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COLM Bonnar has won everything in the game but in all his years of playing and managing, has never had to endure the tension of a champion- ship relegation battle. However, that is what befalls his Wexford side this weekend as they prepare to take on Clare in Portlaoise.

All four sides are in unison in their aversion of the new system that pro- poses to relegate one side from the McCarthy Cup for 2010 but Wexford have good reason for their outrage as the Leinster side actually won a game in the championship against fellow relegation rivals Offaly before going down narrowly to Dublin and then Limerick in their subsequent outings. And the Tipperary native in only his first season in charge can- not fathom why the GAA are intent on punishing any side when instead, they should be promoting the game in these counties.

‘Really the players cannot under- stand why they have been brought down into a relegation battle after

winning our first game against Of- faly and were in a Leinster semi-fi- nal. Having said that, that’s what the rule is, even though we thought that the GAA would show sense and not ask any of the four teams to play in a relegation battle as there are so few teams playing for the McCarthy Cup. It’s just ridiculous in the extreme and when we actually get together for the first time this evening (Tuesday), I’m sure that the response will be very poor because there is huge apathy for these games. “When you see the foot- ball championship and they have the likes of London and New York into the Sam Maguire and here we have four hurling teams battling to avoid relegation. Antrim are doing so much work up north to try and keep hurl- ing alive and it’s encouragement and promotion they need rather than be hit like this. The other three teams, Wexford, Offaly and Clare are the only teams outside of the top three that have actually won All-Irelands in the last fifteen years. It just doesn’t make sense, I don’t know why they are forcing this on the players. The

players are just so disillusioned themselves having to play this, hav- ing just been beaten in the qualifiers. They were trying to get as far as they could in the McCarthy Cup and that was only a week and a half ago and to ask the players now to play a rel- egation series with the bottom side going down to the Christy Ring Cup is just an absolute joke.

“Clare are now in a similar boat to us in the sense that they have gone down to Division 2 and those games are not worth a shite to anyone. If they are trying to do anything for hurling, they should keep 14 or 15 teams together and let them try to promote it among each other. They just seem to want to go for an elite eight or ten teams for the McCarthy Cup and that’s it which is a crazy, crazy system and they are saying that they want to promote hurling in oth- er counties. I still can’t get my head around it.”

So caught up with the will they- won’t they scenario surrounding the Antrim situation, Bonnar hasn’t had time to conentrate on his opponents

Clare but after the sides met in a chal- lenge game before the championship, he admits that this game could really go either way.

“IT haven’t even thought one bit about the game really because [| al- ways thought that the GAA were going to see sense and that com- mon sense would prevail even up to last Saturday evening. I thought that surely something would happen that these four teams are not going to partake in this competition. We would have played Clare in Rathnure six weeks ago before both played the first championship matches. We know Clare are a tough physical team, they are strong, very fit and hugely commited and from what I gather, Wexford always had trouble playing Clare and their type of hurl- ing. We are rebuilding after we lost a lot of players through injuries and retirements and they are a huge loss and it’s kind of telling on us in terms of losing tight games. As regards Clare, they are disappointed with the year being relegated to Division 2 and did well enough against Tipp,

coming back and giving themselves a chance of going for an equaliser and then I would have given them genuine hope of beating Galway in Ennis but Galway did well again on the day. So nobody really knows the strength of Wexford or Clare hurling at the moment and this competition isn’t helping anyway, that’s for sure. You won’t see their best in this com- petition.”

With the clock ticking down though and Wexford now actually embroiled in the relegation series, Bonnar is de- termined that they must finish their campaign this weekend, rather than leaving it to the lottery of a final rel- See elem OE h are) ee

“Undoubtedly, the sooner you are out of this competition the better and the only way of doing that is to win the first game because at this stage, players just want to get back to their clubs. The ideal scenario for either team if this game is forced upon them is to win that game and you don’t have to worry about it anymore because if you don’t, it will just turn into a dogfight really.”

A NEW strategy has been unveiled to promote commercial activity in the Ennis area. The document, released by the Ennis Development Forum, targets five sectors of the local econo- my. They are: retail; tourism and hos- pitality; industry, manufacturing and infrastructure; professional services and education.

Five separate groups were estab- lished following the Bright Ideas workshop help in Ennis in April.

The aims include promoting Ennis as an attractive destination for shop- pers, exploiting the full tourism po- tential of the town and dealing with issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Various initiatives, including adver- tising campaigns, the establishment of a Twitter page, “Shopping in En-

nis, schools art competition and a free parking initiative, have already been advanced by forum members.

Details are contained in the latest re- port from the Ennis Development Fo- rum. In it, forum co-ordinator Teresa Dalton states that the group remains disappointed with the response of En- nis Town Council to suggestions it put forward.

“Regardless of the disruption of the recent local elections, the response from ETC on the key Ennis Forum is- sues of rates, water charges, parking, taxis, casual trading and infrastruc- ture continues to be extremely disap- pointing,” she states.

The report continues, “After final- ly securing a meeting with the town councillors on May 12 we made the following points; we asked the coun- cillors to give a five per cent reduc-

tion in rates for prompt payment. The dates for prompt payment have now passed and we have not as yet heard back from the council though, at the time the councillors seemed keen to progress this idea.”

The report continues, “We asked the council to urgently address the infrastructural deficit in Ennis, which is preventing future development of both housing and commercial activ- ity. The council explained that this was a joint matter with Clare County Council but councillors undertook to address this issue.”

Ms Dalton also states that many lo- cal businesses were not in a position to pay “recent massive increases in water rates and we sought a signifi- cant reduction in these water rates”. She adds, “We have not had any re- sponse to this proposal.”

The forum 1s also looking for the 1s- sue of taxi services at Parnell Street car park to be re-examined while the report also states that casual trading byelaws have been “poorly imple- mented”.

The forum is also requesting that the council appoint a small group of coun- cillors to liaise with them as “meet- ings at which there were a very large number of councillors did not tend to get a great deal of business done”’.

A reduction in commercial rates ap- pears unlikely following recent com- ments by town clerk Eddie Power. Mr Power told last week’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council that has rates had already been adopted, there was no “legal scope” to reduce them. However Mr Power added that it could be possible for businesses to pay rates on a phased basis.

A SHARK-ATTACK on the famous Claret Jug was planned in west Clare last week as new British Open cham- pion Steward Cink (pictured below) and two-time champion Greg Nor- man held court in Doonbeg.

Cink made the Doonbeg Lodge his home for the four days leading up to his historic British Open victory in Turnberry on Sunday, acclimatising to links conditions by playing Doon- beg, Lahinch and Ballybunion.

The American, who _ yesterday named Lahinch and Doonbeg as his favourite courses in Ireland, spent much of his non-playing time in Clare chatting with the Norman, who designed the course in Doonbeg.

Cink was very impressed with the condition of the two Clare courses.

“Played Doonbeg yesterday with the kids. Their first links. Course blew away my expectations. Only eight years old and looks ancient,” he posted on his Twitter account last NW istel @

During his time in Clare, Cink and his family also visited Miltown Mal- bay and the Cliffs of Moher.

According to John Dooley, Golf Professional at Doonbeg Golf Course, Cink and Norman were as thick as thieves in Doonbeg.

“It was really cool, Greg [Norman] was over here at the time and him- self and Stewart got on very well. They talked a lot a spent a lot of time together, I’m sure Greg might have been giving him a few tips about how to approach the Open,” he said.

‘He was down to get the feel for links golf and it certainly did that. He very much enjoyed the courses that he played over here. He said that he had a particular liking for the Ist and 18th here in Doonbeg and he also enjoyed the different elevations at Lahinch and Ballybunion.”

Cink captured his first major title on Sunday by defeating five-time champion, 59-year-old Tom Watson, in a four-hole play-off.

TRANSITION year students of Scariff Community College have been enjoying celebrations to mark the end of their year of delving into subjects other than the regular sylla- eltcy

Staff, parents, siblings and friends of the twenty five enjoyed a night of exhibitions and recollections of the year during which the college’s annu- al magazine was formally launched. A highlight of the occasion was the announcement that one of the stu- dents, Charles O’ Donnell, has scored highest marks in Ireland in the pub- lic access to law module of the tran- sition year’s varied programme.

Transition year class co-ordinator Liam Coyle was delighted and com- pliments were paid to the teacher by Principal Sean Daly for his handling of the far-flung activities to which the class was introduced over an ex- citing year.

Caimin Condren, acclaimed stu- dent of the year for putting in a huge effort, being generally helpful and an organiser of events, spoke for the class to say it had been a wonderful year for all students, a great experi- ence. He expressed their appreciation of all that had been done for them by their teachers and the wider college SEIOE

Meanwhile, Leaving Certificate students at the college got a nice sur- prise at their formal departure cer- emonial.

Each of the class of 58 was present- ed with a crucifix made in Bethlehem of local olive wood as a memento of their time in the college.

The crucifixes were bought for

them by Fr Brendan Quinliven while he was on pilgrimage.

The honour of top stars in the community college’s second annual talent competition went to the tradi- tional music duo of Brian Corry and Gearoid Kelly.

The competition for the John S Kelly (former principal) Cup provid- ed great entertainment for all in the college. In addition to the trophy, the boys received a cheque for €100.

Second and third places fell to sing-

ers Paul Melody and Rebecca Atkin- son who were awarded prizes of €60 and €40 respectively.

For her contribution to this year’s organisation of the event, music teacher Ms Kavanagh was warmly thanked. ‘Naked Bare’ past pupils were special guests and created a wonderfully lively atmosphere to start the show.

A spokesperson for the college, con- eratulating the winners and runners- up, said they must appreciate fully

the great spirit and fun experienced by all competitors. The “You’re a Star’ competition 1s open to singers, songwriters, dancers, bands, soloists, etc. Rehearsals took place on Thurs- days and Fridays from 4 to 6pm.

PERMISSION to come aboard is be- ing extended to visitors and residents in east Clare alike for the Scariff Harbour Festival.

Festival-goers can cruise down the river, spot a kingfisher in the wil- lows, feel the fresh lake breeze and chill out. Or don a safety jacket and helmet, grab a paddle and canoe, and master the river swells.

The more adventurous can have a go at making their own raft.

Water activities like these have been part of the Scariff Harbour Festival programme since it began in 2003 and they continue to top the bill this August bank holiday weekend.

Raft races, with four people to a raft and organised by the Scariff Rugby Club, add a new and fun dimension to being on the river. Setting out from the harbour, contestants will show- case their prowess on the water and create a spectacle guaranteed to en- tertain the less spirited landlubbers!

According to Mike Madden of Scariff Rugby Club, “This is about fun and entertainment and the Rug- by Club’s contribution to the festival. Prizes include Heineken Cup tickets and a trophy, and there will be a bar- becue and live music to round off the Sunday afternoon event,” he said.

Canoeing and kayaking for the ac- tively inclined will be located at the Riverside Park, on the Feakle Road.

Without white water, weirs and rap- ids, the Graney River still challenges experienced enthusiasts and at the same time encourages the novices to explore and experience the water in a special and exhilarating way.

“Waterways Ireland has supported the festival from the beginning. Its

regional office was set up in Scariff through the foresight of the North/ South Ministerial Council and the Arts and Culture Departments North and South following the Good Friday Agreement,” a spokeswoman for the festival organisers said.

‘Free waterbus tours of the Scariff River and Lough Derg during the festival, supported by Waterways Ire- land, is indicative of its commitment to making the river and lake accessi- ble to locals and visitors for pleasure and leisure. Central to the festival’s

concept is the promotion of the com- mercial and tourist potential of the lake and the inland waterways,” the spokeswoman added.

Young anglers from the North and South of Ireland compete each year for the David Ervine Perpetual Tro- phy. This competition, also spon- sored by Waterways Ireland, is in re- membrance of the late David Ervine, Leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, who shared a platform with Mark Durkin, Leader of the SDLP, at the opening of the first Scariff Har-

bour Festival in 2003.

In addition to water activities, chil- dren can enjoy workshops on every- thing from circus skills to cheerlead- ing, creative writing and interactive art workshops, topped by an even bigger and better Family Fun Day at the GAA Park on the bank holiday Saturday.

VISITORS to Killaloe will be able to follow in the footsteps of Brian Boru on a signposted trail that will help them enjoy the historic sites of the town.

County councillors who gathered last week for the first meeting of the new Killaloe Electoral Area Com- mittee of the council were told that funding has been made available under Bord Failte’s Historic Towns initiative for the scheme.

As part of a nationwide push to 1m- prove tourism facilities, each county was asked to nominate an historic town where a trail could be marked out to lead visitors to the historic

sites.

In Killaloe, trails which give visi- tors two options have been selected.

Both will start between the waters and 11 points of interest, including Brian Boru’s fort and St Flannan’s Catherdral, will be signposted and have information boards erected next to them.

Officials at the meeting told coun- cillors that the full walk will be 4.5km, with an option to cut across for a shorter circuit.

Historians have already researched all the necessary information for the routes and the project is now going to tender for the manufacturing of the signs.

There will be a pubic consultation

on which information should be in- cluded on the boards, the meeting was told.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) said that he hoped that footpaths and hedg- ing would be kept in order along the route and he asked whether it was possible to make it all wheelchair accessible.

ClUlr Pascal Fitzgerald (Labour) complimented the officials on hav- ing the route “very well laid out” and Cllr Pat Hayes (Labour) said it was “very welcome to get a bit of funding to improve our tourism facilities but we need to follow on to see if there is any funding for Twomilegate.”

Independent councillor, Michael Begley said he hoped the trails and

signs would be maintained “so they will look as good in ten years time as they do now”.

The councillors were told that the place-names on the fingerboards will be printed in Irish as well as English and Cllr Crowe also asked that par- ticular care be taken to get the cor- rect Irish spelling of place-names as mistakes have already been made in some areas.

Senior Executive Engineer, Sean Lenihan, said that he “cannot say that every part of the trail will be Wheelchair accessible. We’re look- ing at ways to improve accessibility in the towns and villages but Kil- laloe by its nature 1s not fully wheel- chair accessible.”

THE attempted abduction of three young girls in two separate incidents has prompted gardai to issue a warn- ing to parents across Clare.

Efforts are being made to trace a bearded man, aged around 40, in a black jeep, after young children were approached by a man offering marshmallows, in two different loca- tions last week. The startled young girls were approached in Droma- drehid and Kilnamona.

Two reported incidents are the sub- ject of a garda investigation. Gardai say they are keeping an open mind on whether the incidents are con- nected and have appealed to the public to report any similar sightings immediately.

KILRUSH’S longest running art club is preparing for its annual art exhibi- tion.

Although the exact set up date of the club is not clearly recorded, members believe that this is the Kilrush Art Club’s 20th exhibition.

The exhibition which usually co-in- cided with the Eigse Mrs Crotty Fes-

tival, will take place this year from July 30 to August 21.

Founding members and new citi- zens make up this dynamic group with a variety of subjects and tech- niques.

The paintings include acrylic, oul, water and ink and are available for sale in a wide range of prices.

The works that make up the 2009 exhibition feature scenery, abstract,

humans and animals.

As many as 60 pieces make up this exhibition from 10 artists living lo- cally.

Group organiser Pauline Dunleavy said that a number of people follow this annual exhibition faithfully.

Most if not all of the scenery paint- ings are inspired locally.

“You can’t go outside the scenery in west Clare. It is breathtaking,”

said Ms Dunleavy.

All new members are encouraged to join the sociable and friendly club by contacting Pauline in Anchor Crafts, Kilrush.

The exhibition will be officially opened on July 30, in the Kilrush Library, with a wine and cheese re- ception.

The exhibition will run until Au- gust 21.

THE Rachel O’Dwyer Memorial Award keeps not only the memory of the late schoolgirl alive, but also the strong tradition of Irish music among Quilty school children.

This year the award went to sixth class student Eoin Shannahan, a tal- ented accordian player who won the school’s Board of Management mu- sic award two years ago.

The Board of Management Award

coincides with the Rachel O’ Dwyer Award each year, and the winner of both prizes receives a certificate and have their fees paid at the Willie Clancy Summer School.

Fifth class student and accordion player Darragh Moloney won the Board of Management Award this year.

Rachel’s mother Rita sponsors the prize in memory of her daughter.

Rachel, who was a pupil at Quilty National School died from encepha-

litis in November 1999, aged just 10 years old.

While the brave young girl is re- membered often by the school, she is remembered in a special way each year when the most promising music student is chosen.

Quilty National School encourages all of its pupils to learn music and follow in the footsteps of local mu- sical heroes such as Paddy Galvin, John Fennell, Joe Cunneen, Michael Falsey and JP Downes.

All 43 pupils learn a musical in- strument during music classes in the school, and it is through music their late colleague and fellow pupil is teyatelennere

TWO north Clare natives are this week beginning a month-long pro- gramme to teach computer skills to poor children in Africa. Anne Marie Gray from Lisdoonvarna and Mick Quinn from Doolin departed for Dublin last week to give a four week intensive course in Ethiopia.

The pair are part of an 83 strong party of Irish volunteers who will be teaching in seven African countries throughout the month of July. They will be joined on the trip by fel- low Clare native Mary Woods from Newmarket-on-Fergus who is travel-

ling to Tanzania.

The trip is being organised by the Camera Group, which is an Irish charity promoting sustainable devel- opment in Africa. Camera refurbish thousands of old computers each year and ship them for re-use in a number of African countries.

The volunteers, who come from a range of backgrounds, including IT, teachers and students, will be teach- ing basic to advanced computer skills to teachers in schools in Kenya, Ethi- opa, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Le- sotho and Zambia.

“This 1s so important to provide training in computer skills for the

teachers of the schools who have Ca- mara’s refurbished computers,” said Cormac Lynch, CEO of Camara. “Our teachers will spend a month giving courses from basic computer skills to advanced networking. Each computer can be of major benefit to 200 students, but only if there is good transfer of teaching knowledge to the teachers in the first place.” Camara is an Irish-based registered charity, based in the Digital Hub, which equips schools in Africa with refurbished computers, educational software and IT training. Camara recently celebrated sending out its 10,000 computer to a school in Tan-

zania.

Camara takes in computers from businesses that would be sent for recycling otherwise, securely wipes the hard drive and tracks, cleans and upgrades the computers so that they will run an operating system reliably and have a long second lease of life in Africa. Camara’s computers come from large and medium-sized com- panies including PWC, KBC Bank, ESB and the Department of Finance.

For detail about the the project and how to become a volunteers or do- nate unused computers contact con- tact Leonora Lowe on 085 7057764 and leonora@camara.ie.