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SURFERS from across the country are set to descend on Lahinch next weekend for the West Coast Surf Club Longboard Classic in Lahinch — the only event of its kind in Ire- land.

The two day competition on next Saturday and Sunday has become one of the most hotly anticipated competitions in the Irish surfing cal- endar since it was first held in 2003 and attracts surfers from all over Ire- land.

The 2008 event, which was blessed with good weather and perfect surf- ing conditions, saw a record number of local entrants, the overall winner being Stephen Kelleher from Lahi- ie eF

“As in previous years, we are de- lighted to have a custom-shaped Cequential Quad surfboard from our local shaper Ian Johnson for our first prize” announced Cliodhna Fawl. Further prizes will be kept a surprise and announced on the day.

Subject to weather and swell con- ditions, it is anticipated that the 19th September will see the initial heats and quarter finals run off with the semi-final and finals possibly stretch- ing into the 20th September.

WCSC Chairman Dave Flynn “We’ve always been greatly im- pressed with the level of interest and Support we’ve attracted since the inaugural event in 2003,” said Dave Flynn, chairman of WCSC.

AN INFORMATIVE gathering at Shannon library for voluntary and statutory service providers in the south Clare area is to take place on Thursday, October 1, at 10.30am.

This is a joint initiative between Shannon Public Library and Clare Adult Basic Education Service.

The information morning presents

a rare opportunity for the voluntary and statutory service providers of south Clare to meet, become ac- quainted, learn and become updated about each other’s services and work. Several groups work for the benefit of the community in this area and it is important that the good work they do is known to residents in those parts of the county.

The event will be facilitated by

librarian Carmel Daly, along with Maire Dempsey, of the adult learn- ing centre in Shannon.

This will be the seventh annual in- formation morning of its kind.

“It has proved valuable to all the service providers who attended in the past, whether from education, health social, financial or other departments or interests,’ said Ms Daly.

Afterwards, participants are more

easily able to contact fellow opera- tors in the area and better serve their community as a whole.

If your voluntary or statutory or- ganisation is interested, or if you wish to make a recommendation, or seek further information, please contact Maire Dempsey at the Shan- non Adult Learning Centre on 061 364595, or Carmel Daly in Shannon library on 061 364266.

FEARS have been raised that the Royal Air Force (RAF) have been secretly using Shannon Airport to transport goods and possibly weap- onry to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photographs taken earlier this month by the Shannon Watch organ- isation show a number of contain- ers clearly marked property of RAF waiting to be loaded onto a Omni Air International plane in Shannon.

The containers were also marked property of Brize Norton, increasing speculation that their cargo inside was bound for conflict in Afghani-

stan or Iraq. The Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire is one of the main staging posts used to transport troops, weaponry and equipment to various war zones.

It is also home of the RAF’s strate- gic air transport (AT) and air-to-air refueling (AAR) forces. It is the most important British military base for maintaining the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

‘This raises further serious ques- tions about Shannon’s role in the oc- cupations of Iraq and Afghanistan,’ said a Shannon Watch spokesperson.

“What might an American civilian plane – that looks like it is carrying

US troops – be doing with RAF con- tainers? Is Ireland now part of the re- supply chain for all of the belligerent NATO forces around the world? And if so, is it being done with our gov- ernment’s approval or without it?”

The incriminating photographs were taken in Shannon Airport in the morning of Saturday, September Dee

According to a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs, British military aircraft rarely land at Shannon Airport and no and offi- cial landings have taken place so far in 2009.

Permission for the landings by

foreign military aircraft are usually granted provided that the aircraft is unarmed, carries no arms, ammuni- tion or explosives, and does not en- gage in intelligence-gathering, and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or ey oro lnleyee

According to Shannon Watch, pro- testers are normally removed from the airport when they attempt to photograph Omni Air International planes at Shannon Airport.

However, they say that on the day in question last Saturday no attempts were made to remove the photogra- phers from this part of the airport.

FOR saffron and blue supporters it was a venture into the unknown — a first All-Ireland Under 21 final for them as well as for Clare as a hurl- ing county.

And, as with all dawns there was excitement — it was new and some- thing different and that’s why Clare Supporters out-numbered their Kil- kenny counterparts by two or three to one.

It was 1995 and ’97 all over again — and like those years Clare support- ers expected.

“We’re definitely going to do it,” said Michael Brennan from Killaloe beforehand.

‘“We’re not up here just to make up the numbers and become anoth- er mouse killed by the Cats. These players have bottle and that’s what will win them their medals. Kilken- ny won’t know what has hit them.”

James Murphy from Ennis was more cautious, but still confident. “It’s going to be a tough one. There is no denying that. There are two great teams fighting for this honour and I can’t see more than a couple of scores separating them at the end. It might even be a draw. Clare by one or two I’d say!”

Murphy nailed it and seconds after the final whistle, he and thousands of others were storming the field. “Amazing, absolutely unreal,’ ex- claimed Barry Corbett from Cloon- OMe “It was a brilliant performance from all of them but especially Tuo- hy and the full-back line. Conlon up front as well. The serious discipline the whole team showed entitled us to this win,’ he added.

He echoed the thoughts of all eve- ryone in saffron and blue, as the Clare Shout, for so long silent ech- oed around Croke Park for the first time in a dozen years.

“The Cats couldn’t stop Clare making history. Great win,” roared Stephen McNamara from Kilmaley, before more Clare Shouts again ech- oed around him.

And, like 95 there was talk of Bid- dy Early too — the curse that’s been a crutch to bear in recent years was banished once more.

And, in its place was a bright new era with a nod to the past achieve- ments of Clare teams made by Inagh farmer Tom Mackey when he pro- claimed loudly to everyone around him that “there’ll be no goats milked for the week”.

Ennis will be made for walking

WITH threats of “you will never get your hands on the cup’, talks of changing handicaps and discus- sions of one team’s inability to play in windy conditions, the “Friendship Cup” tournament began with good humour on Wednesday last.

The friendly jibes were given and taken well as a group of west Clare golfers took on the Americans in the first of the friendly competitions to be held in the county.

The brainchild of one of the found- ers of the Ibrickane Golf Society, which was formed in 2007, the com- petition forges links with a New York golf society – Cuchulainn Golf

Society.

Last year the team of golfers took their good humour banter to North Carolina for the inaugural competi- ntOyee

This year the American team, made up mostly of Irish Americans, are experiencing west Clare hospitality and for the first time ever all of the members played Clare courses.

Incoming captain of the Ibrickane Golf Society, and the captain of the Clare team, Evan Talty from Quilty explained that the competition and the arrival of the ten members of the New York team has captured the im- agination of the locality.

“It has got a lot of local publicity. A lot of people are asking about it and

showing an interest,’ he said.

Current captain of the society and founding member of the group Eoghan O’Loughlin paid tribute to the local businesses who also got be- hind the event and saw its potential.

‘Next year we will have up to 15 or 16 going with us, there is such an in- terest in it now. It will probably reach a team of 20 coming back and over alternative years,’ he said.

Paddy Cartel, Treasurer of the Cu- culainn Society added, “We are life long friends through this.”

Cavan-born Paul Donoghue paid tribute to the hospitality the group has received since arriving in west Clare. “The Bellbridge has been very good to us,” he added.

Sean Clarke was equally posi- tive about his visit to west Clare. He maintained that the group even brought the fine weather. “From the time we lived here we remembered that there was always good weather in September when we had to go back to school, that is why we picked September to come.’ Usually the Americans play golf from the begin- ning of April to the end of October.

The Ibrickane Golf Society is al- ready planning the return trip state- side next year to defend the cup.

NEWMARKET Celtic move up to second in the Premier league ta- ble after defeating holders Bunratty last week. After a good win against Rock Rovers the previous Sunday, Newmarket were full of confidence coming into this match. Therefore it wasn’t much of a suprise when they got off to a fantastic start. In the opening five minutes, they managed to grab the lead. John Paul Healy the Newmarket midfielder provided the goal scoring finish. This was the end result of some very direct build up play that Bunratty just could not seem to cope with. Their defence obviously were still not fully awake and warmed up but unfortunately for them Newmarket were not planning on hanging around. They wanted to press home their power and strengths from the very kick off. Bunratty now really had it all to do. Going behind so early meant that attack now had to be their best form of defence and they had to try and pull one back. However their negative position got even worse when Newmarket dou- bled their advantage after 20 min- utes. Again the goal was the result of some lapse defending. A deep cross

into the box failed to be cleared and after a number of attempts to get the ball away, it was deflected by John Ryan into his own net. This was Bun- ratty’s final nail in their already half lowered coffin. For the remainder of the first half, both sides had half chances but nothing really material- ised as Bunratty went in at half time

with it all to do. The second half con- tinued in a similar fashion. Bunratty tried to exert as much pressure as possible with an effort by Pat Twom- ey being one of the best chances they managed to create. Unfortunately for him and his team, his first control let him down and he could not punish the Newmarket defence. Newmarket

did not sit back either with Healy and Feeley in particular looking the most likely to increasing their lead even more. As the game came to a close Bunratty really tried their hardest but it was not going to be their day. Newmarket had sealed this win after an excellent opening period and they never looked back from this to inflict defending champions Bunratty to their first defeat of the season.

AS PHASE two of the Fibre Op- tic Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) for Kilrush is about to be- gin, Cllr Ian Lynch (FG) said the town council must be ready to mar- ket this new facility and get “a head of the game” in attracting new busi- nesses to the town.

It is hoped that the broadband sys- tem will be up and running and ready for marketing by March.

While the completion of phase one has been completed for some time now, progression on phase two had been delayed while awaiting the ap- pointment of an appropriate compa- ny to manage the phase.

The announcement that elnet “Tel- ecommunications Company of the Year 2009” has been appointed by

the Government to manage, main- tain and market Phase 2 of the pro- gramme has been met with a warm welcome from the town councillor.

‘“MAWNSs plays a pivotal role in the delivery of high speed broadband to regions throughout the country at a time when the advancement of a knowledge economy has never been more important,” he said.

Broadband is to data transfer what a motorway is to a road. The fibre optic broadband cable installed in Kilrush will provide the means to move information and other data in big volumes and at high speeds to re- cipients around Ireland and all over the world.

“The ready availability of broad- band services, to enable ‘always on’ high-speed connections with high capacity, 1s very important for both

business and domestic customers,’ said Cllr Lynch.

“Tt is towns with reliable, fast con- nectivity to the outside world that will lead the way in attracting in- ward investment and creating more jobs in the future. These broadband fibre rings about to be provided pave the way for such connectivity,’ he added.

“Having $made — considerable progress with the installation of fibre networks, Kilrush must now push on to avoid playing ‘catch-up’ continu- ously with other towns in the tele- communications area.’

“The proactive response towards the MANs by Kilrush Town Council is an extremely positive step in en- suring Kilrush can be marketed as a commercial town and to potentially attract new business to the town,

making the town more attractive to, not only businesses within the IT sector but also manufacturing, health care and education.

‘Because of the Kilrush Metropoli- tan Area Networks (MANs) Kilrush is now well placed to meet the tel- ecommunications needs of bigger businesses and institutions, and 1s better able to compete on an equal footing with other locations in the country to attract new businesses to the town and indeed county,’ said Cllr Lynch.

The Fine Gael councillor is encour- aging Kilrush Town Council to coin- cide a marketing campaign strategy in conjunction with the planned elnet marketing campaign to ensure maxi- mum publicity and promotion to encourage possible future business investment in the west Clare town.

BRIDGE Celtic were the victors af- ter this one sided Premier Division clash against Lifford on Wednes- day last. The final tally of five goals tells it’s own story and portrays how dominant the Bridge team were over their Ennis counterparts. They took the early initiative and attacked from the kick off. After a few chances they finally found their goal scoring touch through Ger O’Connell on 20 minutes. They did not have to wait as long for their second however as O’Connell scored again a few sec- onds later when Bridge won posses- sion back from Lifford’s kick off. He slotted the ball home confidently and now really set up Bridge to push on and ensure this win as early as pos- sible. Lifford were stunned but they did get a chance to get themselves back into the game. They were awarded a penalty and Roberto Pinto stepped up to take the kick. His ef- fort however was unsuccessful and

this became a huge turning point in the game. Instead of pulling back a goal they really missed their oppor- tunity. The significance of this miss increased when ten minutes later

Bridge found their third goal. The dangerous Shane Byrnes was the pro- vider and the insurance goal had now been found. Then three became four when Trevor Howard scored a crack-

ing volley just before half time. This was becoming a landslide victory and the prospect of more goals must have sent Lifford in at half team really fearing the worst. In fairness to this Lifford team, they did manage to re- store some pride. They scraped back two goals, with Ryan Boyle’s finish in particular providing the Lifford fans with something finally to cheer about. Suddenly had hope of a mirac- ulous come back been moulded. Un- fortunately for Lifford, Bridge now felt they had conceded enough goals and decided they wanted to score a few more. They only got the one though. Dave Hickey wrapped up his team’s goal scoring in the middle of the second half after a great period of well controlled passing. Burke in the Lifford goal had no chance and sadly for him had to pick the ball out of his net for the fifth time. The threat of any possible fight back had now been neutralised for good. Bridge contin- ued to attack but some credit must be given to young centre half Darren

O’Neill who gave his all throughout the game but his efforts alone were not enough to prevent Bridge Celtic maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign. Lifford now really have to go back to the drawing board as with three losses from three, their prospects for the season are already looking very bleak.

“IT IS a road accident waiting to happen.” That was the warning of Kilrush Town Councillor, Paul Mo- roney (Ind) who also works for the fire brigade, one of the services that attend road traffic accidents on a Korea UN Vn Oyen Ae

The councillor was referring to the junction of Griffin Road and the En- nis Road, and questioned its legality.

He told this month’s meeting of the council that drivers had to go over the broken line to see if there was any traffic “coming in the Ennis Road”.

“IT am harping on about what has been said before. I am bringing it up again because it is not good enough,’ he said.

Cllr Moroney described the junc- tion as a nightmare.

Executive Engineer, Derek Troy told the meeting that the sightlines and the sight distance at this junction are very restricted due to the location of a shed/garage that adjoins the last property on Griffin Road, as you exit on to the N68 Ennis Road.

‘The exact ownership of this prop- erty is currently unknown,’ he said, pointing out that the shed was not Korea Ko Klee

“Road users must act in an appro-

priately safe manner when using the junction, as is the case at all public road junctions,” he added.

“Realignment works to improve the sightlines are ongoing at this junction.”

The works proposed consist of widening the footpaths at both sides, re-marking and re-aligning the road carriageways on the N67, and re-lo- cating the stop line.

‘Further investigation into the own-

ership of the property in question is on-going,’ said Mr Troy.

Father of the council, Tom Prendev- ille (FF) told the meeting that the owner of the shed was known to him, as the site received planning permission from the council in the last number of years.