The Clare People Archive

IF you’re searching for a guilt-free Christmas, then the Burren Charity Challenge might just have the perfect solution for you.

Not only will taking part in the Burren Challenge offer you an easy way of burning off some of those excess Christmas calories, but you can do so Safe in the knowledge that you are helping people who suffer from breast cancer.

The challenge, which is organised jointly by the Burren Cycling Club and Kilnaboy Athletics Club, has been on the go for seven years, with

numbers rising steadily each year. In the past, the challenge has supported charities such as Goal, Trocaire, St John of God Menni Services, the Alzheimers Society, Concern and Galway and Clare Hospices.

This year’s event aims to raise some €30,000 for the development of cancer support services and is being donated to Cancer Care West and Tallaght Breast Unit in Dublin.

“Support for the Burren Char- ity Challenge has been fantastic and Cancer Care West is thrilled to have been nominated as a recipient char- ity for this year’s event,’ said Sharon Fitzpatrick, Cancer Care West’s fun-

draising manager. “We would like to emphasise that this is not just a Clare event. It is particularly relevant to an- yone from western counties who can benefit from the accommodation, counselling and other support servic- es that Cancer Care West offers. We encourage as many people from the western region as possible to come to Clare that afternoon to take part. This is your chance to contribute to the development of cancer support services in the west of Ireland.”

Registration for the Challenge takes place in Cassidy’s Pub in Car- ran from 10am to 12.30pm, with the race itself starting at lpm.

Participants can choose between a 10km walk/run or 40km cycle. Those feeling really adventurous can attempt the duatholon, which is a 40km cycle and a 5km run.

Snacks, soup and sandwiches will be served afterward for all who take part and music for the night will be

provided by DJ Tom Tune. Sponsorship cards are avail- able directly from CancerCare

West on 091-529609, by email- ing info@cancercarewest.ie or by contacting Patrick O’Donoughe on 086-2579682, Fergus Glynn on 087- 2236603 or Liam Glynn on 086- 3537293 at the Burren Cycling Club.

THE people of Miltown Malbay and Kilkee will not be hoping for a white Christmas as they prepare for their annual Christmas Day swim.

At 10am more than 100 warm- blooded swimmers will take to the waters of the White Strand and all in the name of charity.

This year their festive fun will benefit the Mid West Cancer Unit in Limerick.

Last year, the group raised €13,000 for the Doolin Search and Rescue crew.

In its 15th year, the annual swim is one of the highlights of the west Clare Christmas calendar.

After the Yuletide dip the swim- mers partake in a hot whiskey or black currant before making their way home.

Sponsorship cards are available from Tony Cogan.

The swim in Kilkee is now a quar- ter of a century old, making it part of the local Christmas tradition.

Organised by the Kilkee Sub Aqua Club the swim will take place from the pier at 12.15pm.

Half of the proceeds from the an- nual sponsored swim will again go towards the Kilkee astro turf and playground project on behalf of Scoil Realt na Mara.

Last year the club donated €2,000 to the same cause thanks to the gen- erosity of the local community and others who sponsored club mem- bers.

Kilkee Sub Aqua Club, which has over 30 members from Clare, Lim- erick and south Galway, is a member of Comhairle Fo Thuinn, the Irish Underwater Council, the national body for recreational underwater diving, which, in turn, is affiliated to the Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques, the world federation of national diving organi- Zations.

MARY Kelly has been a stalwart fundraiser for the excellent work be- ing done by Irish missionaries in the poorest countries for more than 25 years.

But while the Tulla woman has raised untold amounts of cash and organised scores of events 1n her role with the Apostolic Society to sup- port the mission work, she has al- ways wondered what it would be like to go on a mission.

Which is why, now that she has re- tired from the society, she has signed up to travel to Port Elizabeth in South Africa to help with the Build- ing Of Hope Project being run by

Lissycasey nun, Sr Ethel Normoyle and more than 160 Clare volunteers. Mary will be travelling with her son Francis and daughter, Lourda Doyle, who is living in Broadford.

To help raise the €3,000 which she needs to cover her flights and ac- commodation and make a donation to the project, Mary is auctioning a Tulla shirt, signed by every member of the victorious Clare Champion- ship team.

‘“T always said I’d love to see what is it all about and so I signed up to go,” ROMY Eee

The jersey was acquired for her by Tulla team manager, Jim McInerney and, Mary says, it is an appropriate item to auction given that her late

husband’s grandfather, John “Lang- er’ Rogers was a well-know Tulla hurler.

Seven in ten people living in tin and cardboard huts in the township at Missionvale have the AIDS vi- rus. Most have little more than the clothes they stand up in and the mis- sion provides a daily food ration for almost 2,000 people.

Sr Ethel and her team of volunteers plan to build a hospice and care cen- tre at Missionvale over a 40 day pe- riod in January and February.

“TH do a bit of baking and cook- ing – anything I can do to be of help,” said Mary.

Mary is keeping mum about what offers she has had up to now for the

jersey, but she is hoping that it will raise a “good bit of money” for the Oren

While most volunteers will spend ten days in South Africa, Mary plans to stay for two weeks and her son will be part of the team whose tough task it is to get the project off the ground by laying more than 500 blocks per person per day.

Anyone who would like to make a bid on the jersey can contact Mary on 065-6835519 or Francis on 087- 9742090.

THE Christmas swim in Killaloe this year is a fundraiser for the pro- posed community playground.

Killaloe has an ever expanding population with new families com- ing in to live in the scenic location but the Lough Derg town still has no play area.

The local community in conjunc- tion with Clare County Council have joined forces to provide the amenity next year and local people have a tar- get of €50,000 to raise.

The swim at Two Mile Gate takes place at 12.30pm on Christmas Day. The organising committee are ap- pealing for volunteers to get involved in this worthy cause.

A member of the organising com- mittee, Brendan Ryan said: “the Kil- laloe community needs a playground and the Christmas swim will really put the fun into fundraising for the project.”

Volunteers are currently collecting sponsorship for the swim which has been organised every Christmas for the past fifteen years by three local

men Brendan Ryan, Christy Mc- Grath and Paul McGrath.

They have raised funds over the years for different charities collect- ing thousands of pounds.

Anyone who would like to donate to the playground fund can con- tact Brendan Ryan on 061-376963; Christy McGrath on 061-376245 or Paul McGrath or 061-375195.

SINCE the opening of the library building in Scariff last month, hun- dreds of new members have signed up to rediscover the joy of reading.

The library staff are delighted, if a little overwhelmed, with the re- sponse from the public to the airy, state of the art new facility.

‘“We’ve been inundated. It’s amaz- ing,’ said Senior Librarian, Caroline Ahearne.

“We have had literally hundreds of new members joining and a lot of people whose memberships had lapsed have come back to us.”

SU slomebbeKnoi(omrI MBE: bla Comers mmnats new library, which shares it’s home with Clare County Council’s new

offices, 1s tremendous, Caroline ex- plained.

“In the temporary building, the li- brary was only open 18 hours a week – noW we open more than 50 hours, with two late evenings until 8pm and people find Saturday opening from 10am to 2pm good. They can come when the children are off school.”

The new building is home to 20,000 books, a huge leap in the book stock for the Scariff facility, eight internet connected PC’s and a whole range of music and film DVD’s which were never available before.

Photocopying facilities and a full range of newspapers, magazines and other publications are also available.

Last week, the library played host to Christmas storytime, craft and

games sessions for youngsters who came along to enjoy the fun and make their own Christmas cards.

The four full time and one part- time staff who have been brought on board to up the staffing from one part-timer all hope to see many more of these activities in the com- ing months.

“We have an exhibition space so were hoping to stage exhibitions,’ said Caroline. “And we have room for things like regular arts and crafts classes and storytelling so there will be a whole new programme to look ICO) ays: 0 Kem One

In addition to visiting the library, people will also be able to take ad- vantage of the council offices being in the same building to pay bills, col-

lect forms and get information on is- sues such as planning.

“It’s a very exciting new start and we re looking forward to having lots more events for people to attend here as well as welcoming new members,’ said Caroline.

The library will close at 3pm on Friday, December 21 and will re- open on Friday, December 28 at 10 am. They are closing for New Year at Spm on Monday, December 31 and re-opening on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 10 am.

Telephone 061-922893 for details.

ENNIS woman Imelda King Kennedy has been appointed the national pub- lic relations officer for Soroptimist International in Ireland.

In her new role with the group, Ms Kennedy will be responsible for promoting the work carried out by the organisation around the country.

A long-time member of the Sorop- timists, Ms Kennedy has been in- volved with voluntary work for over 28 years.

Two years ago she released a CD entitled ‘Amazing Grace’ to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society

of Ireland. Apart from performing regularly with the Cathedral Choir in Ennis and the Clare Music Circle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, she practices a form of musical therapy known as Spirit of the Voice.

Ms Kennedy was elected to the position at the 2007 Soroptimists International Conference held in Harrowgate in Britain.

She explained that she is really looking forward to the challenge of the new job.

“There is a lot to the role and I am hoping that I will be up to the challenge. As public relations of- ficer I will be expected to project a

positive image of Soroptimist Inter- national as a professional, caring, committed and aware organisation. I will be working closely with the national association at all times. A big part of the job involves lobbying local politicians and businesses and talking in schools, community and voluntary groups,” she said.

Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists aim to create opportu- nities for women and girls by advo- cating for equity and equality.

Ms Kennedy also expressed her support for the women affected by the breast cancer scare at the Mid-

land Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

She said, “We would like to sympathise with the women who were involved in the recent breast cancer investigations. We sincerely hope that all their results will be favourable.

“It is our firm hope that proper breast check facilities will be rolled out to cover all areas in the country as every woman has the right to have a proper breast check service provid- ed as soon as possible,’ she added.

Soroptimist International has been in Clare for over 40 years and is actively involved in the promotion of education throughout the county.

YOU can show your support for the poorest of the poor on Christmas Day by taking part in the annual Goal Miles event at the Fairgereen in Ennis.

This fun-filled, worthwhile event is an integral part of the season of giv- ing for many thousands of generous people everywhere.

This is the 26th year of the event, with Goal Miles taking place at an unprecedented 65 locations na- tionwide — including nine brand-

new locations. The main event will take place in Dublin’s Belfield and is expected to attract 3,000 people on Christmas morning. But it is the impressive spread of Miles across the country that is the real source of pride for Goal.

Goal’s John O’Shea, who will at- tend the Belfield Mile, as always, says, “I’m urging every single person up and down the country to find their nearest Mile and take part.

“All you have to do is to turn up on the day, complete the Mile in your own time and style and then

make a donation to Goal. You can either make a personal donation or you can line up sponsorship from your friends and colleagues — it is entirely up to you what you do. The Goal Mile is a great opportunity to do something practical for the poor this Christmas,” he said.

Events this year hold a special sig- nificance, as the charity is celebrat- ing 30 years in operation.

Since 1977, the aid agency has spent more than €400 million in 50 countries, responding to virtu- ally every natural and man-made

disaster and implementing massive development programmes during ercLMm ab ealee

Goal’s outstanding success down through the years has been entirely dependant on the unflagging support of the Irish public.

This Christmas, the charity’s Goalies (volunteers) are working around the clock in 12 developing world countries throughout Africa, Asia and Central America, includ- ing Bangladesh, where the organi- sation is responding to November’s devastating Cyclone Sidr.

THE business community has criti- cised as unfair Ennis Town Coun- cil’s decision to increase commercial rates to 4 per cent.

The council approved the 4.8 per cent rate hike at its annual budget meeting last week.

Explaining the decision, town man- ager Tom Coughlan said in his re- port to the council that rates may not come down for a number of years.

‘The increase in the rate on valua- tion in 2007 of 4.8 per cent continued a downward trend in the rate on in- crease over the previous three years. The proposed increase of 4 per cent

in 2008 continues that trend for a fifth year. While it is an objective of the council to reduce the rate of increase, as has been achieved in re- cent years, it must be acknowledged that a future economic downturn, a reduction in central funding, increas- ing energy costs, increase in interest rates or unanticipated events may not allow this objective to be achieved in future years.”

However, in a statement, Ennis Chamber of Commerce said, “While Ennis Chamber acknowledges the proposed reduction in the increase of the commercial rate to 4 per cent, it is still an increase nonetheless. The business community funded 39 per

cent of the council’s expenditure in 2007 and this will increase to 40 per cent this year. Ennis Chamber will continue to reiterate that this is not a fair Share and reflective in the number of businesses that have ceased trad- ing in Ennis in recent years’.

Figures in the budget project that businesses in Ennis will pay €4.9 million in rates next year.

In his report, Mr Coughlan said, “The budget does not make provi- sion for any increase in car-parking charges. This measure will benefit members of the public who wish to conduct business in Ennis and also businesses which are dependent on the public. Provision is made for an

increase in parking permits, which have not increased since 2005, this increase is less than €1 per week.”

Parking permits are set to increase by €50 to €400 per year.

Ennis Chamber stated the increase was “not justified, given the fact that there has been a decrease in public car park charges for customers in En- nis. The increase in car permits for businesses is not justified given the fact that there has been a decrease in public car park charges”.

The chamber welcomed the coun- cil’s statement on its “continued com- mitment to the promotion of Ennis in partnership with the private sector and other agencies in 2008”.

THERE have been calls for Ennis Town Council to provide a more detailed breakdown of expenditure after it was shown that €38,000 was spent on training and sending coun- cilors to conferences.

Expenditure figures for 2006 re- vealed in the council’s budget, also show that spending on expenses rose by €2,700, from an estimated figure of €27,000 at the start of 2007, to 29,700.

The amount spent on members training and conferences was also up on estimated figures from €35,000 to €38,000.

Green Party councillor Donal O’Bearra said the figure was too high and has called for the nine-members of the council to be provided with a breakdown of what the money was Spent on.

“If you divide €38,000 by nine, it works out at almost €4,000 and then add on the figure for expenses, which works out at €3,000, 1t means that €7,000 was drawn down by each councillor. I can certainly say that I haven’t drawn down €7,000 or any- thing near that figure. I would like to think that we will be provided with a breakdown and I will be looking for one”.

Cllr O’Bearra also questioned the

merit of sending the councilors to conferences, saying, in his experi- ence, they were poorly attended.

Speaking last week at Ennis Town Council’s budget meeting Town Man- ager Tom Coughlan said trips abroad and conferences allowed members to observe examples of best practice.

He said, ““When we went to Brug- ges, it was allowing us to see best practice in operation.

Meanwhile, each of Clare’s 3,000 plus rate payers will this week re- ceive an abridged version of the Clare County Council Annual Report for 2007. This moves comes after a mo- tion tabled by Cllr Martin Conway (FG) earlier this year calling for the

local authority to be more account- able to the people who fund it.

This is the first time that details of the council’s budget will be posted to ratepayers.

‘For too long now we have had a situation in this county and in this county where there is not enough accountability. It’s all been one way traffic and | think that the rate payers deserve to know what their money is being spent on,” said Conway.

“I felt like there was no feed back at all to the rate payers of the county. But this will help keep people in- formed about the positive things that are going on within the council as well as the not so positive things.”

‘SERIOUS and abnormal’ flooding in the Drumgeely area of Shannon prevented people from getting into their homes earlier this month.

The problem was discussed after it was brought up by Independent councillor Patricia McCarthy, at a meeting of Shannon area councillors earlier this week.

She called for a report to be pre- sented on the case and solutions to be brought into effect, to ensure that there is no repetition of the situation, which caused grave concern to resi- dents in the Corrib Drive area.

“Entrances to some of the parks

were blocked, due to the flooding. When the flooding was cleared on the right hand side, it moved to the left hand side, so much so that people couldn’t get into their homes,” she Sr NLGe

“It was unusual and it was a long, long time since that happened be- fore,’ she added, pointing out that she wants steps to be taken to ensure there won’t be a repeat of the flood- ing.

In a response to her query, Senior Executive Engineer Donal Hogan said that the “prolonged intense rain” on December 6 resulted in road and land flooding, not only in Shannon, but across the county.

‘In most cases, the road flooding in urban areas occurs when gulley gratings become clogged with de- bris such as leaves, litter etc, which washes into the gratings of the gul- lies,” said Mr Hogan, in a written response.

‘In some cases the flooding occurs because the underground gulley or the pipework from the gulley to the main drain has reduced capacity due to build-up of silt.

“The road flooding, which oc- curred in Drumgeely, occurred from the same reasons as outlined above for urban areas, with the build-up of leaves being the main reason,” added Mr Hogan.

He stated that the council’s outdoor staff were all diverted to deal with the flooding problems on December 6 and again on December 7.

‘The council endeavours to ensure that all road outlets are opened, gul- leys and pipework cleaned out as much as is possible. In areas such as Drumgeely, gulleys are cleaned out once each year, while pipework is cleaned out as the need arises.

“Notwithstanding these measures it is inevitable that rainfall such as occurred in this case will result in Surface water run-off which will, es- pecially at this time of the year, bring leaves etc to the gulleys resulting in flooding at some of them,” said.