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A 21-year-old man who took part in a frenzied knife attack on two Lithua- nian brothers, which “could have re- sulted in a fatality”, has been jailed for four years.

David O’Loughlin, Finian Park, Shannon, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Arturas and Aivaras Segzda at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, on December 9, 2005.

The 21-year-old confronted the two Lithuanian men in an area known as

the Black Path and assaulted them with a knife, because he wrongly be- lieved they had raped his sister.

The two suffered multiple stab wounds. The court heard that Aivar- as was Stabbed in the neck, head and Shoulder, while Arturas was stabbed in the stomach and shoulder.

Limerick Circuit Court heard yes- terday that the brothers did not return to work until the following February because of their injuries and with no money, they were both evicted from their accommodation.

Before imposing sentence yester- day Judge Carroll Moran said Mr O’Loughlin lost control in the fren- Zied knife attack because he wrongly believed the two brothers had raped his sister, which was untrue.

“It’s debatable whether this is a mitigating fact at all and even if it was true he (Mr O’Loughlin) 1s not entitled to take the law into his own hands,” said Judge Moran.

The judge said Mr O’Loughlin could have killed Arturas Segzda and “would have done so if the blade

on the knife had been longer”.

According to Garda evidence the defendant, who has previous convic- tions, has a “fixation with knives” and is a habitual drinker.

Mr O’Loughlin has two previous convictions for serious assault and is still serving a three and a half year sentence imposed for the stabbing of a young man in Ennis in June 2005, the court heard.

Judge Moran imposed a four-year sentence on the latest charge.

He also imposed an 18 month sus-

pended sentence on a young mother of two who was charged with a less serious offence arising out of the Same incident.

Jessica O’Leary, (22), was found in possession of a screwdriver on the day of the attack but there was no evidence to suggest she used the weapon, the court heard.

Judge Moran said the circumstanc- es between the two accused parties were “entirely different’ and sus- pended Ms O’Leary’s 18 month sen- tence.

AMBITIOUS plans to demolish a number of buildings and construct a three-storey commercial develop- ment in Ennis’s Market Place area have come under fire.

Ennis Town Council is due to make a decision next month on the plan by Atlantic Enterprises for the develop- ment at the junction of Market Place and Garraunakilla Lane.

The development comprises a res- taurant on three floors. However, in a strident objection against the pro- posal, local resident, Pauline Killeen states, “The proposal to provide what is in effect a four-storey tower build- ing on a very prominent corner site

and gateway to Ennis town centre 1s not in keeping with the general scale of buildings in the area.

“In both design, scale and material, the design is inappropriate for any part of the Ennis town architectural conservation area and to allow these unique buildings, streetscapes and the late mediaeval townscape to be dominated by concrete tower blocks would serve to detract from the vis- ual amenity and architectural integ- rity of the old town of Ennis.

“I believe that this overbearing development has the potential to do irreparable damage to a very attrac- tive county town, which has evolved in a pleasing manner over eight cen- aU lohe

“The height and scale of the pro- posed development would dominate this part of the townscape for genera- tions into the future.

‘The area around the proposed de- velopment is characterised by two- storey developments of modest scale of residential and mixed-use devel- opment.

“While I accept that it 1s often nec- essary for developers to maximise property they buy to make them via- ble in economic and planning terms, such developments should take due cognizance of the character and in- tegrity of the surrounding building with a relationship between the old ZN ICOM O olom eLoaWas KOU nNts1em

“While allowing for variety, the

development should complement the original surrounding in terms of scale, detail and materials. this pro- posal fails to do this…

“I consider that the applicant has missed the opportunity to create a new building of high quality on the site, whether of contemporary design or otherwise.

“The result is both inappropriate and unacceptable. While the redevel- opment of the site will contribute sig- nificantly to its urban setting, and is being actively sought by the council, I do not consider that this should be at the expense of the visual environ- ment and residential amenities of the area and of future occupants of the development.”

THE recently elected president of Shannon and District Lions Club has said he would like to see more peo- ple join the organisation stating that the work the club does is as vital as ever to local communities.

Councillor Gerry Flynn’s transi- tion to the position of president has not been an easy one following a re- cent family tragedy which forced the cancellation of his formal appoint- ment on President’s Night as a mark of respect. Gerry’s work as president and the work of the club have how- ever continued.

‘There is a popular misconception that Lions Clubs are elitist and some sort of boys clubs. This is a long way from the truth. We have people from various walks of life in the club and I would love to see many more. There are about 12 of us but I would prefer to see 30. The work is very reward- ing and there is also the social side to the club,” Gerry Flynn said.

‘We have a busy calendar of events already planned for the coming year starting with a golf classic in Octo- ber. We will have our annual Christ- mas food appeal and many other events during the year. The food ap- peal is certainly one of our biggest

and most important events especially at Christmas time,’ he added.

“One thing people may not be aware of is that every single penny collected goes to charity. Not a pen- ny is spent on club administration, that is all paid for by the members. Everything we collect goes to the respective charities and we are very proud of that.”

“It has to be said that there are a lot more areas of society not just the poor who are struggling. We do our best for everyone we can but for dif- ferent reasons, and people might not realise this, even middle-class people are struggling in a way. An obvious

example would be a person requir- ing a wheelchair and because of all the bureaucracy in the HSE, they are waiting for months and months. In the Lions Club, we have purchased and provided wheelchairs for people who need them,” he explained.

“There is a huge deficit in this area. It is a strange thing but poorer people appear to be better catered for than some others. What we try to do is pick up the slack where we can,” he added.

Gerry Flynn has asked anyone in- terested in joining the Shannon and District Lions Club to contact him on 087 2188654.

THE upcoming Bank Holiday week- end means a curtailed fixture list in this week’s schoolboy soccer pro- eramme.

League officials have decided to cut back on the amount of games played this weekend.

Twelve games are down for decision this week with no games expected to be played over the weekend.

Tonight Fern Celtic could go clear

at top of the under 16 league should they beat Newtown in Ballycasey.

However a win for the home team could see them draw level at the top of the table with early leader Avenue United.

Turnpike Rovers take on Bridge United at Lees with both sides look- ing to get their first points on the board.

On Thursday the under 11 league takes centre stage with games taking place in all three divisions.

Ennis Town A take on Lifford at Lees Road while at the same venue Avenue United A face Moher Celtic.

Meanwhile the early pacesetters in Division three St Pat’s have the night off with Avenue United C taking on Cratloe Celtic and Lifford B battling second place Burren United.

In the under 13 Division One Av- enue United A and Ennis Town A meet at Lees Road with Mountshan- non Celtic traveling to the Cassidy Park, the new home of Lifford.

THE first phase of the recently launched ‘Ennis Environmental Challenge’got underway at the week- end, when residents’ associations in the town took part in clean up days organised by Ennis Town Council. One of the main objectives of the Challenge is to generate a commu- nity wide responsibility and owner- ship for the appearance and tidiness of Ennis by raising awareness of the negative impact of litter.

Cllr. Tommy Brennan, Mayor of Ennis said, “Ennis Environmental Challenge is an opportunity to pro- mote the attractiveness of Ennis as a place to live, work, visit and invest. The initiative taken by the Coun- cil is more than an environmental campaign. With the co-operation of the entire community the image and profile of Ennis can be enhanced lo- cally, nationally and internationally.” Eddie Power, Acting Director of Services said, “Particular attention has been focused on Abbey Street, O’Connell Street, O’Connell Square, High Street and Parnell Street. The Council Litter Wardens have been patrolling these areas and commu- nicating the litter awareness message to the general public. Enforcement of the Litter Pollution laws is ongo- ing through the issue of on the spot JUDE

He added, “Council staff have been deployed to these town centre streets and have had a visible presence in re- cent weeks. The business premises in this core area of the town are pro- moting this environmental initiative by displaying the Ennis Environ-

mental Challenge logo and slogan – Your Town, Your Environment, Your Responsibility.

Street surveys undertaken indicate that cigarette ends continue to be a matter for attention.

The Council has acquired a vacuum/ blower that facilitates the removal of cigarette ends and small pieces of lit- ter. However, the challenge remains for the public to act responsibly in the disposal of such litter and this is particularly important in the run up to the adjudication of the National

Tidy Towns Competition 2007”.

The ‘Ennis Environmental Chal- lenge’ will feature a range of waste prevention initiatives including the introduction of litter free zones, the employment of extra resources and the use of mobile CCTV cameras in designated areas, such as housing es- tates and public areas, as an enforce- ment measure to combat littering and indiscriminate dumping.

Other measures being introduced by Ennis Town Council include the operation of a revised cleaning

schedule, the provision of colourful floral displays and hanging baskets throughout the town, hosting of an awareness campaign in national and secondary schools, and the produc- tion of a promotional/educational video on the ‘Ennis Environmental Challenge’.

Members of the public are also re- minded that Minister for the Envi- ronment and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, has just announced an increase in litter fines from €125.00 to €150.00.

EUROPEAN Ombudsman, Niki- foros Diamandouros, looks set to spend a lot of time in Ireland over the next few months, as it was revealed last week that at least three Irish Farming Organisation have lodged official complaints with his office. The ICMSA and Farmers for Fair- ness in Europe (FFE), lodged a join complaint with the Ombudsman, tar- geting both the European Commis- sion and the Council of the European Union on grounds of maladministra- tion by failing to ban Brazilian beef imports. The complaint, which was drawn up in ICMSA Head Office, centres on what ICMSA President, Jackie Cahill, has described as ‘the

incontrovertible evidence’ that the failure to ban beef imports from Bra- Zil is in breach of EC law.

“We think we have identified the Commission’s vulnerable spot on this issue, which infuriates us all. The European Ombudsman _ func- tions in a similar way to the ombuds- men in member states – he must now undertake a full investigation of all the trails and reports drawn up by the Commission — including any that are as yet unpublished. He must then present his report with recommenda- tions to the European Parliament”, said Mr. Cahill.

The complaint is to be issued in the name of FFE and the presidents of the 12 associated farm organiza- tions, and according to Mr. Cahill the

‘wriggle-room’ that the Commission have been using on the issue of Bra- Zilian beef will be severely circum- scribed by the formal complaint.”

The formal complaint is a double- Whammy in that the ICMSA/FFE complaint will also argue that the maladministration on the question of Brazilian imports coupled with the onerous regulations imposed on na- tive European beef farmers amounts to an infringement of the rights of those farmers as European citizens as established and guaranteed by the European Court of Justice under the Treaty that established the European Community.

As a part of the FFE, the ICSA has also echoed the dissatisfaction of the ICMSA with the situation surround-

ing Brazilian beef. “The Commis- sion 1s failing in its legal duty to EU citizens by continuing to allow beef imports from Brazil,’ said ICSA President Malcolm Thompson.

“The combined efforts of the or- ganisations within the FFE are tar- geted at forcing the Commission to act on the clear veterinary evidence and other information collected by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Union arising from nu- merous official missions undertaken by that office.

In addition, FFE is confident that the Ombudsman will have to factor- in to his deliberations the complete ban on Brazilian beef imports oper- ated by both the US and Australia,” stated Mr. Thompson.

ALLEGATIONS over the disappear- ance of three old fireplaces and the discovery of animal carcasses at the farm of the late Michael O’ Halloran underlined the bitter divide between the two sides in the land dispute at Ennis Circuit Court last Friday.

In evidence, sister of the late Stanley and Michael O’Halloran, Ida Rohan told the court that three fire-

places and an antique dining room table disappeared from the home after Michael was taken into care at Our Lady’s psychiatric hospital in Ennis. Before Judge Harvey Kenny, Ms Rohan said, “Everyone was ques- tioning who took them.”

Asked did she know who took the tables, Ms Rohan said that her late brother, Stanley was seen at an antique dealer’s shop in Limerick around that time.

However, this provoked an angry response from Stanley’s wife, Marie O’Halloran when she took the stand to give evidence.

She said, “Stanley didn’t touch one thing. Under no circumstances did we take anything that belonged to Michael. The fireplaces were prob- ably taken by ‘Travellers. For Ida Rohan to say 1n any way that Stanley took anything is a downright lie. Stanley O’Halloran never stole that

much (holding up and pressing her thumb and forefinger together) in his life.”

Mrs Rohan also alleged that Michael’s lands that were taken over by Stanley “are deplorable. It doesn’t do me any good to go back there”.

Mrs Rohan said that in May 2005 When she returned to the farm with auctioneer, John de Courcy, she spotted two animal carcasses on the lands. She said, “One ewe was left to

rot. It was disgusting.”

Asked to respond, in evidence, Mrs O’Halloran said, “That is being said to blacken me. In the summer of 2005, I spent five to six weeks at the regional hospital. I was sick.”

She added, “Ida Rohan claimed that Stanley didn’t pay for his mother’s funeral as well. She has caused a lot of hurt and trouble.” Mrs O’Halloran said, “My husband, Stanley didn’t trust his sisters not one iota.”

A YOUNG man who demanded €20 from another man, in a threaten- ing way, has been sentenced to six months’ detention.

Patrick McCarthy (19), of Pearse Avenue, Ennis, was convicted of two offences, arising out of separate inci- dents in Ennis last year.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told Ennis District Court that Brian Custy was having a cigarette, outside his place of work, the Queen’s Hotel, on Janu- Za ar URAC elon

He was approached by the accused, who demanded €20.

‘He told Mr Custy he would break his neck if he didn’t give it to him,” said Inspector Kennedy.

On another occasion, October 29, 2006, the accused was seen running down a Street and rugby tackling an “innocent” person to the ground.

No complaint was _ forthcoming from the injured party and the ac-

cused was charged under the Public Order Act, arising from that inci- elem

Defending solicitor William Cahir said his client was familiar with Mr Custy and did ask him for €20.

‘He didn’t intend it to be 1n a threat- ening, menacing way,” he said.

The solicitor said he accepted his chent’s behaviour was “out of order” on the night of October 29.

Judge Joseph Mangan imposed a six month detention sentence for the incident outside the Queen’s and two months for the other offence, both sentences to run concurrently.

He refused an application to back- date the sentence to July 6, when the accused went into custody.

Mr Cahir asked for an explanation for the refusal and the judge replied, “If I had contemplated backdating it, I’d probably have imposed a longer term.”

He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.

THE urban/rural divide and the posi- tion of the west of Ireland as a central driving force in forming the identity of the modern Ireland are two of the main themes of Wild Honey, the fourth Burren Annual Exhibition, which comes to the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan next month.

The annual exhibition, which this year will be curated by Michael Dempsey, features the work of nine Irish and international artists who have at some stage based their work outside of “The Pale’.

The exhibition will be opened on August 18 by Mike Fitzpatrick, cura- tor of the Limerick City Art Gallery and Ireland’s Commissioner for the

Venice Biennale 2007, and will run until September 29.

“Wild Honey offers the viewer the possibility of studying the relation- ship between reality and visual cli- chés of working outside The Pale,’ said Michael Dempsey.

“The selected works reflect and interpret the cultural and political changes that Ireland has undergone since the 1990s. They investigate the collective imagination of a genera- tion of artists living in a ‘new’ soci- ety caught in its own past, but none- theless looking to the future.”

Each year the Burren College of Art invites a prominent art world fig- ure to curate a number of artists of his or her own choice for an exhibi- tion of national significance.

Based in Galway, Dempsey has in- troduced many prominent artists to a west of Ireland audience. As found- ing curator of the “Tulca’ season of visual art in Galway, he developed new hybrid ways of approaching cultural production within commu- nities.

‘Naturally, the sources for each artist’s work include real places and personal imagery, as well as images created by the media, popular culture and even urban/rural myths. Like the avant-garde artists of the 1960s and ‘70s, they respond with skepticism or downright rejection to the idea of visual representation of a reality of ever more elusive complexity. Their survival strategies involve navigat- ing real and imagined territories –

geographic, political, economic and social.”

The exhibition will include work from Stephen Brandes, Dorothy Cross, Blaise Drummond, Patrick Hall, Ronnie Hughes, Fergus Mar- tin, William McKeown, Isabel Nolan and Niamh O’ Malley.

‘““Michael’s idea for this exhibition expresses one of the central interests of the Burren College of Art; how the seemingly peripheral west is in fact central to Irish identity,” said Timo- thy Emlyn Jones, dean of Burren Solero wa uae

‘We are deeply indebted to the Arts Office of Clare County Council for its invaluable support of this exhibi- tion, without which the exhibition could not have taken place.”

CALLS have been made to name and shame people who abuse recycling facilities by leaving their empty bags and boxes or just dumping the cans and bottles in front of the bins.

Clir Pascal Fitzgerald made the call ata meeting of the Killaloe area com- mittee of the council.

He told how staff at the council’s new offices in Westbury are “obliged to go out and clean up after people who leave a mess at the recycling fa- cility – it’s not our job. We have CCTV cameras so why is it that we are not

catching people dumping?”

The Labour councillor told officials and fellow councillors that some peo- ple who arrive at the bottle bank “are so lazy that they just dump boxes full of bottles at the foot of the bins – they don’t even put them in the recycling bins. We need to prosecute people who are doing this and expose their names in the media”.

Cio OM Coe Domne Ne One han said that there have been 19 pros- ecutions on foot of such behaviour.

“But people can be very creative about how they park their cars so that we can’t identify them,” he said.

He added that the council’s litter warden is “very active’ in pursuit of offenders “but he has to have some- thing to go on – acar reg or a name”.

He added that the problem is not one which only applied to east Clare but consideration had been given to putting a refuse bin at the re-cycling Station in the new Westbury Centre.

“That was discounted because where ever we put in refuse bins they are abused by people dumping their household rubbish.”

Cllr Tony O’Brien said that the “real problem is the mentality of people who do that. What we have to do is

ring the warden when we see this hap- pening – take car registration numbers so the offenders can be tracked down – it doesn’t matter if its your neighbour. It’s the only way we’ll stop this and find out who is doing this so we can prosecute them.”

OOo) (oe y Cn det lam some Ker AWE Bho that there would be a pub opening for business in the centre shortly and asked whether a barrier might be erected to keep people out of the cen- tre at night after pub hours.

He was told this wouldn’t be possible as the centre is not in council owner- ship or control.