Offaly priest attacked over alleged comments

A County Offaly priest has reportedly upset parishioners by disparaging children sent to the notorious Daingean reformatory.

Fr Tom Coonan allegedly described these children as "ruffians" who were not wanted by society during a sermon at St Joseph's Church in Ballingar yesterday, according to breakingnews.ie. Reports this morning say the priest is denying using the word "ruffians", but admits saying not all of the boys sent to Daingean were angels.

He says he regrets any offence caused and totally condemns the abuse that happened at the reformatory.

Boost for Sinn Fein as FG hints at possible coalition

Fine Gael's Justice Spokesman has said that he personally would not have a difficulty forming a government with Sinn Féin if the party had policies that would not cause problems.

Charlie Flanagan (left), who represents Laois/Offaly, told RTÉ's The Week in Politics programme, to be broadcast tonight, that at the moment he could not go along with Sinn Féin's opposition to the Lisbon Treaty and much of Gerry Adams' economic policies. Deputy Flanagan added that he did not know where all the 'hullabaloo' came from following Frank Flannery's recent comments, in which he held out the prospect of Fine Gael and Sinn Féin forming a government in the future.

Mr Flannery was last week demoted from this position as Fine Gael's Director of Elections.

Recognition for Offaly Carers

The contribution made by carers is to be recognised at the Carers of the Year Awards with Offaly nominees being sought.

Offaly's 2,691 family carers provide 65,000 hours of care in the home each week to frail older people, people with disabilities, terminally ill and children with special needs, reports the Offaly Express.

To recognise the enormous contribution of these carers, the majority of whom do this work unpaid, presenters Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan have launched The Carers Association's Carers of the Year Awards and Young Carer of the Year Awards 2009.

Energy company announces 1500 jobs

A Cootehill-based company has announced an ambitious expansion to create 10 wind-farms in Ireland.

Gaeltech Energy plan to invest €740 million in the project which it says will create up to 1,500 jobs during the construction phase. Gaeltech energy says its wind farm project will be able to provide electricity to over 135,000 houses when completed.

The company will locate the wind farms in Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Westmeath, Meath, Sligo, Offaly, Laois and Longford. According to a statement issued by Gaeltech, 1500 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and a further 3,500 will be created in supporting industries.

Jacksonville Florida Businesses To Visit The Atlantic Way

Mr. Brian O’Connell, Chairperson of The Atlantic Way

Plans to forge commercial links between the Atlantic Way region and one of the most successful business areas in the world have been announced.

The Atlantic Way, a pioneering organisation comprised of key-decision makers in the West, will host an important delegation from the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida business community from June 18-20. The purpose of the visit is to grow business between the two economic communities, and give impetus towards creating in the West of Ireland a globally recognised region of excellence for living, leisure, knowledge and work.

Members of the Atlantic Way include some of the largest Irish-based multinationals including Hewlett Packard, Analog Devices, Cook Group Europe, GECAS and Olympus. Among the member organisations are Local Government, including the Cross Departmental Committee, Government Agencies, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development, Mid West and West Regional Authorities, Local Authorities, Shannon Airport Authority, the two Universities in Limerick and Galway, Limerick Institute of Technology, Galway Mayo Institute, the Chambers of Commerce, tourism centres and hotels and many others.

The City of Jacksonville is the economic driver for the seven-county, Northeast Florida area of approximately 1.4 million residents. The region has a very diverse business sector with advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, finance and insurance services, life science, and logistics and distribution as its key sectors. Jacksonville is home to Vistakon and Medtronic, well-known U.S. companies with a significant presence in Limerick and Galway.

According to Mr. Brian O’Connell, Chairperson of The Atlantic Way: “The upcoming visit forms part of The Atlantic Way’s overall efforts to establish strong alliances and co-operation between both locations with the intention of creating a region of excellence for future economic and social growth here in Ireland along the Atlantic corridor”. “We will be facilitating a series of in-depth presentations and conversations between Atlantic Way SME’s, who are seeking to expand and export to the US, and the Jacksonville delegation. We are keen to agree on a number of specific projects to kick-start the new relationships economically, and I can assure you that special emphasis will be placed on the benefits of the Atlantic Way region as a suitable location” he added.

Mr. O’Connell explained that there has been a series of visits and interactions between The Atlantic Way and key decision makers in the Jacksonville area over the past 12 months. He said: “Atlantic Way believes the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida region is a global leader in its business structure, operations and promotion for its economic community. Similar adjacent cities internationally have combined to create corridors of commercial success and technological creativity. We know we can do the same here in Ireland, with the Galway-Limerick/Shannon axis as a central corridor of the Atlantic Way, and we see the cities, the airports, the towns, villages and interconnected rural communities as the catalyst for energy, commitment and action.” He continued: “Limerick City has a great opportunity now to master plan an exciting future for itself, breathing life back into its city centre, with that economic and social rebirth spear-headed by the implementation of the urban regeneration of the Fitzgerald Report. In addition to this, there are enormous economic and social opportunities in developing the Limerick Docklands and the Shannon Estuary, both of which have great potential for trans-shipment and freight logistics internationally. Our vision is for the 1.5million people of the Atlantic Way region to be established as a world-class region in every aspect of living, leisure and knowledge by 2020. Starting now.”

Mr. O’Connell noted that there had been a major shift internationally towards economic communities promoting their regional potential, rather than concentrating on the opportunities for individual companies. “From a financial point of view it makes perfect sense to promote all potential prospects of the economic community, at the same time and with the same budget. The Atlantic Way has also recognised that the economic aspect is no longer the sole selling point of any community, because the educational, social, health, leisure, the environment, housing, infrastructure, tourism and cultural aspects are all the other vital jig-saw pieces, that comprise each community, and they must be included” he stated.

During their 3-day trip to the Region the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida delegation will visit Counties Limerick, Clare and Galway. Key movers and decision-makers will be introduced to SME’s from Jacksonville, who are seeking to establish a presence in the Atlantic Way region, giving them a beachhead to European markets and beyond. Both teams will discuss collaboration in different research and development projects. Commenting ahead of the upcoming visit, Cornerstone’s International Department Director Michael Breen pointed out that the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida region’s experience in forging public/private partnerships to achieve economic development goals had become a benchmark for communities looking to enhance their economic growth. He added: “The visit is seen as an opportunity for communities in the Atlantic Way region to learn from and partner with Jacksonville’s experience and for us to do the same with them.”

Mr. Breen confirmed that the delegation would also be keen to possibly develop specific ties between Shannon Airport and Jacksonville’s International Airport and Cecil Aviation and Commerce Centre, the 6,000-acre facility rapidly developing into a major logistics and aviation hub for the Southeastern U.S. “From Jacksonville’s perspective, this visit represents the enhancement of initial business ties that will hopefully lead to direct business-to-business relationships, including expansion into each region’s communities generating new jobs and economic growth” he concluded.

The City’s elected Mayor, the Honourable John Peyton, will head the Jacksonville delegation. He will be joined by senior executives from regional economic development organizations including Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership, the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, and the Nassau County Economic Development Board.

Over the past three years the Atlantic Way has engaged in in-depth discussions with key decision-makers in business, in statutory organisations and with community activists in the West, as well as with a government liaison group, to chart a new regional approach to planning and roll-out of all developmental structures. The Atlantic Way has pioneered an agreed coordinated approach for every aspect of new infrastructure, living, working and developing a combined marketing strategy for the people, the local authorities and the business communities of the two contiguous regions of the West and the Mid-West. For more on The Atlantic Way visit atlanticway.com.

Home Energy Savers Scheme Expected To Create Thousands Of Jobs

Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources today officially launched a nationwide scheme expected to generate thousands of new jobs in the clean-tech sector over the next 6 to 12 months.

The main focus of the Greenloan Home Energy Savers Scheme is to create significant employment opportunities in local communities throughout Ireland by grouping homeowners to avail of large discounts in upgrading their properties.

Over 250 clusters comprising thousands of homeowners in all 26 counties have already been created under the scheme, which was originally piloted in 2008 as part of the pilot phase of the SEI Home Energy Saving Scheme (HES).

See Greenloan.ie

Four nominations for Clare camogie team

Clare, the All Ireland Junior Camogie Champions, have an impressive four players nominated for this year’s Camogie All-Stars ahead of the awards banquet, in association with O’Neills, at Dublin’s City West Hotel on November 8.

Goalkeepers
Susan Earner [Galway] Aoife Murray [Cork] Denise Lynch [Clare]

Backs
Catriona Foley [Cork]Gemma O’Connor [Cork]Mary O’Connor [Cork]Joanne O’Callaghan [Cork]Anne Marie Hayes [Galway]Sinéad Cahalan [Galway]Niamh Kilkenny [Galway]Trish O’Halloran [Tipperary]Paula Buffin [Tipperary]Michaela Morkan [Offaly]Noeleen Lambert [Wexford]Catherine O’Loughlin [Wexford]Mary Leacy [Wexford]Elaine Alyward [Kilkenny]Andrea Fitzpatrick [Dublin]Rachel Ruddy [Dublin]Kate Lynch [Clare]Julie Lagan [Tyrone]

Midfield
Breige Corkery [Cork]Orla Cotter [Cork]Áine Hillary [Galway]Michelle O’Leary [Wexford]Grainne McGoldrick [Derry]Deirdre Murphy [Clare]

Forwards
Jessica Gill [Galway]Therse Maher [Galway]Veronica Curtin [Galway]Rachel Moloney [Cork]Síle Burns [Cork]Claire Grogan [Tipperary]Aoife Neary [Kilkenny]Sinéad Millea [Kilkenny]Ursula Jacob [Wexford]Kate Kelly [Wexford]Eileen O’Brien [Limerick]Jane Adams [Antrim]Tine Hannon [Offaly]Annette McGeeney [Roscommon]Louise Mahony [Laois]Carina Rosengrave [Clare]Áine Lyng [Waterford]Jane Dolan [Meath]

Motorists to face disruptions at Portumna

Motorists travelling to and from East Clare to East Galway will face major diversions during the Halloween break when Portumna bridge is closed for repairs.

The bridge, which spans the Shannon, also serves as a major crossing point in north Tipperary and south Offaly. According to the Irish Times newspaper, the 97-year-old bridge on the N65 will close from Friday, October 24th, to Sunday, November 2nd, and alternative routes will be signposted.

The decision to close the bridge was made after Waterways Ireland identified a problem with the opening mechanism on a swivelling portion of the bridge which allows boats to navigate the upper reaches of the Shannon.

Clare hurlers straight through to Munster semis

Clare have been drawn against the winners of Cork and Tipperary in next year's All Ireland Munster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final.

Mike MacNamara's side were handed a bye in this evening's draw at Croke Park. Justin McCarthy will lead Limerick out against his old side Waterford, managed by Sixmilebridge's David Fitzgerald, in the other semi-final.

Munster Hurling Championship
Quarter-final
Cork v Tipperary
Semi-finals
Waterford v Limerick
Clare v Cork / Tipperary

Leinster Hurling Championship
Quarter-finals
Laois v Galway
Offaly v Wexford
Dublin v Antrim
Kilkenny straight into open semi-final draw

Five Star Performance By Clare Hurlers

The Clare Senior hurler's impressive run in this year's All Ireland Championship has been rewarded with five All Star nominations.

All Ireland champions Kilkenny unsurprisingly receive 14 nominations, Cork receive seven nominations and Clare pick up five. Eight other counties are represented in the nominations with Dublin, corner forward David O'Callaghan and centre back Ronan Fallon, and Offaly, forward Brian Carroll and corner back David Franks, picking up two each. There are no nominees from Leinster finalists Wexford.

Hurling All Star nominees for 2008

Goalkeeper: Brendan Cummins [Tipperary], Clinton Hennessy [Waterford], PJ Ryan [Kilkenny]

Full Backs: Michael Kavanagh [Kilkenny], Noel Hickey [Kilkenny], Jackie Tyrrell [Kilkenny], Paul Curran [Tipperary], Conor O'Brien [Tipperary], Shane O'Neill [Cork], Brian Murphy [Cork], Gerry O'Grady [Clare], David Franks [Offaly].

Half Backs: Tommy Walsh [Kilkenny], JJ Delaney [Kilkenny], Brian Hogan [Kilkenny], Tony Browne [Waterford], Conor O'Mahony [Tipperary], Shane Maher [Tipperary], John Gardiner [Cork], Sean Óg Ó hAilpín [Cork], Ronan Fallon [Dublin]

Midfield: James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick [Kilkenny], Derek Lyng [Kilkenny], Shane McGrath [Tipperary], Tom Kenny [Cork], Brian O'Connell [Clare], Colin Lynch [Clare].

Half Forwards: Eoin Larkin [Kilkenny], Henry Shefflin [Kilkenny], Richie Power [Kilkenny], Ben O'Connor [Cork], Cathal Naughton [Cork], Seamus Callinan [Tipperary], Lar Corbett [Tipperary], Jonathan Clancy [Clare], Brian Carroll [Offaly].

Full Forwards: Eddie Brennan [Kilkenny], Aidan Fogarty [Kilkenny], John Mullane [Waterford], Eoin McGrath [Waterford], Eoin Kelly [Waterford], Joe Canning [Galway], Eoin Kelly [Tipperary], Niall Gilligan [Clare], David O'Callaghan [Dublin].

Ennis named cleanest town

Ennis has been named as Ireland's cleanest town in the latest survey by the Irish Business Against Litter organisation.

Breakingnews.ie reports that thirty-two towns are rated as litter-free in the survey and 60% of towns are now deemed to be clean, compared to only 7% six years ago.

Elsewhere, the number of litter blackspots in the survey has fallen to just three - Tallaght, Roscommon and Tullamore. Limerick, Kilkenny and Cork have also slipped backwards in the league, while the survey found that almost half of all approach roads to towns are littered.