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ORGANISERS are hoping that a bumper programme will attract the crowds for the 14th annual Ennis Trad Festival.

This year’s event takes place from November 8 to 12 across numerous venues in the town. The festival fea- tures free day and night sessions with afternoon, evening and night con- certs, recitals, singing, workshops, presentations, CD launches and the ever-popular Trad Disco.

Legendary accordion player and composer Finbar Dwyer will open the festivities on November 8. Finbar, who recently returned to performing after a break of 17 years, will be ac- companied by Brian McGrath.

On Friday night Four Men & A Dog will unleash their highly ener- getic repertoire on the festival.

The band comprises Cathal Hayden (fiddle), Donal Murphy (accordion), Gino Lupari (bodhran, vocals), Ger- ry O’Connor (banjo) and Kevin Do- herty (guitar, vocals).

Workshops dominate Saturday’s events, with classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced level given by the some well-known names in music and dance. A new addition to last year’s festival was the trad-themed table quiz, which will test knowledge of trad musicians, records, CDs and trad triviality.

This year will see the presentation of the Ennis Trad Festival Gradam Ceol to concertina player Sonny

Murray. Sonny, from Knockalough, Kilmihil, is one of the many fine concertina players who have hailed from the area including Solus Lillis, Bernard Sullivan, Tom McCarthy and 2005 Gradam recipient Tom Ore

Sonny lives in Ennis and has had a major influence on the Ennis music scene over the years and this pres- entation is a fitting compliment to a man regarded as a master.

A new feature of this year’s festival is the Ard Gasce na mBuinte Senior Ceili Band competition, which will be adjudicated by a panel of four ad- judicators and audience.

Some of the best bands in Ireland and abroad, such as The Thatch, Tribes and Ceolteori na Mainstreach,

will compete. The night’s festivities will be recorded for Ceili House.

There will be many CD launch- es during the festival events this year including artists such as Kane O’ Rourke and Geraldine Bradley.

The guiding ethos for organisers since the festival’s inception has been to bring musicians of all generations and styles to Ennis to share their tunes, songs and steps in a relaxed session environment.

A spokesperson for the festival said, “The festival committee has orchestrated the sessions to allow Opportunities for artists to perform with others that they wouldn’t nor- mally get to meet. Accordingly a great social dimension is always Ooo) OI Mr B SDRC UAE:

THE Atlantic Connectivity Alliance (ACA) has expressed outrage over Transport Minister Noel Dempsey’s decision to tell Government’s repre- sentatives on the Board of Aer Lin- gus to block the transfer of Heathrow slots out of Cork and Dublin airports but not Shannon.

“The Atlantic Connectivity Alli- ance is outraged by a completely dis- criminatory decision by the minister.

We welcome that Dublin or Cork would not have to endure what this region is now faced with but the min- ister’s commitment to these airports’ future 1s hypocritical in the context of inaction on Shannon. It is an ad- mission of failure in relation to Gov- ernment’s handling of the Shannon issue at the same time,’ said ACA Vice Chairperson Ken Sullivan.

The Alliance say that the move is an acceptance on the part of the Gov- ernment that “it can intervene, that it

should intervene and is ready to in- tervene but on behalf of Dublin and Cork, which we welcome, but not Shannon. If the Minister can order Government representatives on the board of Aer Lingus to do this for Cork and Dublin, then he can and should do it for Shannon.”

The ACA says that they have high- lighted the “real threat that is now exposed to our sister regions. Es- sentially, what the Government is proposing to do is protect Cork and

Dublin and leave our region, which accounts for 20 per cent of the GDP, without any connectivity to the world’s most important airport hub and immediate onward access to key international markets.”

The ACA’s attack on the minis- ter’s decision came after it was an- nounced that British carrier BMI had walked away from negotiations with the Shannon Airport management to fly between Shannon and Heathrow.

Shannon management said _ that “British Midlands has stated it is not in a position over the coming months to commit resources to take up the very generous incentives on the Shannon-Heathrow route offered by management at Shannon Airport.”

“Shannon Airport accepts it is now highly unlikely that an alternative Shannon-Heathrow service will be secured by next January”.

The statement stressed that airport management was keeping lines of communication open with British Midlands in anticipation that it may revisit this decision in 2008.

ENNIS Chamber is hosting an Inter- active Leadership Seminar entitled, ‘Hidden Giants: How to Lead Your Business Successfully’? on Wednes- day, October 10 from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Old Ground Hotel, O’Connell Street, Ennis.

Admission is open to all members of the business community and ac- cess to the seminar is free of charge.

The seminar, held in conjunction with LEAP, a Galway-based_ busi- ness advisory company, is designed to provide business owners and sen- ior management with practical tools for immediate improved business performance.

The correlation between effective leadership and marketing will be ex- amined by the speakers while also focusing on the particular challenges faced by business leaders in today’s dynamic economic environment.

LEAP are Business Advisors for the Leaders of Irish businesses who are dissatisfied with the lack of meas- urable impact and understanding of their challenges that traditional con- sultants provide.

The company continually measure the impact of development work- shops by providing ongoing support through a team of professional busi- ness advisors, who are experts in their specialised areas

The seminar will be delivered by

Mike Gaffney of LEAP. Mr Gaff- ney’s theories on leadership and management have galvanised a large number of managing directors to take full responsibility for the leader- ship of their businesses, resulting in significant, positive impact on their organisations’ performances.

Mike will discuss the specific leadership challenges facing Irish businesses and examine how these challenges can be overcome by Un- derstanding Your Personality Type and Playing to Your Strengths.

The second speaker is Dr. Aidan Daly, Head of Marketing NUI Gal- way. Dr Daly’s area of speciality is that of services marketing and re- lated issues. He is a consultant to a

number of organisations and com- panies in Europe, Africa and the Far East. An accomplished writer on marketing related topics, he will present “Effective Marketing on a Limited Budget”.

Dr Daly will provide practical tips and techniques on how to promote you business successfully without breaking the budget.

The invitation to this event is open to all business owners, leaders and senior managers in the Clare region. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

For further information contact on LEAP or any aspect of the seminar Paula Crowley, LEAP on 091 755 736

THE grassroots of the Fianna Fail party are planning to revolt if the Shannon-Heathrow crisis is not re- solved.

Cllr Pat McMahon said that he had no problem leaving the party but was waiting until every avenue had been exhausted before making that deci- sion. “If on January 14 there is no flight to Heathrow out of Shannon, preferably Aer Lingus, I’m out.”

Kilrush Cllr Tom Prenderville pre- dicts a tough time ahead for the party in the up coming local elections.

“If there is not an improvement in the Shannon situation, there would be a sizeable number of Fianna Fail representatives re-looking at wear- ing the Fianna Fail badge at the next

local election, and it will be hard to find people to go forward for them. It could dismantle the whole Fianna Fail party in Clare,” he said.

He referred also to the “futile ina- bility of the Fianna Fail organisation to attract young men and women as it has lost its local mandate.”

Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley said he understood the frustration of the political members and party support- ae

“We are elected to fight on behalf of the people of Clare, not to resign,” he said. “That is our responsibility and one I take seriously.”

Junior Minister Tony Killeen said he too could understand why public representatives and supporters are disturbed.“People are exerting as much pressure as they can. Fianna

Fail public representatives are genu- inely interested in a positive outcome and are doing whatever they can in their own role.”

“IT still believe that the approach has to be entirely dependent on fighting the battle on commercial grounds and I don’t accept Aer Lingus has a strong commercial argument for Bel- fast, nor do | think they have suffi- cient steps to improve their situation in Shannon,” he said.

He added that the four factors that made Shannon less profitable could be addressed.

Deputy Dooley admitted that the decision by the Minister for Trans- port to appoint two new directors to the board of Aer Lingus was too late for Shannon.

“It is disappointing that these direc-

tors weren’t there sooner. Whether or not they would have been able to make any difference is not clear as many made decision without board approval.

“While it would appear too late to prevent the termination of the Shan- non to Heathrow line, it may be pos- sible for the directors to establish new priorities for the management and I would be hopeful that this could in- clude a reappraisal of the Shannon to Heathrow slots.”

Meanwhile, Mayor of Clare Patri- cia McCarthy (Ind) has said that the Government has just days to salvage the Shannon to Heathrow service.

Cllr McCarthy said that a deadline of October 11 has been set for receipt of submissions regarding slots at Heathrow in 2008.

A MONTPELIER publican, who is causing controversy locally by em- ploying a topless barmaid, has said his next move is to employ a male model to work behind the taps wear- ing “the bare minimum”.

A defiant John Joe Fitzpatrick of Browne’s pub has had a topless bar- maid working on his premises every Thursday night since the beginning of September.

But he has been getting a mixed re-

action locally to the promotion with some residents branding the move as “tasteless and degrading”.

People living in the village and neighbouring O’Briensbridge were reluctant to be named when making comments about John Joe, who lives locally as well as being the publican.

“It’s degrading. There are plenty of publicans around the country strug- gling and they don’t resort to this kind of thing. That might be alright in Soho but not in a pub in a small country village,’ one local man said.

Another local resident said that the move “shows no respect for this community. It’s a cheap stunt and he’ll drive away more people than he’ll bring in.”

The resident said that many local people are “completely disgusted by this. It’s degrading for the woman who works there and it’s not what we want our area to be known for. It’s just low.”

An irate woman living in Montpel- lier said it is “disgraceful that this is happening right across the road from

the Church and the community cen- akon

But the publican last night defended the move. “All over the country pubs are losing business. People need something to prompt them to get up and get out again.”

John Joe said that he does not agree with his detractors . “There’s no vul- garity involved. The lady in question has several items on at any given time – she just has less on on top. She doesn’t have a problem with it and the customers are very happy with it.

A lot of people said that it’s a wonder no one thought of doing this before and some of the married ladies say it’s put a bit of sparkle back in their love lives.”

The Montpelier businessman said that he currently has a male model in training who will be taking up his station behind the taps some time in November on Tuesday nights.

‘We have to ensure we have equal- ity and I think the lady customers will be delighted with him” said John Joe.

in March of this year.

Set in an animated version of Doo- lin, the story revolves around Ellen and Keats who venture into a realm of the dead called the Netherworld to uncover the mysteries surrounding their small village.

Sony Europe, who will officially

launch the game this Friday, have decided to capitalise on local interest in the game by hosting the ‘Create a Folk’ competition.

The winning character will be fea- tured in the game as downloadable content via the PlayStation Store.

To enter the contest, gamers must create an original illustration of a Folk character, name it, provide a brief description and then give the character a unique attack that can be absorbed during actual gameplay.

Submissions will have to be posted on the Sony Europe forum before noon on Monday, October 22.

‘Folklore’ was conceived by Yoshiki Okamoto, executive pro- ducer of such titles as “Resident Evil’ and ‘Devil May Cry’.

TENDERS have been appointed for the construction of a playground in Mountshannon.

‘Go Play’ from Galway has been chosen from the nine applicants to build the facility.

This is the latest development in a project, which is expected to come to fruition next year. As the prepara- tions for the construction get under- way, the fundraising drive is continu- ing in the locality.

Earlier this year, Clare County Council allocated €41,500, under

the Community Playground Grant Yel torneo

This was after the committee had put in considerable groundwork, in terms of fundraising, and had se- cured a site for the facility.

At the time, Administrative Of- ficer with the council’s community and enterprise section, Catherine O’Hara, said Mountshannon had “a need of these facilities and they have already done a lot of fundraising and planning before their application came in”.

“The residents committee still has to fundraise, take charge of the area

when it is finished and come up with money every year for insurance and maintenance and while we can’t guarantee top up funding, they are free to come back an put another ap- plication in the future,” she added.

While the council’s money was welcomed by the committee mem- bers, they are aware that several thousands of euro will have to be raised locally.

Co-ordinator Jane Murray is urging locals to get behind the project.

“The project will cost €120,000 in total. We will submit more applica- tions for funding, while collection

boxes are still located in shops and pubs,” she said.

Further applicants will be made to Pobail and Sugradh, in the hope that a significant amount of the initial costs will be covered.

“We are hoping to start construc- tion early in 2008,” said Ms Murray.

The committee was very happy with the level of interest shown in the applicants from potential tenders and are pleased with the company that was selected. Anyone interested in donating towards the playground fund should contact Jane Murray in Mountshannon.

IRISH people spend more on alcohol in off-licences than on food, accord- ing to the Irish Creamery Milk Sup- pliers Association President Jackie OF TTeR

Speaking at last week, the farm- ing leader stated that the impact of increased milk and grain prices on food costs is being grossly exagger- ated by politicians and commercial interests and that the “so-called food inflation is nonsense”.

“Politicians and others should stop misleading consumers on this mat- ter. We do accept that there will be an increase in food prices reflecting

the new realities of production and, in this regard, it is important that the current increasing farm price for milk is at least maintained,” he said.

“That is precisely why the sug- gestion for a quota increase would warrant very detailed considera- tion. People who are calling for an increased quota at European level after a few months of improved milk prices – improvements which were long overdue and were critical for the continuation of profitable dairy farm productions – should pause for thought.

“Their energy might be better used in ensuring that the Irish retail food sector returns a higher market

to both the processor and farmer, reflecting the increased international food commodity prices.”

Mr Cahill said the reality of the situation is that food spending amounts to 11 per cent of total con- sumer spend. In the past, food prices increased despite falling farm prices and decreasing food commodity prices internationally.

“Milk and cheese account for a mere 1.2 per cent of total spend, even if the price of these were to increase by 50 per cent, it would add a mere 0.6 per cent to the cost of living,” he continued.

“Irish people now spend more on alcoholic drink than on food and that

off-licence sales of alcoholic drink alone – at 6 per cent – amount to more than the cost of bread and cereals, dairy products and meat.

“These official facts, as published by the Central Statistics Office, show the complete lack of a foundation to so-called food inflation. Comments alleging food inflation are now reg- ularly trotted out for political and CLoyrabeenet-i must hKieeke

“The tightening of world supply in food commodities, increased energy costs and climate change food will result in further commodity price increases, but that the impact of this increase on actual food prices in the shop would be low.”

KILLALOE woman, Aine Conacur (nee Kierse) and her Roscommon- born husband, Michael, are the pro- prietors of a unique toy shop, Think- ing Toys, which focuses on carrying a range of educational/activity based toys that assist the development and stimulation of children of all ages through play and fun.

The range of toys featured in the shop at Ballina/Killaloe includes board games, brainteasers and logi- cal deduction games, science and nature kits, construction kits, books, jigsaws and baby/toddler toys.

What makes Thinking Toys unique in Ireland is its extensive range of

toys, equipment and books that can assist the development of children with special needs or learning dif- Wt eles

Aine and Michael’s eldest child had major brain surgery when she was just two years old and the frustration and the difficulties they endured in trying to source suitable products that would assist in her development, was a catalyst in deciding to try and reduce this frustration for other par- ents in similar situations.

Over the past number of months, they have been sourcing appropri- ate products from around the world and have worked closely with occu- pational therapists, speech and lan- guage therapists and psychologists.

The products they source must be of acceptable quality, affordable and competitively priced.

Aine and Michael liase with par- ents and relevant professionals to get feedback and advice when expanding their range of products. All requests and inputs are welcomed.

In recent times, Thinking Toys has sourced and made available such items as bodysox, sloped writing boards and weighted products such as weighted vests, each of which arose from specific requests.

Aine and Michael demonstrate and display their products any- where in Ireland to groups including schools, professionals and support groups. They have both travelled

throughout the country during the past few months carrying out these demonstrations and can be con- tacted by interested individuals/ groups at 086-8792769 or by email: aine @thinkingtoys.ie. All products are available from the shop in Balli- na/Killaloe, or www.thinkingtoys.ie Recently Aine and Michael launched a voucher scheme specifi- cally aimed at supporting local pri- mary schools. It is a simple scheme whereby a voucher worth 20c is giv- en to the school for every €10 spent. Thinking Toys will participate in a toy fair organised by Enable Ireland, which will be held in O’Donovan’s Bar and Restaurant, Derg Court on October 16 from 10am to 9pm.

BRAZILIAN beef products are not wanted in Ireland, according to the first survey conducted on public at- titudes towards imports from the Yells Waverouervemeeleilias

More than 90 per cent of people want Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan to secure a ban on Brazil- ian beef imports into Europe, ac- cording to a survey carried out by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

The survey, which was conducted by second-year agricultural science students from Gurteen College in Tipperary, was completed by 1,340 people. More than 94 per cent of those surveyed believe Brazilian beef fails to meet EU standards on

traceability, Foot and Mouth disease and food safety controls.

“The results of this survey sends a resounding message to Minister Coughlan and the EU Commission that people reject the double stand- ards that allow Brazilian beef 1m- ports into Europe,” said IFA Presi- dent Padraig Walshe.

IFA National Livestock Chairman John Bryan described the results of the survey as a landslide rejection of the EU Commission’s position on Brazilian beef.

Mr Bryan said Mary Coughlan could not ignore the depth of public feeling on the patent failure of Bra- Zilian beef to meet EU standards and she must immediately ramp up pres- sure on the Commission and call for

an outright ban. Meanwhile, the IFA has launched a major attack on the EU Commission over what it calls the ‘cover-up’ regarding the Brazil- ian beef problem.

Padraig Walshe said the EU policy was untenable and the clear message from the public and farmers at the National Ploughing Championship was that the EU should impose a total ban on Brazil.

This follows some shocking events at the championships, when an- ery livestock farmers challenged the EU representatives outside the Commission forum over the failure of the Commission to take decisive action to protect the European Union against the risks posed by Brazilian beef imports.

While all this is going on, Robin Smith, the Irish Cattle & Sheep Association Beef Chairman, has expressed anger at news that the Brazilian government is_ seeking even more time to get their house in order on traceability.

Reports indicate that Brazil- lan agriculture minister Reinhold Stephanes is travelling to meet with the EU this month to seek more time to conclude the implementation of their traceability system, which is known as Sisbov.

“The ICSA cannot believe that any more time can be given to the Brazil- lans – they are due an FVO inspec- tion on November 5 and either they have things right or they don’t,” Mr Sees lHeMy-vlee