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HEALTHIER living environments and significant savings on energy bills are on their way to Clare after it was announced that the county will be the subject of an EU-funded en- ergy efficiency audit during January.

The audit of the county’s social housing stock follows a Government pledge to acquire 9,000 social hous- ing units nationally in 2008.

The aim of the two-year project, Advanced Ventilation- Approaches for Social Housing (AVASH), is to determine the best ventilation strat- egy for existing social housing units in order to achieve maximum energy efficiency, occupant comfort and sig- nificant reductions in energy bills for householders.

All data collected will be analysed and presented to social housing pro- viders who are considering upgrad-

ing their social housing stock by performing energy intelligent retro- fitting of individual dwellings and entire schemes.

“Existing social housing units in Clare consume a large amount of energy for heating with significant emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels,” said Jay Stuart, who will lead the project.

“It’s important, therefore, to under- stand how the energy consumption

of existing dwellings can best be reduced whilst achieving a comfort- able and healthy environment for the occupants through good ventilation strategies.”

He also indicated that the audit would involve the assessment of a broad range of social housing, in- cluding family dwellings and dwell- ings for the elderly and the disabled.

“Advanced thermal imaging and pressure testing equipment will

be used to discover the state of the dwellings thermal insulation and lev- el of air tightness. Once this has been completed, computer simulations will be used to determine the best ventilation strategy for the dwelling type,’ he said.

Further information about the audit and Advanced Ventilation Approaches for Social Housing (AVASH) is available by emailing R.Southall@brighton.ac.uk

A NEW era for Clare GAA was ush- ered in at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis last Saturday as a new county

board executive was elected, while outgoing voluntary secretary Pat Fit- zgerald officially assumed the role in a full-time capacity.

Before a packed attendance, new

chairman Michael O’Neill looked to the future, while paying tribute to those who have gone before him. He

was formally proposed for the top job in Clare GAA by his Ballyea club-

mate Tom McInerney and seconded by Clondegad’s Seamus O’Reilly.

“We face major challenges ahead,” said O’Neill, “but we face them with energy and enthusiasm and I will not be found wanting when it comes to giving the level of leadership that is required for my position,’ he added.

“The best way forward is to draw up a Strategic plan that embraces all aspects of the GAA structures within the county. This plan will take a lit- tle time but it is vital to the future workings of the association within the county.

“Everything I have mentioned can only be achieved by inclusiveness. This means everyone having an input from grassroots level to county board and national level. Working together we can achieve our goals and I will no stone unturned in our quest for success on and off the field of play,” added O’Neill.

His vice-chairman for 2008 will be Lissycasey’s Johnny Hill — the out- going Development Officer defeated Tony O’Brien of Smith O’Briens by 99 votes to 69. In the two contests for positions on the executive, Ger Hickey from Feakle defeated Clare- castle’s Martin Reynolds by 131 to 34, while Corofin’s Tom Burke beat Domhnall O Loinsigh by 127 to 41 in the contest for Oifigeach Gaeilge. Burke, along with Michael O’Connor (Crusheen) and Ger Hickey make up the three new members of the county board executive for 2008.

CONTENTIOUS plans by voluntary housing organisation, RESPOND in Shannon, are now in doubt after Clare County Council refused to ex- tend the organisation more time to complete a 28-unit housing develop- ment in the town.

Five years ago, RESPOND secured planning permission for 28 homes in the face of strong local opposition. To date they have constructed eight two-bed bungalows and two three-

bed semi-detached houses out of the total proposed.

The housing association lodged an application to extend time to allow for the completion of the project.

However, a submission from the Combined Residents Association from Tullyvarraga Hill and Brook- fields claimed that the site had been landscaped and surrounded by a boundary fence, and the contractor had left the site some months ago.

“There is little likelihood that the work, involving as it does consider-

able civil and ground work, could be completed within a reasonable time. In our opinion, there is no justifica- tion for extending the perfectly ad- equate original period,” the residents Sr BKGE

‘Furthermore, the imminent 1m- plementation of plans to extend the town centre area, with commercial and residential developments, chang- es the whole basis of planning.

“The only sensible course is to re- ject the extension and for RESPOND to re-apply for planning in light of

the new circumstances.

“There is an adequate supply, even a surfeit of apartments in Shannon, which are intrinsically better, more attractive and cheaper than the pro- posed mini-blocks and to spend pub- lic money on such a project is unac- ceptable,” the residents’ submission maintained.

“In our opinion, the mini-blocks are of defective design, would not serve the needs of Shannon and would be an irresponsible use of public money. They would be intrusive and dimin-

ish the area visually and in quality of life and in value terms.”

A report from the council’s planning inspector said that an additional four years was sought by the applicants to complete the development and this was not a reasonable timeframe for the works to be completed.

The council ruled that the exten- sion be refused “as substantial works had not been carried out to date in accordance with Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000”.

ONE MORE beginning.

Just like last year, a fresh dawn will fall over Clare next weekend when the county footballers and hurlers begin their season under new man- agement.

Mike McNamara gets the opportu- nity to lead out his county on Sunday when the hurlers take on the Univer- sity of Limerick and Frank Doherty gets a taste of inter-county manage- ment with Clare as the footballers come up against University College Cork on the same day.

While results this early in the year won’t count for much in the summer and while Sunday, mainly, represents the chance to wipe the slate clean, two wins would lift a cloud that has lingered since Clare left the national scene at the height of summer.

Last year was one of the poorest in for the GAA in Clare at All Ireland level. The Tony Considine reign will be remembered for the wrong rea- sons — the spats, the county board interference and ultimately, the poor results.

To be fair, it wasn’t all negative. Philip Brennan, Kevin Dilleen and

Brendan Bugler all represent the fu- UN Ken ;

Under Paidi O Sé, Clare started well but came undone after their sec- ond league game. The defeat against Waterford represented the worst day in Clare football history and the de- mise of football in the county was copper-fastened by the withdrawal of three key players shortly before that game.

Again, the emerging talent, in the form of the Under 21s 1s there and it’s now about transferring that to some- thing meaningful at senior level.

That’s why decent showings this

winter are more important than they normally would be.

Neither the Waterford Crystal Cup nor the McGrath Cup will tempt numbers to the terraces in any mean- ingful way, but a decent run in both competitions would shine some sun on the situation in Clare.

Only the die hards will come out of hibernation on Sunday and all will hope to claim they were there on day one of the revolution. It remains to be seen if the uprising happens, but right now, at least, the only way is up.

YOU can show your support for the poorest of the poor on Christmas Day by taking part in the annual Goal Miles event at the Fairgereen in Ennis.

This fun-filled, worthwhile event is an integral part of the season of giv- ing for many thousands of generous people everywhere.

This is the 26th year of the event, with Goal Miles taking place at an unprecedented 65 locations na- tionwide — including nine brand-

new locations. The main event will take place in Dublin’s Belfield and is expected to attract 3,000 people on Christmas morning. But it is the impressive spread of Miles across the country that is the real source of pride for Goal.

Goal’s John O’Shea, who will at- tend the Belfield Mile, as always, says, “I’m urging every single person up and down the country to find their nearest Mile and take part.

“All you have to do is to turn up on the day, complete the Mile in your own time and style and then

make a donation to Goal. You can either make a personal donation or you can line up sponsorship from your friends and colleagues — it is entirely up to you what you do. The Goal Mile is a great opportunity to do something practical for the poor this Christmas,” he said.

Events this year hold a special sig- nificance, as the charity is celebrat- ing 30 years in operation.

Since 1977, the aid agency has spent more than €400 million in 50 countries, responding to virtu- ally every natural and man-made

disaster and implementing massive development programmes during ercLMm ab ealee

Goal’s outstanding success down through the years has been entirely dependant on the unflagging support of the Irish public.

This Christmas, the charity’s Goalies (volunteers) are working around the clock in 12 developing world countries throughout Africa, Asia and Central America, includ- ing Bangladesh, where the organi- sation is responding to November’s devastating Cyclone Sidr.

THE Clare Schoolboys Soccer League, the Munster Football Asso- ciation and the FAI have been writ- ten to this week by the St Pat’s club in Kilmihil, who have lodged a series of complaints over Saturday under 11 Clare Cup semi-final against Money- point.

In a hard-hitting letter, St Pat’s of- ficials Tom Egan, Derek Dolan and Tony Quinn have said when they travelled to Kilrush for the match they “had no idea of the horror which was to unfold”.

‘“Moneypoint managers and a large number of their fans invaded the pitch and verbally abused the referee in front of both sets of teams.

‘Foul and abusive language flowed

unchecked and disregarding the children listening. We gathered our children together to shield them from deh

‘“Moneypoint’s team seeing their parents managers etc abuse the ref- eree themselves began aiming foul language at him to cheers of encour- agement.

“Was this supposed to be a game for kids to enjoy or was it as Money- point’s supporters seemed to think it was life or death,” the letter adds.

Moneypoint won the game 4-3, but according to St Pats’ correspondence, the game descended into a farce in the second half.

“What followed was disgraceful. Our children some as young as eight were being threatened from the side- nase

“Two of our supporters who had children on the team were assaulted by a woman and were told to stand on the opposite side of the pitch.

‘The referee had to stop the game to try and restore order. Some of our boys were now in terror and had tears in their eyes.

“We had to bring any of our players playing on Moneypoint’s supporters side into the middle for their own safety which effectively meant that channel was now fully exposed.

“Having little regard of what was happening on the pitch and listening to foul threatening language from the sideline our team fell apart to howls of derision from Moneypoint Supporters.

“Trailing 4-3 and with ten min- utes remaining the referee told me

he would support us if we wanted to abandon the game. Under normal circumstances I would have said yes but my primary concern was to get our kids off the pitch safely and un- injured and abandoning the game would not have been well received and could have led to even more seri- ous scenarios.

“I agreed that at the games end we would gather our children over to our side straight away and wait for the supporters from Moneypoint to leave. At the final whistle we gath- ered our children and tried our best to comfort them. Losing is a part of growing up but losing like this is nothing short of disgraceful.

“One of Moneypoint’s club officials apologised for the terrible behaviour of their supporters to our lads. Did

he not have a duty to stop this type of behaviour?

Did he not realise that the Code of conduct for players, managers and supporters had all been broken. Were these Codes ever issued and if so were they not understood?

“Soccer at underage level is all about teaching kid’s basic skills and encouraging them to enjoy the game while maintaining good discipline and respecting their fellow players and opponents. When did that change to a win at all costs attitude regard- less of who you hurt in the process? Soccer suffered a terrible blow on Saturday,” the letter added.

The Clare Schoolboys Soccer League are awaiting the referees re- port on the game.

ENNIS woman Imelda King Kennedy has been appointed the national pub- lic relations officer for Soroptimist International in Ireland.

In her new role with the group, Ms Kennedy will be responsible for promoting the work carried out by the organisation around the country.

A long-time member of the Sorop- timists, Ms Kennedy has been in- volved with voluntary work for over 28 years.

Two years ago she released a CD entitled ‘Amazing Grace’ to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society

of Ireland. Apart from performing regularly with the Cathedral Choir in Ennis and the Clare Music Circle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, she practices a form of musical therapy known as Spirit of the Voice.

Ms Kennedy was elected to the position at the 2007 Soroptimists International Conference held in Harrowgate in Britain.

She explained that she is really looking forward to the challenge of the new job.

“There is a lot to the role and I am hoping that I will be up to the challenge. As public relations of- ficer I will be expected to project a

positive image of Soroptimist Inter- national as a professional, caring, committed and aware organisation. I will be working closely with the national association at all times. A big part of the job involves lobbying local politicians and businesses and talking in schools, community and voluntary groups,” she said.

Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists aim to create opportu- nities for women and girls by advo- cating for equity and equality.

Ms Kennedy also expressed her support for the women affected by the breast cancer scare at the Mid-

land Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

She said, “We would like to sympathise with the women who were involved in the recent breast cancer investigations. We sincerely hope that all their results will be favourable.

“It is our firm hope that proper breast check facilities will be rolled out to cover all areas in the country as every woman has the right to have a proper breast check service provid- ed as soon as possible,’ she added.

Soroptimist International has been in Clare for over 40 years and is actively involved in the promotion of education throughout the county.

CLARE ladies football celebrates 25 years in existence in 2008 and with new Chairman of the Clare ladies football county board, Johnny Hayes at the helm, the board hopes to pro- pel the sport forward significantly in the coming year. Hayes, who took temporary charge of the board after the resignation of James Lafferty in October, was ratified to the chair af- ter The Banner’s Paul McKenna and Fergus Rovers’ Mary Keane with- drew their nominations leaving the position open for the Fergus Rovers’ delegate Hayes.

In his speech following the ap- pointment, Hayes placed the provi- sion of a county field for Clare ladies

football as top of his priority list for the coming year. The new chairman also spoke out against the increas- ing threat of drink and drugs in Irish society and felt that everyone must work to eliminate that ‘evil threat’ before it causes serious long term problems for the clubs and games as a whole, stressing the need to support the headquarters promoted drug and alcohol prevention programme.

Mr Hayes also paid tribute to his predecessor James Lafferty who held the position for two years until his resignation in October.

Outgoing county secretary, Michael Fitzpatrick in his report to the delegates outlined the past year’s achievements in Clare ladies football. He praised the Clare U16

team on winning the All-Ireland B championship as well as the West Clare Gaels on their impressive and historic run to the All-Ireland Junior championship final, only losing out to Foxrock/Cabinteely a few weeks ago. He dwelt on the heartache suf- fered by the Clare Intermediate team in their second successive one point defeat in the All-Ireland semi-final and wished them better luck for the year ahead. Finally, he saved spe- cial praise for the work of everyone involved in the sport in Clare from team management, players, match officials, organisers, county board officers from all codes, sponsors and anyone who assisted and promoted the game in the past year.

The finances for 2007 were dealt

with by outgoing treasurer Christy O’Connor who gave a detailed report and of all the board’s funds during the year. At the beginning of the year, the board had an opening balance of €12,169.50. The income for 2007 was €98,626.68 while the overall ex- penditure came to €82,523.55, leav- ing a surplus including the opening balance of €28,272.63.

The income was broken down fur- ther by O’Connor who revealed the main source of revenue was from church gate collections (€9,193.78), race night (€14,088), Flag day (€2,360) and a bucket collection (€2,480) while the main expenses were the central council registration costs (€31,278), Clare Intermediate team (€18,273.55) and the Under 16

B team (€6,898,55).

SINCE the opening of the library building in Scariff last month, hun- dreds of new members have signed up to rediscover the joy of reading.

The library staff are delighted, if a little overwhelmed, with the re- sponse from the public to the airy, state of the art new facility.

‘“We’ve been inundated. It’s amaz- ing,’ said Senior Librarian, Caroline Ahearne.

“We have had literally hundreds of new members joining and a lot of people whose memberships had lapsed have come back to us.”

SU slomebbeKnoi(omrI MBE: bla Comers mmnats new library, which shares it’s home with Clare County Council’s new

offices, 1s tremendous, Caroline ex- plained.

“In the temporary building, the li- brary was only open 18 hours a week – noW we open more than 50 hours, with two late evenings until 8pm and people find Saturday opening from 10am to 2pm good. They can come when the children are off school.”

The new building is home to 20,000 books, a huge leap in the book stock for the Scariff facility, eight internet connected PC’s and a whole range of music and film DVD’s which were never available before.

Photocopying facilities and a full range of newspapers, magazines and other publications are also available.

Last week, the library played host to Christmas storytime, craft and

games sessions for youngsters who came along to enjoy the fun and make their own Christmas cards.

The four full time and one part- time staff who have been brought on board to up the staffing from one part-timer all hope to see many more of these activities in the com- ing months.

“We have an exhibition space so were hoping to stage exhibitions,’ said Caroline. “And we have room for things like regular arts and crafts classes and storytelling so there will be a whole new programme to look ICO) ays: 0 Kem One

In addition to visiting the library, people will also be able to take ad- vantage of the council offices being in the same building to pay bills, col-

lect forms and get information on is- sues such as planning.

“It’s a very exciting new start and we re looking forward to having lots more events for people to attend here as well as welcoming new members,’ said Caroline.

The library will close at 3pm on Friday, December 21 and will re- open on Friday, December 28 at 10 am. They are closing for New Year at Spm on Monday, December 31 and re-opening on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 10 am.

Telephone 061-922893 for details.

CALLS for the abolition of the In- terprovincial Championships in hurling and football are never to far away, but another Clare loyalist has emerged in the shape of Pat Fitzger- ald. The new full-time secretary, Pat Fitzgerald, added his voice to those supporting the competition that dates from 1927.

At this Saturday’s convention, Fit- zgerald, lauded the efforts of Coora- clare man Martin Donnelly at reviv-

ing interest in a competition in recent years through sponsorship to the tune of €500,000.

“The enduring appeal of the Rail- way Cup, or the Martin Donnelly sponsored inter-provincial champion- ships as it’s now known, was placed very much in the spotlight this year with the decision of the GAA hierar- chy to stage the finals under lights at Croke Park,’ Fitzgerald told the an- nual convention.

“The finals were back in a changed environment of GAA headquarters

for the first time

since 1995 and as one who has been particularly sceptical of the Associa- tion’s direction in trying to revive interest in the competition, I have to admit that this year they almost got Lime reanle

“Almost, I say, because with a more orchestrated and better market- ing campaign, the attendance could have been appreciably more that the 10,000 spectators who went through the turnstiles. At that, it was signifi- cant in that it represented the larg-

est attendance at the finals in some thirty years.

That was the encouraging aspect, a heartening indication of a potential resurgence in interest 1n a competi- tion which provides us with a rich sporting legacy. Gone was the public apathy. Had the GAA more time than a mere five days to engage in a sus- tained public relations exercise, the attendance could have been swelled ehKerorm ene) AYA

“Sponsor Martin Donnelly, who has bank rolled the competition for the

past five years, deserves that at least. He said that this year was a missed Opportunity in that he had planned on marketing the event through Cu- mann na mBunscoil, filling the sta- dium with enthusiastic children and donating the proceeds to charity,” added Fitzgerald.