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IT WAS the most precious gift he could ever receive and what made it all the more precious was that it came from a total stranger in their darkest hour.

David O’Donoghue said he would forever be grateful to the family of the kidney donor who gave him back a quality of life he had long forgot- ten.

The Cooraclare man who dreamed of going to the races for the day with- out hurrying home can now see his dreams become reality thanks to the kidney transplant.

For two years and three months he was connected to ‘fluid dialysis’ five times a day, limiting him to his home beside the Danganelly Riding School.

At the beginning of the year, this harrowing regime had been replaced by night dialysis, which he was con- nected to for nine hours every night.

Then one night the call came that was to change his life forever. David recalls, “It was a Friday night about 11.30pm. The mother was at home and I was out at the brother’s house. She rang me to come back home quick; the transplant team in Beau- mont Hospital were looking for me. It was completely unexpected on

the same night. I had four hours to make it to Dublin.” David drove to Dublin himself that

night, with girlfriend Caroline by his side. “I was nervous. I was a long time waiting for this,” he said.

David’s transplant was a success, and every day he is getting stronger. “It is great to be free from dialy-

sis. | can do what I want now when I want and eat what I want. I have 10 times more energy than I had.

“Dialysis keeps you alive but you don’t have any energy. I would sleep a lot and I wouldn’t be able to work for long.”

He is now planning a foreign holi- day free of machines and illness.

The 36-year-old paid tribute to his mother’s support through out the last two and a half years. “It was strenu- ous on her and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

David also thanked Caroline and his brothers and sisters for their sup- port and made special mention of the Limerick Dialysis Unit, especially Freda, Brid, Dr Cronnin and Dr Cas- UA

““T hope the family of the donor know how grateful I am. I was allowed to write them a letter and I hope it was of some help to them. They probably will never realise what a great thing they have done.”

The 2009 IKA Annual Service of Remembrance and ‘Thanksgiving will take place in Corpus Christi Church, Drumcondra, Dublin, on October 10 at lpm.

A SENIOR Clare county council- lor expressed hope yesterday that a decision by An Bord Pleanala to re- ject an appeal by the National Roads Authority (NRA) concerning a one- off home represents an “outbreak of common sense”.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) made his com- ment after the planning board gave the go-ahead for Sean Hill to build a one-off home along the main Ennis to Kilrush route near the village of BSS eos

Cllr Kelly has been a long-time

critic of the NRA opposing one-off housing development on national secondary routes in Clare.

Earlier this year, the council gave Mr Hill approval for the proposal in spite of NRA claims that it was con- trary to national policy.

The NRA appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala, stating that the proposal would endanger public safety and would adversely affect the use and safely of road users.

Yesterday, Cllr Kelly said: “I would hope that this represents a turna- round in An Bord Pleanala policy.

“This is part of the consistent 1n-

conistency in planning issues. Only a few months ago, a house on an ad- jacent site was refused planning per- mission by An Bord Pleanala.”

The board gave the go-ahead for the proposal after its own inspector recommended that planning permis- sion be refused.

In his report, Kenneth Moloney stated that “the development would contravene the objectives of the Sus- tainable Rural Housing guidelines where direct access from future de- velopments should not be permitted to national roads outside of the speed limit zones for towns and villages”.

Mr Moloney stated that the devel- opment would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.

However, the board over-ruled his report “having regard to the avail- ability of adequate sightlines, the local housing need and the lack of al- ternative access from the applicant’s land onto a public road.

“The proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and would therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area,” the ruling concluded.

THE proposed expansion of a west Clare quarry, to include blasting and mobile crushing has met with strong opposition from local people.

N Joseph Daniel and Martin O’Gorman have applied for planning permission to amend a condition 1m- posed on the operation of the quarry at Aylevarroo, Kilrush, which would allow blasting and the use of mobile crushing and screening plant within

the 2.88 hectares of the quarry.

To date three submissions objecting to the proposal have been submitted to Clare County Council, with more expected.

Local resident Gerry Mackle raised concerns about how the proposed development would impact on the health, homes and quality of life of the local people. He said that the pre- vailing southwest wind would carry dust towards the 18 houses to the north east of the quarry.

‘We would not be able to put clothes on the line or open windows.”

Mr Mackle also raised concerns about the impact such work would have on people with bronchial and respiratory conditions.

The quarry is adjacent to many fa- cilities used by the people of Kilrush, including swimmers, walkers, and fishermen, he explained.

“There is no civilised country in the world that would destroy a beauty spot with a quarry,’ said Mr Mackle.

Kilrush town councillor Paul Mo- roney (Ind) said that the quarry has been in use since the 1960s but there was no blasting associated with it. He said he was completely opposed to this proposal.

The greatest concern for the local people is the noise, vibrations and dust associated with blasting, crush- ing and screening on site, explained the Independent councillor.

“It is a beautiful area. Such a pro- posal would take away from the look of the area forever,” he said.

‘My concern is that the quarry 1s right on the side of the road. This is a Sli na Slainte walk, promoted by the council, and people go for a walk here regularly.”

The councillor also raised concerns about the amount of machinery and heavy goods vehicles that would also be accessing the quarry if permis- sion was granted.

He maintains the local infrastruc- ture was not built to support such industrial use, and that all access to the quarry would be through a resi- CCSneE Ue busrb

A previous attempt to secure sim1i- lar planning permission at this site was refused by Clare County Coun- cil and An Bord Pleanala.

FIVE separate Ennis-based busi- nesses are working together in a new venture aimed at protecting as many as 80 local jobs.

The businesses, FSG – Fire, Stove and Gas, Colleran Fitted Furniture, Stone Ware Tiles, Ennis Carpets and Ryan’s Window Attire, are all based near the Quin Road business park and are all involved in the home fin- ishings industry.

As ameans of countering the effects of the economic slowdown, five local business people – Dermot Whelan (FSG), John Colleran, Simon Whe- lan (Stoneware), Pat McDaid (Ennis Carpets) and Olive Ryan, decided to eroup together to market their serv- ices on a joint basis.

Their aim is to boost local business- es and by doing so they also hope to protect the futures of 80 direct jobs and potentially more in related serv- (eon

“I suppose like many businesses we were feeling the effect of the eco- nomic downturn. I sat down with Si- mon and John Colleran and then we spoke with Olive and Pat to look and see if we could do something togeth- er. We’ve all been in business in En- nis for a long time and we’re trying boost local business and protect jobs. Basically its businesses doing it for themselves and not getting sucked into all the negativity that’s out there,” explained Dermot Whelan.

He continued, “Collectively we

would employ almost 80 people but you would have a good few more when you take into account the fact that huge investment has been put into our showrooms. You have trades people that would be employed in that side of it and other non-direct jobs. You’re looking initially at 80 direct jobs but there are more defi- nitely added on to that”.

Whelan also believes that local businesses play an active role in sup-

porting the local community.

‘“T’ve been in business for 13 years, and I hope to be in it for 13 more. As local enterprises, we would sponsor jerseys, sponsor teams, things like that. We would have ties to the com- munity. Its wider I suppose than the 80 jobs because when you look at it, all our contracts are local. We get our diesel and petrol locally. We buy our vans locally”, said Dermot.

“Its not just about these five busi-

nesses either. We see this hopefully, as rippling out to help maybe 20 other local businesses. Things may be tough but its easier to go around with a smile on your face than being grumpy all the time’, he added.

IRISH meat factories have been ac- cused of slashing beef prices in the last week in order to maintain a large price gap over the United Kingdom beef market.

IFA President Padraig Walshe last week accused Irish meat factories of making Irish farmers suffer in order to allow them to maintain a strangle- hold over UK producers.

Bord Bia figures show the meat factories are continuing to operate a price gap of €150 per head with cat- tle prices in our major export market in the UK.

According to IFA president Padraig Walshe, the massive price gap was more than adequate to absorb the sterling change and the latest drop in prices was avoidable.

“The facts are that cattle prices are down over 50c per kg or €175 per head on this time last year. The factories latest grab for more of the price means farmers selling cattle are losing money and _ subsidising production out of their Single Farm Payment,’ he said.

The IFA president said by forcing prices down to the current unviable level, the factories and supermarkets are taking money from the Single

Farm Payment.

“Producing finished cattle for the factories to sell at loss-making prices is unsustainable. The livestock sec- tor must pursue every possible live export market to obtain viable out- lets capable of returning profitable jo eon

Meanwhile, the [FA National Live- stock Chairman Michael Doran said the factories tactics on cattle prices underline the importance of a strong live export trade. He said up to 300,000 head of cattle will be exported live this year, leaving sup- plies to the factories much tighter next year.

“There is a very strong market in the UK for Irish beef, where they have a major market deficit and tight- ening domestic supplies. Despite the change in sterling, UK cattle prices are the equivalent of €3.26 per kg including VAT,” he said.

“Across Continental Europe, beef prices are also strong with Bord Bia reporting Italian prices at the equiva- lent of €3.80 per kg, French prices at €3.17 per kg, German prices at €3.18/kg and Spanish prices at €3.35 per kg.

“In addition Brazilian beef exports into the European Union remain se- verely restricted.”

BUSINESS gurus are this week gath- ering at Westpark Business Centre, Shannon, to discuss doing business in the mid-west as part of Mid-West Regional Business Week 2009.

Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD performed the of- ficial opening of the event on Mon- day (yesterday). Following on from this, Vincent Browne will chair a discussion panel on the topic Doing business in the mid-west – the issues facing this region and how these may lorem: (eld Ron sciol6 m

This discussion panel will include Kelleher, Brian O’Connell, MD of Westpark, Shannon Ltd, and mem- ber of the Government-appointed Mid-West Task Force, Dr Maria Hin- felaar, President of Limerick Insti- tute of Technology, Brendan Kenny, CEO of the Limerick Regeneration Project, and Rory O’Connor, former CEO of Hewlett Packard.

With his many years in the media and his confrontational questioning style, Browne will ensure to deliver a very focused and thorough discus- sion with the panel.

Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland the Enterprise Expo has attracted over 40 stands from professional bodies who will offer advice and guidance to business owners and those think- ing of starting a business.

Commenting on the Enterprise Expo Mary Wixted, Senior Regional Development Executive with Enter- prise Ireland, said, “the presence of over 40 support agencies for business development in one location and the wide range of local successful entre- preneurs presenting their businesses all in different sectors highlights the vibrant supportive environment in the region and reinforces the fact that doing business in the mid-west is still a very viable option.

“The region possesses huge strengths. We have a rich diversity in industry with scope for further devel-

opment. In terms of the cost of do- ing business, this part of the country is more competitive than elsewhere. The infrastructure is improving all the time and there are excellent op- portunities in education, training and research. We must believe in the talents of people in this region and harness their potential.”

Companies taking part in the En- terprise Expo include Greenbusiness. ie who offer Irish businesses free 1m- partial advice on improving resource efficiency, utilising a three-pronged approach which focuses on reducing waste, conserving energy and saving water.

Many of the companies taking part in the Enterprise Expo have received funding from Enterprise Ireland or

the Enterprise Boards and are an ex- ample of the local successful entre- preneurship stories in the region.

Mid-West Regional Business Week is the combined initiative the region’s County and City Enterprise Boards in conjunction with Enterprise Ire- land and runs from October 5 to Oc- tober 9.

The week-long programme of events covers all categories, from those who wish to explore the possibilities of launching their own businesses, to the long-established businesses who wish to expand their management development capabilities. The Mid- West Networking Event with Sean Gallagher from The Dragon’s Den (detailed below) will take place in the Radisson Hotel, Limerick, on

Wednesday, October 7, at 5.30pm. Bank of Ireland is the key spon- sor of this year’s event, which in the current climate is a welcome indica- tion of their commitment to the local small and medium enterprise sector. For further details log onto www. regionalbusinessweek.com.

WHO says that there is no entertain- ment in local soccer? This league cup final would put it up to any Pre- miership game in terms of goals, last gasp tackles and anxiety for on-look- ing fans.

SUUUUE ROD biccceM (once elem. eurvelo nm DE the end after extra-time but this game had so many twists and turns Kilrush will certainly feel that they left this cup behind them.

It was Tulla who got the ball rolling when they grabbed the first goal of the match. After some good build up play, striker Keith Lenihan nodded his team into an early lead.

Kilrush were not in the mood for putting their heads down and they immediatly fought back. After 25 minutes Stephen O’Gorman equal- ised, cooly lobbing Shane Collins in the Tulla goal after some great pass- ing between Brian Harte and Trevor SET Tea

Both sides continued to attack and create chances but another goal was not found before the referee brought the first-half to an end.

A few minutes into the second-half Tulla were back in front. This time it was a Crusheen man Alan Brigdale who restored the advantage for Tulla. His long range effort crept over the line when Kilrush goalkeeper Joe Griffin failed to deal with his at- Koa oelel me

Kilrush’s frustration was clear but once again they must be admired for how they got back into the game again. It only took them ten minutes to find a second equaliser. Sub Eoin Fitzgerald who finished off a good move, again with Clancy and Harte at the centre of the move.

The momentum had now certainly switched over to the west Clare men. They still looked very positive and had completed their mission when they went in the lead for the first-time after 65 minutes. Clancy throughout

had been fantastic in build-up play but this time he switched roles from playmaker to goal scorer. He picked up a loose ball outside the box and hammered his shot into the corner of the net.

Tulla had lost the lead twice and were now trailing while Kilrush had completed a miraculous recovery so a tense final quarter was certainly brewing. Kilrush looked to have held on to claim this title but incredibly there was one more headline maker in the 95th minute. Again the impor- tance of subsitutes was evident when Andy McMahon claimed a dramatic levelling goal. Kilrush with another defensive error had blown it and ex- tra-time was now the only solution.

It was clear after the first-half of ex- tra time that both teams had tired but their was still some clear cut chances being constructed.

Man of the match James O’ Hagan missed a number of header opportu- nites but he certainly made up for this

in the opening minutes of the second period of extra-time. An inswinging corner kick was headed on target and Tulla had restored their lead.

Kilrush spirits had been damaged beyond repair. Brigdale with his sec- ond finished off the game a few min- utes later with another cool finish.

Tulla had the game and the first di- vision league cup in hand.

MARKETING support should be made available to make the most of the unique advantage which the US customs pre-clearance facility pro- vides for Shannon, it has been urged.

Welcoming the decision by British Airways to utilise the US pre-clear- ance facilities at Shannon Airport, Fine Gael’s Deputy Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Pat Breen has called on the Government to provide mar- keting support to promote the facility which he said is “the only such facil- ity in Europe” which has the “poten- tial to create jobs and attract industry to this region”.

He also asked Aer Lingus to recon- sider its decision not to use the facil- ity until a similar one is provided in Dublin. His comments came as the inaugural Brisith Airways business class-only flight used the facility on its way from London City to JFK.

Business passengers will pay fares of up to £6,324 for the luxury service, which will refuel at Shannon and take advantage at the same time of having access to the pre-clearance facility.

Irish-born Chief Executive of Brit- ish Airways, Willie Walsh said that despite the cost of the service, de- mand is “quite good”.

The new service will have two flights daily and feature 32 flat beds in a specially designed cabin, so that passengers can sleep properly on the journey and enjoy every comfort.

Asked what he thought about the Aer Lingus decision to be the only

transatlantic airline not using the facility, the former Aer Lingus CEO said he did not fully understand the reasons behind it.

“But I do genuinely believe that the customs and immigration facility will make a big difference for people flying the Atlantic. It gives so much more flexibility.”

And he was critical of the Govern- ment’s imposition of a €10 travel tax. “I think aviation has been seen as a cash cow to governments. I think it (the departure tax) is going to 1m- pact on the number of people travel- ling to and from Ireland at a time of economic downturn.”

Deputy Breen described the new service as “a welcome boost for the airport”. He said, “I would now urge the Shannon Airport Author-

ity to contact other airlines like Air France, KLM and Luftansa, for ex- ample, to investigate the possibility of those airlines operating similar transit stops through Shannon.”

He added that while British Air- ways, Continental, Delta and US Airways passengers have now all signed up to use pre-clearance facili- ties at Shannon, “Aer Lingus passen- gers continue to have to stand in line for hours on arrival in US airports to clear immigration.”

THE issue of mental health among male members of the Traveller com- munity is a “critical area” that needs to be discussed more openly, the Mayor of Clare has said.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) was speaking in Ennis last Wednesday at the launch of a new primary health- care drop-in centre for members of the Traveller community.

The Health Drop-In Centre will run each Wednesday from 10am _ until 12.30pm and will assist people from the Traveller community with health information and advice, and group

activities on health matters.

The programme employs three qualified Community Health Work- ers who are also members of the Traveller community. All three – Ann Keenan, Catherine McCarthy and Kathleen Sherlock – took part in a four-year training programme run by Clarecare.

Cllr Mulcahy encouraged members of the Traveller community to avail of the service and acknowledged the role of Traveller women in es- tablishing the service. He said that it was now important that the wider Traveller community embraced the scheme.

“We’re all worried about the Mc- Carthy report and cuts and this is exactly the type of scheme that we don’t want cut. It’s close to people on the ground”.

Cllr Mulcahy said the centre repre- sented an opportunity for the Travel- ler community to have their say on health matters.

‘Suicide is one of those issues that we can’t afford not to talk about,” said Cllr Mulcahy.

He added that issue of mental health among men was a “critical area that needs to be focused on’. He said that in general, men were slow to admit to health problems.

Sandra Cox, programme coordina- tor with Ennis Community Develop- ment Project (CDP), told the launch “We all hope that the Traveller com- munity will avail of the service to benefit their community and their own health”.

The need for a primary health care programme was identified in research carried out for the ‘Strategy for the coordination of Public Services to the Traveller community in Clare’.

It found that members of the Trav- eller community typically had a life expectancy of between 11 and 12 years less than people in the settled community.

McCarthy ‘spiralled out of control