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www.clarechampion.ieFears over future of business in Newmarket-on-Fergus
Concern has been expressed about the decline in the number of businesses operating in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the last decade. Councillor David Griffin (FF)has called on the Shannon Municipal District and Clare County Council to work together…
Fears over future of business in Newmarket-on-Fergus
Concern has been expressed about the decline in the number of businesses operating in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the last decade. Councillor David Griffin (FF)has called on the Shannon Municipal District and Clare County Council to work together to support and develop commercial activity in the village Newmarket-on-Fergus for the benefit of residents and the local economy. The Newmarket councillor highlighted the large number of businesses that have closed in the village at a recent Shannon Municipal District meeting.
Hair today Missionvale tomorrow
Three Transition Year students from a West Clare school are preparing for what will surely be the highlight of their school year as they travel to Missionvale, in South Africa for their midterm break. Críodha McMahon, Anna Cleary and Emma Kelly from St John Bosco…
Hair today Missionvale tomorrow
Three Transition Year students from a West Clare school are preparing for what will surely be the highlight of their school year as they travel to Missionvale, in South Africa for their midterm break. Críodha McMahon, Anna Cleary and Emma Kelly from St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart, along with their school teacher Ms Keane will travel on Friday, February 13 to volunteer at the Missionvale Care Centre for a week.
‘I’m the manager and I’m responsible for results’ – Madden
The honeymoon isn’t quite over just yet but certainly there was a first tiff as new manager Paul Madden tried to come to terms with an underwhelming home National League bow for 2025 from his charges on Sunday afternoon. Following a…
‘I’m the manager and I’m responsible for results’ – Madden
The honeymoon isn’t quite over just yet but certainly there was a first tiff as new manager Paul Madden tried to come to terms with an underwhelming home National League bow for 2025 from his charges on Sunday afternoon. Following a heartening performance in Newry eight days previously, Clare would have earmarked their first tie in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg as a means to make a real statement of intent but it certainly didn’t go according to plan as Westmeath led for the final 50 minutes to cement a second successive win.
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The dream of a group of young Ennis students to bring their artwork to a wider audience outside of their school walls is being made possible thanks to the help of The Clare Champion. The children of Ennis National School have been creating collaborative paintings and artworks inspired by…
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The dream of a group of young Ennis students to bring their artwork to a wider audience outside of their school walls is being made possible thanks to the help of The Clare Champion. The children of Ennis National School have been creating collaborative paintings and artworks inspired by world-renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ireland’s own Jim Fitzpatrick.
Palestinian men with “wrists and ankles shackled” flown through Shannon Airport after being detained by ICE
Reports have emerged today that Shannon Airport was used by the US Government to deport eight Palestinian men who were detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the…
Palestinian men with “wrists and ankles shackled” flown through Shannon Airport after being detained by ICE
Reports have emerged today that Shannon Airport was used by the US Government to deport eight Palestinian men who were detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. According to a joint investigation by The Guardian and +972 Magazine, an independent magazine run by Palestinian and Israeli journalists, the men were “shackled” during their entire journey, including when they stopped at the Clare airport.
Donnellan in step for Lord of the Dance anniversary
THE Irish dancer Michael Donnellan, who was an original cast member in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance show, which first performed at the Point Depot 30 years ago on February 5, 1996, will be attending a special anniversary performance of the…
Donnellan in step for Lord of the Dance anniversary
THE Irish dancer Michael Donnellan, who was an original cast member in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance show, which first performed at the Point Depot 30 years ago on February 5, 1996, will be attending a special anniversary performance of the show tonight (Thursday). One of the most successful touring productions in entertainment history is returning to the now Three Arena, where it all started 30 years ago.
Clubs March towards new GAA club season
The start of the 2026 adult club GAA season is only four weeks away, it was revealed in the proposed Clare GAA Club Masters Fixtures Plan that is set to be ratified at the February County Board Meeting this Tuesday. The draft proposal issued by the Masters…
Clubs March towards new GAA club season
The start of the 2026 adult club GAA season is only four weeks away, it was revealed in the proposed Clare GAA Club Masters Fixtures Plan that is set to be ratified at the February County Board Meeting this Tuesday. The draft proposal issued by the Masters Fixtures Committee of Colm Browne (Banner), Paraic Boland (Broadford), Tom Duggan (St. Joseph's Doora/Barefield), Martin Hehir (Ballyea/Clondegad), David O’Brien (St.
North Clare wave hits the Grammys
Double GRAMMY nominated Clare singer, Naomi O’Connell, said she was carried by “a sea of people” from North Clare into the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the star-studded award ceremony on Sunday night. The Ballyvaughan singer, who began her career as a child…
North Clare wave hits the Grammys
Double GRAMMY nominated Clare singer, Naomi O’Connell, said she was carried by “a sea of people” from North Clare into the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the star-studded award ceremony on Sunday night. The Ballyvaughan singer, who began her career as a child with the Burren’s Lismorahaun Singers, says the support of people of North Clare was the most meaningful element of her Grammy journey.
The Sporting Life with Joe O Muircheartaigh
‘Nuair a bhíonn an dí istigh bíonn an ciall amuigh,’ goes the seanfhocail, but proverbs whether they’re as Gaeilge nó Béarla can be wrong as well, and so it was over pints in O’Deas’ drinking emporium on Ennis’ O’Connell Street on Saturday night last.…
The Sporting Life with Joe O Muircheartaigh
‘Nuair a bhíonn an dí istigh bíonn an ciall amuigh,’ goes the seanfhocail, but proverbs whether they’re as Gaeilge nó Béarla can be wrong as well, and so it was over pints in O’Deas’ drinking emporium on Ennis’ O’Connell Street on Saturday night last. Over those pints came wisdom and clarity when the conversation turned to the late and much-lamented Colum Flynn, and one high stool sage in Noel Moloney from Broadford remarked quietly, “he saved a lot of people”.
Healthcare a ‘matter of life and death’
“Every major advance in healthcare has come because ordinary people refused to accept suffering as normal.” That was the rallying call issued by Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH) Chairperson, Angela Coll after outlining the necessity of constructing a new…
Healthcare a ‘matter of life and death’
“Every major advance in healthcare has come because ordinary people refused to accept suffering as normal.” That was the rallying call issued by Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH) Chairperson, Angela Coll after outlining the necessity of constructing a new Model 4 public acute hospital on a greenfield site near Ennis at a public meeting on Thursday night. Stressing “health care is a matter of life or death”, Ms Coll outlined it is more important than politics and personal ambitions.
Lynch wants Kilrush rodent control
Independent West Clare councillor Ian Lynch has called on Clare County Council’s environmental section to carry out rodent control at the bottle back recycle centre and adjacent field at Place Plouzane in Kilrush. He told the January meeting of the West Clare…
Lynch wants Kilrush rodent control
Independent West Clare councillor Ian Lynch has called on Clare County Council’s environmental section to carry out rodent control at the bottle back recycle centre and adjacent field at Place Plouzane in Kilrush. He told the January meeting of the West Clare Municipal District (MD) that the adjacent field, which is ideally located in the centre of the town, could be developed for a suitable youth space if a long-term use could be identified for the area.
De Regge family make emotional return to Ennis
The family of acclaimed musician and composer Ernest de Regge, who tragically died in the Carmody Hotel disaster of 1958, are this week making a return to Ennis where they will donate trophies in their father’s memory to be presented to talented…
De Regge family make emotional return to Ennis
The family of acclaimed musician and composer Ernest de Regge, who tragically died in the Carmody Hotel disaster of 1958, are this week making a return to Ennis where they will donate trophies in their father’s memory to be presented to talented musicians at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil an Chláir. Ghislaine de Regge is visiting the county capital with other members of the family for the Ennis Choral Festival which this St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend marks its second year.
Positive progress made on O’Briensbridge wall
Clare County Council representatives have met with the O’Briensbridge Community Group to explore options to rebuild a boundary wall in a local graveyard that collapsed last May. It has been confirmed that officials from the Killaloe Municipal District…
Positive progress made on O’Briensbridge wall
Clare County Council representatives have met with the O’Briensbridge Community Group to explore options to rebuild a boundary wall in a local graveyard that collapsed last May. It has been confirmed that officials from the Killaloe Municipal District and Rural Development met with the community group recently to discuss this issue. This happened before Councillor Tony O’Brien tabled a motion at a Killaloe Municipal District meeting last week requesting the council to engage with the stakeholders of the O’Briensbridge graveyard with a view to rebuilding the boundary wall.
‘Technical solutions can address wind farm issues’ – aviation expert
TECHNICAL solutions will address any issues arising from the construction of the wind farm, according to an aviation consultant. Presenting evidence at the oral hearing on behalf of Ballycar, Richard Ingless, who is a director at…
‘Technical solutions can address wind farm issues’ – aviation expert
TECHNICAL solutions will address any issues arising from the construction of the wind farm, according to an aviation consultant. Presenting evidence at the oral hearing on behalf of Ballycar, Richard Ingless, who is a director at Cyrrus, an expert aviation consultancy stated functional changes to be agreed are practicable and achievable. “I am confident that we can develop a solution that will meet the AirNav Operational Requirement and their safety requirements compliant with IAA regulations.
Westmeath spoil Clare’s home competitive bow
National Football League Division 3 Round 2 Westmeath 2-19 Clare 1-17 Clare’s promotion hopes are now hanging by a mere thread after a seesaw performance allowed a far more consistent Westmeath to snatch victory in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, writes…
Westmeath spoil Clare’s home competitive bow
National Football League Division 3 Round 2 Westmeath 2-19 Clare 1-17 Clare’s promotion hopes are now hanging by a mere thread after a seesaw performance allowed a far more consistent Westmeath to snatch victory in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, writes Eoin Brennan. Having taken great encouragement from their performance in Newry eight days earlier, Paul Madden’s side would have expected to snatch the whip hand against a Westmeath side that struggled to finally fend off Sligo on home soil.
Councillors standing up for the West Clare tourism sector
The impact of the forthcoming planning and rent pressure zone legislation on the tourism sector in West Clare was again the subject of debate amongst county councillors, at the January meeting of the West Clare Municipal District (MD).…
Councillors standing up for the West Clare tourism sector
The impact of the forthcoming planning and rent pressure zone legislation on the tourism sector in West Clare was again the subject of debate amongst county councillors, at the January meeting of the West Clare Municipal District (MD). Councillor Michael Shannon (FF) tabled a motion calling on Clare County Council to support the position of the Irish Self Catering Federation (ISCF) on the new planning guidelines being implemented this coming May for short term letting regulations (STLs) and B&Bs.
OPINION with Eimear Considine: Irish is alive. . . you just have to look for it
THERE is an irony not lost on me as I sit down to write this piece. I am writing an article about the Irish language, Gaeilge, in English, for an English language newspaper. Perhaps that irony perfectly captures the…
OPINION with Eimear Considine: Irish is alive. . . you just have to look for it
THERE is an irony not lost on me as I sit down to write this piece. I am writing an article about the Irish language, Gaeilge, in English, for an English language newspaper. Perhaps that irony perfectly captures the complicated relationship many of us in Ireland have with our native language. We claim it with pride, recognise its importance, yet often struggle to use it beyond the classroom.
Art attack at St Anne’s
A recent exhibition has showcased the artistic talents of students of St Anne’s School in Ennis. The Leaving Certificate Applied Year 1 class presented the Art, Craft, Design and Woodwork exhibition last week. LCA co-ordinator at the school David Bell explains the event was…
Art attack at St Anne’s
A recent exhibition has showcased the artistic talents of students of St Anne’s School in Ennis. The Leaving Certificate Applied Year 1 class presented the Art, Craft, Design and Woodwork exhibition last week. LCA co-ordinator at the school David Bell explains the event was a representation of the students’ work from Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Applied students. Opening the exhibition was Doonbeg based artist Gene Clohessy.
Time to spring into a new season at Bunratty
The annual Imbolc Celebration, a vibrant festival honouring Celtic traditions and St Brigid, takes place at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Sunday, February 1, from 11am to 5pm. The Clare attraction’s family-friendly event will feature a host of various…
Time to spring into a new season at Bunratty
The annual Imbolc Celebration, a vibrant festival honouring Celtic traditions and St Brigid, takes place at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Sunday, February 1, from 11am to 5pm. The Clare attraction’s family-friendly event will feature a host of various seasonal activities, embracing the vibrant crafts, traditions, and customs that characterise the spring season championed by St Brigid, as well as offering a chance to meet a range of native Irish animals.
Emer answers call of the west
The granddaughter of one of County Clare’s premier traditional musicians has dedicated her debut harp album, a personalised story of cultural resurrection, to her beloved grandad who gave her the courage needed to rise again. Emer Ní Scolaí is a 21-year-old Irish…
Emer answers call of the west
The granddaughter of one of County Clare’s premier traditional musicians has dedicated her debut harp album, a personalised story of cultural resurrection, to her beloved grandad who gave her the courage needed to rise again. Emer Ní Scolaí is a 21-year-old Irish traditional harpist and composer from Dublin who has been playing classical and traditional harp ever since her passion for Irish music was instilled in her by her late grandfather, the great Clare singer, flute player and master uilleann piper Séamus Mac Mathúna from Gower, Cooraclare.
HURLING: Nenagh treat Cusack Park like their Eoghan
TUS Dr. Harty Cup Final St. Joseph’s CBS Nenagh 0-20 St. Flannan’s College 0-18 Cusack Park proved a lucky hunting ground once more for Nenagh CBS as they captured their second Harty Cup title in three years at the Ennis venue following a strong…
HURLING: Nenagh treat Cusack Park like their Eoghan
TUS Dr. Harty Cup Final St. Joseph’s CBS Nenagh 0-20 St. Flannan’s College 0-18 Cusack Park proved a lucky hunting ground once more for Nenagh CBS as they captured their second Harty Cup title in three years at the Ennis venue following a strong finish to edge out St. Flannan’s College, writes Eoin Brennan. In 2024, a Darragh McCarthy-led side edged out Ardscoil Rís to garner their first ever Munster Senior A hurling crown and they would have a similarly inspirational hero at the helm this time around as the electric Eoghan Doughan played a captain’s part with a twelve point haul.
Students awarded for work on kidney disease awareness
THE efforts of two Shannon students to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease has been recognised. Chloe O'Loughlin and Biella Pulido from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon, were awarded Junior First Place in the Behavioural Science…
Students awarded for work on kidney disease awareness
THE efforts of two Shannon students to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease has been recognised. Chloe O'Loughlin and Biella Pulido from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon, were awarded Junior First Place in the Behavioural Science category at the SciFest@Teen-Turn event, held at Avantor in Dublin, for their project exploring chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chloe and Biella’s project focuses on raising awareness of the increasing incidence of CKD among teenagers and young people.
World Wetlands Day marked with community river walk
The Restore Ballymacraven River Association (RBRA) is set to host a community event this coming weekend to celebrate the beginning of spring and to mark World Wetlands Day. This comes as the association announces its spring series of free public…
World Wetlands Day marked with community river walk
The Restore Ballymacraven River Association (RBRA) is set to host a community event this coming weekend to celebrate the beginning of spring and to mark World Wetlands Day. This comes as the association announces its spring series of free public talks and events for February taking place every Wednesday in February at 7.30pm at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. In advance of the kick-off of spring series of events, the RBRA is marking World Wetlands Day this coming Saturday, January 31 at 11am with a community event along the Ballymacraven River.
‘We just want to be competitive’ – Davy Fitzgerald
Clare legend, Davy Fitzgerald is in his second year with the Saffrons, and while it was a tough first year, he informs The Clare Champion in an exclusive interview that he is really enjoying his time up there. "I'm really enjoying being involved…
‘We just want to be competitive’ – Davy Fitzgerald
Clare legend, Davy Fitzgerald is in his second year with the Saffrons, and while it was a tough first year, he informs The Clare Champion in an exclusive interview that he is really enjoying his time up there. "I'm really enjoying being involved with Antrim. The clubs are all brilliant, and I've got a lot of friends up there since playing Dunloy in the All-Ireland Club Championship back in 1996.
Councillor Burke calls time on a Whitegate ‘eyesore’
A FORMER public house on the Main Street in Whitegate has been described by a local councillor as an “eyesore” amid calls for action to be taken to tackle dereliction and rural depopulation in East Clare. Councillor Pat Burke has called on Clare…
Councillor Burke calls time on a Whitegate ‘eyesore’
A FORMER public house on the Main Street in Whitegate has been described by a local councillor as an “eyesore” amid calls for action to be taken to tackle dereliction and rural depopulation in East Clare. Councillor Pat Burke has called on Clare County Council’s Derelict Sites’ team to provide an update on the status of a former pub in Whitegate village, which needs to be tackled sooner rather than later as its current condition is nothing short of a disgrace.”
Curtain rises again for Cloughleigh Drama Group
Cloughleigh Drama Group return to the stage after a three year break. Their latest production is three-act comedy titled The Maiden Aunt, by Jimmy Keary. The local group are no strangers to Jimmy Keary productions, having staged a sell out run of…
Curtain rises again for Cloughleigh Drama Group
Cloughleigh Drama Group return to the stage after a three year break. Their latest production is three-act comedy titled The Maiden Aunt, by Jimmy Keary. The local group are no strangers to Jimmy Keary productions, having staged a sell out run of Mother Knows Best in 2023. The group have been busy rehearsing over the last few months in preparation for their upcoming four-night run in Cloughleigh Community Centre, V95K31X, on Friday, February 6, Saturday,February 7, Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, commencing nightly at 8pm.
Talented Killaloe Rugby Out-Half Set For Munster Debut
A promising young Killaloe rugby player looks set to make his Munster senior debut for their BKT URC clash away to leaders Glasgow on Friday night at 7.45pm. Clare rugby enthusiasts will be very interested to see how Tom Wood fares if, as…
Talented Killaloe Rugby Out-Half Set For Munster Debut
A promising young Killaloe rugby player looks set to make his Munster senior debut for their BKT URC clash away to leaders Glasgow on Friday night at 7.45pm. Clare rugby enthusiasts will be very interested to see how Tom Wood fares if, as expected he comes off the bench as well as the performance of three other players from the Banner county - Ruadhán Quinn, Ethan Coughlan and Tony Butler.
When Jamesie pointed the way
The last and only time St Flannan’s College and Nenagh CBS played in the Dr Harty Cup final Tipperary’s senior team were reigning All-Ireland champions, but Clare were on the cusp of the glory years, writes Joe Ó Muircheartaigh. It’s wasn’t quite a case of a star being…
When Jamesie pointed the way
The last and only time St Flannan’s College and Nenagh CBS played in the Dr Harty Cup final Tipperary’s senior team were reigning All-Ireland champions, but Clare were on the cusp of the glory years, writes Joe Ó Muircheartaigh. It’s wasn’t quite a case of a star being born, because his birth had been flagged due north of Doora-Barefield country and across the county bounds into Gort years before that, but this was a statement performance and affirmation of the same on a very big stage.
Shine remains upbeat despite Banner’s third-quarter collapse
Speaking to The Clare Champion after the game the Kerry native is baffled as to the third-quarter collapse that saw his side beaten with fifteen minutes left to play and admits there's plenty to work on ahead of the visit of Louth this…
Shine remains upbeat despite Banner’s third-quarter collapse
Speaking to The Clare Champion after the game the Kerry native is baffled as to the third-quarter collapse that saw his side beaten with fifteen minutes left to play and admits there's plenty to work on ahead of the visit of Louth this weekend. "I just don't know what happened out there in that third quarter. I felt that in the first half we had control of the game, and we had a couple of good chances, but unfortunately we didn't take them.
Clare greenway gets timely boost
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport that, subject to funding, planning permission for a key section of the West Clare Greenway is expected to be sought in the second half of 2026. Deputy Cooney has said that the…
Clare greenway gets timely boost
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport that, subject to funding, planning permission for a key section of the West Clare Greenway is expected to be sought in the second half of 2026. Deputy Cooney has said that the update represents a significant step forward for the active travel project. “The Minister has confirmed to me that, subject to the availability of funding, planning permission for Section One of the Greenway from Kilrush to Kilkee is expected to be sought in the third quarter of 2026,” he said.
Crowe questions Ballycar wind farm review
Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) has raised questions about the use of a private consultancy to conduct an independent review of the aviation impact of the proposed Ballycar Wind Farm. The concerns relate to potential conflicts of interest and air safety, he told…
Crowe questions Ballycar wind farm review
Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) has raised questions about the use of a private consultancy to conduct an independent review of the aviation impact of the proposed Ballycar Wind Farm. The concerns relate to potential conflicts of interest and air safety, he told an oral hearing in Limerick. The hearing, held by An Coimisiún Pleanála, examined aviation-related issues connected with the Ballycar Wind Farm application.
All-Ireland Final awaits for high-flying Coláiste Muire
All-Ireland Junior B Post-Primary Schools Camogie Championship Semi-Final Coláiste Muire Ennis 1-09 Sacred Heart Clonakilty (Cork) 0-10 A superb second half surge ensured that Coláiste Muire advanced to a second All-Ireland Junior B PPS…
All-Ireland Final awaits for high-flying Coláiste Muire
All-Ireland Junior B Post-Primary Schools Camogie Championship Semi-Final Coláiste Muire Ennis 1-09 Sacred Heart Clonakilty (Cork) 0-10 A superb second half surge ensured that Coláiste Muire advanced to a second All-Ireland Junior B PPS Camogie Final in four years in Clarecastle GAA’s Ten Acres 4G on Wednesday evening. Just over a fortnight since garnering a first Munster Junior B crown in 21 years at the same venue, the Ennis school returned with an even more impressive performance.
‘Good early boost’ as Banner backlash begins
Restoring home pride appeared to be just as significant as the opening points as Clare commenced their bid to climb back up the hurling ladder once more. After all, not since Mark Rodgers converted that dramatic last gasp ’65 to edge out Davy…
‘Good early boost’ as Banner backlash begins
Restoring home pride appeared to be just as significant as the opening points as Clare commenced their bid to climb back up the hurling ladder once more. After all, not since Mark Rodgers converted that dramatic last gasp ’65 to edge out Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford in the 2024 Munster Championship had the Banner enjoyed success in Ennis, with five subsequent National League and championship ties proving fruitless.
Harty Cup Final stage set for rollercoaster reunion
If Saturday’s Dr. Harty Cup Final between is anything like their opening round clash, then it’s probably best to just strap yourself in and enjoy the rollercoaster ride. Three months earlier at the TUS Moylish Campus, the cobwebs were blasted off…
Harty Cup Final stage set for rollercoaster reunion
If Saturday’s Dr. Harty Cup Final between is anything like their opening round clash, then it’s probably best to just strap yourself in and enjoy the rollercoaster ride. Three months earlier at the TUS Moylish Campus, the cobwebs were blasted off Munster’s marquee post-primary schools championship as St. Joseph’s CBS Nenagh unleashed an early statement of intent to blitz last year’s finalists St.
The Broker Advantage – Why It Pays to Get Expert Financial Advice
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us in Co Clare face the same big question: Should I just stick with my local bank for financial advice, or is it time to work with an independent Financial Broker? While banks are great for our…
The Broker Advantage – Why It Pays to Get Expert Financial Advice
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us in Co Clare face the same big question: Should I just stick with my local bank for financial advice, or is it time to work with an independent Financial Broker? While banks are great for our day-to-day accounts and tapping a card at the till, the evidence is becoming clearer every year—when it comes to building a secure future for your family, a broker can make a life-changing difference.
West Clare needs more protection
West Clare demands immediate Government action in relation to crime in the region. That’s according to Aontú Clare representative June Dillon who has described the alleged assault and robbery of a postmistress in Carrigaholt on Wednesday of last week as “brutal”…
West Clare needs more protection
West Clare demands immediate Government action in relation to crime in the region. That’s according to Aontú Clare representative June Dillon who has described the alleged assault and robbery of a postmistress in Carrigaholt on Wednesday of last week as “brutal” and “disturbing”. Her comments come following this and another incident in West Clare this week when a security alert occurred at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg which saw the army’s bomb disposal unit deployed.
Council to deliver 232 homes this year
Clare County Council is on course to deliver 232 social and affordable homes this year, with the support of local developers and in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies. As many as 195 social houses are earmarked to join the housing stock, with a further…
Council to deliver 232 homes this year
Clare County Council is on course to deliver 232 social and affordable homes this year, with the support of local developers and in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies. As many as 195 social houses are earmarked to join the housing stock, with a further 37 affordable homes also coming on stream. Construction is currently underway on 150 homes planned for delivery in 2026 in housing developments across the county including Ennis, Kilrush, Doonbeg, Crusheen and Sixmilebridge, with additional projects planned for Ennis, Lisdoonvarna and Kilrush.
Clare coastguard volunteers to be allowed to join SIPTU
A NEW agreement allowing members from 44 Coast Guard units to join SIPTU has been welcomed by a former Doolin Coast Guard volunteer. Following discussions during 2025, including a meeting between Coast Guard members and SIPTU representatives,…
Clare coastguard volunteers to be allowed to join SIPTU
A NEW agreement allowing members from 44 Coast Guard units to join SIPTU has been welcomed by a former Doolin Coast Guard volunteer. Following discussions during 2025, including a meeting between Coast Guard members and SIPTU representatives, applications for union membership are now being processed. These meetings and discussions have been organised by the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association (ICGVRA), the association established in 2021 to represent many members of Irish Coast Guard units who were dissatisfied with the failed human resources treatment they received.
Clarity sought over impact of new short-term let laws
A Lahinch county councillor has called for clarity on the impact to short term letting operators in North and West Clare as changes to rent pressure zone laws come into force this summer. Through a notice of motion at the January meeting of…
Clarity sought over impact of new short-term let laws
A Lahinch county councillor has called for clarity on the impact to short term letting operators in North and West Clare as changes to rent pressure zone laws come into force this summer. Through a notice of motion at the January meeting of Clare County Council, Councillor Bill Slattery (FG) requested the local authority provide its elected members with a detailed briefing on the impact of the current planning and rent pressure zone legislation for people who plan on operating a short term let for the 2026 tourist season.
Miltown Malbay’s Design Bank is paying it forward
New life has being breathed into Miltown Malbay over the course of 2025 with the opening of Design Bank, a social enterprise initiative that has been revitalising rural creativity in West Clare. Across rural Ireland, vacant buildings often stick…
Miltown Malbay’s Design Bank is paying it forward
New life has being breathed into Miltown Malbay over the course of 2025 with the opening of Design Bank, a social enterprise initiative that has been revitalising rural creativity in West Clare. Across rural Ireland, vacant buildings often stick out like sore thumbs on the streetscape however, in Miltown Malbay, one such building – a former bank – has been transformed into a thriving hub of creativity thanks to the vision of Aoife O’Malley and the support of the LEADER programme.
Have we broken the news cycle?
SKY News were one of the first to bring us the all-consuming, 24/7 news cycle. From a time when newspapers and scheduled news bulletins on radio and TV were the main source of news, rolling news gradually became part of our everyday lives. From the big events that…
Have we broken the news cycle?
SKY News were one of the first to bring us the all-consuming, 24/7 news cycle. From a time when newspapers and scheduled news bulletins on radio and TV were the main source of news, rolling news gradually became part of our everyday lives. From the big events that warranted it, to the smaller events that really didn’t, viewers could choose to sit down and watch the news disected to its component parts at any time, day or night.
Call for action follow ‘disgusting’ visit to UHL
An Ennis councillor has said he was “disgusted” to see the amount of people on trolleys during a recent visit to University Hospital Limerick as a call was made for the Ennis Municipal District to take the lead in identifying a local site to…
Call for action follow ‘disgusting’ visit to UHL
An Ennis councillor has said he was “disgusted” to see the amount of people on trolleys during a recent visit to University Hospital Limerick as a call was made for the Ennis Municipal District to take the lead in identifying a local site to accommodate at Model 3/4 Hospital. Councillor Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said he had been at the hospital just this week as a family member had a health issue.
Ennis musician wins Seán O Riada Bonn Óir 2026
Concertina player Ríona Hely from Ennis has won the Seán O Riada Bonn Óir 2026 competition. The competition took place on Friday at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and was broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on the programme Cuireadh Chun…
Ennis musician wins Seán O Riada Bonn Óir 2026
Concertina player Ríona Hely from Ennis has won the Seán O Riada Bonn Óir 2026 competition. The competition took place on Friday at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and was broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on the programme Cuireadh Chun Ceoil, presented by Peadar Ó Riada. The Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition is a prestigious traditional music competition that focuses on a different instrument every year over a four-year cycle.
Fishbowl set for expansion
AN East Clare youth club has received a major boost after receiving national funding worth €274,480 under the National Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Following the purchase of the old Scariff co-op in 2018, Fishbowl Youth will use the funding to refurbish this building…
Fishbowl set for expansion
AN East Clare youth club has received a major boost after receiving national funding worth €274,480 under the National Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Following the purchase of the old Scariff co-op in 2018, Fishbowl Youth will use the funding to refurbish this building as a youth and community space. Over the coming months, the club will be contacting all its former members and their families to make financial contributions to their fundraising drive to raise the 10% contribution of about €27,000.
Cooraclare farmer’s triplets defy the odds
A Cooraclare farmer is celebrating after a cow on his farm defied the odds to give birth to three healthy heifer calves. Declan Fennell told The Clare Champion that the three female calves were born on Thursday of last week. “Last Thursday night, I’d the…
Cooraclare farmer’s triplets defy the odds
A Cooraclare farmer is celebrating after a cow on his farm defied the odds to give birth to three healthy heifer calves. Declan Fennell told The Clare Champion that the three female calves were born on Thursday of last week. “Last Thursday night, I’d the Belgian Blue cow put into the shed. I was watching her and she was too big to put in the cubicle house or slatted shed,” he said.
West Clare support for Trump’s Doonbeg ballroom
Eric Trump the co-owner of the Trump resort in Doonbeg and son of the US President, visited Doonbeg on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. His visit came as Trump International Hotel and Golf Links at Doonbeg seeks planning approval to build a new…
West Clare support for Trump’s Doonbeg ballroom
Eric Trump the co-owner of the Trump resort in Doonbeg and son of the US President, visited Doonbeg on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. His visit came as Trump International Hotel and Golf Links at Doonbeg seeks planning approval to build a new ballroom at its golf course, and ahead of the resort hosting the 2026 Irish Open in September this year.
OPINION: Shannon Airport, Irish neutrality and global peace and justice
In his article in The Clare Champion on January 14, ‘Shannon Airport and Ireland’s Foreign Policy Debate’ Professor Donnacha O’Beacháin asks an important question. How compatible is facilitating US military operations through…
OPINION: Shannon Airport, Irish neutrality and global peace and justice
In his article in The Clare Champion on January 14, ‘Shannon Airport and Ireland’s Foreign Policy Debate’ Professor Donnacha O’Beacháin asks an important question. How compatible is facilitating US military operations through Shannon Airport with claiming a form of neutrality grounded in international law? The answer is that international law on neutrality is clearly defined in The Hague Convention V on Neutrality 1907, article 2 of which states that: “Belligerents are forbidden to move troops or convoys of either munitions of war or supplies across the territory of a neutral Power”.
High hopes as Clare musicians head to Seán O Riada Bonn Óir
Two Clare musicians will be hoping to strike the right notes with the judges of this year’s Seán O Riada Bonn Óir Competition taking place in Cork this Friday. Concertina players Ríona Hely from Ennis and Aidan Quigney, from Kilmore in…
High hopes as Clare musicians head to Seán O Riada Bonn Óir
Two Clare musicians will be hoping to strike the right notes with the judges of this year’s Seán O Riada Bonn Óir Competition taking place in Cork this Friday. Concertina players Ríona Hely from Ennis and Aidan Quigney, from Kilmore in East Clare join an eclectic group of finalists from all corners of Ireland and two musicians travelling from the US to take part in the final competition which will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Twenty years of book club fest
The line-up for this year’s 20th anniversary Ennis Book Club Festival has been announced with a the full programme of events taking place from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8. This year’s festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for…
Twenty years of book club fest
The line-up for this year’s 20th anniversary Ennis Book Club Festival has been announced with a the full programme of events taking place from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8. This year’s festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages. As always, the festival will offer opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and features an additional programme of events for younger readers.
Shannon youth called to act
The young people of Shannon are being asked to come out and play an active role in the local community through the establishment of a new youth task group by the Shannon Community Network. The advocacy group will host its first network meeting of the year on Wednesday,…
Shannon youth called to act
The young people of Shannon are being asked to come out and play an active role in the local community through the establishment of a new youth task group by the Shannon Community Network. The advocacy group will host its first network meeting of the year on Wednesday, February 3, at the Future Mobility Campus. The network already has several, well-established task groups which work on issues such as arts, culture and heritage, community housing, age friendliness and health.
