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MEMBERS of Clare County Coun- cil last night agreed to extend the town boundary of Shannon to facili- tate the expansion of the town.

County manager Alec Fleming rec- ommended the extension apart from the inclusion of a townland, Clon- money West, in anticipation of the population of Shannon and its envi- rons tripling by 2011.

Mr Fleming laid out the grounds cited for the extension in a document that went before the council’s June meeting in Inagh.

The document is to also go be- fore the members of Shannon ‘Town Council.

Mr Fleming said that the residents of Shannon town and its environs were to be brought under a single ad- ministration with devoted electoral representation for all communities within the expanded town.

The proposed expanded town would be better able to deal adminis- tratively with the future development of the town.

He said that Shannon town resi- dents had no significant input into the running of the affairs of Shan-

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Mr Fleming also stated that an expanded Shannon town would be better able to promote the social, economic, sporting and cultural fa- cilities and amenities and integrated os ATA CCL IB UOTE A OLoeEs Bote B

The document anticipates that the lands in the extension area could provide an additional 3,027 housing units that would satisfy the primary demand for accommodation in Shan- non town during the life of the cur- rent plan and to 2020.

However, Mr Fleming has ruled out an extension into the townland of

Clonmoney West.

He said: “Given the existing capac- ity of the zoned lands within Shan- non town, there would appear to be no valid reasons for the extension of Shannon town into such townlands save for the possible addition of 172 acres to the north.

“The incorporation of the town- lands into Shannon town would create unsustainable expectations amongst property owners that such areas would be identified for future short to medium term development.

“The development of these lands would be contrary to national poli-

cies and should be retained for agri- cultural and rural type uses.

Mr Fleming has conceded the as- sessment had not taken into account the financial consequences of the re- allocation of rates or capital contribu- tion income to the respective parties and the availability of transportation and infrastructural services.

He added that these issues were critical to the success or failure of the application and required more detailed information. But he rec- ommended the boundary extension apart from the Clonmoney West sec- won

A NEW facility for skaters in Ennis will be officially opened on Saturday, June 16. Mayor of Ennis Joe Reidy will officially open the skateboard park, which is the latest addition to facilities at the Lees Road sports and amenity park.

Sports Surfaces Ireland Ltd, the contractor responsible for the design of the skate park, has arranged for a skateboarding exhibition as part of the official programme of activities for the opening.

The development consists of a modular skate park on a 30m x 20m

concrete surface complete with two- metre high perimeter fence and ac- cess gates. Now that a specifically designed and purpose built skate- board park has been provided, Ennis Town Council intend to introduce new bye-laws prohibiting skateboard in public spaces around Ennis.

The new byelaws will mean that skateboarding can only take place at the new facility at the Lees Road sports and amenity park. According to Ennis Town Council, the statu- tory process will commence in the next few weeks. The council is also seeking input from the general pub- lic throughout the process with the

draft budgets and any submissions received to be considered by the council in the autumn.

The announcement of the official Opening of the skate park was made at the June monthly meeting of Ennis SKon stm Oxeltbntene

At that meeting, councillors raised concerns over safety measures in place at the park and any potential liability risk to the council.

Green Party councillor Donal O’Beara said those using the park must be aware that safety equipment must be worn at all time in the park.

He said, “It is very important, in terms of reducing the liability risk to

the council, that safety gear is worn by people when using the facility.”

This sentiment was echoed by Inde- pendent councillor Tommy Brennan who also asked whether the council could rent out safety equipment.

“The people who looked for the skate park should be notified that safety equipment must be worn. Is it possible that this equipment could be rented out.”

The need for a new skating facility in Ennis first emerged in 2005 when the council proposed the introduc- tion of bye-laws that would prohibit the use of skateboard, roller blades or any other vehicle in any park.

AND so the curtain has finally come down on Clare’s soccer season. Eve- ryone in the County Grounds on Saturday evening were singing from the same hymn sheet. It was some curtain call for fans of the garrison game.

There were many strands to make the occasion. The summer sunshine was one such strand — the biggest advertisement yet that summer soc- cer could be the way to if the game is finally flourish.

The hard sod, shaved to within a couple of inches of its life by dedi- cated groundsman Tommy Austin; the sun on players’ backs. Then came the football, something shy of cham- pagne football but still high on enter-

tainment.

The ingredients were there before- hand. Town versus Country 1s just as compelling in the garrison game as it is in games of the Gael. The spirit of the country against the skill of the townies.

Avenue United. The masters and undisputed kings of Clare soccer over the past quarter of a century. Seven times cup champions, a hat- ful of leagues too, not forgetting the romance of their affairs with the FAI Junior Cup.

It was way back in 1990 when the Avenue Kop set up home on the ter- races of Dalymount Park when the Avenue took on a crack Cherry Or- chard side in the blue riband of the amateur game in Ireland — Europe for that matter as the FAI is the big-

gest knockout competition on the continent.

Alas, it wasn’t to be for the Avenue back then, but their pride of place in the Clare game was secured on that romantic run through Ireland. The players’ place was also secured — John the Man, Johnny Purtill, Ray Casey, Mannix and many more.

John O’Malley and Noelie Purtill are still around the team — the joint- managers patrolled the sideline on Saturday with the same enthusiasm they showed in their playing days.

Barking instructions, giving out, but always encouraging. Preaching a work ethic, but wanting that married with total football at the same time. It’s a townie thing, a skill thing that found expression in Mikie Mahony and many more on the Avenue team.

Mikie seemed born for this day — he dazzled like the summer sun and while the brave Moher defence kept him at bay for most of the game he wasn’t to be denied his moment of glory.

PAV AKO MYL TKCK\, ONG (omc MED EN LUbosloloems Oye joy while the Moher Magpies lay strewn on the pitch. So near and yet so far —1n many ways they were the team of the year in Clare soccer, but bridesmaids at the same time.

Premier League runners-up and now cup runners-up.

Aidan Moloney summed up their torment. The Puddin had given eve- rything, slotted the penalty that had the Magpies dreaming of glory and kept going for 110 minutes.

All for nothing, except for hope that their day will finally come.

It must, but this was Avenue’s. The bluebloods of Clare soccer.

MEMBERS of Clare County Coun- cil last night railed against new Gov- ernment measures that could sound the deathknell for extensions to graveyards around the county.

New legislation requires volun- tary groups to secure consent from the National Monuments section of the Department of the Environ- ment to extend graveyards. Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) said last night that the prohibitive cost of carrying out Surveys was stopping graveyard ex- tensions from proceeding.

Receiving support from all sides of the council chamber in Inagh last night, Cllr Prendeville said that vol- untary groups were “being caught in a Straitjacket of red tape and bureaucracy in seeking to extend eae NONE DKO ae

Cllr Prendeville said that the leg- islation came from an EU Directive. Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said, “This stupid legislation is being nod- ded through the Oireachtas without thinking of the consequences. Com- mon sense has to prevail.”

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said that there was an instance of the local people in Kilnaboy seeking to carry out works to their graveyard but be- fore they could do anything, they had to carry out an archaeological survey at a cost of €30,000.

Cllr Prendeville said that it was ironic in this day and age that ar- chaeologists could be made available for road building but not available for graveyards, while Cllr Pat Keane (FF) said, “I fear that these measures will result in the deathknell of grave- yard extensions around the county.”

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) said, “It is an appalling situation. Voluntary groups should be able to reclaim the costs of the surveys from Clare County Council and funding should be made available from national gov- ernment to councils on the issue. If we cannot respect our dead, we don’t have respect for ourselves’.

In his response, county engineer Tom Carey said he agreed with eve- rything that was said by councillors and agreed to the suggestion that a Department of the Environment rep- resentative attend a council meeting.

THE race may be over for Clare’s newest TD’s Joe Carey and Timmy Dooley but it’s only beginning for thousands due to take park in the Clare People 10k walk/run.

Deputy Dooley (FF) and Deputy Carey (FG) were in Lees Road to lend their support to Clare Youth Service, one of the organisations set to benefit from the annual event.

The CYS say there has been a dras- tic shortfall in the level of funding available for the youth sector in the county.

The service has launched an urgent appeal for the development of facil1-

ties for young people around Clare.

The service 1s currently in the proc- ess of building a dedicated youth Space, practice space and recording studio. However despite intensive fundraising €30,000 is still needed to meet the final cost of develop- ment.

Clare Youth Service are calling on any groups or individuals interested in the development of youth orien- tated facilities to make a donation or take a sponsorship card from the service for the Clare 10k walk/run to be held on Saturday, June 23.

Youth Work Manager Margaret Slattery explained that to date the service has received funding towards

the development of the faculties from the Ennis Lions Club.

Young people have also undertaken a number of fundraising initiatives with more than €20,000 collected OMe r-NKon

But €83,000 is still needed to cover the complete cost of development.

The Clare Youth Service bands project, which has been in existence since 1996 has an excellent reputa- tion and is the model on which serv- ices around Ireland are basing the development of similar projects.

The project in Ennis involves hun- dreds of young people each year and the development of the facility would allow the project to offer both

certified and non-certified tuition in sound engineering, multimedia and related topics.

Sponsorship cards are available from Pat McMullin on 68 45350, Jean Tierney on 68 45356 and from Margaret Slattery on 68 45367. Do- nations can also be made to Clare Youth Service, Carmody Street, En- Whe

HE’S BEEN involved with all strands of inter-county hurling bar senior and Kevin Kennedy has decided this will be his last stand, his final year. Understandably, he wants to go out with an explosion on the field and a fifth Munster Final with a Clare side would provide reward in itself.

Back in ’97 and °98, Kennedy was involved with the Clare minors when they reached the provincial decider. He was there in ’99 with the Under- 21s and two years later with the in- termediates. It’s familiar territory by now, but he knows the path to the big stage 1s speckled with tricky encoun- ters and Clare’s next task arrives on Sunday and a meeting with an un- known Waterford side.

It’s nothing new of course and Kennedy understands it is his lot as inermediate boss to encounter sides about whom not much is known. It’s a pitfall nonetheless.

“We’re wary because Waterford haven’t played a game all year and all through my involvement with Clare

sides, I haven’t come up against Waterford too often,” he says. “The only time I was with Clare when we played Waterford was with the mi- nors in 1996.”

It was the win against Cork that earned Kennedy a second shot against Waterford and that day, in front of a skeleton crowd in Semple Stadium, Clare delivered a match winning performance in the second half. Mark Flaherty impressed in front of the posts and ended up with eight points, Damien Kennedy began to take charge around the middle and John Reddan gave a match winning display at centre-back.

“We conceded 1-1 in two minutes against Cork and at that stage you might have thought our fellas would wilt. Other Clare teams at this grade might have done at that stage but not these guys. They’re winners. I’ve had intermediate teams in the past but you can see these guys are good, honest hurlers. I intentionally stayed away from involving Under-21s or fringe senior players because I want- ed a tight and committed squad. It’s a

small panel but it’s close-knit.”

As word seeped through that Red- dan — captain of the intermediates —turned down the offer of a place on the senior panel this week, Kennedy sensed the will to complete the task in Munster was alive and thriving in his squad.

“I’d love to see these lads get some- thing out of the season. In general, they’re hardworking players who put in a huge amount of effort at club level and it goes unrecognised at inter-county level a lot of the time. Most would have played for Clare at underage so that’s a big plus. They know the ropes. The average age of the panel is in the mid-20s so there’s plenty of scope for players to go on and make a name for themselves at senior level. That’s what we’d be hoping.”

That fifth Munster Final for Kennedy would put those players in the shop window. Since the Cork game just over a fortnight back, they’ve regrouped and focused once more. Last week they played Bor- risoleigh in a challenge. It sprung a

few headaches and a few surprises, but Kennedy was happy with the progress made.

‘Fellas who would normally play well didn’t perform. It’s not a worry because some just can’t get into the right frame of mind for challenges. They know they’ll be judged against Waterford on Sunday.”

Enda Collins is unlikely to start be- cause of an injury to his thumb and the availability of Seanie Moloney — who fractured a thumb – is also a concern to Kennedy. Alan McNa- mara will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday evening but these are the workaday worries of a seasoned manager and Kennedy knows how to cope.

SDE still available to buy in local shops, the success of the inaugural festival should guarantee a continued early summer festival in Gort for years to Koya lon

“It was a great day, a day that Gort can be really proud of,” said Niamh Clune, managing director of GRACE and organiser of the Changing Colours.

“So many people contributed in

the festival, people like Anne Kelly who never flinches no matter what the task, the GRACE directors and volunteers, all our sponsors, the mu- sicilans and technical team, Garry Connolly for his help on the day, my husband, Doug who was always behind the scenes helping and my daughter, Aleisha, for the music and friendship.”

Giant puppets and jugglers walked the streets, the ICA arrived on pony and trap to signify the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in 1857, as the his- tory of Gort was depicted in graphic action.

The carnival atmosphere contin- ued with Marie Gavin’s dancers

who performed a war and fire dance, before Euro-Samba played some au- thentic samba from the San Paolo region and were joined by Brazilian CN eo ace

“There are too many people to thank, but I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the teachers and loop leaders for their brilliant guidance and participation; to Michael O’Grady, Frank Murray, Nilton De Viera Souza and Isaiais for helping on the day and with the Brazilian translations,’ she contin- tere

“T would also like to thank the Garda Siochana, the Court Serv- ices, Galway County Council Spe-

cial Events Licensing for Arts and Crafts Fair, the brilliant staff of the Lady Gregory, Dennis Corry and the Board of Trustees at Gort Com- munity School and the business people of Gort.

‘To Pat Howley and the Red Cross team, to all those who provided out- lets for ticket and CD sales, to James Lee and staff of the Gort Communi- ty Centre and to Mayor Mullins for helping us to launch the festival.”

The

THE circumstances surrounding the death of a north Clare man were recalled at an inquest last week, ex- actly one year after the fatal accident which claimed his life.

Michael Nagle (59), a stonema- son, from Caherbarnagh, Liscannor, died in a single-vehicle accident, in Kilshanny, on May 29, 2006.

Ennis Coroner’s Court heard last Wednesday that Rita Flaherty worked

in Tully’s bookmakers in Ennistymon on the afternoon in question. She said that Michael Nagle went in and out of the premises a number of times. He seemed to get “very drunk, very quickly” around teatime.

Another man, Michael Murphy, recalled meeting Mr Nagle in a pub in Ennistymon that evening. He said he asked him did he have his car and Mr Nagle replied, “That’s too much information you are looking for.” He said Mr Nagle drank a can of

Heineken and left the pub.

Andrea Guerrer recalled seeing Mr Nagle outside the Holywell res- taurant in Ennistymon, shortly af- ter 8pm. She said he appeared to be fumbling in his pockets and looking at his hands. She was the last person to see him alive.

Daragh Considine said he was driv- ing near the former ESB shop in En- nistymon that evening. A car pulled out in front of him and “was all sides of the road.” He said there was steam

coming out of the car.

“Just before he crashed, he was on the wrong side of the road… The car flipped,” he said.

He said the accident happened at around 8.40pm near the pub in Kilshanny.

Garda Louise Casey attended the scene of the accident. She saw a car on its roof and a man was being put into an ambulance. He was bleed- ing and had severe head injuries, she said. He died in hospital at 9.45pm,

as aresult of his injuries.

Pathologist Dr James O’ Driscoll carried out a post mortem on Mr Na- gle’s body. He noted that death was due to cardiac respiratory failure, as- sociated with an extensive fracture of the skull.

A verdict of accidental death was reached by the jury. Coroner Isobel O’Dea sympathised with the Nagle family and said, “I am conscious of the fact it is just a year and a day since the accident.”

A NEW organisation of Clare wom- en in business is aiming to help re- dress some of the historic problems faced by women in their profession- al capacity.

The Clare branch of Network ORE VICeRMAWYeb Cel eMay c-Kenol Mn tlOmsDImyaNe Ure will host its third meeting in the Old Ground Hotel tomorrow evening.

The group operates through a mixture of networking and mentor- ing, with the ultimate aim of helping more females reach their business potential.

“Women understand what it is like to be in business, they are great multitaskers and it is nice to meet with people who face the same chal- lenges as we do in the workplace,” said chairwoman, Sarah Malone.

‘A company works best when there

is a mixture of men and women. Is- sues such as childcare and leave can effect how far a woman can rise in the workplace. It is a very difficult situation.

“We need more childcare and more affordable childcare, it is one of our key issues.”

In the wake of the general elec- tion, the organisation presented each Government department with a list of qualified women willing it sit on the boards of State organisa- tions.

Tomorrow’s meeting will be ad- dressed by Hilary O’Carroll from The Image Factor and Clare woman Dorinda Bourke, who will speak about her business, Fab Shape.

The meeting takes place tomor- row evening, June 6, from 8pm. En- trance 1s free for members and €10 for non-members.

C’S DRY e iene namee ulus Ireland are oiling their bikes and stretching out their calf muscles in preparation for the fourth annual Tour the Burren which will be hitting the roads of north Clare on June 16.

This year’s tour will have two sepa- rate routes and is designed to cater for everyone from the experienced cyclist looking for a challenge to the day tripper after a bit of fun.

“We cater for all kinds of cyclists, from the slow to the fast, from the tall to the small. We accommodate everybody, for as long as they want to take part they will be looked af- ter,’ said Patrick O’Donohue of the Burren Cycle Club.

“We will have a broom wagon go- ing after the cycle, picking up anyone who needs a lift. We will also have full assistance for anyone who has any mechanical problems.

“We have two routes. The first route is 16O0km and has four main climbs at Ballaghtdine, up Corker Hill, up the Cork Screw Hill and at the Cliffs of Moher. It leaves Ballyvaughan at 9.30am and 1s for cyclists who have a bit of experience.

“The second route leaves Bally- vaughan at llam and is 60km long. There will be a food stop with food, beverages, sandwiches the whole lot at the Royal Spa in Lisdoonvarna. Afterwards we will have a celebra- tion at Monks Pub in Ballyvaughan with a jazz band.”

Since its formation in 2003, the Burren Club has gone from strength to strength and this year boasts more than 40 members. Some 120 people took part in the tour last year and or- ganisers are hoping for an even big- ger turnout this year.

“We just finished the Croi tour last weekend round Lough Corrib, some of us are going to do the Wicklow Tour in early June and then we have the Tour de Burren. We are also look- ing at doing the Ring of Kerry in July if people are interested in taking part in that,” continued Patrick.

“The challenge of the tour is the climbs but more important than that is the scenery. It’s spectacular. A few people will take the race seriously but it’s mainly for average cyclists to

have a good day out. The last person home is the most important person.”

Tour de Burren takes place on Saturday, June 16, with registra- tion taking place in Ballyvaughan between 8.30am and 930am. Entry for licensed members is €10, €20 unlicensed. For more info, contact Patrick on 086 2579682, John at 086 8405449 or www.burrencyclingclub. onee