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THE Clare Community Games Cross Country U1O relays and U13 1200 metres were held on the lands of John and Brid Collins, Kilnaboy, at the weekend. Ennistymon/Lahi- nch/Liscannor captured the girls U10 4 x 250 metres relay with Killenana/ Flagmount taking the boys title.

Laura Egan, Kilmihil, won the girls U13 cross country with Doora/Bare- field taking the team title and Conor Madigan, Kilrush, a very impressive winner of the boys U13 title. Killane- na/Flagmount took the team award.

The girls U10 4 x 250 metres relay saw five teams going to the finals. Ennistymon/Liscannor/Lahinch came from third spot over the final 50 metres to capture the gold medals from Carrigaholt/Cross with Cloon- ey/Quin taking the bronze.

The boys U10 relay had seven teams on the starting line and at the final change-over Kuillenana/Flagmount had a slight advantage. They held on

to take the gold medals.

The girls U13 1200 metres saw over 40 competitors taking part. There was a good contest with Niamh Markham, Kilmurry McMahon, tak- ing the big field out at a blistering pace. In close pursuit were Orlagh Flanagan, Miltown Malbay, Laura Egan, Kilmihil, Claudia Loughnane, Kilkishen, Shauna Mullane, Corofin/ Kilnaboy, Jean Clancy, Doonbeg, and Meabh Hogan, Doora/Barefield. Into the final lap Flanagan took the lead only to be passed by Egan who ran on to take the win.

The boys U13 1200 metres saw Tadgh Lillis, Cooraclare/Cree, set a very lively pace with Ryan Taylor, Clooney/Quin, David Conroy, Doo- ra/Barefield, Dylan Quirke, Clare- castle/Ballyea, and three Killenana/ Flagmount athletes Padraig Brady, Todd Kelsey, and Martin Glynn all well tucked in behind.

Over the final lap Conor Madigan moved to the front and raced away to AUN O AYA

A PARACHUTE jump by local woman Pauline Nagle has helped raise vital funds for the Brothers of Charity.

On Saturday, March 10, in the skies over Edenderry, County Offaly,

Pauline and two staff members from the Brothers of Charity jumped out of a plane from 12,000 feet.

Despite some understandable last minute reservations the jump went perfectly

This was a tandem jump and was done with Pauline strapped to an in-

structor. Conditions on the day were perfect and after a brief instruction it wasn’t long before Pauline was speeding down the runway.

After some screaming on the way down and at a rate of 200 feet a sec- ond and 125 miles an hour the para- chute opened after a drop of 7,000

rel

Her efforts helped raise €5,000 for the Brothers of Charity holiday fund – an internal fund within the service which enables other people in receipt of the service to go on holidays.

28-year-old Pauline Nagle origi- nally from Ballyea, but now living in Ennis has been in receipt of services from the Brothers of Charity for the past ten years.

A number of months ago she ex- pressed a wish to do a parachute jump as part of her personal plan.

After she informed her support staff within the Brothers of Charity of what she intended to do she set about making her dream a reality.

Pauline nominated the Brothers of Chairty holiday fund as her chosen charity. A committee was formed in November and comprised of Pauline and staff from within the Ennis serv- ice.

In total four people took the plunge, Pauline, Eamon Finn, Maria Cahill and Kevin Delaney.

Before the main event a number of other fund raising events took place over the Christmas period.

These included pub quizzes, a six- ties night, a garage sale and a number of other smaller events. There was nearly €5,000 raised which was a fantastic achievement.

The focus within the Brothers of Charity over the past few years has changed dramatically.

According to those involved this has been a slow process, but with a lot of hard work and commitment from all involved, the focus of atten- tion is now based on the individual and what the organisation can do to help them.

According to Maria Cahill of the Brothers of Charity, “The fulfilment of Pauline’s dream of a parachute jump is as a direct result of this change of focus within the organisa- nO)

“Can we take this opportunity to thank all involved in the fundraising, both the committee members and all those who gave so generously.”

IRISH horse breeders are this week breathing a collective sign of relief as the last traces of last year’s deadly outbreak of Equine Infectious Anae- mia (EIA) or swamp fever appear to have dissipated.

Minister Mary Coughlan, con- firmed last Thursday that the last premises restrictions imposed as a result of the outbreak have been lift- ed following a lapse of more than 90 days since the last of 28 cases was confirmed on 10 December 2006.

Coughlan confirmed that the final blood samples had been taken from those horses which remained under movement restriction and all test re- sults had been negative for EIA.

“Since the first cases had been confirmed on the 15 of June last almost 57,000 blood samples had been analysed for EIA with 28 eight cases having been confirmed,” she said while describing the last nine months as “a very difficult period for the Irish bloodstock industry.”

The Minister met with industry rep- resentative in Dublin last week and

commended the Irish Equine Centre, all sections of the industry and her Department’s Central Veterinary Research Laboratory for their work in controlling the outbreak.

“The efficient way in which this outbreak had been managed and eradicated reflected very well on all those involved and demonstrated the absolute necessity of Govern- ment and industry working closely together in one another’s mutual in- terest. The threat of EIA required a robust and professional response and despite the obvious inconvenience

experienced by some horse owners and trainers and stud managers, the industry appreciated the necessity of the Department’s actions which were central to the effective manner in which this outbreak was contained and eradicated,’ she said.

“Despite the obvious sense of relief being felt in the wake of the final re- strictions being lifted, the events of last year demonstrated the continu- ing need for her Department, the in- dustry and the veterinary profession to maintain a high level of vigilance in relation to EIA.”

CLAIRE Wehrley, a teacher in St Flannan’s College in Ennis, has been appointed manager of this year’s North Munster under 14 team. Wehrley has put together a formi- dable management team, which also includes Eric Nelligan of Limerick and Richard Grimes of St Caimin’s, Shannon. The trio have been suc- cessful in bringing the under 15 inter provincial schools title to Munster in 2005 and 2006 and Wehrley believes

they are capable of delivering the goods once more.

“I have two very capable peo- ple working with me in Richard (Grimes) and Eric (Nelligan). They have coached the Munster under 15 schools team for around 7 years now, and I have been involved for two. It is a good management team. We work well together and have proved that we can be successful.”

Wehrley outlines their aims for the upcoming year, “This year for the under 14s we are hoping to try and

get an insight into the talent that’s out there. There will be talent we will not have been seen before. We want to identify emerging talent, look to de- velop the players, improve them and hopefully start them on a successful career which will eventually lead to inclusion on under 16 and under 18 squads into the future.”

“We would have an idea of some players playing at that level. Howev- er, we know there are so many play- ers out there who we will not have seen before and we want to encour-

age everyone to come along.”

Wehrley was involved in the Gaynor Cup last year and she is grateful for the experience.

“T think Munster will be in with a shout at each age level. Obviously the under 14s is the one I will be con- centrating on and I would fancy our chances, especially when you look at the runner-up spot we achieved last year.”

SUED im s00 Mmre-D amma lH ODUM OO (oMmNITo.€8 two weeks and clubs will be notified within the coming days.

, a diverse collection of work by the Finnish born artist is currently on show at the the Burren College of aval

Kaiya Poijula was born in Northern Finland and now currently lives and works in Ennis. She holds a Master of Arts from Helsinki University of Art and Design.

Kaiya works mainly with mixed media, sculpture, installations and

oLau Cee serNeGom-vam

Death, loneliness, shadows, the in- visible world and macabre humour all come into play in her ethereal and minimalist work. She works with materials such as textiles, skulls, glass, and water.

The colour white runs like a thread through the exhibition and is used to simultaneously express joy and sor- row.

These themes and materials will be seen in her sculptures and instal- lations on display during the exhibi- tion.

She has had several public and pri- vate commissions, the latest one be- ing in the Cultural Centre of Beth- lehem, in Palestine, designed by

renowned Finnish Architect Juha Letviska.

Since 1992 Kaiya has had several solo and group exhibitions around the world. Some of her solo shows include, St Paul’s Church at Smith- field, Dublin in 2004, Gallery of the Institution of Finland and Berlin in 2004 and Gallery Katarina, Helsin- ki in 2003.

She has also exhibited in the Em- bassy of Finland in Washington, DC, USA in 1999 and Gallery Maronie in Kyoto, Japan (together with Sato and Rokumura) 1n 1997.

In 2005 she participated in the Soho Chelsea International Art Competition, in the Agora Gallery in New York and in the 175th Annual

Exhibition, RHA (Royal Hibernian Academy) Dublin.

Awards and grants include; Sculp- ture in Context, Dublin in 2005, Project Grant (The Arts Council of Finland) in 2003, Public Display Grant for Visual Artists in 2002 and The Arts Council of Uusimaa in 2000.

All the work will be available for sale throughout the exhibition. The exhibition will run until April 12. For further information on this ex- hibition, please contact Limerick Printmakers Studio and Gallery at 061 311806.

The gallery is open Monday to Fri- day llam to 5.30pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. All are welcome.

can reveal that interpreters were required for 120 cases in the District Court in Clare last year, which compares with 30, in 2003.

A firm of interpreters has now been appointed to deal with the additional business both in Clare and around the country.

Previously, cases in Clare involving foreign nationals who required inter-

preters were dealt with by Con|[text], a Galway-based international trans- lation company, if certified by the presiding judge.

Now, for the first time, a contract has been signed with Dublin-based company Lionbridge.

The revelation comes in the wake of an Ennis solicitor raising an objec- tion to one particular interpreter be- ing involved in a case, at a sitting of Ennis District Court last week.

Solicitor Tara Godfrey said she had an objection to a particular translator, who was working with Con|[text].

She said her objection – in the case of a female foreign national, who is

accused of shoplifting – was not per- sonal, but that she couldn’t under- stand the translator.

“It is nothing personal. I cannot un- derstand her.

“IT am open to correction, but it is up to the court office to obtain an interpreter,’ she told Judge Joseph Mangan on Friday morning.

She said the charge would be con- tested, adding, “I do not want her in court for the contest. It is unfortunate and regrettable.”

Judge Joseph Mangan said he was noting the solicitor’s objection and told her she should liaise with the court office. He adjourned the case

for six weeks. A spokesperson for the courts serv- ice told

AN EAST Clare councillor has called for wild deer to be culled, be- fore they start breeding with local cattle.

Cllr Colm Wiley (FF) warned that wild deer had taken to breaking down fences and roaming the roads of the county.

ae Wile Kenic rates through fences and eat- ing acres. of grass. |wenty or 30 deer grazing together can eat an awful lot of grass,’ he told a meeting of Clare County Council last week.

The councillor

has asked that the Minister for Ag- riculture be con- tacted and asked to introduce a programme of culling the deer. Action needs to be taken at an official level, he SrHIGE

The animals are becoming a haz- ard on the roads and causing huge amounts of damage to farmland, the Fianna Fail councillor said.

They are also roaming freely in for- estry plantations and their numbers are increasing at an alarming rate, he Sr AIGE

While hunters might take a small number for the pot, an organised cull is needed, Cllr Wiley said.

“Whether it’s marksmen from the

army or whatever, we need someone to take some of them out. There have been constant complaints and calls for control, but no-one is dealing with it. The deer are gaining ground. Next thing, they’ll be breaking down fences and breeding with the cattle,” Cllr Wiley said, to uproar from the chamber.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said that there was a particular- ly large number of deer in East Ore

“They are a threat to motor- TISLIIE-0 (CMOS) Kom: NKs animal welfare and disease is- sues to be con- sidered. I believe we should deal with it through Duchas, Wale OPW and anyone else involved at a local level,’ he Sr HKGe

Cit Gerry Flynn (Ind) told the meeting that there were wild- life rangers in place, whose job

it was to deal with roaming deer.

ClUlr Brian Meaney (GP) said he

hoped that the message would not go out from the chamber, “that the elected members believe that there is any possibility of a cross-breeding danger between our cattle and the wild deer population.”

CONSTRUCTION work began last week on a rural west Clare school – the first major permanent develop- ment to be carried out there since the eVeebuslon

Originally constructed in 1846 Mullagh National School is undergo- ing its biggest transformation in its proud 160-year history.

The chairperson of the school’s Board of Management Tim Don- nellan hailed the work as one of the largest state supported projects ever to reach the village.

Mr Donnellan also took the op- portunity to highlight the need for a proper sewerage plant for the area.

“This, to my knowledge, is the single largest capital infrastructure investment in Mullagh village since the foundation of the state and we whole heartedly welcome it.

“We feel that the provision of a state of the art school building in as- sociation with the proposed and long awaited mains sewerage system will be central to this communities de- velopment and vibrancy out into the future,” he said.

The three-teacher school was al- located a devolved grant by the De- partment of Education to complete the works.

The project will include two modern classrooms, a general purpose room for art, drama and PE, principals of-

fice as well as the modernisation of existing classrooms, resource rooms, library and computer facilities.

After months of planning, seeking permission and putting the project through the tender process the local contractor Thomas Lineen moved on site on Tuesday.

Mullagh National School principal, Sean McMahon said that staff and parents were delighted with progress and that this was the beginning of realising a dream, which had been a long time incubating.

The principal has, however, to con- sider the well being of the pupils and staff during the on-site construction V0) 0.@

He requested on-going vigilant care

by parents, pupils, staff and commu- nity in relation to health and safety considerations over the duration of the project.

Mr Donnellan complimented the consultant, Gerard McGrath, Project Design and Building Consultants Ltd, Kilrush, for his work to date. He also thanked all relevant personnel in relation to the securing of planning permission. He then wished Mr Tho- mas Lineen and Co building contrac- tors success with the project.

AN APPEAL by the Director of Pub- lic Prosecutions against the sentence imposed on Ennis man Adam Keane, who has been convicted of rape, will be mentioned in court for the first WUSSLoM MON RMaslOomOnDaTe

The DPP lodged an appeal against the “undue leniency” of the sentence, to the Court of Criminal Appeal last

Friday. The appeal is unlikely to be heard for some time, but will be men- tioned in court today, just 15 days af- ter a three-year suspended term was handed down to Keane (20), of Bar- nageeha, Darragh, Ennis.

He was found guilty by a 10-2 jury majority of raping Mary Shannon (33), on the fifth day of his trial at the Central Criminal Court, last month.

The jury of three women and nine

men reached its decision after more than five hours of deliberations.

In imposing sentence, the trial judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, said his decision was based on a previous ruling by the Court of Criminal Ap- peal. This ruling related to a sentence imposed by him in a similar case.

Mr Justice Carney said that the ap- peal was lost and the sentencing was set aside in its entirety.

“Having regard to the approach taken by the CCA to this type of of- fence in this type of case, I have to ask myself whether I would be com- fortable to imprison this young man who said it was out of character for him, but that if the DNA said he had done it, he wouldn’t shy away from his responsibility,’ he said.

Mary Shannon, who waived her right to anonymity in the wake of the sentence, was thrilled on hearing of the DPP’s decision.

She and her family held a protest, vigil and public meeting with politi- cians, in an effort to fight for justice for rape victims.

At a meeting with politicians last Thursday, her sister Sarah urged peo- ple to sign a petition calling for the law on rape sentences to be changed.

More than 5,000 people have signed the petition, which will be sent to the Minister for Justice, Michael Mc- Dowell.

Addressing a crowd of up to 50 family relatives and local politicians, Mary Shannon said, “I just feel that last week there was loads in the me- dia. This week it has come to a com- plete standstill.”

Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) told her, on advice from a legal friend, that it wouldn’t be worth her while to take a civil case against Mr Keane. She said, “This isn’t about money.”

NO excuses. That was the message coming from Clare co-manager Joe Garry after Saturday’s crushing de- feat to Tipperary.

Clare’s poor showing, particularly in the first half, when they leaked three goals was the source of 1m- mense disappointment in a sombre dressing room afterwards.

Clare fans travelled in more expec- tation than hope following the stir- ring quarterfinal victory over Kerry but then watched on in abject frustra- tion as Clare capitulated.

“It was bitterly disappointing. I know that a lot of people travelled down and were very frustrated watching in the stands but if you can imagine that disappointment and multiply it by ten that’s the way it was in the dressing room afterwards. It was no way reflective of the talent that’s in that team. We hadn’t done ourselves a bit of justice. It wasn’t that we underestimated them in any way. If anything we had prepared

more diligently than the Kerry game. We had a free reign in terms of inju- ries, we knew Conor Howley wasn’t going to make it”.

The physical nature adopted by Tipperary certainly upset Clare’s rhythm but Garry said he had no complaints about the robust nature of the contest.

“We have no problems whatsoever with the ref. There’s no excuses, none at all. We were just that bit flat on the day. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. We made too many mistakes. There was a great bounce around Clare football in the last week or so, and it’s all down to those lads. There’s quite a few of the lads underage for next year, but that’s a poor consolation right now.”