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THE principal of an all-Irish pri- mary school in Shannon, which has held classes in prefab buildings for 23 years, has said the accomodation situation is no longer acceptable.

Gaelscoil Donncha Rua was one of 176 school inspection reports pub- lished nationally by the Department of Education and Science last week.

The report concluded that the school – which has 54 pupils – pro- vides a positive learning environ- ment, although a lack of storage space presents a clutter problem.

The report acknowledged that frustration has been expressed by those involved with the school, due to the lack of progress in relation to the provision of a permanent school Sea bCeae cen

“The board has been for many years in consultation with the build- ing section of the department in re- gard to the provision of a permanent school structure. Board members expressed considerable frustration at the lack of progress emanating from these discussions,” it stated.

It also pointed out that the absence of storage space and the limitations of the prefabricated classrooms have resulted, in certain instances, in the creation of a cluttered learning en- vironment. It advocated the use of free-standing and mobile furniture, which would facilitate the storage of materials.

The principal of the school, Ea- monn Bromell said he is still holding O)UI MN Ko) oles went-VilovelMmoleun(ennetce

‘Twenty-three years in prefab ac- commodation is not acceptable. We

received a verbal assurance from the department in 2000 that we would be given a permanent building. They did a u-turn the following year,” said Mr Bromell.

“The board of management is still hopeful the department will recon- sider,” he said.

The report included a number of key recommendations, including that the board of management become more proactive in terms of its leadership and management of the school; that all school plans and policy documen- tation be fully and comprehensively reviewed, while it also stressed that the need to provide administrative support be immediately addressed.

The report also noted that the school currently provides official documen- tation only in the English language and should do so in Irish, given that

itis an Irish medium school.

The school was founded in 1984 and after moving from home to home, it found a base, adjacent to the leisure centre, in 1990.

The school, which has three teach- ers – along with a shared special needs teacher – was destroyed by fire in 2000 and while its records were lost, it has, nevertheless, prevailed.

The report also suggested that the board of management should look at shaping the longer term future direction of the school. This would include planning for a permanent school building.

“The report was positive. It high- lighted that the standard of education in the school was high, with a fam- ily atmosphere and the children very happy,’ said the school principal.

A YOUNG Kilrush man who played a role in causing damage with acid to four cars totalling €7,500 has been told he must pay compensation.

David Rodgers (19) of Willow Green, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to damaging two cars at Limekiln Road, Kilrush, and two cars outside a house at Cappa Drive, Kilrush, in the early hours of August 2 last year.

Detective Garda Oliver Downes told Ennis Circuit Court that paint stripper was used to damage the or ase

‘He admitted on the night to driv-

ing to the locations with another per- son who did the damage. He knew at all times the damage was going to be committed. He didn’t identify the other person. Mr Rodgers didn’t car- ry out the damage,” said the garda.

The court was told that two of the cars were owned by Joe Mescall, a former employer of the accused. Rodgers had worked with him for more than three years, but had been let go two weeks before this incident. Garda Downes said he had been let go “on reasonably good terms.”

The other two cars were parked outside the home of Pat O’Malley, a retired garda sergeant, who had

been stationed in Kilrush for over 30 years.

Rodgers’ barrister Michael Fitzgib- bon said that “another individual, not Mr Rodgers, was the prime instiga- tor of this particular escapade.”

He said that Rodgers and his fam- ily were “fearful” of the other person who was involved.

Mr Fitzgibbon said his client plans to move to the UK to get away from Kilrush and the person of who he was infear.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said he would have considered a suspended sentence if compensation had been ey nKee

“In the absence of compensation given the nastiness of the offence, the reality is he either faces up to the damage he did or there is only one Ol atom Wh Ole le

“If there is no compensation, he is really putting it up to me,” said the judge.

“Perhaps if I remand him in custo- dy for a week it might open his eyes to reality. Reality has got to dawn on the boy,” he said.

Mr Fitzgibbon sought a six month adjournment. The judge said he would adjourn the case for a week and granted bail. Rodgers will re-ap- pear in court today.

A GROUP of young Danish people will visit Sixmilebridge next week, as part of a cultural exchange with locals.

The group of 56 young people and nine leaders will travel from Had- erslev and will spend five days with families in Sixmilebridge and Kil- TOU AA

They will be treated to local per- formances in hurling and camogie, while they will get the opportunity to travel around the county.

They are scheduled to visit Bunrat- ty Folk Park, John’s Castle in Limer- ick, while a trip to the sights in north Clare should take in Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves.

An exchange has been ongoing be- tween Sixmilebridge and Haderslav since 1988. Last year, 45 members of the Sixmilebridge variety group spent nine days in Denmark, where

they enjoyed a major festival and mingled with locals.

One of the organisers of the ex- change in Sixmilebridge, Kevin O’ Loughlin, is hopeful that the event will pave the way for a twinning be- tween the two areas.

“An unofficial twinning has been taking place between the two ar- eas since 1988. Next year will be 21 years and we hope to formalise it in some way and maybe look at a for- mal twinning,” he said.

“We will be trying to give those who arrive here a flavour of Irish culture, including Irish dancing. We are also putting on a camogie match and we will give them the chance to participate in camogie and hurling,” he said.

“The important thing is that they spend time with families and en- joy the Irish lifestyle,” added Mr O’ Loughlin.

Over the years, several trips to Den-

mark have been enjoyed by members of the Sixmilebridge variety group. Many members of the group have visited Haderslav on a number of occasions, such was their love of the people and the place.

“The main benefits that come out of this are the lasting friendships. The bond is not just a five day won- der, but a lot of solid friendships are formed,” said Mr O’Loughlin.

The group will arrive in Sixmile-

the event had its second outing last Saturday and 1300 signed up with 1100 turning up at the start- ing line in Lees Road sports park.

This was a massive increase on the 750 who signed up to run, walk, jog or race a wheelchair last year.

Cork City Marathon winner Tracey Guilfoyle couldn’t take part but in- stead was the celebrity starter who fired the gun at Lees Road to send the participants out of the sports fa- cility and onto the streets of Ennis.

Once again crowds came out to cheer the participants on as they cov- ered the route either as serious com- petitors or carrying the flag to raise money for their chosen charities.

The two charities which benefited from the registration fees were Clare Haven House and the Clare Youth Service. Gerry Ryan of Galway City Harriers was the winner for the sec- ond time, crossing the finishing line in 30.25 minutes.

First woman home was Veronica Colleran of the Ennis Track Club, who came home in 37.42 minutes. It was a Second victory for Colleran.

The only wheelchair athlete com- peting was Jerry Forde from Blarney

and he came home in 51 minutes.

The deputy mayor of Clare, Coun- cillor Brian Meaney, was joined by the mayors of Shannon and Ennis, Tony McMahon and Joe Reidy. New Clare TD Timmy Dooley was one of the competitors.

One of the largest participating groups was the Clare Crusaders. 200 members turned out. All remembered the crusaders’ founder, Howard Flan- nery, who died in a tragic accident last month.

Competitors aged 8 to 80 signed up for the day out and dozens of charities and community groups will benefit. Mayor Meaney said that the event was “a fine example of what

can be achieved here in Clare’”’. Laura Lehane of

LABOUR councillor Tony McMa- hon’s year-long term comes to an end tonight, when he is expected to be succeeded by Cllr Sean McLough- lin (FG), at Shannon Town Council’s Annual General Meeting.

After enduring a busy year as ca- thaoirleach, Cllr McMahon believes that, looking ahead, the future of the airport and the development of Shan- non town will be priorities.

“T am glad the problem at the air- port has resolved. I’m glad there is a positive outcome for Shannon, relat- ing to the restructuring. Many chal- lenges lie ahead,” he said.

“The biggest challenge now is the fact there is a possibility of a new town structure with a proper street- scape. That is one of the biggest challenges, that people would en- gage in that and get it right. I have asked the planners and the people of Shannon have a degree of pride in it. It will be difficult to achieve,” he ac- knowledged.

“IT am also anxious to see an arts centre being built. It is one of the missing things in Shannon,’ said Cllr McMahon, who has been a town councillor for the past eight years.

Cllr McMahon reflects on a busy year aS mayor and was particularly pleased to have played a crucial role

in raising money, through the May- or’s Ball. That money went to Clare Haven, which provides support for female victims of domestic abuse, something he feels strongly about.

When he pledged the money to Clare Haven last February, Cllr Mc- Mahon said he was shocked to hear some of the tales from victims of do- mestic abuse.

He said it was “very sad that such a service is needed at all. Domestic incidents are sad and terrible”.

He had viewed a presentation by Clare Haven and found it “not just enlightening, but shocking”.

“Some of the things I heard were beyond belief,” he said.

On a more positive note, he said that he enjoyed many things about his year as mayor.

“There were a lot of high points. I was pleased with the Mayor’s Ball. I was also glad we had an Easter Com- memoration and celebrated the 25th birthday of the town council.

“Going to France with the Twin- ning Association gave me the oppor- tunity to promote Shannon overseas, while I got to talk to a lot of people and promote Shannon during the trip to America for St Patrick’s Day.”

‘“T have enjoyed it. It was challeng- ing in ways. It was a great privilege and honour and was fulfilling,” he Sr BKOE

A YOUNG man who did a 360 de- eree handbrake turn in a west Clare village last week was spotted by an off-duty garda who was on his way home from work.

Declan Carmody (26) of Caher- calla Estate, Ennis, was convicted of dangerous driving, arising from an incident in Cooraclare village on Tuesday last, June 19.

Garda John Reidy told Ennis Dis-

trict Court on Friday that he was driving near the funeral home in Co- oraclare at 10.05pm. He said he saw a car “shooting” over the bridge and doing a 360 degree handbrake turn.

The car continued up the main street and overtook a vehicle which had indicated to turn right. Garda Reidy eventually caught up with the car in Kilmihil village.

Defending solicitor, Stephen Nicho- las, said his client had just returned from the UK – where he works – and

was driving a hired car.

He said Carmody accepted that his driving was “absolutely utterly un- reasonable and not acceptable.”

“He should not have done this 360 degree turn. His conduct driving through the village was not accept- able,’ said Mr Nicholas.

Carmody had initially faced two charges of dangerous driving but one O) ME Nato eo DuUoh MAE KRU li (Oleh, 20m ahaa isle SIF rer

The court was told Carmody had

been disqualified from driving in the UK courts, but his solicitor said he did not believe this resulted in a ban in Ireland.

“It wasn’t a deliberate flaunting of the law. He genuinely believed he wasn’t disqualified to drive in this country,’ said Mr Nicholas.

Judge Joseph Mangan jailed Car- mody for three months and disquali- fied him from driving for five years. He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.

A CONVERTED vintage World War One Dodge truck will be the centre- piece of the largest music festival to hit Ennis in years.

The Amazen music festival takes over the Showgrounds on July 21 when some of the biggest names in Irish music and international dance come to town.

Among the bands already con- firmed are the Undertones, the Walls, the Revs and local heroes Bushplant.

Dance fans are also well catered for with DJs from the four corners of the globe already confirmed.

Among the names set to rock the showgrounds are Dutch duo JP and

Lady Dana, Finland’s DJ Proteus and all the way from Australia Dr Wil- lis.

The vintage Red Bull owned truck has been converted into a fully equipped DJ booth. The station will be manned by a host of top foreign and local DJs from early to late.

Complementing the outdoor DJ booth will be an indoor dance arena and outdoor live stage area.

There will also be performances from motorbike exhibitions special- ists Trialstar. Live drummers will play alongside traditional musicians and break dancers in what is one of the most diverse festivals of the Irish summer.

Organisers say the event is an ideal

family day out with plenty to see and do for young children including bouncy castles and go-karting.

The bar area will be restricted to over 18s only while there will also be an on-site food court available for anyone needing to re-fuel.

Those travelling to the festival can leave their cars in the parking facili- ties provided at the Clare Mart from where a bus service will shuttle festi- val goers to the Showgrounds.

The arduous task of co-ordinating and bringing AMF to life falls to three men, Gabriel Moloney, Kevin Mulqueen and Eric McNamara.

DJ and promoter Gabriel Molo- ney is banking on the festivals di- verse make up to attract big summer

crowds to Ennis.

He said, “We’ve had great feedback from all over the county about who’s playing and the people coming over. There’s never been a festival in Clare like this before. The response has been good. The fact that there is so many different things, drumming, live bands, exhibitions, 1s what make it such a unique festival”.

A YOUNG woman with “chronic” drug problems has admitted produc- ing broken glass in the course of as- saulting a supermarket manager in Killaloe.

Anne Marie Fitzgerald (31) a single mother-of-three, of Clarisford Estate, Killaloe admitted assaulting Antho- ny Robinson, manager of Super Valu, Killaloe on March 2, 2006.

She also pleaded guilty to produc- ing a broken bottle in the course of the assault.

Garda Pat Ryan said he was called to the scene. As he went into the shop he saw Fitzgerald strike out at Mr Robinson.

He said that another individual known to the accused had taken two bottles and left the shop without paying. As Fitzgerald was doing her shopping she saw the other individu-

al being brought back into the shop.

She then got involved and held up a piece of broken glass to Mr Robin- son, saying “Ill cut you, b*****d.”

The garda said the accused de- clined to make a statement saying she was on medication and did not remember a lot.

Fitzgerald told the court, “I accept I had a chronic drug problem. I’m with Slainte now. I go every Wednesday. Since February I haven’t touched a

drug. I’m moving out of Killaloe be- cause | feel it is my downfall.”

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said it was positive to hear that the accused was currently on a drug treatment programme.

He adjourned the case for a year and ordered her to continue with the treatment and report to the super- intendent in Killaloe every month. “This 1s very much by way of a last chance,” said the judge.

THE important contribution made by Samaritans volunteers to com- munity life in Ennis was recognised at a civic reception hosted by Ennis Town Council last week.

The reception was organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the En- nis and Clare branch of the Samari- tans. The service started in Ennis on June 7, 1982, and in its first year han- dled 500 calls. Originally based at premises on O’Connell Street in the town centre, the Samaritans moved to a new location at Sunville on the Kilrush Road in 1984.

Last year the centre handled 30,000 calls reflecting the expansion and growing demand for the service.

53 worked at the centre in 1982. The number of volunteers currently involved with the Samaritans now stands at 100.

Director Mary Lynch told repre- sentatives of Ennis Town Council that the decline in the number of people volunteering meant organisa- tions like the Samaritans were more important than ever.

She said, “In times in which the role of community is more and more compromised, in which the time to devote to volunteering is less and

less, but in which the importance of community trust, cohesion and social capital is more and more recognised, the importance of organisations like Samaritans has never been greater.

“We commit ourselves to honour the trust that has been placed in us over the years and to continue to serve the people of Ennis and Clare for the next 25 years”.

She highlighted the strong bonds that existed between the Samaritans and the people of Ennis and how that relationship ensured the survival of the service.

“Ennis was initially established as an outreach centre of the Limerick

branch, but within about a year had thrown off the shackles of our near neighbours and declared independ- Cieen

‘Since that time the branch has been loyally supported by the communi- ties of Ennis and Clare. This sup- port has been of many kinds. Many have provided the financial resources that we need to carry on our activi- ties; many families have given us the time of their sons, daughters, fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, and partners, to act as volunteers in our centre; a variety of individuals & or- ganisations have held events to sup- port us and to promote our work.”

FOR the fourth year in a row the

West Clare Show has attracted world-

renowned show jumpers and horses. Among the impressive line up were

Francis Connors, Cian O’Connor and Ronan Tynan. Despite the famous names in the Grand Prix line up, the winner of the €6,000 first prize was Kilrush bred horse Sarah’s Sparky E, the mount of Tipperary man Brendan

Ryan.

Up to 3,000 people came to Tully- brack to enjoy the day with the rain obliging everyone by staying away. The last race – the Future Young Event Horse- finished at 8.30pm.