Category: Uncategorized

GORT sisters are doing it for them- od Aone

GWEN (Gort Women’s Equality Network) is looking for women to participate in a study that will define women’s equality needs in the Gort region.

The aim of the study is to identify barriers to women being able to par- ticipate in decision-making process- es at local level. It will also explore barriers as to why more women do not, or cannot avail of further educa- tion or participate in the workforce.

Programme organisers said that the

most important aim of this study 1s to give women a voice.

The programme was created by Dr. Niamh Clune and Douglas Johnson of GRACE (Gort Regional Alliance for Community and Environment) in partnership with the Family Re- source Centre. Initially, a group of women were invited to participate in a training programme designed to enable them to conduct a women’s equality study, which will then be submitted to Pobal.

Pobal manage programmes on be- half of the Irish government and the EU. The study will help inform fu- ture policy in the National Develop-

ment Plan.

The training programme received by the newly formed women’s net- work (GWEN) means they will be able to conduct PLA (Participatory Learning and Action), which is an innovative way of gathering informa- tion. It is hoped that all participants in this process will feel involved and empowered, whilst at the same time, learning new skills. The whole programme is designed to build con- fidence in women who might oth- erwise not have the chance to voice their concerns. This exercise is to discover some of the issues as to why women might feel marginalised or

unable to participate in new oppor- MUD AVL Cone

GWEN will host two public meet- ings on Wednesday September 19 from 7.30pm-9pm and Thursday September 20 from1lam-12.30pm in the Lady Gregory Hotel. The reason for the two meetings 1s to facilitate the kind of flexibility necessary to enable all women interested in at- tending. “It is a chance for women to voice their needs and help to influ- ence government policy in relation to woman’s place in our society,’ organisers said. For further informa- tion, please contact: 0863381773, or just turn up.

THERE were few complaints from Clare afterwards but understandably, team manager Colm Hanly was won- dering how and why so much injury time was played.

“What in the name of God was all that injury time about? We were two points up and to have to go through that much injury time? I couldn’t tell on the sideline what all the time was for. Not to be unsporting, but I just can’t figure that out. But in fairness to Derry they kept going and going and got that bit of luck at the end.”

It’s been a long journey through the season for Clare and with the end in sight, the final roadblock was the one that caused the real pain.

“That’s the way it goes. That’s sport, you can’t legislate for that kind of thing. You work and you work as hard as you can and not to get the reward is painful but I’m sure we’ll be back. It’s literally as bad as you can get. These players have been phenomenal all year. They’s been so comitted, so dilligent at every train- ing session. There isn’t an ounce of energy left from anyone, they left

everything out there. It was just that bit of luck. We always just asked them for work rate and we got more work rate than anybody could have expected. I’m still trying to get my head around the end of the game, but I’m extremely proud. Fair enough we came up short but on the day we were the better team. They performed out- standingly well.” ;

Derry’s joint-manager Padraig O Mianain, who runs the team with his wife Susan, 1s gracious and forward- looking even though his side have just clinched victory from the shark’s mouth.

‘This is the third time we’ve played Eee A-UCmioteh BNO Mm aon anything in it. These two teams have been very evenly matched and it was was a great game of camogie out there today. A great advert for the game. I feel that the likes of ourselves and Clare are closer to senior division that many of the teams in our own division and I don’t know what Croke Park can do to accommodate us. If we could get into the top division and play the top teams that would improve us no end. We need to play better teams to progress and the dis-

play of camogie out there shows that there’s good camogie in both teams. We’re not too sure what the system is right now. Whether a team have to win twice to move up. Look at today. There’s nothing between these teams so either of us could stay perpetually down in the juniors. So I’d make an appeal to change the structure be- cause now we need to look at getting these two teams senior.”

The Derryman also felt that late on, the game was slipping from his side.

“The way we addressed the game all year, we put ourselves in a posi- tion to compete but at that level, you just need a bit of luck. To be honest, When our full-forward caught the ball at the end, it was 50/50 if it was a penalty. I wouldn’t have criticised if it hadn’t have been given. I thought that was the chance gone. But to get it with the last puck of the ball was unbelieveable. We know what it feels like. We lost the final last year by two points.”

RYANAIR confirmed last night that it has submitted its appeal to the Eu- ropean Court of First Instance (CFI) in Luxembourg against what the air- line describes as “the EU Commis- sion’s unlawful and politically moti- vated decision to prohibit its merger with Aer Lingus.”

The low-fares airline had made an offer of €2.80 per share to acquire Aer Lingus following the former national airline’s floatation last Oc- tober.

Ryanair was required to seek ap- proval for clearance of the deal from the European Commission. The Commission blocked the merger.

“As a result, Aer Lingus sharehold- ers have suffered a 58 per cent col- lapse in their interim profits and a

share price fall to €2.50”, a Ryanair statement issued last night said.

Speaking last night, Ryanair’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, Jim Callaghan, said: “We have filed our appeal with the CFI today asking them to overturn the Commission’s unlawful and politically motivated decision to block Ryanair’s merger with Aer Lingus.

“This merger, which accounts for less than 5 per cent of the EU air transport market was clearly pro- competition and would have been the first merger in history to guarantee fare reductions, which would have saved European consumers more than €100m per annum. The Com- mission made several manifest errors in its assessment of the merger and ignored evidence from Ryanair dem- onstrating the numerous benefits that

the merger would bring to consum- ers and increased competition with the high fares Mega Carriers. At the same time, the Commission ac- cepted, without question, misleading and factually inaccurate submissions from the Irish Government and Aer Lingus, both of whom were clearly trying to block the merger.”

He said that the airline “also of- fered unprecedented commitments to the Commission to address any possible competition concerns, in- cluding giving up more than half of Aer Lingus’ Dublin-Heathrow Slots, as well as over 1,700 additional weekly slots — several times what has been offered in any previous airline merger.”

A NORTH Clare painting school has played host to Ireland’s first ever out- door painting competition.

The contest, open to amateurs, was organised by the Burren Painting Siem EM (ss).

28 amateur artists travelled from all over the country to participate in the event, which was based in three locations.

Competitors were given the choice of three venues where they could paint – Whitethorn in Ballyvaughan, Ballinalacken Castle and Hotel near Lisdoonvarna and Liscannor Har- lereltbe

They were given the opportunity to participate in three different catego-

ries – oils and acrylics; watercolours and pastel gouache or mixed media.

Organiser Chris O’Neill, who has run the painting centre for the past RUA er VEIN EMO SD ETA a LKore MAY aU OMB OComCLU (Or cess of the event.

This year’s competition was open to amateurs only and Ms O’Neill now plans to include a professional category next year.

“T had heard a little bit about some- thing similar that goes on in Amer- ica. We run an outdoor painting course here and I thought there was very little opportunity for reasonable good amateurs to show their work and meet with a challenge. There is quite a lot for professionals but there isn’t for those who are not profes- sionals,” she said.

“Next year, I might have a catego- ry for the professional section,” she added.

“This is the first time an outdoor painting competition has been done in Ireland.

“The whole concept was that peo- ple came on the one day. They reg- istered in the morning, went out to one of three sites and get an idea into their heads on what is available,’ she said.

Margaret Kent from Wexford was the overall winner. Using oils, she painted a picture featuring the Bur- ren. Mark Doughlas-Smith from Killanena won in the mixed media category, while Joan Turner from the UK received first prize in the wa- tercolour section. All received cash

prizes and vouchers from various art material shops.

Lady Alison Ross travelled to Lisdoonvarna from Birr Castle, to present the prizes to all of the win- ners.

Ms O’Neill was particularly im- pressed by one disabled participant who travelled from the midlands in his wheelchair, and went home with a merit award!

‘His carer had to squeeze out the paint before he started, as he hasn’t the power in his hands. He was just fantastic,’ she said.

The event took several months to organise and Ms O’Neill is optimis- tic that next year’s competition will again attract the interests of several artists.

A YOUNG man painted obscene eraffiti, “Bitch, it’s not over,’ on the home of his former Art teacher, a court has heard.

Kevin McNamara (18), of White- gate, faced several criminal damage charges relating to the incident in Tuamgraney on August 9 last.

He admitted painting graffiti on the teacher’s house, her car and a car and public house in the immediate vicinity, while the footpath was also painted.

‘Bitch – it’s not over. You’re f***ed, you bitch, you called me fat,” were the words painted on windows of his former teacher Ms Mary Rouine’s home. Crosses were painted on cars in the immediate area.

The total amount of the damage caused in the spate of crime amount- ed to €2,300.

Garda Gerry Slattery told Scariff

District Court the damage was simi- lar in all cases, but was more severe in the case of Ms Rouine.

Mary Rouine told the court her house was vandalised in the early hours of the morning.

Asked by Judge Joseph Mangan did she know why, she said, “No. I would have taught him this past year.”

Another of the victims Martin Whelan – a neighbour of Ms Rouine – said a big cross was painted on the windscreen of his car and paint drib- bled along the bonnet.

Asked by the judge why he was tar- geted, he replied, “Not a clue. Obvi- ously they were passing my house.”

Garda Slattery said he solved the crime after receiving information that the accused was in town that night.

He said he spoke to a number of people who were with the accused on the night. They confirmed he had been in town, but the accused took

responsibility for all of the damage. “It seemed to be focused against Mary Rouine alright,” said the garda. Defending solicitor James Nash said the accused was drunk and claimed he didn’t know what premises had

loess MOEA ONE-RXerOR

“There was a fair trail left. There was paint sprayed all along the road. It was pretty basic stuff,’ he said.

He said the accused had just com- pleted his Leaving Certificate. Ap- plying for an adjournment, he said his client should be given the oppor- tunity to “make recompense”.

Judge Mangan adjourned the case and ordered the accused to stay away from Scariff and Tuamgraney.

He ordered him to abstain from al- cohol, sign on weekly and abide by PCIE CANA

“I expect that the question of com- pensation will be finalised. I expect to see receipts for compensation,” said the judge.

‘I won’t say expect the worse if the conditions are complied with. [ll say, expect the next best thing,” said Walon LU COh Xen

LIVING life to the full is the under- lying ethos of the soon to be formed focal point for older people in west OE

Members of the Kilrush Family Resource Centre (FRC) in conjunc- tion with retired people in the area have being working on a proposal for a number of activities to take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri- days. Viv Rooney from the Kilrush FRC is keen to remind those availing of the programme that “nothing is written in stone and they don’t have to do anything they don’t want to.”

People are free to come along and take part in some of the morning ac-

tivities, or evening activities, or drop in for a chat or a game of cards.

It is not necessary to avail of the lunch although one will be provided.

The new activity programme fund- ed under the Dormant Accounts will Support and encourage older people in the community to interact with each other and to participate in ac- tivities that will be of benefit to them not only physically but also mentally. “The Kilrush Family Resource Cen- tre wish to provide a focal point for older people of both sexes who are retired and in the 55 plus age group, to meet and engage in education, cul- tural and sporting activities, to pro- mote the spirit of self-help and inde- pendence and to encourage members

to use their energy, skills, knowledge and experience to benefit each other and the community, to encourage a positive attitude to ageing and retire- ment,’ said Ms Rooney.

‘We know that older people are in- terested in participating in activities and that they are very interested in all aspects of community life and na- tional decisions that affect them. We will offer facilitators and equipment to enable them to broaden their in- terests and connect with their neigh- bours.”

‘As the population of older people is growing we believe it is important to offer them the opportunities to stay involved in community life, keep fit and healthy through developing new

relationships and thus preventing ru- ral isolation,’ she said.

Part of the daily activity will be taught by a Go for Life facilitator this will help to improve the overall well being and physical fitness of the seniors.

The Kilrush FRC are encouraging people to come to the open morn- ing on Wednesday September 12 at 10.30am to discuss the activities they would like to participate in.

Meanwhile the Tea Dances are continuing for the winter the next one is on September 23 in Knock- erra Hall at 3pm. Transport or any other information about any of these programmes are available from Viv Rooney on 065-9052173.

THE North Clare Farm Family Support Service will be running a number of individual Skills Training Courses specifically for farmers over the coming months.

These will be of specific benefit to those who are planning on get- ting an off-farm job, setting up their own business or who just want to

gain some extra skills for use on the eee

The courses on offer will include Welding, Landscaping, Bog oak carving, Basic computers, Comput- ers for farmers, Grow your own fruit and veg, Childcare, Care of the Eld- erly and CV preparation.

The first four courses listed will be of 40 hours duration, growing your own fruit and veg will be 50 hours

and the CV preparation skills eight hours. The Childcare and Caring for the Elderly courses will be provided by Mary Immaculate College in Lis- doonvarna and consist of approxi- mately eight hours per week over two years leading to a FETAC level 5 Certificate.

The courses, which are free to farm- ers receiving or eligible for Farm As- sist, are currently being finalised and

will commence on the last week of September.

They will continue over the win- ter months at locations around north ET Ke

However, places on all courses are limited and farmers are advised to immediately contact Gerry McDon- agh, Rural Development Officer at 065 7072467 or 086 8544036 to book their place.

A YOUNG man who assaulted a bar owner in Scariff has been handed a three-month suspended jail term.

James Walsh (26), of Waterpark, Scariff, pleaded guilty to assault- ing Michael Rogers, at Rogers’ bar, Scariff, in October 2006.

The owner of the pub, Michael Rog- ers told Scariff District Court that that accused invited him outside.

Mr Rogers refused and the accused lunged at him.

He said he pushed him twice and refused to leave the pub. He eventu- ibaa

Defending solicitor SsaN bs Loughnane said his client had en- tered a guilty plea to assault.

He said that while there had been an assault, the victim didn’t actually suffer physical injuries and Mr Rog- ers agreed with this.

“While Mr Walsh isn’t without his failings, he is a hard working young man. He hasn’t been in any pub in Scariff since. He is at a very impres-

sionable stage of his life,’ said the solicitor.

Judge Joseph Mangan heard that the accused has a number of previ- ous convictions.

Addressing Walsh, the judge said, “You have two drink driving convic- tions. You have a criminal damage conviction. You have a public order conviction and now you have an as- sault conviction. Do you have an al- cohol problem?”

The accused replied, “No.”

The judge said, “You have five drink related convictions and you don’t have an alcohol problem. Is that what you are telling us. Do you have an alcohol problem?”

Walsh then replied, “Yes.”

The judge said, “It 1s about time you told us.”

Judge Mangan jailed Walsh for three months and suspended the sentence on a number of condi- tions. These include that he abstain from alcohol, attend for counselling and sign on weekly. He fined him €1,500.

THE closure of four well-known businesses in the seaside town of Kilkee has been described as a co- incident and is not a reflection on the prosperity of the town.

The proprietors of the four estab- lished businesses closed their doors for the last time last week for per- sonal reasons.

One of the businesses that are no longer in operation is Nolan’s Butch- er’s. The family butchers served the people of Kilkee for five genera- ao els

This was one of two family busi- nesses on O’Curry’s Street to close on that fateful weekend.

Collins’ Pharmacy also closed leav- ing the seaside town with only one pharmacy.

Meehan’s Bakery on the Strand Line ceased selling fresh breads and cakes and closed its doors.

Kilkee was also left with just one petrol station following the closure of Dough Motors on the Kilrush Road.

Known locally as Burke’s garage the closure means that the west Clare peninsula has now just two filling stations – one in Kilkee and the old

Bella Creamery between Cross and Carrigaholt.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce spokesman John Willliams describe the four closures as sad but co-inci- dental.

“None of them closed due to a lack of prosperity in the town. In the four cases they closed for personal cir- cumstances, it was just a co-incident that they all came together,” he said.

“It is like any other town. Places are closing down and opening up.”

The Kilkee pharmacist was also upbeat about the summer seasons, despite the rain.

“It wasn’t the best of season, but it wasn’t he worst of seasons either. Kilkee has a traditional following, and the same people return every year,’ he said.

Mr Williams said it was also hard to judge if the late change in the weather for the better meant a more boisterous September than usual.

He said the Cois Fhairraige festival brought more than 4,500 people to the town and an added boost to the local economy.

This added to the local population significantly for the past week and it was therefore hard to judge what 1m-

EU Enivironment Committee pro- posals aimed at restricting and re- ducing the use of all crop protection products by 50 per cent over the next ten years have been condemned by the IFA President Padraig Walshe.

In astatement this week, Mr Walshe announced that there is “no scien- tific justification whatsoever” for the proposals to reduce the use of her- bicides, fungicides and insecticides in the agricultural, horticultural and amenity sectors.

He also declared that “all crop pro-

tection products currently used in the EU are fully approved as safe by the competent EU authorities, who al- ready apply the highest standards in the world.

“It 1s a matter of grave concern to farmers that products that are scien- tifically proven to be safe would be subject to non-science-based restric- aCe) ee

Continuing his address the Presi- dent said, “The proposed measures are draconian and will severely limit cereal and horticultural crop produc- tion potential in Ireland and across the EU, at atime when stocks are ata

thirty year low and this is resulting in higher food prices. These measures will further reduce the competitive- ness of EU agriculture and ironically lead to a dependence on imports from non-EU countries, with much lower phytosanitary and environ- mental standards than the EU.

“Irish farmers are professional us- ers of crop protection products as evidenced by ongoing EU monitor- ing programmes.

Imposing regulations based on per- ceptions rather than science is non- sensical and will result in lower qual- ity produce with avoidable insect and

plant disease damage.”

Finally Mr Walshe warned that “the EU Parliament Environment Committee is putting the cart before the horse. They would be better em- ployed investigating viable alterna- tive strategies based on science, if they wish to reduce pesticide use. Suggesting that we revert to 1930s- style agriculture 1s not sustainable.

“Putting unnecessary obstacles in the way of safe food production at a time when global demand for food is increasing poses a real threat to the security of quality food supply in Europe.”