The Clare People Archive

A BIRTHDAY celebration led to a group of people being in a Lahinch hotel long after closing time, a court has heard.

Arising out of the incident, Alan Logue pleaded guilty to five sum- monses, under the Intoxicating Liq- uor Act, relating to the Atlantic Ho- oe

Superintendent Gabriel O’Gara told Ennistymon District Court that 25 people were on the premises at the hotel in Lahinch, after 3am on Sunday, March 2 last.

He said that at the time, no explana- tion was given as to why they were on the premises. He said that clos- ing time was 12.30am and said Mr Logue was not on the premises at the mneeten

Defending solicitor William Cahir said that a staff member celebrated

a birthday that night and a number of family members and friends were there for that occasion. He said his client had not given permission for people to be on the premises at that hour and had since apologised to eNO Ne

‘There have been no further breach- es. He runs a very good house. He is not somebody who would have come before the court 1n relation to public order matters on his premises,’ said the solicitor.

The court heard that there were four previous convictions under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, between June 2005 and September 2007. Su- perintendent O’Gara told the court however, “Things have improved since my meeting with him.”

Judge Joseph Mangan imposed fines of €500 in respect of three of the summonses and the other two were struck out.

A FATHER has allowed his teenage son go into voluntary residential care because he felt he could not cope, a court has heard.

The revelation emerged in the Ennis Children’s Court last Friday where a 17-year-old boy was charged with olen gcd bb ayoar- Im OURS loxtcB U0 wy IDONTS

The boy pleaded guilty to the of- fence at Altered Images hair salon on

the Turnpike Road in Ennis on July 7 last. Inspector John Galvin told the court that €150 was taken from cash register in the premises while money was also taken from a charity box. Insp Galvin said CCTV foot- age shows the accused entering the premises and that when questioned by the gardai, the accused had ad- mitted to the burglary and had been “very CO-operative’”’.

The court was told that the boy 1s

currently under the care of the Health Service Executive.

Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client’s mother had died last year and that this had had a “huge impact on his life’.

Ms Godfrey said that attempts were ongoing to secure her client a place in St Michael’s House, a residential care facility in Dublin.

“My client’s circumstances are very difficult, but there might be light at

the end of the tunnel,’ she said.

Ms Godfrey added that her client was not in receipt of any income or social welfare payment. “He doesn’t get anything,” she said, “And I think that is perhaps at the root of this burglary. His father voluntarily al- lowed him to go into care because he couldn’t cope,” said the solicitor.

Judge Joseph Mangan adjourned the case for preparation of a proba- Woe Ke) oO) um

THE families of two mothers who died from breast cancer having be- ing misdiagnoised at Ennis General Hospital, have welcomed the terms of reference of HIQA investigation into the quality and safety of patient care at the hospital.

The health service watchdog was ordered to carry out the investiga- tion after Ann Moriarty (53) and Edel Kelly (26) died earlier this year having been incorrectly given the all clear from breast cancer.

Ms Moriaty’s husband Karl Henry said he initally had a few concerns relating to the terms of reference of the investiagtion but following a tel- ephone conversation with the Direc- tor of Health Services with HIQA he was Satisfied.

He wanted to know “what was go- ing on at Ennis A and E” and why vital blood tests from his late wife

remained in a file unread.

Mr Henry, however, is not satis- fied that a crucial missing x-ray at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, is not be-

ing investigated.

“T am sure that HIQA will under- take a thorough and robust investi- gation and we will be provided with

recommendations that will lead to a better quality of care and improved patient safety at Ennis hospital. I ex- pect that many of the lessons learnt will also be applicable to other hospi- tals across the country,” he said. “The terms of reference don’t make specific mention of my wife, Ann Moriarty. However, I know I will have the opportunity to input into the investigation and I expect that the final report will provide me with the answers to the many questions I have relating to her care, and how my complaints were dealt with within the HSE at local and corporate level. “The issues surrounding St James’ Hospital are excluded from this 1in- vestigation and, in my view, remain outstanding and unresolved. I am considering how best to pursue these very serious matters,” he added. Speaking through Kilrush solicitor Eugene O’Kelly, the late Edel Kel- ly’s family said they were generally

pleased with the review.

‘They are pleased that the terms of reference take into account the expe- rience Edel had. They are not con- cerned that it does not specifically refer to them,’ said Mr O’ Kelly.

Chief Executive of the Health In- formation and Quality Authority, Dr Tracey Cooper, said, “the investiga- tion team will review the arrange- ments for providing safe, quality clinical care which will include how the hospital focuses on the needs of patients, the management and leader- ship at the hospital. The investigation team will also review the systems and processes that support safety and quality and the communication be- tween staff and patients, particularly when patient safety incidents occur and when complaints are made.”

THE national surgical oncology ad- visor has criticised the media for its coverage of the breast cancer misdi- agnosis in Ennis General Hospital. Professor Arnold Hill, consultant surgeon at Beaumont Hospital, told the annual meeting of the Irish Hos- pital Consultants’ Association — that an excessive media focus on a small number of cases made for “a very difficult environment in which to

practice cancer care.”

The cancer specialist revealed that the best cancer centres had a misdi- agnosis rate of 1.6 per cent. Although the mammogram unit at Ennis Hos- pital is now closed it examined 450 women as recently as 2006.

Other women, like the late Ann Mo- riarty, would have undergone x-rays and women like the late Edel Kelly would have undergone biopsies.

According to Professor Hill, even with a perfect cancer diagnosis sys-

tem approximately 25 women with breast cancer would be misdiagnosed every year in Ireland.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that the HSE will use the findings from the HIQA investiga- tion at Ennis, as ammunition to close the hospital.

“My fear is that the HSE may use this report to downgrade the hospi- tal and implement Hanley,” said Fine Gael TD Pat Breen.

Ennis Hospital Development Com-

mittee chairman Ciaran O’Dea was concerned that the report’s terms of reference made presumptions about the hospital.

“It has not been framed to reassure the people of Clare that the recom- mendations issuing from the review will not further erode the services provided by the Mid Western Hospi- tal in Ennis.

‘In the terms of reference there is an apparent assumption that the level of resourcing 1s adequate.

“We would like them to comment on the level of funding and resoursc- ing in the hospital over the past two decades,” he said.

“We also hope the review team would not be narrow in their focus and take into account historical cir- cumstances and the role of manage- ment and government in creation of the current hospital structures.

“We call on them to use the ability to expand the investigation and where required they will investigate.”

THE speed demons of Ennis will re- unite in the town later this month to feN oo) ecko deColb ume lerbetommmlbeelO) OF

Members of the Wheels Within Wheels project will gather in Ennis on Saturday, October 18, to receive an award for their exploits in Mon- dello Park earlier this year.

Wheels Within Wheels has devel- oped over the years as a collabora- tive effort between local motorbike enthusiasts and organisations pro- moting adult education and lifelong learning.

Previous projects included restor- ing vintage motorbikes from scrap to highlight the work done by the Sim- ply Said, an annual publication of

writings by adult learners attending classes with Clare Adult Basic Edu- cation Service.

Other charities to have benefited from events organised by Wheels Within Wheels include St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, Cahercalla Hospi- tal, Steps Youth club and the RNLI lifeboat service.

The group’s latest endeavor took them to the home of Irish motor rac- ing, Mondello Park on August 9, to take part in a fastest lap challenge against a contingent from the Rebel County, the Cork Tornadoes.

The Wheels Within Wheels team comprised of Jimmy Meere, Cathal Meere, Keith Meere, Jacko McMa- hon, Dr Sean Conlon, Adult Educa- tion Officer and representatives from

Clare VEC.

The bike used was a 1980s Java moped, restored to prefect working order by Jimmy, Dermot Kelleher and Michael Considine, and nick- named the Speed Demon.

It was ridden by Cathal Meere, ad- vised on the day by his brother Keith, the 2007 Southern Centre champion, and, at just 21 already regarded as one of the most talented performers on the circuit.

Heavy rainfall played havoc with preparations, but despite the less than ideal racing conditions, Cathal Meere raced around the track in a Mondello record book time of three minutes 18 seconds.

To mark the achievement, the team will be presented with a trophy, de-

signed by Jacko McMahon and local welder Gerry Hanrahan, at the Mon- dello Challenge Presentation night on October 18 at Mickey Kerin’s bar, Lifford Ennis.

The presentation will be made by Jim McMahon and Chris Withy- combe, two men who have been part of the Wheels Within Wheels project and who earlier this year climbed the ten peaks of the McGillycuddy Reeks, in the process raising €7,/00 for the Friend’s of St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin.

The action in Mickey’s kicks off at 9pm. There will be plenty of music and all are welcome to attend. For enquiries contact Jimmy Meere 086 0834753 or Jacko McMahon 086 0680759.

BIG crowds and even bigger wheels are expected at the 2008 National Truck show, details of which were announced last week.

The event takes place in the grounds of the Clare Marts Ennis on October 26 and 27. All major trucks, trailer, engines, components and truck parts along with aftermarket products will be on display. Interactive exhibits will also be on site in the extensive auto accessory booth area and there will also be an exhibition by Ireland’s number one stunt riding champion, Mattie Griffin.

Organisers, AMP promoters, are revamping and expanding upon last year’s event. According to a spokes- person for AMP promoters, “The new venue is completely tarmac with plenty of space for each truck to be displayed ensuring all trucks are looking their very best and for the truckers themselves there will be free onsite shower facilities. The National Truck Show 2008 is destined to be- come the greatest truck show Ireland will ever know. Expect things you have never seen before”.

Other activities include top drift- ing exhibition by Prodrift – www. prodriftirl.com, an off road 4×4 chal-

lenge, onsite live musical entertain- ment from The Clare Celts and DJs to keep the truckers and public en- trained.

A charity bungee jump is also planned along with a full range of fun activities for children. Traders or vendors wishing to attend the event are asked to visit Www.am-ennis.ie to download a vendors application form or contact Kevin Mulqueen on 086 O850015 or by email kevin@amp- STOP AN ESS LSe

Last year’s National Truck Show raised money for two organisations involved in providing support to peo- ple whose lives have been affected

ONAL UNOS LOR

A spokesperson added, “AMP Event Promoters would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who gave the National Truck Show 2007 their one hundred present support and also in supporting our chosen charities, the voluntary or- ganisation Aware – Helping to Defeat Depression (www.aware.ie) and Liv- ing Links (www.livinglinks.ie) who provide assertive outreach support to the suicide bereaved”’.

For further information and to keep up to date with the activities and the attractions check out www.amp-en- nis.ie.

LEGENDS restaurant at Temple Gate Hotel has been awarded an AA Rosette award for the 11th successive year.

This is one of the most prestigious awards that can be bestowed on an Irish restaurant. Legends is the only Ennis restaurant to receive such an AM ENKOR

The aim of the Rosette scheme is to provide the general public reli- able information about fine cuisine. Rosettes are based on degrees of ex- older

Even to receive one Rosette denotes

outstanding quality therefore Leg- ends has excelled in being awarded two Rosettes.

The AA is Ireland’s longest estab- lished hotel grading organisation and inspects approximately 600 es- tablishments in the country. There are currently 85 Rosette award-win- ning restaurants in Ireland.

Legends restaurant specialises in fresh locally sourced produce served in contemporary surroundings where customers are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome. The AA Ro- sette award covers all food served throughout Temple Gate Hotel there- fore including food served in Preach-

ers Pub at the hotel.

A spokesperson for the Temple Gate Hotel said, “AA Rosettes are awarded annually to hotels produc- ing fine cuisine. It is recognition for the owners, the Madden family and to the skill of Head Chef Paul Shortt. Along with the staff of Leg- ends restaurant, they have delivered a consistent standard of outstanding culinary excellence. Paul Madden is delighted to once again accept this award in recognition of their work.”

The recent visit by AA inspectors has shown confident, quality cook- ing based on classic dishes with sim- ple and well-rehearsed concepts pre-

pared by Paul Shortt and his team.

‘“ We are delighted to once again accept this award and we hope to continue to achieve a high level of food and service for our customers,’ said Mr Shortt.

Sunday lunch is served from 12.30pm until 3pm. Diners can also avail of an early bird menu served between 6pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday.

The early bird has proved popular as a pre-theatre dining option prior to an evening at Glor.

A new alacarte menu, served from 7pm each evening has recently been introduced.

FARMERS from west Clare will gather to have a second breakfast on Tuesday – for many of them more than 12 hours after the first of the day.

The idea behind The Big Breakfast is to show small land holders and farmers what can be produced from the local land. ;

The brainchild of Eiri Corca Bascinn the event will begin at 7pm in the Brothers of Charity offices in OTS

The purpose of The Big Break-

fast is to give local or prospective producers a chance to find out first hand how other producers have got into new areas of production. It also gives them an insight into the highs and lows of this kind of production, the things they like best about it, the challenges and how they have tack- feRdetoeee ;

According to Eiri there is a short- age of locally produced rashers, eggs, and mushrooms in Clare.

Mary Gillard, Enterprise Devel- opment Officer with Eiri said that most locally produced organic eggs are from Galway, while they source

mushrooms from Tipperary.

There are two producers of rashers and sausages in north Clare, but it is hoped after the information night there will be more.

It 1s hoped that eventually most of the food supplied to the farmers’ market in Kilrush and other markets around Clare will be produced lo- cally.

Producing food on small holdings is also an added income to small [EVEN ne

Ms Gillard said the event on Tues- day is aimed at local farmers who are interested in food production,

and small holders who are genuinely interested in moving into this line of 0 he

On the night those interested will meet the producers, have a tasting of their produce and also get infor- mation from Gerry Kennedy from Leader who will explain the new funding and how it might be able to help in the development of these home produce.

It is hoped that if these businesses are a success there will be a number of new people in west Clare quiet lit- erally bringing home the bacon.

Booking for this event is essential.

CONCERNS about anti-social be- haviour and the issue of community policing were among the main points of discussion at a meeting between gardai and elected representatives in Shannon.

The meeting was sought by town councillors, to discuss a number of issues of concern. Councillors anda number of council officials met with

Inspector Tom Kennedy and the ser- geant in charge at Shannon, Noel McMahon.

The meeting heard that four areas in the town have been assigned com- munity gardai. Under this initiative, it is hoped that community contact with gardai would be improved, leading to intelligence regarding criminal activity and anti-social be- haviour.

Councillors were told that there are

restrictions regarding the prosecu- tion of residents of private houses, where there are noise issues.

If residents cause a nuisance, gardai can call to a particular dwelling, but it is only after persistent warnings by gardai that summonses can be is- sued.

The meeting also heard that there are serious issues in relation to a number of families who have re- cently moved to Shannon and have

caused concern among locals.

This situation is being monitored by gardai, who have been made aware of a number of incidents that have taken place in the town in re- cent weeks.

At the meeting, various council- lors complained that all calls made to Shannon Garda Station were not being logged. The garda representa- tives pledged to ensure that all calls were logged.

A NEW group, aimed at improving the lives of elderly or mature resi- dents in Sixmilebridge, has been set WOR The Golden Years club has just been formed and held its first meet- ing last week, at which up to a dozen senior citizens attended. It will meet fortnightly at the old courthouse in the village, where a variety of enter- tainment will be provided for those who attend.

While the primary target group of the initiative 1s senior citizens, the club is also open to anyone who would like to spend an afternoon with others. It 1s open to people from Sixmilebridge and surround- ing areas, such as Bunratty, Cratloe,

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin and Kilkishen.

The idea has been on the cards for several years, particularly as senior citizens from the area have had to travel to the daycare centre in Clare- or TS Aer

A €10 million development recent- ly commenced in the village, which, when completed, will incorporate a centre where groups such as senior citizens can meet. Until this is fin- ished, the group will meet at the old courthouse.

Organiser the of new club, Vicky Ward, said the new initiative will serve many purposes and the feed- back has been positive.

‘A lot of the more mature residents want to get out of the house. We were going to hold it once a month, but

they wanted it every two weeks. Peo- ple were really enthusiastic and that speaks for itself,’ said Ms Ward.

Variety will form a central part, with various guests entertaining the group every fortnight. Local mag1- cian The Great Padini will present a show next week, while Sixmileb- ridge native David Egan, of the Red Branch, will speak about the value of exercise at the next meeting on Oc- tober 28.

Local florist Lisa Kelliher will present a flower demonstration on November 11, while the special guests will be given a break on No- vember 25 and the group’s members will play bingo and card games.

“We are trying to do something different every time,’ said Ms Ward.

“It is needed. There are a lot of ma-

ture residents in Sixmilebridge and surrounding areas. There is no age bracket. It 1s not an over-60s club. There may be some people who have an illness and may only be in their 50s and they are welcome to come along. It is specifically geared to- wards those who are not able to get out and socialise; not necessarily for elderly people,’ she added.

“This is something we have been talking about setting up for as long as I can remember,’ added Ms Ward.

The initiative, organised by the Bridge Complex, is free of charge and further information is available from the old courthouse in Sixmileb- ridge. The committee 1s also seeking volunteers to help run the club and lend a hand with its activities on a weekly basis.