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THE future of Quin Abbey is, at last, looking considerably brighter.

With the local development com- mittee expressing annoyance and frustration over the lack of progress in improving visitor facilities at the abbey, a meeting with a representa- tive of the Office of Public works last Thursday was described as a significant breakthrough in the dis- pute.

The three major issues at the cen- tre of local unrest were addressed. It FRM rea Rol oLO MOLLOY AIO ODDOMN Slow Ilor.CmsCOlUNS weeks, signs will be provided in three different locations displaying relevant information such as open- ing times and contact numbers.

Caretaking facilities will also be improved significantly. A new care- taker will be employed for the re- mainder of the month of September and for the month of November for the feast of All Souls.

The car park was also discussed in great detail. Further informa- tion and documents have been given to Clare County Council to secure proper planning which will allow the reopening of the car park.

The committee is confident that this will be achieved with the on- going help of local councillors Pat Daly and Sonny Scanlon who have been actively involved in support- ing the committee’s work in recent neteyelsete

The OPW representative also ex- pressed satisfaction with the meet- ing. They were delighted with the huge interest shown in one of their 755 tourist sights and saw this as a great promotion for places like Quin Abbey.

Describing the talks as “con- structive’, development committee

member Helen Lowe, said the com- mittee’s main concerns were all ex- amined and tackled.

“The development of the abbey as a prime tourist site can now only move on and get stronger,” she said.

She also expressed the commit-

tee’s thanks to a number of people who supported their efforts.

“This could not have happened without the help of a number of in- dividuals and groups. All the poli- ticians who helped out, the school, the pubs, all the local businesses

and, of course, all the locals and the other members of the development committee,” she said.

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

CCTV in Ennis is set to be expanded after members of Ennis Town Coun- cil recommended that a new bank of cameras be installed in several areas of the town.

The cameras will be installed at Drumbiggle Road green area, Clancy Park, Cornmarket car park, Hermit- age, Pearse Avenue/ Childers Road, Shallee Drive, John Paul Avenue, Considine Road and Island car park.

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

The aim of the report was to deter- mine whether or not the “proposed development was consistent with the proper planning and sustainable de- velopment of the area having regard to the provisions of the development plan and giving the reason and con- siderations for the evaluation”’.

The council’s report found that “most of the locations of proposed cameras are zoned other settlement land where the objective is to con- serve and enhance the quality and character of the area, to protect resi- dential amenity and to allow for de- velopment appropriate to the sustain-

able growth of the settlement”.

No submissions were received by the council on the matter.

“Tt 1s not considered that the pro- posal contravenes the zoning objec- tive for the area. There is no objec- tion in principle to the proposed development. I recommend that the development proceed,” concluded Ellen Carey, Executive Planner with Ennis Town Council. CCTV cam- eras are already in place in 13 other locations around Ennis.

Meanwhile, the next meeting of the Ennis town Joint Policing Commit- tee (JPC) will take place at Water-

park House on October 5.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) told Sep- tember’s meeting of Ennis Town Council that he had concerns about the timing of the meeting.

Cllr O’Shea called for the meeting to be held in September saying it was of “paramount importance” that it take place as soon as possible. Cllr O’Shea added that serious issues re- lating to crime had arisen in the town over the last number of months.

Town Clerk Eddie Power stated that several meetings had taken place be- tween councillors, council officials and the Gardai, as issues had arisen.

IN keeping with the character of a ferociously tight group, Cratloe squeaked past Tubber to claim the runners up spot and thus a place in the quarter finals.

Injury time points from Martin ‘Ogie’ Murphy and Sean Chaplin sealed the win after Tubber had ral- lied to recover a three-point half time deficit and draw level through Barry O’Connor’s 55th minute point.

Sandwiched between Murphy and Chaplin’s strikes was a fierce goal bound drive from O’Connor that Cratloe goalkeeper Sean Hawes did well to force behind.

Cratloe survived, a feat of some significance in a group dubbed ‘the group of death’.

They join Newmarket in the knock- out stages while Tubber, who’s hopes of qualification rested on winning on Saturday to force a play-off, join heavyweights Clarecastle and Wolfe Tones on the list of early champion- ship casualties.

It wasn’t a classic by any stretch, but there was enough guile in the play of Cratloe pair Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath and plenty of desire and overall quality about Tubber to make things interesting.

Three points in the opening seven minutes from Eamon Taaffe, Jack Neylon and Blaine Earley saw Tub- ber seize an early advantage.

Their confident start was capped in the 15th minute when Barry O’Connor tipped Patrick O’Connor’s lighted delivery to the net.

McInerney picked off Cratloe’s first point before two frees from Damien Browne, who was excellent from placed balls throughout, left Tubber leading 1-3 O-3.

A controversial decision then re- sulted in the moment that saw mo-

mentum tilt back in Cratloe’s favour.

Damien Browne appeared to bat the sliotar over the touchline only for Cratloe, to widespread disbelief on the Tubber bench, to be awarded a sideline cut.

Browne duly poured salt on the wounds by walloping the sliotar deep into ‘Tubber territory. McInerney picked up a loose break and nailed

a close range finish to the net in the 26th minute.

The goal inspired Cratloe to open up what would ultimately prove a de- cisive lead. Two frees from Browne, a point from Sean Chaplin and crack- ing strike from Liam Markham, ensured Cratloe led 1-8 1-5 at half mbealee

Barry O’Connor’s 36th minute

point drew Tubber to within a point. Eamon Taaffe scored his third point from play but a free from Browne and McInerney’s skillfully executed effort, kept Cratloe 1-11 1-9 ahead.

That lead should have been greater but Cratloe’s errant shooting saw them rack up six wides in the second halt.

As a consequence they were even-

tually caught.

Three Tubber points on the trot, in- cluding a superb sideline from Blaine Earley, levelled the game at 1-12 apiece in the 55th minute.

But Cratloe eventually found their range and in doing so secured quali- fication.

AN ODOUR circulating 1n the Shan- non area is annoying local residents, who want the matter to be investi- gated. The problem is caused by a blockage and Clare County Council is working on the issue.

At a meeting of Shannon area coun- cillors last week, Councillor Patricia McCarthy asked for a report to be presented, outlining the reasons why sewage odours are in existence, par- ticularly in the Ballycasey/Tullyvar- raga areas of the town.

In a written reply, from Clare

County Council, she was told that the main cause of the odour was a block- age in the inlet pipe leading to the pump station near Carraig Lia. This blockage has now been cleared. ‘However, there are large quanti- ties of solid materials coming to this pump station, which on occasion blocks both pumps, as well as the in- let line,’ stated Senior Executive En- gineer in Shannon, Eugene O’Shea. In order to alleviate the problem, works are underway at the pump station located near the Aidan Park traffic lights. This should reduce the loading on the pump station near

Carraig Lia. Mr O’Shea said that both pump houses will be cleaned out as part of the works, before the end of the month.

Cllr McCarthy said she was driving past Bunratty last weekend when she pale] B eee mete 0

“The whole town is stinked out of it,’ she said. She pointed out that checks should be carried out every week.

Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn said there was a smell in Shan- non last weekend and he has received several complaints about it. He asked why an upgrade of the water system

in the town had not been delivered. “The scheme in Shannon was to start in 2008 and that didn’t happen. We are into 2009. Quite a lot of in- frastructure has been loaded on to the system that we have,” he said. “Was it a funding problem that we didn’t start in 2008? With the current economic situation, when would you envisage it would start?” he asked. Engineer in water services Hugh McGrath said there have been a lot of delays in the planning process in Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush and Kilkee. He said there have been delays in get- ting approvals at the various stages.

IN many ways, the less said about this one the better. To say it was a dreadfully boring spectacle that failed to set the pulses racing is the understatement of the Clare football year thus far.

Any neutral who happened by Quilty’s sportsfield would have left long before half-time and found a better way to spend a Saturday after- noon — it was that bad as two very mediocre teams put in a very unin- spiring hour’s football.

Cooraclare’s form that swept them to Cusack Cup glory was again in abeyance, indeed this hour ham- mered home the reality that they haven’t been able to lift their game to those same standards since that shock win over Kilmurry Ibrickane in the league decider back in July.

Doonbeg, meanwhile, were no bet- ter but it won’t cost them a thought as they come into a semi-final under the radar. They could have been put away in this game, but Cooraclare’s failure to take a couple of goals chances was punished to the full as they scrambled over the line and into a penultimate round clash with Kil- murry Ibrickane.

The Magpies can thank Sean Maguire and Nigel Dillon for the fact that their goal remained intact for the hour — 1n the 23rd minute, three min- utes after pointing Cooraclare into a Q-2 to no score lead, Maguire had the chance that would have put his side on the high road to the semi-final.

Hughie Donnelly was the provider, but Maguire failed to connect deci- sively with his long delivery, punch- ing wide of Dillon’s post when the goal was at his mercy. From there

Doonbeg summoned the desire to get back into the game, putting a pletho- ra of wides behind them with points from a David Tubridy free in the 25th minute after a foul on Jamie Whelan and a 50 yard free from Frank O’Dea three minutes later.

It left the sides locked at 0-2 apiece at half-time, but more importantly that scoreline exposed for everyone present what a dire game this was. Cooraclare, who deployed Mark Tubridy as a third midfielder, which created space for the inside forwards did score their two points from play — the first coming from Michael Mc-

Mahon’s effort in the second minute and then Sean Maguire’s point 18 minutes later.

Still, that was as good as it got for them — all they could muster on the turnover was two more points, this time from Mark Tubridy frees. Instead, what dominated their half- hour was another missed goal chance in the 38th minute.

It fell Hughie Donnelly’s way when the sides were locked at O-3 apiece after Tubridy’s pointed free in the 31st minute was replied to by Shane Killeen who fisted over the bar five minutes later.

Donnelly raced through on goal, was one-on-one with Nigel Dillon, but it was the veteran netminder who kept alive his hopes of winning a sixth senior championship title, pull- ing off a brilliant save to keep his side on level terms.

It was a major turning point of the game, as eventually the Magpies turned it profit to take control with points from Brian Dillon and Brian Egan in the 46th and 50th minutes respectively put them O-5 to O-3 ahead.

Suddenly the Magpies — who his 13 wides to Cooraclare’s nine over

the hour — were maximising their chances, while their opponents were left to rue to poor wides from frees by Cathal Lillis in the 34th and 40th minutes.

Substitute Shane Ryan should have fisted over the bar in the 52nd minute to put his side three ahead, but once again like the Liscannor semi-final of last year went for glory instead of playing the percentages.

It gave Cooraclare a little window going into the closing minutes, but all they could muster was a point from a free in 58th minute from Mark Tubridy.

That brought an end to the scoring in this forgettable affair.

CELEBRATING ten years in the saddle, the East Clare Chernobyl Cycle has once again taken off for Belarus to raise money to help chil- CHU PO MONNuom Nucor

The cycle has taken place each Sep- tember and was first undertaken in 1999. This year, the route will take the intrepid riders on a 230 kilome- tre route over two and a half days, during which time they will see what has been done in the schools and orphanages with the money raised

through last year’s cycle.

Of the money raised last year, €20,000 went to provide a launder- ette for the orphanage at Gantsivi- chi and €8,000 was spent to buy 88 doors for a similar institution in An- topol.

In another orphanage, Malech, a lot of work had been done previously and this time they needed just €3,000 to buy gardening equipment.

The institutions, which the cycle helps, had little or nothing in the way of proper facilities before the east Clare riders became involved. In

many cases, there was no hot water or proper sanitary facilities.

Eighteen cyclists took off last week and will be viewing all of the projects which were started last year.

“We go to each project and see what has been done and get to meet the people there, to see how they’re getting on,’ said Pat O’Connor, one of the original cyclists and organis- ers of the trip. Each year, cyclists raise sponsorship to fund whichever projects are needed in the coming twelve months.

As this is the decade anniversary of

the trip, there will be a special cel- ebration and presentation at the Oak- wood Arms when the cyclists return at the end of the month.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years,’ said Pat. “We’re going to be real celebrities this trip. The Belarus- sian Minister for Education is going to meet us this time and there will be a piece about the project on Belarus- sian TV and radio. And we’re going to be bringing a gift for the minis- ter from Clare County Council, so it will be a real international event,’ he told