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WEIRD and wonderful recipes that would have made Willie Wonka a happy man were submitted in droves to Scariff Library for their ‘Invent A Chocolate Bar’ competition.

Youngsters who came up with com- binations both tasty and startling were in to win a feast of chocolate for their efforts.

The competition ran to celebrate Roald Dahl Day on September 13, , and Tuamgraney-based Wilde Irish Chocolates stepped up to sponsor the prize.

Children were asked to imagine they were inventing a chocolate bar for Willy Wonka.

“We had some amazing suggestions and some really inventive ones,” said librarian, Carol….

“One suggestion was for a family bar, with different flavours and bits so that everyone could have their favourite. Another was for a Credit Crunch bar — that was a very popular one and then there were ones involv- ing slugs and bits of grass. They re- ally got going with it.”

But having read all the suggestions, the library staff had to pick a winner and it was Sean O’Rourke, Mount- Shannon, with the Celtic Credit Crunch Bar.

The suggestions were so creative that they couldn’t be left at that and there was a second prize for Liam O’Sullivan, Lisdoonvarna, with his Wildely Wicked bar. Third went to Rhian Quigley, Newport, with Runa- way Rasins.

There were consolation prizes for: Wackiest Bar – Rowan Powell, Miltown Malbay for Willy Wonka’s Seaweed Surprise

Most Thoughful Bar – Turlough O’Cinneide, Scariff for Our Family Brn

Best Artwork – Hazel Sturton, Tuamgraney for What Kids Want (WKW)

Cutest Bar – Andrew Cahir Whelan, Ennis for Ba-ba Bar

Funniest Bar – Anne Marie Flanagan, Ennis for Giggle Goo Most Do-able at Home Bar – Shane Walsh, Ogonelloe for Wonky Bar

Wilde Irish Chocolate will now create a limited edition chocolate bar inspired by the winning entry.

Wilde Irish Chocolates have been producing top quality artisan choco- late from their base in Tuamgraney

for 11 years now. Patricia Farrell and her husband Con are passionate about chocolate and the love shows.

“This is not something produced by pushing buttons on a machine and pouring stuff into a mould — this is a product that people get involved with. It’s all made by hand, we’re constantly working on the flavours and combinations and the human touch shows in the tatse,”’ said Patri- Ore

The chocolate sounds as good as it tastes, the most popular being dark chocolate with vanilla and cherry. They have branched out into gift

boxes and fudge, also handmade products.

With four people employed, the ac- colade of Good Food Ireland mem- bership, ten awards behind them and a gold medal for their Fairtrade Or- ganic chocolate, Wilde has a bright future. They have also just opened a shop in Doolin and they are about to launch a new website.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen met the next generation of west Clare voters yesterday (Monday) evening when he formally opened the new créche in Kilrush.

The purpose-build state of the art unit has already been accepted into the new free preschool scheme – Ear- ly Childhood Care and Education Scheme – introduced by Mr Cowen’s Crouse

The childcare facility, Cuan Samh, not only serves the Adult and Com- munity Learning Centre, on the Co- oraclare road, but it 1s also open to the public.

Seven people, including a cook are employed by the service, a number that will grow as more families avail of the service.

The creche opened on September 7 and replaces earlier childcare facili- ties housed in a prefabricated build- ing at the centre.

Moving from seasonal to full day care, the facility was funded through the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-10 capital fund administered by POBAL on behalf of the office of the minister for chil- dren.

Manager Bernie Kelly explained that Cuan Samh can also provide af- ter school services.

The full day care centre caters for children from three months to five years with age-specific rooms for babies, wobblers, toddlers and pre- school children.

“We believe in providing highly nutritious, good quality meals on site in the purpose built kitchen run by a qualified cook,” she said.

A varied menu using fresh, local produce is provided for all of the children using the service.

Cuan Samh also boasts an outdoor

play area.

Aobhan Haverty, Head of the County Adult and Community Edu- cation Service, run by Clare Voca- tional Education Committee, who oversaw the project throughout, on the committee’s behalf, said that the enclosed outdoor play area has a va- riety of surfaces and age-appropriate

equipment where children are given the opportunity for adventurous out- door and indoor play daily.

She added that Cuan Samh, like its sister Ennis créche, Cuan Aire, 1s a member of the National Children’s Nurseries and the curriculum a com- bination of high scope and free play.

Both facilities are notified to the

HSE and inspected annually under the 2006 pre-school regulations, while inspection in respect of food hygiene regulations 1s completed by an environmental health officer.

THE ommission of homes from the Kilrush Town Council register is not just denying people of their right to vote in the local elections, it could also cost the town council thousands of euro in uncollected taxes, and in an extreme case could lead to calls for a re-election of the local author- ity.

According to Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) the incorrect omission of hous- es within the urban boundary from the register could lead to untold dif- ficulties if the issue is not tackled in the near future.

Woodfield estate, on the Kilimer Road, is an example of the Fianna Fail councillor’s claim. The estate is divided by a stream, with the houses to the north in the town council area, and the south in the jurisdiction of the county.

The newly built estate in Ballynote West is, according to Cllr Prendev-

ille, made up of approximately 150 houses. During the last election, less than a dozen of the houses – those facing the road – were included in the town council election.

‘“T am adamant that at least 50 per cent of that estate is lying within the urban area,” he said.

Cllr Prendeville said that between 60 and 70 houses should have been added to the urban register, many of which are second or investment houses. These investment houses would be subject to a second home’s taxes and the councillor calculates this could be worth up to €10,000 to the town council this year.

Cllr Prendeville believes the blame for the mix up lies with the town council.

“People who have local informa- tion were not contacted at the time. The first we knew about it was when we were canvassing for the local elections and people told us they did not have the vote.

“If anyone was to challenge the re- sults in the local election they could be sucessful if they proved people were denied their vote, and the elec- tion would have to be re-run,’ he added.

“Béal na Inbhir estate, on the Shanakyle road, has a number of houses within the urban area as well. Some get a vote, some do not. And

this could happen again if proposed planning for an estate on the Coora- clare Road goes through,” he added.

The Fianna Fail councillor said that the town boundary should be extend- ed to include all people living in the town area.

‘There needs to be a clear demar- cation of the town and county line,’ he said.

DURING September, a host of car enthusiasts, Golf GTI fanatics, rug- by fans, media and VIP guests wit- nessed the unveiling of the new Golf GTI and GTD at an exclusive launch event held at the Pavilion, Leopards- town Racecourse. Special guests on the night, the Leinster Rugby team, tried out the new GIT as they cel- ebrated their recent partnership with Volkswagen before the new season kicks off.

The Leinster contingent includ- ing captain Leo Cullen, new signing Nathan Hines and outhalf Jonath- an Sexton all arrived in their new Volkswagens just two days before their first competitive outing of the season against the Scarlets in the Magners League. The recent pairing of Europe’s number one car brand with the Heineken Cup Champions forms a formidable partnership.

A ‘stig styled’ Mondello stunt driv- er treated lucky guests on the night to a hot lap on the Leopardstown Race Track in the new Golf GTI, while in- doors guests tried out Volkswagen’s new Golf GTI scalextric track. The event featured lots of entertainment

and guests were welcomed with spe- cial Volkswagen cocktails from the signature GTI to the Beetle Juice. Some of Ireland’s top party-goers at- tended the event with models Geor- gia Salpa and Diana Donnelly wel- coming guests.

Commenting on the night, Adam Chamberlain, Head of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen said: “We are delighted with our new partner- ship with the Leinster Rugby Team and very pleased they could be here for the launch of our halo car so close to their first competitive outing of the season. It is a perfect start to what promises to be a great relationship with Leinster.”

The Golf model line-up has grown stronger and better and this sixth generation offers a sporty GTI that maintains the character offered in the mid-nineties generation. The new model is striking with the hon- eycomb radiator grill rounding off a 240 km/h fast GTI that delivers a 210 BHP turbo engine. The Golf GTT 1s joined by the new Golf GTD, whose 170 BHP combined with 5.3 litres per 100km and 139 g/km CO2 makes it the high performance economical al- Cou ILO A Von

A NUMBER of Clare projects are in line for a major funding boost, thanks to an innovative tourism investment scheme which has been established to generate additional tourist num- bers to the mid-Shannon corridor.

In fact the local response has been so encouraging that the Government has decided to extend the closing date for applications to the Mid-Shannon Tourism Investment scheme, which is administered by Shannon Devel- opment and Failte Ireland.

The scheme was launched last year to provide tax incentives to stimulate investment in tourism attractions and facilities in the Mid-Shannon Corri- dor which includes Clare, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon and Westmeath. One of the primary ob- jectives is that all applications must generate additional tourist visits to this area which has a shortage of ac- tivities and attractions for visitors.

Last week the €10 million Old- court Tourist Resort in Terryglass and the Cloughjordan Village Eco- Hostel and Learning Centre became the the first projects to be approved for funding under the scheme.

Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastruc- ture Board chairman Tom Hyland said both projects were an excellent fit for the overall objective to stimu- late the development of innovative and sustainable tourism products in the mid-Shannon area.

‘Failte Ireland and Shannon Devel- opment have heavily promoted the scheme since its launch in June 2008, and now have a pipeline of projects whose final applications are current- ly being prepared for submission to the Board’, he said.

Shannon Development chief execu- tive Dr Vincent Cunnane said they were encouraged by the level of in- terest from other potential promot- ace

“It is already bringing tangible and lasting benefits to the area, and the entrepreneurial business people who emerge as a result of the Scheme can be assured of Shannon Devel- Opment’s support in developing and

promoting their new businesses,” he Sr nLGe

Projects eligible under the new scheme include; education tourism facilities, visitor attractions, cultural facilities, wellness and self devel- opment facilities and amenities, fa- cilities for water-sports activities, outdoor activity centres, equestrian facilities, certain restaurants and cafés, boat rental and inland cruising facilities, training facilities for ad- venture centres and registered holi- day camps. They can be new projects

or refurbishment to existing ones.

Relief is available by way of capi- tal allowances over seven years for qualifying construction and refur- bishment expenditure. Capital al- lowance will be granted at a rate of 15 per cent per year for the first six years and 10 per cent for the seventh year. The qualifying period of the scheme ends on the May 31, 2013, but applications must be made by May 31, 2010.

Details can be viewed and down- loaded at www.failteireland.ie, www.

shannondevelopment.ie/tourism or Wwww.arts-sports-tourism.gov.ie

A CAMPAIGN to remove hundreds of mini-dolmens from the Burren will be instigated by the Burren Con- nect Project and Clare County Coun- cil later this year.

For years, tourists visiting the Bur- ren have constructed mini-dolmen to commemorate their visit to the na- tional park.

The structures, which are modelled on life-sized dolmens such as the one at Poulnabrone in Carron, are usu- ally less than two foot in height but a number of much larger ones have been built over the years.

A new environmental maintenance programme aimed at removing the mini-dolmens will be launched at Ballyallaban near Ballyvaughan this Wednesday.

Fifth- and sixth-class students of Ballyvaughan and _ Lisdoonvarna primary schools will safely remove a number of mini-dolmens at the launch, along with a number of lo- cal landowners and officials from the Burren Connect Project and Clare County Council.

In the past, both Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have turned a blind eye to the practice but, as a result of increased visitor numbers to the area, experts now believe that the practice may cause irreparable damage to the landscape in the locality.

The Poulnabrone dolmen, which is the most famous Bronze Age burial

site in the country, has become an iconic symbol of Ireland in recent years.

However, Poulnabrone itself was “built” back in 1985 following a cracking of the eastern portal stone which caused the entire tomb to col- lapse.

Excavations which took place at this time found that between 16 and 22 adults and six children were bur- ied under the monument. Personal items buried with the dead included a polished stone axe, a bone pendant,

quartz crystals, weapons and pottery.

In the Bronze Age, around 1,/00 BC, a newborn baby was buried in the portico, just outside the entrance.

With its dominating presence on the surrounding landscape, experts believe that the dolmen must have remained a centre for ceremony and ritual in the Burren until well into the Celtic period.

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen got a close up view of Ennis town centre at the official launch of CCTV network in Ennis yesterday.

As part of his visit to Clare, Mr Co- wen stopped by Ennis Garda Station to the control centre to see the system in operation.

A bank of 19 television screens relays images from 17 cameras lo- cated at location around Ennis town centre. Supt John Scanlan told the Taoiseach that the system, which has been installed in Ennis over the last few months, would greatly assist the work of gardai.

Supt Scanlan said the cameras would serve as a powerful deterrent to public order offences and other forms of criminal behaviour.

Supt Scanlan also thanked Mr Co- wen for committing funds and other resources to crime prevention meas- ures.

A new bank of cameras was recently

approved for use in Ennis. The cam- eras will be installed at Drumbiggle Road green area, Clancy Park, Corn- market car park, Hermitage, Pearse Ave/ Childers Road, Shallee Drive, John Paul Avenue, Considine Road, Island car park

A report on CCTV was presented to members at the September meet- ing of Ennis Town Council.

The council’s report found that “most of the locations of proposed cameras are zoned other settle- ment land where the objective is to conserve and enhance the quality and character of the area, to protect residential amenity and to allow for development appropriate to the sus- tainable growth of the settlement”. No submissions were received by the council on the matter.

“Tt is not considered that the propos- al contravenes the zoning objective for the area. There is no objection to the proposed development. I recom- mend that the development proceed,’ the report concluded.”

ROCK Rovers’ FAI campaign ended at the first round on Sunday when they went down to a narrow defeat to Kerry side Camp United.

Tommy Farrell’s wickedly curled free kick, three minutes into first- half extra-time sealed the win for Camp after the game ended at I-1.

After a poor start Rock improved with Brian Fitzpatrick equalising af- ter John O’Driscoll had given Camp an early lead.

Rock enjoyed some good moments

in the second-half but failed to create enough clear-cut chances.

Extra-time then proved disastrous for Rock. Farrell curled home what proved to be the winning goal and after using all three substitutes, the Ennis side were forced to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men after captain Daryl Eade was forced OSM ZIHem-mONsOmNOlevas

Rock substitutes Dean Gardiner and Marty McLoughlin combined to create Rock’s best opportunity to draw level in extra-time.

Gardiner’s delivery caused panic in

the Camp area but the ball popped up suddenly, striking McLoughlin’s out- stretched leg and flying over the bar.

That was as close as Rock came as Camp held out to book an all-Kerry second round meeting with Killorg- thee

Despite the almost four hour jour- ney from west Kerry to Ennis, Camp showed no signs of rustiness as they dominated the early stages.

Spraying the ball around confident- ly, Camp looked dangerous particu- larly through the impressive Theo O’Shea.

However, the manner in which the visitors took the lead owed as much to Rock’s sloppy defending as it did to Camp’s incisive football.

O’Shea’s low delivery was missed by Francis Daniels and John O’Driscoll was on hand to toe poke home from close range.

The goal spurred Rock into playing their best football of the game. Gary Walsh, who impressed throughout, offered good width in the right while the trio of Ashley Glynn, Daryl Eade and Roan Eade gave Rock a foot- hold in midfield. The home side went close through Glynn’s header before equalising midway through the half. Ronan Arthur lifted the ball into the path of Fitzpatrick who took his time before drilling the ball low past Gearoid O’Shea.

Fitzpatrick and Woods were promi- nent in the early stages of the second half as Rock looked for the crucial second goal. However, Camp stood firm and looked the side most likely to score a winner late on with Theo O’Shea and substitute James Scanlon causing havoc out wide. The goal arrived with Camp captain Tommy Farrell curling home the winner.

A FORENSIC accountant is set to examine 5,000 documents served on an east Clare man who is facing VAT related offences on amounts totalling over €1.5 million.

At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, Derek Floyd (36) of 21 Lower Main Street, Tulla appeared on 24 charg- es relating to alleged VAT offences on amounts totalling €1.55 million between March 2001 and January mauler

The case was returned from trial to the circuit court from Killaloe Dis- trict Court earlier this month.

In court yesterday, counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL said that the case could require a special judge and asked Judge Carroll Moran to set aside three weeks for the case.

Counsel for Mr Floyd, Pat Whyms BL said that over 5,000 documents were served on his client and he re- quested that the legal aid certificate be extended to cover a forensic ac- countant to examine the documenta- none

Mr Whyms said that the sums in- volved are significant. The case was taken over the alleged non-payment of taxes and he requested that the legal aid cert to also cover a second counsel.

Judge Carroll Moran granted both applications.

Mr Floyd is facing 12 charges of knowingly claiming repayments in VAT totalling €678,857 which to his knowledge he was not entitled to contrary to Section 1078 of the Taxes Consolidation Act on a period from April 1, 2001 to January 7, 2004.

Two of the 12 charges relate to in- dividual repayments in VAT claimed by Mr Floyd of €156,136 on Septem- ber 9, 2002 and a second payment of € 133,506 on June 27, 2003.

He is also facing an additional 12 charges concerning his alleged fail- ure to remit VAT payments to the Collector General totalling €880,913 between May 2001 and November 2003.

Judge Moran adjourned the case to the next call over of the circuit court and Mr Floyd remains on bail.

BRIDGE Celtic progressed to the next round of the Munster Junior Cup after a 3-1 victory over local ri- vals Shannon Olympic.

It was always going to be difficult for the Shannon men considering they were missing Six or seven reg- ular starters but it was an ideal op- portunity to use the cup to give some of the squad players good match practice. They will certainly have gained much need experience after this loss.

The first-half was a very even af- fair with both sides creating chances. Both goalies were under severe pres- Sure as teams continued to press and attack. The first goal came after 30 minutes. Suprisingly it was Olym- pic who edged in front with a well taken goal by striker John Keogh.

This goal in many ways led to their downfall and for two main reasons. Firstly, it encouraged them to sit back a little bit more and they were never going to keep the Bridge out for the remaining 60 minutes.

Secondly, this initial goal _ re- PMU MYA OU ECeeXoIUCLO ME A eCoME-NE-Dm00 MM OLo)0 MB NO MEN Ele Bridge players’ heads. This was the wake up call they needed to kick them into action and that is exactly what they did in the second-half.

The Bridge pushed on and seized control of the game and it was inevi- table they would equalise.

Their goal came after 55 minutes from a dangerous 1n swinging corner kick. Kevin McEvoy flicked it on to striker Paul McEvoy who finished the move off expertly. A fantastic strike which turned the game on its head.

From here on in the Shannon men

died. They had been hoping to hold on but that plan had to be scrapped. What will really annoy them is the manner they went on to lose this game. They were under pressure from some good build up play but it was two basic goalkeeping errors that allowed the Bridge to get their second and third goals.

The first of these came after 70 minutes when O’Connor in the Shan- non goal spilt a well hit strike and Ger O’Riordan was first to react and blasted the ball into the net. This tap in gave them the lead.

Five minutes later and O’Connor must have been feeling a sense of déja vu when he once again let a shot out of his grasp. This time it was Ger O’Connell, the man who replaced O’Riordan, to get on the end of this goalkeeping error. He too cooly placed the ball into the net and ended

the game scoring with this effort. Shannon tried and tried and did cre- ate one or two half chances but they could not get back into the game. It was too late. The damage had been done and they were eliminated from the cup at the first round.