The Clare Echo April 12 by The Clare Echo

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Shannon Airport saves the hay

S Aoibhín and Clare Garrihy, members of the VHI Run Squad, launched the 2018 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon ‘Run Together Day’ which will take place at Lees Road parkrun, Ennis this Saturday, April 14. Why not join Aoibhín and Clare there.

12 Apr 2018

HANNON Airport has pledged its support to farmers battling the current fodder crisis by offering to repeat its intervention of 2013 when it harvested silage from its 400 acre site. The Airport’s operations team will meet with farm representatives over the coming days to explore the need to fast-track cutting of grass on the airport grounds in light of the severe difficulties faced by many farmers due to the prolonged inclement winter and spring weather. The airport’s grass husbandry programme is not due to see any grass inside the airport perimeter cut until later in the summer, but in light of the shortages, the airport is offering to bring it forward to support local farmers.

lSUPPORT: Shannon Airport will harvest silage from its 400 acre site

Five years ago, in late April, farmers received 1,600 bales of silage from the airport in what was then the most severe fodder crisis in living memory. Said Airport Operations Director Niall Maloney: “Farmers were in difficulty back then and, having seen just how important our intervention was, we have been watching the situation closely over the

past few weeks and will be making the same offer to farmers’ representatives again when we meet them. “We are a community airport and were delighted then to do what we could and the farmers were hugely appreciative. It was a critical intervention for many local farmers and so well received that other airports followed our lead and we hope they will do so again this time also.” Clare Ech o THE

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NEWS: PAGE 4

New park for Shannon Almost €1m is being spent on the delivery of a new park in Shannon, which will have the first bike pump track in the mid west and much, much more

This week we have a special guide gardening in Clare. With a look ahead to the Clare Garden Festival and some top tips from Jim Cronin, there’s Clare Echo something for all those with green fingers. GARDEN THE

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MOTORING: PAGE 30-33

Thinking of buying a car? Our motoring columnist Neil Briscoe road tests the new Nissan Leaf, while we bring you the latest deals on trade-ins and second hand cars. We also bring you the latest news from Kia and interest rates on Renault

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l TWINNING IS WINNING: (l-r) Fiona Whelan of Clare County Council; Ronan Dillon of the Ennis Phoenix Twinning Board and Microsemi, which has a facility in Phoenix; Ennis Mayor Paul Murphy and Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara. Front is Barefield National student Emily Connolly and her teacher Kate Corrigan who was one of the first students to participate in the Ennis Phoenix Youth Ambassador Programme Photo by Eamon Ward

Green light at Blake’s ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

HE planned works for Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon have been given the green light by Clare’s local representatives. At Monday’s Council meeting, the part 8 planning application was passed without discussion. A part 8 planning application is made by a local authority to the elected members of the council for work on public infrastructure projects in their own area. The application was proposed by Councillor Richard Nagle and seconded by Councillor Bill Slattery. Ennistymon residents who attended the meeting were “horrified” at the speed in which the application was passed at the meeting. Fergal O’Connor’s brother’s home will be affected by the decision. “I’m not surprised. I’m a little bit

shocked at how fast it happened in the chamber there. It got pushed aside very fast,” Fergal said. Fergal hopes that the Council will learn from the way local residents were dealt with. “From knocking on doors in the darkness to not corresponding with us through the whole process, sending emails asking to be kept in the loop and getting vague press releases back. It leaves a lot to be desired, no question,” he said. The works will include a new vehicular bridge crossing of the Inagh/ Cullenagh River 80 metres upstream from Blake’s Corner, the pedestrianisation of the existing bridge crossing and the inclusion of a roundabout at the western end of the proposed new bridge crossing. It will also include the relocation of the existing car park and the demolition of three existing properties.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Works to commence on €900k Shannon Town Park

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HE development of the new Shannon Town Park is scheduled to begin in the coming week. The proposed works include formal footpaths and a cycle track, an adventure play area and a bandstand/performance area, the first cycle pump track to be built in the Mid West Region, formal and informal seating areas, lighting and signage, the creation of a natural water feature and new native woodland planting. The development will also include a new Toucan pedestrian/cycle crossing on Bóthar Linne. Cllr Mike McKee, Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District said, “This is a very important and worthwhile local project that will deliver long term, positive benefits for the people of Shannon and surrounding areas. Once delivered, the Shannon Town Park will act as a focal point for the wider community, and will also enhance the recreational op-

l EXCITING: Examining plans for the new park are Cllr Mike McKee, Peadar Murphy, Crawford Group; Nicolas de Jong, Urban Design; Candace Ingram, Clare County Council; Mayor Tom McNamara; Brian Photo by Eamon Ward McCarthy, Senior Planner; and Pat Dowling; CEO of Clare County Council

portunities for children, youths and adults in the wider Shannon area.” Pat Dowling, Clare County Council CEO, explained that Clare County Council is funding half of the €910,000 cost of the project with the balance being provided in EU funding. The design proposals have been prepared by Nicholas de Jong Associates|Urban Design (Limerick), commissioned by Clare County Council, following consultation with the community and key stakeholders, which included feedback from residents, schools, SkyCourt, Gardai, the Shannon Venue and the Leisure Centre. The construction contract has been awarded to the Crawford Group (Wexford), and the planned construction period is six months, giving completion of the Park towards the end of autumn 2018. Further information and updates on the new Shannon Town Park project is available on the Clare County Council website, www.clarecoco.ie.

Clare's 'new town' CLARE County Council is seeking Government approval to designate the University of Limerick (UL) campus in County Clare and the hinterland of the campus as an economic development zone with the capacity to generate 3,500 jobs. Elected Members backed the South Clare Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) proposal, which has been targeted and zoned in successive Clare County Development Plans. The Local Authority says the SDZ will be Europe’s first 21st Century University Town providing for a full range of living, working, amenity, social, cultural and recreational spaces integrated with a range of University facilities, including teaching, learning and research. The SDZ also will include the redevelopment and integration of the Errinagh

canal, thereby providing the final inland waterway link between Lough Erne in County Fermanagh and Limerick City as well as the Shannon Estuary. Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tom McNamara, commented, “I welcome the fact that Clare County Council is working in close collaboration with the University of Limerick and other agencies in the delivery of an Economic Strategic Development Zone for South Clare.” “The SDZ will establish a zone of substantial scale and strategic importance, advancing the region by creating a prime global site for investment with consequent high level employment opportunities for 3,500 people. The figure will be achieved by a mix of foreign direct investment (FDI) and enterprise of indigenous origin.”

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

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NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Clare youngsters blazing a trail with heavyweight clubs

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

WO up-and-coming Clare soccer stars could be turning heads in FAI HQ after making waves heavyweight European

with clubs. Ennis native Barry Cotter, who went to St Flannan's and learned his trade at Lifford FC and Avenue Utd, made a headline debut with Ipswich Town on Tuesday night as he helped his side to a 2-1 victory over Barnsley in the English Championship. The former Limerick FC star signed for Ipswich earlier this season and was fast-tracked into the first team this week due to a number of injuries. But far from being overwhelmed, he made his mark on English football and was given a standing ovation at Portman Road by the home support when substituted before the hour

l SETTING THE STANDARD: Inter Milan man Ryan Nolan, from Shannon and (inset) Barry Cotter, the Ennis man who made a big impact with Ipswich Town on his debut on Tuesday Photo by Stephen Waller

mark. The wing back has been praised in English media quarters, with the East Anglian Daily Times reporting: "He showed he is strong, quick, confident and mature, as he defended well, attacked with purpose and wasn't afraid to express himself despite the grandeur of the occassion." Meanewhile Shannon 19-yearold Ryan Nolan, a former Park Rangers player, is turning heads in Italy where he playswith Inter Milan's academy, where he was recruited by Pierluigi Casiraghi. His head coach Stefano Vecchi has been suitably impressed, saying Ryan has "made real progress" while praising him for his determination and aggression. Having played in the UEFA Youth League against Dynamo Kiev and Spartak Moscow, Ryan told RTE he is planning on making the step-up to the senior Inter team. "I dream at night about playing in the San Siro. And hopefully one day I can," the Clare man told RTĂ&#x2030;.

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

No burglaries in Scariff area ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

CARIFF is the only area in Co Clare that hasn’t experienced any burglary or theft so far this year. This is according to new figures presented by Clare Chief Superintendent John Kerin at the recent CJPC meeting. Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke commented: “I have been critical in the past of the Garda presence in the Scariff area, but I would like to compliment them now due to the crime rates dropping”. Chief Supt Kerin pointed out that he has seen substantial reductions in the number of criminal damage offences in the county. He said that the rate has been reduced from one offence per day to one offence every two days. He confirmed that the Gardaí are looking at the possibility of using

drones to prevent crime. “We carry out more checkpoints than any other district in the country. I am a firm believer that if criminals know there will be checkpoints, they won’t enter the county”. Chief Supt Kerin confirmed that a gang travelling from outside the county and targeting houses in the Tulla area was “decommissioned” recently. Six burglary offences and two theft offences have been recorded in the Tulla area so far this year. Over 70 drug related offences were recorded in the first three months of the year, a drop of 15 offences on this time last year. Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly congratulated the Gardaí on the reduction in detection of drug offences. “Drug offences are one of the few incidents where I would prefer to see an increase in detections,” Chief Supt Kerin said. He put the drop in detections down to the possibility that people were not “out and about” due to the bad weather. Chief Supt Kerin pointed out that theft from cars is still a problem, in spite of a national campaign to make people aware of the fact that one third of thefts are from cars that are left unlocked.

‘Everywhere you go there’s dog fouling’ FINE Gael Councillor Mary Howard has called on Clare County Council to crack down on dog fouling by introducing new measures to deal with the problem. She suggested plain clothes dog wardens be employed to patrol known dog fouling black spots and a scheme where the public receive a financial award for snapping images of dog owners not picking up after their pooches. “Everywhere you go there is dog fouling. I am dealing with people getting it on buggies, wheelchairs and their shoes,” Cllr Howard said. She pointed out that the measures sound like extreme action, but as identification and prosecution are often unlikely, they should be considered. “We have done the softly softly approach, it’s time to get tough on this.” Fianna Fail Councillor Cathal Crowe commented that people think he has a “wobbly walk” as he has to avoid dog faeces on the footpath so much. He pointed out that dog faeces is dangerous due to the amount of bacteria it contains and has the potential to cause blindness. Clare County Council Director of Physical Development Carmel Kirby confirmed that the Environment Section Enforcement Team is exploring the option of CCTV cameras at black-spots to identify those not complying with the law. She pointed out that Clare County Council has commenced an initiative in Lahinch to target those who are not conscientious and two fines have issued recently to individuals where they failed to clean up after their dogs.

NEWS 7

l GREAT DAY OUT: Pictured with Hassan, left, and Hussein Benhaffaf, is Shannon Airport Fire and Rescue Service members Patrick Ryan, Martina Ryan, Declan O’Neill, Ailish Brett and Austin Clair Photo by Diarmuid Greene / True Media

Double the fun! SHANNON Airport got new task masters as Ireland’s most special twins, Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf, took on the role of Operation Managers at the historic airport. The Cork twins, who were conjoined at birth but survived thanks to a miraculous operation to separate them, have spent eight years of their lives in and out of surgery. But on Friday the twins, who have already had 45 operations, landed at Shannon and took to their task as operations managers. The initiative was all put together by Share

A Dream founder Shay Kinsella. The twins got the VIP treatment as they got to go behind the scenes to see how Shannon Airport works. This included a visit to the fire station where they met with Fire & Police staff and got to become honorary firemen and enjoyed a tour of an Aer Lingus plane. Said Airport Operations Director Niall Maloney: “Airports are magical places for youngsters but the boys are magical in their own right and we were absolutely delighted to have them.”

FEATURE

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Run Clare finish line in sight STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HE finish line of the 2018 Run Clare series is in sight with the final of its four races taking place this Sunday in beautiful Tuamgraney. The Tuamgraney 10 Mile Run takes place over the banks of Lough Derg taking in some of the splendid views East Clare has to offer. Organisers have moved to thank and congratulate all those who have taken part in the series so far, with this year’s Run Clare being the most successful one to date with more than 1,000 people taking part in each venue. The Clare Echo is Run Clare’s offi-

cial media partner, and organiser Jason Moloney said he’s overwhelmed by the continued growth of the event, which spawned from the once standalone event of the Eamon Moloney 10k. Please be aware of the following; ONLY the people who have their name on their number or those who purchased a Tshirt separately need to attend registration to collect the Tshirt. If you gave me the list of a group of you who wants to collect together for the 10km I have kept same groups together for this race also under the same name. Registration and parking is at Scariff Community College. Registration opens on Sunday from 11 am till 12.30. The start line is at Scariff GAA ground. This is approximately a ten minute walk from registration so registration will close promptly to allow everyone to walk up. There will be toilets at registration hall and also portaloos at the start line. This race is run on open roads, please obey stewards instructions and beware of traffic.

l EVERYONE’S A WINNER: Members of the Kilnaboy AC who took part in the Run Clare series (L-R) Orla McMahon, Francis McMahon, Luighseach Long and Mary Morgan Photo by Katie McNeill

Shannon-JFK to run year round SHANNON Airport has welcomed the announcement by Aer Lingus that its Shannon / New York JFK service will operate year-round in 2019. Shannon is set to operate it largest Transatlantic service in 17 years with eight transatlantic services operated by six different carriers across seven destinations from Shannon in 2018. Commenting on the announcement Matthew Thomas, Shannon Group CEO said: “We are delighted that Aer Lingus will be operating a New York / Shannon service year-round in 2019. With 40% of US foreign direct investment in Ireland within Shannon’s catchment area, this is great news for our business community, and makes our region much more attractive for future US FDI.” Commenting on the announcement Andrew Murphy, Managing Director, Shannon Airport said: “We welcome the decision by Aer Lingus to restore it year-round New York service which will benefit the business community and leisure travellers who will have more options to avail of onward connections to over 90 destinations at the JFK airport, JetBlue’s largest hub airport.” Describing the Shannon / New York JFK service as an “economically strategic connection”, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection, Pat Breen TD said, “This decision by Aer Lingus ensures Shannon

has year round connectivity to a key Hub with more than 90 connections. Such connectivity to the Mid-West Region through Shannon Airport is vital to Foreign Direct Investment, trade and the expansion of our indigenous companies.” This announcement, which follows last week’s announcement by Norwegian Air International to expand its New York/Shannon service, means that Shannon Airport now has two year-round services to New York. The route’s restoration was also welcomed by Shannon Chamber and described as a significant endorsement that this is a route much in demand by the business and leisure traveller alike. “The West of Ireland has so much to offer investors and tourists; we just need to make it convenient for them to get here at any time of year. Yearround transatlantic connectivity is critical to this endeavour but, as stated recently, the traveller must reciprocate by choosing to fly Shannon thus ensuring that load factors are of the magnitude to guarantee route retention. “The fact that Shannon’s 2018 transatlantic schedule, the best in 17 years, includes eight transatlantic services operated by six carriers across seven destinations, is a compelling inducement to think Shannon when choosing to fly to and from North America, “ added Ms Downes.

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THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

‘I was never as glad to hear a baby cry’ ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

WO Ennis Gardaí have been hailed as heroes after their quick-thinking response may have saved the life of a nine-day-old baby. Local couple Michael Coughlin and Amanda Carmody were on Abbey Street with their little girl Holly at 5.50pm on Wednesday last, when they noticed the child had stopped breathing and had turned blue. They rushed to Ennis Garda Station where Garda Patrick McCormack, originally from Roscommon, and Garda Ken Butler of the Divisional Roads Policing Unit responded to the incident. Garda McCormack, who only graduated from Templemore four months ago, was at the scene when the panicked parents arrived, and he was soon given backup by Garda Butler, who is a trained paramedic. The newborn was given back slaps and soon after her breathing returned. The newborn’s parents told The Clare Echo that the quick-responding gardai “might have saved our baby’s life”. Baby Holly was transferred to University Hospital Limerick where she was kept for a couple of days for observation.

l AT THE SCENE: Garda McCormack (pictured) along with his colleague Garda Ken Butler were praised for their quick-thinking actions at Ennis Garda Station last week It’s believed the child’s airways were blocked by mucous and reflux. Clare Chief Superintendent John Kerin said he was very proud of the bravery shown by both gardaí. “It copper fastens the necessity for all front line responders to be trained in first aid,” Chief Supt Kerin said. Ennis Councillor Ann Norton, who was in the station on other business when the incident occurred, praised the Gardaí at

Monday’s Clare Joint Policing Committee meeting. “They took care of the baby, they took care of the young girl and they reassured her. I really want to compliment John Kerin on his staff. “A lot of the time you only ever hear the negative from the Gardaí and I thought it was something very positive to actually see the Gardaí respond to a young girl and her baby,” Cllr Norton added.

NEWS 9

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10 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE lSPECTACULAR: We managed to tackle Carrauntoohil one last time before the baby arrives

CLARE

THE NOTEBOOK

T’S amazing what a good staycation can do to recharge the batteries. Last weekend I ventured to Killarney for some downtime. The scenery was spectacular and time in the great outdoors was total soul medicine! We managed to tackle Carrauntoohil one last time before the baby arrives, the conditions were perfect and I felt strong but was very proud of this particular summit! The food after a day on the hills always tastes amazing and we had a delicious spread at Cronin’s Yard to celebrate! This week I began filming for a very exciting pilot project for the RTÉ player. Due to launch in the coming weeks, New Mum Hacks is geared towards the not so mumsy mums looking for tips and tricks as they embark on this crazy new adventure. I’m learning as much for myself as anyone else and it’s been great to chat to midwives and women who really know their stuff when it comes to welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world! Stay tuned for more!

COVET IN CLARE

BLOOMING Carraig Donn’s new SS18 collection featuring florals from Grace and Mila is bringing all of the Summer vibes. Again, all you need now is a bit of heat on the bones! Available at Carraig Donn, Ennis.

HOT TO TROT Una Healy has just launched her brand new shoe collection and you don’t need to go too far to nab yourself a pair. Check out these gorgeous black bow flats available at Shoe Rack in Ennis for just €40. Perfect for the heat wave we do optimistically hope is coming our way!

lLEARNING A LOT: This week I began filming for a very exciting pilot project for the RTÉ player called ‘New Mum Hacks’

On Tuesday I caught Matilda the Musical at the Bord Gais Energy theatre and what a show! It was one of my favourite movies and books growing up so I was dying to see this production by the Royal Shakespeare Company and it didn’t disappoint. What a spectacle from start to finish. Running until 28th April, this is a

must see! Sunday night, we’ll be donning our best clobber for the annual People of the Year Awards (rescheduled due to snow last month!) at the Mansion House and the event will be televised live on RTÉ One. Always an incredibly inspiring night, hailing the real unsung heroes, I’m so looking forward to it.

ST TOLA’S GOATS CHEESE One thing I really miss during pregnancy, goats cheese! And who does it better than our very own Clare based St Tola? With a full range of creamy textures, I’m looking forward to some artisan indulgence this summer!

HELLO YELLOW Maddens Furniture’s latest collection of bright and beautiful hues has me swooning. Check out their Instagram for updates on newest arrivals and pop in to the store for a full feast of fabrics and textures. @ madden_furniture POB I’ve been a fan of Irish Designer Peter O’Brien for years (ever since he designed the costumes for my theatre debut at the Gate) and this week he launches his fabulous collection at Dunne’s Stores. It’s so great to see so many fabulous Irish designers under the one roof and Peter’s collection never disappoints. Dunnesstores.com for more

COLUMNIST 11

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

HAPPENINGS

BURREN COLLEGE OF ART POSTGRADUATE SHOW Fancy immersing yourself in some art and culture? Why not visit an exhibition featuring work by BCA MFA students in the Gallery in the Burren College of Art from the 14th-27th April. JACK L - MAGIC DAYS Join Jack L in glór on Saturday 21st April as he showcases his most recent best-selling album of original material Magic Days, deemed his “best work ever” by The Hot Press and Irish Times amongst others, and was Album of the Month on RTÉ Radio One. Tickets €22 available at glor.ie

RUN SQUAD Join my mom Clare and I for the 2018 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon Run Together Day Park Run which will be held in Lees Road on Saturday 14th April at 9.30am and kick start your training ahead of this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon on June 3rd.

Adventure Activities

Top 5 in Clare DERG ISLE ADVENTURE CENTRE

Derg Isle is nestled along the shores of the Graney River, which flows into nearby Lough Derg and boasts its own 7-acre island and an extensive range of outdoor and indoor team building facilities in Scariff, Co Clare. So if it’s archery or anchoring that tickle your fancy, this centre caters for everyone!

CLARE KAYAK HIRE

If there is water, a river, a lake or some coastal stretch you fancy exploring, Clare Kayak Hire can make it happen! This extremely versatile company cater for all your kayak, canoe or stand up paddle needs so whether you’re looking to explore caves off White Strand or take a leisurely relaxed river paddle, look no further. Such a lovely day out!

CLARE PAINTBALL-DEERPARK OUTDOOR CENTRE

Providing paintball, splatball and airsoft activities this unique set up caters for “trigger happy folk” of all ages! Deerpark is located halfway between Ennis and Limerick City and promises a fun adrenaline filled day out complete with safety gear and equipment!

MOUNTAIN VIEW HORSE RIDING CENTRE

Ever dreamt of a gallop in the waves on a beach or a trek up the mountains with panoramic views of the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and Connemara Mountains? Look no further than this family run business nestled in the heart of the Burren, the perfect backdrop for a day on horseback.

BEN’S SURF CLINIC

While the name suggests catching some waves, Ben’s Surf Clinic in Lahinch also offers rock climbing for the novice or experienced climbing enthusiast and while climbing walls are a great place to start the instructors encourage trying it out on the real thing, in the stunning Co Clare landscape with gear and tuition provided. Bear Grylls eat your heart out!

12 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

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

Niall O’Callaghan

The Shannon Heritage 35-year-old CEO discusses the role so central to County Clare tourism ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie VEN though Shannon Heritage Managing Director Niall O’Callaghan’s initial career path wasn’t in the tourism sector, it seems it’s a life he was destined for. His first job was washing pots in the Dunraven Arms Hotel in his hometown of Adare, one of the stalwarts of Irish tourism. Six months after taking on the role as head of Shannon Heritage, Niall is drawing up some major strategies for the development of the company, including a master plan for Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. “We have a very ambitious masterplan here at Bunratty Castle Folk Park which has been mentioned in the National Planning Framework as one of the most significant projects which Fáilte Ireland are working on at the moment as regards attractions,” explains Niall. “We’re working very closely with Fáilte Ireland in relation to that and ultimately what that, we hope will do, will enable a huge amount of more visitors to Bunratty Castle Folk Park when that masterplan is complete, which we hope then would enable further economic opportunities in the region, be that through the airport or be that through hotels or anything else for that matter. “Commercially in order to attract those people to come and visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, we have to make sure that we are providing world leading experiences, something that we are famous for but ensuring that that visitor of today is getting what they want from Bunratty.” The master plan will include the most up to date audio-visual experiences, taking visitors on a journey through time to experience what life was like in the 14th century castle, or the early 20th century folk park. En route to his current prestigious role, Niall studied Production Management at the University of Limerick but had to rethink his career path as he graduated just as the Celtic Tiger was starting to bow out. The former Irish International athlete went on to do a Masters in Marketing at University College Cork, before taking up coveted roles at Robert Roberts and Unilever in Dublin. A stint with the IDA brought him back to

the Mid-West and at just 35 year old, Niall is now making a name for himself as one to watch in the tourism industry. “It’s been a very interesting six months where we have a lot of projects on our plate at the moment. It’s been a learning curve on a lot of fronts - obviously I’m new to the tourism industry, so I’m getting to know the tourism industry itself, and getting to know my own team and some of the challenges but also the opportunities. “It’s been a very hectic couple of months; I’m coming at a very busy time for not only Shannon Heritage but also the Shannon Group overall. “In the last couple of months alone, we’ve had a lot of conversations with various entities around acquiring new sites. We’ve had some structural change here in Shannon Heritage as well and we’re looking at commercial opportunities across all our sites and how we make sure that our business model is fit for needs as well,” Niall said. Shannon Heritage currently has 900,000 visitors to their attractions every year, with Bunratty Castle and Folk Park taking a sizeable chunk of that at 400,000-plus visitors. Niall is confident they can hit the coveted million visitors milestone this year, as he reckons the Banner County is on the up on the tourism front. “There’s no doubt about it, Clare is a

‘‘

Any county would probably bite our hand off to win that number of visitors

unique county in Ireland when it comes to tourism when you consider the breadth of attractions it has to offer. “Clearly given the enormity of the visitors to the Cliffs of Moher - 1.5m people going there every year - any county in Ireland would probably bite our hand off to win that number of people coming here alone. The opportunity for Clare is huge,” he added. Getting tourists to spend longer in the county is one of the challenges currently facing the Clare tourism industry. Tour buses

lMAN WITH THE PLAN: Shannon Heritage MD Niall O’Callaghan

often come from other parts of the country, visit a single site like the Cliffs of Moher and head straight back home. Niall, a recent member of the Clare Economic Forum, is working with local entities such as Clare County Council to try and find creative ways to encourage tourists to visit another site, or even stay overnight in Clare. “A rising tide lifts all boats at the end of the day. I think by working together and coming up with a plan and a strategy to encourage more people to stay in Clare would

Shannon Heritage

benefit everybody,” Niall said. Although Niall is keen to develop the amount of international visitors to Shannon Heritage sites, Co Clare and the MidWest as a whole, he would love to see locals enjoying the attractions. “One of the opportunities we have is to convince our own domestic audience that it’s not something that’s set out for North Americans, it’s a fun day out for that everybody can enjoy, whether you’re an international tourist or domestic tourist,” he added.

13 FEATURE

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

‘The rest of us should be saying thank you, publicly’ Broadcaster Marty Morrissey addresses Darkness Into Light volunteers at Ennis launch while urging members of the public to get involved in the dawn event on May 12

STUART HOLLY

M editor@clareecho.ie

l LIGHTING UP THE ROOM: Broadcaster Marty Morrissey with Darkness Into Light Volunteers at the Ennis launch in Chapel Lane last week. DiL takes place on May 12

“This is my second year involved thanks to one Mary Howard, who is a personal friend and very persistant,” he smiled, adding, “but we love her to bits and it’s people like that, that you need to push people like me to say ‘come on, come on’. I’m glad I’m able to help out in some small way in my own county.” Marty admitted that he has never taken part in the Darkness Into Light walk due to other commitments, something he regrets and hopes to change this year. “Somewhere, this time, I’m hoping I can be a part of it because anybody who has participated in it think it’s one of the great things they’ve done in their life, one of the great experiences, and I would like to do that. “Having done dancing [DWTS] recently and gone out of my comfort zone and gotten the support of so many people, particularly in my own county, I just want to recipricate that and return it in a small way.” Shifting to the subject of mental health, Marty focussed on the importance of sharing a problem. “Mental health is so important. I think we’re more aware of it now... to be able to talk to somebody. No matter how bad a situation is, it’s always better to talk to somebody. When you talk to somebody do you know what, [the situation] is not

‘‘

I’ve learned through friends of mine who have suffered bereavement, or unfortunately even more dramaticaly, suicides, how this effects their lives and no matter how I try to be a good friend, you need somebody there who will have a little bit more expertise

‘‘

ARTY Morrissey addressed a room of volunteers and attendees at the Ennis Darkness Into Light launch. “I’m only here to support what you’re doing, because I think what you’re doing is fantastic,” said the West Clare man. The launch last Wednesday was a very relaxed affair, with familiar faces excited to be in each other’s company. On the back of an invite from Mary Howard, I sat in the Sonas Centre at Chapel Lane in Ennis and listened to the speakers talk about the significance of Darkness Into Light and Pieta House. As they finished up, one of the most recognisable faces in Ireland was asked to speak. Marty Morrissey is publicly supporting the Darkness Into Light for a second consecutive year, and although he had nothing prepared, he spoke humbly and eloquently about Darkness Into Light and its significance in County Clare. “In many ways I’m glad to be here tonight,” said Marty, who urged people to encourage those in need of help to get in contact with Pieta House. He quickly praised the volunteers, adding: “It’s not easy when you’re trying to raise money and contribute on a vountary basis, it’s fantasic. “I’m just here to say thank you, well done. The rest of us might not give that commitment, but I think the rest of us should be saying thank you, publicly alot more. So I’ll do it today.” Speaking to me at the event, Marty picked up where he left off: “I think what Pieta House are doing is fantastic. None of us can escape what’s happening in society - we’re all touched by it in some way - and the people who give of their time voluntarily, I think are heroes of our country, never mind of our county. It takes a lot. I’ve learned through friends of mine who have suffered bereavement, or unfortunately even more dramaticaly, suicides, how this effects their lives and no matter how I try to be a good friend, you need somebody there who will have a little bit more expertise. I know people who have gone to Pieta House and benifitted enourmously, so all I’d like to do is support it. That’s all I can do, and just encourage and thank people for doing it.

half as bad as you thought. “We need to talk more, us men are not good. For instance, going to the doctor and getting our health checked - I’m the worst one but I’m trying to be better. “If all people are doing is walking in this, they’re contributing so much and it gives you a feel good factor and I think that’s important.” Tom McEvoy, the Ennis organiser of Darkness Into Light said that people are making a statement by taking part in DiL. “It’s a movement now. It’s in existance for 10 years. Imagine, 400 people walking in Pheonix Park in 2009 to 200,00 people taking part last year.The significance of numbers is huge because it’s people actually standing on streets, walking through parks, thinking of people perhaps who have been bereaved by suicide. They’re actually making a statement by coming out by saying that we’re going to walk in solidarity with one another to make a difference in somebody’s life. This is not simply a fundraising event, it’s an event where people can express themselves, share stories, but also reflect before and afterwards on why they should go to the event and why they took part afterwards. Councillor Mary Howard participated in the first Darkness Into Light event in Lee’s Road in 2011. “I remember being in the woods and there were little fairy lights to direct us. Coming out as the dawn was breaking, I found it incredibly emotional, the whole symbolism of it is very strong.” Mary joined the committee in 2012 and says they quickly realised that the event would have to be moved into the town centre due to its sheer scale and now between 2,000 and 3,000 people regularly attend the Ennis walk alone. “When you see people going off on the walk, they’re pale, they’re thinking about somebody, their face is very pinched but when they come back there’s a very different atmosphere. Theyr’e talking, they’re laughing, they’re connected with somebody walking beside them so it’s a very, very strong event where people can talk out loud about mental health and wellness. Darkness Into Light will take place on May 12 at 4.15am. There are five venues hosting an event this year. Ennis, in its eighth year, Shannon and Killaloe in its fifth year, Doolin in its second year and Sixmilebridge in its second year. Tom adds: “Some people walk it, some people run it, some people push children in their pushchairs, some people are in wheelchairs taking part. It’s an amazing event for everybody.”

Registration is ONLY available online at www.dil.pieta.ie.

Entertainment

GLÓR EXHIBITION IS OFF THE CUFFE

FROM APR 13-MAY 12 @ GLÓR LÓR gallery comes alive this spring with a gloriously fresh exhibition of new work. Opening on Friday 13th April, Moments, is an exuberant and beautifully uplifting exhibition by leading Irish printmaker, Gráinne Cuffe. Well known for her intricate flowers studies and oversized exuberant etchings, her new works depict lilies, tulips, and some sweet pea. Cuffe’s practice is firmly placed within a long-established artistic tradition that values careful and considered observations of nature and the translation of these observations into a new visual form. Grainne Cuffe is a Fulbright Alumni, a Board member of the Irish Fulbright Alumni Association, and a Board member of Graph-

ic Studio, Dublin. Dublin born, Grainne graduated in Fine Art from Dun Laoire School of Art, and thereafter pursued her studies in printmaking. Grainne’s etchings are regularly on show in the Graphic Studio Gallery and The Printmakers’ Gallery, Dublin, as well as the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin and the Royal Academy, London. A Guided Tour of the exhibition and Artist’s Talk, will take place on Saturday 14 April at 11.30am. Free of charge and all welcome. A Dementia Friendly Exhibition Tour for People Living with Dementia & their Family, Friends & Carers will take place on Tuesday 17 April at 11am. Please pre-book with Sinéad Cahill at gallery@glor.ie / 065 6845370.

lBLOOMING BEAUTIFUL: This work, titled Tulipa Purpora, is among Gráinne’s exhibited pieces

AA ROSETTE AWARD FOR OLD LODGE GASTRO PUB IN SHANNON THE Old Lodge Gastro Pub at Clare’s Shannon Springs Hotel has been awarded an AA Rosette for the high standards of food and quality ingredients. To be eligible to receive AA Rosette awards, restaurants are required to demonstrate a desire to achieve higher standards, better consistency and where a greater precision in cooking has been clearly demonstrated. Huge emphasis is placed by AA inspectors on the produce and ingredients. In total about 100 hotel restaurants have achieved Rosette standards. John Gavin of Shannon Springs Hotel said, “Having completed our first phase renovations ahead of schedule is a credit to our entire team and to now receive this AA Award is a credit to our head chef, Anthony Walsh and his team; it’s a goal we set ourselves and now that we have achieved it we will set the bar even higher. To say we were thrilled with the judges’ comments is an understatement.” Among the highlights of the AA’s Inspector’s visit to Old Lodge Gastro Pub were the buzzy casual atmosphere, personable service and the selection of dishes on offer from a well-compiled menu.

Tulla Céilí Band set for Ennis APR 14 @ COIS NA HABHNA

lHAPPY OCCASION: Sinéad Mulqueen from Tulla entertaining the audience in the lobby of The Old Ground Hotel at the Official opening of The National Concertina Convention Photo by Martin Connolly

THE Céilí in Cois na hAbhna with The Tulla Céilí Band takes place on Saturday, April 14, with dancing from 9.30pm-12.30am (€10). The Tulla Céilí Band was formed in 1946 by Paddy Canny and PJ Hayes, their passion for traditional Irish music and their talent, set the tone for the band. The Tulla Céilí Band has toured all over the world and even played in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. On their trip to America in 1997, the band received a presentation from Mayor Rudolf Guiliani at New York City Hall. In recent years, the Tulla Céilí Band has concentrated on what they do best, and with the revivals in Irish music and set dancing, they have become more popular than ever. On Saturday, April 14, there is an opportunity to hear them and dance to their unique music. The céilí is followed on Sunday, April 15 by Fun Bingo, a fun, family day in aid of Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan Inis 2018. Adults €10 Children €5. Bígí Linn ag Cois na hAbhna!

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

ENTERTAINMENT 15

LIVELY LINE-UP FOR TRAD WEST WEEKEND FROM APR 20-22 @ THE FALLS HOTEL AND SPA, ENNISTYMON TRAD music comes alive for all ages at the Trad West Weekend in The Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon on April 20 – 22. This weekend promises to be a celebration of the strong tradition of traditional music in the county. The enigmatic Sean Keane with his five piece band will perform on Friday night at 8pm. The wonderful Ennistymon Comhaltas group will warm up the crowd from 7pm. Tickets are €25 and are available from the hotel reception. A late night bar session with Brian Donnellan, Cathal Corbett and Mark Burke, will keep the entertainment going after the concert. On Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm, there is a fantastic free Trad for Teens workshop with Sharon Howley and Francis Cunningham, all young budding trad musicians are welcome to this session with two outstanding musicians. That evening, from 6 – 8, there will be an evening seisiun with David Crowe, Brian Donnellan, Cathal Corbett and friends. Later that night, from 9pm, there is a concert with the very talented Antoin MacGabhann and members of his family, along with Stephen Doherty and David Doocey, the O’Loughlin brothers, Brian, Keith and Conor, the Donnellan family, Munster champion set dancers and much more. Tickets for this concert are €15 and will be available on the night. On Sunday afternoon, the ‘Three in a row, All Ireland Champions’ Shandrum Ceili Band will bring the weekend to a crescendo with a ceili from 2-5 – bring your dancing shoes! The weekend will wind down (slightly) with a session in the Dylan Thomas Bar with David Doocey, Stephen Doherty, Brian Donnellan, David Crowe, Mark Burke and more This promises to be a wonderful weekend of trad music, musicians are welcome to join in with any of the bar sessions. For more information, please ring 065 7071004 or visit fallshotel.ie

Last call for all Clare Roses...

2017 Clare Rose of Tralee Aoife Murray, Sixmilebridge, is reminding you that the search for this year’s Clare Rose is closing this weekend. Fill a form out on www.roseoftralee.ie/apply, or email theclarerose@gmail.com or find “Clarerosecentre” on social media. The Clare Rose selection night will take place on Friday April 27 at 8pm, and the closing date for entries is this weekend.

Farming STUART HOLLY news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport has pledged its support to farmers battling the current fodder crisis by offering to repeat its intervention of 2013 when it harvested silage from its 400 acre site. The Airport’s operations team will meet with farm representatives over the coming days to explore the need to fast-track cutting of grass on the airport grounds in light of the severe difficulties faced by many farmers due to the prolonged inclement winter and spring weather. The airport’s grass husbandry programme is not due to see any grass inside the airport perimeter cut until later in the summer, but in light of the shortages, the airport is offering to bring it forward to support local farmers. Five years ago, in late April, farmers received 1,600 bales of silage from the airport in what was then the most severe fodder crisis in living memory. Said Airport Operations Director Niall Maloney: “Farmers were in difficulty back then and, having seen just how important our intervention was, we have been watching the situation closely over the past few weeks

SHANNON STEP IN WITH SILAGE and will be making the same offer to farmers’ representatives again when we meet them. “We are a community airport and were delighted then to do what we could and the farmers were hugely appreciative. It was a critical intervention for many local farmers and so well received that other airports followed our lead and we hope they will do so again this time also,” he said.

The Operations Director said that the situation may not yet be as bad as 2013 but many farmers are in dire circumstances. “A lot could happen in a week if the weather improves and we get more growth but as of now, many farmers are experiencing major problems. We’ve seen a lot of fodder imported over the past week as a result, the introduction of emergency government supports and we are willing to play our part also”

MART REPORTS

MIXED BULL SALE ENNIS April 9 Ennis Mart held its Mixed breed bull sale comprising of 69 lots. With Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Limousin Bulls on offer with some excellent bulls present. Top price bull was €3,700 for an excellent 3-star Hereford bull. Out of the top 4 priced bulls 3 were 5-star terminal bulls (1 Limousin 1 Charolais, 1 Angus). Top price Angus was €1,960. Top price Charolais was €3,480. Top price Limousin was €3,300. Price range of Charolais bulls was from €2,000 to €3,480. Limousin price range was from €1,825 to €3,300. Next bull sale takes place on Monday May 14. SCARIFF MART APRIL 8 Trade was firm in Scariff, which resulted in an excellent clearance rate for the stock on offer. Angus/Hereford calves sold from €130 up to €280. Bullocks and heifers were a similar trade with lots selling from €2/kg up to €2.74/kg Next sale in Scariff on Saturday May 20. ENNIS MART APRIL 3 Sales increased with farmers and agents very active buying. Light Friesian bull calves sold from €30 up to €70 with stronger older Friesian bulls selling from €95 up to €200. Shippers more active now for a good calf. Angus/Hereford cross calves sold from €150 up to €390. Continental cross calves sold from €220 up to €540. In-calf suckler cows and heifers sold up to €1,900. Suckler cows with calves at foot sold from €1,250 up to €1900. Freshly calved dairy cows and heifers made up to €1,525. In-calf dairy cows sold from €700 up to €1,380. A pen of spring lambs weighing 42kg sold for €140.

New home for prize raffle calf nounced on April 3rd. Competitions Chairperson of Clare Macra na Feirme, Caitriona Power stated that ‘Clare Macra members want to thank sincerely all those who supported the fundraiser by buying lines and Clare Marts for facilitating us and supporting us throughout. The proceeds will secure Clare Macra financially for another year. This will mean more young people will be l PRIZE: Caitriona Power (Clare Macra), Kevin McInerny (winner), getting active in their communities, Patrick McNamara (Clare Macra), Martin Mcnamara (Clare Marts), local enhancing personal Mike Hannon (Clare Macra), Michael Shalloo (Clare Marts) development and benRESH from appearing and winning efitting from increased a prize in the St. Patrick’s day pa- physical fitness through the many comperade in Ennis, Clare Macra’s 4 Star titions and events organising by Macra na Limousin heifer calf has found a new Feirme.’ home. The lucky winner after hunIf any young person would like to join the dred’s of lines being sold over 2 mart days organisation, we would encourage them to was Kevin McInerny from Kilmurry. visit the Facebook page by searching ‘Clare Clare Macra members took to Clare Marts Macra’. New members are always welcome and on the Quin road on the 27th and 29th March with the culmination of the winner being an- you don’t have to be a farmer!

Clare Echo THE

Clare

GARDEN GUIDE CLARE GARDEN FESTIVAL10 TIPS FROM JIM CRONIN

Sowing the seeds of wellbeing Clare Garden Fest organisers commit to supporting mental wellbeing

Bord Bia Regional Show Garden grant running now in its fifth year and I wish them and the new designer Manus the very best of success for 2018.” Clare Garden Festival is held annually at Ennis showgrounds on the last Sunday of this month, April 29. With its over 70 garden, plant and food stalls and its all day garden expert talks, the festival is a treat for Gardeners and provides a wonderful day out for all the family with great entertainment and sumptuous food. Clare Garden Festival is run by Clare Agricultural Show Society and is proudly supported by Blarney Castle Gardens, Clare County Council Environment Section, Clare Topsoil, Ennis Municipal District, Ennis Tidy Towns, Gee-Up Soil Enricher, Rowan Tree Cafe Bar.

HE theme at Clare Garden Festival on Sunday, 29th April this year is ‘Gardening for Mental Wellbeing’ and will be present in its core areas including the festival gardening talks, the Show Garden and the Highlight Fringe Event. In line with the theme ‘A Garden for Mental Wellbeing’ the 2018 Show Garden mirrors peace and tranquillity and wants to encourage joy, interest and healthy living. The garden is divided by a straight path - this is the way many of us wish our lives would go, i.e without complications. Often it is only however when we stray from the path, that we will discover beauty and tranquillity. It’s an everyman/woman’s garden showing that anyone can enjoy a garden for their mental wellbeing. The garden has been designed and will be built by another amazing Clare designer and landscaper, Manus McGee of Gairdin Glas, a well established and professionally run landscaping and ground maintenance company based in Co Clare. Since, 2003, Gairdin

l FESTIVAL FUN: Kerrie Gardiner of Bloom, Designer Manus McGee and Festival manager Carmen Cronin

Glas has provided a comprehensive range of landscaping services to both residential and commercial clients in the Mid West region. Gary Graham, Bord Bia’s Bloom Manager said: “Show Gardens are the lifeblood of a vibrant Garden Festival. Visitors should see

something that inspires them to do more gardening and/or to engage a professional designer or landscape contractor. “It’s fantastic to see yet another show garden being built for Clare Garden Festival, which will be supported again under the

For further details visit the festival website www.claregardenfestival.com and regular updates from www.facebook.com/claregardenfestival.

Jim Cronin’s tips to avoid potato blight 1 2

Use a large egg sized seed because this has maximum vitality and gives the best return.

Use only potatoes with a short purple sprout, avoid planting potatoes with long white stalks as they will be more susceptible to blight. Chitted, green potatoes are more resistant to blight than small, wrinkly soft potatoes.

When the rosette can be covered by an upturned 3 gallon bucket, its time to give the plant a feed of liquid seaweed, diluted at 500 to 1. Liquid seaweed contains silica, silica gives brilliant antifungal protection. You will get the same benefit from Horsetail which is in the hedgerow in May. Either of these preparations must be sprayed on in a mist with a sprayer.

The soil needs to be fertile, potatoes are like ourselves, if we are run down and tired, we are more likely to come down with a cold. Always plant your potato into fertile, alluvial soil, free from clumps of clay.

Spacing is all important because it allows more air circulation. Outdoor first and second earlies should be planted 12x12 inches for early, and outdoor main crop should be planted 24X12 inches.

When the potato comes up above the ground, keep it weed free. If its gets weedy this reduces the air circulation which in turn leads to spores and disease.

The varieties you choose are also important. Floury potatoes are more likely to get blight. Potatoes with a high resistance to blight are Orla, Home Guard, Remarka (main crop), Setanta, Sarpo Miro, Sarpo Axona.

l SOLID ADVICE: Jim Collins (pictured below) explains how to take the fright out of blight

When digging up potatoes in the autumn, if gardeners find a soft one its often chucked into the hedgerow and this can be a carrier of blight for our garden, a ‘volunteer’ who will hang around until next year and pass on the blight.

If you smell blight or see the evidence on the leaves of your potato plant, get your secateurs and cut off the stalk leaving enough that the potato can

re-sprout and because the potato has an overhead food supply, it will continue to grow and mature.

Rotation is very important. In organic growing, we always talk about one year in four, so if you plant potatoes in a particular patch this year, it would be at least three years or three families before you plant potatoes again in that part of your garden again.

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Garden guide: TV, groups and dates for your diary TELEVISION GROW, COOK, EAT on TV Wednesdays @ 7.30pm on RTE1 next episode on April 18 GROW Cook Eat is the first series on RTÉ to respond to the burgeoning interest in growing your own food: you can grow vegetables and fruit in a very small garden, or even in containers on an apartment balcony. You don’t need half an acre or a polytunnel to do it. Presented by Michael Kelly and Karen O’Donohoe of Grow it Yourself (GIY), each programme focuses on a particular vegetable and takes you through the entire process, from sowing the seed, to harvesting and to cooking. GARDENING / SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS GARDENING groups and pages on social media that may be of interest include Clare Free Gardening Group, Irish Gardening, The Gardening Group, Clare Garden Festival, garden.ie & the Irish Garden Magazine, Irish Seed Savers Association, Make a Garden your own, Irish Garden plant society… and there are

more attractive with huge parking space, also accessible for coaches, improved the paths on the nursery and put up signage telling where to find plants for a special purpose etc. And of course the range of plants has grown significantly.

l ON THE BOX: Grow, Eat, Cook hosts Karen O’Donohoe and Michael Kelly so many more. VISIT CAHERHURLEY Nursery (East Clare) is open for visitors - visitors to the nurs-

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MALONEY GARDEN MACHINERY Smithstown, Shannon, Co. Clare PH: 061 364 300

ery are welcome from on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, please ring ahead to let them know you are coming on 0879062987. They have made a visit to the nursery

UPCOMING GARDEN EVENTS AND DATES 17th April: Ennis Flower Club meeting, West County Hotel, Ennis from 8pm. 22nd April: Fota House and Gardens Spring Show, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork 28th April: Nature, Gardening and Mental Wellbeing – Film and Expert Talks as part of Clare Garden Festival FRINGE 29th April: Clare Garden Festival - www. claregardenfestival.com 27th May: Annual Plant Share at Irish Seed Savers, Capparoe, Scariff. www. irishseedsavers.ie 31st May: 04th June – Bloom in the Park, Phoenix Park, Dublin. http://bloominthepark.com/ 17th June: Limerick Garden Festival www.limerickgardenfestival.com

Robotic mower is the future...

HUSQVARNA — the world leader in robotic mowers since 1995 — has unveiled a new connected robotic mower for complex lawns of up to 1600m2 and slopes up to 40 per cent. With connectivity enabled straight out-of-the-box, the new robotic mower can be controlled and tracked from anywhere in the world, via cellular networks, with the Automower Connect app. With the new Husqvarna Automower 315X robotic mower, users can always have a great looking lawn with minimal input or assistance. The 315X is equipped with Automower Connect, a solution that gives users the option to control, configure and secure their robotic mower — from a smartphone. Extra security and full control Enhanced mower security comes in the form of GPS tracking, which tracks the mow-

ers position in real-time to prevent theft. Users can set up a Geofence around their garden, which acts as a ‘virtual fence’ that will alert owners the moment the mower leaves the set area. The control function allows users to see their mower’s current status within the smartphone app, and can send ‘start’, ‘stop’, or ‘park’ commands to the mower from anywhere in the world. Configure mode lets users view and change mower settings without being onsite, such as mowing schedules. Smart features as standard Smart features come standard on the new 315X, such as: • The GPS-assisted navigation allows the mower to navigate even the most complex or hard to reach areas. • Automatic passage handling guides 315X through narrow passages down to 60 cm width • A rain, sun and growth sen-

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l GREEN MACHINE: You can control the mower from your mobile

sor automatically adjusts the mower’s cutting habits to adapt to the actual growth rate of the lawn — so more cutting occurs when the weather is warm and wet, with less cutting during dry or cool periods. • Slope control means improved traction on steep slopes

• Imbalance control means the system detects imbalance in the cutting system. Availability The Husqvarna Automower 315X is available from Maloney Garden Machinery in Smithstown, Shannon.

ESTABLISHED by Emmet O’Brien, Poplar Tree Services will take care of all of your tree maintenance needs. His team of experienced tree surgeons carry out maintenance works on all types of trees in both commercial and domestic settings. Located in Tulla, Poplar Tree Services have been in business for the last three years. “Locals are great to support us here, there is great community spirit in the area,” Emmet said. The tree surgeons cover all of Co Clare and even some parts of Co Limerick. Not only can Poplar Tree Services remove trees, they provide a wood chipping service and a stump grinding service. Emmet and his team of experts also offer crown reductions, tree inspections, hedging and dead wood removal. “Get in touch with us today and you will not be disappointed with our quick, reasonable and professional service,” Emmet added. Check out their Facebook page for some stunning footage of their work: https://www.facebook.com/ emmetspoplartreeservices/ or give them a call on 085 772 9455 for more information.

Sun-thing to be proud of Sunflower fun facts: how high does the loved flower grow and other tidbits

HE month April is the best time of the year to grow sunflowers in Co Clare so with that in mind, we bring you our top list of fun facts about one of the nation’s favourtie flowers.

1 2

Sunflower is the only flower with “flower” in its name. The record for the tallest sunflower is 30 feet and one inch, held by Hans-Peter Schiffer. It was so tall, the local fire brigade had to help to measure it. “Helianthus” is the scientific name of Sunflower, Helia for Sun and Anthus for Flower. Sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine, and is the state flower of Kansas. There are more than 60 varieties of sunflowers found worldwide, some even have striped petals. Sunflowers are the symbol of loyalty, faith and adoration. Sunflowers are known for heliotrophism; following the path of the sun across the sky. They are one of the fastest growing plants in the world. On average, they grow to between eight and 12 foot tall within six months of being planted. A single sunflower can have up to 2000 seeds. Once the flower heads have been cleared of seeds, they can be used as scrubbing brushes.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

l DEDICATION: The tallest sunflower in the world

Expert talks at centre of Clare Festival Fringe THE highlight event of the new Clare Garden Festival Fringe combines the award-winning film Project Wild Thing with expert talks, featuring local Garden expert Brid Hedderman discussing Gardening & Mental Wellbeing, and Marion Burke of Crann Og on the importance of connection with Nature for Young and Old. The film ‘Project Wild Thing’ finds hilarity, joy and absurdity in the choices we face as 21st Century humans with Filmmaker David Bond stepping in to

give Mother Nature a helping hand as the Marketing Director for Nature setting out to sell this amazing, free, wonder product. Nature, Gardening and Mental Wellbeing – Film and Expert Talks will be on at glór on Saturday 28 April, 7.30pm.

More details and booking directly with glór box office.

Gardening masterclass

HIS year for the first time, Clare Garden Festival are offering a Masterclass with Jim Cronin which is going to be a limited numbers, one-hour class from 11-12pm at Ennis Showgrounds on Sunday, April 29. Held in the Clare Garden Festival’s new classroom at the side of the main building, Jim will be focussing on How to avoid Pests, Weeds and Diseases When You Garden Organically. All details and booking form are now available from the festival website. Jim will of course be doing his main stage talk again also at 4pm this year, the full list of talks will be made available on the Clare Garden Festival’s Facebook page shortly. You can also book this event as a

Combined Weekend ticket from glór.

Film + Jim Cronin Masterclass + Festival entry for reduced price of €25, call glór for details: 065 6843103.

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 25

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Walk from ‘Darkness into Light’

LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL: People need to have a chat, to have a conversation, to have a walk and talk with ourselves and with each other

It’s important to acknowledge how you’re really feeling

LOVE this quote by Leo Buscaglia about loving oneself which goes as follows, “Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful and amazing things.” Suicide is claiming the lives of at least 700 or more people each year in Ireland. Also a recent Europe-wide report found that Ireland has the highest rate of suicide in young females in Europe with the second highest rate of suicide in young males. It’s important for everyone of us to know that “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem”. It’s important for all of us to know that there is help out there with various Charities, Churches and HSE programmes. It’s important for all of us to know that we can go to our GP for appropriate assessment and treatment or to trained counsellors and professionals provided by the many schools, work places, colleges/universities and various charities if we are in need of help and support. People and I mean me and you, all of us need to have a chat, to have a conversation, to have a

WALKING: Therapeutic

walk and talk with ourselves and with each other!

BE OPEN

Let me be honest with you as I write this thought for the week, which I always do after I have lit a candle and said a prayer for everyone and anyone that may read it into the future. I am definitely not okay at times. At times I need help. I need support. I need care. I need love. At times I feel wrecked. There, I said it! We should all say it and have a good honest to God chat about how we feel at times, at times I am not okay. I am totally stressed out at times and sometimes a lot of the time, although no one would ever even notice. I’m worried and I am a total worrier. I worry about my family. I worry about my friends. I worry about my work colleagues. At times I am sad. I am confused. I can be distant. At times I feel I don’t know how I am going to continue to help my family through the journey of life. I feel alone and lost at times. I get upset about things in life, in our country and in our world at times. At times I am not okay. At times we are all not okay. And you know what. That’s okay. Because I know I won’t always feel this way. As my good friend David says to me regularly during our weekly get togethers, “This too shall pass.” Giving myself time, I will figure things out. I will discover or rediscover my purpose or focus in life. I will be okay. I won’t be sad or down forever.

Nor will I be stressed, worried or unloveable forever. I won’t always be lost. I will be okay, even if I’m not right now. What I have found out since I turned 51 recently and over the past number of years, is that sometimes society isn’t too keen on showing weakness. We are expected to be the picture of health, fitness, beauty and knowledge. There is a lot of pressure on each of us. We must be strong and determined. We put pressure on ourselves to be perfect all the time although that pressure at times comes from others, a family member, a friend, a colleague although they might not even know they are doing it, but you know and you feel it and you feel it inside your ears, inside your head and inside your brain!

BE HONEST

I have found out over time that it is so important to acknowledge how you’re truly feeling where possible. To also check how your family, friends and colleagues are really feeling also at times. It is so important to not only identify, but also to verify our feelings. Be honest about how you feel even if you don’t think people will understand or relate or care. I can’t count the number of times someone has asked me how I am and I respond with “I am good” or “I am the finest” when I’m really not. It’s my automatic response to that type of question. And it doesn’t do me any good. It doesn’t make me feel better,

sometimes I feel worse for not being honest. I try to go to my local church mass most evenings and it is there that I have some good chats with God! Honest, offloading and as relieving as it comes. I learn to acknowledge the negative feelings and offer them up. I have learned not to be afraid to admit that I am having a bad day or a rough week, or a hard month. It’s okay. We all have them at some point. That’s life as they say. What I’m still learning to do though, is not sink into the feeling. That’s when it becomes difficult for me to get out of the situation or rut that I might find myself in. I remind myself that I will feel better at some point and my personal faith in God through prayer helps me get myself back out of the dark place that I might be in and out into the light again. A few other things that help me is, a good night sleep usually does the trick. Or going for a walk or a run. Or writing things out on paper or doing what I am doing now, writing a thought for the week. Sometimes I call one of my closest friends Paul, because I know he will tell me jokes or how we are going to audition for Louis Walsh for Ireland’s Got Talent!! It’s important, I think, well in my case anyway to find something that works for you so you don’t get stuck in the “not okayness” for too long.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember, everything will be okay if we love and believe in ourselves, and understand that hope floats around us and when we can we should always spread that hope and love with others especially those who mean the most to us. The great charity Pieta House has it’s “DARKNESS INTO LIGHT” walk on Saturday morning May 12. The walk is usually around 5km circuit starting at 4.15am in Ennis and in many other places in Co. Clare such as Doolin, Ennis, Killaloe/Ballina, Miltown Malbay and Shannon, and many other places countrywide. See www.dil.pieta.ie for details about The Darkness into Light venues close to you. It’a good place to start your “walk and talk” journey through life! Get out there if you can and be well and take care of one another! Also know that the best of help can be got from contacting some of Ireland’s best charities and organisations in the Samaritans, Pieta House, Aware, Jigsaw, St. Vincent de Paul, your local GPs, your local religious, Chaplain’s, HSE groups and various qualified counsellors. Do not be afraid to look for help when you need it!

26 COMMUNITY

Community PRIMARY SCHOOLS POETRY CONTEST The finals will take place at the Education Centre on Kilrush Road, Ennis from 4pm on Thursday April 26 – Poetry Day Ireland. From several hundred entries received by the Poetry Collective, the Judges have short-listed poems by the following children: Oisín Biswas, 5th Class, Holy Family, ‘The Stinky Socks’ ; Aine Bunce, Stonehall NS, ‘Poem About Poems’ ; Fionn Crimmins, Stonehall NS, ‘My Puppy’ ; Bonnie Dwyer, Clarecastle NS, 3rd Class ‘My Evil Potion’; Noah Hanrahan, Querrin N.S. 1st Class ‘Tractors – an Acrostic’ ; Kate McDonough, 3rd Class Knockanean NS ‘Magic Box’; Dani McGuinness, 5th Class St.Finnachta’s NS ‘Three Little Spirals’ ; Emer McInerney, 4th Class, Scoil Mhainchin ‘Talking Ginger’; Faye Maguire, 1st Class, Doora NS ‘Frisbee’ ; Conor Moroney, 6th Class, Scarrif NS ‘Another Poem!’ ; James Noone, 4th (Class 4, Barefield NS: ‘A Curious Collection’ ; Conor O’Brien, 5th Class, Scarrif NS ‘Omnivores’ ; Danaan Quinn, 2nd Class 2, Killaloe Boys NS ‘Flowers’ ; Amy Reynolds, 3rd Class, Knockanean NS ‘Frost’ ; Ronan O’Rourke, Class ?, Stonehall NS: ‘Poetry is Boring’ ; Aoife Sullivan, 3rd Class, Knockanean NS ‘My Crazy Hair’ ; Xavier Tomaszewski, 3rd Class Knockanean NS ‘Christmas Colours’ ; Dylan Williams, 3rd Class, Ennis NS ‘Stamps’ They are invited to read their poems (in alphabetic order, as above). Teachers and parents are very welcome to accompany them to the event. The school identified by the Judges as having submitted the most ‘high-quality’ poems will hold the Singing Bowl perpetual trophy for one year: it is currently held by Barefield NS. Prizes will be presented by Tom McNamara, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. They have been donated by Eason, by the Ennis Book Shop and by Bookstop. The individual winner will receive a painting by leading Clare-based artist Benoni, based upon the theme of his or her poem. Mike Douse of the Poetry Collective and Chair of the judging panel welcomed the high number of entries “which is very much in line with our EVERY CHILD A POET philosophy. Many of the poems, including all of those short-listed, showed much imagination and originality. Poetry is thriving in County Clare and the coming generations will take it still further”.

ENNIS

Transition Year Students from Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, with their teacher Ms Martina McNamara, presented a cheque for €562.77 to St Vincent de Paul, the proceeds of a pop-up shop they organised. ENNIS TIDY TOWNS Ennis tidy towns annual An Taisce spring clean event takes place this Saturday April 14th at 11am. Meeting outside Clare county councils offices in new road. Everyone welcome to join us, collect some bags and gloves and help us clean all the approach roads to town.

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l MAKING WAVES: Members of the West Clare Waves Aussie Rules Club who won the AFL Europe Champions League in Holland. Six members from Kilmihil involved were (L-R) Laura Egan, Edel McMahon, Sarah Browne, Rosie Currane (Captain) Ellie O’Gorman and Ailish Considine

Alternatively if you can’t come at that time perhaps do a 5 minute street clean outside your home. Together we can make Ennis a cleaner better place to live.

SHANNON/EAST CLARE FUN RUN IN SHANNON Shannon Town Utd are hosting a 10K Timed Run and a 5K Fun Run/Walk on Sunday April 22nd at 1.30pm. This is a fundraising event as the club aims to improve its facilities along with constructing a much needed clubhouse. The run starts from St. John’s School, Drumgeely, Shannon and down onto the newly refurbished Riverwalk paths taking in the beautiful scenic route along the Shannon Estuary before finishing back at St. John’s School. The 5k will follow a shortened route ideal for walkers and novice runners. Book online via link below or check out clubs Facebook page. Online entry €15 plus booking fee for 10k available until 19th April. €20 after this date. 5k Fun Run/Walk: €10 online or on the day. Maximum charge for family doing 5k is €30. Registration evening will take place on Saturday 21st April at St. John’s National School in Drumgeely from 6pm-8pm and up to 1pm on the day of race. Route is AAI Approved and measured timed event. Free Technical T-Shirts available for 10k entries (on first come basis). Refreshments served afterwards in St. John’s National School.

ClareCastle squash Club

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Entry deadline: April 20 No late payment Open Draw: April 21 Competition to run over 3 weeks Prize Ceremony at conclusion

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To enter: Call/text Fergal on 087 6199 144 or Neville on 086 1756425 Email: clarecastlesquash@gmail.com with your name & number

COLUMNISTS 27

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

Females need to be You better asked FIVE times to check yo’self run for election T I WO grown men having an open discussion about the benifits of having an oul sob was some of the most memorable TV I’ve seen this year - on a primetime RTÉ slot for that matter. Comedian Tommy Tiernan and Damien Dempsey, one of my favourite Irish musicians, faced each other square like a therapist and his patient, a chair each and a metre apart. Dempsey appeared as a mystery guest on Tiernan’s concept chat show which has proved a hit with viewers. Dempsey spoke very candidly about drugs and depression, and their impact on his own life. He said that he cries a “good bit”. Tiernan asked the singer, almost with palpable hesitation, “When was the last time, ah, you would have cried?” Dempsey, a promising boxer in his day, replied in a deadpan fashion: “It was Friday.” Dempsey filled the ensuiing silence with a reassuring nod. He proceeded to tell a story of how he imparted some wisdom to a friend’s younger brother who had been having difficulties with drugs. A recent text came in from his friend to say the discussion had helped turn his brother’s life around. “When I got the text I just started. Stuff like that makes me cry.”

A brave move, for a man to admit the last time he cried - but it shouldn’t be. A good cry is one of the great therapeutic releases in life, as painful as it may seem at the time. But how can I commend Dempsey for admitting his weeping habits if I can’t do the same myself? Well, I can and I will. I’m not as brave as Dempsey. I’ve recalled this month-old moment because, as rapper Ice Cube once said, it’s important that we all check ourselves before we wreck ourself. And that’s exactly what’s encouraged by Pieta House and Darkness Into Light, in its eighth year in Ennis. The message is to look after yourself, in this case if you’re grieving the death of a loved one who has committed suicide. The early-morning jaunt will also run in Shannon, Doolin, Killaloe, while Sixmilebridge has been added this year. I’ll be taking part in my very first Darkness Into Light in Ennis - as Marty Morrissey hopes to (check page 13) - and by all accounts it’s a very special event. We need to challenge ourselves on the issue of mental health because it will take people power to improve conditions. A look at the HSE’s budget will tell you that mental health is still way down the pecking order.

Brave Gardai, very clever parents

TWO gardai have been hailed as heroes for saving the life of a nine-day old baby last week in Ennis, as we first reported on Monday on our website. Rightfully so, they deserve to be praised - but the parents were so quick of thought to run to the Garda station and should be commended equally for saving their baby’s life. Well done to everyone involved and thankfully a happy ending. I hope the parents are given a chance to meet the gardai to thank them for their brave efforts.

CONVERSATION: Tiernan chatting to Dempsey recently is the type of conversation we all need to listen to Credit: RTE

T’S nearly 100 years since the passing into law of the right to vote for women. The vote in December 1918 was historic not only in that it saw the original Sinn Féin party of Griffith and De Valera sweep to an overwhelming majority on this island, but also for the fact that, in her election, Constance Markievicz became the first woman elected to Parliament in Ireland or the UK. The following month, the Republican MPs, instead of travelling to Westminster, met in Dublin and formed the first Dáil Éireann and with that, the War of Independence started that day. In the 100 years since Markievicz’s election, many things have changed. Amongst them, a lot more females in the halls of power than in the first Dáil. We are still a long way from parity. There are now a record 35 female TDs comprising 22 per cent of seats in the Dáil. Gender quotas claim a large amount of responsibility, but aren’t the be all and end all in terms of increasing the number of women in politics. A look at Clare shows a less than impressive record of just two female TDs in those 100 years. Clare’s first female TD came in the 1981 election when Fine Gael’s Madeline Taylor-Quinn was elected on first attempt. This came hot on the heels of Tras Honan becoming Clare’s first female Senator in 1977 representing Fianna Fáil. Honan remains the only woman to ever have been elected Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, having done so twice. Fianna Fáil’s Síle De Valera remains the only other female Oireachtas member to represent Clare. At council level, things do not get much better. Over the past half century, only eight women have been elected to the local authority. Taylor-Quinn did so in 1979 where she was joined by Labour’s Patricia McCarthy who’d later become an Inde-

pendent member from 1991 until she stepped down after 35 years of public service. They’ve been joined over the years by Brigid Makowski (IND), Anne Mulqueen (FG), Mary Mannion (PD), Clare Colleran-Molloy (FF), Mary Howard (FG) and Ann Norton (IND). We have a long way to go to getting better female representation. omen for Election, an independent lobby group, has had some success. Since their inception ahead of the last election, the group have been holding INSPIRE workshops for female politicians to help them prepare for political campaigning. Many of their graduates have gone on to successfully contest elections to local authorities and the Dáil. What’s most interesting though is that they are aiming to tackle all of the “5 C’s” which are identified as the major barriers that prevent more women from getting involved in elected politics. These are namely, Confidence; Cash; Candidate Selection; Culture, and; Childcare. I have witnessed the first of these at play. It is a remarked phenomenon that, whereas the average male needs to be asked to go forward for election once, a female candidate needs to be asked an average of five times. This isn’t just for public office but all the way down the line, even to political party youth wings. During my time in youth politics I was often frustrated in not being able to convince motivated, capable women to contest Ógra elections. Lack of positive female role models in politics coupled with horror stories conveyed by those who’ve made it contribute to this. The gender pay gap is also a reason cash becomes an issue for women to contest elections. The Irish woman earns 14 per cent less than the Irish man and as such,

on average, she will not have the same war chest to fight an election. A Dáil campaign costs an average of €11,956.09; ranging from Dermot Mulqueen’s €85 all the way to Dr. Michael Harty’s €28,614.12. andidate selection is being addressed under the gender quota legislation. By ensuring that parties had at least 30 per cent female candidates last time, the percentage of female TDs jumped from 15 to 22 per cent. Parties must act fast in implementing pro-female policies, or they will struggle to meet the 40 per cent quota set to take effect in a couple of years. Culture is a big obstacle. It is really one of the last vestiges of “the old boys club” in many ways. Scenes of politicians trading childish insults across the chamber does little to inspire people to go forward for election. Finally, childcare is a massive barrier to women in politics. We still have a society that views childcare as predominately the mother’s responsibility. As such, the unsociable sitting hours of the Dáil and 24/7 nature of the job means that family life suffers without exception. Every single TD and Councillor with a family I’ve ever met has lamented the fact that they have to spend so much time apart from their children. Until the mechanisms of doing the job are updated, this will continue to be a roadblock that disproportionately affects women in politics. Hopefully the lack of female representation in Clare is a trend we can reverse somewhat. If we’re to do so, we need women to be selected as candidates first. Sinn Féin’s Noleen Moran is so far the only confirmed female candidate in Clare for next time out. I fully expect we’ll see a few more declare between now and polling day.

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS

28 CLOONBEG, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 K7F6

€245,000

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, 14TH APRIL – 10.00AM – 10.30AM

UMBER 28 Cloonbeg is a bright and spacious 5 bedroom detached home located in this popular cul de sac estate. It is just a five minute drive to Ennis Town Centre and a one minute drive to the N85 link road that connected with the M18 motorway. The property is in need of work and with some decorative work will make an excellent family home. Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room, double bedroom, openplan kitchen/dining area, utility room and down-

stairs toilet. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms (one of which has an en-suite) and a bathroom. Externally the back garden is in paved and there is a tarmacadam driveway to the front of the property with ample space for parking. Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended. 153 sq.m (1,646 sq.ft) approx. BER No. 110887338 Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

Country cottage GEM BY THE SEA

COOSHEEN, CORBALLY, KILKEE, CO CLARE, V15 N225 HIS fine 3 bedroom detached property comes to the market in excellent condition throughout. Located within 2.5kms of Kilkee town, in the quaint little village of Coosheen, the property would make an ideal holiday or family home. It is also approx only 4kms to Doonbeg village. It is situated on an elevated site and has both water views and countryside views. Internally, accommodation is spacious and well proportioned and comprises an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, a bathroom and 3 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite).

BEALCRAGGA, CONNOLLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE HIS attractive cottage is located in the countryside just off the Ennis to Miltown Malbay road, mid-way between Kilmaley and Connelly villages, 15 minutes from Ennis and from the sea at Spanish Point. The cottage is traditional in style and construction with accommodation comprising a porch, kitchen, parlour, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. It has a floor area of 55 sq.m. It stands on a corner site extending to 0.24 with outbuildings including a lean-

€65,000

to shed, a fuel store with 2 compartments and a 2 bay hay barn. While situated in a pleasant rural location, it is nevertheless in an existing settlement of detached homes close to village amenities in Connolly and Kilmaley including schools, shops, pubs and sports facilities. The cottage is in need of some refurbishment but has immense potential. Contact: Diarmuid McMahon, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

€ 199,000

Externally, the gardens are mainly in lawn with low maintenance patios and ample seating areas to sit and take in the lovely views on offer. There is a large steel tech shed in place, ideal for storing garden equipment etc. The property is being sold with all fixtures and fittings included plus most of the contents. Viewings come highly recommended. BER E1. BER Number 110827706. BER code 326.97 kWh/m²/yr. Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

ADVERTISEMENT 29

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

CLUB CLARE

GOLF CLASSIC Woodstock Golf Club on Thursday and Friday May 3rd & 4th

The cost of entering a team is €300 for a team of four with dinner included. There will be a selection of valuable prizes on offer. You can also sponsor a Tee Box for €100.

Run in partnership with The Clare Echo Newspaper and DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Auctioneers

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Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

lELECTRIC DREAM: Is it the electric car to break the barrier between where we are now, and the all-electric future? Maybe, yes

TAKE A LEAF OUT OF NISSAN’S BOOK

ROAD TEST: NISSAN LEAF 40KWH O, AT some point, electric cars are going to stop being electric cars and are going to become, just… cars. They’re going to stop being noteworthy for the way in which they are fuelled and powered, and are going to become notable for being simply good, bad, or indifferent. For lack of a better word, they’re going to become normal. The cars that we drive every day. To work. To school and back. To the shops. Even on holiday. That day just came an awful lot closer, with the launch of the new Nissan Leaf in Ireland. I mean, just look at it — it looks like (and basically is, in spite of the batteries) a totally normal car. In fact, there’s more than a passing resemblance between it and Nissan’s so-normal-it-hurts Pulsar. It’s only when you get up close to it that you start to see the clever surfacing and design tweaks that give it some seriously impressive aerodynamics. Those aerodynamics have a serious benefit, too, as we shall shortly see. Under all the stylistic normalness, the new Leaf retains much of the platform and battery setup of the old model. The batteries are all mounted down low, sitting under the floor effectively, which is good as they’re heavy and you want to keep the weight down low. Incidentally, anyone worried about professional village idiot Michael Healy-Rae’s recent comments about electric cars grinding to a halt every

time they hit a puddle need not worry — in fact, because electric cars need neither air intake nor exhaust, they’re actually better than conventional cars at dealing with floods. This new Leaf is also better at dealing with more normal driving conditions than its predecessor. The electric motor, which drives the front wheels, has been upgraded to 150hp, and there’s 320Nm of torque on offer — about what you’d expect from a good 2.0-litre diesel. With all of the torque delivered instantly, from 1rpm of the electric motor, step-off performance is more than brisk, although you do have to get used to the fact that electric motors, inversely to petrol or diesel engines, actually deliver less power the harder you press them. It’s an effect less pronounced than it was in the old Leaf, but you anyway soon learn to surf the torque wave and can make very brisk progress with the new Leaf. You can even get some hooligan-style wheelspin coming out of tight corners, although local residents will appear very confused at the sound of tortured tyres with no overlying soundtrack of high-revving boy-racer engines. Ah, but what about range? Well, actually, it just doesn’t seem to be a major problem anymore. OK, you will have to plan your journeys a little more carefully if you’re stretching the Leaf ’s maximum battery abilities, but according to the new, tougher WLTP economy and emissions test, the

Leaf should be able to put around 270km between charge-ups, and so it proves. Testing the car in and around city streets, main roads, motorways, and even back-country mountain roads, we were seeing an effective range of between 220km and 250km. Even with the wheelspin. Drive it gently and you should go even further than that. That’s not the best bit though. Is the cabin the best bit? No — although it is a big improvement on the outgoing Leaf ’s interior. Space is about the same (and there’s a practical 435-litre boot), but the seats are comfier (even if the driving position is a little spoiled by the lack of reach-adjustable steering) and the new mixed digital/analogue instruments are nice. No, what’s really good about the new Leaf, what makes it feel really special, is the silence. That clever aerodynamic sculpting of the body has quelled wind noise to the point where it’s almost entirely absent, and if the cabin looks plain then at least the Nissan engineers have been through it and silenced every single squeak, rattle, and clunk. It’s amazingly quiet in here, at almost any speed, and it’s that silence that makes the Leaf feel really special. It’s even pretty good to drive, with sharper steering and better handling balance than before. Meanwhile, the new e-Pedal (which means that when you lift off the accelerator, the car triggers maximum regenerative braking, using the electric motor to both slow the car and return some juice to the battery. By using a well-judged mix of both

FACTS & FIGURES:

Model tested Nissan Leaf 40kWh Pricing: From €26,290 Engine: 110kW electric motor Transmission: single reduction gear automatic Body style: five-door hatchback CO2 emissions: 0g/km (Band A0, €120 per annum) Claimed range: 270km (on new WLTP test cycle) Top speed: 144km/h 0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds Power: 150hp at 3,283 to 9,795rpm Torque: 320Nm at 1rpm Boot space: 435-litres EuroNCAP rating: Not yet tested

regeneration and physical brakes, it can slow you down at up to 0.2G of deceleration (so feels like firm-but-gentle braking) and can even come to a complete stop, and hold the car on a hill, without ever touching the actual brake pedal) makes the Leaf feel especially effortless. Is it the electric car to break the barrier between where we are now, and the all-electric future? Maybe, yes. It probably now depends more on the public charging network, and how that is now invested in and developed, but the new Leaf demonstrates that the most dramatic thing an electric car can do is to feel… normal.

MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

YEAR

MAKE MODEL VARIANT

2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015

Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Renault Nissan

Juke Note Note Qashqai Juke Micra Qashqai Qashqai Capture Juke

1.5 DSL XE 1.5 DSL SV 1.2 PET SV 1.5 DSL SV 1.2 PET SV 1.2 PET SV 1.2 SV 1.5 DSL SV 1.5 DSL Life 1.5 DSL XE

2015 2015 2015 2015

Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan

Juke Micra Note Note

1.5 DSL SV 1.0 SV 5dr 1.5 DSL SV Sport 1.2 SV

COLOUR Grey Ink Blue White White Ink Blue, White Grey Grey Silver Bronze Magnetic Red, Black Silver Silver Black Red

YEAR

MAKE MODEL VARIANT

2015 2015 2015 2015

Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan

Pulsar Qashqai Qashqai Qashqai

2015 2015 2015 2014

Ford Ford Toyota Nissan

Fiesta Focus Auris Qashqai

2014 2014

Nissan Nissan

Qashqai Qashqai

2014 2014

Toyota Ford

Rav 4 Focus

1.2 SV Automatic 1.5 DSL SV 1.5 DSL XE 1.5 DSL SV with Safety

COLOUR YEAR

Grey, Bronze Grey, Silver Magnetic Red Dark Red, Brown 1.25 Zetec Silver 1.6 Style Silver 1.4 DSL SOL Hatchback Black 1.5 DSL SV Silver, Bronze,Grey 1.5 DSL SV with Safety Bronze 1.5 DSL XE Mag Red, Silver,Black 2.0 DSL Luna 2 WD Gold 1.6 DSL Special Edition Silver, Blue

MAKE MODEL VARIANT

2014 2013 2013 2012

Volkswagen Jetta Nissan Qashqai Nissan Qashqai Nissan Qashqai

2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

Mazda Hyundai Toyota Nissan Nissan Mazda Peugeot Toyota Nissan Nissan

3 I40 Auris Note Micra 3 3008 Auris Juke Qashqai

COLOUR

1.6 DSL T-Line Silver 1.5 DSL SV Grey 1.5 PET SV with Connect Black 1.5 DSL XE Silver,Black, Red 1.6 DSL Executive Red 1.7 DSL CRDI Style Black 1.4 DSL Terra Blue 1.4 5DR SV Caffe Latte 1.0 SV 5dr Silver 1.6 DSL Executive Grey, Black 1.6 DSL HDI Sport Grey 1.4 DSL SOL Hatchback Red 1.6 PET XE Black 1.5 DSL SV High-Spec Grey

32 MOTORING

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

Kia hits three-million cars built in Europe Two per cent interest rates 646,300 first-generation IA Motors has available on new Renaults in April manufactured its cee’d vehicles from its three millionth car launch in 2006, until the

ENAULT Group Ireland has announced unmissable offers on used Renault and Dacia cars for the month of April, available across its network of 21 approved Renault SELECTION dealers. Customers can avail of 2 per cent APR HP and PCP, minimum two years’ warranty and minimum two years’ roadside assistance on used Renault and Dacia models (2017 to 2012) from 2nd – 30th April. Renault SELECTION dealerships provide a full certified vehicle history check with every used car and prepare their cars to a unique “Buy Today – Drive Today” standard which ensures customers receive only the highest-quality product and when the customer buys the car it is ready to go to its new home the same day. Renault SELECTION is a new standard in the

used car market, which is built with the customer’s peace of mind at its core and is set to become the benchmark for used car programmes in Ireland. To demonstrate Renault Group’s confidence in the vehicles it sells, dealerships will exchange a vehicle purchased under the programme for one of a similar value (within 30 days or 1,000 kilometres from date of delivery) should an irreparable fault occur. Renault SELECTION sales events will be held around the country at approved dealerships from Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st April. Brian Quinlan, Used Vehicle & Business Development Manager at Renault Ireland said: “We are delighted to announce these Renault SELECTION offers for April. We have worked closely with our own Renault Bank to bring PCP finance at a low rate of two per cent to the used car market. There has never been a better choice of quality used Renault and Dacia models at our authorised Renault SELECTION dealers nationwide.”

in Europe since production began in Žilina, Slovakia in 2006. The three millionth car to roll off the production line is a Kia cee’d. The car is a white five-door hatchback in GT Line specification, built for a customer in Iceland. It is fitted with a 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbo gasoline-direct injection) engine. In 2017, Kia Motors Slovakia manufactured 335,600 vehicles and 539,987 engines, exporting to more than 80 countries around the world. The most popular engine last year was the 1.7-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) diesel engine. Žilina is home to the production of three models in Kia’s European lineup – the popular Kia cee’d model family (incorporating cee’d five-door hatchback, Sportswagon and pro_cee’d), the best-selling Kia Sportage and the Kia Venga compact MPV. Since May 2013, Kia Motors Slovakia has also manufactured the brand’s first-ever

performance models for Europe, the high-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT. Together, Kia’s range of European-manufactured models account for nearly 50% of the company’s total European sales. Kia’s European production base has built a reputation for producing high quality vehicles, and plays an important role in helping the brand deliver its industry-leading 7-Year, 150,000-kilometre warranty. The unique warranty is applied as standard to every Kia car sold in Europe. Since volume production started, the Kia cee’d model family – designed, engineered and manufactured exclusively in Europe for the European market – has accounted for almost half of total production at Žilina. To date, Kia has manufactured close to 1.3 million units of the cee’d. The plant produced

launch of the second-generation model in 2012. 647,700 second generation cars have been produced, and the facility is due to start production of the third-generation Ceed in the second quarter of 2018. Like its predecessors, the new model will be manufactured exclusively in Europe for European customers. The Žilina plant has produced three generations of the Sportage compact SUV, commencing with the second-generation model in 2007. Since then, close to 1.4 million examples of the Sportage have been produced, with 104,500 second-generation models, 797,500 third-generation models and 492,000 of the current model, which entered production in 2015. A 2017 report by leading independent European economic consultancy, London Economics, entitled The economic and societal benefits deriving from the presence of Kia in Europe, highlighted the wider role played by Kia Motors.

Renault SELECTION A new standard in used cars Checked roof to rim and bumper to bumper

THE ONLY USED CAR OFFER IN APRIL WITH: 2% APR, 2 Years’ Warranty & Roadside Assistance Model shown: Renault Mégane Dynamique S Nav Tce 130 RRP €24,540 (excluding prices of 18" alloy wheels €500 and Metallic paint €575). Finance example: All-New Renault Mégane Expression Tce 130.RRP €20,740. Deposit €7,317. Term 36 monthly payments of €159. APR 2%. Total cost of credit €610 inc completion fee €75. Optional final payment €8,234. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Pricing is based on new car pricing, but that pricing of Renault SELECTION vehicles will depend on age, mileage and other factors. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

MOTORING 33

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

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

MAKE

MODEL

FUEL

ENGINE SIZE

MILEAGE

PRICE €

2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

Kia Kia Kia Volvo Toyota Kia Hyundai Mazda Kia Kia Peugeot Kia Kia Kia Ford Ford Ford Mazda Opel Toyota Kia Kia Hyundai Peugeot Volkswagen Volkswagen Opel Kia Nissan Kia Hyundai Kia Ford Kia Ford Kia Renault Peugeot Volkswagen Volkswagen Renault Hyundai Toyota Kia Kia Kia Mazda

Sorento Platinum 4x4 (172)(DEMO) Ceed EX Hatchback 5dr (172)(DEMO) Pro_Ceed GT Line 3dr (172)(DEMO) Volvo V40 2.0 D2 SE Leather Auris Luna Sportage Platinum 1.7CRDI Ix20 Deluxe (161) 6 SE-L Nav (161-Road Tax €190pa) Venga 1.4 CVVT L Venga 1.4 crdi 3008 1.6 HDI Auto Sportage Platinum Sportage EXL (151) Sportage EXL (151) Focus 1.6 TDCI Style Focus 1.6 TDCI Style C-Max Edition (152) 2.2 Executive Corsa 1.4 Excite Corolla Luna Venga Sportage 4x4EXS i20 Delux 208 Active (141) Tiguan Sport (142) Tiguan Trend&Fun (141) Insignia Venga L (141) Note1.4 Sportage EXL SR i20 1.4CRDI Rio CRDI Focus Z Tech Venga EX Focus Rio EX crdi Fluence TOMTOM Edition 207 1.4 HDI Passat Tech Bluemotion Passat Tech Bluemotion Scenic 5 Seater i30 Yaris Automatic Rio 1.5 CRDI Sportage 1.7 Ex 2WD Venga 1.4 CRDI 3 1.6 Sport

Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel

2.00 1.60 1.60 2.00 1.80 1.7 1.40 2.20 1.40 1.40 1.60 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.60 1.60 1.60 2.20 1.40 1.40 1.40 2.00 1.40 1.40 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.40 1.40 1.70 1.40 1.40 1.60 1.40 1.60 1.40 1.50 1.40 1.60 1.60 1.50 1.60 1.00 1.50 1.7 1.4 1.6

6,000km 2,000km 1000km 22,000km 59,400km 74,000km 23,000km 40,100mls 39,100 27,000 37,000 35000km 40,500km 62,500km 52,500km 103,000km 37,000km 78,000 74,000 31,600km 121,000km 87,000 72,000 42,000km 123,000km 79,400km 93,000km 50,000km 50,000km 85,000km 41,700km 87,000 107,000 94,000km 190,000km 63,000km 244,000km 215,000km 143,000km 130,000mls 130,000km 87,000mls 109,700km 83,000km 167,900km 30,000km 185,000km

43,900 24,500 23,900 20,950 17,950 24,450 18,900 19,950 13,750 POA 21,950 POA 23,450 22,900 16,450 POA 18,450 18,450 POA 17,950 POA 19,950 11,450 11,950 18,400 19,900 14,950 12,950 10,950 POA 10,900 POA POA 10,900 POA 9,950 5,950 POA 11,950 9,950 10,950 8,450 8,950 7,950 13,750 8,900 POA

Liam Cleary Auto World

Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare | Tel: 065 682 3888 www.liamclearyautoworld.ie

EchoSport CHAMPIONS Ennis 16s claims Munster Cup trophy

l TOP DOGS: Ennis celebrate the final whistle at Thomond Park in Limerick on Sunday Photo by Helen McQuillan after defeating Cobh Pirates

Munster U16 Cup FInal @ Thomond Park Ennis RFC 21-12 Cobh Pirates

NNIS U16s have claimed the Munster U16 Cup after defeating Cobh Pirates 21-12 in a thrilling final at Thomond Park. They follow in the footsteps of the Ennis U18s in grabbing a landmark trophy for the club, after the 18s last year claimed top honours in Munster. On Sunday, it was Cobh who took an early lead after a sustained period of pressure. Flanker Conor McNamara showed power and pace to go over on the left while brushing off the defence in the 10th minute. Moments later, Ennis fought back with an impressive run from centre Brian Crowley Hayes, who found space on the left and cross to level with the Cork side. Cobh began to build

phases in the 22, mounting a considerable amount of pressure on the opposition, but it was when running the ball from deep they were most successful. Wing Charlie Kelleher sprinted from over halfway to the last defender to score and send his side in front, before Cian Ahern added the extras to leave the half-time score, Cobh Pirates RFC 12-5 Ennis RFC. Ennis secured the first try of the second-half as Jason Downes caught the Cobh defence napping and picked up loose ball to power over and edge closer to the leaders in the 34th minute. The impressive Conor Moloney then took a clever offload down the right wing to bag another try for Ennis in the 38th minute, the

Number 8 showing great athleticism to reach the line. The Clare side continued to dominate possession and were rewarded with a penalty opportunity from the 10 metre line, scrum-half Ethan Coughlin stepped up to extend Ennis’ lead in the 46th minute. Minutes later, Coughlin nailed another penalty to send Ennis in front before a final valiant display from Cobh in attack brought play to a close. Ennis: Colm Kearney; Jason Downes, Brian Crowley/ Hayes, Seanie Keane, Sean McGrath; Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlin; Bence Benko, Joey Keane, Ryan Murphy, Brian Barry, Eoin Hahessy, Darragh O’Callaghan, Daniel Fogarty, Conor Moloney. Replacements: Dean McInerney, Denis Vaughan, Eoin Cullinane, Hope Omorodion, Patrick Browne, Shane Punch, Tommy Garrihy, Ben Geraghty. Referee: D O’Riordan.

Ennis into playoff final Munster J3 playoff SF @ Lee’s Rd Ennis RFC 24-14 Dungarvan

A THREE-TRY display from Ennis Men’s 1st XV was enough to account for Dungarvan and they now have a chance for promotion in an all-or-nothing match this weekend. Ennis were worth their 27-14 victory over a well-drilled, physical Dungarvan outfit, showing patience in defence and a clinical attack. The home side stunned the visitors with Enda Galvin rounding off a fluid move from the first play. All it took was one ruck, before Ennis set off down the left wing and a pop pass released the second row to run in a try. On 15 minutes, the Waterford side reacted to a loose ball and took advantage of an outof-shape Ennis defence for their first try with less than 20 minutes gone. Conditions were perfect for running rugby at Lee’s Road, and Ennis once again were clinical when Mike McMahon ran in their second try on the half-hour mark, some hard running helping him to spot a gap from about 10-metres out. Dylan Tynan O’Mahony slot-

ted the conversion while Ronan O’Halloran received treatment. It was the home side who were next on the scoresheet with the try of the match on 50 minutes. Ennis were playing with width, confidence and speed and within three phases, Ennis worked the ball 50 metres to cross the line thanks to Tynan O’Mahony. But Dungarvan were trying to prove that the 400km roundtrip wasn’t in vain and responded with their second try with about 15 minutes left to play, the conversion leaving it 24-14 and a one-score game. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Ennis won a penalty from kickable range and O’Halloran was on hand to put the nail in the coffin. Ennis have an all-or-nothing match against Fermoy, with the winner getting promoted to Junior Division 2.

Ennis: A Ryan, J Moloney, L Ryan; J Queally, E Galvin; D Tynan O’Mahony, Mike McMahon, D Flynn; C Guilfoyle, R O’Halloran; F Coffey, C Nugent; C Collins, Mark Taylor, Johnny Martin Replacements: S Hayes for Collins, Noel Downes for Joe, B Murphy for O’Halloran, Unused: L Ryan, G McGonagle

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

GOLDEN BOY RORY

ENNIS Swimming Club member Rory McEvoy, who is trained at the high performance National Performance Centre in Dublin, had a hugely successful week at the Irish Open Swimming Championships that were held in the National Aquatic Centre. The 20-year-old Ennis native claimed the 50m National title in a fabulous personal best time of 25.80s on Thursday. Then on Saturday, Rory again swam a massive PB to come in silver position behind Irish Olympian Shane Ryan in a time of 54.88. He finished the weekend claiming the 200 Backstroke title, again in a personal best time of 201.01 almost 4 seconds off his entry time.

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

How Rory lost the Masters...

ITH so many of the world’s top players showing form coming into the first major of the year, the 2018 Masters was one of the most exciting to date. I myself backed Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. Patrick (pictured) and Rickie have been showing signs of form and I’ve been impressed, in particular, with how Patrick has been handling pressure moments, so I choose him as my long short at 40/1. And he showed just how good he is under pressure, constantly bouncing back with birdies every time he dropped a shot in the final round. After a bogie on the 1st he birdied the third; he bogied the 6th but followed with a birdie on 7. He followed his bogie on 11 with birdies on 12 and 14. Patrick had an extra gear when he needed it, which is what it takes to win a major. He watched the leaderboard and wanted to know where he stood at all times and he responded when needed with birdies. These are the actions of a confident golfer. Rory surprised us all. Usually he gets off to a slow start and improves as the week goes on, however this year he was in the perfect position going into the final round. After a miraculous par on the first from the jungles of Namibia he managed an incredible up and down from the bunker. Nerves in all sports play their part and that was very evident from both Patrick and Rory’s opening tee shots on Sunday. Rory wanted this major so bad that he had been putting far too much pressure on himself. If he went out and just expressed himself he would shoot a 66 with ease. It just goes to show, these guys are human and can also be effected by the occassion no matter how often or well they are playing. Look at Jordan Spieth; a couple of years ago he’s cruising five shots ahead and bang, he falls apart on the back nine. The pressure of the final round showed. Everyone I spoke to felt Reed would crumble and Rory would go low to take home the green jacket. Knowing Reed’s form under pressure, I knew he wouldn’t

crumble, although after his bogie on the first and with Rory close for eagle on the second I did begin to doubt it. Rory missing that short putt showed the seed of doubt in Rory’s mind. He’s a confidence player and that missed putt put doubts in his mind. It has to be one of the biggest annoyances in golf when you hit the ball well, tee to green, but your putts don’t drop. It seems to be a regular occurrence for Rory. If he had the ability to putt like Tiger in his hay day, Rory would be unstoppable. I’ve no doubt Rory will learn from this. He now knows how to get himself into contention at Augusta and he will be better prepared to handle the final round next time he’s in contention. When Rory fully realises he should remain patient and not seek perfection, he will have the complete package to win the Masters. Watch out in 2019 - if Rory has any form coming into April, he now knows what it takes to win at Augusta. Rory is human after all and every year he is learning how to handle different emotions on different stages. He will one day win at Augusta; let’s just hope 2019 is the year he can wear that green jacket and bring it home to the Emerald Isle.

LOCAL GOLF RESULTS

ENNIS Team of 4 modified Scramble in aid of St. Vincent’s de Paul Gents 1st Ken Morrisey(13), Fergus O’Brien(19), Andy Cregan(16), Andrew Hestor(17) 100pts 2nd Enda Heaney(12), Noel O’Connor(16), Jim O’Neill(25), Ronan Ryan (10) 99pts 3rd Michael O’Reilly(19), Tony Lawlor(15), Ollie Kennelly (17), Tim Scanlon (20) 98pts 4th David O’Connor(6), Fergal Gallagher(12), Mick Loughanne (20), Paul Mockler (21) 98pts 5th Matt Flynn (20), Frank Sheedy (20), Sean Ryan (23), Tom Greene (20) 97pts 6th J.K. Considine (11), Charlie McEnery (16), Michael Kerin (21), Walter O’Brien (13) 96pts

Ladies 1st Ann O’Loughlin (17) Carmel Cummings (36), Ann Kelly (20) Elaine Kelly (19) 83pts Ladies S/F April 1/4 1st Rita O’Brien (21) 31 pts 2nd Flor Coffey (22) 30 pts 3rd Patrice Ryan (34) 29 pts WOODSTOCK Club Singles V-Par; April 7-8 1st Oisin Kennelly (15) 5up (BOT) 2nd Frank McEnery(13) 5up (BOT) 3rd Eugene Conroy (19)5up (BOT) CSS N/A Upcoming Fixtures Club Singles Stableford; April 14/15 The Draw for the Westgate Motor Factors Club Matchplay (Scotch Foursomes) will now take place on Friday 13.

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS 37 CONTACT SALES

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

Your Horoscopes April 12 Aries

Taurus

Gemini

DOESN’T matter who delivers the offer, or how reputable they seem to be. You need to remember one thing, above all else: If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be, especially if your antennae are twitching -- and they probably are. It will be more than easy to pull the wool over your eyes with a few glib comments, especially if they’re delivered by someone you’re rather fond of.

THIS is the perfect astrological weather for being you -- and you know just how to celebrate, don’t you? An impromptu gathering of chatty, interesting friends -- the only kind you’ve got, of course. When was anyone ever capable of saying no to you? Especially when you’re offering up the chance to get together for conversation, games and who knows what else?

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

THE moon is in charge of emotions -- and it’s currently persuading you, quite successfully, to hibernate -- just for a day or so. So it won’t be surprising to find you in the mood for nothing more than staying in, relaxing and maybe doing a bit of puttering around the kitchen cooking in your jammies. Fine, but no one says you have to do it alone. You can invite someone equally home-loving to join you, for a terrific dinner and romantic video.

IN THE mood for some last-minute changes? Of course you are. Your personality is fiery and impulsive, and right now, it makes a last-minute turnaround the most irresistible thing on the planet. Just try not to sound too excited about it when you call to cancel your current plans. If you’re feeling generous, you could either mention a rain date or invite them along to join you and the usual suspects for the upcoming adventure. It’s only fair.

YOU can already feel the change starting. The pace of your life has picked up considerably, through no direct fault of your own, and there’s no change in sight. Not on that front, at least, and not for the next month. Don’t feel guilty if you stay up too late tonight, celebrating -- go ahead and risk it. In fact, don’t worry about it at all. You need to unwind.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

s d (4) out o difficult - just also an ideal

14 1

T E

N H

E 8

D 4

E G

E B

D 3

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E E

V R

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13 Produce Greene novel about Central London (8) 15 Name of man involved with Don and Mary? (7) 17 Endless help one is given where saint was born (6) 18 Cook from Serbia (6) 20 Time and date in Rome for flowers (5) 22 Tender translation of runes (5) ) 23 Gosh! Wild animals! (4) )

)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS E

1 A capital girl for making pasta (8) 2 Top Gear for Pope (5) 4 That’s peculiar, not even Italy misses Al (6) 5 Row about black river in Italy (5) 6 Saint growing old but performing dramatically (7) 7 Some fantastic sparkling wine (4) 8 Information found by girl in Swiss city (6) 13 Produce Greene novel about Central London (8) 15 Name of man involved with

DOWN

Rome for flowers (5) 22 Tender translation of runes (5) 23 Gosh! Wild animals! (4

Don and Mary? (7) 17 Endless help one is given where saint was born (6) 18 Cook from Serbia (6) 20 Time and date in

by team (8) 27 Look for lord (4)

1 Have a high opinion of speed (4) 3 Titled lady in Italy one casts out (8) 9 Progressive Indian state gets leader (2-5) 10 Article accepted by most suitable animal (5) 11 Find a small quantity (5) 12 Act to capture constant highwayman (6) 14 Ordinary woman left behind (6) 16 Talk for too long? That’s absolutely right! (4,2) 19 A little boy’s terrified by a mollusc (6) 21 Char seen when vocalist doesn’t finish (5) 24 Old and useless like an egg (5) 25 Nude, sir, could be covered (7) 26 Avoid favourites backed

ACROSS

YOU’RE in the mood to sit and talk, to break bread with dear ones and have some serious fun. That’s a good thing because they’ll be in a similar frame of mind. It might also be time to let a certain secret slide out (but only to the appropriate person), especially if you know it’s the best thing to do. Don’t worry. Every now and then, it’s absolutely necessary to clear the air -- and it’s such a tremendous relief!

The Clare Echo Crossword

Pisces

LONG-distance friends and lovers will be on your mind and in your heart now -- constantly, in fact. You may even be moved to get packed and hit the road. That goes double if you’ve got something to celebrate, and you probably do. Just don’t forget that there may be someone who’d like to join you -- someone who’s just dying for an invitation. Call them, make some plans, and get ready to party.

13 Produce Greene novel about Central London (8) d 15 Name of man involved with Don and Mary? (7) 17 Endless help one is given where saint was born (6) 18 Cook from Serbia (6) 20 Time and date in Rome for flowers (5) 22 Tender translation of runes (5) g (5) 23 Gosh! Wild animals! (4) d (7)

READY for the pace of life to change? To pick up, considerably? Good, because that’s what’s happening. It will, however, be fun, mostly because it’s going to be your doing -- whether you know it or not right now -- but also because you’ve really been itching for a change for a long time. So if a higher-up comes to you with what seems to be a totally unexpected shift in your schedule, think for a second. Weren’t you really begging for this?

YOU’VE never been short on creativity. Or shy about bringing up a new idea. Well, you’ll be even bolder about it now, and for some time to come, too. The good news is that what you come up with over this next month will border on genius. Don’t go anywhere without paper and pencil, and no matter how outrageous it seems, jot it down. You never know: This could be bigger than Chia Pets.

IF YOU’RE having financial problems, there may be one solution you hadn’t yet thought of. What about consulting with a family member? There’s definitely at least one someone out there who you’ve bailed out in the past when they were in a bit of a bind. Why not give them a call now? Every now and then, even tough, resilient, independent types like you get to ask for help.

SUDDENLY in the mood to see a distant shore? Not having any luck finding someone who’s brave enough to just drop everything and go along with you? Well, then, go alone. You know you won’t have any trouble finding appropriate company once you get there. After all, when was the last time you ever sat by yourself, no matter where you were, for more than five minutes? Be brave.

THE heavens are chock-full of unpredictable energies at the moment -- which you just love. So does this mean you’ll be inspired toward being even more impulsive, eager and enthusiastic than you usually are? Yep. It could make it a bit tough for you to concentrate, and even tougher for you to sit still long enough to finish up any of the projects you’ve got going, but you’ll love the surprises.

1/2

cult - just n ideal

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz

THE YEAR SO FAR 3 1 4 2 5 6 How many same sex marriages were there in Clare last year? Four, Seven, Nine What kind of pig turned up in a garden in Cratloe a few weeks ago? Hampshire, Vietnamese Pot Bellied, Kunekune

When did storm Emma hit Co Clare? January 1, February 1, March 1 How old was the ancient body found in the Burren recently? 1,100, 2,200, 3,300 Who won Club Coach of the Year? Marie Egan, Mary Burke, Maura O’Brien Name the top performing school in Co Clare. Kilrush Community School, St Joseph’s Spanish Point, St Flannan’s How many Clare attractions featured in the Indo Reader Travel Awards? Five, Six, Seven What names were chosen for the Bunratty Irish wolfhounds? Niamh and Grainne, Meabh and Saoirse, Sinead and Sadhbh When did Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visit Shannon? Janury 10, January 15, January 20 How many copies has the Clare Echo increased its distribution to? 13,000, 14,000, 15,000

ANSWERS Nine Kunekune March 1 2,200 years old Marie Egan

6. St Joseph’s, Spanish Point 7. Six 8. Meabh and Saoirse 9. January 20 10. 15,000

lWOW: Question 3. When did storm Emma hit Co Clare? Photo by John Mangan

9 10

l CUTE: Question 8. What names were chosen for the Bunratty Irish Wolfhounds? Photo by Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Mathias Magrath’s house, Moyasta, Co.Clare after destruction by the Battering Ram.

Photo by Robert French (National Library of Ireland)

40 ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, APR 12 2018

'INTO THE WEST' COUNTRY MUSIC WEEKEND FRIDAY 27TH TO SUNDAY 29TH APRIL 2018

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