The Clare Echo 22/03/2018

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22 Mar 2018

Simulated armed attack

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

A

SIMULATED major armed incident was staged at Shannon Airport today as part of an exercise for local response units.

These dramatic images, caught by photographer Arthur Ellis, depict a bilateral training exercise between An Garda Síochána and Defence Forces at Shannon Airport.

On this occasion the exercise was facilitated

by Shannon Airport Authority.

The focus of the exercise is to examine the response to a simulated major armed incident by local Gardaí, Garda operational and strategic command personnel, ERU (Emergency Response Unit), ASU (Regional Armed Support Unit) and the Garda Air Support Unit.

The exercises will also included the Defence Forces tri-service assets including Army perimeter security and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Naval Service and Air Corps assets and Shannon Airport Police personnel.

The objective of the exercise was to test the responses and interoperability of agencies in support of An Garda Síochána, who hold primary responsibility in such cases.

lTERRIFYING: A bilateral training exercise between An Garda Síochána and Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on Tuesday March 20 All photos by Arthur Ellis

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Index BRAVE AOIBHÍN

4

POSTMAN JOHN

6

KELLY GOUGH

8

ST PATRICK’S DAY

12-13

GORT FEATURE

17-24 26

COMMUNITY SPORT

32-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

GET IN TOUCH

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 17-24

It’s Gort to be perfect

This week we have a special guide on Gort; focussing on all that’s great about community and businesses in a town many Clare people call home

NEWS: PAGE 6

Postie hangs up wheels...

After 35 years serving the Labasheeda area on his bicycle, beloved third generation postman John Cooley has decided to call it a day

CLUB CLARE: PAGE 34

We team up with Club Clare With the county’s GAA sides’ respective league campaigns almost at an end, we have one eye on the Championship as we team up with Club Clare as official media partners

RECEPTION

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: monica@clareecho.ie

EDITOR Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: editor@clareecho.ie

NEWSDESK Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: news@clareecho.ie

NOTES Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

SALES Telephone: 065 671 9021

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

PLACE AN

ADVERT To learn how we can promote your business call us on 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie.

l ALL BASES COVERED: Members of the Lisseycasey Bookclub taking part in the Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade last week

Photo by Katie McNeill

Harty supports repeal ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

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LARE’S Independent TD Dr The Government needs to have all Michael Harty has confirmed of the paperwork completed before that he will be supporting the Easter in order to hold the referendum repeal of the Eighth Amend- by the end of May. ment.

“Termination of pregnancy should Speaking at Tuesday night’s Dáil be provided for in cases of substandebate, Dr Harty said it’s time to stop tive dangers to the health and life of forcing women to travel abroad for the mother and fatal foetal abnormalabortions. ity. As I stated, in cases of rape, the “We must take ownership of this is- victims should never get to the stage sue and stop exporting it. As unhappy of a developing pregnancy. as we may be about abortion, this is “The critical and most contentious the 21st century and we must recog- issue is the 12 week termination limit. nise how medicine and society have It is also the issue about which I am developed by introducing legislation most unhappy, although I acknowlthat is restrictive but not excessively edge that it is necessary to recognise restrictive,” Dr Harty added. the position of those who wish to terThe Dáil sat until nearly midnight on minate a pregnancy for whatever reaTuesday to discuss the second stage son,” Dr Harty added. of the Abortion Referendum Bill.

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

ELAINE TUBRIDY

duced two weeks early.

“She looked perfect. Even to this day you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with her only for she has a feeding tube in her nose,” Christina said.

Two hours after she was born, Aoibhín was whisked to Crumlin Hospital for specialist treatment.

“When she was born I only got to see her for two seconds. They had to start her on a drug to keep her alive to get her to the surgery, otherwise she would have died within a few days."

Aoibhín also has other complications, including TAPVD, which means her blood vessels didn’t develop properly, and a leaking valve in her heart.

Her first surgery took 10 hours and she had to have a second one at four months old.

It was weeks before Aoibhín was strong enough to breathe without a ventilator and she finally made it home for Christmas. Christina praised all of the staff who helped to get her little girl well enough to come home, including the nurses and all of the surgeons.

4

Baby Aoibhín braves parade months after heart surgery

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news@clareecho.ie

ABY Aoibhín O’Connor had her first open heart surgery when she was just three days old.

But Sunday was a day to forget about hospital visits and difficult days as seven month old Aoibhín enjoyed her very first St Patrick’s Day parade with her family.

Mum Christina, Dad Rory, big sisters Sophie and Chloe and big brother Lincoln were delighted to share the day with Aoibhín.

“I took her out of the pram and I was holding her. She was laughing and jumping up and down with the music and dancers and she loved it. She had a great time,” Christina said.

Aoibhín was born with a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which essentially means that the left side of her heart never developed.

Christina found out about Aoibhín’s condition when she was 28 weeks pregnant and she was in-

l LITTLE WARRIOR: Baby Aoibhín, with her sisters Sophie and Chloe and (inset) Aoibhín attending the St Patrick's Day parade in Ennis at the weekend

NLN courses open for applications NATIONAL Learning Network in Ennis provides innovative courses which help people unemployed due to accident, illness or disability or school leavers who need extra support to gain a QQI qualification and the experience that they need to enter the workforce.

“Our courses vary depending on the students needs at any given time,” explains Val Real, Area Manager of the National Learning Network, Limerick/Clare. “Class sizes are kept small so that students receive individual attention. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace with support from experienced instructors. We can also adapt much of our equipment to meet the needs of people with disabilities.”

“Our multidisciplinary team of staff include instructors, resource teachers and

psychologists have a range of skills and expertise in the training and rehabilitative fields. The student is at the heart of everything we do. Each student has an Individual Action Plan which means that they plan how to do their chosen course at a pace that suits them in an agreed timeframe.

Over 90 per cent of people who complete our Employability Skills Course progress to employment or further training.”

Students must be aged over 16 years: no fees apply for courses and all materials are provided. All courses offer literacy and numeracy supports on a needs basis.

If you, or anyone you know are interested in applying for a place on any course offered by National Learning Network, please contact NLN, Francis Street, Ennis: Tel (065) 6864560 or email clare@nln.ie

l OPPORTUNITY: Clare students at at the Dublin Civic Offices were they went to see HOPE Flies

Need training to get a job?

If you need extra support, if you have had an accident, illness or injury or have a disability then NLN can help. National Learning Network in Clare and Limerick have a range of free vocational training courses to give you the skills you need to get and keep a job. Our courses combine classroom-based learning and on-the-job training and offer you the personalised support you need to gain a QQI qualification.

• Introductory Skills Training (Ennis and Limerick) • Employer Based Training (Ennis and Limerick) • IT with Office Skills (Limerick) • Catering Assistant (Limerick) • PC Maintenance & Networking (Limerick) Find out more at NLN Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare: 065 686 4560 | clare@nln.ie 061 229 777 | limerick@nln.ie nln.ie facebook.com/NLNIreland

These courses are funded by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

Eligibility criteria apply. Course skill sampling is available, ask about it today.

Free Training Enrolling Now

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

ELAINE TUBRIDY

about the perils of being a cycling postman at Christmas and he learned a valuable lesson in his first festive season in the post (see what we did there?).

“I got drink in every house and I was drinking then, so that year I fell off the bike at least four times.

The following year I got wise, I wouldn’t drink in every house. I enjoyed the first few years of doing that but then I got married and I gave up the drink,” John laughed.

John’s daughter Aoife says she is very proud of her dad. “He wasn't only the postman but everyone's best friend including his four children. Even the dogs on his run will miss him,” she said.

John, who hopes to do a course in elderly care, pointed out that it will in fact be the animals on his run that he misses the most.

“Once they’d hear me talking they knew it was me because I used to give treats. I gave them dog nuts but the cats and the donkeys would eat them and I had one goat who used to eat them as well.

I miss those more so than the people,” he added.

6

Third-generation postman finally hangs up his bicycle

T

news@clareecho.ie

HIRD generation postman John Cooley has retired from his rounds after 35 years in the job.

He only retired last Friday so his new reality hasn’t had time to sink in, but he thinks it will take a fair bit of getting used to.

“For the first few days it will be like holidays, but after that I expect waking up at my usual time and not getting up to go to work will be the hardest,” John said.

After his father fell ill in 1983, John was the last cycling postman to be hired in Labasheeda, which according to him was a great way to keep the waistline trim as he had a radius of 30 miles to cover and no less than 18 hills to contend with.

“The scenery here is fantastic.

I used to love it. Since I got these camera phones I used to be taking photos of the water and of animals,” John said.

John’s father failed to warn him

l LOCAL LEGEND: John Cooley being presented with a momento on his retirement and (inset) John in his earlier days as a postman Photos by Mary Hehir / Paul Markham

'Reconsider digital age of consent' ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

FINE Gael Councillor Mary Howard is calling on the Government to reconsider reducing the digital age of consent.

It currently stands at 16 but it will be soon reduced to 13, meaning teens will be able to have total control over their online lives at an earlier age. Cllr Howard believes this will expose children to greater risk online and she raised the issue at a recent Council meeting.

“I think that’s very dangerous, there are predators and unscrupulous people online that can get access to their information.

“Once the digital age of consent goes back to 13, that information is out there, but if it was 16, that information would be

protected,” Cllr Howard said.

Clare County Council will write to Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Charles Flanagan and Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Denis Naughten, asking them to reconsider the digital age of consent. Cllr Howard also pointed out that lowering the age could cause problems for younger teenagers who feel they cannot ask their parents for help.

She also believes that parents are going to be very frightened with the access that their children are going to have on the internet.

“At 13 you’re going to have some who are very mature, but the vast majority aren’t. They’re children at the end of the day.

“They’re naïve, they can be preyed upon very easily, which has been seen in the media,” Cllr Howard added.

l TOP BRASS: Members of the Ennis Brass Band take part in the Ennis parade Photo by Katie McNeill

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Our Lady's buyer should collaborate ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

FINE Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn believes the new owners of Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis should collaborate with Shannon Commercial Properties to develop a plan for the area.

“It would be great if Clare County Council and Shannon Commercial Properties worked with this businessman to develop a coherent plan for both the Information Age Park and Our Lady’s to maximise the return for the community,” Cllr Flynn said.

The former psychiatric hospital was sold at a BidX1 auction for €750,000 at the end of February and is rumoured to have been purchased by a local businessman. The hospital started with a guide price of €475,000 and received a total of 21 bids.

It sits on a 6.74 hectare site and was

granted planning permission in February 2013 for the development of a healthcare facility comprising a four storey over basement building to provide a full range of medical and related services including 97 in-patient beds, recovery cubical, consultants suites, administration office accommodation, pharmacy, shop, catering facilities, crèche, energy centre, plant rooms and all ancillary accommodation.

It is also currently listed as a “zoned C1.1 – Commercial, retail” property under the County Development Plan.

According to the auction details, this will give the buyer scope to develop lands for commercial and business uses.

“There are exciting opportunities out there if there was a coherent plan to maximise the community, social and economic benefit of this and the other site,” Cllr Flynn added.

Prize calf to be raffled

STUART HOLLY

C

editor@clareecho.ie

LARE Macra na Feirme’s membership base has grown over the last 12 months - and with the increase in activity comes a need for finance and the decision has been made to raffle a calf to raise funds.

The calf is a month-old four star Limousin heifer calf out of a British Friesian cow. The calf was kindly sponsored by Clare Marts.

Lines will be sold at Clare Marts on the 27th and 29th March with the raffle being carried out on April 3rd.

Alternatively contact can be made with a Clare Macra committee member in order to buy a line. The price

is €10 a line or 3 lines for €20.

PRO of Clare Macra, Cillian Griffey stated that "Clare Macra very much appreciates the support Clare Marts have given us. This is a good partnership and one which we intend to foster. We want to increase membership and activity levels and by liaising with the Mart and farmers we hope to encourage more young people to join and receive the many benefits membership has to offer".

The calf in question is now famous having been in last weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Ennis Macra float. She is already a prize winning calf as Ennis Macra were runners up for their float and receive €150 from Clare County Council.

If any young person would like to join the organisation, they are encouraged to visit the Facebook page - and you don't have to be a farmer!

l NOT CALF BAD: The prize calf which is being raffled off

7

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FEATURE

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Clare’s next leading light Following widespread praise for her role in BBC’s Call The Midwife, Ennis native Kelly Gough talks about her life in acting

E

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

NNIS native Kelly Gough is probably best-known for her role as Kate on the popular award-winning RTE series, RAW. Since the series concluded in 2013, Kelly has gone on to play roles in series’ such as Vera, Strike Back, The Fall, Broadchurch, Casualty, Law & Order UK, The Clinic and most recently Call the Midwife.

Her role as struggling mother Doreen Lunt in Call the Midwife earned her high praise in social media circles.

Twitter was alight with praise for Kelly, with viewers commenting: “Kelly Gough in Call The Midwife was absolutely brilliant. Staggeringly good acting”. Another said: “Taking a moment to appreciate that tremendously powerful performance from Kelly Gough in Call The Midwife”.

Door Lunt can no longer cook, clean or look after her children, and now she is pregnant with her third child. Ms. Lunt is eventually diagnosed with Huntington Disease, a progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene.

This disease causes changes in the central area of the brain, which affect movement, mood and thinking skills.

So, what was it like to take on a role as challenging as Doreen Lunt?

Kelly tells us it was an honour to bring her to life.

“It felt like a gift because (I hope) playing her brought greater awareness to Huntington’s Disease and will hopefully encourage those to donate to organisations like the Huntington’s Disease Association.

“Acting is great but if I’m honest I often question the real merit of it; I’m not holed up in A and E working inhuman shifts and saving lives like a doctor. I’m not reinventing the wheel or paying it forward in any particular way.

If playing a particular part can play a part in raising awareness or creating change it’s something I will always treasure,” Kelly says.

Kelly (30) has an identical twin, Ciara, and is the tenth of 12 children. She grew up in Ennis with her mother, a marriage counsellor and her father Head of Fisheries. Kelly graduated from Trinity in 2007 and threw herself into acting.

Acting is in the bloodline as Kelly’s older sister Denise is also an accomplished actor, who just last month was in the Broadway Theatre ‘Angels in

‘‘

l STARRING ROLE: Kelly (also inset) playing Doreen Lunt in the hit BBC television show

Thinking of buying or Thinking of buying selling house? or selling a a house?

Being an actor isn’t an easy life, you’re constantly being told ‘no’ or worse

‘‘

ELAINE TUBRIDY & KAREN HILLERY

America’, as Harper. Kelly says her family are so supportive and only ever want her, and her sister, to be happy.

“I suspect they couldn’t care less what I do; I could pack it in tomorrow or win an Oscar and either way they wouldn’t miss a beat. I’d still be Edie’s aunt and Ciara’s twin. I’d still be useless at texting back and excellent at sleeping-in.”

As an actor, it is important to stay grounded and Kelly always makes sure to get back to Clare whenever she can.

“Clare is where I go when I need minding or reminding of who and what is important. It’s where I rest and drop anchor but for right now, London is where I sail.

“Being an actor isn’t an easy life, you’re constantly being told ‘no’ or worse; you’re told you’re too big or too small or too white or too black. You’re told to straighten your teeth and ‘fix’ your face. You make it ‘big’ and either your ego inflates to protect you or you get swallowed by the madness and disappear.

“You never ‘make it’ and you become brittle or broke or quietly fall apart. I feel

ancient saying it but the only supporters To avail of this promotion please worth having are the ones who love you telephone from the gutter up. The ones who nod sagely and say “if it makes you happy? **•• Excludes VAT, outlay,85 years of legal servi o aail of this prooon Celebrating Off you pop,” Kelly says. registration fees and stamp duty Kelly has played roles on stage and •• Excludes 15 Solicitors buy to let properties please telephone quoting reference title only screen, but the kind of work she goes for ••• Registered ISO 9001;2015 Maximum purchase/sale price sometimes depends on her finances.

WWW.MHP.IE/Spring Promotion of(insert €300,000.00 ISO logo here please) 06566060 ong “I love both theatre and film for different reasons. Which do I prefer? To be reference brutally honest, it depends on the state of • Celebrating my bank balance. Film and TV pay well. WWW.MHP.IE/ Spring 85 years of legal service Theatre pays pittance. When times are Prooon • 15 Solicitors lean I love screen. When times are good I’d much rather tread the boards.”

• ISO 9001:2015 Finally, with her hectic schedule, ** • Excludes VAT, outlay , registration fees and stamp duty. what’s next for Kelly Gough? “I’ll be Excludes buy to let properties touring ’til June with ‘Streetcar named 9/10/11 ••Bindon Street, Ennis, Co Clare V95 K2DT Registered title only Desire’ and then hopefully having a • Maximum purchase/sale price of €300,000.00 well-deserved (but hopefully not too protracted!) rest.”

065-6846060

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Mary Cashin Legal Matters

‘What to do in a road accident’

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Taining excercise between An Garda Siochana and and Defence Forces at Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

Simulated armed attack at Shannon STUART HOLLY

news@clareecho.ie

A

SIMULATED major armed incident was staged at Shannon Airport today as part of an exercise for local response units.

These dramatic images, caught by photographer Arthur Ellis, depict a bilateral training exercise between An Garda Siochana and Defence Forces at Shannon Airport. On this occasion the exercise was facilitated

by Shannon Airport Authority.

The focus of the exercise is to examine the response to a simulated major armed incident by local Gardaí, Garda operational and strategic command personnel, ERU (Emergency Response Unit), ASU (Regional Armed Support Unit) and the Garda Air Support Unit.

The exercises will also include the Defence Forces tri-service assets including Army perimeter security and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Naval Service and Air Corps assets and Shannon Airport Police personnel. The objective of the exercise is to test the responses and interoperability of agencies in support of An Garda Síochána, who hold primary responsibility in such cases.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Photo by Arthur Ellis

NFORTUNATELY most of us in our driving lives will have the misfortune of being involved in a road traffic accident. When it happens, no matter how minor, it is a very daunting experience, panic can set in and a person may not know what to do.

There are a number of Do’s and Don’ts when you find your self in this situation: DO’S Obtain the following information: 1. Name, address and contact telephone number of the driver and the owner of the other vehicle/vehicles 2. Name, address and contact telephone number of any witnesses 3. Insurance Policy details of the other vehicles which can be readily obtained from the Insurance disc on the vehicle windscreen 4. Registration Number of the vehicles 5. Take photographs of the damage to the vehicles and accident location REQUEST MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If any party has suffered injury, medical assistance should be sought, either by calling an ambulance or arranging for the person to be brought to hospital.

An injury may not always be immediately apparent at the time of the accident, e.g. whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, and so if you later feel unwell it is important that you immediately attend your doctor.

REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE GARDAI It there is evident injury to any of the parties, the Gardai should be immediately notified. If the Gardai do not attend the accident

scene, you should in any event attend at your nearest Garda Station and request that the accident details be recorded. This is important particularly if at a later date the other party denies that the accident occurred or if he/she was uninsured.

NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE ACCIDENT This must be done as soon as is possible regardless of whether you believe you were responsible for the accident or not.

DON’TS Don’t leave the scene of the accident until particulars have been exchanged.

It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident without having exchanged your details. If the Gardai are called, you should remain at the scene until they arrive and they conclude their enquiries.

Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident.

Admitting responsibility for the accident could invalidate your Insurance Policy. Even if you are obviously at fault, you should politely assist the other party, exchange particulars and indicate that you are going to report the matter to the insurance company.

It is important to state that where an opinion is expressed in any of these articles, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of my firm or the paper. l For further information, contact Mary Cashin of Cashin & Associates Solicitors, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 6840060. Email: mpc@ cashinlaw.com

EVENTS / ADVICE 11

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Entertainment

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Approved by VHI, AVIVA, LAYA, and HIBERNIAN Health Providers lHUP: Kíla are sure to rock glór with their innovative and energtic performance

KÍLA: FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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MAR 31 @ GLÓR

lór are thrilled to present the brilliant and irresistibly energetic Kíla for a family performance and an evening performance.

Formed at school in Dublin’s late 1980’s, Kíla are heralded as one of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands.

Their unique sound has been ever evolving, rooted in tradition, yet inspired by a myriad of influences and ideas from all around the world. A Special part of the show is where they play three pieces from the multi award winning and Oscar nominated animation Song of the Sea, for which they composed music.

Children are entranced to see music being performed live along to this beautifully animated film.

Kíla have enjoyed collaborating with many renowned musicians and artists.

They recorded a number 1 single The Ballad of Ronnie Drew with U2, The Dubliners, Shane MacGowan, Sinead O’Connor, Glen Hansard, The Corrs, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey and a host of other artists.

They are famed for their energetic performances, and they have played in over 30 countries at notable festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury and The Electric Picnic. For quite a number of years Kíla have been presenting their Kids show throughout the country.

Tickets for Kíla’s performances are on sale at glór Box Office on 065 6843103 or www.glor.ie

FUREYS AND BAGATELLE HEADED FOR THE WEST

APR 1 @ TREACYS WEST COUNTY THE Fureys formed in 1978 and in January launched their new album ‘The Fureys 40 Years On … to be continued’ and have recently returned from a successful UK tour where that Band has sold out 21 venues. The band brings their new tour to Treacys West County Hotel, Ennis on Easter Sunday night April 1st.

The Fureys will be followed on stage by one of Ireland’s most successful super-groups – Bagatelle, who will also celebrate their 40th anniversary year having been formed in 1978.

In 2013, the band’s most successful hit “Summer in Dublin” re-entered the charts, 35 years after its original released and has entered the realm of timeless Irish classics.

Liam Reilly is the inimitable vocalist and as a solo artist he achieved a second place finish with his song “Somewhere in Europe” in the Eurovision of 1990 in Zagreb.

Like Bagatelle, the Fureys have a very impressive discography and have played to presidents, prime ministers and even to Pope John Paul II. Former UK Prime Minister

Tony Blair named their hit “The Green Fields of France” as his favourite anti-war song of all time.

It is certain to be an extraordinary concert of nostalgia and musical masterpieces. It is but one of the headline events in a year of celebration at Treacys West County Hotel. On 28th April the hotel will mark the 50th anniversary of its official opening which was performed by the Minister for Trade and Enterprise Dr. Paddy Hillery, T.D. Tickets €28 plus booking available at treacyswestcounty.com.

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12 OUT & ABOUT

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

The scene

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Paddy’s Day fun THOUSANDS of Clare locals came together last weekend to celebrate our national day, St Patrick’s Day. Huge crowds turned out to witness parades taking place across the county, including an estimated 10,000 for the main event in the county capital on Saturday afternoon.

Grand Marshal John Burke led the proceedings, and dozens of local clubs and organisations were well represented in Ennis, as well as in locations such as Tulla, Kilkee, Kilrush, Doonbeg and Kilrush, to name a few that were attended by The Clare Echo.

twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho instagram.com/theclareecho

DOONBEG

l KEEPIN IT CLEAN: (Above) Members of the Doonbeg Tidy Towns Committee, Amanda Hunter, Mary Ryan, Liz McEntee, John Cummins, Cris Dorsey and Ita Comerford

ENNIS

FEARSOME: Minis members of Ennis Rugby Club put on a performance of the Haka

Photo by Katie McNeill

l MAIN MAN: (Above) Grand Marshal John Burke and his entourage led by a horse and cart on Saturday afternoon Photo by Katie McNeill PIPING UP: The Tulla Pipe Band lead the parade in Tulla at the weekend

Photo by Julie Tillett

TULLA ENNIS KILRUSH

COMMUNITY 13

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018 RAISING THE BANNER: Pat Ahern with the Mens Shed having a bit of fun

SAY IT LOUD: The Tulla Choir belting out a tune at the Tulla St Patrick’s Day parade

Photo by Julie Tillett

DOONBEG TULLA

TULLA RAISING THE BANNER: Youngsters from the Banner GAA Club were delighted to participate in Ennis

Photo by Katie McNeill l FUN DAY OUT (above) Sadbh and Mairead Higgins Majella Clune enjoying the day in Tulla; (below) Tony and John McNamara at the Gort parade

Photos by Julie Tillett

GORT

ENNIS

14 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

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instagram.com/ theclareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

Cheer up lads. The kids would love this and if the fish aren’t offended by it you probably shouldn’t be either Eric Ó Mórdha

in reaction to our story about calls to turn the River Fergus green for St Patrick’s Day

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week DERRICK LYNCH @DLynchSport

This will be a celebration of an outstanding campaign for the lads. They deserve a massive home crowd to send them on their way to the Championship!

Speaking about the Clare footballers

TRENDING ON OUR WEBSITE: CLAREECHO.IE Clare councillor says Varadkar made a GUBU over Trump

CLARE General Election candidate Councillor Mike McKee has expressed his concern at Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s revelation that he contacted Clare County Council on behalf of President Trump.

President Donald Trump was unhappy about a proposal for a windfarm close to his golf course in Doonbeg.

The windfarm developers were denied planning permission, but Clare County Council have said that they have no record of any contact by Mr Varadkar in relation to the application.

Councillor Mike McKee described Leo Varadkar’s revelation as a Clare GUBU moment.

A GUBU moment is defined as something which is grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented.

“I’m taken aback and concerned by the Taoiseach’s revelation that he contacted Clare County Council on behalf of the now President of the United States Donald Trump who was unhappy about a proposal for a windfarm close to Mr Trump’s golf course in Doonbeg,” Cllr McKee said.

Cllr McKee commented that the Taoiseach must clarify his actions and the appropriateness of his intervention on this planning issue.

“This sequence of events raises serious concerns regarding the propriety of the Taoiseach’s actions as he was a Government Minister at the time.

“It would be wholly unacceptable, and extremely serious, for a Government Minister to have sought to influence the decision of a local authority on a planning application,” Cllr McKee added.

l UNHAPPY: The story broke after claims Varadkar called in a favour for Doonbeg Hotelier Trump

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 15

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

THE EYES HAVE IT: Looking with the look of love changes perspective

THE EYES OF LOVE W ITH hopefully the cold of winter now behind us and with spring now in the air, we need to ask ourselves what we can do right now, to improve the beautiful country we live in, to help bring jobs, compassion, mercy, healing and to bring hope and comfort where none seemed to be in the offering over the past number of years? We can’t just leave it to the politicians and others in various forms of power, we must, each one of us put on the country jersey like our men and women’s rugby teams did at the weekend and get out there and do something for the betterment of one another especially for our children, our homeless, our elderly and our sick and unwell. Sounds like a tall order, and yes it is, but the answer is small, simple and sweet. It’s a simple

FAMILY: Joyous

Look at those you care about with the look of love

suggestion that came to me when I was listening recently to one of our own Irish singers, the great Marc Roberts as he sang one of his many John Denver classic’s, “Perhaps Love.”

The melody is playing gently in my mind right now as I write this thought for the week. I don’t know all the words, I just keep hearing, “Perhaps Love”, and maybe, just maybe perhaps love can help us all make a real difference for good, going forward in one another’s lives.

RE-GIFT

This week when you look at your partner, your children, your parents, your friends, your

colleagues see them with the eyes of love. That is the greatest gift we can receive and it is a gift we can re-gift! We are equipped with a never ending supply of love.

When we look at those we care about with the look of love, we are dismissing that they left their towel lying on the floor (my mother forgives me regularly for this), we are ignoring that they left the fridge door open, we are looking at them with the eyes of love, we are remembering and connecting to the blessing we feel that they are in our lives. The gratitude that they are sharing this journey with us right now!

That they are here now!

This is not something to take for granted, and yet we do so every single day, again and again. So, let’s make our homes, our communities, our cities and towns and our country a better place than it has been in the past, one look at a time this week and well into the future.

Take a moment to look at and appreciate the ones we love, the ones who are walking beside us, who are working beside us, who are living beside us and who are sharing this journey with us during these difficult economic, faithless and hard times. We all need to be seen with the eyes of love, to be reminded of our greatness and to be empowered by it. It is powerful soul food.

DO ME A FAVOR

Do one more thing for me, when you look in the mirror this week, look at yourself with the eyes of

love. Don’t look at the wrinkles, or slight imperfections, look, really look into your eyes, and love yourself.

You are here now for a reason, and I for one am profoundly grateful that you are here, and that you are aware enough that you are willing to take the next opportunity to try out as the John Denver song goes, ‘Perhaps Love’ as the answer to all our ills and worries. If we can only remember to do this once this week, we are improving the world around us.

LOVE SIMPLY IS

God has given each one of us a heart to love. It is through our hearts by which he comes to show love and compassion to the world.

As God is generous beyond our imaginings, this gift of love is something we must extend not just to a worthy few, but to everyone regardless of our natural inclination or prejudices or racism’s and reasoning’s to reject or exclude.

We must extend hospitality, compassion and love to those who are easy for us to ignore or dismiss.

For love simply is. Love doesn’t need a reason, love doesn’t always rhyme. But what we have got is a heart to love.

Simply use it.

Simply give love away. We must welcome everyone without discrimination.

Despite our past mistakes, despite our present injustices

towards one another, we must welcome each other with love and forgiveness. God turns no one away.

This kind of love and hospitality is beyond our comprehension.

Why would God squander his love on us?

God’s love needs no reason; God’s love doesn’t always rhyme with human reason. God simply is beyond human comprehension.

Likewise, it is the same radical hospitality we must extend to everyone, without prejudice, without discrimination.

For love doesn’t need a reason.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, see what act of love you can do or give to someone that might need it most and sometimes it is someone very close to you that needs it! Just do it!

And may God bless you with discomfort, at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships. So that you may live deep within your heart! May God bless you with anger, at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people.

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace!

May God bless you with tears, to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, homelessness, illness, starvation, abandonment and war.

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy!

16 COLUMNIST

Caroline Bourke

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

lWARM: A wearable, warm and weightless look for the summer, which is understated but sultry at the same time

MAKE-UP AND STYLE

SUMMER SHIMMER T

HE soft coral makeup, is a look that is both simple and effective.

It is the perfect look for the summertime!

Work some tanned and radiant skin, a subtle smoky eye and a pop of coral where it matters, through hazy sunny days all the way through to those cool summer nights.

FACE

As ever, I began this look by using Dior Star Foundation for radiant coverage.

All great makeup looks begin with a fabulous face of foundation from Dior!

They carry makeup to suit all skin types and requirements, so there will definitely be a foundation to suit you.

EYES

To truly rock the coral look, the eyes must smoulder. I smoked out the eyes and used some beautiful burnt orange and brown tones, which compliment the soft peach hues on the cheeks and the coral lips.

To create the look, firstly I used Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen all over the lid to create a base.

Next, I used MAC Vanilla Eye Shadow on the lid and worked it up as far as the crease.

I then added some extra definition to the eye by putting Wedge by MAC into the socket.

Texture, a light brown tone with a hint of orange, was used to make the eyes pop by applying it over the crease, just above the Vanilla eyeshadow.

I added more depth of colour to the eye again by adding MAC Havana, a lovely brown for the summer, to the outer V and I worked it all the way into the lPRETTY: Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick

lRADIANT: Clarins Duo Tierras Del Sol 03 Dark

crease area. This adds depth and dimension to the eye and makes eyes mesmerise.

While this is an easy to wear look and would suit most colours and complexions, these colours are particularly stunning on blue eyes.

For a real stand-out look, I lined the eyes with Blackest Black Ink Liner by Bobbi Brown and coated the lashes with Dior Show Blackout mascara.

BROWS

The brows were given extra definition with the Lancome Brow Pencil in 010.

CHEEKS

The cheeks are flushed with a subtle hint of peach to add some colour to the face. I use Clarins bronzer 03.

LIPS

Lips are layered with Fashion Force lipstick from MAC's Huggable lip colours, a collection which has been brought back by popular demand. Fashion Force is a creamy tangerine shade which is gorgeous for summer nights out, as the colour is glossy, rich and luminous.

And there you have it! A wearable, warm and weightless look for the summer, which is understated but sultry at the same time.

lSUNNY LOOK: Lisa's coral makeup look that I created is perfect for summer

Putting Gort in the picture 8-PAGE FEATURE ON GORT COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS Photo by Julie Tillett

Your friendly Gort supplier of Solgar Open Sesame give the down-low on why Solgar Curcumin leaves you energized SALLY Smith from Open Sesame, who have businesses in operation in Gort and Ennis, offers her expertise on one of their popular products, Solgar Curcumin.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Solgar Curcumin, but the price seems high?

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric – and while many new curcumin supplements have come out recently, Solgar’s extraction is the strongest & best on the market.

Well-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits for joint pain, research has also found curcumin supplementation can help lower risks for heart disease, irritable bowel and memory loss and is also considered a potent anti-aging supplement. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and the price here is high because it takes about 1.2 kg of turmeric to make just one capsule!

How come there’s so many different Solgar multivitamins? It gets confusing!

The Solgar vitamin range includes some general purpose multivitamins like VM75 at the lower end of the price range, but we all have need different things from multivitamins. That’s why Solgar produce multivitamins aimed at specific needs – for example men generally need more zinc supplementation that women, who in turn would need more calcium. Solgar’s Womens Multi and Men’s Multi cater for these differing requirements.

At the higher end of the spectrum we have Solgar Omnium, which has added COQ10 to

allow for increased absorption and extra antioxidants. Solgar Earth Source is another high end supplement that is especially useful for those who don’t eat their greens!

I’m fatigued - Which Solgar supplement specifically gives energy ?

My favourite Solgar energy product is Ubiquinol. To me it’s like a spark plug that activates all the good nutrients you are getting in your food and / or multivitamin already and really gets them working for you. Ubiquinol is essentially COQ10 in a highly absorbable form – something which can be depleted if you are on statins for example. I feel that you’ll really feel a difference after just a few weeks taking SOlgar Ubiquinol.

Why is magnesium so popular?

Magnesium is important in so many ways: it helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

We see customers benefit for sports as it relaxes muscles, preventing cramps and speaking of cramps, it’s also effective help for PMT. Possibly its most important function is for bone health asv it prevents bone breakdown. To prevent / improve osteoporosis ideally take with calcium combined with vit d2, k3 and boron. All are found in Solgar bone support.

l FAMILY BUSINESS: Sally in front of the family run Open Sesame shop with Babs, her 83 year old mother

Solgar 25% Sale EXTENDED to Monday 9th April!

25 % Off ALL Solgar Products In-store & online Ph 091-632778 or 065-6821480 www.opensesame.ie

The Flight of the Dishes IN HONOUR of Galway being awarded its status as European Regions of Gastronomy in 2018, the Burren Lowlands has chosen “The Flight of the Dishes” for its theme.

They will focus on the myth, history and people of the communities that make up the Burren Lowlands. There is also a campaign “Eat your way around the Burren Lowlands” with the area’s cafés and restaurants each featuring a signature dish.

The Burren Lowlands is a local rural development volunteer-based project that is working to make this region a better place to live, work and visit.

The Flight of the Dishes is a sub group of the Burren Lowlands made up of professional chefs, business people in the culinary filed, and historians. So the story of the dishes goes as follows.

The local legend involves Kings, Castles, Saints and of course Food. There will be 12 events taking place throughout the year dedicated to gastronomy in the lowlands region.

They will focus on the myth, history and people of the 14 townships that make up the Burren Lowlands.

King Guire was known for his welcoming of others, his generosity and hospitality.

Each evening while saying grace at the start of a meal he would proclaim “May the great God look down on us as we break bread together.”

near the holy well. Upon the King hearing this he gave praise to God, and the King and all his warriors shared his bounty with the humble man of god. Upon meeting with St Colman he then gave him the funding to build Kilmacduagh.

The first event took place in Gort on St Patrick’s Day where all manner of food and fare were walking the main street of the town.

The Gort Parade committee did a wonderful job of embracing and highlighting the theme.

There is great support from the county council who facilitated the program with the wonderful addition of an antique catering van, and cookery demonstrations by local chef’s as well as a guest chef from Kai café in Galway highlighting the urban rural connection. There was a heritage kitchen where family photographs were taken as a memento of the occasion.

Clare Carney, Ann Flanagan, and Stephen O’Sullivan

“And if any in my kingdom are more in need than I, then I pray they have this bounteous food to sustain them; and welcome.”

And one evening upon uttering those words to a paced banquet hall the fully laden platters of meat and game, of fish and fowl, the dishes rose from the table, flew out the castle window and across the Burren landscape.

The King ordered his warriors to lay chase,

and they rode across hills and streams following the flying dishes. But when the Kings troupes reached Eagles rock in the Burren, the horses’ hooves suddenly became imbedded in the rock, to the north of a holy well. The horse shoe shapes exist to this day.

The Banquet, now earthbound was laid out before a poor monk named Coleman who had been fasting and praying in a cave

You can follow the dishes as they fly around the lowlands throughout the year on https://www.facebook.com/flightofthedishes/

St Patrick’s Parade shenanigans in Gort Grand Marshalls, European young chef 2018 Aisling Rock, Cliona D’arcy and Sophie Burke - Cahill, Gold medalists in Euro Golden Girls championships; (below) members of the Gort boxing club; food bank display at the parade

Photos by Julie Tillett

Kate’s got you covered We profile local businesswoman Kate Nolan, a photographer and café owner

KATE NOLAN PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Nolan’s award winning studio is based in the heart of Gort, Co. Galway.

Kate is a professional full-service photographer, specialising in beautifully designed modern portrait art.

Kate offers family portraits, newborn photography, engagement sessions and wedding photography.

If you are looking for something truly special rather than just ordinary photographs, this is the place to go. Kate strives to create something really special for you and your family. She wants to make the experience relaxed and fun so your images will be natural, full of personality and bursting with true emotion.

Kate’s personalised service begins with a consolation. She likes to know your photography needs and customise the experience for your family.

She offers beautifully designed portrait products that you will be able to choose during your viewing appointment. Contact the studio on 0851030024.

KATE’S CAFE Kate’s Cafe is a spacious, small cafe in Gort. Coffee specialists with single-origin beans hand roasted by Baobab Coffee Roasters in Co. Kildare- they take pride in the coffee they serve.

The menu caters to all needs with vegetarian and gluten free options. The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is so relaxed. The photography studio is located within the cafe and a lot of Kate’s work is displayed. The decor is bright and warm and people will always be greeted with a smile.

They serve breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday.They specialise in smoothies and good wholesome food. The lunch menu consists of homemade hummus and falafels with pita bread made in house from scratch.

They also offer a 6oz gourmet burger and a steak sandwich served on a sourdough baguette. For a fast, consistent experience in a warm and friendly environment Kate’s Cafe is the place to come.

Noel Turley’s the place to car shop in Galway NOEL Turley Autosales is an independent car sales dealership in Loughrea, County Galway, located just 20 minutes from Gort.

Noel set up his own business in 2005 and has brought his expertise and experience to source some of the finest cars. Noel has access to the major fleet suppliers in Ireland and the UK. Noel Turley Autosales are dedicated to putting their customers first. With a strong ethos in looking after their customers offering a one to one personal touch.

They do everything possible to ensure the sales team assist you in getting your perfect car!

If you are looking for your dream car to be sourced from the UK or Northern Ireland, Noel and his team are at hand to source it for you.

With an understanding of your budget and the specifications you require,

Noel and his sales team source the car for you saving you time and money!

A range of car finance options are also available to assist in the purchase of your car, with rates that are very competitive and flexible.

Noel Turley Autosales is your onestop car service centre for all their car servicing and car repairs requirements.

From oil changes, engine diagnostics, clutches, timing belts, transmission our workshop shop handles it all.

Our technicians work on all car types and all work is completed to manufactures specifications.

Noel Turley Autosales also offer a car valeting service.

Contact their sales team directly now on 091 871720 for further information.

l SHOWING THEIR BOTTLE: Teachers and students refilling their reusable water bottles at our brand new water dispenser. Another step towards the commitment to reducing single use plastic bottles at Gort Community School

Burren Biz Business Network hosts Gerry Duffy, professional motivational speaker BURREN Biz Business Network is hosting Gerry Duffy, professional motivational speaker, personal development trainer and writer, who will present a short training session on ‘Goal Setting for personal and business success’ on the 27th of March 2018 starting at 6.30pm in the Lady Gregory.

Have you set your personal goals for 2018? Have you a set of priorities for your business or organisation? This event held in association with Galway Executive Skillsnet and the Burren Biz Business Network can help you.

Gerry Duffy is a well known name in personal development, motivation and leadership.

Aside from running his own business since 2003, Gerry’s sporting CV is filled with accomplishments such as running 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days as well as competing and winning the inaugural UK DECA Iron Distance Triathlon in 2010, an event dubbed ‘The toughest 10 Day Endurance Challenge in the World’.

The event is on 27th of March, 2018, at the Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort from 6.30 – 8.30pm. You can sign up via Eventbrite at the following link: https:// www.eventbrite.ie/e/goal-setting-for-personal-and-business-success-in-2018tickets-42864345411

The Biz Business Network are also delighted to announce our new membership price of 100 euros (which is now minus vat). We are now open for registrations.

Membership provides multiple networking opportunities for your business, promotion within the network meetings and use of the Burren Biz logo.

The network group meets monthly and with membership, you also get to attend up to four high quality training events each year.

Meetings are held in alternate locations in the Burren Lowlands. Check out our BurrenBiz.com website for further info on how to join.

Or email Burren Biz Business Network at info@burrenbiz.com or check out its website www.BurrenBiz.com.

You can also keep up to date with the event through the BurrenBiz facebook page.

Burren Biz is a non profit group working in conjunction with The Burren Enterprise Centre, Burren Lowlands CLG rural development project and SCCUL Enterprises.

Pat Smyth’s, your one-stop shop Smyths leading the way in Gort when it comes to latest fashion trend

PAT Smyths Ladies and Gents Fashions in Gort is your one stop shop for all of the latest fashion trends.

Pat Symths caters for men from age 15 with a wide range of casual wear, occasion wear and shoes.

Ladies over the age of 30 are sure to find stunning pieces for every day glamour and those special events.

Pat Smyths carries top brands such as Lily and Me, No2Moro, Coco Doll, Kate Cooper, Lizabella, Avalon, Via Veneto and Gionni.

They also have a fabulous range of accessories including handbags, scarves, bags and jewellery.

Contact Pat Smyths Ladies and Gents Fashions on (091) 632 133 or check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patsmythsladiesandgents/.

l TEAMWORK: Sullivans Hotel was the overall winners of best float at the Gort St Patrick’s Day Parade Photo by Julie Tillett

COLUMNISTS 25

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

I

Consign Our Inner workings of grant scheme stinks of...

Lady’s to the history books S

N MY time as a journalist, I’ve noticed a trend of local issues that hang around like a bad smell. Any avid newspaper reader in Clare will sniff out a slow news day with the ease of a Golden Retriever on the hunt for its favourite tennis ball - except in the case of the reader there yields little or no reward; another councillor bringing up their champion cause.

Lack of road funding in East Clare; lack of parking in Ennis; illegal dumping; dog fouling (a personal favourite); record waiting lists at UHL; pedestrianisation of the town centre; bla, bla, bla, right?

All worthy causes that need column inches, but equally all causes that are likely to continue rolling along on the trundle wheel of current affairs without much meaningful action any time soon.

I was beginning to fear for the old Our Lady’s Hospital. Had it become destined for the same fate as dog poo on a footpath?

Since closing its doors in 2002, the imposing site has been a planning ground for both a four-star hotel and a private hospital - neither of which came to fruition.

Sitting pretty on daft.ie, only to pop its head up for a number of auctions, Our Lady’s was an unsolvable problem.

Cllr James Breen aired his frustrations about it being an eye-sore, while Cllr Johnny Flynn similarly urged for action.

But nothing happened, and Our Lady’s was destined for a helpless, meaningless future, just like the thousands of people who passed through its doors when it was a working ‘lunatic asylum’.

As recently as late last year, a feasibility

study was conducted by Clare County Council into the purchase of the site but it was found to be financially unviable. Even the Council wouldn’t touch it.

Councillor Johnny Flynn followed this up by writing to CEO Pat Dowling, asking him to reconsider.

This week, however - finally - some light on the horizon and a good news story, first reported in The Clare People by Andrew Hamilton. Our Lady’s has been sold after 16 years in limbo.

What Cllrs Flynn and Breen said was right, the building is a complete eye-sore as it falls into dilapidation. But what it symbolises in our past is so much more significant and the sooner the building’s ghosts are put to rest, the better.

Not that long ago, in the middle of the 20th century, it was reported that there were mere inches between beds in wards of 70 at the facility - with one nurse describing it as a vision from hell. Even in 1989, a report from the inspector of mental hospitals, as he was known, found that there were some 600 patients in Our Lady’s and many of them did not belong there. I’m sure many Clare people reading this will have a relatable story, or at least have heard one from a neighbour.

If, in accordance with the most recent planning files, the site is developed as a medical facility, Our Lady’s will no longer be a stark, imposing reminder of our recent past. That’s important, mind you, as our nation continues to fail miserably when it comes to mental health. But the site can now be a beacon of how Clare can prosper; consign Our Lady’s to the history books, but never forget.

l LANDMARK SITE: Our Lady’s Hospital sold this week for €750,000 at auction Uncharted Ireland

O like hundreds of thousands of fellow Irish people, I spent a large part of my St Patrick’s Day glued to action in Twickenham, cheering on the Irish rugby team as they made history once more. As I watched on from the snug in Lucas’ on Parnell Street in Ennis, the relative ease with which our boys in green went about their business was evident for all to see. This rise to the top of the sport for our little island hasn’t happened by chance though.

This is the culmination of dedicated policies over the past decade and a half that has seen careful investment by the IRFU in promoting the game throughout the country and a push for peak professionalism in the elite game here.

The fact that this was follow by the Clare footballers making their own bit of history that evening, beating Cork on Leeside for the first time in 22 years, made the day even more special. It’s fair to say that those involved in Clare football have also seen a lot of hard work pay off over the past decade. Men and women like Clare manager Colm Collins have been instrumental in spreading football outside of the traditional base of West Clare that has seen strong football teams spring up in all corners of the county. The point is, although you need luck to go your way on the day, it’s not luck that gets you to the point of being able to compete. It’s also not getting the best training program in place at the start of the season.

No, true success starts years earlier when these players are just kids.

We are a sports mad country and this St Patrick’s weekend merely reinforced that fact. However, participation in sports is dropping and obesity is rising, not just with adults, but with our children. To say this is a trend we desperately need to reverse is an understatement. This is one area in which the Government can and should make immediate intervention to boost sports participation amongst all the population.

The Sports Capital Grants scheme is central to achieving this. Indeed, in the 2017

local allocation list for Clare, sports clubs and organisations around the Banner received €1,497,085 of which €953,150 went to GAA clubs around the county. A further €128,500 was allocated to soccer clubs, €50,000 shared between two rugby clubs (Kilrush and Killaloe) and €365,435 to all others combined. What was disappointing though is the amounts given specifically to women’s sports clubs. Whereas it’s true to say that many of the projects will benefit both sexes, there is a particular need to promote sport with our girls who have among the lowest participation rates in Europe. Just €82,050 (5.5% of the total given to Clare) went to camogie clubs in the county as the sole representatives of women’s sport on the list, with Clarecastle camogie club accounting for €73,000 of that for new changing facilities. owever, what emerged this week about the scheme really annoyed me.

Sports Minister, Shane Ross tweeted out about the “great news” that private School, Wesley College, which happens to be in his constituency, successfully appealed the 2017 application list to secure a maximum grant of €150,000 for the resurfacing of their hockey fields. No Clare club got anywhere near the maximum grant. Ross will hide behind the mantra that the adjudication is by an independent body, however, anyone who’s involved with either sport or politics knows that is far from the truth. Significant lobbying goes on behind the scenes to secure funding for various projects. t has gotten to the point that there exist specialist consultants that sports clubs can employ to help them get grant funding and lobbying is one of the tools at their disposal.

Nothing promotes lobbying of a politician better than a large group of organised and politically aware constituents in the lead up to an election though. It also subsequently emerged that Malahide Golf Club, which boasts an €8,500 per annum membership fee, also secured the maximum

H I

€150,000 grant on appeal to re-do three of their greens.

How on Earth can either of these grants be justified when these clubs and schools are reserved solely for the use of private, fee paying members? hat’s our tax money being syphoned off to ensure that the most well off in society can enjoy their leisure time a bit better.

Wesley College, on inspection of their website, boast existing sports facilities that would be the envy of most towns in Ireland. The appeal award of €150,000 to Malahide Golf Course makes for a total of €709,723 to seven sports clubs in that small, well off, part of north County Dublin, three of which received the maximum award including semi-profession Malahide rugby club which this year welcomed exIrish international Mike Ross onto their roster as a player/ coach. This clearly is not a club short of cash. When you think that these seven clubs, servicing an area with a population of 16,550, received half as much money as the entire of County Clare’s successful 58 sports clubs, representing a population of 118,627, it’s clear to see there is something very wrong with the system.

The way it’s designed, it can easily be gamed by the more well off with the net result being a centralisation of sports facilities and an access to sport in the most well-off areas and a complete lack of same for those from disadvantaged areas. It’s worth noting that an area serving as big a population as The Liberties in Dublin City Centre has not one single sports pitch.

What hope have kids in this area of making the Dublin football team, representing Ireland in the Olympics or wearing the green jersey at a soccer or rugby World Cup. The answer; a tiny fraction of that of a kid growing up in Malahide.

If we’re serious about tackling obesity we must have more transparency in the delivery of sports funding such that Government Ministers aren’t simply using them to try buy votes ahead of elections.

Our kids deserve better.

T

26 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

RAISING THE BARR NOEL Cusack was put through his paces as he went on an incredible 440km cycle around Clare for charity alongside world endurance champions team Joe Barr.

The pair were hit by extreme wind and up to -10 chill Saturday through to Sunday and the route took a total of 25 hours to complete, with the pair continuing on through the night also.

Noel would like to thank the public for their support throughout the event which had live feed updates, and for those who helped to raise great funds for the Brothers Of Charity Special Olympics team.

WEST CLARE DOONBEG DRAMA

THE West Clare Drama Festival may be over, but the folks in Doonbeg just cannot get enough.

Final rehearsals are underway for a fantastic performance of drama and song, starting on Easter Monday.

The All Ireland winning Doonbeg Drama Group, led by producer Mary Egan, will take to the stage with Shakespeare’s a Dick by Mark Aloysius Kenneally.

“It’s a one act play, and it’s absolutely hilarious,” Mary said.

When the young red-neck Wally curses the name of Shakespeare, he feels the wrath of the Bard.

He wakes up after a heavy night of boozing and finds he can only speak in Shakespearian verse. His best friend Ramie searches for a cure from their high school English teacher Ingrid, while his girlfriend Doris swoons for the new thespian.

The second half of the evening will see more members of the Doonbeg Drama group serenade the audience with songs from John B Keane’s Many Young Men of Twenty.

Martha Shanahan, Martina Shanahan and Noel Birmingham have also leant their musical expertise to the show.

Produced by Margaret Pyne Dillon, some new faces will join well known locals to bring the poignant songs to life.

“Many Young Men of Twenty has been a play that has been very well received in Doonbeg and everybody loves the songs.

It’s the one play that’s as relevant today as it was when John B wrote it,” Margaret said.

As well as holding the performance in the traditional theatre setting, the show will also be performed in two local pubs.

The night of drama and song will be held in Doonbeg Hall on Easter Monday, April 2 at 8.30pm, Tubridy’s pub in Doonbeg

Alan & Emma O Callaghan of O’Callaghan’s Daybreak present new jerseys to Corofin Girls Under 10 & Under 12 Football teams. (Front) Grace O’Rourke, Molly Cox, Abbey Minogue, Doireann Nagle, Kate O’Callaghan; (Middle) Molly Keane, Sophie Keane, Aishling Nagle, Hannah Lynch; Jude Lynch Photo by John Mangan on Thursday, April 5 and Igoes pub in Doonbeg on Friday, April 6.Tickets will cost €12 in the hall and €10 in the pubs and will be available at the door.

KILRUSH CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS

My Fair Lady Takes Place in Kilrush Community School @8pm Sharp from Tuesday 3rd April to Saturday 7th April Tickets go on General Sale from Booking Office next door to Pen to Paper shop, in Henry Street from Monday March 26th to Saturday 7th April from 11am to 4pm. Tickets @16 euro ADULTS, Concessions only on Tuesday/Wednesday @ 10 euro.( OAP/STUDENTS) BOOKING OFFICE 087 367 1548

DEAR KDHS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

The Kilrush and District Historical Society monthly lecture in the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street at 8pm on Tuesday 27 March will mark the upcoming centenary of sinking of the RMS Leinster and its connections to the sinking 10 miles west of Loop Head a week earlier of the tanker Eupion, some of whose crew are buried in Kilrush Churchyard.

Shortly before 10 a.m. on 10 October 1918, about 16 miles from Kingstown (now Dún Laoghaire) a few people on the deck of the Leinster saw a torpedo approaching the port (left) side of the ship. It missed the Leinster, passing in front of her. Soon afterwards another torpedo struck the port side where the postal sorting room was located. The tragic event claimed the lives of a number of Clare people.

Officially 501 people died in the sinking, making it both the greatest ever loss of life in the Irish Sea and the highest ever casualty rate on an Irish-owned ship. Recent research has revealed the names of additional victims, bringing the total to at least 529 casualties to date.

The lecture will be presented by Philip Lecane, author of “Torpedoed!

TUAMGRANEY

3RD BLOSSOM HARP FESTIVAL, TUAMGRANEY

The 3rd Blossom Harp Festival will take place in Tuamgraney from 23rd to 25th March this year. The festival is growing every year with more entries for workshops and this year for the first time there are competitions. The festival kicks off on Friday

night with the official opening by Mayor of Tuamgraney Anita Ryan at Nuala’s Bar followed by a traditional music session let

by Martin Moroney from Tulla.

For full other details, visit our website blossomharp.com or FB page: Blossom Harp Festival

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Residence with land

KILLERK WEST. BALLYEA, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 W898

A

VERY attractive private residential and agricultural holding located 10 km southwest of Ennis off the Kilrush Road and about 4km from Ballyea village.

The entire property extends to 8.8 ha (21.75 acres) and comprises top quality land. It is made up of Folio CE46777F. The property is elevated and overlooks the Shannon Estuary in the distance.

The residence is a 6 bedroom dormer style two storey home with generous living space including a double height living area/entrance hall, Kitchen / dining area, a snug, a study, downstairs bathroom, downstairs bedroom, an upstairs bathroom and 5 upstairs bedrooms (one ensuite). The house

€315,000 was built in 2004 and was built around an existing cottage. This gives it an old world charm.

The house is nestled privately on the land with stunning views across the countryside and estuary in the distance. The house requires decorative investment so that it can reach its full potential.

This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a residence with land in a stunning scenic private location.

BER C3. BER No. 106521263.

234sqm. 2,519 sq.ft.

Contact: Diarmuid McMahon, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

NEW 3 BED SEMI ATTRACTIVE COTTAGE

18 HILLVIEW, CREGGAUN NA HILLA, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 R8R9

T

€199,950

KILMACDUANE, COORACLARE, CO CLARE, V15 XV58

€85,000

HIS is a fantastic 3 bedroom semi-detached family home situated in “Hillview” in the Creggaun na Hilla development in Clarecastle, on the outskirts of

Ennis.

No. 18, which was constructed just over a year ago has been finished to an exceptional standard throughout and is within walking distance of all Clarecastle village amenities aswell as being just a short drive from both Ennis Town Centre and the M18 Limerick to Galway motorway.

This beautiful home is extremely energy efficient having an A3 energy rating, the heating is via an Air to Water heat pump. There is a zoned heating system that can be thermostatically controlled from both floors and the ground floor has underfloor heating.

Accommodation comprises an entrance hall, downstairs WC, open-plan living/dining area, kitchen and a utility room. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms (one with ensuite) and a bathroom.

Externally to the front there is a tarmacadam driveway with space for two cars, it is also partly in lawn.

The back garden that is not overlooked to the rear is in lawn with a stone wall on the rear boundary and a garden shed.

Viewing of this fantastic property is highly recommended.

101.5sq.m (1,092sq.ft) approx.

BER A3 BER No. 109047530 Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

THIS fine 3 bedroom property has just come on the market. It is ideally located less than 1 mile from Cooraclare village.

While the property would benefit from cosmetic modernisation, it would make an ideal family or retirement home. The residence and sheds have all recently been rewired.

Accommodation is spacious and comprises 100 sq.m. and includes a sitting room, dining room, back kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Externally, the site extends to c. 0.31ha (0.76 acre) and has a number of stone storage sheds, a spacious garage/workshop plus a large cow shed which may have the

potential to convert to stables for horses.

Another feature is a private spring well located on site.

There are two entrances to the property - one to the large cow shed and site at the rear and the other which leads directly to the residence. This property would make an ideal home for someone with an interest in horses or a wish to have a small holding. Viewings are recommended. BER G. BER Number 110808771. BER Code 606.05 kWh/m²/yr.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

STYLISH KONA

Hyundai’s new Kona is a small hatchback disguised as an SUV

M

ROAD TEST: HYUNDAI KONA

UCH of how you feel about the new Hyundai Kona will depend on your reaction to its styling. It can be a bit, shall we say, challenging? Better get used to it though — following on from the rather conservative (if very handsome) styling of the huge-selling Tucson SUV (still Ireland’s best-selling car, two years’ on from launch), the Kona represents how Hyundai’s crossovers and 4x4s will look in the future. Don’t believe me? Check out the new Santa Fe, shown off at the recent Geneva motor show. It’s basically a big Kona.

So, on the style front, we get something very different from the Hyundai norm.

There’s a multi-layered front end, with that deep, curving grille and separated light elements (a bit like what Citroen does for the C3 and C4 Cactus) and lots and lots of dark plastic cladding, which gives the Kona a touch, go-anywhere appearance and makes it look just a bit like it’s wearing wellies. How do you feel about it? For what it’s worth, we kinda like it, although it’s very definitely a lot better in darker metallics than in bright, outré colours. Chunky, but interesting.

The Kona is heavily based on the same running gear as the i20 hatchback, and all of the interior is lifted more or less directly from that car. You get a very similar dashboard, the same free-standing seven-inch touchscreen in the middle (a very good one it has to be said, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and the switches and dials are all very familiar.

The Kona is pretty functional. There’s great comfort in the front, plenty of space in the back, and a decent (if not quite cavernous) 360-litre boot out the back.

Better yet, for those still reeling in the wake

lSPACIOUS: There’s great comfort in the front, plenty of space in the back, and a decent (if not quite cavernous) 360-litre boot out the back

of the recent snow storms, this one actually has four-wheel drive, a genuine rarity in the small 4x4 segment.

It’s an option, but that all-wheel drive does lend the Kona a sheen of ruggedness that is often absent from the competition.

It certainly feels rather good to drive — the steering is nicely weighted, and you can point that triple-decker nose into corners with good accuracy. There’s decent traction and grip (as you would expect from a 4WD model) and the Kona is actually pretty good fun to chuck around. The dynamic performance is only spoiled, slightly, by a ride quality that’s just a touch too firm. That

said, our test car was a Premium model, with 18-inch alloy wheels, so a drop down to a lesser-specced model with smaller wheels would probably cure a lot of that.

The utterly-sweet, engaging, and certainly more economical 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine is a far better option, even if it does mean sacrificing the fourwheel drive. It’ll also knock at least €120 a year off your motor tax bill compared to the 1.6.

So, here’s the thing about the Kona, and about more or less all small crossovers.

You do have to go into the purchase of one with your eyes very much open, as what you’re essentially getting is the mechanical package of a supermini, but the price tag of a family hatchback. It has to be pointed out that, for the same price as our test car, which was a Premium automatic model with the two-tone roof, you could have bought the most highly-specced Hyundai i30 estate (which is a much more sophisticated car than the Kona, and a more practical family machine too) or even a basic i40 saloon or estate (which is in another league in terms of practicality and comfort). You’re paying a lot of money for that expressive 4x4 styling.

If you’re happy to do that, then the Kona is amongst the best of its breed.

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Hyundai Kona Premium 1.6 T-GDI DCT 4x4 Pricing: €29,995 as tested; starts at €20,995 Engine turbocharged: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive Body style: five-door crossover CO2 emissions: 153g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 42.1mpg (6.7 litres/100km) Top speed: 205km/h 0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds Power: 177hp at 5,500rpm Torque: 265Nm at 1,5004,500rpm Boot space: 361-1,143 litres EuroNCAP rating: five-stars; 87 per cent adult, 85 per cent child, 62 per cent pedestrian, 60 per cent safety assist

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THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

USED CAR OFFERS FROM LIAM CLEARY Discover more on www.liamclearyautoworld.ie YEAR

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30 MOTORING

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Motoring News

New Niro Plugin Hybrid from Kia

F

OLLOWING the launch of the Kia Niro Hybrid in late 2016 the Plug-in Hybrid version is now available in Irish showrooms at a price of €35,995. This price includes a €2,500 VRT reduction with a further €5000 reduction available as the Niro PHEV also qualifies for the SEAI grant for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Available in just one trim level the Niro PHEV is generously equipped for both comfort and connectivity including leather upholstery with heated front seats and steering wheel, dual air-con, reversing camera, Sat Nav with TomTom services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Niro PHEV also comes with a five star NCAP rating thanks to standard safety equipment that includes smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and driver

Just 29g/km of Co2 from Kia’s new plugin

attention warning.

The Niro’s new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid pairs an

economical 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine with a 8.9kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack. The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – CO2 emissions fall to 29 g/km – and the car offers a zero-emissions, pure-electric driving range of 58km.

James Brooks, Managing Director, Kia Motors Ireland, commented: “As sales of PHEVs continues to grow in Ireland there is also a growing demand for crossover vehicles and Niro happily meets the demand of those consumers who want both the style and practicality of a crossover and the low emissions of an advanced PHEV. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid is one of the latest low-emissions cars from Kia which will

help the company achieve its global target for 2020 – to improve average fleet fuel efficiency by 25 per cent over 2014 levels.”

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers buyers a convincing alternative to compact crossovers powered by traditional gasoline or diesel internal combustion engines.

The car gives owners the opportunity to complete short journeys and daily commutes with zero emissions and lower running costs.

At the heart of the Niro’s new plug-in powertrain is a high-capacity 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, growing in size from the 1.56kWh battery pack found in Kia’s hybrid crossover.

The new battery pack is paired with a more powerful 44.5kW electric motor (offering almost 40 per cent more power, up from 32kW) compared to the Hybrid model.

PERFECT FOR THE FAMILY GETAWAY. PERFECT GETAWAY FROM THE FAMILY. THE NEW ŠKODA OCTAVIA

FROM €20,565

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Tel: 065 682 2400 www.alhayesskoda.ie

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Typical Example: Octavia 1.2TSI 86bhp Active OTRP €20,565. Deposit €5,922. 36 monthly payments of €209 including service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final Payment €7,587. Cost of credit €0. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria.

This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Prices and offer valid on orders taken before 31st March 2018 and registered before 30th April 2018.

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THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

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VW, Golf Lounge, 1.6TDI, Red, 20427mls, €22,800

065 682 2400

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Damien 0872368841 Ronan 0979031373 Eoin 0852892222 Michael 0877540519

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VW, Caddy Trend, 2.0TDI, Grey, 67000mls, €15,500

Skoda, Octavia Style, 1.6TDI, Blue, 42000mls, €18,500

Skoda, Yeti Outdoor, 2.0TDI, Red, 40000mls, €20,500

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Sport

Echo joins forces with Club Clare

Clare trio look ahead to Munster page 34/35

page 34/35

Battle to the finish

l HEATED EXCHANGE: Clare and Limerick players get to grips with each other on Monday Photo by Martin Connolly

A stalemate after 100 minutes of hurling, Clare’s campaign ends with historic shoot-out NHL Q/F @ Gaelic Grounds Limerick 4-21 Clare 0-33 Limerick win 7-6 on frees

JAMES MULVIHILL

C

LARE’S league campaign came to an end after a dramatic finish against neighbours Limerick on Monday.

The sides were level 11 times and a free taking competition was needed to decide the outcome. Colin Ryan was the hero for Limerick who will face either Dublin or Tipperary in the semi-final. Clare, however, were worthy opponents and it was unfortunate this contest was decided from placed balls.

The outstanding Peter Duggan scored 0-19, including 15 frees and two 65s. Tony Kelly showed signs he is getting back to his very best, scoring six points from play and his link up play was a joy to watch.

Clare flew into an early lead with three points through Conor McGrath, Tony Kelly and Colm Galvin and this set the tone for the first quarter, with Clare leading by 0-11 to 0-02 after 22 minutes. However Limerick’s goal-scoring proved their ultimate weapon and snatched their first of this game thanks to a long delivery by Seamus Hickey to Aaron Gillane, who fired past Donal Touhy. The Patrickswell man added two further frees to close the gap to four points. Following some tit for tat scoring, Limerick took three of the last four points of the half to leave the score at the interval 0-14 to 1-08.

It was tight in the opening exchanges of the second half as Aaron Gillane and Tony Kelly exchanged points before Clare had a goal disallowed as Conor McGrath took too many steps according to referee Alan Kelly.

The prolific Aaron Gillane added a second goal thanks to great work by Tom Morrisey and Seamus Flanaganbut they still had work to do with the Banner leading by 0-21 to 2-14 with 10 minutes remaining.

Limerick’s discipline was do-

ing them no favours as Duggan landed another three frees and Clare led by the minimum heading into added time. Limerick were awarded a side-line cut which was converted by Ryan to force this epic encounter to extra time.

Both teams relied on their free takers for scores as Aaron Gillane (two) and Duggan were on target again. The Banner grabbed the initiative thanks to well taken points by Tony Kelly and John Conlon to leave the score at 0-28 to 3-18 after the first period.

Duggan added two further frees to extend the lead to three before Limerick were awarded a late free knowing that a goal was required to stay in contention. Diarmuid Byrnes stepped up and rifled the ball past Donal Tuohy to level the sides again.

There was to be an additional two periods of five minutes to be played each way and it took another late free which was once again converted by Gillane to send this game to free taking. Niall Deasy was first to miss, meaning Clare now turn their attentions to the Munster Championship.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Patrick O’Connor, Conor Cleary, Jack Browne; Seadna Morey, David McInerney, David Fitzgerald (01); Cathal Malone, Tony Kelly (0-6); Colm Galvin (0-1), John Conlon (0-2), David Reidy (0-2); Conor McGrath (0-1), Peter Duggan (0-19,15fs,2’65s’), Shane O’Donnell (0-1).

Subs: Ian Galvin for C. Galvin (52 mins), Cathal McInerney for McGrath (57 mins), Jamie Shanahan for Morey (61 mins), Jason McCarthy for Reidy (64 mins), Podge Collins for Malone (68 mins), Mikey O’Neill for C. McInerney (E/T), Ryan Taylor for I. Galvin (89 mins), Michael O’Malley for Kelly (95 mins), Niall Deasy for Collins (98 mins).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway).

Rossies take down Clare

Littlewoods Campgie League Division 3; Clare 0-7 Roscommon 1-9 THE weather may have stopped a number of fixtures but one game that did go ahead was the inaugural home fixture played in Fr McNamara Camogie Park.

Roscommon, 2017 Div 3 finalists, were six points to the good before Clare’s first score came courtesy of an Aisling McMahon free. The only goal of the game came just before half time from Sinead O’Brien to leave the score Clare 0-1 Roscommon 1-7.

With the wind behind them in the second half, Clare were much-im-

proved, holding Roscommon to two points whilst adding to their own tally.

Deanna Considine, Alisha Malone and Chloe Devitt were introduced and shored up the Clare attack, and Aisling McMahon kept the scoreboard ticking over for Clare from placed balls.

However Roscommon had enough to hold on.

Clare: Edel McNamara Kilkishen; Orla Moloney St Josephs, Rebecca Cahill Kilmaley, Amy Solon Whitegate; Jane Fitzgerald Inagh Kilnamona, Aine Dinan Tulla -Capt, Maria Redmond Eire Og; Louise Browne Corofin, Niamh Mulqueen Broadford;

l HARD FOUGHT: Aisling McMahon in possession

Photo by Caroline O’Keefe

Sinead Power Inagh Kilnamona 0-1, Aisling Cahill Kilmaley 0-2, Aisling McMahon St Josephs 0-4; Louise McDonnell Ruan, Niamh Quirke Whitegate, Siobhan Lane Corofin Subs: Alisha Malone Co-

rofin for McDonnell, Deanna Considine Sixmilebridge for Quirke, Chloe Devitt Ballyea for Mulqueen, Rachel Minogue Scariff Ogonnelloe for Browne Ref: Kevin O’Brien

SPORT 33

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

With Division 2 football looking secured with one game still to play, Martin Daly looks at the key factors which saw Colm Collins’ men succeed

Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

Footballers have proved me wrong by staying up

Cork 0-12 Clare 0-14

National Football League Division 2 at Pairc Ui Rinn

I

N FAIRNESS to Colm Collins, he has pulled it out of the bag again. I’d be the first to say I didn’t think they’d stay up this year with the number of players that had to be blooded. I can put my hands up now and gladly say I got this one wrong.

Bounce-backability, fitness, leadership, but most importantly, character throughout this side have been the backbone to Clare’s success; and to seemingly clinch it with a fine victory over Cork in Leeside; what Clare have done this season has been absolutely exceptional.

HATS-OFF STUFF It’s hats-off stuff to say we’ve more-orless garuanteed Division 2 football for the next year.

I said from the beginning how hard that was going to be for the upcoming campaign, especially with so many recently vacated pairs of boots to fill; Joe Hayes, Martin McMahon, Dean Ryan, the injured Kevin Hartnett; more recently Gordon Kelly. Clare were left with no option but to see how their unblooded players would cope with the demands of Division 2 football.

And what’s impressed me the most is their character. They can go and lose heavily any given week, and one week later just brush it aside to win against the odds. Not one of the newly-blooded players have let us down - they’ve worked very hard at training and on the field

l A JOB WELL DONE: A delighted Colm Collins amongst his players during the aftergame warmdown in Cork at the weekend

Photos by Martin Connolly playing games. Even when results didn’t go well.

We first witnessed it after the Meath defeat, which was backed up with a good draw against Tipp. However, it was a huge task going to Cork. We know Cork aren’t as strong as they had been traditionally, but you also had to deal with the tradition of Clare not beating Cork on regular occassion - very, very seldom for that matter. Yet they still went into their back yard needing a result following a fairly bad result against Roscommon and came up with the goods.

LEADING THE LINE Of course, this team still relies on its stand-out players. Gary Brennan - who was quiet against Roscommon - was influencial last weekend, popping over three points from play when Clare needed him to. Yielding an equal return was Jamie Malone, who came back in and led the line with a huge game. We can’t do without these guys - we just don’t have that depth in quality. Gordon Kelly’s return in time for the first Championship game against Limerick will be equally welcome.

How’s your grip?

U

NDERSTANDING the golf grip and its relationship with the clubface and the club’s swing path will help to improve your ball flight.

The grip is one of the main fundamentals of the golf set up.

There are three types of golf grips you may have heard of as seen in the image attached: Strong Grip, Neutral Grip and Weak Grip (right).

Most golfers will look at this image and agree with the attached descriptions, however I’m here to tell you that a neutral grip is not the grip in the middle photo.

In fact a neutral grip is the grip you find that delivers your clubface back to square at impact the majority of

the time. For instance if your current grip looks like a strong grip (the far left photo) and you hit the ball pretty straight on target using this grip then your current grip is neutral to you and not strong as described in the image.

If I were to change your grip to neutral (as in the photo) this would change the path of your swing (more out-to-in) and it would also cause your clubface to be more open at impact. In summary a neutral grip is actually the grip that delivers the best results when your hitting a golf ball.

WHEN TO CHANGE GRIP: You only need to consider changing your grip if you are struggling with the direction and curvature of

PGA Golf Professional

THE SHAPE OF CLARE Despite losing a wealth of experience, Clare are in better shape for the Championship than they were last year when they had a flying start to their league campaign.

In 2017, Clare stayed in Division 2 by the skin of their teeth on the very last day after a heavy defeat to Meath, which left a sour taste in their mouth. By all accounts, it was very difficult for them to pick themselves up for Championship football.

This year is different. They started off with a draw against Cavan, which wasn’t a great result because Cavan had a weakened side at the time. But here they are now, hoping to get over the last hurdle against Louth (and they’d be very disappointed not to win that game). Finishing with two wins on the trot and eight points in the bag - what a positive outlook that would create heading into the Championship.

So from a very negative start, they’ve turned it into a very positive campaign and are in a better position than they were last year going into the Championship.

VULNERABILITY However, the vulnerabilities we saw in league, particularly in the Roscommon and Meath games, will exist heading into the Championship; namely poor tackling, failure to drift back, and a failure to capitalise on possession. Louth is a final chance to tighten up those short-comings ahead of the Championship. I’d like Clare to see out the season as strongly as possible - mathematically we’re not 100 per cent safe yet and Louth will be desperate to get a win before the league ends.

But all going to plan, Clare will have done extremely well to stay up. They’ve done themselves and their fans really proud, and fair play to them.

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

your ball flight. Remember if you hit the ball pretty straight on target with little or no curvature then your current grip is a neutral grip to you.

Golfer’s need to understand their grip mainly controls two things; (A) The clubface aim at impact and (B) The path of your golf club. Firstly focus on a stronger and a weaker grip and try to understand the following :

GOLF ANALYSIS

Weaker Grip: Clubface more open at impact - Swing Path generally promoted OutTo-In (Red line on image) If you aren’t sure where your clubface is aiming at impact, watch where your ball flight starts. Where ever your ball flight starts that is where your face is aiming at impact.

Once you understand the relationship between your grip and how it effects your ball flight you will be able to explore stronger and weaker grips and learn how you can Stronger Grip: Clubface more easily shape your ball flight closed at impact - Swing Path gen- through altering your grip. erally promoted In-To-Out (Green Don’t be afraid to explore! line on image)

34 SPORTS FEATURE

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

#

Cusack Park MEMBERSHIP CLUB CLARE HURLING SUPPORTERS

Lauren Guilfoyle visits Caherlohan to get APPLICATION FORM 20 hurlers' thoughts on 2018 Championship

Name(s) .................................................................................................................................................................

wait to get going. We've talked about it amongst the group - the challenge that ................................................................................................................................................................................ the five weeks in the summer will bring is The primary goal of Club Clare Hurling Supporters is to secure news@clareecho.ie something we're really looking forward to.

Address .................................................................................................................................................................. funding for the provision of identified facilities, equipment LG: Waterford and Limerick at home in HE OUTLOOK for Dónal Cusack Park; is it a big advantage to be and services for Clare hurling which includes : Moloney................................................................................................................................................................................ and Gerry O'Connor playing at home in Munster?

• Strength and Conditioning was potentially one puck of Tony Kelly: Yeah, I think it is. Your two ................................................................................................................................................................................ the sliotar away from being home games are very important. We'll start • Video Analysis very different on Monday. In off with Cork away first, that's obvious• Pitch Hire Date of MembershipcircumRequest ................................................................................................................................. cruel and subdued ly a big game as well but you want to be • Training Gear stances, however, Clare were sent packing winning your home games to be in with a from this year's league andincluded attentions can chance to progress. We're going to Amount ...........................................................................................................

(Cheque made payable to • Team Building try and now shift towards May 20 and summer win every game but you have to try and • GPS Anaylsis hurling when Clare visit Pairc Ui ......................................................................................................................................................

Chaoimh. take advantage of the home crowd you get Mobile number Division 1A status - the primary target in Cusack Park. We need to get off to a good - had already been achieved and with that start in Cork and hopefully bring home a Membership includes: Email ...................................................................................................................................................................... in mind, The Clare Echo's Lauren Guil- win to Ennis as well, and as I said, take ad• 6 Monthly Draws for all Membersfoyle visited Clare's Centre of Excellence at of the home crowd.

Applications posted with chequevantage to : Pat Keogh, Boheraroan, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.

Caherlohan the post) to get the thoughts of captain • Club Clare Car Sticker (sent out through LG: Everyone is talking about building a Patrick O'Connor, Tony Kelly and Shane panel and avoiding injury; are there any Consent to receive content from Club Clare in the Future ClubClareHS O'Donnell. €25 Membership Fee can be paid through Clubify specific recovery methods that you like to Lauren Guilfoyle: The Championship employ? structure has changed, with four different Shane O'Donnell: Not so much, it's the games in Munster to look forward to. Are same old things that everyone will be doing you excited about that? l INFLUENCIAL: Shane O'Donnell will have a huge say if Clare are to be successful in [such as] ice baths. We'll be fortunate that the 2018 All-Ireland hurling Championship Photo by Martin Connolly Patrick O'Connor: Definitely. We can't we would have had the same set-up in the

LAUREN GUILFOYLE

T

Echo joins forces with Club Clare

THE Clare Echo is delighted to announce its official partnership with Club Clare for 2018.

The Clare Echo is backing Club Clare by announcing is has secured the position of media partner with Club Clare, a funding vehicle for Clare hurling.

So what is Club Clare? Club Clare was formed in 2016 by a small group of people, whose role is to raise funds for Clare hurling, from the development squads right up to the senior team.

Club Clare Chairman Tom Coughlan explains: "There are requirements that various teams have, and the county board can't provide everything. What we do is try to top up funding that goes from the county board. Dónal and Gerry identify what's required, and we try to raise the funding for that. We do it on a voluntary basis."

Joint Clare manager Dónal Moloney told The Clare Echo: "Club Clare has been an enourmous help for us since the guys came on board in November 2016. I think it was recognisedat the time that the county board can't fund teams at this level on their own. Some of the areas that they've covered are analytics, the whole area of analysis that's provided by LIT...so videos of training and games. Also, some of the medical areas that are over and above the norm are also supported. Also some of the equipment for strength and conditioning that's been put into the gym at Caherlohan, that's come from Club Clare as well as some of the equipment we use on the field."

He added: "Along with that, the other critical thing is this isn't just about the senoir team. It's all the way through all the hurling structures; U21 hurling, minor and right the way down through all the development squads.

It's not just funding gear, it's coaching support at underage level as well."

As well as general membership, Club Clare is also

l TOP TEAM: Pictured at the announcement in Caherlohan is Paul Madden (Club Clare), Gerry O’Connor, Pat O’Connor, Tony Kelly, Club Clare Chairman Tom Coughlan, Dónal Moloney, Shane O’Donnell and Pat Keogh of Club Clare Credit: Martin Connolly looking for corporate sponsorship for a number of their main events, which include a poker classic, a KEY CLUB CLARE EVENTS golf classic, and a special breakfast morning.

Mr Coughlan added: "The biggest perk [of bePoker Classic: Sunday, March 26 coming a member is] being a supporter of Clare Temple Gate Hotel at 6pm. Tickets at the door. hurling. We're really appealing to people to support Clare hurling; it's not about what you can get out of Golf Classic: May 3/4 it, it's about what you can give to it."

Woodstock Golf Club. Contact Mark Kelly on 087 9082599 or Members of Club Clare receive a Club Clare car mark@danoconnells.com to book a team or sponsor a hole. sticker and are entered into a special monthly draw Breakfast Morning: May 18 where you can win a number of prizes.

Those interested in joining can fill out the Hotel Woodstock. Contact Sean Lally, Hotel Woodstock, to adjacent application form and send it to the reserve a table. attached address.

SPORTS FEATURE 35

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

must be Clare’s fortress

‘‘

Patrick O'Connor, Clare Captain

At this level, it’s very hard and the competition is so fierce. The games are so close and the teams are at a really, really high level so as the league has gone in the last couple of years, no team has come out with maximum points

league that we’ll have come Championship so we got a good dry run of how we’ll set up in the Championship and we’re going to get a couple of games, then a match off, then a couple of games again so we would have practiced all our routines for that.

LG: It must have been nice to have solidified 1A status so early in the league?

POC: It was, yeah. We started off very

well, we were three from three, obviously a bit of a blip the last two days out. But at this level, it’s very hard and the competition is so fierce, the games are so close and the teams are at a really, really high level so as the league has gone in the last couple of years, no team has come out with maximum points. While we would have loved to have got maximum points we’re still where we need to be.

#

CLARE FIXTURES

‘‘

l FRESH HOPE: Tony Kelly and Clare captain Patrick O’Connor give their thoughts on the upcoming Championship season to Lauren Photo by Martin Connolly

SENIOR HURLING MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Clare v Cork (away) on May 20 Clare v Waterford (home) on May 27 Clare v Tipp (away) on June 10 Clare v Limerick (home) on June 17

Banner trio have say on shootout AHEAD of Clare’s free-taking competition with Limerick, which ultimately spelled the end of the Banner’s league campaign, we light-heartedly asked Patrick O’Connor, Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell who would be their top pick and last pick to take a crucial score in such a situation.

Patrick O’Connor: I’d be a candidate to not go near it. You’d be looking at lads who take frees with their clubs; Peter, at the moment, anything he steps over at the moment he tends to put it over. As regards the person you want nowhere near it, myself excluded, maybe Conor Cleary. He tends to really sky them so I don’t know would I put my house on him.

Tony Kelly: I’d go with someone like Peter, MgGrath, or I’d probably bring on Fahy to nail it. I’d keep Patrick or Cleary away from it.

Shane O’Donnell: David Reidy for putting it over, and I’d stay away from it myself. I’d be lucky to get it inside the ‘45.

CLUB CLARE HURLING SUPPORTERS

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 2018 Name(s) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

The primary goal of Club Clare Hurling Supporters is to secure funding for the provision of identified facilities, equipment and services for Clare hurling which includes : •

Strength and Conditioning

•

Video Analysis

•

Pitch Hire

•

Training Gear

•

Team Building

•

GPS Anaylsis

Membership includes: • 6 Monthly Draws for all Members • Club Clare Car Sticker (sent out through the post) €25 Membership Fee can be paid through Clubify

Address ....................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Date of Membership Request ......................................................................................................................................................

Amount included ........................................................................................................... (Cheque made payable to “Club Clare”) Mobile number ...........................................................................................................................................................................

Email ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

Applications posted with cheque to : Pat Keogh, Boheraroan, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.

Consent to receive content from Club Clare in the Future

ClubClareHS

36 CLASSIFIEDS

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

Your Horoscopes March 22 IN all likelihood, you will have a desire to go internal. Yes, you want to know what lies along those internal paths.

(You know: The ones that lead down to your deepest, innermost person.) Are they rocky? Smooth? What’s the view like? Are there deep, dark forests? Gorgeous overlooks that give out onto infinity? Why not take some quiet time and go exploring? It’s time for a ‘you’ day.

Taurus

Gemini

THERE’S no question that people are important to each other. But for you, people are really, really important. You draw strength and energy from interactions -- though, of course, they can be draining too. It’s imperative for you to be engaged in a world peopled with people in order to feel fulfilled. So take a look at just how fulfilled you feel (or don’t feel).

IF you’ve been struggling with a relationship for a little while now, today could be a turning point. It’s hard to say why something shifts between two people, but one of those tension-easing changes is poised to take place. Take a deep breath and you might even notice that the difference isn’t so much in them, or in your duo’s dynamic; it’s more like a shift is taking place within you.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IF you feel like canceling plans, go ahead and cancel them.

If you feel like skipping your hair appointment, call the salon and tell them you’re sorry, but you just have to cancel your hair appointment. If you really only want to hang out in your reindeer slippers and not interact with anyone all morning, that’s exactly what you should do (just make sure said slippers are okay at work). Relaxing is a real key to health, you know.

YOU get creative where other people get bored. Maybe you figure out a way to jazz up your morning commute by listening to ‘Learn Italian in Three Weeks’ lessons. Or you see that orange shoelaces really spice up an old pair of running shoes. Or you paint your gray keyboard a nice plaid using your neighbor’s red nail polish. Yes, you’re fun, there are no two ways about it. And there’s no way to keep you from having a good time!

YOU care about the fish in the sea and the creepy crawly creatures on the earth and the big bears and the giant whales and your fellow humans in a genuine way. You’re willing to make adjustments in your life -- riding a bike to work, using less electricity -- if it will help keep the rivers and the earth and the oceans a better place for everyone. But why not research a few new ways you could help?

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

BEING open-minded is like eating on a regular basis: It’s absolutely essential to a healthy existence. Right now your open-mindedness might be tested. How do you handle something that, even to your very open mind, seems totally out-there? Do you ignore it? Engage with it? Doubt yourself?

Doubt the other person? Don’t forget that trust in your own judgment plus a healthy dose of skepticism.

y,

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

s

YOU’RE not afraid to risk something for something you believe in. For example, if you think that you and a certain somebody have really got a chance of having something special, you’re not afraid to risk embarrassment to let them know. Sure, you might not always win in the casino-of-life. But sometimes you’ll hit the jackpot.

THERE’S something new up ahead, and you think you’ve gotten a glimpse of what it might be. Is it a new project?

A new apartment? A new love? A new lease on life? New energy? A new sport? A new car? A used car with a new car smell, thanks to somebody’s bright idea to sell a spray that smells like a new car? It could be exciting, whatever it is.

r

WHETHER you help your elderly neighbor carry groceries or you volunteer to paint the local grade school, you always feel best if you’re giving of yourself. There are thousands of opportunities to volunteer, and by taking any one of them, you’ll be making a big difference in your community.

And this will make a big difference in how you feel about yourself.

uth

PATIENCE is a virtue, but not necessarily one of yours.

Don’t feel too bad about it. Impatience, you know, can be a virtue too -- one that prevents you from letting things stall out or go undone. But right now it’s patience that you need to cultivate. Yes, sometimes it really is the only way to go.

So get started being patient, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a while. Sometimes the going is a little slow!

YOU’RE not going to complain if you have to paint your masterpieces in a freezing cold attic studio. Nor are you likely to complain if you have to write your poetry in a dark, dank basement room. Nor are you likely to complain if you have to read children’s stories to homeless kids with a less than ideal reading lamp. But sometimes -- not always, but sometimes -- a well-placed complaint can do wonders.

's

1/1

Aries

rt

R

T

L

U

E

V

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e difficult - just lso an ideal

17

U R

D

P

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13

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14

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22

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7

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6

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W

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15

11

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16

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A

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14 Leaders in Puerto Rico avoid introduction (7) 16 A bird getting to university is able (6) 19 Heap of stones for terrier (5) 20 Barrel is part of rifle (4)

21

23

S

22

R

21

T

20

19

A

18

E

17

D

16

5) ?

15

N

14

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13

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12

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ult - just n ideal

11

CROSSWORD ANSWERS N

10

9

I

8

S

7

N

6

terrier (5) 20 Barrel is part of rifle (4)

E

5

university is able (6) 19 Heap of stones for

K

4

1 A part of the hos[ital for Oscar or Tony? (5) 2 German song didn’t tell the truth (4) 3 Province forming part of Paul’s territory (6) 4 Spend lots of time in corridors (8) 5 Do those letters need to be composed? (7) 6 Relaxed sort of clue?

Hold it!

(7,3) 9 Martians as terribly helpful people (10) 12 High-ranking clergymen, say, needed to fill empty pews (8) 14 Leaders in Puerto Rico avoid introduction (7) 16 A bird getting to

23

3

DOWN

ing

2

1 Versatile eccentric pulls a rope (3-7) 7 Sky blue’s last seen in safe locations (7) 8 Society with many openings (5) 10 Poem about duke’s first wife? (4) 11 Angels hear imps misbehaving (8) 13 Old wine in ship overseas? (6) 15 One who cares to make an offer? (6) 17 Fail to perceive finished appearance (8) 18 Small docked tail (4) 21 Faith bound to be heard (5) 22 Care for very amusing person (7) 23 Sonnet king composed in part of London (10)

14 Leaders in Puerto Rico avoid 6) introduction (7) 16 A bird getting to university is able (6) 19 Heap of stones for terrier (5) 20 Barrel is part of rifle (4)

1

ACROSS

n

The Clare Echo Crossword

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAR 22 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz

3

Cratloe, Clarecastle, Liscannor The holy well at Newhall just outside of Ennis is named after which saint?

Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Paul Name this County Clare castle.

(Pic left) Ballinalacken, Lemenagh,Knappogue In which County Clare village will you find L”ARCO Italian Restaurant Ballyvaughan, Tulla, Doonbeg.

Clonmoney is a townland in which County Clare parish.

Kilbaha, Tulla, Bunratty Hennessy Memorial Park is the Gaa grounds in which County Clare town Kilrush, Milltown Malbay, Shannon Name this County Clare village?

(Pic right) Doonbeg, Bodyke, Ruan Who was the Grand Marshall for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis?

Marty Morrissey, John Burke, Tom McNamara

4 5 6

7 8

9 10 lCASTLE: Question 5. Name this County Clare castle.

l VILLAGE: Question 9. Name this County Clare village?

ANSWERS

6. Ballyvaughan 7. Bunratty 8. Milltown Malbay 9. Bodyke 10. John Burke

The 2018 Munster fleadh will be held in which Clare town?

Kilrush, Ennis, Shannon Smith O Brien’s gaa club are based in which County Clare parish?

Feakle, Ballyvaughan, Killaloe Droichead an Chlair is the Irish name for which Clare village?

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

The Church is Full, near Inagh, County Clare, 1954. By US photographer Dorothea Lange

1. Ennis 2. Killaloe 3. Clarecastle 4. Saint John 5. Lemenagh

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