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THE promotion of equality and in- clusion are among the key priori- ties identified by the new head of the Shannon Family Resource Centre.

Marie Rowland, who has recently taken up the post as co-ordinator of the centre, has pointed to a few ar- eas of significance for the people of Ser veneceyee

Chief among these will be her aim of ensuring the people of the town are welcomed at the centre at all mn eeleky

“There are a few key areas, includ- ing the development of relationships with the local community and the provision of appropriate support needs,” she said.

“The aim is also to highlight in-

equality and social exclusion,’ add- ed Ms Rowland, who is a native of Cork.

She is also keen to play a role in the provision of training in childcare and education and to network with vari- ous organisations in Shannon.

‘Networking is all about going out and meeting the people in the com- munity and making the service more user friendly,” she said.

The Family Resource Centre is situated in the Respond Centre at Ri- neanna View.

The centre offers a wide range of support for families and runs vari- ous initiatives including a parent- and-toddler group, Traveller health initiative, personal development programmes and out-of-school pilot development schemes.

Its out-of-schools programme takes place two afternoons a week and a parent-and-toddler group meets two mornings a week.

Ms Rowland is also involved with the town’s multicultural group ‘Le Chéile na Sionna’ which was set up last year.

The group consists of members from several countries. Ms Rowland is hoping to play a role in ensur- ing the group expands and receives funding.

She also has many other ambitious plans for the resource centre.

“Iam hoping to have a drop-in computer facility and will start a painting group, homework club and a sports club for young people with disabilities,” she said.

The appointment of Ms Rowland

will be followed shortly by the re- cruitment of a community develop- ment worker.

Currently Ms Rowland works alongside an administrator and a part-time co-ordinator for out-of- schools projects.

Having previously worked with Shannon Youth Service and with the Southill Community Training Centre in Limerick, Ms Rowland is anticipating the challenges which lie ahead in her new post. She believes she has one vital asset, initially – her office.

“We have a great resource here, in the building,” she said.

THE quest for quiz glory began again in north Clare last week when a team from Doolin National School won their way through to the re- gional final of the All-Ireland Credit Union Quiz.

The quiz, which is the largest sin- gle quiz to take place in Ireland this year, has been dominated in recent years by teams from the north of the

county with Lisdoonvarna National School taking the national title in paul eToys

Indeed this year’s Doolin team will include one member of the Lisdoon- varna National School team which represented Munster at last year’s All-Ireland competition.

“Last weeks quiz was against kids in fifth and sixth class from around the county,” said Orla Burke from Doolin.

“I was in the Lisdoonvarna team last year who made it to the All-Ire- land final. It was great fun so hope- fully we can do well again this year and maybe even make it to the All- Ireland again.”

While Orla had the experience of last years competition, for fellow sixth class student, David Sims, this was his first taste of competitive quizzing.

“Some of the questions were really

hard but some of the other ones were okay,’ he said.

“This was my first year being in- volved in the quiz. The heat took place down in Ennistymon and there was 53 other teams from all over tak- ing part.”

For the third member of the team Keelan McMahon, liking subjects is the best way of studying them.

“T like geography and history and the capitals of all the countries a lot,” he said.

“I liked the sports questions as well. I think that it’s easier to study the subject you like so I really liked the sports questions.”

The youngest member of the team was David Nagle, who is the only fifth class pupil in the group.

‘After this we are going down to Limerick in March and if we do well there we will be going up to Dublin for the All-Ireland,” he said.

“There will be one or two other teams from Clare in the Limerick competition as well as loads of teams from all around Munster. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Limerick Regional Final will take place on March 3 with the best two teams going forward to the All Ireland. More than 25,000 children from north and south of the border will compete in this years competi- nt

CLARE hurler and cancer fund- raiser Tony Griffin has been named the 2007 Clare People/Darren Hayes Sportstar of the Year. Griffin, from Ballyea, was awarded the top prize in recognition of his epic cycle across Canada last summer as part of his fundraising efforts to help in the fight against cancer.

Griffin edged out William Loughnane, Ciara Pender and Mar- cus Horan for the top prize, which includes the use of a Mitsubishi car for the year. A phenomenal number of votes were cast by the public and these were tallied alongside the vote of the Clare People sports team and sponsor Darren Hayes of Hayes En- nis in order to choose the overall BUONO Cede

Speaking from Canada on Monday, Griffin said he was delighted with the award.

“It’s an amazing honour,” he said. “TI looked at the eleven other names who were up for the Sportstar of the Year and there were some very de- serving athletes up there. I’m hum- bled to win it.”

At the moment, Griffin is nearing the end of his studies at Dalhouse University in Nova Scotia and once hie end of year exams are completed,

he will return to Clare on a full-time basis. A thesis concerning the af- fect mood has on pain — including daily laboratory tests involving will- ing participants and freezing water – takes up most of his waking hours but thoughts of hurling and Tony

Griffin Foundation plans are always in the background.

“Tl be finished my exams in April and the plan is to return home on April 17. I might take a short break but then it’s straight back into hurling mecpnepe tee

“It’s been snowing solidly here for the past while and I’ve been told that it’s the hardest snow for about two decades. It means that finding a place to hurl is a challenge. Last week, the snow began disappearing so myself and a guy from Gort went out onto

the soccer field for a few pucks, but soon enough it started to snow again. So the hurling has been curtailed for a while.”

He says he was heartened on hear- ing Clare’s result against Galway on Sunday.

‘““My mother phoned me a few min- utes after the full-time whistle blew and it was great to hear Clare scored so much. I think things are positive in the Clare hurling camp at the mo- ment. I was fortunate enough to have a look at the set-up when I was home in the winter and it’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it again.”

To date, over €450,000 has been raised by Griffin with three major charities reaping the awards. All money raised is split equally be- tween the Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society.

“People in Clare were extremely responsive to the project from day one, but even after the publicity has died down, they’re still supporting the Tony Griffin Foundation and that’s great to see. I’d like to thank deloyen mre 0 0 ae

TALKS over a timetable for pedes- trianisation in Ennis will get under- way at the end of the month.

It follows yesterday’s monthly meet- ing of Ennis Town Council where the results of a survey carried out on December 20, 21 and 22 revealed a largely favourable response to pedes- trianisation in Ennis at Christmas.

The survey, carried out for Ennis Town Council by Amarach research, found that between 79-81 per cent of respondents indicated that pedes- triaisation was a good idea in each

of the four areas surveyed. The four areas surveyed were Abbey Street, O’Connell Street, O’Connell Square and Lower Market Street.

Town Clerk Eddie Power said he expected talks between Ennis Town Council and the local business com- munity would resume at the end of February. “The next stage would be to meet with traders from the areas to see when and what days would be the most suitable. I would suggest a meeting take place in February with a final report to be presented at the March meeting,” he said.

The survey found that the principal

reasons given by those who viewed pedestrianisation positively was that it improved safety (58 per cent), cre- ated a more pleasant atmosphere (38 per cent) and that it would be easier to get around (37 per cent). Some 41 per cent of those surveyed cited this as a reason. 273 people were polled for this section of the survey.

46 per cent respondents felt that parking facilities were conveniently located and facilitate shopping in Ennis. However, this opinion var- ies between drivers and non-drivers, with just 35 per cent of drivers agree- ing with the convenience of parking

facilities.

The key reasons given by those who view pedestrianisation nega- tively were concerns about vehicular access to the streets, concerns about getting around and concerns about access to shops and banks.

96 per cent of respondents felt their frequency of shopping would not de- crease, with 36 per cent indicating they would shop more often in Ennis should the streets be pedestrianised.

SW ilo Kom sku hd ucoeelo NL MBDOMMAOlomeler-Nene ber that the introduction of pedestri- anisation was now a matter of “when’ and not ‘if’.

STUDENTS from Colaiste Muire will head next week to Dublin to take part in the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras Festival.

Rehersals are already well under- way at Harmony Row, Ennis for the event which takes place on Febru- ary 9 at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

The also get the rare opportunity to receive one on one specialist tuition from the renowned American con- ductor and arranger Sandra Dackow.

An annual American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

(ASCAP), award winning arranger, Dr Dackow has generated over sev- enty published works for orchestras and is an author of the Orchestra Ex- pressions curriculum.

She is active as a guest conduc- tor, adjudicator and clinician across the nation and Canada, in England, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ukraine, South Africa and throughout Aus- tralia and Ireland

The event is part of the annual youth orchestra festival that features the best ensembles in the state. In a unique collaboration, Colaiste Muire will play with two schools from Lein- ster in an all Mozart programme.

The orchestra has a busy time in February as they will host a visit by guest conductor, Malcolm Greene, director of Limerick Choral Union and cellist with the Dolmen String Quartet for an afternoon workshop at Colaiste Muire

The Colaiste Muire’s orchestra is growing rapidly. Its ranks were boosted this year with the addition of a bank of cellos and double basses as part of the Board of Management’s and principal Jean Pound’s policy of investment in music.

Orchestra director Cathy Des- mond has initiated a novel cello & double bass programme to enhance

the orchestra and to encourage more students to experience ensemble playing.

The orchestra members range from prize-winning music students to be- ginners. It is open to students of all Ao ise

The orchestra plays at a range of events in the school and recently received an enthusiastic reception from residents and staff at Carigoran House nursing home in Newmar- ket-on-Fergus. Future plans include a chamber music workshop to en- courage ensemble playing in smaller eroups and a collaboration with the school choir.

ANIMAL health issues were high on the agenda at an IFA meeting in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture held in Ennis last week.

Silom rnleoeelcmm Yen Oemue mo ar-sbusem ey Seamus Murphy, Clare IFA County Chairman, included guest speakers James Hannon, Senior Veterinary Inspector; Aileen Tighe and Mary Bourke, Veterinary Inspectors of En- nis DVO.

James Hannon’s_ presentation showed that there were 88 more herds restricted in 2007 than 2006. There were also 1,117 more cattle removed from Clare herds in 2007 than in 2006.

Farmers were not alarmed by these figures, according to Seamus Mur- phy, as TB is becoming an epidemic in some parts of the county.

The senior inspector said that farm- ers have to make every effort to pre- vent interaction between wildlife and cattle. This can be done by making water-feeding troughs inaccessible to badgers and by fencing off badger sets.

Farmer assistance is vital in the badger removal programme and farmers need to respond to the let- ter when a survey is being carried out, talk to neighbours and gather as much information as you can.

Full cooperation between all par- ties involved will help reduce the

incidences of TB in the county, the chief inspector said.

Aileen Tighe gave a detailed and informative presentation on BVD with regard to transmission and sources of BVD, BVD infection dur- ing gestation and the keys to control- ling BVD.

In summary, Aileen said that con- trol of infection relies on identifica- tion and culling of PI animals from the herd.

Vaccination must continue once started, good bio security and closed or test and quarantine of replace- ments.

Mary Bourke, Veterinary Inspec- tor of DVO Ennis gave a presentation on Johnes disease. This included the

history, symptoms, how and when do cattle become infected, risk factors and consequences of infection.

Some of the control factors include improved hygiene at calving time and at calf feeding times in dairy herds, do not pool colostrums and to take care when purchasing replacement stocks said Mary Bourke.

James O’ Keeffe, who is head of the Department of Agriculture Wildlife Project Unit, and Michael O’Flynn, Chairperson of the IFA Animal Health Committee answered many questions from the floor regarding TB issues in the county.

Seamus Murphy closed the meeting and he thanked the large gathering for their participation.

ALLEGATIONS were levelled yes- terday that the Ennis Town Manager hid information pertaining to pro- posed development at the Post Office nCOAKG

At Monday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Green Party council- lor Donal O’Bearra accused Town Manager, Tom Coughlan of not shar- ing information collected in a report compiled last year.

After Cllr O’Bearra and Fine Gael

councillor, Johnny Flynn co-tabled a motion calling for a cost benefit anal- ysis prior to any development taking place at the field, Mr Coughlan said a study about the viability of such a project had already been completed.

Cllr O’ Bearra said, “I find it bizarre to say the least. What’s the point of me asking for a cost-benefit analysis when the manager has hidden infor- mation? You said you would keep us informed and I think that is relevant information.”

Mr Coughlan replied, “I was going

to bring all the information when a decision had to be made.”

Cllr O’Bearra said, “I consider that bad judgement on your behalf.”

Mr Coughlan rejected the accusa- tion he had withheld the information from the council and said he would forward copies of the report to all councillors.

The independent study, carried out by Hughes and Roll associates, found there were significant obstacles to re- developing the existing site of the De Valera Public library in Ennis.

It also recommended an infill sec- tion of the Post Office field, located between the post office and St Co- lumba’s church, as the most commer- cially viable site for any new library OlAVolley evento

Mr Coughlan stated that without the sale of the De Valera library, it was unlikely a new library would be event

He said, “It’s an unrealistic assump- tion that it could happen elsewhere.”

Following a lengthy and at times intense debate, members proposed that consultants be engaged to draw up a master plan setting out potential OCSAIeA Co) oy ea erslmr-lmm i elomSI COR

Fianna Fail councillor, Joe Reidy said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s going ahead. It’s a pity people are changing their minds.”

Fine Gael councillor, Johnny Flynn said he had raised concerns when the project was first mooted about the sale of the original library site.

Fine Gael councillor, Mary Coote Ryan called for a report into the potential effect of construction on flooding.

Town Engineer, Tom Tiernan said a previous flooding report had found the proposed infill section of the field had a “miniscule” effect on flood eynlnKeye

Independent councillor Taiwoo Matthew requested more information on the level of funding available.

FINDING hotel rooms for more than 100 cats is not a job most people would relish.

But for two ladies from Killaloe, it’s a labour of love. Carmel Byrne and Shirley Ward of the Midlands Cat Club have been doing their bit in staging the club’s annual show for the last ten years

Shirley is chairwoman of the club and Carmel is show organiser and, says Carmel, the show gets bigger and better every year.

“This year we have more than 100 cats and they are coming from all

over Ireland and the UK,” said Car- mel. Siamese, Ballinese, Bengals, Burmese, Snowshoes, Abysinni- ans, long-haired, short-haired, lilac brown, chocolate and plain old love- able household pets – the show has a place for all of them.

Carmel got involved with cats af- ter a friend gave her a present of a Tonkinese. “I thought I should get a little friend for him, a Ballinese and I started entering shows. Well, he took first prize and never came second af- ter that.”

Carmel still has Rossie, her cham- pion cat, who is now II years old but she doesn’t enter her own cats in

shows anymore.

“After a while I got involved in helping to oranise shows and from there I became show organiser. Peo- ple organising don’t enter their cats, it wouldn’t be seen as fair.”

On the subject of booking hotel rooms for cats, Carmel can’t say enough about the Kilmurray Lodge Hotel in Castletroy, where the show has been staged for five years now.

“They are absolutely fabulous to us and can’t do enough. They ac- commodate cats and owners and not every hotel will do that. They’re so efficient that all I have to do is to put names on the rooms.”

Carmel explained that owners do their bit to keep the good will of ho- tels by ensuring that the feline stars stay in the bathroom for the dura- nO)

The show is sponsored by Royal Canin pet food manufacturers and it goes ahead this year on Sunday, February 17. It’s open to the public from 12.30pm to 5pm and anyone interested in entering can get details from Carmel on 065 6821616.

“We have been very happy with the people here,’ he said. “In the first nine months we have gone from zero to 30 billion US dollars in assets, and from 19 to 91 employees.”

The Northern Trust Corporation 1s one of the world’s leading financial services institutions.

It provides asset servicing, asset

management, wealth management, and banking solutions to institution- al and personal investors throughout the world. Founded in Chicago in

1889, it is a top ten asset manager by assets under management.

It is a leading fund administrator in Europe and one of the largest per-

sonal wealth managers in the United States.

Northern Trust describes the Lim- erick office as a growth centre in Ire- land in mutual fund administration, CCF (Common Contractual Fund) administration and alternative fund administration, supporting Northern Trust’s fund clients in Ireland and around the world.

The corporation set up a fund serv- ices division in Dublin in 2000, and already has 500 people employed there. The establishment of this sec- ond operation in the mid west, with the potential to create up to 300 high level positions, was announced by IDA Ireland in September 2006.

The office, which is in Block 2, Hamilton House, Plassey Technol- ogy Park, was officially opened by Michael Ahern, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“The mid-west region 1s a very at- tractive location for multinational companies to establish a base, with

a strong community support for business and the availability of high quality graduates and skilled people, as well as a wide choice of property solutions supported by an interna- tional standard infrastructure and an excellent quality of life for all,” said WW Gtimaueoure

Mr Osborn added that Northern Trust was delighted with the sup- port and encouragement from IDA Ireland and the local and business community.

learned yesterday that Mr Daffy’s generosity helped prevent two of Clare’s most illustrious soccer clubs from going out of business.

“But for Gerry, both Lifford and Avenue would have found it very hard to keep going. We had nowhere else to go and without him helping us out with a venue we probably would have hit the wall. Lifford owes him a big debth of gratitude,” said John O’ Neill of Lifford FC.

At his funeral on Sunday a horse- back guard of honour was formed by the Turkey Trotters, the Clare Hounds and fellow volunteers from

Hope Project. The last post on bugle was sounded by James Carmody.

A churchgate collection which Gerry had arranged before his death went ahead on Sunday and raised more than €4,000.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Clonlara

native William Quane was one of four people killed in a road traffic ac- cident on the N7 between Borris-in- Ossory and Roscrea. Mr Quane was on his way to the Ireland-Italy rugby match when the accident took place. His friend Séan O’ Donoghue from

Limerick was also killed in the ac- cident as was Polish man David Dziemianowicz and Italian woman Marika Rossi.