The Clare People Archive

THE life of one of Lisdoonvarna hidden musical treasures will be celebrated in a weekend-long free festival later this month. Accordion and box player Micilin Conlon never gained the same fame as the Rus- Sell brothers from Doolin, but the Lisdoonvarna musician was as well thought of locally in his own time.

Born in 1927, he spent virtually all of this 67 years playing music for the people of north Clare. From Friday October 24 to Sunday 26, a celebra- tion of his music will take place at the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoon.

“He essentially spent his whole life entertaining people, he was like a travelling troubadour. He played at wakes and weddings and everything in between. He played Irish music and that was his life,” said Peter Cur- tin of the Roadside.

“He loved having fun along with the music and he was always there mak- ing fun and entertaining people. He would have played at house dances in the old days before there was any formal pub scene for entertainment. He would just walk to a house in the neighbourhood for the sessions. He would walk from Lisdoonvarna up to Fanore for a house dance and he

could come home and then head off to the Cliffs of Moher for another dance after that.”

The festival will feature some play- ers who have become synonymous with traditional music in north Clare. People like Tommy Peoples, Michael Hynes, Davy Spillane and Seamus Hynes will all feature, along with Micilin’s own nephew Johnny Con- ren

‘He was a musician and his father was a musician. I can remember him telling me about coming into the Roadside on the day of his confirma- tion to play a few tunes. He lived for the music,’ continued Peter.

“We have purposely organised some sessions during the day. We want to get people to chill out a bit, and not to just head out at night and then be worried about getting up the following morning.

“Micilin was a chilled out man himself. I’d say his stress levels never got above zero in his whole life. So this is going to be more like a session than a concert. It’s about people and musicians coming in and getting into iW sTomen one

For more information on the cel- ebration of the music and life of Mi- cilin Conlon check out www.roadsi- detavern.ie.

DOOLIN will quite literally be crawling with zombies this Hallow- een as local amateur dancers per- form one of the most famous music videos of all time.

North Clare locals of any age are being asked to take part in the largest live recreation of Michael Jackson’s Thriller ever undertaken.

On October 25 thousands, or possi- ble even millions, of people from all over the world will take part in the world largest Thrill the World event. At 7pm Irish time, in venues on every continent, people will record them-

selves dancing to thriller and stream the dancing live on the internet.

Doolin local, Liz Shannon of the Broadway Dancing School, will join Fiona Cranwell at the Micho Rus- sell Centre from 3pm to organise the dancers. The Doolin event is in aid of Cystic Fibrosis with all of the €10 entry fee going to the charity.

“I was involved in something like this last year in Dublin and Liz did something similar in Doolin. It’s great fun and the dance is so easy to learn,” said Fiona.

“It’s really a classic dance, there are videos all over YouTube of peo- ple breaking into the thriller dance,

whether they are in a prison or on a bus. It’s very funny.”

The event is open to all, but small children must be accompanied by a guardian. No dance experience what- soever is required.

“Liz 1S an expert in dance and has already broken down all of the moves that we need to learn. We will have a team there on the day to teach peo- ple from 3pm. We will teach every- one on the day – young or old, people who have loads of dance experience or people who have none.

‘People need to dress up in shabby cloths, we will put some make-up on then we are away in a hack. It will

be great craic. To be honest it really doesn’t matter at all how good you are at dancing, at the end of the day you are going to be a zombie.

“Both Liz and myself have raised money for cystic fibrosis before be- cause we both have people we know who are effected by it. We wanted the money raised to stay in Clare so it will all go the Children’s Light of Hope charity.

Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Fiona at ttwO8doolin@ gmail. com, ring Liz at the Broadway Dance School on 087-2615809 or www. thrilltheworld.com. Make up artists and photographers very welcome.

SUCCESS is being savoured by Tuamgraney-based company, Wil- de Irish Chocolates. Judges at the SHOP EXPO 2008 in the RDS went just wild about Wilde and presented them with a Commendation Award for their Artisan Chocolate Bar range in the Best Confectionery Product of the Show category.

Patricia Farrell from Wilde’s said it was “a wonderful boost to get an award for making great tasting chocolates, but it’s also thrilling to be commended by such a prestig- ious and influential judging panel as

presided over the SHOP 08 competi- ntoyn a

She said she wanted to express thanks “to Clare County Enterprise Board who’s support was crucial to our participation in the event”.

SHOP has become Ireland’s an- nual retail food, and drink event and the Product of the Show Awards are renowned for showcasing the lat- est and most innovative products in the Irish food industry. The judging panel are experts in their field and in- clude senior buyers from Tesco and Musgraves. Judging this year took place over several weeks in London, Hampshire and at the Guild head-

quarters in Wincanton. Irish entries were judged over three days in Bel- el

Wilde Irish Chocolates won the commendation for their artisan range of seven different milk, dark and white chocolate bars.

This is not the only award that the east Clare company has won this year. Wilde Irish achieved a Great Taste Gold, “the Oscars of Fine Food” for their Toasted Almond and Orange Dark Chocolate Artisan Bar. They have also again been recom- mended by the Bridgestone Guide and since this year are members of Good Food Ireland.

Wilde Irish Chocolates have been making chocolates in Tuamgraney since 1997. They have won many awards for their chocolate since then and their chocolate bars, gift collec- tions and chocolate treats are availa- ble from the factory shop, their farm- ers market stalls at Killaloe, Nenagh and Limerick and from selected out- lets in Clare and the mid-west

WHILE most people are pushing Christmas to the back of the agenda, a Tulla woman is already thinking toys and wrapping paper for children who may receive just one gift in the entire year and that gift will be from east Clare.

Jackie Vaughan has been a volun- teer with the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal for the last five years and she’s urging people of east Clare to put in a massive effort to send more shoeboxes than ever this year to children who have nothing.

“It’s such a personal thing. People pack boxes with lovely things for an individual child. Many of these chil- dren have nothing. They are cold and hungry, they may be orphans, this gift of love is more often than not the only Christmas present they will get,’ said Jackie.

This is the tenth year of the appeal itself and last year in east Clare, gen- erous souls wrapped scores of boxes for children in far-flung places from Africa to Eastern Europe.

Operation Christmas Child is a project organised under the auspices of the Samaritan’s Purse organisa-

tion but no child of any ethnic back- ground or religious persuasion 1s ever CALE Core w

The aim is to fill a shoebox with a cuddly teddy or toy, sweets other than chocolate, crayons, colouring books, and a something small to wear, like gloves, a scarf or hat.

Each box is filled for a boy or girl with a specific age-group in mind.

Jackie particularly hopes that the 10-14 year olds will get lots of boxes from east Clare this year.

“It’s a group that don’t get as many boxes as the other age groups and it’s also important to remember that a

lot of the two to four year olds are orphans, living in institutions where there aren’t a lot of staff so there’s a need to be extra careful about not putting in toys that have small piec- es that children might put in their mouths,’ said Jackie.

Jackie added that anyone who doesn’t have time or who has dif- ficulty putting a box together and wrapping it can make a donation.

Jackie will arrange collection of the boxes from factories and schools. Call her on 065 6835715 for leaflets which include full details of what can be included in the box.

BOYS AND girls between the ages of six and 12 are being afforded the opportunity to play rugby in Tulla, thanks to the newest club in the area.

The East Clare Eagles rugby club was set up a year ago and since its inception it has gone from strength to strength. Currently there are 70 members signed up with the club, which caters for youths in Tulla, along with Clooney, O’Callaghans Mills, Broadford, Feakle and Quin. One of the main attributes of the club is that it 1s open to both boys and girls, with girls accounting for 30 per cent of its members.

The club’s reputation was consid-

erably enhanced as it got the oppor- tunity to play at half-time between Munster and Glasgow, during the opening of Thomond Park in Limer- ick last Saturday week.

“Prior to setting up the club, we used to play in Community Games competitions. We couldn’t get any competitive games so we decided to set up a club, affiliated to the IRFU. We did that in October 2007,’ said club chairman Daragh Molloy.

“Setting up the club enabled us to include children aged six and up- wards,” he added.

Since the club was formed, it has joined the Limerick league and has also taken part in several blitzes in- volving teams such as Kilrush, Mil- town Malbay, Shannon and Ennis.

The Eagles have also hosted many blitzes.

Along with Mr Molloy, the others responsible for running the club are John Noonan, Edmund Jennings, Ro- nan O’Reilly and Kevin Slattery.

Given that the players are so young, the assistance of the local primary school has been essential in ensuring the club is a success.

“Brian Torpey at the local primary school has been of great assistance, as have the people of Tulla. Our hon- orary president John Noonan has been the driving force in setting up the club,” said Mr Molloy.

“This is a great achievement for a village in east Clare that 1s predomi- nantly a hurling area. Now we have a rugby club that is thriving. There was

a great need and a desire to set up the club,” he added.

The green and white Eagles jerseys are poised to become a force to be reckoned with in rugby circles in Clare over the coming years. In or- der that this be achieved, the club is appealing for volunteers to help out with coaching the teams.

Anyone interested in lending a hand should contact Daragh Molloy on 087 4102510 or John Noonan on 087 2843253.

THE East Clare Community Co- op, which has been largely closed for some time for improvements and building work, is making great strides towards being up and running again.

Located behind Brian and Joe’s Café, the co-op has been the home of a myriad activities from learning boat building and getting involved in a community garden project to expe- riencing Shiatsu, taking singing les- sons and learning yoga.

The co-op closed temporarily in January so that disability access

could be installed throughout the building. However, it soon became apparent that more work was needed than had been budgeted for.

Work was needed to bring the build- ing up to health and safety standards, including a complete rewiring of the building and a fire alarm system. AI- though the refurbishment was grant- aided, the co-op ran into a number of snags along the way to unveiling the new and improved facility.

‘There were a number of things to sort out and it has taken a bit longer that anyone had originally thought but the various elements are com- ing together now and we’re moving

ahead”, a spokeswoman for the co-op said.

The Community Co-op, has been the launching pad for many initia- tives locally including the Raheen Wood School, the Grainey whole- food store, East Clare Telecottage and the Clare Women’s Network.

The co-op has also been at various times home to youth club activities, the Citizens’ Information Service, the Centre for Environmental Training and Living (CELT) the Letts Trading system, where people exchange work and skills as an alternative to cash, the Dandelion Puppet Theatre Com- pany, and Brian and Joe’s Café, sup-

ported by the Brothers of Charity.

When the co-op reopens, it will be ready to roll out four new part-time Pobail-funded jobs for a gardener, caretaker, administrator and cleaner.

A number of activities are still go- ing ahead in the co-op. Last week a group came together under the aus- pices of the Brothers of Charity to build a currach.

The community garden project is also underway each Wesdnesday be- tween | and 3pm.

New gardeners are welcome, and children are particularly welcome to come and experince the fun of plant- ing and growing.

TWO contentious infrastructural projects for Ennis have been shelved as government funding streams start to dry up.

The proposed redevelopment of the market and the Ennis Library project have both been deferred, according to Ennis Town Council’s report on capital projects.

In the case of the market redevel- opment, the report states that “the ouncil has been advised by the De- partment of the Environment that all local authority loans previously sanctioned but which have not been drawn down, have been withdrawn’’.

The report continues, “The impact of this at local level means that the redevelopment of the market must be

deferred. Local authorities have been advised that loan approval can be ap- plied for in 2009″.

The proposal to build a new two- storey library at the post office field has also hit a roadblock. According to the report, Ennis Town Council has been informed “that all library projects which have not reached ten- der approval stage cannot proceed at this time. A new Capital Funding Programme is being prepared by the Department of the Environment for library projects”.

In the past there has been staunch opposition to the re-development of the Post Office Field, a green-field currently zoned amenity, from local community groups and local coun- I oyace

The report states that a concept

plan has been prepared for the Post Office Field.

The re-development of the market, meanwhile, courted opposition from traders operating in the area.

However there has been some movement on seven capital projects. The report states that the completion of the Ennis inner relief road has been “accorded first priority” and has been forwarded to tender stage.

The development of Tim Smythe Park and Clonroad Park has also proceeded to tender stage. Work in the development of the a youth café in Cloughleigh, an indoor facility at Lees Road and the redevelopment of O’ Connell square, has also pro- eressed, though all three projects are subject to government finance.

Meanwhile, the report states “the

acquisition of additional housing stock in 2009 will depend on avail- ability of additional capital funding from the Department of the Environ- ment in 2009”

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said he was disappointed with the delays and with the loss of funding for the market re-development.

Cllr Joe Reidy (FF) said he too was disappointed with the delays but add- ed that it was good to see progress on other projects.

Cllr Tom Glynn (FF) urged the council to formulate a clear and defi- nite plan for the Post Office Field. Town clerk Eddie Power said the council expected to have funds for Tim Smythe Park and the youth café but that funding for Lees Road is “some way down the line”.

THEY maybe one of Ireland’s big- gest employers, but Intel Ireland isn’t too big for a bit of DIY at one local primary school.

Staff from Intel’s factory in Shan- non dropped by Ennis National School on Thursday to help out with a bit of maintenance work.

The school is undergoing a bit of a make over, and as part of Intel’s serv- ice in the community scheme staff were only too happy to help out.

Staff from the electronics firm and parents rolled up their sleeves and got out their paintbrushes and lad- ders for two days last week. David

Casey, Chairperson of the Board of Management at Ennis National, said the school was delighted to receive the support of Intel.

“They do a lot of community schemes and have put an awful lot back into the community in Ireland. We were delighted when we heard they wanted to come along and help out on the day. We do this sort of thing every year, just painting, a few repairs here and there, cutting the hedges things like that. So we are de- lighted to have them here. It’s great that they would come to the school and work with us on this.”

Intel Ireland has two facilities in Ireland located in Leixlip and Shan-

nee

Intel Shannon with more than 160 employees hosts both the Shannon Development Center and the Shan- non Business Center. The Shannon Development Center is the Euro- pean research and development arm of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group (DEG). The site hosts a number of divisions focusing on server chipset, security and communication silicon and software design.

The Shannon Business Center pro- vides business, technical and mar- keting support for European custom- ers and field sales. Shannon is the European base for the embedded businesses of DEG and home to the

technical marketing and business de- velopment teams.

According to the IDA, the Intel Ire- land operation employs 5,000 people CUT ererW hYamr- NaC Mm DOOD usLOlN AAD UI MRC) ITcaN Ooo te ing, technical and operational activi- Woe

IMPROVED _ pedestrian _ safety measures need to be carried out as ‘‘a matter of urgency” near the Ennis bus and rail station.

The issued has been raised amid growing concerns from_ residents about the lack of pedestrian cross- ings and footpaths in the area.

The areas highlighted are the roundabout at the crossroads of Sta- tion Road, Clonroad and the Quin JWCey:TeMr: Dele ms aome-DUMyc-h yo) ele lexor

Speaking at last Monday’s meeting of Ennis Town council, Councillor Tommy Brennan (Ind) called for pe- destrian crossings to be installed at the roundabout.

He said, “There are an amount of people using the road there, going over to the station and going out the Quin Road. I think that as a matter of urgency, we have to look at provid- ing pedestrian crossing”’.

“It was ok for people to take the lights out from the roundabout but in doing that it seems that we’ve for- gotten that people still need to cross the road there. It’s imperative we put a pedestrian crossing. It wouldn’t make much of a difference with the four roads. There are ways of doing it. One could be put on each of the Key: (eke

Cllr Brennan also commented that serious improvements were needed at the nearby rail bridge.

“If there are two cattle trucks using the road and a woman is pushing a pram, its deadly dangerous. It would be very easy to get pushed up against the wall. There will be someone killed. It’s scandalous”

Town Engineer Tom Tiernan said agreement had been reached with CIE for a walkway to be developed parallel to the main road bridge.

‘We are hoping to have all the work completed there by late spring 2009, in time for the completion of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor. I agree, it is deadly there’.

The calls were made as Ennis Town Council prepares a report of the draft Ennis Traffic Management Plan 2008.

According to the council, after the report has been considered by mem- bers, the draft plan will then go on public display and a public consul- tation process will be undertaken. Submissions received by the coun- cil will be considered by the elected members. The formal adoption of the plan with or without amendments will take place after consideration of submissions and following consulta- tion with the gardai.

ClUlr Johnny Flynn (FG) said he was very disappointed that ESB work practices had led to a delay in the completion of pedestrian cross- ings at locations in Ennis.

“They are urgently needed,” he Cr AKOR

THE application by Clare GAA to rezone Cusack Park to facilitate a €350 million Town Centre Devel- opment is in the best interests of the economic and social development of Ennis, according to Ennis Chamber.

In supporting the project, Chamber President Niall Garvey said the de- cision is a bold but necessary one if Ennis is to create jobs, enhance the retail on offer and compete success- fully with neighbouring towns.

“It is simply unacceptable that an estimated €58 million is draining out of Ennis every year in out of

town shopping.

“The by-pass is a wonderful piece of infrastructure but it has the capac- ity to take people out of Ennis just as easily as to bring them in. We all welcome the opening of the western rail link next year but we must also realise that right now it may be more beneficial to Galway city retailers,” Mr. Garvey added.

With the draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan set to be consid- ered by members of Ennis Town Council, Mr Garvey said Ennis had reached a stage critical to the future development of the town.

“Ultimately, the decision to adopt

the plan, which will be valid for the next six years, will be made by the elected councilors,” Mr. Garvey said. The chamber believes the arguments for a new town centre development are “compelling”, pointing to in- creased competition from Limerick and Galway.

“The chamber must protect the interests of the existing town centre businesses. In particular we don’t want traders on the O’Connell St/ Market side of town to be disadvan- taged. Any new development on the Cusack Park site cannot function in isolation but must be connected and integrated seamlessly with exist-

ing streets and businesses,’ said Mr Garvey.

The Aisling Chiosoig Partnership who are behind the proposed River- Side Quarter for Cusack Park have said that up to 1,000 jobs will be cre- ated when the project is completed and about 500 jobs in construction.

“A pessimist would agree that even if they only achieved 75% of their employment objective, it would be a major achievement in terms of jobs and revenue generation. Should the IDA or any other agency make this kind of commitment to Ennis, we would be dancing with joy,’ said Mr. Garvey.