The Clare People Archive

THE first part of a major €250,000 project to upgrade pitch facilities at Wolfe Tones GAA club is due to be completed within the next fortnight.

The irrigation system for the main pitch is currently taking place and will be finished before the end of the peareyelnen

As part of the club’s major devel- opment plans, floodlights are to be installed on the main pitch. This part of the scheme is due to be finished by

the end of July. Drainage work on the second pitch is also due to commence Them ee Cece lbe aya

Last year, the club launched its 300 Club draw. Several people in the town have got on board and are contributing to the scheme. However, Wolfe ‘Tones PRO Colman Garrihy is continuing to appeal to those who have not yet signed up, to dig deep.

‘Club members and other supporters who have not yet joined the 300 Club draw in aid of this vital project for the town are urged to sign up straight

away, said Mr Garrihy.

The club is stressing that the new facilities are part of the plan for the future and it is the young people of the town who will benefit most from the work being undertaken this year. Wolfe Tones is also appealing for former players to get involved in coaching the underage teams.

“Between all three projects, there will be in the region of €250,000 in- vested in additional and improved fa- cilities at Wolfe Tones over the com- ing months,’ said Mr Garrihy.

“While there are very welcome Lotto grants approved for the develop- ments, there is still a very significant investment required from the club and the local community,” he said.

“The club is greatly appreciative of the support received from the mem- bers and from the wider community, including businesses, for their overall activities to date,” added Mr Garrihy.

Forms for the club can be download- ed from Wwww.wolfetonesshannon. clare.gaa.ie or by contacting Gerry McIntyre on 086 8283751.

THE water in Shannon is being moni- tored on an ongoing basis, to ensure chlorine levels do not reach an unsat- isfactory or unsafe level.

That was the message delivered by Clare County Council last week, in the wake of complaints regarding chlorine levels in the town’s water supply.

The issue was raised by Independ- ent councillor Gerry Flynn, who said he has received complaints regarding chlorine levels in the water.

“There is quite a distinct smell of chlorine in the water in Shannon from

time to time,” he said.

Clare County Council senior engi- neer Walter Walsh said the issue arose in Smithstown a few years ago, when the council took over the running of the town. As a result, there was “quite intensive’ monitoring of water in the area. He said the current chlorine lev- els in the water are acceptable and it Thee ae LOyeH KO) Kerem ucscaUNE-NU RVs

“Ultimately we have to be satisfied that the water we are supplying is safe. The water in Shannon 1s perfect- ly safe to drink, currently,” he pointed out.

In reply, Cllr Flynn said, “We are delighted in Shannon that we are one

of the few areas we can drink water from our taps.”

Councillor Patricia McCarthy (In- dependent) said it appeared that there were high levels of chlorine in some areas and not others.

S)itomeeD om oLe)PelCole Melt MnO eT LMU SOMA Cols pressure was lower at night-time than during day-time. She said many peo- ple living in Shannon work on shifts during the night and need the use of water prior to leaving for work at 3am or 4am.

Mr Walsh replied, “As a matter of policy we would see it as a proper thing to do to reduce the pressure at night, when the water isn’t used,” he

said. He added however that ensuring the people of the town had enough water was a priority.

“There was excessive pressure on the system and it was resulting in the bursting of the mains. We have people looking at that all the time,” he said.

The mayor of Shannon, Council- lor Tony McMahon asked were there many complaints made to the council about an odour emanating from the water in Shannon.

Mr Walsh said he was not aware of odour-related issues with the water supply and said there was no prob- lems regarding quality with the Shan- non water supply.

ILLEGAL parking outside SkyCourt in Shannon is being addressed and offenders are being hit with fines.

This was revealed to councillors last week, during a meeting with lo- cal garda representatives.

Inspector Tom Kennedy and Ser- geant Dermot O’Connor met with Shannon-based county councillors, Where the issue of unauthorised parking was top of the agenda.

Councillors expressed concern about cars being parked on double yellow lines, close to Xtra Vision and the pass machine, outside SkyCourt.

The mayor of Shannon, Cllr Tony McMahon said the traffic situation is becoming “hazardous” outside the shopping centre.

‘There seems to be a difficulty with applying the law to the problems that arise here. I fear there is going to be a serious accident in that area,’ he Sr AKOE

Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Independ- ent) said the issue of unauthorised parking is of huge concern.

‘There are Road Traffic Acts there. If they are being broken, they should be enforced,’ she said.

Inspector Kennedy said, “It would seem to me that there is a danger by people parking there. We will con- tinue to enforce the Road Traffic Act.”

Sergeant O’Connor said the issue had been discussed previously.

‘“T understood there were plans in place to put in parking bays. The gardai are issuing several tickets

there in relation to illegal parking. If people continue to park there, they will continue to be fined,’ he said.

Councillors rose a number of other issues with the gardai, at the meet- ing.

Councillor Gerry Flynn (Independ- ent) said there was a need for Shan- non Garda Station to be upgraded, Where a Superintendent would be located, permanently.

Currently, Superintendent John Scanlan, who is based in Ennis, is responsible for the running of Shan- neve

Cllr Flynn said the addition of the garda bicycles in Shannon has been welcome, adding, “You might see fit to get a motorbike too.”

He also expressed concern that the majority of gardai who are attached

to Shannon garda station live outside the area.

“The percentage of gardai liv- ing locally has changed and that is a backward step. There have been a few forward steps, but there also have been backward steps,” said Cllr ahaa

SC NINe mo. qo) Keniore CONC UI UTR te tion to drinking in public in Drum- geely. This, he said, stopped one family from walking in the area.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) said there is a problem in relation to speeding between Clonmoney and Sixmilebri- dge and between Sixmilebridge and Cratloe.

“It is unbelievable. The speed go- ing down that road is phenomenal . . well in excess of 120kph,” said Cllr WZ TUN Core N ahve

PUBLIC TRANSPORT is the main is- sue concerning people in the Shannon and Sixmilebridge areas, according to a survey undertaken locally.

The Shannon Community Network has concluded that people living in the area are most concerned about lack of suitable transport.

They believe that the re-opening of the railway station in Sixmilebridge 1s long overdue, while the frequency of bus services serving the area is insutf- ne toele

Secretary of the Shannon Commu- nity Network, Richard Cahill said the transport issue was identified at the re-

cent AGM.

“The main topic people wanted in- formation on was when will the train station be re-opened. Public transport was the main issue,” he said.

In response to the feedback, the Net- work has now organised a meeting on transport in Sixmilebridge next month (Thursday June 7, at Teach Cuirte, Sixmilebridge). Iarnr6d Eireann’s Re- gional Manager Jim Meade and the Regional Manager of Bus Eireann Paddy McGuinness will attend, as will Laura Ward of East Clare Accessible Transport (ECAT).

They will give powerpoint presenta- tions and will be the focus of a ques- tions and answers session, where issues

of concern will be addressed.

“We have asked politicians running in the election will they commit to come along, if elected,” said Mr Cahill.

The Bridge Complex provides a bus service for senior citizens, who travel from Sixmilebridge to the daycare cen- tre in Clarecastle every week. While this service 1s welcome, there 1s a need for additional bus services for people of AV Toe

‘People want more than that. For the past four years, ECAT has echoed that it would be wonderful to have services around the train station in Sixmilebri- dge,” he said.

He said that locals are also concerned about the state of access roads into and

out of Sixmilebridge.

‘The roads are poor. At best they are regional roads, with just enough room for a car and truck. If two trucks meet, one has to pull in so the other can pass,” he said.

sixmilebridge councillor John Crowe (FG) is hopeful, meanwhile, that the railway station will be built within the next year.

“The money has been allocated by the Government, Clare County Coun- cil now has to allocate funding for the development of a car park. The land has been sterilised for the car park. It is badly needed and we are hoping it will be started within the next year,” said Cllr Crowe.

THE smaller parties continue to keep the faith that they will be in the final shake-up when it comes to announcing Clare’s four TDs for the 30th Dail.

With the Green Party’s Brian Meaney tipped by many to be one of the contenders for the coveted “fourth seat”, the Barefield na- tive says that if “all of the positive feedback we’ve been getting trans- lated into first-preference votes, I’d have two quotas”.

“T think Clare people will recog- nise that I’m a safe pair of hands,” he said. Meaney feels the Green agenda is an idea whose time has fey nner

“The economic realities have en- sured there is a move towards the Green agenda. You only have to look at the cost of fuel. People see this and are seeing that the Green agenda makes economic sense.”

Labour candidate Pascal Fitzger- ald is also staying positive.

“IT am going out to win a Seat. People won’t make up their mind

until the day of the election,” he Said.

The Clare councillor is aware of the disadvantage of living just out- side the Clare constituency, in the Limerick east constituency, but believes this campaign will help raise his profile.

“Everyone had Bhamjee written off and we saw what happened there,” he said.

Progressive Democrat candidate, Murt Collins said on the canvass in Kilrush that he is getting “very positive feedback” on the door-

steps. “The future of the hospital and the state of the roads are is- sues that come up a lot, as does the creation of jobs in west Clare.” Collins said that it is “important to get a good vote. I’m looking for- ward to strong support on election day. A lot of people have promised me their number one or two.”

Sinn Féin’s Anna Prior has been experiencing a “very positive reac- tion’ for a new candidate, accord- ing to her spokesman. “The issues people are bringing up are the fu- ture of the hospital and healthcare

generally as well as maintaining the rural environment, provid- ing transport and services such as broadband.”

The spokesman said that the “northern situation doesn’t come up very much and when it does, people are pleased with the devel- opments there.”

In terms of party politics, the Sinn Féin candidate believes that people “are interested in who they can trust to deliver on the impor- tant issues. There is a lot of disil- lusion out there.”

THE Killaloe Coastguard is hop- ing that volunteers will rescue them from their staffing shortage by at- tending an Open Evening on Tues- day, May 22 in the Kincora Lodge Hotel.

The coastguard needs arounds 15 new volunteers to assist with search and rescue operations and general administration.

New recruits would receive full training in whatever aspect of the

service that they sign up to including land search and water rescue.

Coastguard Area Officer, Michael Quigley, outlined what will be ex- pected of volunteers.

“The evening will give an induc- tion into what the organisation is all about. Potential volunteers would need to be available at least twice a month. The training can be intense because it can involve boat han- dling, first aid and evaluation of dif- ferent scenarios. We have to follow a lot of guidelines and people have to

be committed. The training process can take up to six months,” he said.

He added that the role of the or- ganisation was very important and a contribution would be “very reward- rhe

There is no age limit on volunteers although people should be aware that the job can be physically demanding and as there are currently no female volunteers, applications from wom- en are particularly welcome.

“It’s very challenging. You can get the call any time- 24 hours a day, 365

days of the year. We try to divide up people to be on call but it’s still hard. Sixteen hours out on search can take its toll. Everyone knows their own limitations and a lot of it is a young person’s game but we still need oth- er people to help out at base,” said Mr Quigley.

Mentioning recent searches that Killaloe Coastguard has assisted in, Mr Quigley said that the need is higher now than ever.

The information evening begins at 8pm and everyone is welcome.

AFTER 20 years waiting for this day a little inclement weather was never going to dampen the joy of the teach- ers, pupils and parishioners of Clon- lara as Minister for Labour Affairs Tony Killeen opened a €1.1 million extension of Conlara National school on Wednesday afternoon last.

The extension, which services one of the biggest rural national schools in the county, sees Clonlara receive three new classrooms, three learning Support rooms, a staff room and an administrative office.

Clonlara National school has grown to house in 2007 a huge total of 334 pupils with 15 teachers and other support staff. Bishop Willie Walshe was on hand to bless the new build- ing in the presence of Father Brendan Cleary chairperson of the board of management along with board mem- bers.

School principal and Clare minor hurling team manager PJ Fitzpatrick said that it was the culmination of many years effort, lobbying and promises that finally led to this great day for the school.

The school has grown to be recog-

nised as one of the best centres of formative education in the region and was in dire need of this extension.

It will service the needs of an ever erowing hinterland population wise. Fitzpatrick thanked the architect Dermot Merry for “the excellent design and management of construc- none

He reserved special praise for the construction firm of Kerlim Building Ltd who went about their business in a “quiet considerate way considering the pupils and staff alike”. The effi- ciency of Kerlim must also be noted according to the school principal as

“the project was finished two months ahead of schedule”’.

PJ also thanked all the local contri- butions that helped to fund the con- struction after the 95 per cent fund- ing was granted from central funds.

After the formalities a reception was held in the new premises for guests and parishioners alike to cel- ebrate another success for Clonlara eynenee

THE tourism stock of east Clare of- ficially soared this week, as one of the finest waterside walking routes in the country was formally opened in picturesque O’Briensbridge.

Some 16 km of walkway, and a number of shorter routes, were for- mally unveiled to the public at a joint celebration by the O’Briensbridge Community Group and Shannon De- velopment.

The route has been painstakingly and lovingly carved out by the lo- cal voluntary group over four years with the assistance of State, semi- State, local authority and voluntary financial support at a total cost of €222,000.

Many walkers and athletes alike have already grown to love the set- ting that begins and ends in the vil-

lage and in between meanders along the banks of the Shannon before joining the Errinagh Canal.

Speaking at a celebration dinner at the Old Mill Bar, O’Briensbridge fol- lowing the launch, chairman of the O’Briensbridge Community Group Michael Murtagh said that the fin- ished walk now formally unveiled has been a labour of love and well worth the many long hours dedicated by the band of local volunteers.

And he predicted that the walk will be one of the real gems of east Clare tourism over the coming years, par- ticularly with walking holidays now emerging as one of the growth areas of the tourism sector.

“There were times when we were banging on doors looking for fund- ing for this that we thought we would never see this day but now that we have, it has been more than worth

every bead of sweat,” said Michael.

“When you see what has been achieved here you really get a sense of a job well done and it is a tribute to all in our community, not just those in this official voluntary group. This 1s a diamond of a walk and you couldn’t have a better place to start and finish it than in what we believe is one of the prettiest villages in the country, O’ Briensbridge.

He added that without the help of the many volunteers and the sup- port from State and semi-State spon- sors, “this would not have happened and to one and all we say a big thank Wo) ae

The walks — all are colour coded with arrow sign-posts – vary from the longest Green Loop, which travels all the way from O’Briensbridge to Par- Korey mr-H OO mDy-1ee

There are shorter treks within the

system, including the Blue Loop, which links early with the Erri- nagh Canal and brings walkers back around to O’Briensbridge at a total distance of just 5 km The red loop, meanwhile, carries on to the village of Clonlara, returning to O’Briensbridge along the Errinagh Canal in an overall trek of 10 km.

Work on the ambitious project be- gan back in 2003 and has been fund- ed by Waterways Ireland, €27,000; Shannon Development, €11,000; Clare County Council €87,000, Leader Group, €26,000; Conserva- tion Volunteers, €2,000; Heritage Council, €26,000; ESB, <€18,000; O’Briensbridge Community Group, orm OOF

THE tourism season has been ex- tended by two weeks, members of Kilrush Town Council have been told.

They were listening to a presenta- tion from marketing and develop- ment officer, Siobhan Garvey or what has been done to promote the town and boost tourism.

She told the meeting that it has been officially recognised that the season has started early, “about two weeks early. The tourist information office is going to open early this year

to facilitate the visitors”.

The town council also plans to re- print 50,000 copies of an updated brochure featuring local activities, sights, accomodation, restaurants, pubs and service for visitors as well as giving them a handy map of the locality.

The brochure is being provided as a partnership project with local tour- ism providers and the Town Coun- cil.

The brochures will be ready by the end of the month, she told council members.

Among the other activities which

Siobhan has been involved in were re-developemnt of the town website, www.kilrush.ie which is expected to go live by the end of the month, she told the council.

Kilrush was also represented at the London St Patrick’s Day parade and literature for the town was available on the Shannon Development stalls at the Holiday World Shows in Bel- fast, Dublin and Limerick.

A postcard is also being produced with CANTATA funding promoting nine heritage centres in Clare and offering discount for visitors to the na Kehe

Kilrush adverstisments have also been included in national tourism publications including

IT HAS been almost a century since the Kelly family began selling peri- winkles and seagrass to holiday makers on the Kilkee seafront and the tradition remains strong today as the stall prepares for another hectic SLebeavenoe

Frank Kelly, one of the third gener- ation to keep up the family tradition, said that his grandmother was one of the first to sell the local delicacy.

“My grandmother, Katie Kelly and a friend of hers called Ellie Halloran, started the stall nearly a hundred years ago now. At the time they were using pony cars and they would push

them up to the beach with a white sheet thrown over the contents. They sold the periwinkles to customers from the back. There would have been very few people in the business at that time,” he said.

He said that he believes the starting year to be the year that the Titanic sank, 1912.

“My father, Michael Kelly who was a local councillor for 20 years, took it up after his mother. I have been running the stall now for 20 years as well and I hope that my niece, Nora Kelly who helps me out on it now, will take it over after me.”

Observing decades of change from a prominent spot on the strand line,

Frank described the transformation of Kilkee.

“The town has really changed be- cause of all the new buildings. I think that it’s not as good now because it’s more expensive. In the summer years ago, the town used to packed every day and not just weekends.”

The Kelly stall, the longest in busi- ness in Kilkee, has had many famous customers according to Frank’s col- lection of photographs.

“Richard Harris was a great friend of mine. He used to come and see my grandmother and he knew all my un- cles. Anytime he came to Kilkee he would drop by. The storyteller Ea- monn Kelly and Phil Coulter and his

wife have been down,” said Frank.

‘Winkle picking can be a hard slog in peak times but Frank hopes to keep the tradition going for another 100 years.

“We pick them up near Loop Head and other places and cook them in the family home. We pick the seagrass locally and dry it under the sun. We go out either very early in the evening with the tides and it is tough work. It has always been a family thing and I hope my niece will carry it on. That was my grandmother’s wish before she died.”