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AER Lingus is flying in the face of commercial logic, according to the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance (ACA).

The Alliance has claimed in its re- port on the commercial analysis of the removal of the Heathrow slots from Shannon to Heathrow shows a complete absence of any business ecle(eyeted e

The ACA’s findings show that Bel- fast-Heathrow passenger traffic has dropped alarmingly in recent years.

The ACA compiled its report fol- lowing its analysis of the Interde- partmental Report into the Shannon- Heathrow issue.

Statistics show that the region on

this island with by far the greatest fall-off in traffic on Heathrow routes is the Belfast region, where passen- ger traffic has dropped by 43 per cent in the years 2000 to 2006.

During the same period traffic vol- umes in Shannon grew by 6.3 per cent while Dublin dropped by 10.9 per cent and Cork increased by 9.0 percent.

In 2000, more than 1.6 million people were flying from Belfast to Heathrow. That has now decreased to 425,516.

In the same period, the Shannon passenger figures grew from 303,937 Kee Pelee

The ACA, in its analysis, found that Belfast share of total Ireland-Heath- row traffic has fallen from 28.5 per

cent in 2000 to 19.5 per cent in 2006. At the same time, the Shannon share of Heathrow traffic grew from 7.4 per cent to 9.5 per cent.

“How then can the (Interdepart- mental) report possibly determine that the Belfast-Heathrow option could constitute a valuable commer- cial opportunity and that Shannon- Heathrow is underperforming?” the ACA report asks.

“It may be the case that there are Opportunities to develop commer- cially viable routes from Belfast Al- dergrove (16 miles outside Belfast) for Aer Lingus but Heathrow is not one of them given that the city is already served in this market by a strong incumbent carrier (BMI with eight daily Belfast City Airport serv-

ices to and from Heathrow).”

The report also points out that there is already an established carrier (BMI) on the route operating from Belfast City Airport, which is more attractive for higher yielding busi- ness travellers.

“Aer Lingus will be offering an in- ferior product to the incumbent car- rier with half the number of daily flights from an airport that is less convenient than the alternative locat- ed closer to the city centre,” the ACA report said.

“Furthermore, to replace its lost traffic on Shannon-Heathrow (320,000 passengers), Aer Lingus will have to capture almost half of the current Belfast-Heathrow market with an inferior product offering.”

that the programme for the west “is nearly there.”

The doors in the Galway and Cork Breastcheck clinic will be opening soon, she said, with a lot of the 100 jobs already filled.

Although recruitment is ongoing a unit manager and a clinic director has been appointed to Galway and Cork. There will be 50 staff per unit.

Breastcheck was not able to con- firm when the first Clare woman would be screened. The screening schedule will be announced one month in advance for the following three months.

The Breastcheck unit for the west will be based in the University Hos- pital Galway, which will accommo- date both the base for the west and the existing symptomatic breast dis- ease service in UHG.

In addition to its base in Galway, Breastcheck will have three mobile screening vehicles covering coun- ties Clare, Tipperary North, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.

Almost 58,000 women in this re- gion, aged between 50 to 64 years, will avail of this service on a two- year cycle.

Health experts expect a 70 per cent up take in Clare, with more rural than urban women taking part in the screening.

Approximately five per cent of the women screened will require further assessment and approximately one per cent will require surgery.

Breastcheck screening commenced on a phased basis in 2000 and now covers the East, North East, South East and Midlands.

In March 2005 the Minister for Health Mary Harney gave Breastch-

eck the go ahead for a €25 million programme to extend breast screen- ing to the rest of the country.

Clare Country Councillor and council representative on the HSE forum Brian Meaney (GP) told

THE Western Yacht Club in Kilrush is mid-way through its “October Se- ries” following a year of success on the high seas.

With “Chieftain” named Yacht of the Year and “The Spirit of Kil- rush” coming in second behind the Ger O’Rourke Chietain yacht in the Round Ireland Yacht Race last year – the profile of the 180 year old club has grown enormously.

This year’s Shannon Ferry Group

Western Yacht Club October Series is also proving very successful.

The series began on October 7 and will conclude in Saturday, October PAR

This is the final event of the Du- barry WIORA super league for yacht clubs.

The Rinvella Plate will be awarded to the yacht, which in the opinion of the race committee has given the best performance of all yachts in the series under the IRC system.

Overall prizes will be presented at

the WYC dinner on Saturday, Octo- ber 27 at the Harbour Restaurant.

The first race of the series took place in what was described as ideal conditions, clear blue skies and 10- knot force three south winds.

A total of 16 yachts participated from Clifden Boat Club, Tarbert Sailing Club, Foynes Yacht Club and of course the home club – Western Yacht Club.

“The officer of the day, Commo- dore Randal Counihan set a chal- lenging course west of Scattery Is-

land for the four classes which tested their sailing techniques to the limit. The weather conditions were favour- able and two races were held,’ said PRO of the club Charles Glynn.

The Western Yacht Club is based in the Kilrush Marina, which provides 120 pontoon berths, which has excel- lent facilities for all its visitors.

The yacht club will celebrate its 180th birthday shortly after Christ- mas as it was established at a special meeting in the area on February 6, ReW2on

JUST after Mike McNamara finished his address to the board, Clare’s new football manager, Frank Doherty highlighted the challenge that lies ahead of him next season. Along with Kieran Kelleher and James Hanrahan, Doherty reckons Clare football has the right men to guide the ship but he realises some choppy waters are in Store.

“Clare football 1s down and has been down for the last few years and I don’t need to talk about that. It’s all been said before. The only way to go is forward and up. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be a battle that I look forward to because I have never walked away from a challenge or battle before. And we’re going to try and drive it as best forward as we can, we are going to leave no stone unturned in relation to looking for the talent that’s out there.”

He added that the presence of Kel- leher and Hanrahan and their knowl- edge of the club scene in the county will be a huge addition but like Mc- Namara, he recognises the value in having the correct stepping stones in je eleen

“T think that it’s vitally important in the football side of things to have proper structures because if we don’t address that now, the conveyor belt is going to stop. It’s hugely important for the underage players and I’ve al- ready spoken to the county board in relation to that.

We have our programmes laid out, we have lads put into position and we will give them as best as we possibly

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A MAN who died suddenly at his Ennis home had an enlarged heart, three times normal weight.

Brendan Corcoran (53), a native of Mayo, died at his home at Bishop’s Court on May 17 last. At Ennis Cor- oner’s Court last week, Brendan’s

brother Gerry recalled last seeing him at around 8.45am that morning. He said Brendan, a part-time busi- nessman, had been in “good form”’.

Some 12 hours later, Gerry re- turned home. Brendan was in the kitchen. He called out his name but did not get a response. He touched his forehead and it was cold.

The emergency services were con- tacted and Mr Corcoran was pro- nounced dead at 10.20pm that night.

Garda Michael Sweeney told the inquest he received a call to go to the Corcoran home. When he arrived at the scene, the body of Brendan Corc- oran was lying on the kitchen floor.

Pathologist Dr Peter Fawl carried

out a post mortem examination on the deceased’s body, at Limerick Re- gional Hospital, on May 19.

He said the level of alcohol in his blood was “extremely high” and also noted that his heart was enlarged.

He said, in his opinion, death was due to acute cardiac failure, second- ary to heart disease and coronary

heart disease, in association with the levels of alcohol. “His heart was approximately three times normal weight. That would be the most sig- nificant factor here,’ said Dr Fawl.

Coroner Isobel O’Dea said she felt that the appropriate verdict was in accordance with medical evidence and the jury agreed with this.

KILRUSH Town Council is to hon- our one of the town’s daughters when they welcome the mayor of Clare to its December meeting.

Councillor Patricia McCarthy (Ind), a native of the west Clare capital 1s to be guest of honour at the last meeting of the year.

News of her attendance was greeted with unanimous good wishes by the members of the council, but the father of the council Cllr Jack Nolan (Ind) was not happy with one of the pre- vious chairpersons of Clare County Council visiting a Kilrush meeting.

Cllr Nolan said that when he was

chairman of the town council the then chairman of the county council, who is now a Clare TD, was invited to attend.

The longest serving member of the town council said he would not be happy to see junior Minister Tony Killeen visit the town council criti- cising his response to the removal of the Shannon Heathrow slots to Bel- jee

“Tam very disappointed in our Dail representatives that they have not put their shoulder to the wheel for Shan- non. It was not the shareholders that elected them, it wasn’t Bertie Ahern, it was us – the people,’ said Cllr No- Eten

Cllr Nolan said he was delighted that Cllr McCarthy had agreed to at- tend the meeting however.

“T have never seen anyone lead a council like Patricia,” he said.

Cllr Tom Prenderville (FF) said Kilrush was very proud of all its citi- zens and particularly those who had made outstanding contributions to the native place.

“Tt would be fitting for this council to honour the Mayor of Clare Pa- tricia McCarthy. As well as being bred, born and reared in the town, Patricia has never lost her great gra for Kilrush. Although now domicile in Shannon where she has given a lifetime of public service to Shan-

non Town Council and Clare County Council, Patricia has never forgotten her roots.”

Cllr Prenderville and Clare’s first citizen were both pupils at the Con- vent of Mercy in Kilrush at the same wbealee

“As a public representative, Patricia has earned a reputation for her fear- less service on behalf of her constitu- ents. She is a credit to Kilrush and to Clare and as mayor of Clare she has been to the fore in articulating issues that affect the general public,” said Cllr Prenderville.

Cllr Christy O’Malley (FF) de- scribed mayor McCarthy as an advo- cate of the major issues of the day.

A MAN tragically lost his life after he fell from a roof, while painting a friend’s house in Kilfenora.

James Howard (55), of Ballybreen, Kilfenora, died from head injuries, as aresult of a fall at a house on July 31 last.

At Ennis Coroner’s Court last week, Mary Greene said her son Martin had hired Mr Howard to paint his

house, on July 30 last.

The following day she was passing the yard when she thought she heard James on the phone. A short time later, she passed by and saw James lying in a pool of blood.

“What I thought was James talking on the phone was him moaning,” she recalled.

She attempted to put him in the re- covery position. “I did everything I could,” she said.

The deceased’s widow said he had left for work at 8.30am on July 31. He had been due to return home at mid- day as they were to go to the races.

However he did not return home and several attempts to contact him on his mobile phone failed.

Mrs Howard received a call at tea- time that evening, indicating that her husband had been in a bad accident.

He was on a life support machine and died on August 2.

Pathologist Dr Peter Fawl carried out an autopsy on Mr Howard’s body at Limerick Regional Hospital, on August 4.

He said death was due to head in- juries and skull fractures, consistent with having fallen from a height.

Coroner Isobel O’Dea said the ap- propriate verdict was one of acci- dental death and the jury brought in this verdict. Solicitor for the Howard family, Marie Keane said the acci- dent was “very tragic and took the life of a very kind and decent man”’.

‘He will be a terrible loss to his family and all who knew him,” said Ms Keane.

A KILRUSH councillor has called on the minister for education and sci- ence and the minister for transport to introduce a module on road safety on the SPHE curriculum in second level schools.

Councillor Collie Sweeney (in- dependent) claims that the module could help save lives, as the number of young people being killed on the country’s roads is an unacceptable tragedy.

The town councillor said that fig-

ures he received from the depart- ment of transport showed that more young men and women are dying on the road than any other category.

Between 2001 and 2005 fifty 16 to 20-year-olds were killed in traffic ac- cidents. As many as 30 people aged between 21 and 25 lost their lives in the same manner during the same period of time.

““Itis time to get the message home,” said Cllr Sweeney and he maintain the best way to do that is through the schools.

“On our news bulletins we are

treated to a daily dose of carnage and human self destruction on our roads. Have we grown indifferent to the number of young men in particular who are fatally injured on our roads and whose deaths bring huge tragedy and loss to their families,” he said. “This year alone 253 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. Almost 100 of these relate to young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Even those who do survive will be wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives. Those who are maimed and in- jured are placing a big strain on our

health and emergency services.”

“T believe that it 1s an education matter. Schools have an important role to play in educating our young people about safe driving. Cars are lethal weapons. Young people think the tragedy only knocks on the neighbour’s door.”

This unfortunately is untrue. Many decent families have had their lives turned upside down by an early morning knock on the door.

The killing and dying must end now.

A WOMAN has recalled heartbreak- ing pain, as she saw her husband’s body being swept out to sea, after he was struck by a wave, while fishing in Doonbeg.

Latvian native Olegs Artemjevs (27) drowned after he fell from a rock, while fishing at the Blue Pool, Doonbeg, on November 5 last year.

He had been fishing with his wife Lubova, when the tragedy occurred.

At Ennis Coroner’s Court last week, Lubova recalled travelling from Athlone to Doonbeg, early that morning.

The couple arrived in the west Clare area at 12 noon. The sea was normal and there was no wind.

“My husband started fishing from the rock,” she said, in her deposition to the Coroner’s Court.

“At about 2pm I was watching my husband and my phone rang. I turned around to get it. It was a call from my husband.

“I turned around to the sea again and I saw my husband being swept out to sea. I shouted for help. Two Polish men came,” recalled Lubova.

“I could see my husband. He was wearing chest waders when he went into the water.

I watched him being swept further and further out.

“We rang 999 and we were put on to Marine Rescue. Marine Rescue got to my husband in about five to 10 minutes,’ she said.

Garda Ken O’Day recalled attend- ing Kilkee Rescue Centre that day. He said Mr Artemjevs had sustained cuts to the nose and bruising to the panel

“When he was fishing, he was struck by a wave and pushed out into the sea,” said the garda.

Pathologist Dr Peter Fawl carried out a post mortem examination on the deceased’s body, on November

He concluded that death was due to asphyxia, secondary to drowning.

Coroner Isobel O’Dea said “one can only imagine the trauma” suf- fered by Mr Artemjevs’ wife, seeing him being pulled out to sea.

She suggested that the jury bring in a verdict of accidental death and the jury agreed with this.

“It should be acknowledged the tro- jan work being done by the Rescue Services,’ said the coroner.

“The Marine Rescue Services come out in all sorts of weather and provide a great service, as do the gardai,’ she added.

THE focus of Europe will be on Gort this week as an RTE documentary on the town’s Brazilian population takes centre stage at the Prix Europa, Europe’s foremost media and televi- sion awards ceremony.

The documentary, entitled ‘Lit- tle Brazil, Gort, Ireland’ – one of eight Irish entries to have made the final shortlist – was first screened on October 5, 2006.

The documentary paints a portrait of Brazilian immigrant life in Ire- land in general and has a particular focus on how Gort has coped with

the huge influx of South American workers and their families.

Gort’s Brazilian story started 10 years ago when the town of Villa Fabril, a small rural village in cen- tral Brazil, was devastated by the collapse of their local meat plant, owned by the major international beef company Reibol.

More than 900 men and women were left with no work and the plant’s closure triggered a massive wave of emigration that would in time com- pletely transform everyday life in the market town of Gort.

Within months of the shutdown the company’s Cork-born export man-

ager Jerry O’Callaghan had stepped in and set in train a series of events that would change forever the lives of many of the redundant workers and their families.

At first, just a trickle of young men left from Villa Fabril, but within a year a rapidly growing exodus of Brazilian emigrants was _ heading for Ireland to work not just in meat factories but on farms, building sites, shops, factories and nursing homes.

The documentary, which was pro- duced by Caroline Bleahen and presented by Jim Fahy, tells a some- times heart-warming, at times heart- breaking, story of the first genera-

tion of factory workers who set out to build new lives for themselves in Ireland.

Filmed in Brazil and south Galway, the documentary is both a portrait of Brazilian immigrant life in Ireland today – mirroring many of the past experiences of Irish emigrants to England and the US – and an analysis of how the town has coped with such a huge influx of South American workers and their families.

The documentary will represent Ireland in the Prix Europa Iris cat- egory at the awards, which take place from October 13 to 20 in Berlin and Potsdam in Germany.