Kildysart3

We hope you have seen and availed of the nearly completed phase 1 of the playground in the Quay Road. We the committee are delighted with the progress so far. The community have given an enormous contribution with machinery labour and time, for this we are very grateful, but unfortunately there is still so much work to be completed. In January the public lighting will be completed. There is still a lot of landscaping to be done and picnic tables and benches to be purchased to complete phase 1. We hope to start on phase 2 which is dressing rooms, public toilets, and an all weather pitch in the near future.

We now need to do a fundraiser and your help and generosity would be very much appreciated, so we can complete this part of the development as soon as possible so all of us in the community can avail and enjoy this amenity.

We are selling paving bricks at €50 each; these bricks will pave the footpaths around the playground and the landscaped area. We are engraving the bricks with your family name and your town land or you can buy a brick in memory of a family member.

Maybe your family abroad might like to have one done, so it would be appreciated the next time you are in contact with them you might like to mention it.

We will be calling door to door in the next couple of weeks so if you would like to donate, it would be very much appreciated.

Re: Kildysart G.A.A. Club 500 Club Draw Christmas 2006.
€12,500 in Prizes to be won.

Draw takes place Saturday, 16th December, 2006.

We the Officers of Kildysart G.A.A. Club request your assistance in helping
us to clear existing borrowings and to help towards future development of
the Club.

We are enclosing a sample Ticket re: above draw and if you are interested,
kindly return with your contribution by 30th November, 2006 to any of the
below officers and we will issue original Tickets by return.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Secretrary:                                                                                        Chairman.                                                    Treasurer.
Flan Ginnane.                                                                                       Thomas Clancy,                                             Noel McMahon.
9 Quay Rd                                                                                            Derrylea,                                                       Crovrahgan,
Kildysart,                                                                                              Kildysart,                                                       Kildysart,
Co. Clare                                                                                              Co. Clare                                                       Co. Clare
0656832440                                                                                         0656830597                                                  0656832934
0863099305                                                                                         0876400048                                                  0868345345

In 1999,the Soccer Committee and the Field Committee joined to run the festival. The aim of this Committee was to develop the Quay Road field with a public playground and carpark. This was not to be realised because of the prohibitive cost of insurance for a playground at this time. The festival Committee continued raising money. Over the next six years, €85,000 was raised and invested with the playground still in mind.

In 2005, Clare County Council, with the introduction of the Play Policy and Action Plan, encouraged the provision of public playgrounds. The Council agreed through the Community Forum to support the insurance of playgrounds at a reasonable cost. Granting of funds for the setting up of playgrounds came on stream. Kildysart Playground Committee was very fortunate to receive a €30,000 grant in 2005.

Planning permission was sought in November 2005. The Committee was delighted to receive full planning permission for a public playground, an all weather pitch, dressing rooms and a running track, in Feb 2006. Sourcing of the equipment continued over a number of months. In April 2006 ground work on the playground began with pouring of the concrete for the bases of the play areas for all the age groups 0-12+.

Installation of the equipment for 0-6 began in Sept. 2006. Much of the equipment for 0-6 age was installed with the help of many local volunteers. Installation of the matting in this area continued for the next few weeks . To date the Festival Committee has spent €108,000 on the equipment. In 2006 the council granted a further € 30,000 which has been used to continue the project. Ground work for age 12+ began in Oct. and progress is well advanced with the base plates for the space net completed.

It is expected that the cost of landscaping and tarmacadam and the ground work will cost €40,000.Completion of the project is expected in November with a need for continuous support needed to maintain and fund this project.

Kildysart G.A.A.
Could anyone who requires tickets for the Clare V’s Cork match on May 28^thplease inform secretary on 086 3099305 before 12 noon on Monday 22^ndMay. Tickets will be distributed on Thursday at 9pm at The Clubhouse.

Under 16 County Final this Sunday 12 noon in Cooraclare. Kildysart V’s Currys. Please go along and support our Team. GOOD LUCK!

Sr. Ethel Normoyle Fundraiser.
A big thank you to everyone who was involved and sponsored the recent Hack the total amount raised was €40,400.

Under 16 Football
Kildysart under 16 team had a great win over Coolmeen last Monday evening , the score was Kildysart 1.9 Coolmeen 0.5 Kildysart had outstanding displays from Sean Costello in goal, Keith Murphy, Keith O’ Connor, Damien Hill, Dermot Clancy, Pa Kelly, Brian and Dermot Eyres, Kieran Leahy, Ross Murphy, David O’ Dea, Sinéad Moloney, Aishling Murphy, Emma and Rachel Finnucane. Thanks to all who travelled back to the match. The team play their final game on Monday evening 24^th in Kildysart at 6.30pm. All supporters are very welcome to attend.

The Patricia Corbett memorial walk/run will be held in Labasheeda on Easter Sunday beginning at 2pm for walkers and 3pm for runners. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Diocesan Pilgrimage trust and the Oncology Research Unit at limerick Regional Hospital. The course around the peninsula is 6 miles or 10 kilometres and all participants are asked to contribute €15. Refreshments will be served in the Centre afterwards. Also the Dawn mass will be held in the grounds of St. Kieran’s Centre on Easter Sunday morning at 6am.

The total amount raised from Christmas day swim at Gortglass Lake was €7,714. The organisers would like to thank all involved in making the event such a great success.

The second annual Christmas Day swim took place at Gortglass lake and was supported by at least 350 onlookers. Over 60 swimmers braved the freezing water and took the plunge in aid of cancer care in West Clare. The event was a resounding success and liquid refreshments were enjoyed by both swimmers and onlookers after the swim.

Kildysart Players launched the 05/06 season with a night out in ZoeA's in Lissycasey. The night was a great success with a large number of the drama group in attendance. The night was also a celebration of a significant birthday for Grace Kelly, one of the founding members of the group. Kildysart Players would like to thank the owners and staff of ZoeA's for a great night with excellent food and service.

The Chernobyl group of Ballynacally, Kildysart and Lissycasey enjoyed another successful and enjoyable visit this year from the children of Belarus. Ten children and their Interpreter stayed with their host families for 26 days in our area. We had two day outings in Kilkee Waterworld and Clare Leisure World. They also had a wonderful day at the Ballynacally Festival where they participated in the games and races. We would like to thank Dr. Ralph and Dr. Jones who gave so generously of their professional services. We would also like to thank Camille Donnellan who hosted our interpreter and to Mary King for providing refreshments after our mass. We hope to continue bringing these children out to our area annually and would welcome any new members to join our group next year. We are hosting a Fashion Show on the October weekend to raise much needed funds, we hope that as many people as possible will support this event.

Special Needs Assistant/Childcare Course - FETAC Certificate Level 5

September 2005 will see the launch of the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) module
as part of a Childcare course.

The Programme entitled "Caring for Children with Additional Needs" is
specifically designed for those wishing to gain a recognised qualification for
working as a Special Needs Assistant in the primary and secondary education
sector.

It is being offered in conjunction with Communications, Work-Experience and
Computers to give participants essential skills for the workplace.
Participants may take the SNA module one morning per week or all 4 modules over
2 mornings.

Successful graduates may continue into second year to complete the FETAC
Childcare Certificate. Contact info@stjohnboscocc.com or 086-3826705 for
details.

The death has taken place of Fr Flannan Twomey, the retired Parish Priest of Kildysart. He died on Monday last at Cahercalla Community Hospital, Ennis, where he had been residing for the past few years.
He served as a priest of the Killaloe Diocese for 61 years.
A West Clare man, he was a native of Knock. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Carlow, and was ordained in 1944. After ordination he served as a curate in the parishes of Mullagh, Sixmilebridge, Coolderry, Castleconnell and Shinrone. In July 1975, he was appointed parish priest of Kilballyown (Cross) and two years later in 1977 he was transferred to Kildysart. He retired as parish priest in 1989 and moved to Coolmeen where he served as assistant priest up until January 1999 when he moved to Cahercalla Community Hospital due to failing health.
His remains were removed leave from Duggan’s Funeral Home, Kilmihil on Wednesday night to St Mary’s Church, Kilmurry McMahon. Funeral Mass was celebrated on this Thursday in Kilmurry McMahon and burial took place afterwards in the church grounds.
He is survived by his brother, Brendan, sister-in-law, Ann, nieces Mary Fitzpatrick, Celine Jones, Aine Dundon and Audrey Crosbie, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The local Community Games sports takes place this Thursday evening, May 12, at 6.30 pm in the GAA field. There will be races for boys and girls from U/6 to U/16 and also novelty events. The first two in each event will qualify for The Clare Community Games championships in Ennis.
Recently, the boys U/15 captured bronze medals in the Community Games in-door soccer competition at St. Flannan’s. The team were Damien Hill, Keith Murphy, Patrick Kelly, Jason O’Leary, Brian Eyres, Dermot Clancy and Keith O’Connor.
Our set dancers are preparing for their trip to Mosney after qualifying in Ennis in the U/14 competition. They are Diarmuid Ginnane, Brian Moloney, Amy Coffey, Fiona O’Brien, Sarah Meaney, Laura Meaney, Emily Coyle, Gillan Finnucane and Beckey O’Donnell.

SPONSORED WALK
Kildysart Community College held a very successful sponsored walk recently, raising over €4,000 to aid games in the school. Over 200 students participated in the 10 km walk/run. Gerry Quinn - the Clare hurler - was the special guest of honour and prior to thewalk presented prizes to the most successfulsellers. They wereDarragh McNamara (mobile phone),Colm Daly (DVD player), John Kelly (Umbro tracksuit) and Laura Hanrahan (gift voucher).
Rang Fionn a first year class won the class prize of a class party for raising over €1,200. The LCVP class undertook the organisation of the sponsored walk. Some students ran the ten km course and the winners here were David Quinn, Ciara Cleary and Sinead Moloney. Drinks were provided by DJ Tobin Coaches from Newmarket-on-Fergus.

*Awards were presented to three past pupils of Kildysart Community College on Friday, March 11, at a ceremony in the Clare VEC offices.
The awards were presented by Bernard Hanrahan who is a member of Clare VEC and Clare County Council. They are given for results achieved by past pupils in the previous years Leaving Certificate examinations. Claire Hestor and Marie Corry were awarded with an Academic Award each and Lorraine Kelly was awarded with a Merit Award. The CEO of Clare VEC, Eamon Fitzgerald, college principal Marion Coughlan-Flynn and the girls parents were also present at this award ceremony.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Sinéad Moloney qualified for the Community Games National final in Mosney in the Cross Country u-14 mixed distance relay event by finishing third overall in the qualifiers in Crusheen on Friday evening. Other Kildysart athletes that took part in Crusheen were Ann-Marie O’Connell, Lorraine Eustace and Sarah Meaney in the girls u-14.

KILDYSART Drama Society presented its production of Mary Halpin’s “Semi Private’ last weekend and this weekend to large and appreciative audiences.
The play’s director, Jane Casey, worked with a large cast drawn not just from Kildysart, but also from Labasheeda, Ballynacally and Lissycasey.
The play will be staged again in the Community Centre on Saturday, March 12. Curtain goes up at 8.30pm. Doors open at 7.45pm.
The play will also be taken to Doonbeg next Tuesday night, March 15.
Kildysart players will be staging the play on Saturday, March 19th. for the final performance.

Recent death
Sympathy was extended by the community to Patricia Donnellan and family, Kilrush Road, on the sudden death of her father in the USA recently.
Sympathy was also extended to Sheila Kelly and family, Ballylean East, on the death of her brother.

Athletics
St Marys Athletic Club will be hosting the Clare Athletic Association Junior men, Junior ladies and Novice B cross country races in Kildysart on Sunday next on the lands of John Joe Cleary Cahiracon (Kildysart Show Fields).
St Marys would like to thank all who contributed to their recent church gate collection in Kildysart, Also on the cards for Sunday is the Juvenile Cross Country relays for boys and girls under 9,11,13 and 15.

Ballynacally/Kildysart Chernobyl Group would like to thank the Ballynacally, Kildysart and Lissycasey communities for their generous support in the past and continued support in the future. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, March 21, 2005 at 9PM sharp at The Five Arches, Ballycorrick. All former members are requested to attend and all new members are very welcome. Our annual bag pack is in Dunnes Stores on Saturday, April 23, 2005. All volunteers appreciated.

(*Scource: The Clare Champion.)

*Kildysart Drama Society is busy putting final touches to its production of Mary Halpin’s “Semi Private”, which will be staged next weekend.
The play’s director, Jane Casey, has worked with a cast, which included many of the regulars of previous productions, together with newcomer Janeanne McGolderick and Patricia MacSweeney, who returns after a few years absence from the stage.
The play is a comedy and is set in a hospital ward.
The play will be staged in the Community Centre next Friday, March 4, and Sunday March 6, at 8.30 p.m. and again Saturday, March 12. Doors open at 7.45 p.m.

Recent Death
The community were shocked last weekend by the sudden and untimely death of Tommy Cavanagh, Ballylean East and Crovraghan.
A large crowd attended Tommy’s funeral on both days. He is survived by his sisters, Ann, Mary, Teresa, brothers, P. J. and Eddie, niece, Caroline; sisters and brothers in law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and many friends.

Wedding Bells
Donal Doohan married Carmel Moroney from Clarecastle at Clarecastle Church last Saturday. Carmel teaches at St. John Bosco Community College, while Donal runs his own business. *

The Kildysart Parish Office is now up and running. The office will be open from Monday to Friday, 9 to 1:30 and can be contacted at 065 6832838 or parishoffice@kildysart.com .

*Kildysart athletes enjoyed great success with St Marys Athletic Club recently, with David Quinn, Ciara Cleary and Sinead Moloney receiving All Ireland medals at the juvenile B cross country championships held in Athlone.
David was fifth scoring man in the boys’ U17 Clare team which received a silver medal, while Ciara and Sinead were fourth and fifth respectively in the girls’ U15 team that received bronze.
In the recent Kilnaboy races more success was had for St Marys with Ciara finishing third in the girls’ U15 and Sarah Meaney finishing third in the girls’ U10, while in Tulla last Sunday Laura Meaney finished sixth.

SUNDAY SHOW

A 63 year tradition will be broken this year, as Kildysart Show Society have decided to change from Thursday to Sunday for their show. Sunday, August 21 is their new date.
At a recent meeting members voted in favour of a Sunday Show. This date is now ratified by the Irish Shows Association and the S.J.A.I. So the committee will be pulling out the stops to ensure that, as always, the show is still the “best in the west”

Dancing classes
John Fennell has resumed the dancing class on Thursdays at 3.45pm*

*A district court was told this week that a smoker in a Kildysart Pub ran out the backdoor with fright and didn’t return for a week after being told that a “smoking officer” had entered the premises.
At Kildysart District Court on Tuesday, publican Michael McInerney was acquitted of contravening the smoking ban after Judge Joseph Mangan said that he “had a slight doubt in the matter”.
Judge Mangan was applauded after the verdict for showing “common sense” over the smoking ban by the chairman of the Clare branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Declan Brandon, in dismissing the first prosecution taken against a publican in the Mid West.
The court was told by senior environmental health officer with the health service executive, Pauline Duke, that on an inspection of Mitchell’s Corner Bar in Kildysart at 5pm on September 3 last year, she smelt tobacco smoke and saw a man smoking a cigarette in the lower part of the bar where he had a packet of Major cigarettes on the counter.
Ms Duke told the court that she approached the licensee, Mr Michael McInerney to tell him that he was in contravention of the smoking ban.
“At no stage during the 10 minutes I was with Mr McInerney did he directly address the issue of the man smoking or ask him to put out his cigarette,” she said.
However, in evidence, Mr McInerney said that he was on the phone when he saw Ms Duke entering the premises and didn’t see the man in time before he lit up his cigarette. He said, “I told the man ‘put out that fag quick, the smoking officer is here’. He ran out the backdoor with fright and didn’t return for a week.”
Solicitor for Mr McInerney, Ms Sinead Kenny, told Judge Mangan, “Mr McInerney has done everything requested of him under the legislation. He has the proper signage in his pub and has no ashtrays.”
“Like any small country pub, the Corner Bar has only one person working in it at any one time and it is not reasonable to expect the person in charge to see what customers do every second. He didn’t see the man lighting up and there is no offence under the legislation in this case.”
However, in response, solicitor for the HSE, Shane Darcy, said that Mr McInerney made no effort to stop the man smoking and a contravention of the smoking ban occurred due to the man smoking on the premises.
Judge Mangan dismissed the prosecution.
Speaking after the verdict, Mr McInerney stated he was “relieved and happy” at the judge’s ruling describing the smoking ban as “A cod of a thing”.
“The man smoking didn’t notice he was smoking himself,” he said. “He just pulled out the fag out of habit and didn’t realise what he was doing. It was a bit of hard luck that the environmental health officer came into the pub at that time.”
Declan Brandon said, “I am delighted for the publican. We feel that the health board officials see every case as cut and dried and there is no room for error at all.”
“Publicans feel very pressurised by the legislation and we can’t be everywhere in the pub with eyes on the back of our head looking out for smokers.”
He added, “Since the introduction of the smoking ban, 26 pubs have closed down in Clare and sold on their licences and the chief reason behind the withdrawal from the pub trade is the smoking ban. Unless there is some pull back on the legislation and there are designated smoking areas allowed, the trade is in severe trouble. It has had a ferocious impact.”
A spokesman for the Health Service Executive confirmed that there are two other cases pending against publicans in the Midwest and declined to comment on the judge’s verdict.

Kildysart Cultural Festival holds its AGM on Tuesday at 9pm in the community centre. All members are asked to attend and new members are welcome.

The annual GAA dinner dance will be held this Saturday evening at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point. Music will be by Word for Word, followed by a disco. Members are reminded that fees are now due before March 31.

Sympathy is extended to Peggy Brogan and family on the sudden death of her brother Michael in England.

Athletes from Kildysart Community College had a successful outing at the Clare post primary schools cross-country championships in Lahinch on January 26.
The medal winners were Eoin Murphy, first junior boys, Sinéad Moloney, third minors, Ciara Cleary, second juniors.
Other athletes who ran well were Martin Sheehan, Damian Hill, Cillian McMahon, Alan Marrinan, David Quinn, Kevin Mc Mahon, Rachael Marrinan, Eimear Greene, Lisa Marrinan and Aisling Callinan.*

( * Scource: The Clare Champion. )

*Margaret and Sean Reidy of Effernan celebrated 40 years of marriage recently. A surprise party was held for them by their family and there was a huge turnout in the Olde Brogue Bar, Killimer.
Friends and family travelled from England, Armagh, Carlow, Kerry and other areas to join in the celebrations.

Recent death
Jenny Cullen, nee McMahon, died during the week. Jenny, formerly of Canon Island, resided in Ennis for the past few years. A large crowd attended her Mass and funeral. Jenny was laid to rest beside her twin brother, Morgan on Monday in the local cemetery.
She is survived by her sisters, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, extended family and friends in Kildysart and Ennis.*

The tea dance held in the Community hall on Sunday 23rd. was a resounding success and a total of €3457.00 was collected for the Tsunami Disaster fund was collected. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a fishing boat to assist a fishing community in Sri Lanka through the 'Sri Lanka Trust'. The boat will be named after the Parish, 'The Kildysart'

* DRAMA
Kildysart Drama Group are busy rehearsing for their forthcoming production of Mary Halpin’s ‘Semi Private’. The play, a comedy, is eagerly awaited by local audiences. Group PRO, Grace Kelly says that if everything goes according to plan, the play will be staged in early March.

RECENT DEATHS
Christmas and New Year brought both joy and sadness to the community as three parishioners died close to Christmas and into the New Year.
Patricia Bohannon died on December 18 after a short illness. A very quite and unassuming lady, Patricia was liked by all who knew her.
Her untimely death brought great sadness to her family.
James Power, Erribul, died recently, and is survived by his wife Helen, sons, daughters, sons and daughters-in-law, sister Helen and grandchildren, brother-in-law, neighbours and friends.
Babe McInerney, Lacknashannagh, who died last week in her 83rd year, was predeceased by her husband Martie only three months ago. Babe was a very popular lady in the parish and loved baking and gardening.
She is survived by her daughter Mary, sons Sean, Micheal and Martin, sisters, brothers, sister-in-law, grandchildren, daughters and sons-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and many friends.

SENIOR CITIZENS
The Senior Citizens’ day has resumed in the Community Centre each Wednesday between 10a.m. and 1p.m. They enjoyed Mass, bingo, games refreshments and cards. The committee welcomes all senior citizens.

LITTER CONTROL
It has been noted that a considerable amount of litter is fouling our streets. We are all responsible when it comes to picking up our rubbish and with Tidy Towns competition fast approaching attention has to be given to the problem.

Evening Classes
St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart has the following courses on offer for the spring term: pottery, patchwork, yoga and computers. Enrolment takes place this Thursday from 8-9pm.
Classes commence next Tuesday from 7.30-9.30pm. *

There will be an afternoon tea dance held in the Community Centre on Sunday 23rd. Jan. Music will be by Danny Hunt and his Band. Admission is free and tea and refreshments will be served. A donation box will be in the hall and all monies raised will go to the Tsunami Disaster Fund.

The total amount collected for the Tsunami disaster appeal totalled €7,563.76 over two weekends. The total amount collected for the Christmas Day Swim in Gortglass Lake totalled €5,600. Well done to John O'Connell and all concerned.

* Kildysart Community Games will hold its AGM on Wednesday, January 19, at 9pm in the community hall. Organisers hope that all sporting organisations in the parish will send a representative to the meeting and are likewise looking forward to a big turnout by parents of children interested in competing in Community Games.
Kildysart took part in 10 different Community Games events last year, with the biggest success story that of Becky O’Donnell who took silver in gymnastics in the national finals in Mosney.
Ciara Cleary also represented Clare in Mosney in the cross country relay event.
The under15 boys’ indoor soccer team won out in Clare and went on to represent the county in the Munster finals. The team were Damien Hill, Brian Eyres, Keith Murphy, Dermot Clancy, Keith O’Connor, Ross Murphy and Jason O’Leary.
Kildysart received two All-Star awards with Becky O’Donnell receiving one for gymnastics and Damien Hill for indoor soccer. Kildysart also won a special award for the best turned out area in their category in the county parade held in Ennis in June.
The commitee has congratulated all those who competed in events last year and thanked all who helped in the running of the organisation. Members are looking forward to another successful year in 2005.

Open day
There will be an open day in St John Bosco Community College on Sunday, January 16, from 2 to 5p.m. This is an opportunity for present and future students and their parents to view the facilities of this new school. *

Kildysart Community Focus Wren had their second outing this St. Stephens Day. They travelled the length and breadth of the parish playing, dancing and singing. The group are raising funds for a childcare and eldercare unit for the local community.

Christmas day saw a large crowd gather at Gortglass Lake for the first Christmas Day Swim in aid of the West Clare Cancer Support Group. Swimmers representing several parishes participated, including our own Fr. Neil Dargan. The swim took place at 12 noon and the swimmers had no sooner hit the water than it started to snow heavily. Hot whiskeys, ports, coffee and tea were provided to both swimmers and onlookers after the event. Congratulations to all who participated and supported. Well done.

The Circuit Court affirmed a conviction imposed on CW Shipping, a company owned by the Whelan Group, for breaching the planning laws by infilling a Special Area of Conservation without planning permission at Cahercon Pier, Kildysart. Judge John O'Hagan gave CW Shipping 12 months to restore the site at Cahercon, to its original condition.

Sunday 24th. Today saw the celebrations to commemorate the 175th. anniversary of St. Michaels Church Kildysart. This was the culmination of many weeks of hard work by a legion of volunteers who prepared the Church, Community Hall and graveyard for the event. Bishop Willie Walsh, officiated at the ceremony which was con-celebrated by six priests. Earlier Bishop Walsh blessed and dedicated the new Parish house. A short ceremony was then held at the parish graveyard, where Bishop Walsh and Fr. Neil Dargan P.P. prayed for the dead of the parish. The Celebration Mass was then held in St. Michael's Church, during which Mark Moloney, son of Gillian and Joseph, was baptized. After mass the congregation moved to the Community Centre where refreshments were served. Local musicians and dancers then entertained the crowd All in all, a very successful day.

In the first weeks of November, Patrick MacMahon, from Kildysart, together with his friend James Faulkner from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, will start on an overland trip from Cookstown to Capetown in South Africa. This is the realization of many months of hard wok and preparation. The Landrover 110 Defender, "Elsa", can be seen around the village at the moment. Full details of this trip can be seen on the boys website, WWW.Cookstown2Capetown.com
We wish them the best of luck on their journey.

Kildysart Players kicked off their season with a night out at Lissycasey's newest restaurant, ZoeA's. This is located next door to Talty's Store, and is run by Chef, Adrian Spelman and his wife Marie. The excellent cuisine and friendly and efficient service ensured that the night was a great success. A nightcap in Fanny O'Dea's rounded off a great night, and the group are now ready to tackle the upcoming season.

The October Community Focus Draw will take place on Sat 23rd. at the Community Centre at 8:45pm.

Preparations are under way for the 175th anniversary of the opening of St. Michael's Church, Kildysart. The celebrations will take place on Sunday 24th October, and will be attended by Bishop Willy Walsh. The days events will be finished off with refreshments in the Community Centre. See Parish Newsletter for full details.

Congratulations to Brendan MacMahon, who has been elected chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council.

The following is the Program of events for the Kildysart Cultural Festival for 2004.

Tuesday, July 27th.
45 Card Drive at the Bianconi.
Wed. 28th.
Car Treasure Hunt. Leaving Cahill's at 7.30pm.
Thu. 29th.
Kiddie Disco 6-7pm music only in the Community Field.
Donkey Derby 8pm. Quay Rd. Field.
Festival Table Quiz, The Crows Nest, 9.30pm.
Fri. 30th.
Music in the Square. 8-10pm. with Michael Sexton.
Parade of cars through the Village.
Official opening of The Festival at 9.00pm. The Square.
Street Events 8 - 10pm
Sat. 31st.
Kid' s Treasure Hunt 4pm, The Square
Aldult & Kids Line Dancing
Workshop in the Community Centre.
Adults & Kids Fancy Dress Paradle 8.30 pm, Ennis Road
Music in the Square by Ivan 9 - 10pm
Sunday, August 1st.
Cultural Parade starting from Ennis Rd. at 2pm.
Music in the square with Country Fever from 3 - 6pm.
Bonny Baby contest at 3pm in the Community Centre.
Food served in the Wild West Saloon in the square from 3 - 5pm.
Street events including Bouncing Castle from 3 -6pm.
Dance at the Community Centre Sunday Night. Music by Frank Nash & The Cowboys.
Mon.2nd.
Seamus Power 5K Road Race starting at 1.00pm.
Raft Race at the Quay starting 6pm followed by BAR-B-Q.
Enjoy the Festival.

June. 2004

The Naval Vessel the L.E. Eithne has been anchored off Kildysart for a number of days, members of the Army were also deployed in the Kildysart area, and on the Islands in the Estuary off Kildysart for the visit of President Bush this weekend. A Troop Personnel Carrier, accompanied by 4 X 4 Jeeps patrolled the Kildysart and Cahercon area on Friday. Garda helicopters also patrolled the area over the weekend. A local farmer, who went to check his livestock on one of the Islands Friday Morning, had no sooner arrived on the Island, than two helicopters landed near him. He was then questioned as to his business on the Island. This has led to speculation that members of the Army Rangers were deployed undercover on the Islands to monitor traffic on the Estuary.

Congratulations to newly elected COUNCILLOR OLIVER GARRY.
Bonfires blazed in Ballynacally and Kildysart last
night as Oliver made his way home from the count centre in Ennis after a
victorious achievement in the local election winning a Fine Gael seat for
the area. Oliver got a record breaking local vote achieving 85% of the
Kildysart box and getting an overall of 1158 first preference votes. In
the Alders Bar later, Oliver thanked all that supported him and hoped to do
his best for them as their local representative. Many good wishes were
extended to Oliver who has been a very popular man involved in several
local organizations for many years.

Congratulations also to Madeline Taylor-Quinn, Christy Curtin, Bill Chambers,
Tom Prenderville, Pat Keane and P.J. Kelly who were returned for the Kilrush Electoral Area.

May. 2004

The following article has been reproduced from "The Clare Champion" and was written by reporter Gordon Deegan.

Council tackle the Whelan Group.
by Gordon Deegan
May 14, 2004

CLARE County Council is tackling the Whelan's Limestone Group on new fronts in relation to alleged unauthorised developments by the company, it emerged this week.
A number of initiatives centre on the company's flagship operation at Fountain, Ennis with two separate council departments, the planning section and the environment section engaging with the company on various issues.
In relation to unauthorised developments, the council has written to Whelan's Limestone pointing out that an unauthorised development is being carried out at Fountain, Ennis.
The council states that the unauthorised development include the carrying out of quarrying work and the destruction of a National Monument, which is understood to be an enclosure.
In its warning letter to the quarry operators, the council states that it "considers the development to be unauthorised as it does not have the benefit of planning and does not constitute exempted development".
The council has told the company "to cease the unauthorised works immediately, remove all machinery from these lands and restore the lands to a satisfactory condition". The company has been told that "in the event that the unauthorised works are continued, the council may issue an enforcement notice".
A spokesman for Clare County Council confirmed this week that Whelan's have made a submission to the local authority in respect of the warning letter issued and this is now being considered by them.
In recent weeks, in a bid to regulate the planning situation at Fountain, the Whelan Group gave notice that it intends to seek planning permission to quarry additional lands there and that an environmental impact statement would be lodged with the application.
In a separate action against the company being taken by the council's environment section, the council has instituted legal proceedings against Whelan's Limestone Quarries in respect of contravention of Section 3 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977.
Also, in respect of the company securing planning for a quarry at Ballynacragga at Newmarket-on-Fergus, the council has issued a warning letter.
The company secured planning permission for the quarry a number of years ago but it is not operating.
In a warning letter, the council state that it has come to its attention that the development is not being carried out in accordance with conditions of the planning permission and this constitutes unauthorised development.
The council states, "I refer to your letter of March 5, 2003 and May 30, 2003 wherein you stated that a new planning application would be lodged in respect of the site. No such application has been lodged with the council.
"Please be advised that the council reserves the option to call in the bond. The council requires that the condition of planning be complied with in full without further delay."
The council states in the event that the unauthorised development is continued, i.e. that the conditions of the planning permission are not complied with, the planning authority may issue an enforcement notice.
Meanwhile, another Whelan-controlled company, C.W. Shipping is due at Kildysart District Court next month in connection with the company allegedly failing to comply with an enforcement notice served on it by the council.
In the notice issued to the company, the council alleges that the company have carried out landfilling in an area adjacent to Innismurray Pier, Cahercon, Kildysart in the lower Shannon candidate Special Area of Conservation leading to the destruction of annexed habitats, namely estuary, salt marsh and mud flat.

The following articles have been reproduced from "The Clare Champion" and were written by reporter Dan Danaher.

Whelan addresses council on pier controversy
Cahercon Pier near Kildysart has been the cause of much controversy for the past three years, over alleged breaches of a lease with Clare County Council. The man at the centre of the storm, Whelan Group managing director Paddy Whelan, addressed the Kilrush Electoral Area meeting for the first time, causing consternation with several of his remarks. Dan Danaher reports.

WHELAN Group managing director, Paddy Whelan, has denied claims that the lease of a Clare County Council-owned pier near Kildysart was breached.
He defended C W Shipping Limited's maintenance of Cahercon Pier in a wide ranging address to councillors at a Kilrush Electoral Area meeting.
This was the first time Mr Whelan had addressed West Clare councillors in recent times.
He was denied the opportunity of speaking in March after councillors decided his request didn't comply with standing orders because it wasn't included in advance on the agenda.
Council solicitor, Mr John Shaw, advised Mr Whelan beforehand not to say anything which might prejudice legal proceedings taken by the council against the company.
Mr Whelan said that no legal action had been taken against C W Shipping over its lease of Cahercon Pier, and vowed to defend any other proceedings issued against the company.
He recalled that before the council agreed to lease the pier in June 1967, it was estimated that about ¤10,160 would have to be spent modifying this structure.
Having agreed to use it for ferry services, he modified the pier to facilitate ferry crossing across the Shannon Estuary.
According to Mr Whelan, the council stated that the pier had fallen into a state of dilapidation, while the store and waiting room had fallen into disuse before he took it over. He had repaired the pier at the request of the council and also built a wall with their agreement.
"I maintained the pier at my own cost and it is the best maintained pier in the property of Clare County Council," he said. "I am now forced to name the people responsible for the removal of stones it."
Councillor Curtin asked Mr Whelan not to name individuals who had allegedly taken stones from the pier.
Stressing he had never removed stones, Mr Whelan claimed that it was alright for others to accuse him of this in the past. Councillor Curtin replied that he wasn't aware of this accusation.
Stating the second names of two individuals, Mr Whelan claimed the stones were loaded onto a JCB and transported from the pier area by two local men. Councillor Curtin asked Mr Shaw to take note of this allegation.
Quoting from a report issued in July 2002, Mr Whelan stated that the council's conservation officer, Risteard Ua Crónín, had received an anonymous phone call about work being carried out by a JCB and kango hammer at the pier.
Mr Cróinín had stated that the pier was a protected structure and had information that the work would undermine the structure of the pier. Stressing that the terms of the lease hadn't been breached, Mr Whelan refuted the suggestion that any inappropriate work had been carried out on this facility.
Commenting on another report on February 21, 2003, Mr Whelan said that Mr Ua Cróinín, an archaeologist, had become a marine engineer when he stated the Matrisha container ship was holed in numerous places below the waterline with water leaking from the hull.
He pointed out the council had to follow certain procedures before any facility became a protected structure.
This included consultation with the Minister for Arts and the owner of the property who was entitled to make a submission to the authority.
Mr Whelan stated that the pier wasn't recorded as a listed structure in the lease, and he had applied to have it removed from this designation. Asked about these claims, Mr Ua Cróinín declined to comment on the content of internal reports.

Private discussions on legal advice
WEST Clare County Councillors agreed to discuss the lease of Cahercon Pier in private following legal advice at Monday's meeting.
Council solicitor, Mr John Shaw told councillors that he could only provide detailed information about a number of complaints relating to the pier in committee.
Mr Shaw said that there was no change concerning the alleged damage to the visual amenity, the removal of stone, obstruction of right-of-way, and tolls and charges for the use of the pier since the issuing of his last legal advice in June 2003. The only exception was the alleged infilling in the vicinity of the pier, which was due to be heard in Kildysart District Court on June 1.
The solicitor advised members it would not be appropriate to discuss this matter as it might affect the rights of a defendant for a fair trial. He added that any additional information would have to be provided in private and noted that qualified privilege could only be waived by the council as a body.
Councillor Tom Prendeville requested a full and frank discussion to obtain more information on these issues in committee if that was deemed necessary.
Councillor Pat Keane proposed the matter be adjourned to hear deputations from other groups, as had been done at previous meetings.
However, Councillor Curtin said it would be wrong to adjourn the consideration of an item midway through the discussion and ruled that they would discuss the issues relating to the pier at the end of the meeting.
Later in the meeting, the Miltown Malbay councillor expressed concern that the council had "failed dismally" to resolve a number of issues relating to the pier. He was supported by Deputy Pat Breen who hoped that progress would be made resolving this matter over the coming months.
"Cahercon Pier is nothing short of a graveyard for ships," he claimed.

'Character assassination' of Euro candidate
CLARE County Council solicitor, John Shaw has been asked to issue legal advice following a "character assassination" of Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn by one of the developers of the €6.5 million explosives factory near Kildysart.
The call was made by Deputy Pat Breen after Whelan Group managing director, Paddy Whelan accused Councillor Taylor-Quinn, a candidate in next month's European elections, of hindering job creation in the county at Monday's stormy Kilrush Electoral Area meeting.
He was supported by Councillor Bill Chambers, who stated he had never witnessed such an "disgraceful" incident in his 19 years on the local authority. However, Councillor Tom Prendeville and P J Kelly distanced themselves from this motion.
Highlighting the regular discussions about Cahercon Pier at previous meetings, CW Shipping director Paddy Whelan insisted it was "totally wrong" to slate his company.
Complimenting the chairman, Councillor Curtin, for proposing the introduction of byelaws and tolls at Cahercon Pier, Mr Whelan said that a problem arose any time he tried to get business for the Clare side of the Shannon Estuary.
"The council has got no business for the Clare side," he said.
"Two councillors seem to have a problem with the removal of stone from the pier. 40 lorries were employed removing 180,000 tonnes of stone."
Jumping to this feet, Councillor Curtin claimed that the criticism of the councillors was "unjustified".
Mr Whelan caused consternation when he claimed that Councillor Taylor-Quinn "had an interest in the stone business".
Councillor Curtin immediately requested Mr Whelan to withdraw this allegation. However, a defiant Mr Whelan claimed Councillor Curtin had objected to his activities in the past, was quick to make an allegation about him and wasn't very fast in allowing him to address the meeting.
Mr Whelan withdrew the claim about Councillor Taylor-Quinn having an interest in the stone business before claiming she had a major problem with the generation of jobs in Clare.
This prompted an angry response from Councillor Taylor-Quinn, who demanded an immediate withdrawal of this allegation as she always promoted the creation of employment in the county.
However, despite repeated requests from Councillor Curtin, Mr Whelan declined to withdraw this claim, citing Clare Champion reports of Kilrush Electoral Area meetings.
Mr Whelan said he had great respect for the Taylor family having worked for some time for Madeleine's father.
Following a request from Councillor Curtin, Mr Shaw advised Mr Whelan he wasn't entitled to qualified privilege enjoyed by councillors at local authority meetings as he was speaking on behalf of his own company.
Noting that one of the allegations had not been withdrawn, Mr Shaw advised Mr Whelan that if he defamed anyone at the meeting, he would have to answer for this in another forum.
Deputy Breen said Councillor Taylor-Quinn was very proactive in promoting job creation over the last 20 years.
However, Mr Whelan countered that, if she was so active with job creation, she had done a good job of stopping it.
In spite of another request to withdraw this claim, Mr Whelan stated it had taken three years for him to address a meeting and noted he had been castigated before he walked out to applause from the public gallery.
Councillor Taylor-Quinn said that she had never seen such a scandalous personal attack against a councillor who had raised matters in the public interest.
"One has to wonder why I was singled out as Deputy Breen, Councillor Chambers and Curtin have also raised this issue," she said. "There is also an onus on Councillor Prendeville to condemn what has happened as he facilitated the deputation."
She added that she overheard Councillor Keane saying to Councillor PJ Kelly, "Fair dues to him".
This was denied by Councillor Keane who claimed he was speaking about a completely different issue.
Expressing disappointment with Mr Whelan's contribution, Deputy Breen said it was wrong to name individuals concerning the removal of stone.

Stating that Mr Whelan had abused the privilege of a democratic forum, Councillor Curtin said he also had been named.

'A spiteful and personalised attack against me'
NORTH West European Election candidate, Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn has criticised Fianna Fail councillors who failed to distance themselves from a "personalised attack" on her at a local authority meeting.
In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, Councillor Taylor-Quinn said she was deeply annoyed and upset about comments passed by West Clare businessman, Paddy Whelan at a Kilrush Electoral Area meeting.
Acknowledging that Fianna Fáil County Councillor, Tom Prendeville had every right to table a motion allowing Mr Whelan to speak, she questioned his motives for doing so.
"I believe he and others in his party, who were present during the meeting, have questions to answer regarding their apparent condoning of Mr Whelan's disgraceful diatribe," she said. "I was compelled to have placed on the official record one most outrageous utterances made by a Fianna Fáil councillor."
Councillor Taylor-Quinn thanked the chairman, Councillor Christy Curtin, who made numerous requests to Mr Whelan to withdraw his comments, and Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen and Fianna Fail Councillor Bill Chambers for distancing themselves publicly from the "distasteful episode".
She claimed Mr. Whelan used the occasion to levy a "spiteful and personalised attack against me on my integrity as a public representative of good standing".
Councillor Prendeville said he wouldn't apologise for tabling this motion and insisted he couldn't be held responsible for what happened at the meeting.
The Kilrush councillor and Councillor PJ Kelly distanced themselves from another motion requesting the council to seek legal advice concerning the remarks made about Councillor Taylor-Quinn.
Councillor Pat Keane, who noted any councillor had a right to take legal advice, said he spoke against the request for the attendance of council solicitor, John Shaw at the previous meeting

County Council to strike back at Whelan attack
Pressure is growing on Clare County Council to seek legal advice over an unprecedented attack on North West European Election candidate Madeleine Taylor-Quinn by one of the region's biggest contractors, Paddy Whelan.
County manager, Alec Fleming has been asked to provide the minutes of last Monday's stormy Kilrush electoral area meeting to council solicitor, John Shaw, who witnessed the extraordinary scenes in the Vandeleur Centre on Monday last.
Electoral Area chairman, Councillor Christy Curtin, told Mr Fleming at a full council meeting later that day that the minutes should be sent to Mr Shaw within 48 hours.
Councillor Taylor-Quinn insisted last Tuesday she would not put the "interests of bullyboys ahead of the lives of ordinary people" and wouldn't be silenced by anyone.
"I am deeply annoyed and upset at remarks made about me by Mr Whelan. Many people will conclude this attack was an attempt to damage my European election campaign. If so, it will fail.
"Every day, more and more people in Clare and throughout the North West constituency are telling me they know I'm on their side," she said.
Tempers flared during heated exchanges at the electoral area meeting as Mr Whelan clashed with Councillor Taylor-Quinn and Councillor Curtin. He claimed that the two councillors seemed to have a problem with the removal of stone.
Jumping to his feet, Councillor Curtin claimed that this was "unjustified".
The prominent West Clare businessman caused consternation when he alleged Councillor Taylor-Quinn "had an interest in the stone business."
Councillor Curtin immediately asked Mr Whelan to withdraw this allegation but after he withdrew that claim, he then alleged she had a major problem with employment creation in the county.
This prompted an angry response from Councillor Taylor-Quinn, who demanded an immediate withdrawal of this allegation as she always promoted job creation locally.
Despite repeated requests from Councillor Curtin, Mr Whelan declined to withdraw this claim citing Clare Champion reports of Kilrush Electoral Area meetings.
Stating it had taken three years to obtain permission to address the councillors, he said that he had been castigated in the past before he walked out of the chamber.
Councillor Taylor-Quinn said that she had never seen such a scandalous personal attack against a councillor who had raised matters in the public interest.

Oliver Garry launches his campaign.

At his campaign launch in the Alders bar Kildysart recently, Oliver Garry, Fine Gael election candidate for the Kilrush area, outlined his priorities
if he is elected on June 11th.to Clare Co Council. The retention of the accident and emergency services at Ennis General Hospital is vital to the people of
West Clare to encourage them to settle there and raise their families. He also spoke of the important role Shannon Airport and the Industrial Estate has played
in the lives and the economy of the many people who have made their living from working there since the 1950s, whether it being the building of the runways or
working in a high tech job in the industrial estate.
He also said that he felt that the tourism potential of the area had not yet been tapped. He outlined the fine waterways, lakes and piers in the area
that had great tourist potential, and spoke of the beauty of Labasheeda. He stressed the importance of good road infrastructure, and proper sewerage
facilities for all areas of West Clare.

"I am totally supportive of all voluntary community groups who are working hard to set up Elderly Care and Childcare Facilities in their areas, and I
will do my best to help them secure funding" he said. He also spoke of the importance of facilities for the youth. He appealed to all present to
support him on June 11th.
Deputy Pat Breen who launched the campaign said that Oliver was always earmarked for Politics and that he hoped that he would secure a seat in the
local elections and keep the Fine Gael flag flying in Kildysart for many years.
Also in attendance were fellow council candidates Tony Mulqueen and Tim Donnellan, George Quinn representing his wife Councillor Madeline Taylor
Quinn, and Dick Pilkington Chairman West Clare Fine Gael. Oliver is no stranger to politics, his Grand uncle the late Patrick Garry,
Shanahea was the first Co. Councillor to be elected for the Kildysart area and served for 22 years until he retired in 1920. His brother Dr Tom Garry a
Doctor in Ontario, Canada has been involved in Politics for the past twenty five years. Oliver was a personal friend of the late Councillor Jackie Keane
and attended many Fine Gael meetings with him. He is married to Bridget nee O Gorman a native of Mullagh and they have a family of six ranging in ages
from 21to 31 years. He is involved in the family civil engineering and plant hire business, and is also a farmer.

Mar. 2004.

This year Kildysart Players produced "Kevin's Bed", a play by Dublin Playwright Bernard Farrell. "Kevin's Bed" is a play of nostalgia, expectations and broken dreams. The setting is the celebration of the Silver and Golden wedding anniversaries of Dan and Doris and the story jumps in time from one to the other. The play was staged in Kildysart on the 28th. and 29th. of Feb. on Friday 5th. of March. It then travelled to Doonbeg on 8th. of March, where it played to a full house. It is being staged again on Friday 26th. and Sunday 28th.March. These are benefit nights to raise funds for The Community Centre and Croí, the western branch of the Irish Heart Foundation.

Local businessman, Oliver Garry, has been selected to stand in the upcoming Local Elections for Fine Gael. He will be joined by outgoing member, Madeline Taylor-Quinn and Tim Donnellan. Pat Breen, T.D. will be stepping down from the Council this year due to the dual mandate rule, which precludes sitting T.Ds from holding a seat in the Council. We wish them the best of luck for the future.

Five teachers from Germany, Norway, Finland and Italy visited Kildysart Community College as part of the ongoing Comenius Project. They met with Jane Casey, co-ordinator of the Project here, to finalize plans for the upcoming trip to Dokka, in Norway, next May.

The Governor of Mountjoy Prison, Mr. John Lonergan, was guest speaker at Kildysart Community College recently. The evening was very well attended, and Mr. Lonergon covered a wide variety of issues during his talk, including the dramatic changes in Irish society and life today.