Category: Uncategorized

TWO budding Ennis mountain- eers scaled the heights of suc- cess recently when they trekked to the top of Croagh Patrick.

Darragh Ryan (8) and brother Ben (4) completed the climb while on a family holiday to Mayo in July.

Along with their mother Cath- erine, the two brothers braved the elements and the slippy rocky road to make it up the Pb ae

The family made the ascent on Wednesday July 27, just before the annual ‘Reek Sunday’ pil- erimage.

Darragh and Ben confounded the expectations of other walk- ers by completing the climb.

‘People were saying that we wouldn’t complete it because it was too slippy and the fact that I was on my own, it would be too much for the little lad,” explains Gr Ti etormneter

Such comments only spurred on the lads who reached the summit in two hours and fifty minutes.

Walking with the aid of their sturdy reek sticks, the boys were delighted with their achieve- ment. They made light work of

the arduous trek, with Ben even singing all the way up.

“It was great, there was no stopping them and Ben was

singing ‘Skip to my Lou my dar- ling,” said Catherine on Friday.

Catherine, who works with the Clare Sports Partnership, is a keen walker and has competed in two marathons.

A few weeks before Croagh Patrick, she had climbed Mul- laghmore.

Darragh is in 3rd class while Ben is preparing for his first year in school. Both attend Knocka- neen primary school.

This year over 20,000 people gathered in Mayo for the annual ‘Reek Sunday’ pilgrimage.

As 1s traditional, many of the pilgrims made the climb bare- foot.

This year marked the cente- nary of the church built at the top of the mountain.

Naturally Catherine is very proud of the boys, who now have their sights set on the ultimate climb.

“I thought for the two of them it was a great achievement to successfully climb the mountain so they are saying Mt Everest is next!” said Catherine.

THE ENNIS Chamber of Commerce has called for laws to make big business pay interest to small concerns on unpaid bills in a climate in which small firms are being crippled by late payments.

ISME, the independent business organisation said this week that small businesses are being squeezed to death by the failure of creditors to pay their bills on time.

According to a survey carried out by ISME, one-third of small companies are waiting long- er for payments than they did this time last year

and the distribution sector faces the biggest problem, with 41 per cent of those companies waiting longer now than they did last year.

While legislation exists to deal with prompt payments, Mark Fielding, Chief Executive of ISME, said that the laws are “not worth the pa- per they are written on. The evidence suggests that small companies are still being forced, particularly by accountancy-led big business to accept credit terms longer than those outlined in the legislation.”

CEO of the Ennis Chamber, Rita McInerney, said that the Chamber’s view on the Prompt Payments Legislation is that it is “a positive fa-

cility for business as it’s objective is to stimulate erowth and development. However, indigenous small businesses in Ireland are under increas- ing pressure, as they are operating in a country that has seen consistent rising costs while ex- pected to compete with the foreign stores and products.”

Ms McInerney said that while competition is healthy, mechanisms should be in place to en- courage domestic enterprises.

“It should be made easier for small businesses to implement the good intention of the Prompt Payments Legislation. It is time to rectify the situation where larger businesses can dictate

credit terms to small businesses while these smaller enterprises have to wait for payment and pay promptly themselves.

“When a government department or agency is late with a payment, they are obliged when settling an account to pay interest to their sup- plier on the overdue amount – private compa- nies should be made to adhere to these same conditions,’ the CAE said.

ISME is now calling on the government to amend the prompt payments legislation and in- troduce a mandatory level of 30 days for credit terms from the 53-day term which currently exists.

RESIDENTS of Inch _ have pledged to fight any attempt by telecommunications firm 02 to get planning permission for the construction of a phone mast in the area.

At a meeting of a newly formed campaign committee, local people expressed their staunch opposition to any pro- posed development. Residents also accused 02 of deliberately

advertising planning permis- sion on July 27, at the start of the Bank Holiday weekend and are concerned at the proposed sites proximity to the local pri- mary school.

“This campaign has all the hallmarks of a calculated at- tempt to minimize the likeli- hood of local people finding out about the proposed tower,” said Andrea Martin, committee secretary.

‘No one knows for sure what

the long term effects of expo- sure to non-ionizing radiation (NIR) will be. If mobile phones and base stations were pharma- ceutical drugs, they wouldn’t be licensed for use because not enough research has been car- ried out’, she said.

The community hopes that by raising awareness of the development, they will receive support from residents of sur- rounding communities.

“We’re committed to fighting

this the whole way if necessary, for the sake of our children, our families and our local environ- ment”, said Committee chair- man, John Devany.

A spokesperson for 02 stated ‘“‘we have tried to plan to locate in the best possible area in order to meet the demands of our cus- tomers and the concerns of local residents. The issue of safety is taken very seriously by 02 and we comply with all Irish, EU and Industry regulations”

THE PRESIDENT of the IFA John Dillon has this week urged farm- ers to continue to hold out for bet- ter prices from factories. Mr Dillon congratulated farmers for their recent ‘strength’ in resisting the lower prices being quoted by some factories. ‘Farmers are getting much stronger and tougher at resisting lower quoted prices from the meat factories,” said Mr Dillon. “Farmers are holding out, and factories are finding themselves

having to pay up to €2.52/kg (90p/Ib) to get cattle

this week.”

As farmers resist lower prices, cheaper cattle be-

come more difficult for factories to come by. This forces factories to raise their prices.

According to Mr Dillon, “the cattle supplies are much tighter this week and factory agents are chas- ing cattle at farm level. There is very strong resistance to the lower factory quotes of €2.46/kg (88p/ lb) and agents are being forced to pay prices to €2.52/kg (90p/Ib).”

He went on to say that prices of as high as €2.63/kg (94p/Ib) has been paid for heifers in Ireland this

week. He also said that cow prices have also risen with €2.13/kg (76p/lb) available and top prices of €2.24/kg (80p/Ib) being paid.

THERE’S a lot more written Irish in evidence these days, fol- lowing the Language Act. Many bodies are issuing Irish versions of their annual reports, and job advertisements and public notices are more frequently appearing in both English and Irish. But there’s not much Irish being used on shop fronts and the exteriors of restau- rants, pubs and other business premises, outside the Gaeltacht. .

This could change quite soon, however, if enough Clare busi- nesses take part in new pilot schemes offering financial as- sistance for bilingual signage. These are offered on a first come first served basis, and while the

schemes are open until a deadline of 14 October this year, the early bird has a better chance of catch- ing the worm. Foras na Gaeilge is offering this financial assistance to small and medium sized com- panies through two new schemes.

Under the outdoor signage scheme, it will provide match- ing funding to a maximum of €3,000, and under the materials scheme the maximum matching funding is €1,000.

Readers can apply for the schemes through Blathnaid Ni Ghréachain, An Rannog Gnd/ Business Sector, Foras na Gaeilge, telephone 01-6398438, email eno @forasnagaeilge.ie.

According to Foras na Gaeilge, an all-Ireland body set up in 1999, these bilingual/Irish language

schemes will give businesses a marketing advantage over com- petitors.

It says that the Irish language as a communication tool is becom- ing more important for businesses keen to attract new customers and to add value to their products.

“Using Irish is_ increasingly recognised as a potential Unique Selling Point for businesses,” said Blathnaid Ni Ghréachain.

“Using bilingual/Irish language signage, as well as print and mul- timedia materials, is a simple and cost-effective way of creating a positive image,’ she added.

“Both schemes will offer busi- nesses a competitive marketing edge and improve their customer services.”

A DUTCH tourist, Hen- drik Borduin, had a nar- row escape on Saturday night, when a large boul- der was thrown through the tent he was sleeping in, narrowly missing his head.

The boulder struck the tent’s central pole, which smashed and landed on Mr Borduin along with the heavy rock. He re- ceived injuries to his right leg and required medical

Pace elaleyee

Mr Borduin had been travelling through the Burren on bicycle and set up camp in Corofin late on Saturday evening. He was woken from his sleep at approximately mid- night by loud shouting from outside his tent.

“IT heard load voices and a young man sSay- ing ‘there is a bike over here’,’ he said. “There was 30 seconds of silence and then the boulder

crashed through the tent. I was luck that I had faced the tent the way I did, if it had hit my head I prob- ably would have died.”

“My experience in Ireland has been very positive up to this and the people in the B&B were very helpful. I don’t think this would put me off coming back to Ire- land but I will be nervous when I have to sleep in the tent again.”

The attack was reported to Gort Garda station.

RECENT Galway winner Shyan Bertie owned by Eoin Callinan of Kilmihil con- tinued his good run of form at Limerick on JSD UCOE-NYAMy A ACoIOMMV AD OUOUDOTcAmOOCom OUD KOM a-lecm NOM: mBD Sele 16.37 for 300 yards.

Baby Rumble owned by Pat McInerney of Clarecastle followed up on his win last week- end when when winning the fifth race from trap five in a time of 29.03.

Michael Barron of Newmarket-on-Fergus had a welcome change of luck at the Market’s Field venue on Saturday night with Ardkyle

DS Tiesume MO ttcano sCom Vo) KOO Le MDT E-lGom ED oe

Two Clare dogs will go to traps at the same venue on this Saturday night for the final of the Tote Tetention Winner of Two Stake that’s worth €1500 to the winner.

Pat McInerney’s Calamity Jane staked his claim by securing second spot in the first semi-final and Senior Rico owned by Martin Crowe of Ennis booked his final spot by fin- ishing third in the second semi-final.

Leo Kelly of Ennis got Clare owners off to a flyer at Galway on Friday night when Straight Style won the first race in a good time of 17.87.

O’Garney Bill owned by Helen Coffey of Sixmulebridge added to his earnings by win- ning the last race on the card.

Anthony Brigdale and John Devitt saw his new recruit Blaze Flash come up trumps at the first time of asking when winning the first race on Saturday night.

His win here was no surprise, having re- corded wins in both of his trials.

As in Limerick, Clare owners will be hop- ing to get some of the big prize money that will be on offer in Galway over the coming weekend.

A winner in A6 semi-final, Moycullen

Light, owned by Father Peter O’Loughlin of Kilmihil will fancy his chances in the final on Friday night.

However, he can expect stiff opposition from Saxon’s Gerry who is owned by Anne Carey from Cooraclare and who filled second spot in the same semi-final.

Heat semi-final winner in the A8 Stake, Molosky Classic, owned by John Donnellan of Mullagh and Key West owned by John Reidy and Robert Dillon of Cooraclare come head to head in the final.

WHEN Kate Moss turned up at Glastonbury in 2003 sporting a belted mini dress and boots, she somehow managed to redefine casual glamour. Here she was, in the midst of the mud and the rain, living in a tent (but not as we know it, obviously) yet she still somehow managed to look drop-dead, rav- ishingly gorgeous.

Since that fateful day, festival fashion has become a masterclass, attempted by many, mastered by few. Sienna aced it, of course, in those vintage yellow aviator shades and her long mussed-up locks. And Queen Kate raised the bar even further this Summer with her hot-pants-and-wellies combo.

But what about us mere mortals? At the up- coming O2 in the Park and Electric Picnic festivals, which promise to be melting pots of glamour and style, how can we expect to score high fashion grades?

Unfortunately, our reliably inconsistent cli- mate makes it quite a challenge. We have to consider every kind of weather condition, from sweaty, sunburnt days to cold nights tucked up in a flimsy two-man tent. But rest assured, successful style can remain a possi- bility, despite such hurdles: just keep in mind the two golden rules.

One, be realistic. There will be inches of mud and you will not — NOT — be able to wear those new three-inch stilettos OR those white skinny jeans, so don’t even try. Swop the dryclean-only ensemble for something a little more washing machine-friendly. Ex- pect nothing but rain and mud and dirt, and truckloads of inebriation. Remember, we’re talking Laois, not the Ritz.

Two, festival chic is all about low mainte- nance. This is not the time to get your fake fingernails applied and painted, and don’t ex- pect to achieve perfect makeup each morning

— you’ll be lucky if you get to brush your teeth, let alone your hair. No matter how 1m- maculate you are normally, this particular weekend you’re aiming for hippy chic which, by its very nature, is dishevelled but stylish; and at a music festival, the emphasis is on the former.

To achieve a look more Sienna Miller than Grace Kelly, your rucksack will require a few essential items.

1. Keeping in mind that the weather will most likely range from wet and cold to hot and sunny, with some snow and gale-force winds thrown in for good measure, make sure you bring a comfy pair of jeans (prefer- ably distressed), a cute denim mini or shorts and a gypsy skirt. With these three, you’ll have every eventuality covered.

2. Throw in a choice of vests, t-shirts and jumpers so you can layer up or down accord- ingly. Those of you brave enough may even want to pack a few bikini tops…

3. Spice it up with flip-flops (oh, how we hope) or wellies (See paragraph two — re- alistic outlook called for at all times). Long shunned by the fashion elite, wellingtons have recently re-emerged as style classics, and Hunter boots are now almost as sought after as Jimmy Choos.

4. If you want to add a touch of femininity, pack a floaty dress or a kaftan, but team it with the wellies to stay practical and look so cool everyone assumes you’re with the band.

5. Contrary to common belief, greasy hair is really not the way to impress a rock star. Bring along a cowboy hat or bandana to hide limp locks.

6. Accessories are key to festival chic. Hobo bags, chunky bangles and, of course, big, big sunglasses (the latter perform a double func- tion: in addition to looking fabulous, they can be very effective in hiding the dreaded pink- eye the morning after the night before).

7. And finally, the pieces de resistance…the roll-up plastic mac and a mini brollie. Hon- estly, if you only pack two things, let these be it…

Ladies’ Day at the Races may require you to look as groomed and glamorous as a movie star, but at music festivals, everything and anything goes. So get out there, mix it up, and enjoy.

this week that work had not started, as the contract had yet to be signed with the con- tractor, Michael McNamara & Co.

Mr Fleming said: “It is a very complex 35-year contract and the final details have yet to be signed off on.”

Mr Fleming stressed that there was no stumbling block in relation to the contract. He

said: “It hasn’t been signed off on yet due to the complexity of the contract. We would hope to coy sTeLeCe (oem mmol mane CO) MOA YAmolelmn-l

the same time, you cannot rush

these things as there are a lot of

technical issues involved.” Councillors were told that the

project should be completed by February 2007 and Mr Fleming this week expressed confidence that the deadline would be met. He said that work would com- mence on the project as soon as the contract is signed.

However, Clir Christy Curtin expressed disappointment that the local authority had fallen behind schedule.

“It is imperative that it is now moved forward and that the staff and the public can work in a unified building,” he said.

“I would still hold the Coun- cil to the deadline of February 2007 and I would also still in- sist that provision be made for an in-house legal department, because there is a cast-iron case for it.”

The delay is the latest in a project that first envisaged the council transforming Our Lady’s Hospital into its new HQ. However that plan was scrapped, due to the prohibitive costs of the project.

THE annual hurling festivals for under 14, 15 and 16 county sides occurs this weekend. Over 80 hurlers will leave the county with dreams of ultimate glory.

The under 14 hurlers are in ac- tion on Saturday next in Walshe Park at 12.10pm with Waterford first to encounter Clare.

Seventeen clubs are represent- ed on the panel of 26 that have trained well for this competi- tion. Clare last won it in 1990. Clare players for the future on this squad include: Pat O’Connor (Tubber), Colin McGuane (Kil- maley), Stephen Collins (St Josephs), Graham Glynn (Eire Og), Eamonn Malone (Corofin) and Conor McGrath (Cratloe) who is the current all Ireland skills champion.

Last year’s Forrestal side are in the Munster under 15 champion- ship taking place in Cork. Play- ers of note in this squad include

Darragh O’Doherty (Crusheen), Kevin Heagney (Corofin), Kevin Moynihan (Eire Og), Brian Glynn (Kilnamona), Martin Barry (in- agh), Thomas Downes (Kilmi- hil), Diarmuid Nash (Scariff),

Barry O’Connor (Sixmilebridge) and Andrew Fahy (Whitegate). The flagship group every year is the under 16 squad. Players to look out for in the Clare under 16 team include: Sean Collins (Crat-

loe), Caimin Morey (Sixmileb- ridge), Danny Russell (Eire Og), Eoin Hayes (Newmarket), James Gunning (Broadford), Donal Touhy (Crusheen), John Conlon (Clonlara).