 years, were led by Canon Rueben Butler of Newmarket- on-Fergus in a funeral mass attended by over 300 people. Bishop Willie Walsh and Fr Harry Bohan also took part in the funeral service, while also present was Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Dr Michael Mayes and a representative of President Mary McAleese.

“He had high standards for him- self and expected others to give of their best,’ said Canon Butler. “He achieved a lot because he recog- nised the strong points in others and

helped them fulfill their potential. Brendan’s leadership qualities made it possible for many in the mid west to move from unemployment to em- ployment,” he added.

Dr O’Regan’s son, Andrew, paid tribute to those who worked with his father across a host of ventures, ranging from business to local com- munity development and peace.

‘He was hugely conscious that he belonged to the first generation of free Irishmen. He saw that with this freedom came responsibility to en- Sure the success of Ireland,’ Andrew O’Regan said at the funeral mass.

“IT was in my 20s when I found out that Brendan’s initials, BOR had

been made into an acronym of Bash On Regardless. He had a great belief in his native place – of his beloved Clare in this instance and Ireland more widely.

“Brendan was possessed by pos- sibility. He would recognize that all those achievements of his were Shared achievements with all of those men and women who worked with him, who insisted on believing with him and dared to dream with him and did so when others felt it wouldn’t be done, shouldn’t be done and couldn’t be done. He understood the collective and communal creativ- ity that lay at the heart of his achieve- ments.”

Dr O’Regan’s son noted that in the days after his death, the family was required to fill a death certificate list- ing occupation at the time of death. “What to call him,’ said Andrew.

“Company director — that sounds a bit lame. Entrepreneur — a bit to flash for Brendan. What about hotelier — his first love. Or peace builder — his last love. Or visionary — a term often linked to him. How to capture him, how to label him, how to pigeon hole him. We in the family would like to think that his last permanent occupa- tion in life was being human as best jatempe cn teaa lms

All those in the Pro-Cathedral broke into spontaneous applause.

has obtained the

figures in the wake of Garda statistics

last week which stressed that domes-

tic violence incidents in the county had soared over the past two years.

Some 76 people attended Clare

Haven drop-in centres in Ennis, Kil- rush, Shannon, Scariff and Ennisty- mon for the first time last year. While most of those were in Ennis, several new cases presented throughout the county.

The need for the service in Shan- non, in particular, increased sig- nificantly last year. In response prompted Clare Haven increased its presence in its outreach centre there. Some 106 people were seen at the Shannon centre, the majority of them being ongoing clients. Some 58 peo- ple attended the Kilrush centre, 19 attended in Ennistymon, while 23 at- tended the Scariff centre.

Clare Haven accompanied 104

women to court last year. Each of those cases took an average of 25 hours preparation, support and ac- companiment. The centre also pro- vided telephone support to hundreds of women in need.

Eileen Murphy of Clare Haven said there had been a huge increase in de- mand for support over the past few years. The refuge, which has six fam- ily units, was full throughout 2007. Staff had to send women to other ref- uges throughout the country.

She said that victims of domestic abuse were more willing to come forward than in the past but a lack of awareness about the availability of support remained. The need for the

Support was obvious throughout the year.

“During the past two years, there has been demand right across the year. Previously, Easter, St Patrick’s Day and Christmas were the main times but now it is right across the board,’ said Ms Murphy.

She stressed that those in need of help should not feel that they had to attend Clare Haven on a residential basis. The drop-in centre is available to those who wish to check their op- tions.

Anyone suffering domestic vio- lence should contact Clare Haven’s 24-hour helpline on 065 6822435 or check out www.clarehaven.ie.

WHEN ‘Tulla woman, Kay Madden was told she had breast cancer, it was the most frightening news she had ever got.

But that was ten years ago and thankfully, she is now running her tenth annual coffee day to raise cash for a cause which gave her hope and support throughout her ordeal.

The Maddens would like everyone in the parish to come to visit them at 23 Main Street on Friday, February 22 between 10am and 10pm, to enjoy a cuppa and support a good cause.

Kay describes it as “a very low point” after she was diagnosed, op- erated on and struggling through nine months of chemotherapy and TecTeul@lAeles 1 Oh VA

But that summer she was contacted

by members of the Clare 250 mile Cycle organisation, offering Kay and her husband Pat a trip to Lourdes as part of their annual pilgrimage to bring 80 people with cancer to the JK emevubAteE

Organisers, John Dunne and Claire Nugent started the cycle and every year, dedicated cyclists, organisers and fundraisers raise money to bring very ill people on pilgrimage.

Kay had been nominated by Ger Treacy from Scariff and Patrick Kel- ly from Tulla to take part in the trip.

“It was the trip of a lifetime. We were So Well looked after and every- thing was arranged. And we got to meet with other people in the same boat and talk and maker friends. It was fabulous,” said Kay.

But the support which organisers, John Dunne and Claire Nugent gave

to Kay didn’t end when the plane touched down in Ireland again.

“T had to go to Dublin for radiother- apy for five weeks and they brought me up on Monday and back home again on Friday. It was amazing practical support. That’s what they do for people,” said Kay.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Kay got “immense support” from those involved in the Clare 250 as well as from good neighbours, fam- ily and those who looked after her medically.

“IT could not have managed with- out their kindness, help, dignity and support,” she said.

Kay says after the trip, she was lucky to have the support of two friends in Tulla – Lavender Wright and Sr Celia – who had battled with cancer Six years previously.

“The coffee morning fund-raiser was my husband’s idea. This is pay- back as far as we are concerned for all the help we’ve been given by the Clare 250. Now it’s become an annu- al event and a real parish day – peo- ple come and have coffee, they bring the kids, we have a laugh and talk. It’s a real get-together day.”

The Clare 250 is currently also rais- ing money to build a Cancer Centre for Clare in Ruan.

The centre would provide a drop in place initially where people di- agnosed with the disease can go to talk, meet others and get support and advice.

The project is currently at the plan- ning permission stage.

CONTENTIOUS plans by a Galway- based company to construct a four- storey apartment block overlooking the 13th century Franciscan abbey in Ennis have been turned down.

An Bord Pleanala has upheld an Ennis Town Council decision that the development would detract from the special character and setting of the monument due to its scale, height and proximity to the abbey.

Four years ago, in the face of local opposition, Dwellblin Construction Ltd secured planning permission for 46 residential units on the site.

Last year the company lodged plans to construct the four storey apart-

ment block in the open space of the original development, adding 13 two bedroom apartments and one three bedroom townhouse.

Clare GAA County Board emerged as the most outspoken opponent against the scheme, despite not op- posing two previous planning appli- cations adjacent to the Abbey site.

In its appeal to An Bord Pleanala, Dwellblin argued that the height of the new block was consistent with the height of permitted development else- where on the appeal site and would not result in the material alteration or demolition of structures forming part of the Abbey monument. The devel- opers also claimed that the proposal would not have adverse implications

for the archaeological heritage.

The appeals board inspector rec- ommended that planning permission be refused and the board subsequent- ly ruled that the development would seriously detract from Ennis Friary. The board found that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The board also refused planning permission having regard to the site configuration, its generally narrow width and location adjoining a pro- tected structure. It stated that the proposal would represent an over development by reasons of exces- sive density, poor aspect and limited functionality of public open space

and shortfall in car parking.

The board order read: “The pro- posed development would, therefore, provide a poor standard of amenity to future residents, seriously injure the amenities of property in the vi- cinity and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable develop- ment of the area.”

The board also ruled that, having regard to the scale of the proposed development and the consequent de- mand for car parking provision, that the proposed development would give rise to on-street parking and tend to create serious traffic conges- tion which would endanger public safety by reason of obstruction of road users.

AN TAISCE and other groups have voiced opposition to plans to develop a small scale visitor centre to serve the recently opened Pol an Ionain cave in Doolin.

The cave contains what is reputedly the largest hanging free stalactite in the world.

Three years ago, John and Helen Browne, secured planning permis- sion to open the cave despite opposi- tion from An Taisce and the Pol an Jonain Action Group.

Since the cave opened, a bus has transferred visitors to the site from nearby Doolin. The original plan- ning application did not include the visitor centre which is described as a reception building that includes a shop, café and display area.

An Taisce Heritage Officer, Ian Lumley, stated that the application “warrants summary rejection”.

“It abrogates entirely the principle and consideration on which the pre- vious application was granted. The effect of the proposal would be to create a range of significant site im- pacts which would contravene the entire basis on which the previous consent was granted and the mitiga- tion measures contained in the en- vironmental impact statement for the scheme which form part of the legal

consent.”

Gabriel Casey of the Pol an Ionain Action Group claimed the applica- tion was “for a very large develop- ment” in a vulnerable, unspoilt area.

He suggests that the Pol an Ionain enterprise may threaten 103 jobs at Ailwee Cave, 13 miles away.

The Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI), which represents cavers and speleologists, has also objected cit- ing “the uniqueness of the great Sta- lactite and the need to be absolutely sure of its conservation.”

The SUI claims that “surface de- velopment will have an impact below ground. While we note that the cur- rent application includes a bio-cycle sewage treatment plant there seems to be no treatment for surface run-off water from the car park.

“Further development will inevita- bly lead to greater numbers of visi- tors with greater impact on the at- mosphere in the cave chamber with potential effects on the great stalac- tite.

“SUI is not opposed to showcave developments and indeed welcomes the education of the public about caves. However, we consider Pol an Jonain is not a suitable site for devel- opment because it is based on the de- velopment of one unique, irreplace- able feature and raises too many unnecessary threats to it”.

PROVING that education is about more than reading, writing and ‘rith- matic, students in the transition year in Scariff Community College have been throwing themselves – literally – into the wider learning experience.

The students have just finished a three-day stay in Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre in County Mayo. Outdoor cooking and dining were part of the experience.

The youngsters abandoned dry land for kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, gorge walking and raft building.

Back on terra firma they went hill walking, orienteering and abseiling.

‘The weather was in our favour and this along with the positive at- titude of everybody left us with great memories,’ said co-ordinator Liam Sie

On another outing, the students learned what happens when you get on the wrong side of the law.

They took part in a mock court tri- al conduced by Mr James Fahy, SC, and did a law examination certified by Dublin’s Portobello College.

aUCe NAUOMCOLUUM MD SM Sy IDONICM Lol MmCIAULO(ONAS see jury Selection, a criminal trial and they had a very sobering visit to the cells as well as alook inside the van that transports prisoners be- tween the court and the jail.

“Something I hope will be repeated only in a professional capacity,” said Liam Coyle.

“We witnessed the full cross-sec- tion of life,’ said one of the students.

“Court staff, especially Ned, were very helpful in explaining proceed- ings and we are grateful to them.”

The nineteen students have also passed first, second and third ECDL tests.

The transition year tour, with fifth years, is to Barcelona on March 12 and students are preparing for work experience.

A programme on health and life- style issues devised by college chap- lain, Geraldine Condren went ahead

during the winter months and later an evening for parents was arranged so that they could hear presentations from contributors to the programme and open doors for discussions, with their children on issues that had been eI SLe B

Students took part in discussion workshops on_ relationships and sexuality, including an information session on STIs, the contributor be- ing Dr Conor Magee; on emotional health handled by Gerry Dobbins of the Outreach Programme of the Samaritans, and on Christian values and young people, directed by Fr Brendan Quinlivan, college chap- FETEOe

reporter, Bernie English will be trav- elling with them to bring back first

hand reports of the sterling work be- ing done by Clare volunteers.

“We’re absolutely delighted. The building is fully plastered, the second coat of paint is going on inside and everyone is working flat out to have everything ready,” said Olive Halpin, one of the project organisers.

The 32 volunteers who are leaving from Cork on Thursday will be fol- lowed next week by Bishop of Killa- loe, Willie Walsh, who will perform the official opening.

On the ground, volunteers are con- tinuing to make heroic efforts, both as a group and as individuals, said Olive.

‘The bus picks the volunteers up at 6.30am and they hardly stop all day”, said Olive.

“They’re tired but we’re having great craic and what is being done

here is incredible. People have given rom releree lee

Some volunteers are even reluctant to go home once their time is done. Plumber, Gerry Leonard from Ruan has opted to stay another ten days to fit the bathrooms once the tilers have finished.

Meanwhile, the group preparing to leave on Friday will be leaving room in their suitcases – for toys for the children.

‘“We’ve been given a donation of toys to boring out because Sr Ethel starts now to prepare for Christmas with the children,’ said fellow organ- iser, Maureen McCarthy.

When the Lissycasey nun arrived in Missionvale more than twenty years ago, she had no buildings to work from and instead began reading to the children of the shanty towns un-

Clara ueee

Since then, the centre has grown and now feeds in excess of 2,000 people a day, provides schooling for the children of the township and brings what medical help is available to the many who have contracted the AIDS virus, which is pandemic in South Africa.

The new hospice will not only care for people in the terminal stages of the disease but will also be a health education centre, to help people man- age their health.

MILTOWN MALBAY is the Tir na nOg of Clare, and if you have any doubt you just have to count the number of nonagenarians in the lo- cality.

Last week seven of the 90 plus year olds gathered at the Seanoiri Laich- tin Naofa in the West Clare Family Recourse Centre.

After dinner and a few dances the 90-year-olds gathered around the ta- ble, some meeting for the first time – as they attend the day centre on different days, others were meeting again after 70 years.

The most senior of the group was Jim Joe Griffin from Coore who will be 94-years young on April 4.

As sacristan of the local Church for

38 years Jim Joe is a mine of infor- mation about all of the people of the area and all the major events in their Tere

‘ T was 72-years in the one profes- sion,’ said the retired farmer who proved quite popular among the women in the day care centre.

Laughter definitely is the medicine for longevity if the table of seven people with an age total of 639 years was anything to go by.

Among the jokers, was Martin Walsh from Creevagh, who played his cards very close to his chest.

The youthful Mr Walsh, 90 in Sep- tember, entertains his friends with an entertaining song.

Not to be out done 90-year-old sea- nachi Francie Connelly told one of his many yarns.

The man from Leeds, Miltown Malbay, is still farming and looked as fresh as a man in his early 60s.

He thought nothing of cutting turf with the slean last year, and one would be incorrect to think that age stopped him this year. No he simply ran out of bog.

“Td still sow a bit of tillage,” he Sr HLG

Francie points across that table to Bridie Carey from Creggane, Quilty, “sure that woman there use to have a turkey and chicken hatchery.”

Bridie who will be 92 years old in May and is originally from Killmur- ry Ibrickane remembered it well.

It was hard work raising the birds, before she sent them off to be killed.

PJ “The Doctor” Downes is look- ing forward to his 93rd birthday on

St Patrick’s Day.

The Kildimo man who inherited his nickname from his father – an expert in looking after calving cows, enjoys a laugh and some fun.

Some might even consider that PJ’s longevity comes from the water, be- cause living across the road from him and sitting across the table was Mary Hurley – 90 in April.

Mary Murrihy from Knockbrack was 90 last month. Mary lives at one of the area’s two milestones – that is two Irish miles she explained with a laugh.

The seven are just some of the peo- ple from the area that enjoy meeting in the resource centre to have lunch, chat, and be entertained by Joe Ryan on the keyboard and local popular musician Michael Mahoney.

THE countdown is officially on for the Clare first ever walking mara- thon, which takes place in the Bur- ROOM BODY ENYA

The Clare Burren Marathon Chal- lenge, which is being organised by the Ballyvaughan-Fanore Walking Club, will take place on Saturday May 24 and organisers are expecting a treat for enthusiast who can exper!i- ence first hand some of Ireland most SOUR UI DMCC OMA

The marathon was launched in the Burren Coast Hotel in Ballyvaughan last Friday evening and organis- ers are hoping to help attract new visitors to discover the beauty of the Burren.

“We have everything you could

want from a walking marathon – up- hill, cross county – everything you ol tIKe Me bele

“The majority of marathons are on the flat on roads, and that is a bit bor- ing after awhile,” said Kevin McCor- mack of the Ballyvaughan-Fanore Walking Club.

“It’s ust as tough as running a mar- athon. The runners are trained fro running and the walkers are trained for walking, it’s still more than 26 miles. It’s a big challenge all the wneales

“We have great scenary for this walk. We have Galway Bay, we have the Aran Islands – on a clear day you can actually see as far as the lakes in Connemara so it’s a great route for anyone who is interested in nature and sight seeing.”

The marathon will coincide with the Burren in Bloom Festival in Bal- lyvaughan and will start and finish in the Burren Coast Hotel in Bally- vaughan.

It will start at 8am and will go cross country through a variety of different landscapes before arriving in Fanore.

The walker will then return via Black Head and the Green Road and back into Ballyvaughan.

The Ballyvaughan-Fanore Walking Club was set up in 2006 and has al- ready some 80 members drawn from all over the country.

“IT was always a walker I suppose and I have been away for year, But when I came back to Fanore here I ended up walking by myself. I got fed up of that and decided that I

would try and start off a club,” con- tinued Kevin.

“This is the very first walking marathon in Clare as far as I know anyway. But they have these walk- ing marathons all over the world. We have the ideal place for walking here. We have the Burren, there 1s no location like it for walking anywhere in the world.”

For more information check out www.bally vaughanfanorewalking- club.com