A PACKED Cooraclare Hall witnessed renowned historian and author, Eoin Shanahan, formally launch the booklet on the War of Independence in West Clare last week.
A group of Doonbeg residents organised a special commemoration ceremony recently for the 80th anniversary of the crash landing of an RAF flying boat in Doughmore Bay. Dan Danaher chronicles this fascinating tale involving the tragic death of nine airmen, the heroic rescue of two colleagues, an eye witness account of the wreckage, salvaged items such as a 1940 aircraft tool kit box, and relatives’ accounts of the extraordinary bravery of those who risked their own lives to help save the lives of others.
But you don’t hear too much about that in the media,” he said.
“President Trump and his family will always be welcome here in Doonbeg – we won’t forget what he has done for this area. He has helped support the creation of vital local employment.”
Igoe Inn owner Caroline Kennedy said the publicity from the US political visits to Doonbeg had clearly boosted the local tourism industry before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“The resort (golf club) is the biggest employer in west Clare and those are vital jobs for the area,” she said.
“Everyone living locally is very grateful for the economic benefit the Doonbeg resort offers. In normal times it brings people into the restaurants, shops and pubs.