County Express

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=3 height=90 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Verdana" ><B> West Clare - One of Ireland's Best Kept Secrets promoted by Kilrush Chamber of Commerce</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" West Clare One of Irelands Best Kept S"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> back to  <A HREF="localnews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Local News"><B>Local News</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="121d4c00dkelyh.png"> <div> <B>County Express</B></div> <div> <A HREF="clarechampion.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Clare Champion">The Clare Champion</A></div> <div> <A HREF="clarefm.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Clare FM">Clare FM</A></div> <div> <A HREF="weather.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Weather">Weather</A></div> <div> <A HREF="shannon_dolphin_journal.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Shannon Dolphin Journal">The Shannon Dolphin Journal</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_ghosts_of_kilrush.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Ghosts of Kilrush">"The Ghosts of Kilrush"</A></div> <div> <A HREF="ghosts_of_kilrush_website.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Ghosts of Kilrush Website">The Ghosts of Kilrush Website</A></div> <div> <A HREF="musical_horses.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Musical Horses">Musical Horses</A></div> <div> <A HREF="hanly_report.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hanly Report">Hanly Report</A></div> <div> <A HREF="hanly_report_presentation.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hanly Report Presentation">Hanly Report Presentation</A></div> <div> <A HREF="hanly_report_messages.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Key Messages of Hanly Report">Key Messages of Hanly Report</A></div> <div> <A HREF="vatican_bulletins.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vatican Bulletins">Vatican Bulletins</A></div> <div> <A HREF="john_paul_ii.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="John Paul II">John Paul II</A></div> <bR> <div> Our kind thanks to the Mr. Seamus O'Reilly, Editor, <B>The County Express</B> for giving permission to reproduce the Kilrush Notes.</div> <div> Please forward local news for inclusion in <B>The County Express</B> to Paul Edson, The Family Store, Moore Street, Kilrush.</div> <div> Tel: 065-905 1703</div> <div> E-mail:</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto: pedson@iol.ie" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: pedson@iol.ie">pedson@iol.ie</A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="be000252egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B>The County Express</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#january_2003_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>JANUARY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#february_2003_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>FEBRUARY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush___april_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>MARCH 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush___april_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>APRIL 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_notes___may__03" TITLE="County Express"><B>MAY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_notes__june_2003" TITLE="County Express"><B>JUNE 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#july_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>JULY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#august_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>AUGUST 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#september_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>SEPTEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#october_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>OCTOBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#november_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>NOVEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#december_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>DECEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#january_2003_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>JANUARY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_bye_laws_explained" TITLE="County Express">NEW PARKING BYE-LAWS ADOPTED</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_bye_laws_explained" TITLE="County Express">NEW BYE-LAWS EXPLAINED</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_chamber_president" TITLE="County Express">NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#decentralisation_decision_due" TITLE="County Express">DECENTRALISATION DECISION DUE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#moneypoint_optimism" TITLE="County Express">MONEYPOINT OPTIMISM</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#christmas_day_swim" TITLE="County Express">CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#february_2003_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>FEBRUARY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#pushing_the_bike_out" TITLE="County Express">PUSHING THE BIKE OUT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_gears_up" TITLE="County Express">EIGSE GEARS UP</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#st__patrick_s_day_celebrations" TITLE="County Express">ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_chamber_agm" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH CHAMBER AGM</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#rnli_presentation" TITLE="County Express">RNLI PRESENTATION</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#news_briefs" TITLE="County Express"><B>JANUARY/FEBRUARY KILRUSH NEWS BRIEFS</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#casual_trading_bye_laws" TITLE="County Express">CASUAL TRADING BYE-LAWS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#christmas_swim" TITLE="County Express">CHRISTMAS SWIM</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#marina_improvements" TITLE="County Express">MARINA IMPROVEMENTS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dolphin_fountain" TITLE="County Express">DOLPHIN FOUNTAIN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#whale_rescue_course_1" TITLE="County Express">WHALE RESCUE COURSE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#town_hall_improvements" TITLE="County Express">TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENTS</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_notes____march_2003____" TITLE="County Express"><B>MARCH 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#west_clare_employment_study" TITLE="County Express">WEST CLARE EMPLOYMENT STUDY</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_mrs__crotty" TITLE="County Express">EIGSE MRS CROTTY</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#broadband_support" TITLE="County Express">BROADBAND SUPPORT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#church_of_ireland" TITLE="County Express">CHURCH OF IRELAND</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#anti_litter_project" TITLE="County Express">ANTI-LITTER PROJECT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#st__patrick_s_day_parade_success" TITLE="County Express">ST. PATRICK's DAY PARADE SUCCESS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_olympics" TITLE="County Express">SPECIAL OLYMPICS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#glynn_s_mill_proposals" TITLE="County Express">GLYNN'S MILLS PROPOSALS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#parking_bye_laws" TITLE="County Express">PARKING BYE-LAWS</A></div> <bR> <div> <B>MARCH KILRUSH NEWS BRIEFS</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#festival_race_night" TITLE="County Express">FESTIVAL RACE NIGHT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#credit_union_agm___official_opening" TITLE="County Express">CREDIT UNION AGM & OFFICIAL OPENING</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#cycling_club_" TITLE="County Express">CLYCLING CLUB</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#anti_war_motion" TITLE="County Express">ANTI-WAR MOTION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_f_r_c__s_new_home" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE'S NEW HOME</A></div> <bR> <div> <B>APRIL 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#national_recognition_for_vincent_gleeson" TITLE="County Express">NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VINCENT GLEESON</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_olympics_kilrush__special" TITLE="County Express">SPECIAL OLYMPICS -Kilrush' Special Olympian</A><A HREF="#special_olympics_kilrush__special" TITLE="County Express"> </A></div> <div> <A HREF="#georgia_on_our_minds" TITLE="County Express">GEORGIA ON OUR MINDS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_creek_lodge_expands_" TITLE="County Express">THE CREEK LODGE EXPANDS</A><A HREF="#the_creek_lodge_expands_" TITLE="County Express"> </A></div> <div> <A HREF="#westclare_com" TITLE="County Express">WESTCLARE. COM</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#casual_trading" TITLE="County Express">CASUAL TRADING</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#i_s_p_c_c__collection" TITLE="County Express">I.S.P.C.C. COLLECTION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dolphin_watching_season_opens" TITLE="County Express">DOLPHIN-WATCHING SEASON OPENS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#cappa_pilot_boat_grounded_on_hog" TITLE="County Express">CAPPA PILOT BOAT GROUNDED ON HOG ISLAND</A><A HREF="#cappa_pilot_boat_grounded_on_hog" TITLE="County Express">. </A></div> <div> <A HREF="#friends_of_st_senan_s_members_draw" TITLE="County Express">FRIENDS OF ST.SENAN'S MEMBERS DRAW</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#help_with_graveyard_maintenance" TITLE="County Express">HELP WITH GRAVEYARD MAINTENANCE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#credit_union_agm" TITLE="County Express">CREDIT UNION AGM</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_notes___may__03" TITLE="County Express"><B>MAY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#double_loss" TITLE="County Express">DOUBLE LOSS: TOM CAREY, TOWN MANAGER</A> and</div> <div> <A HREF="#leonard_cleary_leaves_kilrush_town" TITLE="County Express">LEONARD CLEARY LEAVES KILRUSH TOWN COUNCIL</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#shannon_dolphin_festival_s_demise" TITLE="County Express">SHANNON DOLPHIN FESTIVAL'S DEMISE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_olympics_countdown" TITLE="County Express">SPECIAL OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#paul_moody_presentation" TITLE="County Express">PAUL MOODY PRESENTATION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#vandeleur_walled_garden" TITLE="County Express">VANDELEUR WALLED GARDEN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#may_news_briefs" TITLE="County Express"><B>MAY NEWS BRIEFS</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#st__patrick_s_day_parade_accolade" TITLE="County Express">ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE ACCOLADE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#moneypoint_objection" TITLE="County Express">MONEYPOINT OBJECTION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sdwf_website" TITLE="County Express">SDWF WEBSITE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns_preparations" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS PREPARATIONS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_programme_complete" TITLE="County Express">EIGSE PROGRAMME COMPLETE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_roundabout" TITLE="County Express">NEW ROUNDABOUT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#island_view_opening" TITLE="County Express">ISLAND VIEW OPENING</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_notes__june_2003" TITLE="County Express"><B>JUNE 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#development_of_a_dolphin_educational" TITLE="County Express">DEVELOPMENT OF A DOLPHIN EDUCATIONAL CENTRE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#green_flag_boost" TITLE="County Express">GREEN FLAG BOOST</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#outstanding_sporting_achievement" TITLE="County Express">OUTSTANDING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#chamber_of_commerce__groceries_order" TITLE="County Express">CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - GROCERIES ORDER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#monmore_windfarm_" TITLE="County Express">MONMORE WINDFARM </A></div> <div> <A HREF="#news_briefs___june_2003" TITLE="County Express">NEWS BRIEFS -June 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#celebrity_visitor" TITLE="County Express">CELEBRITY VISITOR</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#scattery_island_centre" TITLE="County Express">SCATTERY ISLAND CENTRE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#playground_project" TITLE="County Express">PLAYGROUND PROJECT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#roads_programme_2003" TITLE="County Express">ROADS PROGRAMME 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#town_councillor_s_final_year" TITLE="County Express">TOWN COUNCILLOR'S FINAL YEAR</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#july_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>JULY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#presidential_visit" TITLE="County Express">PRESIDENTIAL VISIT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_set_to_brighten_up_the_summer" TITLE="County Express">EIGSE SET TO BRIGHTEN UP THE SUMMER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_date_for_crotty_cup" TITLE="County Express">NEW DATE FOR CROTTY CUP</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_mayor_elected" TITLE="County Express">NEW MAYOR ELECTED</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_regatta" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH REGATTA</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#comoradh_senan_noafa_2003" TITLE="County Express">COMORADH SENAN NOAFA 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#family_fun_day" TITLE="County Express">FAMILY FUN DAY</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#august_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>AUGUST 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#crotty_cup_sparkles" TITLE="County Express">CROTTY CUP SPARKLES</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_s_angela_s_ashes__1" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH'S ANGELA'S ASHES?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_lifeboat_s_busy_day" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH LIFEBOAT'S BUSY DAY</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#september_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>SEPTEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#environment_pride" TITLE="County Express">ENVIRONMENT PRIDE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#ibal_challenge" TITLE="County Express">IBAL CHALLENGE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#pride_of_place_awards_2003" TITLE="County Express">PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dolphin_capital_initiative" TITLE="County Express">DOLPHIN CAPITAL INITIATIVE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#farmers_market_1" TITLE="County Express">FARMERS MARKET</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#haven_services_relocation" TITLE="County Express">HAVEN SERVICES RELOCATION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_arts_group" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH ARTS GROUP</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#october_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>OCTOBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_dolphin_gateway_project" TITLE="County Express">KILRUSH DOLPHIN GATEWAY PROJECT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#public_relations_and_media__pram__group" TITLE="County Express">PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA (PRaM) GROUP</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_garda_superintendent" TITLE="County Express">NEW GARDA SUPERINTENDENT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#children_s_book_festival" TITLE="County Express">CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#shopping_promotion_week" TITLE="County Express">SHOPPING PROMOTION WEEK</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns_report" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS REPORT</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#november_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>NOVEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#_soundwaves__" TITLE="County Express">`SOUNDWAVES'</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#traffic_management_review" TITLE="County Express">TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REVIEW</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#footpath_improvement" TITLE="County Express">FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#post_office_accessibility" TITLE="County Express">POST OFFICE ACCESSIBILITY</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns__busy_month" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS BUSY MONTH</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#rnli_fundraisers" TITLE="County Express">RNLI FUNDRAISER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#traffic_signage" TITLE="County Express">TRAFFIC SIGNAGE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dolphin_gateway_project" TITLE="County Express">DOLHIN GATEWAY PROJECT</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#december_2003_kilrush_notes" TITLE="County Express"><B>DECEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#éigse_back_on_track" TITLE="County Express">ÉIGSE BACK ON TRACK</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#pram_progress" TITLE="County Express">PRaM PROGRESS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_town_awards" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWN AWARDS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sponsorship_boost" TITLE="County Express">SPONSORSHIP BOOST</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#star_performer" TITLE="County Express">STAR PERFORMER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#rnli_news" TITLE="County Express">RNLI NEWS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#christmas_day_swim" TITLE="County Express">CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_olympics_remembered_1" TITLE="County Express">SPECIAL OLYMPICS REMEMBERED</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#computer_course" TITLE="County Express">COMPUTER COURSE</A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="january_2003_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>January 2003 Kilrush Notes</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="new_parking_bye_laws_adopted"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>NEW PARKING BYE-LAWS ADOPTED</B></div> <div>  After a four month period, that included a public submissions process, a stormy public meeting and six special Council meetings, since the original Kilrush Town Council (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2002 were suspended the January meeting of the Council unanimously adopted a newly amended version of the Bye-Laws.</div> <bR> <div> It is expected that these new Parking Bye-Laws will come into operation from Monday March 3rd. A review of the effective operation of the Bye-Laws and any possible changes that may be required is expected to take place in July of this year. An information campaign is to be undertaken by the Council to ensure that everyone is fully aware of what the Bye-Laws entail. </div> <bR> <div> Although there has been a number of major changes to the original Parking Bye-laws the main component, the introduction of Pay-and-Display for on-street parking in the town, remains central to the Bye-Laws. As well as Parking Discs being available from shops and business roadside Pay-&-Display machines are also to be located around the town. The fee remains at 50 Cent for 2 hours parking. </div> <bR> <div>  The main town car-park in the Place de Plouzane remains free of charge for unlimited time. It is also intended to demolish the old Fire Station on the Back Road and develop the site into another car park to cater for the upper Henry Street area. The designation of the lower area at Glynns Mills is also being changed from the previous Pay-&-Display to all-day free parking. However Toler Street, which was an unrestricted parking area, is to become restricted to two-hour free parking, as recommended by the Gardai. The Loading Bays in Henry Street and Moore Street are to be returned to regular parking spaces and an assessment of  whether there is a need for parking dedicated solely for delivery vehicles will take place at the July review.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="new_bye_laws_explained"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>NEW BYE-LAWS EXPLAINED</B></div> <div> PAY-&-DISPLAY TIMES - The days that the Pay-&-Display will apply has been reduced to Monday-Friday with Saturday's changing to two-hour restricted parking - free of charge. The restrictions apply from 10 am to 6 pm. </div> <bR> <div> PARKING PERMITS - The availability of Parking Permits has been substantially extended in the revised Bye-Laws. All residents, including those whose premises are also a business, who are living within the area covered by parking restrictions are allowed parking permits.    There are also parking permits available for health/ emergency workers such as doctors, community nurses, firemen and under special circumstances business owners may also apply for a permit.</div> <bR> <div>  All these permits will last for one year and will be subject to a €10 administration fee. Applications can also be made for a one-week `visitor' parking permit which will cost €10.</div> <bR> <div> 15-MINUTE GRACE PERIOD - The period of 15 minutes, between the time a car is parked in the restricted area and the time those restrictions start to apply to the vehicle remains in place. It seems that when the Parking Bye-Laws were first brought in last summer many people were unaware or confused by this 15 minute grace period, which was introduced to allow people time to make quick purchases without the need to buy a disc. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="new_chamber_president"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT</B></div> <div>  After receiving the highest number of nominations from its members the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce announced at its January meeting that Gerard Kelly was to be the new incoming President for 2003 and Denis Nolan is to be the new Vice-President, following ratification at next months AGM. Then in 2004 Denis Nolan will assume the mantle of Chamber President. Outgoing President George Brew expressed his pleasure that positions were to be so ably filled.</div> <bR> <div> The Annual General Meeting of the Chamber, which now built up to an 80 strong membership from the area, has been set for Wednesday 5th February at 8.30pm in the Haven Arms. All members, old and new and prospective members are urged to attend this meeting.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="decentralisation_decision_due"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>DECENTRALISATION DECISION DUE</B></div> <div> A delegation from Kilrush recently called to see the Tanaiste Mary Harney TD in the continued push to obtain a decentralised government office for the town. The meeting was arranged by Tom Byrne, architect and Kilrush Chamber of Commerce member. The delegation that met Mary Harney TD included the Town Clerk Imy Whelan-Breen, Shannon Development's John Quinlivan, Kilrush Development Officer Leonard Cleary, Mark Reidy from the Chamber of Commerce and Richard Maguire representing Estuary West Ltd. </div> <bR> <div> The delegates left the 30-minute meeting with the belief that the Tanaiste was fully briefed on the merits of decentralising a government office or department between the partnership three town alliance of Kilrush, Listowel and Newcastle West.</div> <bR> <div> It is believed that an announcement is expected in February on the towns selected for decentralisation, which will then be followed by the commencement of negotiations with the civil service unions to implement the proposals.   </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="moneypoint_optimism"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>MONEYPOINT OPTIMISM</B></div> <div>  Over the past couple of years there has been much concern and speculation regarding the long-term future of the ESB Electricity Generating Station at Moneypoint, with the fear that it may possibly be closed before the end of the decade. The news that the ESB is being the process of consultation and planning for the installation of Scrubbers, as part of its pollution control programme, to take place at the station in 2006. </div> <bR> <div> The cost of fitting scrubbers to each of the three turbines to clean the emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides would run to tens of millions of euros and involve a massive construction programme at the station. Not only would this provide a huge boost to the local economy it would also ensure that Moneypoint would remain in operation for at least another 20 years.</div> <bR> <div> At the January Town Council whilst Councillors welcomed news of the development concerned was expressed at the possible increase in heavy goods vehicles that would have to travel through the town and their effect on the local community. It was felt necessary that the Council should meet with Moneypoint management to seek reassurance on the possible negative impacts that this development may create and how to best address them.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="christmas_day_swim"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM</B></div> <div> The mildest Christmas Day morning in many years provided a pleasant change for swimmers taking part in the annual swim in Cappa. The good weather conditions no doubt helped to make it the best turnout yet of swimmers. It is hoped that this record turnout will also result in a bumper return in sponsorship, with the proceeds from the Christmas Day swim to be shared between two worthy causes -the <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station">RNLI </A>and Clare Haven House.</div> <bR> <div>  Photographs from the swim can be seen on the Kilrush RNLI website at <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station">http://www.kilrushlifeboat.com</A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="february_2003_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>February 2003 Kilrush Notes</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="pushing_the_bike_out"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>PUSHING THE BIKE OUT</B></div> <div> At the Kilrush-based West Clare Cycling Club's recent Annual General Meeting  the main point of discussion was ways  of attracting the young to the sport of cycling. From its heyday in the 1980's, with the high profile of cyclists Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly, numbers participating in the sport have slowly dwindled. The challenge to reinvigorate the sport has been taken up at national level by the sport's governing body CyclingIreland and it is hoped that a new initiative to develop cycling locally will take place in the spring through the schools.</div> <bR> <div> This year sees a change to the high point of the West Clare Cycling Club's sporting calendar - the annual Crotty Cup Race event, which this year is to be run on the Bank Holiday Monday 4th August. This is to tie in with the Gene Moriarty Cup Race that is held in Listowel on Sunday 3rd August.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  </div> <div>  <A NAME="eigse_gears_up"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>EIGSE GEARS UP</B></div> <div> Following the January Annual Meeting of the <A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival">Eigse Mrs. Crotty</A> Committee preparations are now underway to create the biggest and most exciting events programme yet staged for this year's Festival which runs from 13th - 17th August. The continued success and growth of the Eigse Mrs. Crotty is a reflection of the commitment, teamwork and professional approach of the Committee.</div> <bR> <div> The importance of the <A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival">Eigse Mrs. Crotty</A> as a cultural event of national significance has been recognised by the Arts Council which will again support this year's Festival despite cutbacks in its funding. The international importance of the Eigse has meant that it is also supported by Bord Failte through the auspices of Shannon Development.</div> <bR> <div> The Officers elected for the forthcoming year are:- Chairperson - Aine Clune; Secretary - Lisa Walsh; Treasurer - Paul Edson; PRO - Rebecca Brew; Sponsorship - Brid O'Mahony; Operations - Marie Nolan, Vincent O'Halloran ; Summer School - Lisa Walsh, Peig Martin, Maisie Finucane. Kieran Hanrahan, formerly of Stocktons Wing and now working for RTE, continues as Musical Director for his second year. There was much praise for last year's musical programme, particularly the Concert line-up.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>      </div> <div>  <A NAME="st__patrick_s_day_celebrations"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS</B></div> <div> For the first time in many years this years St. Patrick's Day Parade is not under the stewardship of Tom Clohessy who has stepped down after bringing the Parade to new heights. The reins have now been taken over by the Chamber of Commerce. At the February meeting of the Chamber a sub-committee was set-up comprising of three members, who are also part of the highly successful Eigse Mrs. Crotty committee, Rebecca Brew, Vincent O'Halloran and Paul Edson. </div> <bR> <div> As usual the Parade, which takes place on St. Patrick's Day itself on the Monday, will commence from Community Centre led by the FCA `D' Company with a start time of 3pm sharp. There will be trophy's and cash prizes for the best floats with the overall winner taking the coveted Perpetual Trophy. This year the theme of the Parade is being left `open' for the participants to use their imagination and a prize will be awarded on the most novel entry.</div> <bR> <div> It is hoped that with a new organising committee in place with new ideas, increased sponsorship funding and who have made a concerted effort to attract participants there will be a good response from local community organisation and businesses on the day. For further information contact either Rebecca Brew, Vincent O'Halloran and Paul Edson. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="kilrush_chamber_agm"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>KILRUSH CHAMBER AGM</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="85ec9970.jpg" border=0 width="201" height="151" ALT="Chamber AGM" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">Earlier this month the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce held its AGM in the Haven Arms. In his speech as outgoing President George Brew highlighted the many positive developments that the Chamber and the town had seen over the past year such as the Christmas Promotion, the establishment of a West Clare marketing sub-committee, the purchase of the www.westclare.com website (which comes on-line shortly) and the meeting with Mary Harney on the decentralisation to Kilrush issue. He thanked his fellow Chamber Committee and sub-committee members for their support and welcomed the incoming President and Vice-President and their skills that they would bring to the Chamber.</div> <bR> <div> The meeting ratified Gerard Kelly as the new President, the fifth since the Chamber was reactivated in 1996. Denis Nolan's selection as the incoming Vice-President was also confirmed at the meeting. The Election of Officer's saw Secretary Bill Murphy and Treasurer Rita Clune unanimously re-elected to their positions, both stating it was their final year in their respective positions. PRO Karen Malone was also re-elected to her position unopposed. Elected onto the Committee for the year ahead is former Chamber President's George Brew, Mark Reidy and Charles Glynn. Joe Whelan, Liam O'Looney and Brenda McNamara were re-elected onto the Committee together with newcomer Matt Heslin. Mary Hanley, Niamh Whelan and Paul Edson all stood down from the Committee.</div> <bR> <div> The newly elected President Gerard Kelly in his opening address emphasised the need for businesses to fully co-operate in a small town. He aimed to progress the development of the new West Clare Marketing group, work with the Clare Enterprise Board to run more courses in the town and he prioritised the completion of a constitution for the Chamber. </div> <bR> <div> For the forthcoming year the Chamber will meet the first Wednesday of the month at Kelly's Bar in Henry Street at 8.30pm. It was agreed that there should be no increase in the Membership fee's for 2003.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="rnli_presentation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>RNLI PRESENTATION</B></div> <div> Derek Potter, Divisional General Manager, RNLI Ireland Division, made a presentation of a specially inscribed plaque in recognition of ESB Moneypoint's support of the RNLI to Ken Johnson, Operations Superintendent, ESB Moneypoint Generating Station at <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station">Kilrush Lifeboat Station</A> on Wednesday 29th January 2003.  The inscription was signed by Andrew Freemantle, Chief Executive, RNLI.</div> <bR> <div> There are currently four ESB Moneypoint staff on the Kilrush Lifeboat crew, John Lamb, Brian Honan, Gordon Drummy and Noel Fulham and over the last seven years many others have been crew members of Kilrush lifeboat since Kilrush lifeboat was placed on service on 9 October 1996. This is the first presentation of its kind to a company in the Republic of Ireland for permitting staff to be released to attend lifeboat `shouts' for saving lives at sea.</div> <bR> <div> Also present, Kim Roberts, Lifeboat Operations Manager and crew members John Lamb, Martin Brew, Peter McMillan and Charles W. Glynn, Station Press Officer. Kim Roberts gave Ken Johnson a tour of the lifeboat station facilities.</div> <bR> <div> Derek Potter read the inscription which stated that 'The Royal National Lifeboat Institution wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Electricity Supply Board, Moneypoint Generating Station for permitting several of their employees to be released from their place of work in order to carry out the humanitarian task of saving life at sea, as crew members of the lifeboat, and for their continuing support over many years of the Kilrush Lifeboat Station.'</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="news_briefs"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>News Briefs - January/February 2003</B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="casual_trading_bye_laws"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>CASUAL TRADING BYE-LAWS</B></div> <div> The process of amending the town's Casual trading Byelaws began at the February meeting of Kilrush Council. All aspects of Casual Trading is being examined such as market days, stall location, effect of new Parking byelaws, Horse fair days. As part of the public consultation process submissions are being invited on the issue by any interested party which should be sent to the Town Hall. It is hoped to have a draft of the new Byelaws ready in May for adoption in the summer. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="christmas_swim"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>CHRISTMAS SWIM</B></div> <div> As a result of a very well supported Christmas swim last years two nominated charities the <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station">RNLI</A> and Clare Haven House are both to receive over 1,000 for their respective causes.   </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="marina_improvements"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>MARINA IMPROVEMENTS</B></div> <div> The recent installation of street lighting on the approach to the <A HREF="kilrush_creek_marina.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Creek Marina">Marina Centre</A> and the placement of a decorative chain fence around the water-edge has is a welcome enhancement of the Marina area whilst also providing a safer environment.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="dolphin_fountain"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>DOLPHIN FOUNTAIN</B></div> <div> When the centrepiece of the Millennium Park, the Dolphin statue by sculptor Danny Osbourne, was commissioned the plan was to have surrounded by a fountain. Finally two years later it is about to be completed. The fountain base and pump house are ready for connection by the ESB with an official switching-on ceremony to follow. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>  </div> <div>  <A NAME="whale_rescue_course_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>WHALE RESCUE COURSE</B></FONT></div> <div> In early February the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, under the auspices of its chairman Dr. Simon Berrow, Project Manager of the Shannon Dolphin Wildlife Foundation, held a live stranding course in Ballybunion. Also in attendance from Kilrush was Paul Edson and vet Nicky Harvey who will be able to use the knowledge gained to assist in any rescue of beached whales or dolphin.    </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>  <A NAME="town_hall_improvements"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENTS</B></div> <div> Work is now complete on the refurbishment of the upper floor of Kilrush Town Hall which was previously the `Kilrush in Landlord Times' Interpretative Centre. The additional office space whilst providing a better working environment the staff will also help with the provision of better service to the public. The provision of a new, larger Council Chamber will mean visitors and observers to Council meetings can be better accommodated.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_notes____march_2003____"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>MARCH 2003 </B><B>KILRUSH NOTES     </B></div> <div>     </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="west_clare_employment_study"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>WEST CLARE EMPLOYMENT STUDY</B></div> <div>  A joint collaboration between the Clare County Development Board, FAS and the Community and Enterprise section of Clare County Council has resulted in the production of the West Clare Employment Study, which was launched at the February meeting of the County Development Board in the Vandeleur Centre in Kilrush.</div> <bR> <div> The Study arises from an action in the County Development Board's “Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social and Cultural Development of Clare 2002-2012”, and was conducted on a pilot basis in the West Clare Electoral Area. The research was jointly carried out by FAS and Clare County Council, in association with the West Clare Industry and Enterprise Task Force. This involved a postal survey of 181 employers in the area as well as a series of 4 focus group with unemployed people, people outside the labour force, training providers and employees.</div> <bR> <div> The Employment Study contains many valuable insights into the training and recruitment needs of employers and also the employment prospects of people living in West Clare. The report has been presented to the West ClareIndustry and Enterprise Task Force which has formulated a series of actions in response.</div> <bR> <div> A spokesperson for the West Clare Industry and Enterprise Task Force said: ”This report is an excellent resource and will feed into the next phase of the Taskforce's activities, which will prioritise the securing of suitable investment projects for West Clare, in order to generate the necessary employment opportunities.”</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="eigse_mrs__crotty"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>EIGSE MRS. CROTTY</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="85ccb980.jpg" border=0 width="203" height="152" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">The committee of the <A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival">Éigse Mrs. Crotty </A>are moving into the final planning stages for this year's event. The committee of the Éigse have been able to achieve the very difficult feat of growing more successful each year, due to their commitment and professional approach which has established a winning formula for the Festival.</div> <bR> <div> This year the committee has increased in size and accordingly plans are advanced for the biggest-ever Éigse this summer, from 13th - 17th, August. An extra céilí in the Square has been added extending the start of the festival to the Wednesday night. As well as the hugely successful concertina school this year there will be a set dancing school. Also new for this year's Éigse will be the Concertina Club, with concerts of concertina music in several venues around the town.</div> <bR> <div> The Eigse's Musical Director, for his second year, is RTE's Kieran Hanrahan and he has again assembled a top-class line-up of traditional music performers. Negotiations are close to completion for a popular recording artist to headline the main concert.</div> <bR> <div> The committee are embarking on an international advertising campaign in the USA and for the first time a concerted effort is being made to attract visitors to the Éigse from the UK.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="broadband_support"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>BROADBAND SUPPORT</B> </div> <div> Clare County Development Board has thrown its weight behind the Kilrush Industrial Task Force's objective of seeking the development a broadband communications network to West Clare.</div> <bR> <div> The broadband network allows businesses and private individual to receive and send information at vastly quicker rates which is a huge bonus for information technology users.</div> <bR> <div> Hopes have been raised of acquiring the broadband network by the announcement from the Minister for Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O'Cuiv TD that West Clare is now designated a “CLAR” area. As part of the CLAR Programme aims to fast-track National Development Plan funds to remote areas which have suffered greatly from rural decline.</div> <bR> <div> It is proposed that a delegation from the County Development Board and representatives from West Clare will shortly be meeting with relevant Government officials to pursue the broadband issue further.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="church_of_ireland"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CHURCH OF IRELAND</B></div> <div> The threat of losing one of the town's great historical building from dereliction is now all but averted with the completion of the new roof on the historic Church of Ireland building in Grace Street. This now almost finishes the long and arduous work of restorating the outside structure of the church. This commendable achievement has been achieved on a shoestring budget by a dedicated team of FAS workers. There is still a huge job of work to be done on restoring the church interior before it will once again be a focal point for the local community activity.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="anti_litter_project"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ANTI-LITTER PROJECT</B></div> <div> Kilrush is one of only eight towns in the country to be chosen to take part in a community based Litter Management programme, run by An Taisce and the Local Authority, as part of the project a community forum is to be established comprising of the Chamber of Commerce, Tidy Towns, schools, FAS and the Town Council. The forum will then draw up an action plan of tasks to help combat litter in the town. The success of the action plan will be monitored by An Taisce.</div> <bR> <div> The last Litter Survey of the town by AnTaisce, carried out in January, was quite positive with the majority of the 23 areas of the town surveyed found to be litter-free with the remaining areas only rated as slightly-littered. The overall Cleanliness Rating was 84% and the Litter Free rating 85%. The common type of litter found was, not surprisingly dog fouling, dog owners please take note.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="st__patrick_s_day_parade_success"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE SUCCESS</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="85acf9b0.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="155" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">On a spring day sent from heaven the new organisers of the Kilrush St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, could not have started on a better note. There was a huge turnout of participants, with over forty entrants from all over West Clare which included nearly 300 children, and spectators who were entertained before the Parade with traditional music from Billy McNamara, Ann Hayes and Jack Talty.</div> <bR> <div> The organising sub-committee of Paul Edson, Vincent O'Halloran, Rebecca Brew with the assistance of Mark Reidy and George Brew and three `secret' judges were delighted with how well the Parade went and hope to extend the activities further next year.</div> <bR> <div> There were five categories in the Parade with a third, second and third prize for each. The winner in the Commerce section, sponsored by ESB Moneypoint, was Ryan's Butchers with their “You're a Star” float. In the Children's category, sponsored by the Credit Union, was won by the Gaelscoil Ui Choimin who as well as entering a float depicting the Caithaigh monster also entertained the crowd with set dancing and a short traditional music performance. The winner in the Entertainment section, sponsored by the AIB, was the highly original Killimer `ER' version of a casualty department. The Bank of Ireland sponsored the Culture/ Heritage category which was won by the extensive Corbally Cosheen “Village Fado Fado” float. The Community section, sponsored by Saint Gobain Performance Plastics (formerly known as Chemfab), was appropriately won by the Kilrush Community School's float from their school play production “Our Day Out”. A new award for this year was given to the Parade's Outstanding Character and was won by Father Pascal Hanrahan as St. Patrick no less!</div> <bR> <div>  With the very high standard of entrants in this year's Parade the judges took what seemed an eternity to reach their decision but it was worth the wait for the Gaelscoil Ui Choimin when they were announced as overall Parade Winners 2003 amid scenes of great jubilations from the pupils and teachers who taken part.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="special_olympics"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SPECIAL OLYMPICS</B></div> <div>  <IMG SRC="858759e0.png" border=0 width="117" height="158" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="3">With the Special Olympics fast approaching preparations to receive the delegation from Georgia in June are well advanced. However, covering the estimated €13,000 for hosting the visit is now a priority. A number of fundraising events are planned including a Church gate Collection for March 29th/30th at which people are being asked to give generously for this worthy event. Local businesses are also being asked to make a contribution to the Special Olympic Account in the Kilrush branch of the Bank of Ireland.</div> <bR> <div> The Kilrush Special Olympics Organising Committee, along with local man Paul Moody who has been chosen for the Irish team in the Games, marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. In recognition of his selection for Ireland, Paul presented the Perpetual Trophy to the winners of the Parade.</div> <bR> <div> The Town Council and Tidy Towns are to erect a commemorative raised flower bed on the Ennis Road that will spell out `Welcome Georgia 2003' in blooms.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="glynn_s_mill_proposals"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>GLYNN'S MILL PROPOSALS</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="857c3920.jpg" border=0 width="195" height="146" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">The March meeting of the Town Council was addressed by Developer Kevin Walker who outlined a proposal for the redevelopment of the lower Glynn's Mills site into offices, apartments and a hotel. A vital component that is necessary for this development to come to fruition is the incorporation of new civic offices and one-stop shop for council services in the building as an anchor tenant. </div> <bR> <div> Two major concerns of the Councillor's was whether the Council could afford to relocate and also what would become of Town Hall. Mr. Walker addressed this issue by offering to buy the Town Hall and then “give it back” to the people of the town.</div> <bR> <div> It was agreed at the meeting to further examine the feasibility of the proposal, particularly the financial aspect of it. A degree of urgency is required in these negotiations to ensure that the redevelopment qualifies for the Town Renewal Scheme, which makes the project viable. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="parking_bye_laws"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PARKING BYE-LAWS</B></div> <div> The implementation of the new Parking Place Byelaw (2003) went of extremely smoothly. There appears to be a general consensus that the Council's amendment's, brought about through intense public consultation, had resulted in an acceptable compromise to the traffic and parking problems experienced by the town.</div> <bR> <div> A major review of the bye-law will take place before the Council's summer recess. In the meantime the Council's Review, Implementation and Monitoring (RIM's) Committee have been meeting on a regular basis.</div> <bR> <div> The most contentious issue that the RIM's Committee have had to deal with has been the issuing of Business Permits. This Permit, which was not in the original Bye-Law, was included to ensure that if a business could show that there was an essential need for a permit to carry out their trade that their business did not to suffer as a result of the Bye-law. If this criteria was not strictly adhered to the whole purpose of the Bye-Law, to free-up on-street parking spaces and the flow of traffic, would be defeated.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B>NEWS BRIEFS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="festival_race_night"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>FESTIVAL RACE NIGHT</B></div> <div> O'Looney's Bar, John Street will host a Race Night on Saturday to raise funds for Shannon Dolphin Festival. A good crowd is expected as it the first Race Night to be held in town for a long period.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="credit_union_agm___official_opening"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CREDIT UNION AGM & OFFICIAL OPENING</B></div> <div>  The much-delayed 2002 Annual General Meeting of the Kilrush Credit Union is to be held on Monday 31st March. This is to be followed a few days later by the official opening of their new headquarters Credit Union House in the Square by Tanaiste Mary Harney TD on April 3rd.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="cycling_club_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CYCLING CLUB </B></div> <div> Now that the finer weather and longer evenings are drawing upon us now is the time to get the bikes and start pedaling to fitness. The West Clare Cycling Club are inviting cyclists of all ages and levels of fitness to come and join them on their club cycles. They meet every Sunday in the Square at the new time of 10.30am and will soon be also cycling every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="anti_war_motion"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ANTI-WAR MOTION</B></div> <div> The Kilrush Town Council adopted a Motion, proposed by Cllr. Paul Edson and seconded by Cllr. George Harratt, in support of a Carrick On Suir Town Council's Motion which called on the Irish government to maintain a policy of neutrality, oppose the war on the Iraqi people and support dialogue as the means to a solution to the conflict.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_f_r_c__s_new_home"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>KILRUSH F.R.C.'s NEW HOME</B></div> <div> The Kilrush Community Centre has become a hive of activity following the relocation there of the Kilrush Family Resource Centre from its previous home in Glebe House. The Resource Centre has occupied much of the space that was previously used by the Mid-Western Health Board before their move to the new clinic on the Kilkee Road.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush___april_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>APRIL 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="national_recognition_for_vincent_gleeson"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VINCENT GLEESON</B></div> <div> With the new cycling season now well underway top Clare cyclist Vincent Gleeson from Kilrush has got of to a flying start, winning the first race of the season, the 120 kilometre Cycleways Cup in Navan. The following week he finished in a very creditable third place in the `Michael Cahill Memorial Race' in Banteer. Following a sixth place in the Carrick Challenge Cup it was back to winning ways in the Bohermeen Grand Prix beating Irish International and professional cyclist David O'Loughlin and Timmy Barry, also an Irish International in the process. Then in April he won the Crowley Cup race in Killarney for his third victory of the season to put him on top spot on the Irish ranking.</div> <bR> <div>    In recognition of his excellent form Vincent has been selected to ride for Ireland. His first appearance in the Ireland jersey will be as one of the four cyclists in the Irish team which will compete in the four-day Credit Union Ras Mumham Race this Easter weekend, 18th- 21st April. </div> <bR> <div>    Although based in Limerick Vincent has maintained his loyalty to hometown club by continuing to ride for the West Clare Cycling Club in preference to the Limerick Cycling Club.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="special_olympics_kilrush__special"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SPECIAL OLYMPICS Kilrush' Special Olympian</B> </div> <div> <IMG SRC="855678a0.jpg" border=0 width="103" height="138" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">To be selected to represent one's country in the Olympics is the ultimate recognition for any athlete. Kilrush is honoured to have one such person in their midst. Paul Moody, son of Oliver and Rita Moody from Vandeleur Street has been selected to represent Ireland in this summer's Special Olympics in the national 5 - a - side soccer team.</div> <bR> <div>    Paul, who works in the Garden Centre at The Brothers of Charity Training Centre in Ennis, has had a keen interest in sports since his childhood, particularly soccer and basketball.  Paul was a member of the Brothers of Charity football team that won gold in the National games in Dublin in June 2002 and is one of four Claremen who have been selected for Ireland in the 5-a-side soccer. </div> <bR> <div> In recognition of his selection the Kilrush Family Resource Centre will presenting Paul with a Special Olympics commemorative tracksuit.  </div> <bR> <div> Kilrush will be cheering on Paul and his teammates in their endeavours to bring home a Gold medal to Clare.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="georgia_on_our_minds"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>GEORGIA ON OUR MINDS</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="85377a10.png" border=0 width="119" height="161" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="0">Preparations are now almost complete in Kilrush for playing host to 37 athletes, coaches and team trainers from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia for the <A HREF="special_olympics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Olympics">Special Olympics</A>. </div> <bR> <div> Team Georgia will arrive in Shannon on the evening of June 17th  and will travel via coach to Kilrush, where host families along with the 23-strong committee members will welcome them to Ireland and West Clare. A packed itinerary has been planned for their short stay until 20th June when they will head off to Dublin to compete. It is hoped that Team Georgia will leave with a taste of our country and culture and that the people of Kilrush will experience a taste of their culture. </div> <bR> <div> As well as a hectic social schedule the Team Georgia guests will also have to fit in training.  ESB Moneypoint have kindly given over their Sports Ground facilities which are also being refurbished in preparation for the visit. Competitors from Team Georgia will be competing in Tennis, Table Tennis, Athletics and Soccer. </div> <bR> <div> In conjunction with the Special Olympics an art competition `Paint the Feeling' is being held in the 177 Host Towns all over Ireland. The theme is ``Share the Feeling`` and is open to all children up to the age of 13 years. Closing date for entries is 19th May. For more information contact Leonard Cleary, Kilrush Town Hall, tel. 905 1047.<B>    </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_creek_lodge_expands_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>THE CREEK LODGE EXPANDS</B> </div> <div> <IMG SRC="852c4930.jpg" border=0 width="196" height="147" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">Given the lack of a hotel in the town the Kilrush Creek Lodge plays an important role in local tourism, being the largest accommodation provider for visitors. After refurbishment to a number of rooms the Lodge has now reopened for the season. Now starting into their second summer running the Lodge the management team of Mark and Mary Reidy are extending into an area they achieved distinction in whilst running Kelly's Bar and Restaurant.   </div> <bR> <div> The new addition of `The Quarterdeck' Restaurant at the Lodge, which opens at Easter, will further enhance the range of eating options available in the town. The new restaurant, which will serve `contemporary Irish cuisine', has a full Bar and Wine License, and will be available for hire for functions, parties and themed nights. At first it will be open for lunches on Tuesday - Friday and Sunday, commencing on the 22nd April and on Friday and Saturday evenings, extending to six nights as the season progresses. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>      <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>   </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="westclare_com"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>WESTCLARE.COM</B></div> <div> With the ever increasing use of the internet as a means of obtaining information it is now an essential tool in marketing. With millions of website on the Internet it also crucial to make the information easily accessible. Through the foresight of Charles Glynn and the auspices of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce the acquisition of the <I>www.westclare.com</I> site has meant that there are around 500 visitors a week able to obtain information about the town from the website.</div> <div>       </div> <div> The website provides the most<B> </B>comprehensive and update information available on the town, providing a service for potential visitors, investors and local people living away who like to keep abreast of what is happening back home. Available on the site is information on events and activities, such as the Special Olympics, accommodation, services, Restaurants and Pubs, local news, golf, the Chamber of Commerce and local shops and businesses. It is intended to continue to develop the site by extending the information to cover more of wider west Clare area.      </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="casual_trading"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CASUAL TRADING</B></div> <div> The period for the receiving of submissions on the proposed changes to the town's Casual Trading Bye-Laws have been extended by Kilrush Town Council for a further month until the end of April.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>   </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="i_s_p_c_c__collection"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>I.S.P.C.C. COLLECTION</B></div> <div> The annual Church Gate Collection for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children takes place this Easter Weekend in the Kilrush Parish. Last year's collection which raised over €900 was the most generous in Clare. The I.S.P.C.C.'s Childline service, which has been in operation since 1988, has received more than 1 million calls at its 5 answering centres nationwide run by volunteer counsellors.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="dolphin_watching_season_opens"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>DOLPHIN-WATCHING SEASON OPENS</B></div> <div> On a beautiful first Sunday in April the inaugural Dolphin-watching trip by <A HREF="discover_shannon_dolphins.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Discover Dolphins">Scattery Island Ferry's `Dolphin Discovery'</A> began the 2003 season from the Kilrush Marina. </div> <bR> <div> The Department of the Marine issues a license to Dolphin-watching vessels for the period from 1st April to 31st October. Given the poor weather conditions for Dolphin-watching last summer the operators are hoping that the fine early spring augurs well for the rest of the season.     </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="cappa_pilot_boat_grounded_on_hog"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CAPPA PILOT BOAT GROUNDED ON HOG ISLAND</B>. </div> <div> Earlier this month the Cappa Pilot Boat <I>Loophead</I> went aground in heavy fog and late at night on Hog Island, opposite Wolf Rock, Cappa with two crew on board. Assistance was requested from the Kilrush Inshore RNLI Lifeboat <I>Rose West by</I> the Irish Coast Guard. It was decided that the two-man crew on the Pilot Boat, which was undamaged, would remain onboard until it refloated on the morning high tide. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels navigating eastwards of Scattery Island. Shannon Foynes Port Company is the estuarial port authority with responsibility for the entire Shannon Estuary, one of Ireland's greatest national maritime assets. The company governs the safe passage of all marine traffic and port activity in the estuary, accommodating ships of over 185,000 tonnes and servicing the requirements of importers and exporters in the wide hinterland surrounding the estuarial system.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="friends_of_st_senan_s_members_draw"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>FRIENDS OF ST.SENAN'S MEMBERS DRAW</B></div> <div> The twelfth and final draw in the 2002/03 Friends of St. Senan's Member Draw takes place this Easter Monday 21st April at Kilrush Golf Club. This completes the second running of the highly successful Member's Draw to raise funds for the renovation of the Church. As at the end of the first year's draw  all those who taken part in all of the past twelve monthly   draws will be entered into the bonus draw on the night for a Toyota Yaris car.</div> <bR> <div> The third series of twelve monthly Friends of St. Senan's Member Draws commences in June. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="help_with_graveyard_maintenance"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>HELP WITH GRAVEYARD MAINTENANCE</B></div> <div> The harsh government's cutbacks in the Community Employment Scheme, which were strongly condemned by Kilrush Town Councillors, has meant that the excellent maintenance programme of  the town's graveyard has now come to an end. The responsibility of maintaining the Graveyards to the standard that we have become accustomed now falls back onto the local community. Anyone that can give some assistance in maintaining the graveyards are asked to contact George Harratt at 905 2009.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="credit_union_agm"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CREDIT UNION AGM</B></div> <div> Newly elected to the Board of the Kilrush Credit Union at the recently held postponed 2002 Annual General Meeting were Colleen Galvin, Sean Moran and Dermot Glynn with Tommy Soffe and Tom Williams both being re-elected for a further term.</div> <bR> <div> Now in its thirty-fifth year in operation the Kilrush Credit Union continues to go from strength to strength with the meeting reporting that member's savings had increased by a further €6.4 million over the previous twelve months. This had increased the net assets of the Credit Union to over €48 million.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_notes___may__03"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>MAY 2003 </B><B>KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#double_loss" TITLE="County Express">DOUBLE LOSS: TOM CAREY, TOWN MANAGER</A> and</div> <div> <A HREF="#leonard_cleary_leaves_kilrush_town" TITLE="County Express">LEONARD CLEARY LEAVES KILRUSH TOWN COUNCIL</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#shannon_dolphin_festival_s_demise" TITLE="County Express">SHANNON DOLPHIN FESTIVAL'S DEMISE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_olympics_countdown" TITLE="County Express">SPECIAL OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#paul_moody_presentation" TITLE="County Express">PAUL MOODY PRESENTATION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#vandeleur_walled_garden" TITLE="County Express">VANDELEUR WALLED GARDEN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#may_news_briefs" TITLE="County Express"><B>MAY NEWS BRIEFS</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#st__patrick_s_day_parade_accolade" TITLE="County Express">ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE ACCOLADE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#moneypoint_objection" TITLE="County Express">MONEYPOINT OBJECTION</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sdwf_website" TITLE="County Express">SDWF WEBSITE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns_preparations" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS PREPARATIONS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_programme_complete" TITLE="County Express">EIGSE PROGRAMME COMPLETE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_roundabout" TITLE="County Express">NEW ROUNDABOUT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#island_view_opening" TITLE="County Express">ISLAND VIEW OPENING</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="double_loss"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>DOUBLE LOSS</B></div> <div> <B>TOM CAREY, TOWN MANAGER</B></div> <div> Kilrush Town Councillors received an unpleasant shock at the May meeting of the Council when Town Manager Tom Carey gave each a written statement announcing he was departing the position at the end of June.</div> <bR> <div> The respect and esteem that the Councillors have for work that Tom Carey has done for Kilrush was clearly evident in the warm and glowing spontaneous tributes paid to the Town Manager on the hearing of his departure. Every one of the Councillors expressed their appreciation and thanks for his commitment to the betterment of the town and wished him well in his continuing role as Director of Services and County Engineer for Clare County Council. </div> <bR> <div> In the statement handed to the Councillors the Town Manager sincerely thanked the Council Members for their unstinting support and friendship. He also complimented their courage and willingness to grasp the nettle adding that they were a committed and visionary Council and that the people of the Town had every reason to be proud of them. He also commended the work of the Town Clerk, Imy Whelan Breen and all the Town Hall staff giving a special thanks to Margaret Clancy and Leonard Cleary who had both deputised as Town Clerks.</div> <bR> <div> During his time in the position as Town Manager Tom Carey has overseen;- the development of the Vandeleur Walled Garden Project, in association with the Kilrush Amenity Trust, which he described as a “magnificent amenity”; the development of the partnerships with the voluntary sector, such as the Liaison Meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and Tidy Towns; the establishment of the Kilrush Industry and Enterprise Task Force; the concerted push for the town to be included in the government's decentralisation programme; the provision of County Council services being made available from within the Town Hall; the redevelopment and upgrading of Henry Street; the development of the Millennium Park and the implementation of the Traffic Management Plan.</div> <bR> <div> The new Town Manager, who commences in the position on July 1st, is Ms Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services at Clare County Council.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="leonard_cleary_leaves_kilrush_town"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>LEONARD CLEARY LEAVES KILRUSH TOWN COUNCIL</B></div> <div> The news of the departure of Town Manager followed hot on the heels of the news that the Town's Development and Marketing Officer Leonard Cleary was leaving at the end of May to take up a new post as Co-ordinator of the RAPID Programme in Ennis where he will work on community development projects in Ennis and be based in the Community and Enterprise section of Clare County Council in Quin Road Business Park.</div> <bR> <div> During his six years with Kilrush Town Council, Leonard has worked tirelessly on a huge range of development and tourism projects to bring prosperity and a better quality of life to Kilrush and West Clare. A native of Corofin, his quest involved a lot of time on the road and long hours away from his young family.</div> <bR> <div> In his unassuming way, Leonard has been the catalyst, the man of action, behind projects such as the restoration of the Vandeleur Walled Garden and the development of the Vandeleur Centre, the creation of the Millennium Park at the Marina in Kilrush, the West Clare Industry and Enterprise Task Force - a powerful body of key figures in industry and state agencies charged with bringing broadband, improved access to training courses for the people of West Clare, sustaining farming and rural communities, improved childcare and day care facilities for the elderly, improved roads and affordable housing.</div> <bR> <div> He has campaigned exhaustively with the Task Force for the Decentralisation of Government Offices to Kilrush and is due to meet again with senior government officials in Dublin in the very near future.</div> <bR> <div> In total, Leonard has worked with twenty-five different organisations ranging from the County Development Board, through to the Town Renewal Scheme, the Equality for Women Project, Kilrush Community Development, Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation and liaison work with the Tidy Towns and Chamber of Commerce committees and Kilrush Tourism Forum.</div> <bR> <div> He has also worked daily with the various FÁS projects and Project Leaders in Kilrush and his diplomatic efforts have helped Kilrush to gain maximum funding and employment opportunities from these schemes in the face of cutbacks nationally. Leonard has always sought the widest participation and community involvement in bottom-up development for West Clare.</div> <bR> <div> But most of all, Leonard will be missed by those who worked closely with him in Kilrush Town Council.  His gentle courteous manner, patient listening skills and quiet diplomacy resolved daily tensions and provided wonderful support to colleagues who all wish him every success and happiness in his new post with RAPID.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="shannon_dolphin_festival_s_demise"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SHANNON DOLPHIN FESTIVAL'S DEMISE</B></div> <div> After two years the Shannon Dolphin Festival, which replaced the Maritime Family Festival, will not be taking place this summer. The Festival, like its predecessor, prided itself on providing free entertainment for the local community and visitors alike, however the huge cost of finding funding to cover the cost of these events took its toll on the organising committee. The cost of last years festival fell considerably short of the amount of sponsorship raised putting pressure on the committee to raise the shortfall. Efforts to find a new committee for this year failed and the event has had to be cancelled for this year.</div> <bR> <div> There is a possibility that a slimmed-down event, more focused on the dolphins, may be resurrected next year.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="special_olympics_countdown"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SPECIAL OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN</B></div> <div> Preparations are now ready for the arrival of the 37-strong Team Georgia in Shannon on June 17th for their three day stay in Kilrush. Given the combined efforts of the 23-strong <A HREF="special_olympics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Olympics">Special Olympics organising committee</A> and the expressions of goodwill from the local community of expectations are high that the visitors will go away with fond and lasting memories of their visit. </div> <bR> <div> With Georgia being a former Republic of the Soviet Union they use both their own language and  the Russian language. Courtesy the Special Olympic committee here are a few words in both Georgian and Russian that may be of use. <B>In Georgian</B>:- Welcome……<I>Ketili Ikos Tqveni Mobrdzaneba</I>; Hello… <I>Gamarjobat</I>; Thank you very much…<I>Didi Madloba</I>; Goodbye…<I>Nakhvamdis</I>; Good luck…<I>Gisurvebt Tsarmatebebs</I>. <B>In Russian</B>:- Welcome…<I>Dabro  Pojalovat</I>; Hello…<I>Zdrastvuite</I>; Thank you very much…<I>Bolshoe  Spasibo</I>; Goodbye …<I>Dosvidanie</I>; Good luck….<I>Jelaem Udachi</I>.</div> <bR> <div> The Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a `Special Olympic' Window Display Competition for businesses to run for the period of the visit.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="paul_moody_presentation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PAUL MOODY PRESENTATION</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="84f70970.jpg" border=0 width="112" height="151" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="0">In honour of his selection to represent Ireland at soccer in the Special Olympics local man Paul Moody was honoured with dual presentation at a special reception for him before the May Town Council Meeting.</div> <bR> <div> After a speech in Paul's honour by the Town Manager Tom Carey the Town Mayor Stephen O'Gorman presented him with a Kilrush 1500 Commemorative Medal and a Soccer Jersey of his favourite team - Manchester United.</div> <bR> <div> The second part of the joint presentation was made by Dave O'Brien, Chairperson of the Kilrush Family Resource Centre of a specially commissioned a `Special Olympics' Tracksuit  for Paul.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="vandeleur_walled_garden"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>VANDELEUR WALLED GARDEN</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="84dc7950.jpg" border=0 width="199" height="149" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">The culmination of all the hard work over the past few that has gone into creating the magnificent Vandeleur Walled Garden is now evident this summer as vast array of plants come into bloom.</div> <bR> <div> A number of events are planned for the Vandeleur Centre of the coming months including:- an Entertainment's Day for the Special Olympic visitors; the `Paint the Feeling' Children's Art Exhibition which runs until 20th June; Art Exhibitions by Clare Artists through into the Autumn and the hugely-popular Eigse Mrs. Crotty music session on Sunday, August 17th.</div> <bR> <div> The Cafe is open 7-days a week and there is now a large selection of plants for sale at the Centre. The Garden is also now available for Wedding Photo session's at a small fee. Admission to the Garden is €4 for adults and €2 children, a Family Ticket (2 adults + 4 children) is €10 whilst an Annual Family Ticket is available for €25.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="may_news_briefs"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>MAY NEWS BRIEFS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="st__patrick_s_day_parade_accolade"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE ACCOLADE</B></div> <div> Recognition of the widely-acclaimed success of the running of this year's <A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="St. Patricks Day Parade Photos"> St. Patrick's Day Parade </A>was received in a letter of congratulations from the Town Council to the Chamber of Commerce's organising sub-committee.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="moneypoint_objection"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>MONEYPOINT OBJECTION</B></div> <div> News that An Taisce, the National trust, are appealing against the proposed installation of a €200million Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant in favour of the closing down of ESB Moneypoint Generating Station by 2008 has been greeted with dismay. The socio-economic effect that would result from the closure of Moneypoint would be devastating to the whole west Clare area.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="sdwf_website"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SDWF WEBSITE</B></div> <div> Amongst a number of initiatives planned by the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, based in the Scattery Island Centre at Merchants Quay is the creation of its own website. The website has been designed and is expected to go live shortly.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div>      </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="tidy_towns_preparations"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>TIDY TOWNS PREPARATIONS</B></div> <div> With the adjudication period now upon us the Kilrush Tidy Towns committee have been urging people to make that extra little effort to tidy their garden and around their house - paying special attention to any discarded litter and to give a fresh coat of paint where its needed - especially to front walls. Kilrush had made giant strides in recent years to reach the top end of the Tidy Towns hierarchy and with a final push can achieve national honours very soon.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="eigse_programme_complete"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>EIGSE PROGRAMME COMPLETE</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="84b628f0.jpg" border=0 width="98" height="143" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Planning for this year's <A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival">Eigse Mrs. Crotty,</A> which runs from 13th - 17th August,  is now complete with an extended, exciting programme of events. New for this year will be nightly `Concertina Club' sessions, Set Dancing Classes and an extra Céilí in the Square on the Wednesday night with Shaskeen.</div> <bR> <div> Local artist Don Ryan has again produced the original and stunning artwork which has become the hallmark of the Eigse over the past few years.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="new_roundabout"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>NEW ROUNDABOUT</B></div> <div> Much to the relief of the Town Councillors the long-proposed roundabout at the Frances Street - Cappa Road junction is now in place, albeit in a temporary form. It is hoped that the new roundabout will be as successful as the one at the top of Henry Street at regulating a safe flow of traffic.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="island_view_opening"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ISLAND VIEW OPENING</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="849a87e0.jpg" border=0 width="168" height="126" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="5">Following a brief Service by Fr. Hanrahan and watched by representatives from the builders L & M Keating, design team Dermot Merry & Associates, Town Manager, Town Clerk, Councillors and residents, the Mayor Stephen O'Gorman officially opened the completed Island View Housing development. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_notes__june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>JUNE 2003 </B><B>KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#development_of_a_dolphin_educational" TITLE="County Express">DEVELOPMENT OF A DOLPHIN EDUCATIONAL CENTRE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns" TITLE="County Express">TIDY TOWNS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#green_flag_boost" TITLE="County Express">GREEN FLAG BOOST</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#outstanding_sporting_achievement" TITLE="County Express">OUTSTANDING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#chamber_of_commerce__groceries_order" TITLE="County Express">CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - GROCERIES ORDER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#monmore_windfarm_" TITLE="County Express">MONMORE WINDFARM </A></div> <div> <A HREF="#news_briefs___june_2003" TITLE="County Express">NEWS BRIEFS -June 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#celebrity_visitor" TITLE="County Express">CELEBRITY VISITOR</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#scattery_island_centre" TITLE="County Express">SCATTERY ISLAND CENTRE</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#playground_project" TITLE="County Express">PLAYGROUND PROJECT</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#roads_programme_2003" TITLE="County Express">ROADS PROGRAMME 2003</A></div> <div> <A HREF="#town_councillor_s_final_year" TITLE="County Express">TOWN COUNCILLOR'S FINAL YEAR</A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="development_of_a_dolphin_educational"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>DEVELOPMENT OF A DOLPHIN EDUCATIONAL CENTRE</B></div> <div> The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF) received a further boost with the news that their application to LEADER for a grant towards developing an educational facility on dolphins in the Scattery Island Centre has been successful.</div> <bR> <div> A condition of the grant of €37,000 is that the work has to be completed by April 2004. It is hoped that the hydrophone a system, enabling people to listen to the dolphins in real time, would be operational and a key component of the facility which will be based on the upper floor of the Scattery Island Centre on Merchants Quay.</div> <bR> <div> The development of the Centre will be under the auspices of the SDWF Project Manager Dr. Simon Berrow.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="tidy_towns"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>TIDY TOWNS</B></div> <div> Judging time for the National Tidy Town Awards is once again upon us. Whilst much work has been done and it is hoped that these achievements will be recognised with an increase in the town's overall marks, and possibly an award or two, planning continues to further improve the Kilrush environment.</div> <bR> <div> Amongst the most visible additions to the town is the striking Special Olympic's Flower Bed in honour of the Georgian visitors on the Ennis Road approach, as are the new tiered Flower beds around the town.</div> <bR> <div> Residents and business proprietors are urged to ensure that the area outside their premises is kept free of any litter by regular sweeping. Also anyone intending to decorate the outside of their home or premises to remember to paint the gable end and any surrounding wall, where applicable, as these have a huge bearing on the appearance of the property.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="green_flag_boost"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>GREEN FLAG BOOST</B></div> <div> The achievements of Kilrush Community School in obtaining Green Flag status is regarded as a significant plus point by the National Tidy Towns for raising local awareness of the importance of taking care of the environment, particularly in regard to litter prevention and recycling.</div> <bR> <div> At the end of May the teacher responsible for overseeing the Green Flag project Colette Glynn and four pupils from the Committee Laura Powell, Sandra Magner, Shane Honan and Eoin O'Kelly attended the Green Schools National Awards Ceremony at An Taisce Headquarters, Tailor's Hall in Dublin to be presented with the Green Flag, along with nineteen other schools.</div> <bR> <div> The Community School will hold a Flag-raising Ceremony in September after which the Green Flag will fly proudly into front of the school.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="outstanding_sporting_achievement"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>OUTSTANDING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT</B></div> <div> It was a momentous occasion for the West Clare Cycling Club and a proud moment for its mainstay Michael Gleeson to see his son Vincent starting off the 2003 8-day FBD Milk Ras in O'Connell Street with his Team Ireland colleagues. </div> <bR> <div> The Irish Sports Council sponsored Team Ireland was made up of three of Ireland's top full-time professional cyclists - Ciaran Power, David O'Loughlin and Tommy Evans and two amateur riders - Vincent Gleeson and Andrew Donnellan whose role it was to help the professional riders to finish ahead of the rest.</div> <bR> <div> After both Tommy Evans and Ciaran Power won Stages and Team Ireland headed the Team category things were looking good, but the worst weather conditions for the race in living memory, punctures, two gruelling mountain stages and the retirement of team member David O'Loughlin through illness meant the Irish team lost any chance of winning the Team event.</div> <bR> <div> Although this was Vincent's fifth time riding in FBD Milk Ras it was by far the most strenuous and difficult. Out of 151 riders that started the race only 102 finished. The Irish team finished 3rd overall, 13 minutes behind the winning Swedish team. Tommy Evans, who finished 8th, was the top Team Ireland rider with Vincent finishing in 72nd position.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="chamber_of_commerce__groceries_order"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -GROCERIES ORDER</B></div> <div> The Kilrush Chamber Of Commerce agreed at their June Meeting to campaign against the Tanaiste Mary Harney's proposal to abolish the Groceries Order and make  changes to the Retail Planning Guidelines, which limits the size of Superstores. </div> <bR> <div> If theses changes occur the Chamber argues that it would have a devastating effect on smaller commercial towns, such as Kilrush, with shoppers drawn to huge retail outlets in the bigger cities as well as causing a price war in the grocery trade which would close down the smaller grocery shops.</div> <bR> <div> The next Chamber meeting will September 3rd, with a recess for July and August, when a drive will take place to attract greater numbers to attend a shorter, more streamlined monthly meeting.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="monmore_windfarm_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>MONMORE WINDFARM </B></div> <div> Following a public consultation process, that included an Information Day at the Community Centre, the ESB's renewable energy subsidiary Hibernian Wind Power have a lodged a planning application to develop a wind farm at Monmore on the Doonbeg Road.</div> <bR> <div> The proposed Wind Farm will consist of 6 wind turbines that would produce 15,000kW of power, enough to meet electricity needs of more than 11,000 homes.</div> <bR> <div> If the proposal is granted by Clare County Council this will be the second wind farm in this area, with permission for an 8 turbine wind farm at nearby Monmore already granted. Construction of the 9 turbine wind farm at the ESB Moneypoint Generating Station is expected to commence in the autumn.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>     <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="news_briefs___june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>NEWS BRIEFS - June 2003</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="celebrity_visitor"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CELEBRITY VISITOR</B></div> <div> The Vandeleur Walled Garden had its first celebrity visitor of the summer when actress Jean Alexander, best known for her role as Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden, one of the most famous soap characters of all time.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="scattery_island_centre"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SCATTERY ISLAND CENTRE</B></div> <div> Now that the Scattery Island Centre has reopened to the public there is now the opportunity to visit and see the original 147 year-old lamp from the Scattery Island Lighthouse. The Lamp, which was made in Paris, was donated to Scattery Island Trust after it was replaced last September by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="playground_project"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PLAYGROUND PROJECT</B></div> <div> Concerted efforts are being made by the John Paul Estate Management Group to develop a Playground and Basketball Court for the area. An application for funding has been made under the 2003 Sports Capital Grant. If this is unsuccessful then an application will be made to LEADER. A number of fund-raising events are being planned for this project in the near future.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="roads_programme_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ROADS PROGRAMME 2003</B></div> <div> Works planned under the Roads Programme 2003 include the provision of a Pedestrian Crossing in France Street, in the area of the Post Office, Street Lighting in Wilsons Road, resurfacing of the Frances Street - Cappa Road - Hector Street with completion of the new roundabout, resurfacing of the Turret Lane, final surfacing of Henry Street and €35,000 to be spent on the construction of new footpaths around the town.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="town_councillor_s_final_year"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>TOWN COUNCILLOR'S FINAL YEAR</B></div> <div> The Kilrush Town Councillors will shortly be finishing their fourth year in office and commencing their final year before the 2004 Local Elections are held next June. At the July Meeting, which is the Council's Annual General Meeting, the final Mayor of this term will be elected.</div> <bR> <div> According to precedent the Vice-Chairperson Cllr. Liam O'Looney will take over as Mayor from outgoing incumbent Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman. This will ensure that all four Fianna Fail Councillors will have held the Chain of Office over the term of the Council.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="july_2003_kilrush_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>JULY 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#presidential_visit" TITLE="County Express"><B>PRESIDENTIAL VISIT</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#eigse_set_to_brighten_up_the_summer" TITLE="County Express"><B>EIGSE SET TO BRIGHTEN UP THE SUMMER</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_date_for_crotty_cup" TITLE="County Express"><B>NEW DATE FOR CROTTY CUP</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_mayor_elected" TITLE="County Express"><B>NEW MAYOR ELECTED</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_regatta" TITLE="County Express"><B>KILRUSH REGATTA</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#comoradh_senan_noafa_2003" TITLE="County Express"><B>COMORADH SENAN NOAFA 2003</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#family_fun_day" TITLE="County Express"><B>FAMILY FUN DAY</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="presidential_visit"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PRESIDENTIAL VISIT</B></div> <div> For the first time in her term of office as <A HREF="president_mary_mcaleese.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="President Mary McAleese Visit to Kilrush">President Mary McAleese</A> paid a visit to the town following an invitation from the Kilrush Family Resource Centre (F.R.C) Ltd. to officially open their headquarters in the Community Centre. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="president_mary_mcaleese.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="President Mary McAleese Visit to Kilrush"><IMG SRC="88a916d0.jpg" border=0 width="145" height="109" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></A>The President, who was accompanied by her husband Martin, was greeted by the Family Resource Centre¹s Project Co-ordinator Mary-Jane Burgess, the Board of Management  Chairperson, Dave O'Brien, Secretary, Anita Edson and Treasurer, Tom Clyne.</div> <bR> <div> After being introduced to local Councillor's and dignitaries, Centre staff and management, the President was then given a tour of the facility. An invited audience of around 200 gave the President a rousing West Clare welcome when she arrived in the packed hall. She was then shown the Poster Exhibition on the theme of the family and community, the work of pupils from St. Senan's National School, which decorated the walls around the hall.</div> <bR> <div> In a clearly unscripted but eloquent speech President McAleese, who is the Patron of Family Resource Centres, paid a warm, sincere tribute to the work of the volunteers without whom the provision of the service that the Centre offers to those in needs could not happen. She stated how fortunate the community of Kilrush was to have such a facility, as the Family Resource Centre, available for those in need.</div> <bR> <div> As one of his final functions as Mayor of the Town, Councillor Stephen O'Gorman, who is also a member of the F.R.C. Board of Management, thanked the President for taking time out to visit Kilrush and open the Centre. The President was then presented with a CD of music by the Teamwork project, a group of young local musicians, by Dean O'Brien and Board Member, Peig Bermingham presented a piece of patchwork done by the local Women's Group.</div> <bR> <div> After the formalities the President and her husband mingled casually with the audience, which proved a huge success as everyone who was fortunate to spend time with either were struck by how charming, genuine and genial both were. Before Leaving the President to took time to meet and have her picture taken with the winners of the School¹s Poster Competition.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Although it was only a fleeting visit, as the Presidential car was waved away, Mary McAleese left behind an impressive feelgood factor and many new admirers. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="eigse_set_to_brighten_up_the_summer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>EIGSE SET TO BRIGHTEN UP THE SUMMER</B></div> <div> Whilst trying to predict the weather or visitor numbers is full of uncertainties one aspect of summer is assured, the <A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival">Eigse Mrs. Crotty</A><A HREF="eigse_festival_photos.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eigse Mrs Crotty Festival"> </A>(August 13th - 17th will again fill the town with the very best of traditional music entertainment.</div> <bR> <div> Now in its 8th year the Eigse Mrs Crotty has grown from a weekend event to an ambitious five days Music Festival attracting ever increasing numbers of visitors and musicians to the town, establishing itself as one of the premier traditional music festivals in the country.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="88b96bc0.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="188" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="4">This year's programme is the most varied and exciting to date with a number of new additions to the Festival Programme:- Concertina Club - nightly from Wednesday to Sunday at different venues around the town, featuring the finest exponents of concertina playing in the country such as Tim Collins, Michael O Raghallaigh, Ernestine Healy and Michelle O'Sullivan. Set Dancing Classes - Friday and Saturday afternoons, given by two of west Clare's finest  Set Dancing teachers John Fennell and Mary Clancy. Extra Open Air Céilí - the hugely popular free Céilí in the Square have been supplemented by an additional Ceili on the Wednesday night with Shaskeen. The Sunday night Céilí sees the welcome return this year of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, to a slot that they made their own. Extended Summer School - this year the Concertina Summer School and Workshop will run for 3 days, now commencing on the Thursday, and will finish with a Concertina Masterclass. Memorial Concert - though it gets more and more difficult to improve on the previous year's concert with the wonderful, exuberant Sharon Shannon headlining a bill of the best Irish traditional female musicians and singers- this is one concert not to be missed.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>     <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="new_date_for_crotty_cup"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>NEW DATE FOR CROTTY CUP</B></div> <div> This year's 69th running of the Crotty Cup, one of the longest running and most prestigious cycle races in Ireland, organised by the West Clare Cycling Club, sees a departure from its usual date on the second Sunday in August to the Bank Holiday Monday August 4th.</div> <bR> <div> It is now the final part of a three-race Munster Series that takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend with the Middleton Criterium on Saturday and the Gene Moriarty Memorial in Listowel on the Sunday. A trophy will be presented after the Crotty Cup to the most successful cyclists over the three races. </div> <bR> <div> The Crotty Cup is named in memory of renowned local sportsman Miko Crotty, husband of the famous concertina player Elizabeth Crotty, who was a prominent cyclist in his day.</div> <bR> <div> The race, which begins at 1pm, has been held over the same circuit for a number of years now with the Start/Finish in Wilson Road, Kilrush - heading out of town on the Kildysart Road, turning up the hill to Knockerra village and back to Kilrush via the main Ennis Road.</div> <bR> <div> West Clare Cycling Club and Team Ireland cyclist Vincent Gleeson will again carry the hopes for a hometown victory.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="new_mayor_elected"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>NEW MAYOR ELECTED</B></div> <div> As expected Councillor Liam O'Looney was unanimously elected the final Mayor, before next years local elections, by his fellow Council Members at the Annual General Meeting of Kilrush Town Council, which was held before the July monthly meeting.</div> <bR> <div> Councillor O'Looney, who had held the position of Deputy Mayor over the past twelve months, was succeeded in that post by Councillor Tom Prendeville.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_regatta"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>KILRUSH REGATTA</B></div> <div> Although the loss of the Shannon Dolphin Festival left a big hole in the local <A HREF="whats_on_2005.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whats On 2005">events calendar</A> the Regatta is back stronger than ever. To be held on Sunday August 10th at Cappa the Regatta, in aid of the RNLI, will feature Currach Racing and Yacht Racing. The<A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station"> </A><A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kilrush Lifeboat Station">RNLI Lifeboat Station</A> at Cappa will also be having an Open Day for visitors.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="comoradh_senan_noafa_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>COMORADH SENAN NOAFA 2003</B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="bec4f690.jpg" border=0 width="79" height="105" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5">The annual day of celebration of local Saint Senan will take on place on Sunday 17th August. The day will feature lecture tours of Scattery Island on the legacy of St. Senan together with the celebration of an Open Air Mass on the Island. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="family_fun_day"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>FAMILY FUN DAY</B></div> <div> The busy local calendar of events for August is again supplemented by the Parish organised Family Fun Day, to be held in Kilrush Wood on Sunday 24th August, which has become a popular annual event.</div> <bR> <div> Although most of the family activities are free of charge any funds raised, from the sale of donated books, toys and bric-a-brac, cake sale, sweet shop and barbecue, will again go towards the St. Senan's Church Restoration Fund.</div> <bR> <div> The activities will include races of all kinds for all ages, (spud and spoon, sack race, three-legged race etc.), face painting, bouncy castles, Bonny Baby, Glamorous Granny and Gorgeous Grandad contests. The stocks will also reappear with the opportunity to throw wet sponges at brave local volunteers. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A>    </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="august_2003_kilrush_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>AUGUST 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#crotty_cup_sparkles" TITLE="County Express"><B>CROTTY CUP SPARKLES</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_s_angela_s_ashes__1" TITLE="County Express"><B>KILRUSH'S ANGELA'S ASHES?</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_lifeboat_s_busy_day" TITLE="County Express"><B>KILRUSH LIFEBOAT'S BUSY DAY</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>   </B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="crotty_cup_sparkles"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>CROTTY CUP SPARKLES</B></div> <div>    <IMG SRC="bebbf8f0.jpg" border=0 width="191" height="143" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="6">It seemed appropriate that to celebrate its new date in the cycling calendar, the August Bank Holiday Monday, the prestigious Crotty Cup should be blessed with its finest weather in years. The Kilrush-based West Clare Cycling Club organised event, which went off without incident, attracted a field of some of the top Irish racing cyclists. </div> <bR> <div>    In an exiting competition the Crotty Cup was won for the second time by pre-race favourite Irish international and professional cyclist David O¹Loughlin, followed close behind by another Irish international Brian Kennealy. Local rider and Irish international Vincent Gleeson put in a gallant effort to try and win his home event but was closely followed whenever he tried to break away. In a sprint finish for third Vincent was up against some of country¹s top sprint specialists and had to settle for a very creditable seventh place.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_s_angela_s_ashes__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>KILRUSH'S ANGELA'S ASHES?</B></div> <div>    The Éigse Mrs. Crotty Festival saw the return of many natives to their home town of Kilrush. Few however will have been as long away or had as many adventures as Joe Riley, returning this year for the first time in 35 years, having initially emigrated 45 years ago (1958). </div> <bR> <div>    Joe's story is even more interesting however to the people of Kilrush since the memoirs of his early years are soon to be published. <I><B>"The Ghosts of Kilrush"</B></I> is due to be released in time for Christmas 2003 and the book is dedicated to the generations that toiled through the 1940's and 50's, so that their current descendants could know success.</div> <bR> <div>    Joe's story began with his arrival in Kilrush at the age of 3, little more than a toddler. A Geordie lad from the North East of England, he arrived with a foreign religion and a foreign accent; the accent of a nation from which Ireland had only recently disentangled itself after 800 years of conflict. These are the simplest details of the story. From that age onward, Joe's story details his abandonment by his father, his amazing welcome into the hearts of a new family in Kilrush, the eventual reintroduction to his original family and many twists and turns of his boyhood in the late 1940's and 1950's. Joe's amazing memory will allow the current generation to not only experience the town and its characters but also the language and life of the time, simpler and more brutal times in many ways, but also more wholesome in the sense of community and craic that prevailed. His book "<I><B>The Ghosts of Kilrush"</B></I> will be a trip of discovery for some and a trip down memory lane for others. </div> <bR> <div>    Today finds Joe as the Managing Director of an Information Technology Recruitment firm based in Manila, Philippines. Part of Joe's reason for being here is to extend the business service he already offers to many Irish and international firms in modern day Ireland. Quite a twist for a boy that left Ireland with nothing!</div> <bR> <div>    Joe has not forgotten those early days however; the generosity and wisdom imparted to him by his adoptive family, the Delougherys. Near where he lives in Manila is the shanty town of Merville, where people live under whatever shelter they can pull together and every rainstorm brings the potential to render them homeless or dead. Each Christmas Joe gathers donations from friends and business associates around the world. During Christmas 2002 these funds fed close to 100 people for one whole week, showing them some of the joys of Christmas that Joe remembered in Kilrush. </div> <bR> <div>    On leaving Kilrush at the age of fifteen Joe ended up in England, doing many odd jobs until being bitten with the music bug of the early 1960's. Joe played in many venues across England until exhaustion laid him low and caused him to set off on a new career in nursing. Joe rose through the ranks in the nursing profession and as Director of Nursing he managed projects in the Middle East and Australia, before entering into the IT recruitment business at the start of the 1990s. Having achieved success in Australia, Joe now runs a successful operation from Manila in the Philippines.</div> <bR> <div>    How the book came to be is a story in itself involving Tom Collins, the great grandson of a Kilrush native now running a publishing firm in the US, Pat Cusack a native of Kilrush now based in Bray, Co. Wicklow and Joe himself in the Philippines (with assistance from Alan Atkins). These people, linked only by their Kilrush connection and the internet, have crafted and will deliver the book without ever meeting! This is a clear example of the power of the internet to render distances as immaterial.</div> <bR> <div>    The <I>Ghosts of Kilrush</I> (ISBN 1-928928-13-7) Joe Riley's memoirs of his youth, as told to Alan Aikens, is in final editing stages now and will be published by RavensYard. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_lifeboat_s_busy_day"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>KILRUSH LIFEBOAT'S BUSY DAY</B></div> <bR> <div> Kilrush's Rose West Inshore Lifeboat had a busy Sunday on the 10th August. In the morning they a standby request from the Coastguard with regard to an <B>Airbus A330</B> with 300 passengers on board coming in over the Atlantic en-route from Florida to Manchester Airport. A smell of fuel was detected on board the aircraft and as a precaution the Kilrush Lifeboat and other RNLI Lifeboats on the west coast were on standby in case of an emergency. The aircraft later landed safety at Manchester Airport and the lifeboats were taken off standby at 9.45 a.m. </div> <bR> <div>    <IMG SRC="beeb4870.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="135" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="11"><IMG SRC="bf2a0780.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="120" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="9" VSPACE="8">Then the afternoon, there was a very successful and enjoyable <B>Open Day</B> at Kilrush Lifeboat Station which coincided with <B>Feíle na gCurracaí, (Kilrush Currach Regatta)</B> where hundreds of people watched 12 currach races with 16 teams from along the west coast. The Shannon-based Air-sea Rescue Helicopter paid a flying visit and all  proceeds raised on the day were towards the RNLI. </div> <bR> <bR> <div>    <IMG SRC="bf0bb8b0.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="139" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="21">Then to cap off a busy day the lifeboat received a request from the <B>Irish Coast Guard</B> at Valentia at 8.05p.m. to attend a jet ski accident. The jet ski had overturned at Labasheeda and the two persons on board were thrown into the water. Kilrush lifeboat was at the scene within 30 minutes and recovered the jet ski and towed it to Kilrush. The two persons were earlier taken from the water by a local craft. The lifeboat returned to the station at 9.45 p.m. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="september_2003_kilrush_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>S</B><B>E</B><B>PTEMBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#environment_pride" TITLE="County Express"><B>ENVIRONMENT PRIDE</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#ibal_challenge" TITLE="County Express"><B>IBAL CHALLENGE</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#pride_of_place_awards_2003" TITLE="County Express"><B>PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS 2003</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dolphin_capital_initiative" TITLE="County Express"><B>DOLPHIN CAPITAL INITIATIVE</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#farmers_market_1" TITLE="County Express"><B>FARMERS MARKET</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#haven_services_relocation" TITLE="County Express"><B>HAVEN SERVICES RELOCATION</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_arts_group" TITLE="County Express"><B>KILRUSH ARTS GROUP</B></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="environment_pride"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ENVIRONMENT PRIDE</B></div> <div>      The people of Kilrush can justifiably feel proud of their town's environment knowing that it is there up with the very best in the country, Tidy Towns. </div> <bR> <div>      There was great excitement and anticipation when Kilrush Tidy Towns were  invited to the Tidy Towns National Awards Presentation in Dublin Castle on  the 8th September where they were presented with a <B>Bronze Medal</B> for a mark  of 256 (85.3%), an increase of another 5 marks this year.</div> <bR> <div>      To further progress the fight against litter in the town, as part of the An Taisce Litter Management Project, the Chamber of Commerce are drawing-up a Litter Charter - a Code of Compliance for Businesses. The Charter will require businesses to be proactive in the area of refuse, recycling and the cleaning litter outside their premises.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="ibal_challenge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>IBAL CHALLENGE</B></div> <div>      The announcement that Kilrush had once again been judged one of only four towns in Ireland to attain litter-free status in the <B>Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL)</B> Challenge was a magnificent achievement for Kilrush Town Council and its team of workers.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="pride_of_place_awards_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS 2003</B></div> <div>      Kilrush was chosen as one of four communities from Clare to participate in a new all-Ireland competition <B>`</B><I><B>Pride of Place Awards 2003'</B></I>. The aim of the competition, run by Co-operation Ireland, is to promote civic pride, encourage community involvement, raise awareness in and enhancement of your area.</div> <bR> <div>      Judging of the town took place at the beginning of the month with the adjudicators given a tour of the town. They visited the Community School to see the first raising of the Green Schools Flag which it had been awarded. They were then given a walkabout of the town centre by the Chamber of Commerce, followed by a visit to the Millennium Park, the Marina, Cappa and the Vandeleur Walled Garden.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <div>  <A NAME="dolphin_capital_initiative"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>DOLPHIN CAPITAL INITIATIVE</B></div> <div>      Over the past few years there has been a growing awareness locally of the tourism potential of the resident bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon estuary. The 1999 study `<I><B>Special Interest Marine Tourism in the West Clare Peninsula</B></I>', which was commissioned by the Marine Institute, Shannon Development and Clare County Council, highlighted the uniqueness and international tourism potential of dolphin-watching.</div> <bR> <div>       One of the four objectives of the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF), which was established in 2000 and became a Registered Charity last year, was `to increase the volume and value of dolphin-watching visitors', though this has proved difficult because of its commercial nature and the need for investment for it to succeed.</div> <bR> <div>      To harness this huge tourism potential that the Shannon dolphins possess SDWF committee member and Kilrush Town councillor Paul Edson, with the assistance of Dr. Simon Berrow, Chairperson of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, have produced a Report <I><B>`Kilrush: Europe's Dolphin-Watching Capital - An Achievable Imperative'</B></I> . The aim of the Report is illustrate the potential benefits that exist for the town by fully developing the dolphin- watching resource, with the aim of establishing Kilrush as the premier destination in Europe to go dolphin-watching, and it recommends a number actions that should be taken to achieve this.</div> <bR> <div>      The Report was presented to the September meeting of the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce and the recommendation that it establishes a subgroup to work on implementing the plan of action was supported. Following its presentation to the Chamber the Town Council also committed its support for the initiative at its September monthly meeting. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="farmers_market_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>FARMERS MARKET</B></FONT></div> <div>      The establishment of a Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, appropriately in the Market Square, by Eiri Corca Baiscinn has been widely welcomed. Not only has it brought the Square to life, giving it an almost continently feel, but its presence has given a boost to commerce in the town on a Saturday morning. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="haven_services_relocation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>HAVEN SERVICES RELOCATION</B></div> <div>      The Clare Haven Services Ltd., which provides information and support for women and families for women and families who experience domestic abuse and violence, are recommencing a Drop-in Clinic in Kilrush, at the new location of the Kilrush Family Resource Centre in the Community Centre, each Thursday from 10am - 2pm. The service can also be accessed through a Helpline phone at 6822435 or e-mail chaven@eircom.net.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A> </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="kilrush_arts_group"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>KILRUSH ARTS GROUP</B></div> <div>      Kilrush Arts Group, who again held a successful Art Exhibition in the Library this summer, have resumed their weekly meetings at the Community Centre every Friday from 6pm - 8pm. The group are especially keen for new members to come along.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="october_2003_kilrush_notes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>OCTOBER 2003 KILRUSH NOTES</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#kilrush_dolphin_gateway_project" TITLE="County Express"><B>KILRUSH DOLPHIN GATEWAY PROJECT</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#public_relations_and_media__pram__group" TITLE="County Express"><B>PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA (PRaM) GROUP</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#new_garda_superintendent" TITLE="County Express"><B>NEW GARDA SUPERINTENDENT</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#children_s_book_festival" TITLE="County Express"><B>CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#shopping_promotion_week" TITLE="County Express"><B>SHOPPING PROMOTION WEEK</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#tidy_towns_report" TITLE="County Express"><B>TIDY TOWNS REPORT</B></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A HREF="countyexpress_m.htm" TITLE="County Express">Back to Top</A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="kilrush_dolphin_gateway_project