The Clare People Archive

will include works from painters such as Paul Henry, Gerard Dillon, Jack B Yeats, Mainie Jellet, Mary Swanzy and No- rah McGuinness.

Curated by Fiona Woods of the Clare Arts Office, the works repre- sent a broad spectrum of Irish paint- ing and rates as one of the most high profile art exhibitions ever held in Clare. Many of the paintings have been sourced from the Arts Council and Limerick City Gallery of Art’s permanent collection.

To coincide with the exhibition, the Clare Arts Office is organising a se- ries of guided gallery tours, public

talks and workshops for artists.

Catherine Marshall, Chief Cura- tor with The Irish Museum of Mod- ern Art, currently on secondment as Visual Arts touring and Collections Advisor with the Arts Council, will provide the opening talk on Irish Painting.

On Saturday, September 15, Ennis- born artist Mick O’Dea RHA will give a talk about his work, followed by a closed workshop for artists.

The former National College of Art and Design tutor has won numerous awards including four Arnotts Na- tional Portrait Awards, the KMPG award at the 1992 and 1998 Oire- achtas exhibitions and a major Arts Council Bursary in 1986.

On September 22, leading contem- porary artist Micky Donnelly will give a talk about his work, followed by a closed workshop for artists.

Every Wednesday, Marie Con- nole MFA will give tours for school eroups, complete with educational material at 1.30pm. A guided tour for the public will be available at 3pm each Wednesday, or at another time by appointment.

The Fine Art Graduate of The Bur- ren College of Art received the Spire- sart Outstanding Student in Art, an accommodation and studio residency award in 2005 and tuition fees bur- sary in 2006/07 from The Clare Arts Office, and recently The Burren Col- lege of Arts Presidents Award.

She has worked at NCAD and IMMA and was a teaching assistant for life drawing and multimedia at the Burren College of Art. She has co- curated a number of shows and was one of the principles in the 2006 Tulca Fringe Festival in Galway. She exhib- its regularly in Ireland and Europe.

The exhibition will run until Sep- tember 23.

AN Ennis-based residents’ associa- tion has claimed that the high percent- age of rental properties in their estate is contributing to the ongoing anti-so- cial behaviour problem in the area.

Dun na hInse Residents Associa- tion, in an objection to plans to con- struct 26 terraced homes at Lahinch Road, Ennis, point out that Dun na hInse is primarily a rented estate, with 60 per cent rental property, mostly with absentee landlords.

The objection states, “This has re-

sulted in an ongoing litter problem, ongoing anti-social behaviour and subsequent devaluing of properties.” The residents association has writ- ten numerous letters to Ennis Town Council in this regard. They argue that the impact of 26 more housing units will exacerbate this existing so- cial problem, should the proposed de- velopment of townhouses go ahead. “This has been the trend in all the new estates nationally and we do not intend that our area further deteriorates due to lack of vision, management and responsibility by

our planners. It is incumbent on us as residents to object strong to this development given the history of de- velopment.”

The residents’ association point out that Dun na hInse consists of 131 houses, with Brookville accounting for 40 homes. The residents point out that “what is now a green area, scarce in Ennis town, will be saturated with an additional 26 units…Houses, con- crete walls and railings are not a sub- stitute for green spaces in an already high density environment.

In a separate objection, the Brookville

Residents Association claims that there are no amenities for children. They ask, “What can be more conducive to anti-social behaviour than adding more houses to this already high den- sity area with only one area to serve three housing estates?

“We feel that the combined units of Brookville and Dun na hInse al- ready constitute a high density area with enough social problems of their own. Adding more houses can only increase the problem.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

A COMPANY has objected to the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) seeking planning permission for three large advertising billboards on the approach to Shannon Airport.

The billboards are expected to in- crease the advertising revenues raised by the SAA. However, a company that recently secured planning permission for student accommodation in Shan- non has objected to the proposal.

In its objection, Brookdrive Proper- ties state that the billboards “due to their size and location” would cause

a substantial negative impact to the visual aspects of the area.

The company states, “The proposed commercial signage conflicts with what is already in and 1s proposed for the area, the granting of residential student accommodation and under- mines both existing permissions and the residential units 1n the area.

“The adjacent site has existing per- mission for the construction of 35 student accommodation units. Dur- ing the planning process, the planners insisted that these building would be ‘landmark buildings’. The erection of this signage would substantially un-

dermine the ‘landmark buildings’.

“The erection of this signage would substantially undermine the land- mark impact of the proposed devel- opments and goes against the plan- ning department’s own guidelines and hence does not keep in line with what is proposed in that area.

“As part of the existing permission on the site adjacent to the proposed erection of billboards, a pedestrian cross will need to be developed. The erection of these billboards will hinder this development and un- dermines the existing permissions granted in the area.

“There would be an environmen- tal impact to the area and any future development of that area would be severely impacted by the erection of these billboards. This impact would have commercial implications to the area, which now needs commercial activity to create employment.”

The company states that, based on the above, “We believe it 1s in no one’s interest or benefit that these billboards are erected in its current proposed lo- cation, nor does it add anything to the area by their inclusion’.

A decision 1s due on the application later this year.

STUDENTS at Ennis Adult and Community Education Centre ex- celled at the recent Youthreach Pro- gression Awards.

Youthreach Progression began in Clare as a programme essentially for young mothers but now includes early school leavers.

It offers part-time training to per- sons who want to complete their edu- cation and progress to employment/ further training once their child/chil- dren have reached school-going age.

Courses include Further Education and Training Awards Council of Ire- land (FETAC) modules such as child development and play to work expe- rience; Irish Pre-School Playgroup Association certified courses, certifi-

cate in family learning, group work and team-building programmes.

Co-ordinator Emer Mathews ex- plained that an emphasis is placed on educational, personal and social development and provision of extra curricular activities is an important element of the programme.

Ms Matthews and caretaker Eddie Keane are particularly pleased with the latest examination results.

Sheila O’Driscoll of the Depart- ment of Education and Science Cur- riculum Unit based in Shannon, who was guest speaker, explained that the Leaving Cert Applied continuously assessed and recognised individual talents.

She complimented all who had ob- tained certificates and said it was an indication of their courage and com-

mitment She also complimented the teachers on the manner in which they had delivered a very challenging pro- eramme.

Most of those who finished last year became involved in further studies.

Sonia Catlow spoke on behalf of the FETAC students and Amy Wel- ford on behalf of the other students, stressing the satisfaction and self- confidence they had derived from the programme and the wonderful en- couragement and help received from a eee

Dr Sean Conlan, head of Clare Vocational Education Committee’s Adult and Community Education Service, congratulated the certificate winners who were very much part of the lifelong learning era that had come so much to the fore in recent

years.

He recommended that students to look further into possibilities of edu- cation and training.

The programme operates from Sep- tember of July three days a week and a new in take is being considered in the weeks ahead for the 2007-2008 academic year.

The programme administration can be contacted at 065 6824819 and by email at ypp@eircom.net.

Eight students were awarded a complete Leaving Cert. Applied certificate: Amy Hewitt, Geraldine Hickey, Caroline Curtin, Lyonie Sweeney, Theresa Curran, Mary Teresa Carmody, Amy Welford and Sarah Moroney. Among them, three earned distinctions, four merits and one a pass.

A PRE-SCHOOL orientation pro- eramme for children new to the Irish school system has just finished at the Clare Immigration Support Centre (CISC).

The centre, which was formerly the Irish Refugee Council, has run the school for the past seven years.

This year ten children took part in the programme overseen by teachers Sue Doyle and Fummilayo Akinwale at the CISC premises at Carmody Slstsem

The aim is to acquaint children, who are entering primary school for the first time, with the life in the Irish school system.

This involves making children fa-

miliar with Irish words and getting them used to playing with other stu- dents in a school setting. Emphasis is also placed on working together and co-operation in the classroom, un- derstanding instructions from teach- ers, bringing lunch to the school and timekeeping.

According to Orla Ni Ejili of the CISC, the experience of going to a new school in a new country is a daunting one for both children and OreeKsLNe

“The current pre-school pro- gramme was running for two weeks. Many have never been to school so a lot of what is done in the classroom is very hands and practical. It can be upsetting for the children the first time they come, having to get used to

leaving their parents, but by the end they were all having a ball.”

She continued, “The response we got over the two weeks was fantastic and the children were very respon- sive. After a while you see the chil- dren really growing in confidence. They start asking questions and un- derstand things like waiting for your turn before asking”.

The process can also be a difficult one for parents and for that reason, the CISC produce an information booklet for parents.

Published in eight different lan- guages it outlines all aspects and fea- tures of the Irish school system.

So far the orientation programme has catered for children enrolling in junior and senior infants, but those

working at the CISC are acutely aware of the difficulties faced by old- er children going to school in Ireland for the first time.

“We are very conscious that there are kids out there who will be going to school who may have English as a second or third language. There can lolomr LO) mOsm Bus) OCer- LHe) IIe

The CISC is being steered by vari- ous agencies in Clare who have an interest and duty to support services for the immigrant community to fa- cilitate and support integration.

Ms Ni Eili explained “When we were the Irish Refugee Council, our role was focused mainly on working with refugees and asylum seekers, but now it broader and takes in the wider immigrant community”’.

AFTER more than a year of fund- raising and preparation, Scariff at last has it’s life-saving defibrillator up and running.

The twenty volunteers trained in the use of the new machine launched the service on September | and it is now available to anyone experienc- ing a cardiac emergency.

The defibrillator has been placed in a specially constructed box by the post office and a mobile phone – 086 2518851 – has been set up so that the volunteer on duty can be reached.

‘Each volunteer takes the phone for

a week at a time So that’s five weeks every two years that a volunteer is on duty – that’s not too much,” explained Cora Long, one of the committee members who set up the drive to get the defibrillator as Scariff doesn’t have 24 hour ambulance cover.

“We cover an area which takes in Tuamgraney and the two GAA pitch- es. It has to be within the one mile radius because time is very impor- tant in this,’ Cora explained.

The vital piece of machinery cost 3,000 to buy but locals fund-raised 4,500 to cover additional costs such as extra pads, and a box to house the machine.

Pads for the defibrillator have to be replaced each time they are used and cost almost €60. “If you had to go twice with someone, that would be €120, so we have a couple spare. We have arranged a deal that when pads are used we will get replacements couriered in to us.”

Even the box to house the defibril- lator has to be a special damp-proof, theft proof and tamper proof one.

“The Scariff Community Council have kindly paid two years insur- ance for the defibrillator so that was all that was needed for us to get it up and running,’ said Cora.

Cora warned that at the first sign

of a suspected cardiac problem, an ambulance should be called before the defibrillator team is contacted. “Ring the ambulance first and then ring us. The number will be printed in the parish newsletter, in the Scar- iff newsletter and we’re getting it put up on posters in the pubs and shops and all over the village so that every- one will know where to contact us in the case of a cardiac emergency.”

The campaign for a defibrillator be- gan with the campaign to secure 24 hour ambulance cover for Scariff.

‘There has been no change as yet in that situation but we are still work- ing away,’ said Cora.

ALMOST 50 cyclists spent Saturday pushing pedals on a 80km jaunt to raise money for a good cause.

The wheelie fans were cycling to raise money to head for an even longer trek in September in aid of the East Clare Chernobyl Cycle project.

The ride, organised by ‘Tom O’Keeefe and Billy Fitzpatrick, started on Saturday from Coonagh and took the riders to Killaloe.

On September 23 the riders are off the Belarus where they will cycle

400km over two days from Minsk to Malech to raise money for work on the orphanages which the project is helping in Malech, Antopol and Griileka acorn

“We’re using the money to modern- ise these orphanages and make life better for the 600 children who live in them. A lot of these children are sick or have special needs and some of the buildings and conditions they are living in are appalling,’ said Pad- dy O’Connor, project PRO.

Among the projects underway are a new kitchens, proper toilets and

showers, new teaching facilities and modern plumbing.

The latest project which the group are raising money for is in the An- topol orphanage where a new, mod- ern laundry room is being built and equipped.

“The laundrette in that orphanage is just horrible – it has to be seen to be believed,’ said Paddy.

The cycle has been going to Bela- rus for several years now and each year, the support grows.

This year’s group is the biggest to travel so far.

‘Whether it’s taking part in the cy- cle or raising funds for the projects, we have had fabulous support from the people of east Clare. They have been more than generous in the past and we’re hoping they will support us again,’ said Paddy.

Nicola (21) and Mary Ellen (18) Murphy have been fans of the fanta- sy author for years and last week they became the first two of more than a thousand people who had been work- ing as extras on the film to be called back for a second stint.

The two had already been in the UK filming for a couple of days, but when a call came from Pratchett’s personal assistant, Rob Wilkins, to say that there were some people the director particularly wanted to see back, they were delighted.

“We were really delighted because Terry Pratchett is very hands-on in this film and we discovered we were asked back before anyone else,” said Nicola.

Nicola – who is studying folk thea-

tre in Tralee – and her sister, Mary Ellen – who hopes to be accepted in the Galway Film and TV course – were rubbing shoulders with some serious names in the world of film.

Among the stars of production are Sean Austin of Lord of the Rings fame, David Jason, aka Dellboy, and sere etieas

‘“They’re all nice to us, especially Sean, he was fabulous, always mak- ing jokes and talking to the extras and the crew,” said Nicola.

The sisters will be in Guildford for five days filming crowd scenes and riot scenes in the fictional Ankh- morpork City.

Mary Ellen will also be hoping to hear from the CAO that she has been successful in a second round offer on the Galway course.

‘“That’s the one I really want, but I have other options and I’ve looked at other courses. But for now, I’m really looking forward to a second chance at this film’’, she said.

A MAJOR clean-up and renovation of an east Clare cemetery by willing locals has borne fruit.

The last piece in the work jigsaw in recent weeks means Kilavoher Cem- etery now has a new gate, repaired walls and a name plaque.

Plus, said secretary of the Meel- ick – Parteen Graveyard Committee, Councillor Cathal Crowe, “anti-so- cial behaviour at the Kilavoher cem- etery has ceased.”

The graveyard committee jumped

into action after reports that the area was being used for drinking and anti- social behaviour.

Committee members, Fr Fred Mc- Donald, Mike Crowe, Cathal Crowe, Ray Armstrong, Seamus Spaight, Packie Cronin, George White, Mar- tin Manning and Bernard McNamara took on the project and now the cem- etery is back in ship shape.

“At the beginning of the summer it was brought to my attention that the cemetery was being used for drink- ing parties. It was also alleged that the cemetery has been the scene of

debauchery and vandalism. I was even informed by one local resi- dent that rocks were pelted at an old headstone,” said Councillor Cathal Sewer

The work actually began more than two years ago when the committee took a conscious decision to clean up Kilavoher Cemetery.

The historic cemetery was “in very poor condition and briars had grown up to above head height,” said Cllr SOW

Some graves in the cemetery date back to the late 18th century.

‘The summer of 2005 was the first time in a long time that many of these eraves has seen the light of day. At the time of our major clean-up many passers-by remarked that they never knew that a cemetery was beneath all the briars and weeds. Since our clean-up operation in 2005 the cem- etry has been maintained to a high standard by local volunteers,” the councillor said.

He called on anyone who witnesses further anti-social behaviour to report it to either a member of the Grave- yards Committee or the gardai.

IN A striking departure from its nor- mal role the Hector Street Centre in Kilrush will open its doors to the lo- cal community with innovative day courses.

The weeklong daytime classes will cover the arts, crafts, media and re- ED e leone

From September professional tui- tion in pottery, weaving and dyeing, art classes, theatre skills and film making will be available with begin- ners and intermediate classes in Tai Chi and specialist exercise and re- laxation classes for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.

This open public access communi- ty based education programme rep- resents a dramatic change in the use of the workshop, which up until now followed a “disability only” ethos.

As more and more programmes come on stream to integrate disabled people with the general community, these buildings originally designed for disabled clientele are becoming places where all can meet and min- gle, develop and learn new skills. Irish Potter’s Association instructor Jackie Maurer will offer throwing, coil and pinch pot making at the state of the art potter’s facility in the Hector Street Centre on Tuesday.

Internationally regarded Artist, Trudi Van Der Elsen will be devel- oping her home studio based classes in a course entitled Painting with Acrylics. Starting with still life sub- jects and moving on to more person- ally developed imaginative pieces, Trudi’s classes are on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

On Fridays Suzanne Anker, a pop- ular tutor on the school’s alternative activity circuit, introduces the sourc- ing and applying of natural dyes and

the development of basic weaving techniques, creating home made looms and making attractive hand crafted products.

She will be sharing the Friday slot with well-known Dublin Actor Mick Daly who is expanding his Tiger Box Theatre Company along with song- writer Dave O’Brien. They want to invite anyone with an interest in de- veloping theatre skills, acting, stag- ing, production, lyric and script writ- ing on Friday afternoons.

The group will also be collaborat- ing with Documentary Film Maker Paddy O’Connor who will work at Hector Street in partnership with the Galway Film Centre under the Arts Council Sponsored “Artist in

the Community Programme”. Pad- dy will provide training and hands on experience in all aspects of film making from story boarding through camera work, sound and lighting to post production.

“This programme offers a great op- portunity to cement a growing satel- lite relationship between ourselves and this nationally credited commu- nity film maker which already has strong links with Clare,” said Rob Hopkins of the Brothers of Charity.

Three film projects will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm, at three monthly intervals from September 20 to May 2008.

Finally to provide mind, body and spirit balance recently arrived Span-

ish national Francisco Lerdo de Te- jada, better known locally as ‘Paco’ will be extending his Tai Chi classes from the golden sands of Kilkee to the shifting sands of Hector Street beginning Monday September 3 with classes designed specifically for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges followed by a Tai Chi beginners class on Wednes- CP hYapneleyuspentcace

For further information contact Hector Street at 065 9052299.