The Clare People Archive

ENNIS Town Council is looking to win support for a proposal that would see the council increased from nine to 12 members.

Green Party councillor Donal O’Bearra put forward the motion calling for the council to make a submission to the local electoral area boundary committees to increase the number of council seats to 12.

Cllr O’Bearra said the explosion in development around the fringes of Ennis and the increases in popula- tion called for the expansion for the council.

He said, “I think it was the late ‘80s since the last changes were made to the Ennis boundary. We have spoken before about increasing the council membership from nine to 12 mem- lero Ece

“I think it’s time we make a sub- mission for greater representation on the council.”

Fianna Fail councillor Tom Glynn supported Cllr O’Bearra’s motion. He said the council had to look at in- creasing membership in the context of recent discussions on the exten-

sion of the Ennis boundary.

He said, “I think this is a good op- portunity to go ahead and do this, particularly when we are looking at increasing the town boundary. | defi- nitely would second that motion.”

The motion for the local electoral area boundary committees will also include a request for the regulations for independent candidates standing in local elections to be modified.

Independent candidates are re- quired to obtain the signatories of 14 people before their name can be put on the ballot paper.

Independent councillor Brennan said the procedure should only apply to independents seeking election for the first time.

“I don’t see why we should have to do the same thing again and again. If it’s for first-time candidates that’s fair enough, but I think it is unfair that we are discriminated against.”

Cllr Tom Glynn maintained candi- dates from political parties faced a similar challenge in trying to win the support of their part colleagues.

He said, “Its different but it’s the same. You don’t have to go before a political party.”

TOWN Engineer Tom Tiernan has issued a firm endorsement of the En- nis water supply saying it is safe and compliant for the vast majority to ey stU bs alen

At the March meeting of Ennis Town Council, Town Engineer Tom Tiernan said that a reminder to boil water for the immuno-compromised people was not a message for people to not drink the water.

Asked to clarify the present situa-

tion with regard to the town’s drink- ing water supply, Mr Tiernan told the meeting that boil notices were issued as a precautionary measure only.

He said, ““When these boil notices do appear, it is important that people read all of them. It does state that it only affects a minority of the popu- lous. Ennis water is perfectly safe and perfectly compliant for the vast majority of consumers to consume. The temporary treatment plant has definitely improved the water and re- duced the risk, but the Ennis supply

is that little bit more vulnerable than other supplies.

“It (the boil notice) is definitely not a message not to drink the water. The water is not contaminated, there is nothing wrong with it.”

He also revealed that the council is sending out a letter to all homes in Ennis to clarify the exact situation with the Ennis water supply.

“We are going to put together a let- ter to clarify for all customers what the situation is. Sometimes we are criticised for not letting everyone

know or not getting the message out to everybody as soon as possible. Sometimes, logistically, it is impos- sible to get a letter out to everyone. So we will be talking to the post of- fice about getting a letter out.”

Ennis Town Council, Clare County Council and the HSE last week is- sued a reminder to water consumers in the Ennis area to continue to ob- serve the partial boil notice.

It followed confirmation that three young children in the area had been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis.

Mr Tiernan repeated that there was no evidence to suggest that the ill- ness had been caused by the Ennis water supply.

“On Friday, when the three cases were confirmed in the Ennis area, we set up a conference call with the HSE. There was no evidence to sug- gest that these cases were as a result of the Ennis water supply. The ap- propriate thing to do was to issue a reminder to all those who are immu- no-compromised, just in case they weren’t fully aware.”

IT WAS easy to see which dressing room each team occupied. One was awash with well wishers and report- ers buzzing around the door while the other had more of a funeral at- mosphere and the door remained closed. It took 25 minutes for any movement from the Clare dressing rooms, understandable really after such a disappointing result. This was the first time this year that Clare had finished so poorly in the league and a “Where are we going’ meeting was patently necessary to clear the air.

Richie Bennis was the first to ad- dress the media, complementing his side’s spirit and noting that Clare “genuinely accepted the result as in- evitable” long before the final whis- Co

In contrast, Mike McNamara was obviously disappointed and lament- ed Clare’s lack of experience which he felt was the deciding factor in the game.

“It was disappointing but the ex- perience of Limerick really showed. They showed why they were in an All-Ireland final last year and in gen- eral terms that was the same team. They are much further down the road than us. For all practical purposes we have a mountain to climb, we knew that starting off and we know it now and we are going to have days like this. The stats of the game will be very interesting when I see them. I would imagine we won as much pos- session as them but our team game and our team plan has to be looked at and addressed.”

Clare shot 16 wides over the 70 minutes, ten of those in the first half when Clare were clearly on top and McNamara rued thoses misses which he felt were predominantly struck at crucial periods of the game.

“I suppose it’s an area of concern rather an area which we would be proud of. To shoot 16 wides means that at least something is happening right but some of those wides were at vital times and a couple of very, very important frees which are bread and butter to our free-taker went wrong on the day and it cost us dearly.”

With Clare not utilising the wind to the maximum, Limerick took full advantage in the second half and overall, had far more options than Clare. This was proved by the fact that Limerick had 11 different scor- ers, including four of their substitutes while Clare had only six scorers over the 70 minutes. McNamara cited their inexperience and anxiety as a reason for their eventual subsidence and lamented the lack of underage success in the county which contin- ues to affect the senior side.

“I think any time you arrive with a new team and fresh faces, there is bound to be a nervousness in their play and there is. While we bemoan the fact that underage talent and un- derage success isn’t there, on days like today you can see that. You can see that the confidence you have with winning at Minor and Under 21 just isn’t there and we will have to build that and then build it into them and whatever it takes we will have to do. There is very little difference be- tween the teams in Munster, some are further down the road in preparation than others. There were times today that Limerick still looked like they were on holidays and yet they came back and finished so strongly and got some marvelous long range scores and you know if we were able to get a few of those, then I’d say we’d have finished up with a very tight match.

‘Again, that’s a nervousness in the

play which we will have to work on. We had four forwards there today re- ally who are only starting. Tony Car- mody is after a major operation and irrespective of how he plays or how he looks on the day, we need him in June so we have to take our chanc- es. Mark (Flaherty) maybe isn’t the Mark we have seen but it is a big step up again and you are now play- ing the top players and as I have said already, you can see why Limerick were in the All-Ireland final.”

With qualification to the latter stag- es of the league slowly slipping away, McNamara remained defiant that there is still two games left but that the player’s progress was ultimately more important to the greater goal of the championship in June.

“We have two matches left, we have four points to play for yet and if we get those four points then we will be in a quarter-final. It’s more important that we see progress and it’s more important that the players who are coming on stream that they start to show form and championship form as the year goes on.”

That progress will have to start on Sunday against leaders Tipperary for McNamara’s first game at Clare headquarters where nothing less than a win will do if Clare are to ad- NE TITOCOR

AFTER the flooring disappoint- ment of Sunday’s nine point defeat to Limerick, Clare need an immedi- ate reaction. Fortunately, the Banner have only a few days to dwell on the circumstances of that second half ca- pitulation with the visit of Tipperary to Ennis for their first game in Cu- sack Park this year.

The deficiencies in the Clare side were blatently obvious for all to see last Sunday but a lack of options due to injuries has limited Mike McNa- mara’s ability to remedy the situation in the short term at least. Consistency in their line-up has been hampered by an assembly line of injuries and as a result, some players are forced to occupy unnatural positions for the OF NU Ton

Darragh Clancy filled the full-back role well against Laois but since has been dogged by injury. The half- back line has seen 7 different players fill the positions in the three league games with Clancy, Gerry Quinn and Brendan Bugler starting against Gal- way, a whole new line of Pat Donnel- lan, Conor Plunkett and James MclIn- erney lining out against Laois a week later while it was McInerney, Tommy Holland and Donnellan who took to the field on Sunday. All have done reasonably well but again that lack of consistency has damaged their un-

derstanding.

However, it 1s the forward line which is the cause of most concern, a problem area which has dogged the county for over a decade now. On Sunday, there was an obvious lack of strength and scoring prowess which ultimately cost Clare dearly. Fergal Lynch seemed to be the man to fill the problematic centre-forward spot after a superb display against Laois but a hand injury suffered in the Kilkenny challenge last week meant he only made a brief appear- ance on Sunday. Tony Carmody and Jonathan Clancy both impressed in the half-forward line and Niall Gilli- gan proved a threat in the corner but again the key position of full-forward remains open for challenge and per- haps the return of Declan O’Rourke can provide some power in the for- wards.

Allis not lost as Clare still have the return of Tony Griffin and Diarmuid McMahon to come but it is hoped ercLamm oO) Amn O (COME OO SKOMR BOOM LUN BE(e(oOII competition for places.

On the other hand, Tipperary are still unbeaten in the league after three games. The Premier county already have the Waterford Crystal Trophy to show for their efforts and new manager Liam Sheedy have in- stilled a freshness in the squad which has complemented their ever grow- ing assembly line of young talent.

While Eoin Kelly still takes centre stage in the forward line scoring 2- 26 in their three games to date with Offaly, Limerick and Galway, there are also a whole host of fresh for- wards vying for places. Pat Keswick (1-2), Lar Corbett (0-3), P Bourke (O- 3), Seamus Callinan (1-4), J O’Brien (O-3), Ryan O’Dwyer (0-2), Willie Ryan (0-1) and Hugh Maloney (0-1) have all influenced the scoreboard so far giving them several options for Sunday’s encounter. Add in free scoring midfield find Shane McGrath and centre-back Conor O’Mahony who has converted seven points from placed balls and it is easy to see why Tipperary are riding high at the top of the division.

A large crowd is expected for what should be a showdown on Sunday but essentially, the performance will be just as important as the result. An- other heavy defeat could be detri- mental to Clare’s confidence but Tip- perary should be stronger and come away with another two points.

THE residents of Liscannor have for too long been subjected to the gradu- al and saddening deterioration in the fabric of its community.

That is the view of Liscannor resi- dents who have lodged objections against plans by the Lios Ceannuir Partnership to construct 64 houses on the road leading out of Liscannor to Lahinch.

The objection, lodged by individual residents, claims that the deteriora- tion of Liscannor “has taken place by developers being given free rein to build whatever they wish, wherever I SToAYANY eee

The residents claim that Liscannor has already an excessive number of holiday homes and that a further 265 have recently been granted planning permission

The residents state, “The village is oversupplied with temporary tourist accommodation. This can be clearly seen through a count of existing holi- day homes and backed up by the fact that no premium exists for rentals in Liscannotr…

“Liscannor is rapidly approaching the pressures associated with un- planned tourism development that has taken place in Lahinch.

“Currently, the ratio of holiday homes to permanent residences in

Liscannor is around 7:1, with this figure even higher in the village core itself. Surely, this is a perfect exam- ple of unsustainable development.

“In addition, this type of develop- ment and associated habitation pat- tern is unsustainable for year round businesses, infrastructure and the landscape..

“Liscannor has no wastewater treatment facility and raw sewage is being pumped directly into Liscan- nor bay.”

The objection continues, “This is a travesty and the issue needs to be addressed and at the highest levels within the county council so this can be remedied…

“A strategic development plan for the village is required before any- more tourism based development is eranted…[here is a need for an in- tegrated and community involved planning process — the councils must not repeat the mistakes made in other coastal villages around the country.

“This very resource is being de- graded with the steady dilution of the village character by excessive and in- appropriate developments. . .

“Permitting this development would be detrimental to the land- scape and the subsequent effect on the landscape should be planned and designed in response to the character of the village.”

AN elderly man, who was seriously injured in a fire at his home near Feakle last week, has died in hospital in the second fatal house fire in the county in less than week.

Brendan McNamara (73) of Magh- erabawn, Feakle died at University College Hospital Galway on Friday evening from injuries he sustained in a fire at his home last weekend. Mr McNamara was related to a 79 year woman who died in a fire at her home near O’Callaghans Mills last Wednesday night.

WZ Da CONE Reekcverc MUI e-DDaUsLO mB ODRCMB DONEC ries as he was trying to light the fire in his living room possibly using a flammable liquid. The fire got of control setting the pensioner’s cloth- ing alight. He was rushed to Ennis General Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to UCHG where he passed away on Friday evening – almost a week after the incident.

Mr Namara was a cousin of Mary ‘Molly’ Carey who died after she

reportedly re-entered her burning home at Clonloum House, O’ Cal- laghans Mills last Wednesday and attempted to extinguish the fire her- self. She was overcome by smoke and died at the scene.

The popular local woman is sur- vived by two sons and a daughter. A week before her death, she was elect- ed President of the O’ Callaghans Mills Fianna Fail cumann.

Mr McNamara’s funeral took place yesterday (Monday) following 11.30 mass at St Mary’s Church in Feakle. Both victims lived just 18 kilometres from each other.

Local councillor Pat Hayes said, “We were shocked by Molly Carey’s death on Wednesday but to hear of the passing of Brendan McNamara at the weekend is a double tragedy for both communities and their fami- lies. Brendan was a great traditional singer and would travel to many of the regular local sessions. He par- ticipated in the Feakle Traditional Music Festival and everyone looked forward to his singing.

LIMERICK are impossible to work out at the moment. From week to week, Richie Bennis has put out varying sides in an effort to unearth new talent but it has been the tim- ing of these alterations which has been most baffling. In their opening clash at home against Laois, Limer- ick used nine of the All-Ireland final side in their comfortable 3-23 to 2- 11 win but only a week later, Bennis just started three as Tipperary took the Shannonsiders apart by 2-20 to 2-9 in Semple Stadium. Then in a

challenge with former strikers Cork last Wednesday, Limerick used 13 of the 20 used in that defeat against Kil- kenny last September.

All this would suggest that Limer- ick are not too interested in the league and are focusing wholly on the cham- pionship but why not be more exper!- mental against strugglers Laois and in the challenge against Cork instead of having his young inexperienced side dismantled in Semple Stadium in the league?

There is always a keen interest in the neighbouring clash between Clare and Limerick so it will be in-

teresting to see which Limerick side Bennis picks for this Sunday’s game. Bennis has always claimed that there is never much between the counties and he has backed that up with the fact that even though Limerick had seven points to spare against the Banner last year in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Clare missed several goal chances which could have made the difference early on.

On the other hand, Mike McNama- ra is certain to put out his strongest available 15. On Sunday, he termed the healthy rivalry between the coun- ties as ‘unique’ but is unquestionably

gunning for the two points to boost the confidence in the side.

Injuries have hampered Clare’s preparations but aside from. that, Sunday’s game against Kilkenny will have given the Banner a posi- tive boost going into this weekend’s game.

Limerick have their injury wor- ries too but can expect chief scorer Andrew O’Shaughnessy back af- ter his Fitzgibbon Cup $action. O’Shaughnessy, who has amassed 4-9 in his two league games to date, was missing last week as Limerick lost by ten points to Cork and his

influence in invaluable to Limerick. For long periods, Limerick more than matched the hurling starved Rebels and it was only after Neil Ro- nan second half goal that Cork even- tually pulled away.

Both sides need a win but it will all come down to which Limerick side takes to the field on Sunday. Clare are clearly more serious about the league and this hunger might be enough to see them edge this battle.

A QUESTION mark hangs over Clare County Council’s plan to re- alise €300,000 from the sale of a rundown toilet block with panoramic views of Lahinch bay.

The sale of the site on which the toilet block is located, at the south- ern end of Lahinch prom, is expected to be a major financial contributor to the council’s plans to upgrade the re- sort’s promenade, including facilities for surfers.

However, the council has as yet been unable to confirm title on the dilapidated toilet block despite its in- vestigations into the property going back to late 2004.

“Investigations regarding title for property were commenced in late 2004 and the process for first reg- istration was commenced in late 2005.

“This process involves mapping, proofs and statements and I cannot say at this time how long more it will take. We are in constant contact with the Land Registry through the coun- cil’s solicitor and the property will be advertised for sale on completion of the registration process,’ accord- ing to acouncil spokeswoman.

“This is an application for first registration and this generally takes longer than a normal transfer of title. The council has responded fully to

all queries raised to date and must await the outcome of the registration 0) Kel ees Se

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) expressed his support for the proposed sale.

“The toilet block has not been used- for over five years and we are told the site may realise up to €300,000 if put on the open market.

“IT would always caution against the council selling its assets, but the sce- nario put to councillors is the sale of the toilet block is necessary in order to finance the upgrading of the beach facilities. It is a superb site with unri- valled views of Lahinch Bay.”

Only last Friday, the council signed a €234,000 contract to construct a new lifeguard station at Lahinch. A number of other developments for the prom are currently at design stage and will culminate in the prepara- tion of an overall masterplan for the beach and promenade at Lahinch.

Along with the lifeguard station, the masterplan includes a new serv- ices building incorporating toilets and showers, and improvements in traffic management and car parking.

The council spokeswoman con- firmed that last year, the council col- lected almost €200,000 in parking fees at Lahinch. In 2006, the amount received was €168,000. The monies from the parking fees are to go to- wards the financing of the Lahinch prom project.

THURSDAY night’s Galway Card at Galway Greyhound Stadium was backboned by the heats of a number of Sweepstakes – the finals of which will take place on Saturday.

In the opening semi final of the Bothar A3 Stake the PJ Fahy owned Tyrur Kim a daughter of Crash and Tyrur Tina was confidently expected to add to her opening round success as she ran from her favoured inside berth. And she certainly did not let her followers down as she stayed on really strongly to hold off the late rally of the striped jacketed Hello Sbubseon

In the second semi final there were reserves in traps three and six but as the traps rose it was the trap five runner Carhugar Bobsie that broke

best and he lead around the opening corner from Malbay Bart with Ross- cahill Pascal in third place turning down the far side.

Racing past the halfway mark the Michael Downes of Killaloe trained Carhugar Bobsie (Premier County- Blonde Lotto) set sail for home and as he rouned the penultimate bend he held a race winning three length ad- vantage over Malbay Bart as Sharons Baby moved in to third spot.

But Carhugar Bobsie was in com- mand for his owners, the Clare Con- nection Syndicate from Quin, and he won by over three lengths in 29.10.

The opening two contests of the night were both over the minimum trip of 325 yards and in the opener for SIO graders the Fiona/Kevin Troy of Kilkee owned West Clare Gael showed his rivals a clean pair of

heels throughout as he galloped clear to win.

The third contest was an A5 graded 525 yard contest for which the trap two runner Stonehall Mist for the Caseys of Newmarket went to traps the 6/4 favourite but she never count- ed as the white jacketed Shyan Yank (Mustang Yank-Shyan Chill) showed a decent turn of early toe to lead by three lengths and won comfortably Aner

Race ten on the card was heat number two of the 550 Stake where trap five runner Bold Teddy was away smartly and he led up on the outside from Cat Woman on the long run up with O’Garney Gold improving in to third place as they turned down the back straight. In the end, it was the Mrs Helen Coffey of Sixmilebridge owned O’Garney Gold (Droopys

Woods-O’Garney Mist) who was out in front by a length and she re- ally stuck to her guns up the sraight to win in 30.76.

There was a huge buzz of anticipa- tion around the stadium on Saturday as the top bitches in the country bat- tled for a place in the €26,000 to the winner final of the Tyrur Ted Cham- pion Bitch Stake.

Unfortunately, one of the leading fancies for outright victory in the Competition, Shinguan Stan, was an absentee due to a virus but there were also other nine runners which sadly saw two of the heats reduced to four runner contests.

Once again the sponsors repre- sentetive Tyrur Nadine (Droopys Scholes-Tyrur Fiona) was the focus of attention. But racing down the back’ Nadine’ led by three lengths

from Express Smasher with Florys Atrraction in third place. Racing out of the back tbough the leader pulled out more as she raced cleaar to book her place in the decider from Express Smasher in a superb time of 29.96 . The draw for the €26,000 final is as follows:

1. LETHAL FRANKIE

2. NEWBRIDGE JEWEL

3. STRANGFORD KATIE

4. EXPRESS SMASHER

5. FOREST BABY

6. TYRUR NADINE

The third contest on the night an A2 eraded 525 saw the Martin Cronin/ Jack Markham of Ennis owned Crag- brien Magic(T1) deliver a most 1m- pressive performance as he romped to a seven length victory over Bal- Were (ou

THE ‘closed shop’ that prohibits over 400 Clare taxi and hackney drivers from operating out of Shannon Air- port could be at an end.

This follows the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Kathleen Doyle, seeking a meeting with the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) over the op- eration of airport by-laws that ensure that there is no conventional taxi- rank at Shannon Airport and instead passengers seeking a taxi must hire a hackney cab based at Shannon.

In spite of the massive growth in passengers at Shannon in recent years, only 34 hackney cabs operate out of the airport.

Ms Doyle is to meet with SAA offi- cials next week to discuss the present arrangements at the airport and has flatly denied a claim by the SAA that the commission has outlined its sat- isfaction that the current operation adequately meets the needs of Shan- non’s passengers.

In a statement, Mr Doyle confirmed that the commission is seeking “‘clar- ification from airport management as to whether or not a policy exists which excludes taxis from operation at Shannon airport”.

Since the deregulation of the taxi-

business in November 2000, the number of licences has increased four-fold to 467 in Clare.

Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF) — who raised the issue with Ms Doyle and the Competition Authority last month — said yesterday, “I’m happy that the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation is taking an interest in the issue.”

Ennis based-taxi-driver, John Ka- vanagh has lobbied on behalf of Clare and mid-west-based taxi driv- ers for the current system at Shannon to be abolished.

He said, “We are very encouraged and hopeful by what the taxi com- missioner has had to say and that the jPACereL BU OTSMMAOE-T MB OTK oleio) IMDM EcRT elem

He added, “Taxi drivers in Clare are on the breadline and are being discriminated against because of this ENYA

“The taxi regulator states that the whole of Clare is a metred areas, yet the airport authority takes a different a (oa

Yesterday, the SAA declined to say how many new licences have been issued in recent years, stating only that the numbers have increased ‘slightly’.

A spokesman for the SAA declined to comment on the situation ahead of the meeting with the taxi regulator.