The Clare People Archive

SPEAKING at the Clare County Board meeting on Tuesday, Jim Nash, Chairperson of the Cusack Park Committee said the failure of the proposed sale of the stadium has cost the developers money.

“The Clare County Board expected nothing but it has cost our develop- ment partners money,” he said. “They had taken certain steps with property adjacent to Cusack Park and looking back, 1t was a bad decision.”

He added that Clare GAA will re- main at Cusack Park for the imme- diate future and proposed that the board develop the stadium, particu- larly the playing surface.

He went on to state that the com- mittee had worked hard to ensure the deal went through, but said he felt the situation had now stalled.

“Without re-zoning we don’t have anything to sell and that’s the posi- tion. At this stage, you could say nothing gained but nothing lost. There are no damning contracts out there. There has been no expenditure on the part of the GAA. We’ve only given our time to this project and there has been no financial exposure to Clare GAA.

“Pat Fitzgerald and myself went to every councillor and representa- tive to see if we could get the vote in favour of the re-zoning but it just wasn’t to be.”

He added that he felt the committee had served the board and delegates well and honourably.

“But the long and short of it is that the re-zoning was refused. It was a vote taken by the councillors and we just weren’t successful.”

Speaking on Tuesday, some del-

egates refused to accept defeat. “It’s not completely finished,’ said Clare- castle delegate, Bernard Hanrahan. “If a suitable site 1s found within the town then we can get a material con- travention.”

However, Michael Curtin, a mem- ber of the Cusack Park Committee said that the group had already given it their best shot.

“The reality is we have business leaving the town and we had an op- portunity to get some serious devel- opment in Ennis. Young people are leaving the county and we’re heading back to the ‘80s.

‘“Shopkeepers in Ennis will tell you the red jersey of Munster is the big- gest selling jersey. So this decision defies logic and I can’t understand it. We’re disappointed for the Gaels of Clare and the business people of the oo) tna ae

SUNDAY was a busy day for Kilmi- hil folk – the ladies who have blazed a trail to the All-Ireland final were up with the worm as they trained in Doonbeg; come mid-afternoon the men folk had St Finbarr’s in their sights at St Michael’s Park; in be- tween one of Kilmihil’s great players of the past was hoping to guide Crat- loe to a famous first ever minor title.

Colm Collins did just that as the labour of love that is his promotion of underage football in Cratloe came of age when the club scored the most significant win over their scant foot- ball history.

The manner of the win left Collins, who won minor, under 21 and senior

medals for Kilmihil in their golden period that straddled the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, stuck for words at the NGF

‘IT don’t know what to say,” was his first reaction. “I just want to catch my breath, wait a minute” he added before being spirited away to ex- plain away Cratloe’s ascension to the throne of minor football in Clare.

But before he could be taken away, Collins paused for a few seconds and inhaled everything around him – the sight of players and mentors from other Cratloe teams streaming on to the pitch to offer congratulations to him and his team.

Club chairman and former Mayor of Clare, Patrick O’Gorman; former club chairman Jack Chaplin; Col-

lins’ own son and county senior star Sean; Railway Cup football winner and a legend of the game in Cratloe, Kilmihil and wider county beyond Martin Murphy; Michael Considine and James Murrihy from Kilmurry Ibrickane who were county minor selectors with Collins in °08; parents of the players; many others too.

They all wanted to toast this fa- mous day for football in the parish. And, Collins, his fellow selectors Jerome Deloughrey, Ger Lawlor and Alan Neville deserved it. It was them and their players’ day.

“Tt’s great for the players,” said Col- lins when there was finally a bit of calm around him. “They’ve worked very hard for this and we’ve put in a great effort at underage over the past

few years. It’s a huge thing to win a minor championship and great for football in the club.

“Tt was a tough game and we knew that Ennistymon were going to be very hard to beat. I think the winning of the game for us was when Liam Markham went up in the forwards near the end. I can’t claim credit for the move, but that’s what won it for in

As Collins talked, everyone in blue started to drift towards the dressing rooms and scan upwards to the bal- cony where Bord na nOg Peil officer Joe Kelly had begun the process of handing the championship trophy over to captain and one of the heroes of the hour Liam Markham.

“The fact that Ennistymon won the

title last year means that no one will begrudge us this year,’ added Col- lins before casting his mind forward to the future of football in Cratloe.

‘There are a lot of very good young footballers in Cratloe and I think the basis is there to have a good senior team in a few years.”

In other words, this minor title could be the start of something that could turn out to be special. That’s for other days though – now was for celebrating what they’d achieved al- usreKehe

Meanwhile, for Kilmihil/Cratloe folk like Collins and Martin Murphy there was always the game against the “Barrs over the road to think about.

Another game to win.

ENNIS Town comfortably saw off the challenge of St Brendan’s Park to make the perfect start to their Norton Cup campaign.

The home side dominated through- out, easily over running Park with four goals to spare.

Midfield dynamos Stephen Mc- Gann and Sean Corry grabbed two goals apiece with centre forward Emmanuel Obadeyi completing the scoring with a well-taken effort late in the second half. St Brendan’s Park never really got to grips with their opponents but managed to grab a late consolation goal in the last minute of the second half.

Town had by then well and truly stamped their class on the game. The win sets them up for a second round

clash away to either Bellevue United or Coonagh United.

Its an exciting time all round for Ennis Town. The club hosts its AGM in two weeks time with a wave of new members set to join the club’s management committee.

The coaching staff is set to be ex- panded and new members already include former Kimurry Ibrickane footballer and current selector Mar- tin Keavey who is looking after En- nis Town’s under Ils. Next season the club’s hopes to field teams at un- der 11 (3), under 12 (2), under 15 and under 16.

That would leave Ennis Town on the brink of fielding a team at youths level for the first time 1n the club’s five year history. Plenty of progress then in such a short space of time. And progress was the name of the game

on Saturday as Town were quickly into their stride in Lees Road.

The signs for St Brendan’s were ominous, even from an early stage as Town created a number of early opportunities. The home side didn’t have to wait long to take the lead though. Ten minutes, in fact, had elapsed when Stephen McGann fired Ennis Town in front.

Town doubled their advantage soon after when Sean Corry finished to the net to make it 2-0.

It wasn’t looking good for St Brendan’s. Ennis Town manager Michael Whyte can feel proud of the ruthless edge displayed by his side. There was no letting up from Town. Another Corry strike and a smashing free kick from McGann meant Town went in 4-0 up at the break.

The second half, from a St

Brendan’s perspective, was all about damage limitation.

Town did managed to find the net once more through Obadeyi and the visitors pulled back a late goal through a well taken free kick in the final seconds. It ended 5-1 to Ennis Town who are scheduled to play their second round tie on December 13.

DERBY champion Shelbourne As- ton got his challenge for the 2008 Mardoc Holdings Golden Jacket off to the perfect start when winning his first round heat at the Galway Track on Saturday night in a time of 31.29.

Shelbourne Aston was always up with the pace after a decent start from trap three and hit the front on the fourth bend en route to a three length victory over The Other Sonic, with Slick Spiral two lengths back in third.

Sponsor Denis O’Connell had a first round double while Broadacres Turbo produced the run of the night as he coasted home in 31.10.

Run of the night was produced by the Graham Holland trained Shel-

bourne record holder, Broadacres Turbo in heat eight.

The strong running black was fast into stride from trap two and proved five lengths too strong for the ever- green Tyrur Laurel in a brilliant time of 31.10 – the fastest of the year so far.

Faithful Laura in trap 5 was three- lengths back for third.

The event started in race two with the Gerry O’Donoghue trained She- rie taking the opening heat. She led from the opening bend for a neck verdict over the fast finishing The Other Achill in 31.81, with Doonbeg Selmi meelemALvor.|

half length back in third.

The brilliant veteran Tyrur Lee in trap two was the first winner for PJ Fahy when leading all the way to

win the second heat in a fast 31.23. Tyrur was fast into stride and led all the way for a near six length verdict over trap

6 Riverside Honcho with Elouisa in trap four taking third spot.

Ollie Bray’s 2007 Puppy Derby hero Royal Treason was a decisive winner of Heat 3 from the outside box. Droopys Teabag in trap three led early here but the strong running Bray charge took it up on the third bend and went on to beat Skywalker Dream and Droopys Teabag by two and a quarter lengths and likewise respectively in 31.25.

Sponsor Denis O’Connell had the perfect start to his stake when, along with son Cian, he had a first round double.

First winner for them was Mardocs

Heinze in trap two of heat four. He grabbed an early advantage and led all to beat trap four Ask Amy by two and a half lengths in 31.40, with Shaneboy Sophia a length back in third. Recent Irish Grand National winner Distant Legend proved his versatility with an impressive run in heat five. Julie Power’s dog in trap five broke fast and always led when beating the trap one reserve Skywalkers Angel by a length and three parts in 31.36. It was just over a length back to Swintord Mylo in third spot. Holland was also on the mark with Full Bloom in trap four who got up late to win heat six in 31.46. Shel- bourne Denny in trap two cut out the running but Full Bloom came through fast to snatch victory by

three parts of a length. It was over six lengths back to trap three Mar- docs Nani in third.

Next out for the O’Connell’s, Mar- docs O Shea, won what was billed as the race of the night, heat seven, in 31.50. North West Derby winner Target Kewell in trap two cut out the running but Mardocs O Shea in trap three powered past on the fourth bend and went on to beat the staying Lemon Zamora in trap four and Tar- get Kewell by a length and the same.

Holland was also on the mark with Full Bloom when the son of Late Late Show and Tamna Rose got up late to win heat six in 31.46.

College Causeway did not take his place in heat 10 and in his absence Nawhobberthadda in trap six com- pleted a double for owner P.J. Fahy.

TALKS aimed at saving jobs and averting a strike which could cripple Christmas travel resumed today at the Labour Relations Commission.

Aer Lingus management and SIPTU are meeting following the interven- tion of the National Implementation Body and spent yesterday number crunching. It’s understood that SIP- TU is suggesting alternatives to the job cuts.

Management is seeking to introduce almost 1,500 job cuts through out- sourcing, voluntary redundancy or early retirement. Up to 300 Aer Lin- gus jobs at Shannon are under threat, which the company says is vital to contain spiralling losses.

Last week, a ballot for industrial ac- tion by SIPTU members resulted in an overwhelming endorsement, and strike notice was served. If no solu- tion is found, this would mean that pickets could be placed on Shannon, Dublin and Cork by November 24, threatening Christmas travel.

The NIB became involved in the situation last week, and after meeting with both side recommended that the parties go back to the LRC.

In a statement, the NIB said: “The body believes that solutions need to be urgently found to the current diffi- culties. In this regard, the body notes that the parties are agreed that such

solutions must offer long-term viabil- ity and stability for both the company and its workers. On receipt of the LRC’s assessment, the NIB will ex- plore with the parties what assistance, if any, it can offer in achieving a final resolution of those issues where dif- ferences remain.”

So far, union representatives and management have not got to the stage of re-opening negotiations. It’s believed that both sides have been number crunching under the chair- manship of Kevin Foley, director of Conciliation Procedures.

Union sources confirmed both sides have been “going over the numbers to see which measures will save what. It’s unlikely they will begin any real negotiations until Wednesday or even Thursday. This is a big process and there are a lot of issues to be consid- ered.”

Over the weekend, Aer Lingus man- agement looked at SIPTU cost cutting proposals which the union says would obviate the need for outsourcing to a third-party supplier.The union fears that under the outsourcing plan, air- line staff would have their jobs re- placed with lower paid positions.

While both sides are saying little in light of the risk of industrial action from Monday, it is understood the draft proposals would involve an ef- fective buyout of existing terms and conditions.

CLARE handball scores another red-letter success at the weekend when Jamie Lynch and Christopher Philpott of Tulla Secondary School captured the All-Ireland 60×30 In- termediate Doubles Championship in Crinkle, Offaly.

In the semi-final, the Clare duo came up aganist a fancied Kilkenny pairing but with sheer guts and de- termination pulled off an epic vic- tory on a 21-14, 21-17 scoreline.

In the final, played on the same day, their opponents were Cian Connolly and Mark Kelly of Roscommon CBS. Lynch and Philpott got off to a flying start and emerged victorious in the first game on a 21-14 scoreline.

However, the Roscommon pairing were not about to make up the num- bers in the final and fought back to force a tie-breaker finale thanks to

victory in the second game by 21-14.

All was set for the final showdown and both pairings gave it their all, but it was the Clare pair whose strength and agility proved the strongest as they cruised to an 11-1 win in the tie- Dusen e

In other news, the Clare Adult League got under way last weekend with all clubs in action. The Clare Juvenile A championships will commence the week commencing November 15 and culminate on the following Saturday with finals in all grades taking place.

Notification of draws will be sent to all club juvenile officers in due felt aston

OBK Equator European Architects, which has a number of Clare projects in the planning process, have ex- panded their practice by opening a dedicated office in Galway.

The office will be lead by Eugene Mulcaire, former director of OKM Architects whose projects include the Crown Plaza, Mervue and the Galway City Webworks and Bus Sta- tion. Clare projects on-the-boards include a mixed-used development, a

neighbourhood centre and a primary CHIR ee NIB KSe

Planning permission for these de- velopments will be granted in early 2009 with construction commencing later next year

Stating that he was looking forward

to the challenges that lay ahead in the construction and development indus- try at large, Eugene Mulcaire said OBK’s current strength and tie-in to Equator European Architects would allow him offer extensive develop- ment support to those who “venture abroad and bring opportunities to those who may be new to the idea.”

OBK Equator European Architects have forged a unique, pan-European reputation as one of Ireland’s leading architectural design firms. OBK is the Irish office of Equator European Architects (EEA). Equator has for over 15 years built a European wide network of architectural practices. This interactive group of over 300 architects provides support to local and international clients from offices throughout Europe.

“The opening of OBK’’s Galway office demonstrates our commit- ment to the Irish market and our cli- ent’s needs locally and abroad.” said Arthur O’Brien, Managing Director, OBK Architects. “Although we have completed projects in Galway such as the Courtyard by Marriott, having the calibre of Eugene Mulcaire will allow us to fully support our client’s from our new premises.”

THE Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) has confirmed that the air- port’s overall traffic for the first nine months of 2008 is down 13% on the corresponding period for last year with transatlantic traffic down 24% and London traffic down 16%.

The downturn in these sectors is due to the ending of the Shannon stop-over with the advent of ‘open skies’ in May and the ending of the Shannon-Heathrow route in January.

For the first nine months Shannon had a throughput of just under 2.5 million passengers.

Terminal traffic at 2.2 million is down 11% while traffic for the full year will be down about 400,000 – a decrease of 14% on 2007”.

Announcing its half-yearly results, Ryanair re-iterated its threat to dras- tically reduce its services at Shannon from next November because of the Government’s €10 air travel tax.

In recent days, CityJet boss Geof- frey O’Byrne-White said that the air

travel tax move could result in his airline scrapping plans to begin a service between Shannon and Lon- don City Airport.

CityJet has been examining the fea- sibility of this route for some time, but was constrained by a lack of available aircraft.

Mr O’Byrne-White said the move upset Midwest interests as a number of international flights from Dublin to places such as Manchester and Liverpool will qualify for the lesser €2 exit tax for flights under 300km,

but none from Shannon meet the cri- our

Aer Arann chief executive Pad- raig O Céidigh has also launched a fresh attack on Ryanair’s influence at Shannon in a press interview at the weekend. “They’re in Shannon for around three years now and in that time Shannon has lost seven or eight different airlines. Ryanair are now doing roughly two out of every three flights in and out of Shannon so it’s become a Ryanair airport, while oth- er airlines are being squeezed out.”

THE second Building of Hope project being organised from Clare is already bearing fruit in Kenya, where twelve sewing machines have been bought so women can make a living.

The organisers of the building project have just returned from a planning mission to Migombani in Mombasa where Cranny priest, Fr Martin Keane, is working with the

poorest of families to provide basic education and training.

At a meeting of volunteers from the first Building of Hope Project in Missionvale, enough money was raised in a raffle to buy twelve sew- ing machines, which have been given to local women who will use them to make souvenirs which can be sold to help support their families.

Architect with the project, Jim Lynch was with the party and de- scribed the conditions in Mombassa

as “devastating. The people have nothing – they have little or no way to make a living and there is no social welfare support so they are barely SUrVIVINg. ”

Jim was also the architect on the last Building of Hope project, when almost 200 volunteers went to South Africa to build a hospice at Mission- vale run by Clare nun Sr Ethel Nor- moyle.

“Even the poverty there would not prepare you for this. But as far as the

work 1s concerned, we learned a lot in South Africa and we will be ready for some of the pitfalls this time,” he told

FINE Gael in Clare are calling on the Government to introduce emer- gency legislation to close a loophole which allows head shops in Galway and Limerick to sell potentially dan- gerous herbal-drugs legally. Concerns have been raised over the mental health implications of the use of a herbal version of ecstasy known as the ‘party pill’. According to South Galway Senator, Fidelma Hea- ly Eames (FG), two young people are currently undergoing treatment for

mental health problems in the area as a result of taking the ‘party pill’.

Herbal ecstasy contains a substance knows as BZP or Benzylpiperazine, which has been banned in most EU countries but remains legal in Ireland. According to north Clare county councillor and psychiatric nurse, Joe Arkins (FG), legislation is needed to tackle this situation.

“The onus is on the Government here to resolve this situation. If a sub- stance is dangerous then it should not be sold. Cannabis is a herb and that is not for sale legally in Ireland so the

same should apply here,” he said.

“These substances have been banned in most EU countries already but it is better later than never. If we had a good, quick bit of legislation on this then we could solve this problem very quickly.”

While no official figures exist on the usage of herbal drugs in Clare, anec- dotal evidence would indicated that both the ‘party pill’ and the halluci- nogenic herb salvia are both widely used in the tourists areas in the north and west of the county, particularly CLUN mn ercaMetomclUbevaeCoumeelOyelsetcy

Salvia, which is a variety of sage, is the only naturally occurring sub- stance known to induce a visionary or hallucinogenic state.

Last week gardai carried out searches in a number of head shops throughout the country as part of an investigation into the licensing of certain products.