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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.

AN IRANIAN refugee who admit- ted stealing thousands of euro worth of jewellery from 23 homes in Ennis has been handed a suspended jail reese

In May, Ali Reza Velayati, (40), of Avondale, Kilrush Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to 23 burglary charg- a

He admitted taking jewellery worth €53,020, along with cash — €1,280; $US5,500; £300 sterling and 140 Litas — a digital safe and sports bag, on various dates over a seven-week period between September 19 and November 8 last year.

When evidence was heard in the case last month, Judge Carroll Mo- ran warned the accused that he may face three years in jail. At Ennis Cir- cuit Court yesterday, Judge Moran said he was taking factors in the case into account in imposing a suspend- ed three-year sentence. He noted that Velayati has no previous convictions, co-operated with the probation serv- ices and that he suffers from depres- sion.

Defence counsel Lorcan Connolly BL told the court that his client has spent two spells in custody in rela- tion to this matter.

Judge Moran said that Velayati had “invaded on the privacy of 23 homes. It’s an intrusion into the private lives of people, even where the houses were unoccupied.” He said the ac- cused had packaged the jewellery “in a certain way which was quite unu- sual.”

He suspended the three-year jail term for three years and bound Ve- layati to the peace.

The homes were burgled in sev- eral parts of Ennis, including Col- lege Green, Abbey Court, Elm Park, Victoria Court, Odakpark, Bramble Lane, Inis Carraig, Gleni- na, Lifford, Tobartaoscain, Ard Aoi- bhinn, College Grove, Fergus Lawn,

St Senan’s Road, Cahercalla Estate, Glensheen, Ard na Greine, Clon Road and Shannon Park.

An investigation got underway af- ter gardai were receiving reports of burglaries on a daily basis.

The homes, which did not have alarms fitted, were targeted during the daytime. The houses were ran- sacked and jewellery and cash was taken. All of the houses were tech- nically examined, but no forensic

evidence was found. As the investi- gation continued, gardai were noti- fied about suspicious behaviour in the town on November 8&8, after two houses located close to each other were broken into. Two gardai, Ser- geant John Cunningham and Garda Cyril Page were involved in a chase, which culminated in the arrest of the accused in the garden of a home.

He was arrested but would not dis- close any information to gardai and

told them his name was Fred. However, the day after Velayati was arrested, his wife reported him miss- ing and through the identification photograph she brought to the garda station, his identity was established.

YOUNG Ruan angler, Paul Norton, returned home last week after help- ing the Irish U-16 team to the silver medal at an international competition THOMA EN ene

Norton was one of the mainstays of the Irish team, beating his direct competitors from England, Scotland and Wales on both days of competi- n(n

His performance was enough to lift the Irish team to second overall.

The competition took place in Wales last weekend and featured the best

sea anglers from each country going head to head in team competition.

“There was a bit of work involved in getting there. I started off by getting on the Munster team and after that I fished in the inter-provincials. The top five from the inter-provincials made it onto the Irish team,” he said.

‘There were four countries taking part and each country had an U-16, U-21 and senior team.

‘There were a lot of fishermen tak- ing part but I was in a zone against one U-16 angler from England, Scot- land and Wales.

‘‘T managed to win the zone on both

days which was great. It’s a team competition and we won the silver medal when all the scores were put together. We fish as a team, this is nothing to do with individuals, it’s all about the team.”

Paul was the only Clare representa- tive on the team and was joined by young anglers from Waterford and Dublin. The angler fished from the beach with dogfish, flounder and tur- bot the main fish on offer.

‘There is a good bit of beach fishing in Clare. There is a nice bit of rock fishing around Fanore and we would fish in Lahinch in the night time as

well as Fanore beach or Spanish Point. It’s not just in Clare either, I travel around a good bit with my Dad and fish in different counties,” he continued.

“T am very happy at how things turned out. It was great experi- ence over there. I would really like to thank everyone who sponsored me and helped me along the way. I couldn’t do it without their help.

“Next year I will be in the U-21 section which will be exciting. I will have to start from the bottom and fish my way up all over again but hope- fully I can do that.”

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.

Quin anger over Abbey car park