Martin Devitt Commemoration Takes Place In Co Clare

A wreath laying ceremony took place at the grave of Ennistymon man Martin Devitt today, 90 years on from his death during an IRA ambush.

Today’s commemoration at Clouna Graveyard, Ennistymon, was attended by Minister of State and North Clare T.D. Tony Killeen as well as relatives of the vice commanding officer of the Mid-Clare brigade of the IRA.

Devitt, a draper apprentice from Cahersherkin, was killed on 24 February 1920 during an ambush on an RIC patrol at Crowe’s Bridge, located between Connolly and Inagh. A number of civilians appeared in the vicinity of the ambush site which resulted in the attackers holding their fire. Devitt, one of the most respected leaders of the Mid-Clare Brigade, was shot and fatally wounded when he raised his head from his crouched position.

An inquest into the 25-year old’s death concluded: “Martin Devitt of Cahersherkin, Co. Clare died on 24th February 1920, from a bullet wounded received while fighting for the freedom of his country, which freedom is prevented by mis-government and we tender our sympathy to the relatives of the deceased”. A monument in memory of Martin Devitt was erected at the ambush site at Crowe’s Bridge and remains standing to this day.

Devitt’s colleague Ignatius O’Neill, was badly wounded during the ambush. On 22 September 1920, O’Neill coordinated an ambush on an RIC patrol at Rineen, between Miltown Malbay and Lahinch. Men from several battalions, including Ennistymon, Lahinch, Inagh, Moy, Glendine, Miltown Malbay and Letterkelly, took part in the ambush which resulted in the deaths of five RIC officers and one British auxiliary. Claims that up to three British soldiers were killed in the ensuing fire fight have never been verified.

image: Minister of State Tony Killeen lays a wreath at the grave of Martin Devitt in Clouna graveyard, Ennistymon, 90 years on from the death of the vice commanding officer of the Mid-Clare brigade during an ambush at Crowe’s Bridge, located between Inagh and Connolly. Pic by Lou Ward, North Clare Local

Killeen Announces New Support Schemes For Fisheries Sector

Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today opened the Irish Skipper - Inshore Fisheries Expo in Galway.

The annual event, which specialises in the inshore fisheries sector, showcases products and services for the fishing sector and the latest technologies.

Speaking today, Minister Killeen said: “The great success of the IRISH SKIPPER EXPO year on year and the large attendance here today, demonstrates the size and vibrancy of the inshore sector and its importance around the coast. The skippers and crew of vessels involved in fishing, the processors and marketing companies and all of the shore based support network such as net makers and chandlers make a vital contribution to the economic activity of our coastal communities. The activity is not just in the large harbours but in every one of the 800 small harbours and landing piers. Expo is especially important in giving fishermen an opportunity to meet and discuss their industry and its future.”

At the exhibition, Minister Killeen launched four schemes to support safety at sea, inshore fisheries management, environmental management of fisheries and LEADER type support for coastal communities dependant on fishing. The schemes which are part funded by the EU will provide €1.82 million of grant aid in support of an investment of €4.5 million in 2010 to assist industry.

Minister Killeen added: “I am pleased to launch new schemes to support the fishing industry, which are being delivered by BIM and are focused in particular on the inshore sector. These supports will particularly focus on aspects of inshore fisheries management and environmental management systems, providing the tools with which industry can not only improve their operations but also increase the value of their produce. BIM will also be launching a LEADER type scheme involving coastal areas dependant on fishing.”

Minister Killeen also launched a new Stock Book for Inshore stocks. The Stock Book will provide information on all inshore stocks around Ireland and has been prepared and published jointly by the Marine Institute and BIM.

Ryanair To Continue Operating Flights From Shannon To Liverpool And Edinburgh

Minister of State and Clare Fianna Fail T.D. Tony Killeen says he has received notification from the Shannon Airport Authority that Ryanair has reversed an earlier decision to withdraw its services from Shannon to Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State Killeen stated: “Ryanair’s services from Shannon Airport to Edinburgh and Liverpool will continue to operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays during the summer. These services have always been very popular and I am delighted that Ryanair has decided to continue operating them.”

Minister of State Killeen also welcomed Ryanair’s confirmation that it will continue to operate services to London Gatwick, London Stansted, Malaga, Nantes, Palma, Paris Beauvais, Tenerife and Wroclaw up to the end of the end of summer 2010 at least.

“The future growth of Shannon Airport is dependant on the provision of services to destinations throughout the UK and Europe. Ryanair’s decision to continue operating flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh as well as continue providing services to other European destinations will complement the existing UK, Domestic and Transatlantic services currently being provided by Aer Lingus and Continental Airlines. Meanwhile, Delta Airlines also will resume their New York JFK to Shannon service in May”, he added.