The Clare Echo 01/02/24 by The Clare Echo

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Feb 1 2024

IS THIS THE Cratloe great Jackie O’Gorman laid to rest FUTURE

FOR ENNIS? by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS 2040’s strategy has given a first-look at plans for the Abbey Street car park development. An investment of €15m and the delivery of 142 permanent jobs have been promised by the designated active company behind the spatial and economic strategy. Well-attended public consultation events took

l Cratloe club men Podge Collins, Conor McGrath and Conor Ryan were among those taking Clare and Cratloe hurler Jackie O’Gorman on his journey to his final resting place on Friday last. Huge crowds attended the Funeral which was officiated by Fr Harry Bohan. Full story p4 Photo by Joe Buckley

place this week and drew strong opposition from local retailers and business personnel. Solicitor William Cahir has warned that the development will be “the death-knell” for a lot of businesses in the town centre while Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) has urged the DAC to find an alternative location.

Full story pg 6

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-13 GREEN CLARE.............18-19 COMPETITION ............20-21 BUSINESS.........................26 LEAGUE .......................28-32 SPORT..........................33-34 PLANNING ........................35 CLASSIFIEDS ..............36-37

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare Call: 065 - 6719021

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kieran@clareecho.ie ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Miltown Malbay man wins a house in Ennis by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

A MILTOWN MALBAY man has won a house in Ennis in a Clare GAA fundraiser which will have a profit in the region of €700,000. Danny McAlinden of the St Joseph’s Miltown club was the winner of the much coveted house in Roslevan where he will also have the option to take a cash prize of €330,000 instead. The winning ticket (2203) was pulled out by Willie Walsh, the new President of Clare GAA and former Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese. Head of Operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy said the fundraiser was “a great result for Clare GAA”. She expected that clubs could walklWin a house in Ennis way with €180,000 to €190,000 depending on the amount of tickets they sold. on securing regional sports Murphy detailed that it capital funding, if they are sucwould be “comfortable” to cal- cessful here then Clare GAA culate a profit of €700,000 prof- will provide match funding, it for Clare she confirmed. “It’s been a real The GAA. Brendan O'Regan Restaurant She admitted that the “big success for club and county,” is ideal for special menu aim” from the funds raisedoccasions. is to the The Clooney/Quin woman refeatures traditional cuisine with a modern have an Astro facility at Clare marked of the fundraiser. day creative twist. in GAA’s Centre of Excellence Fidelma Hanley from Caherlohan. That is dependent Roscommon was the winner

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Nugents hopeful witnesses from Bunratty death will come forward

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

APPROACHING the 40th anniversary of Patrick Nugent’s death, his brothers are hopeful that a new national appeal may prompt persons with information to come forward so that they can put the tragedy behind them “once and for all”. While working as a banqueting manager at Bunratty Castle, Patrick was found dead in the Folk Park near the popular tourist attraction on 11th February 1984. The late William Ryan, a long-time chef at Shannon Airport who was celebrating his wedding anniversary that night, was charged with Mr Nugent’s manslaughter but was acquitted in 1985. Mr Ryan gave three different statements to Gardaí about what happened on the night. On the night that Sixmilebridge native Patrick suffered fatal injuries, two off-duty Gardaí were at the party. Following the conclusion of the Clyne Report in October 2020, a 111 page inquiry completed by retired judge Patrick Clyne was eventually handed to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) in November 2021, this led to the commencement of a cold case investigation which continues. Garda Dave Finnerty appeared on RTÉ’s Crimecall on Monday night discussing the case, as part of the ongoing investigation.

l The late Patrick Nugent

Gardaí said they believe that the answers to what happened to Patrick lie within the local community and those who attended the event that night. They are appealing to anyone who was at the event or has any information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60 or Ennis Garda Station on +353 65 6848100. Speaking to The Clare Echo on Tuesday, Patrick’s brothers Martin and John were hopeful this could finally be what is needed to end their four decade wait for answers. “We’d be hopeful that somebody might come forward having watched it, someone that was there on the night to add to their statement and throw some new light on the investigation,” Martin stated. John maintained it would be the end of 2024 at least before the new investigation would come to a conclusion. “There was three individuals at the centre of it, it boils down to them, there’s no one outside of the Folk Park, nobody was passing on the road to see it, what happened in there is with the three individuals, there was two off-duty Gardaí and Ms O’Connor, it’s between the three of them, they are not saying anything”. Both brothers have met with the lead investigator of the cold case team on two oc-

casions. “They seem to be doing everything in a professional manner this time,” Martin observed. Agreement was voiced by John that the current team looking into the case are tackling it in a different light. “When it happened first we never met the Gardaí, we didn’t know what was going on.” He added, “Dave Finnerty was asked how he could get answers after 40 years, it is harder to get them 40 years on and we wish them well on their endeavours, they haven’t an easy job ahead of them. It should have been properly investigated when it happened but I don’t think that happened so that is why we’re here today”. Now approaching forty years since Patrick’s death, the brothers find it hard to comprehend that they still have no answers. “His anniversary comes around every year, it is hard to believe we’re here 40 years later trying to figure out, we’re no wiser today 40 years after investigation than we were after the criminal trial and inquest. You have to get on with it, it comes around every year and hopefully this time once and for all they can uncover what happened,” Martin commented. He continued, “We’re hopeful that this current investigation which seems to be very thorough from what we know that it can shed some light on what happened and put this behind once and for all”.

Woman receives two Huge crowds turn out to pay driving bans in one night tribute to Jackie O'Gorman A 55-year old South-East Clare woman has received two separate driving bans adding to a cumulative nine years after being detected drink driving at two separate locations in Shannon within a four hour period on the same night, a court has heard, writes Gordon Deegan. At Ennis District Court, Judge Adrian Harris imposed a three year driving ban on Margaret Foley for her first drink driving offence at Aidan Park, Shannon just after 7pm on November 28th 2022. Judge Harris imposed a separate six year driving ban on Ms Foley of Portdrine, Cratloe after she was again detected to be drink-driving the same 182 D registered car less than four hours later at 10.44pm at a different location in Shannon. The second incident followed Ms Foley’s release from custody at Ennis Garda Station for the earlier drink driving offence on the same evening. On each occasion, the same Garda, Garda Brian Jackman of Shannon Garda Station arrested Ms Foley on suspicion of drink driving. Ms Foley will not serve a nine year driving ban as the driving bans are concurrent and will serve a six year driving ban. Solicitor for Ms Foley, John Casey told the court that his client is “totally embarrassed” over the night’s events and said that Ms Foley has never been in court before. Mr Casey said, “She hasn’t had a drink since”. Mr Casey said, “Ms Foley would have had difficulties at the time and has taken steps that this does not re-occur”. Mr Casey said that his client was pleading guilty to the two drink driving offences, which removed the need for Garda Jackman to give evidence or be present in court for the case. Giving an outline of the facts, Sgt

John Burke told Judge Harris that just after 7pm on November 28th 2022, Garda Jackman stopped Margaret Foley who was driving her car at Aidan Park at Shannon and arrested the woman on suspicion of drink driving. Ms Foley was brought to Ennis Garda Station and Sgt Burke stated that a test carried out found that Ms Foley was over the limit with 272 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Ms Foley then got a taxi back to Shannon and was still over the alcohol limit for driving when she got back into her car to drive home. At 10.44pm, Garda Jackman again stopped Ms Foley on suspicion of drink driving at Clonmoney West, Shannon. According to Sgt Burke, this time Ms Foley was found to have been over the limit once more this time with her blood sample showing 210 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood. Sgt Burke told Judge Harris that the mandatory penalty for the first offence is three years and a mandatory six year driving ban for the second offence. Sgt Burke said that Ms Foley had no previous convictions. Mr Casey said that Ms Foley only had money for a taxi back to Shannon on the night from Ennis. Mr Casey handed into court a testimonial from her employer. He said, “They think very, very highly of her. She has always been working. She works as a healthcare assistant”. Mr Casey said that Ms Foley has family support in court. Along with imposing the two driving bans, Judge Harris said that he must acknowledge that Ms Foley is addressing the issues on an ongoing basis that were behind the drink-driving offences on the night in question. Judge Harris imposed fines of €200 in each case.

PAST and present hurling warriors came out in their droves to pay tribute to the late Jackie O’Gorman, writes Páraic McMahon. Huge crowds attended Jackie’s reposal and funeral in Cratloe on Thursday and Friday night. Fr Harry Bohan was the celebrant for the funeral, the Feakle native was a dear friend of Jackie’s and managed him at inter-county level when he represented Clare with distinction. Jackie was first called up to the Clare hurling panel in the late 1960s. He was a regular on the side from 1967 up until his retirement. He starred in the national league winning teams of 1977 and 1978 when Clare accounted for Kilkenny in both finals. O’Gorman was part of the Clare side which suffered defeats in the Munster finals in 1972, 1974, 1977 and 1978. When his inter county playing days ended he became a selector and filled that role when Clare contested the Munster finals of 1981 and 1986. Jackie also got to represent Munster during the height of the Railway Cup. At Friday’s mass, items brought before the altar included a family photograph, a small cow and a tool to showcase the amount of various items made by Jackie during his time working in SPS in Shannon.

l Podge Collins, Conor McGrath and Conor Ryan carry the coffin of Jackie O’Gorman as it passes St John’s NS in Cratloe

Two of his former teammates, Seamus Durack and Sean Stack presented a Clare flag to Jackie’s wife Joan at the mass. Guard of honours were provided by the Cratloe GAA club where current stars Podge Collins, Conor Ryan and Conor McGrath were among those to carry the coffin. Students from St John’s NS in Cratloe also lined the streets as part of a huge guard of honour. Former teammates of Jackie were among the dozens of Clare hurlers that joined the guard of honour. They included Ger

Photo by Joe Buckley

Loughnane, Sean Stack, Seamus Durack, John Callinan, Naoise Jordan, Colm Honan, Johnny McMahon, Gus Lohan and Sean Hehir. Jackie is survived by his wife Joan (Bennis) and his children, Mary, Angela, Jacqueline and Joanne, his sons-in-law John, Fergal, Richard and Tommy, his adored grandchildren Robyn, Jack, Sam, Eve, and George, brother Michael and sister Bridie, brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his sisters Mary and Chrissie, brother Eddie.

Kilrush links to Oscar winning actor Eddie Redmayne uncovered

KILRUSH’S links to Oscar winning actor, Eddie Redmayne were uncovered this week with his great-grandfather a former resident of Pella House, writes Páraic McMahon. Dr Paul O’Brien, a lecturer at Mary Immaculate College and historian from Kilrush was researching Admiral John Fitzgerald Studdert, a royal naval officer, on Sunday night when he uncovered the London born actor’s link to the West Clare town. Thomas Studdert acquired Bunratty Castle and took up residence in approximately 1720. In 1778 Thomas Studdert of Bunratty married Anne Fitzgerald of Shepperton and had six sons and three daughters, Admiral John was one of their sons, he died in 1867 and is buried in the church yard in Kilrush. Actor Eddie Redmayne is the greatgreat-grandson of Sir Richard Augustine Studdert Redmayne, son of Mrs J.M. Redmayne (née Studdert) of Pella House, Kilrush. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Paul explained that he made the discovery on

Sunday night, “I was looking for information on a guy from Kilrush called Admiral John Fitzgerald Studdert, he was an interesting character, his house was Pella House in Kilrush which was subsequently bought by the Glynn family of Kilrush and now the former Clare TD, Madline Taylor-Quinn lives there so it has always had a wellknown character living there. “I was looking for information on him and where he ended up which led me to uncover a grave in the United Kingdom, I spotted that in 1919 Ms Redmayne died, the name was familiar and I couldn’t place it, low and behold I started Googling and all doors led to Eddie Redmaybe. After that it was pretty easy to follow because they kept the name Fitzgerald Studdert down through the ages, they were very easy to uncover in newspaper archives”. In 2014, Redmayne starred as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, a role for which he won the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor, depicting the debilitating challenges of ALS. The Clare Echo has attempted to get in contact with the multiaward winning actor.

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Shock at size & scale of proposed Abbey Street development by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW plans for the Abbey Street development in the Ennis 2040 strategy have calculated a €15m investment and the delivery of 142 permanent jobs in the county town but concerns of local retailers have intensified.

Ennis with an anchor retail store, public plaza and boardwalk which will link to Harvey’s Quay and the Post Office Field. Ennis 2040 DAC have said there will be a return on investment after six years through additional income generated. An indicative timeline produced by Ennis

queries from the public and retailers. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said Abbey Street is not a suitable location for what is planned. “Abbey Street car park is part of our heritage. It is one of the main civic spaces in our town, ac-

l The new Abbey St development plans

Public consultation events were held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week regarding the Abbey Street car park development. It aims to deliver a corporate headquarters for

2040 DAC expects the project to be delivered by 2026. The site area is 6,204m2. For Tuesday’s event, members of the Ennis 2040 DAC Board were dotted along the Temple Gate Hotel fielding

commodating customers for over 50 years, to take that away would be seriously wrong, I would say to Ennis 2040 find another location, I believe it would be the best way forward”.

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien was surprised the scale and size of the building. “We’re not anti-development and from the start we really were rooting for a 2040 plan that would work for Ennis because we need to develop as a town. I would be concerned that when we signed up to support development in Ennis, there was a multi-storey car park going into the Temple Gate courtyard area, that made sense because it would bring people to the centre of town but that is no longer there”. She cautioned, “I definitely think the scale of it is very large of it and my problem is I really believe it is further divorcing the people of the town from the river”. Edel Cassidy of The Snack Shack located in Abbey Street car park admitted she was “absolutely shocked” with the size of the building. “All along we were led to believe that it was going to be smaller than what it is but it’s just an absolute monstrosity, a beautiful looking building I’ll give it that but it just makes no sense where they are putting it, it is crazy to think they are getting rid of the car spaces for that, I understand they want us to car free but we’re not ready to be car free, it is just crazy and I can’t get my head around it”. She believed it would “severely affect” the takeaway restaurant. William Cahir of Cahir Solicitors stated, “it is out of

scale and out of kilter and doesn’t appear to be in keeping with the town at all, it has completely eliminated any access that the elderly and vulnerable people would have had to the town”. He warned that the development will be “detrimental” to the town. “Our businesses can move but I feel really sorry for the businesses that cannot move out of town and won’t have an option to move, I think this is the death-knell for a lot of them”. Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Kevin Corrigan was impressed by the turnout for the public consultation. “We’ve had a huge turnout, because it is the first time people have seen it we’re getting all kinds of reactions from people who have concerns about parking to people who are really pro-looking at the future and the future of the kids, that is the whole reason we’re having a public consultation is to get their reaction and get everybody’s feedback. We’d encourage anyone to go to the public consultation events”. Loss of car parking spaces has stood out as a big complaint from persons questioning the merits of the development. “It’s going to be a couple of years before we get through the planning process so we have two or three years to fix those parking issues that are there at the moment. Small towns

and regional towns in Ireland are changing fast, there’s public bus services coming in and cycling lanes, there’s more pedestrian access via pedestrian bridges and the Post Office field so our towns are changing and parking is going to change as part of that. There’s a lot of provision coming down the track and Clare County Council will be announcing those in the near future,” Corrigan said. President of Ennis Chamber, Sheila Lynch outlined, “I was a bit overwhelmed by how big the structure is, I don’t think I appreciated that until now so I will have to digest that and get used to that idea. “From our perspective, it is lovely to see development and initiatives planned for the town, we are very conscious that in doing this development we will lose car parking spaces and that is really critical to our town because it is all well and good to say take away car parking spaces but we’re not a car free economy yet and there is a transition to get to where people want to get to so I think it has to be carefully managed so there isn’t a huge upheaval for the people of Ennis and the people who visit Ennis because we’re all pro-business, that has to be carefully managed and we’re hoping the Council will look at that very seriously and come forward with some very valid plans to progress that”.

€2.2m spent on Ennis 2040 strategy to date

€2.2m has been spent to date on the Ennis 2040 economic and spatial strategy, writes Adam Maloney. A financial report detailing the expenses and financial commitments obtained from the €10 million loan issued to the Ennis 2040 Designated Activity Company was requested by Councillor Tom O'Callaghan (FF) (inset) during the January meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Ennis 2040 Designated Activity Company was formed in 2021 with the purpose to develop the strategic locations listed in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy. Nine transformational projects are to be delivered in the county town as part of the strategy. Ennis 2040 DAC is a 100% owned subsidiary of Clare County Council and was incorporated on 8th December 2020. Clare County Council authorised a €10 million loan in June 2021 to support the projected works programme for the Ennis 2040 strategy. “In response to requests from members of the public I ask that Ennis 2040 DAC provide to the elected members of Ennis MD a finan-

cial report of expenditure and financial commitments made since the approval of a €10m loan from Clare County Council to enable that DAC to operate,” Cllr O’Callaghan detailed. Director of Service and Economic Development, Carmel Kirby outlined, “As of December 2023, a total of €2.2m (from the €10m approved) has been drawn down by the entity based on loan agreements entered into between Clare County Council and Ennis 2040. The funds drawn down have been applied to the design, planning, and progression of a number of projects including ongoing operating costs and overheads on behalf of Clare County Council”. Spending to date has been on planning, development, and advancement of projects, including Abbey Street, Francis St, Harvey's Quay, Post Office Field and ongoing administrative costs and expenses on behalf of Clare County Council. 2021 accounts relate to the establishment and operation of the company for the first 13 months up to 31 Dec 2021. In this period the accounts show that a deficit of €47,949 was recorded. The 2022 ac-

counts relate to the operation of Ennis 2040 for the period 1 Jan 2022 to 31 Dec 2022. In this period the accounts show that a surplus of €18,304 was recorded based on billing raised to Clare County Council in respect of project work completed in this timeframe. In respect of accounts for year ended 31st Dec 2023 these are scheduled to be prepared and audited over the course of January & February 2024, ahead of presentation to the Board of Ennis 2040, the Director confirmed. Cllr O’Callaghan responded, “I’m very supportive about this response, you look at cost and money being spent, 2.2 million is a considerable amount of money, I hope there is value for money, and I will continue to flag

this, to make sure that everything is going accordingly”. Cllr. Johnny Flynn (FG) seconded the motion, although raised concerns on the proposed development on Abbey St car park. “There is a lot of aspirations, I don’t have a particular problem with the Ennis 2040 DAC, but I think the Abbey St approach is bonkers. It’s a significant amount of expenditure but also I’m thankful for financial report”. Kirby advised councillors, “To be clear, sending over the funding has been extended for some planned various projects that will be revealed shortly, for me certainly I believe we have a good approach”. Cllr O’Callaghan replied, “My duty as a public representative is to show real concern, and make sure that we understand what is going on with this approval and make sure that it is as I already mentioned, going accordingly”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Dromoland named Ireland's best

DROMOLAND CASTLE has been named Ireland’s best hotel in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2024, writes Páraic McMahon. “Class with a capital C” was among the praise hurled in the direction of Dromoland Castle, the five star hotel situated in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Members of the public submitted their nominations with an expert judging panel of travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile, author Roz Purcell, and Fáilte Ireland's Niall Treacy selecting the final winners and runners-up from voters’ favourites. High praise for Dromoland Castle by charmed voters honed in on the hotel’s hard-

working team. “As beautiful as the grounds and castle are, it is the people that are the true beauty of this magical place,” one Irish Independent reader said. “Their attention to detail is not matched anywhere else,” added another, hailing “the best staff in the world”, a team of people who “couldn’t do enough for you”. The hotel is “elegant without being pretentious” a reader said. Currently riding a winning streak, this latest award for Dromoland Castle comes hot on the heels of being proclaimed Best Hotel for Sleep by Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards last summer, also voted for by members of the public. Dromoland Castle Hotel Director Mark

Nolan admitted, “It is truly an honour to have been voted Ireland’s Best Hotel. There is no better compliment than having those who have experienced Dromoland Castle’s hospitality taking the time to nominate us for an award of this calibre. This has given us an incredible start to 2024 and we would like to extend our thanks to every single person who put us forward as their favourite hotel.

would also like to personally take a moment to congratulate all members of the hotel’s team whose commitment and passion for providing a premium experience to all our guests has got us here. We look forward to continuing to deliver the very best experience of Irish hospitality and showing returning and new guests exactly why we’re considered to be the Ireland’s best hotel,” Nolan added.

“ I

Toonagh funds presented to Sláinte an Chláir lLUXURY: Dromoland Castle

Marina O’Donoghue, Geraldine Feighery, Denise Whelan, Miriam Strand and Rose Foudy presented Slainte an Chlair treasurer Marie Phelan with €6,143 from this years Toonagh Charity Walk on January 14th. The committee stated that they “greatly appreciate all the support and generous donations towards this very worthy cause”.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Sean O’Shea always offered a by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WHETHER IT was in the post office or his political career, Seán O’Shea had a track record of helping those that needed it. He was not the type of person to court recognition but to be honoured in March 2023 at the age of 94 by the Labour Party for his lifelong membership with a standing ovation was a source of immense pride when he received a plaque from party leader Ivana Bacik (LAB) and Senator Mark Wall (LAB), the nomination for the accolade was made by Ennistymon’s Denis Vaughan. Seán died peacefully at Milford Care Centre on Thursday. He was born and reared in Ennis and lived next door to former TD, Paddy Hogan (LAB) who was his biggest influence in politics. Seán worked for the Department of Post and Telegraphs and was elected to Ennis Urban District Council in 1967 and was elected in 1974 to Clare County Council before stepping down in 1979. His time in politics would see Seán play a part in establishing the Credit Union in Ennis, Ennis Brass Band plus the redevelopment of the Fair Green and Drumcliffe. This week, The Clare Echo publishes what was Seán’s last interview and it is our deep regret that the man himself didn’t get the opportunity to read it from his beautiful home in Ard na Gréine. In 2023, he spent eight weeks in Milford Care Centre, making quite the impression on the nursing staff. Indeed, he admitted last year, “I’d gladly die there”. His schooldays were a time when teachers were allowed to hit their pupils and it was a practice that Seán didn’t agree with which prompted him to leave school prior to sitting the Leaving Certificate. “At that time a lot of post office clerks had joined the army due to The Emergency, I got in as a temporary post office clerk, we spent every Friday and Saturday taking the ten pounds and five pounds in morse code from England, the kids that left loving homes to go over to work to support their parents always remembered them, from nine in the morning to half past seven every Friday and Saturday the money kept coming in and not alone were they supporting their parents but they helped the town and the economy of the town, they never got credit for what they did really”. To acknowledge these contributions, Seán got a portrait commissioned of the £10 note with the West Clare rail line to symbolise the sacrifices made by people in the county. He learned morse code to translate the money orders that came back into Co Clare, from a neighbour who he described as “a workaholic”. O’Shea recounted, “I thought that was one of the best acts I witnessed in my life, they were so loyal and faithful, they were all from poor families and from poor parts of the town, they were great, I hope that sometime somebody will recognise what it is all about”. For 46 years, Seán worked in the post office. “I got to know everybody in the town, they knew me as well, after about 20 years I got a great job and I was over the transport for the county, I had a great life and was very happy in my job, my office was looking out on the Fergus in the GPO in Bank Place”. Prior to becoming a permanent fixture there, he had to sit an exam to determine

which employees would be kept in Ennis and who would be forced to transfer. I got my place. I had a few tough years after that learning higher duties, they made it tough which I think is what directed me to the unions”. He continued, “I worked for 10 or 15 years in the counter and I got to know all the people, they were so nice, I still swear by it that no matter where you go you will never meet people as nice as the Ennis people”. An involvement with the unions soon resulted in his appointment as secretary of the trades council, a post he had for five years. “We negotiated strikes, met the President and made representations for people on housing and everything, after that five years I went forward for the Urban Council and I was elected (in 1967), I served seven years there, I took it very seriously and used to have motions down for every meeting which are all on record in the Council offices. After that, I went for the County Council, Paddy Hogan had been a county councillor for Labour and my ambition was to win back that seat and I did, I got the last seat on the County Council”. As Mayor of Ennis, he welcomed the Astronauts from Apollo 13 when they visited in Bunratty in October 1970. He defeated the well-known Jack Daly in a vote to become Mayor by a single vote. Clashes with fellow politicians during his time on local government is not something he was “not proud of ”. “Generally I got on very well with the rural Fianna Fáil councillors but I had a running thing with one councillor which appeared in The Clare Champion for weeks, we were sniping at each other and it was all a bit ridiculous but generally speaking I got on well with all the councillors, I didn’t give them any reason, I had a big mouth but I was cute enough at the same time to know when to use it, I didn’t fight with many of them”. On one occasion when he visited his neighbour Haulie Kelleher, he came across Fr Moriarty “a radical priest” who encouraged Seán to go about setting up a credit union in Clare. He wasted no time and visited Gort’s credit union immediately. “It was his initiative and I did most of the advertising to help get it going, then I stepped back and stayed with the Trades Council, there was a study group formed for the Credit Union and then it took off, it was the best thing that happened the town, it was great for the economy, people that the banks didn’t recognise got loans and were able to add to their homes and do things they wouldn’t normally be able to do, that was one of the best things we ever did”. There was also a great sense of pride from Seán on his involvement with setting up the Ennis Brass Band. “I paraded with them myself and pretended to be playing an instrument even though I couldn’t blow a note. It has gone from success to success, the McAllister family are the mainstays of it now, COVID was the only thing that knocked them but they will come back”. Friends of Drumcliffe came about when Seán worked in tandem with the then parish priest Fr Hogan, where they secured a grant and voluntary labour to improve the aesthetics of the cemetery. During his time on the County Council, he tabled a motion urging that the Fair Green be developed and the visionary county manager Joe Boland rowed in behind his proposal. “We had a great

l The late Sean O’Shea

county manager in Joe Boland, he kept building houses and clearing clearance areas, he did great work, I was at his funeral, it was very quiet, I thought he would have a bigger funeral because to me he was the kingpin of the whole thing, he was open to suggestion and always gave you freedom of speech, you never had to hold back when you were in a meeting with Joe Boland, he was from Kerry, he was brilliant and it was pity he hadn’t a few more years, he did miracles for Clare, it wouldn’t be the tourist destination it is only for him. He was excellent for Clare,”.

On his decision to step down from the Council, Seán said, “I didn’t go anymore because my poor wife when the lads wanted grinds or anything it was she that had to make the money for it and she was left on her own a lot when I was gone to meetings so I said in fairness to her I’d resign and wouldn’t go anymore, I suppose I’d enough of it too, you couldn’t get home to your lunch because people would be asking you to fill their children’s allowance forms”. At the age of 91, Seán returned to sit English in the Leaving Certificate, “it was great, I loved

the poetry and the essays”. ‘The Queen of Dirt Island’ was one of the texts studied, written by Donal Ryan who called in to visit Seán in Milford last year when he was visiting his mother and dropped off a signed copy of his latest book. Seán’s daughter Annette recalled, “Mum died in 2019, Dad said to me one night that his one regret in life was even though he had been successful in politics was that he had no formal education because he didn’t do his Leaving Cert. He went back in 2019 and did English for his Leaving Certificate and graduat-

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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ed in 2020, he was 91 at the time. It was English which was the most difficult, I wanted him to do Gaelic but because he was a native speaker it was too easy”. Life for Seán was “not the same” following the death of Josie in 2019. “She was a great gardener and a great cook, she was a great seamstress and got great gifts from her mother, she saved us an awful lot of money because pay was small, if the lads wanted a grind she went off and worked as a waitress and earned money, when we were a bit better off when I retired we got a few pound and she was always willing to travel, the minute you sug-

gested Timbuctoo she’d pack and be ready to go”. His work as a councillor was remembered decades on when he was a full-time carer for Josie. Annette recalled, “I can remember people knocking on the door at 01:30 in the morning, people were desperate and Dad never turned anyone away, we got have visitors here and Dad never turned anybody away. When I was trying to get help when Mum was sick which was right in the middle of the recession when there was no money, Dad was her full-time carer in the end, one of the people that I got on to on the phone asked if it was ‘Seán O’Shea from Ard na Gréine’ and she said ‘there isn’t one person in this town whose father or grandfather wasn’t helped by Seán O’Shea and you’re saying we can’t get help for him is ridiculous’ so she got it for us”. Offering an example of the love between the couple, Annette pointed out, “Mum went into hospital on the 1st of July 2019, Dad was there with us, he asked the nurse if he had to leave and she said ‘no Séan you don’t, there’s no hurry’ meaning not at that moment in time, Dad took them literally and slept on a chair in the room from the 1st of July to the 31st of July when my Mum died, he never left the room. The nurses, people are wonderful”. This was the one exchange during the lengthy interview that made Seán emotional, “they never put me out,” he said with tears in his eyes. Annette added, “It was the two of them, it was a package deal. When someone came in to say Mum had to go to a respite centre, the nurses said that if they signed off on it and if Mum wasn’t capable of being moved they wouldn’t move her so they just joined ranks and looked after Dad the same way they looked after Mum, he slept on a chair, they got him a lovely chair but he never once left the room from the 1st of July to the 31st of July, there’s love for you”. “She was a great wife,” he replied. Prior to getting COVID-19 in September 2022, Seán was still driving, during the lockdown he managed to receive a special shopping pass and collected trolleys full of five litre bottles of water which he then delivered across the town. When asked to reflect on his life, Seán said, “I’ve great memories, Ennis was a great town, there was terrible class distinction in my young days in Ennis, it was the part of the town you came from that counted”. There was an emotional aspect to Seán’s recognition from the Labour Party in that it provided a realisation for him. Annette explained, “one poignant thing that Dad said to me when this happened, getting the award and his Leaving Cert, he said ‘I suppose my father would be proud of me’, I realised that he was trying to live up to granddad’s greatness”. That greatness is of course because Tadhg Ó Sé was a well-known author and fluent Irish speaker. Seán said, “He never spoke cross to us, he never hit us or interfered in our rearing but he lived in a world of his own, he got four books published and translated a full-length novel ‘The Wild Roses of Lough Gill’ and he won a prize in the Oireachtas, it always hurt me that I let him down education-wise”. Seán O’Shea is sadly missed by his loving children Annette, Tadhg and Shane, sonin-law Michael, daughters-in-law Maureen and Fiona, grandchildren Rory, Aileen, Emma, Sarah, Orla, Nessa and Amy, sister Eileen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. His funeral took place at Ennis Cathedral on Monday with the burial in Drumcliffe.

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Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

News

‘Largest’ major incident drill held at UL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

UNIVERSITY of Limerick staged a major incident exercise involving students from paramedics, medicine and nursing, alongside personnel from the emergency services. On Thursday, the immersive simulation, the largest of its kind ever to take place in Ireland, was designed to prepare both students and professionals for a multi-casualty, major incident where an interprofessional response is required across multiple agencies. Members of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, National Ambulance Service (NAS), Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) of the Irish Defence Forces (bomb squad), An Garda Síochána Armed Support Unit, and Limerick Civil Defence were also involved in the operation. Held on the North Campus Plaza in UL, it involved a car crashing into a substantial crowd of people. The driver remained trapped in the car, but the front-seat passenger exited the car with a handgun and what looked like an explosive device. After he dropped the device, he fired shots at several bystanders before escaping to the River Shannon. There he was picked up by Civil Defence’s Swift Water Rescue team and the Armed Support Unit. At the same time, the backseat passenger of the car approached the crowd wielding a machete. He ‘injured’ a number of people before the crowd overpowered him and held him until the Armed Support Unit arrested him and made the machete safe. The Explosive Ordnance Division of the Defence Forces then arrived to deal with the ‘device’. UL paramedics, nursing and medical students were tasked with managing the scene and providing emergency assistance to those

involved. There was a large number of people in the incident area with various levels of injury and in various levels of distress. The UL students, while aware the exercise would take place today, were unaware as to what the scene would entail and so were reacting to the exercise as it unfolded. Frank Keane, Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow on the BSc in Paramedic Studies at UL, specialises in major incident training. The Ennis man described how the simulation is built around concept-based learning. “This exercise gave those involved a drill in preparing and responding to an evolving emergency situation, action manoeuvres across different disaster locations, handling multiple casualties, dealing with a crime scene, and implementing a swift-water rescue. It gives the students the opportunity to gain exposure to life-changing situations. For the experienced professionals, it’s an opportunity to develop their skills under pressure”. Professor Deirdre McGrath, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences said, “The ability to collaborate and respond effectively to emergencies is a crucial skillset that benefits society as a whole. Simulations such as we have seen today can be highly effective, allowing participants, irrespective of their discipline and level of experience, to apply their knowledge and skills in a realistic setting without the actual risks involved. “It is really wonderful to see education and emergency services coming together to create such a dynamic and immersive learning experience for all”. Over 50 ‘casualties’ had to be triaged and treated by paramedics, nursing and medical students, who also were tasked with erecting

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l IMMERSIVE: The exercise gave students a chance to respond in real time

a field hospital. The event culminated in the arrival of Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 where the students who were all closely supervised, had the unique opportunity to practice loading a stretcher onto the helicopter while the rotor blades were turning. “The students had a number of patients critically injured and had to prioritise one of them to go on the helicopter, so that required a judgment call.

Photo by Brian Arthur

The exercise is about preparing students to face this kind of situation in real life,” Frank explained. Also present was a class of students from Carlow Institute of Further Education as part of the work for their own area of study in Special Effects Makeup. Through collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs Association, one blind person (who uses a cane) was also ‘injured’ in the incident.

MEP Kelleher joins field for European elections

SITTING MEP, Billy Kelleher (FF) has been selected as Fianna Fáil’s candidate in Ireland South for the European elections in June, writes Páraic McMahon. Kelleher is one of five outgoing MEPs in the constituency along with Mick Wallace (IND), Sean Kelly (FG), Deirdre Clune (FG) and Grace O’Sullivan (GP). Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford and Wicklow are the counties included in Ireland South. Clune announced in No-

vember that she would not be seeking the party’s nomination for re-election. Former GAA President Kelly has confirmed he will be putting himself forward. O’Sullivan was selected in September as one of three Green candidates for the European elections in constituencies across Ireland. Mick Wallace has previously confirmed he will be putting himself forward to try retain his seat and admitted it will be a challenge. Corofin based Michael Leahy (IFP) is the only Clare candidate in the field at present. He confirmed his can-

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l Billy Kelleher, Micheál Martin and Darragh O’Brien

didacy to The Clare Echo in September. On Sunday evening, Kelleher was chosen as Fianna Fáil’s candidate at a party selection convention in Cork which was attended by Tánaiste Micheál Martin (FF) and Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) who is the party’s Director of Elections. “Ensuring the strongest possible voice for Ireland in the next European Parliament is an absolute necessity. We need Irish MEPs with the capacity to influence legislation in Ireland’s favour. Having done that for the past five years, by taking common sense, progressive positions, I am honoured to be selected to contest the upcoming election in Ireland South for Fianna Fáil. Europe matters to Ireland. Our nation’s prosperity is inextricably linked to the success of the EU. As an Irish MEP, I’ll always champion Ireland’s interests while holding true to our shared, common values of democracy, equality, free and fair markets and the Rule of Law,” Kelleher stated.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Ennis: Talk of the Town

Buttermarket building ‘not big enough’ to accommodate councillor offices by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

ADEQUATE room does not exist at present to accommodate a designated public counter for Ennis Municipal District councillors to deal with constituents at the Buttermarket building in Drumbiggle. Formerly the home of Ennis Town Council, space is “at a premium” in Waterpark House, senior executive engineer in Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan informed the January meeting of the Ennis MD. This followed a request from Cllr Mary Howard (FG) for elected representatives to have a designated office at Waterpark House. She stated, “Each other MD has their own designated MD offices. I am requesting that we provide for a

lOFFICE SPACE: Cllr Mary Howard (FG) public desk to be available at this building (Buttermarket Building)

for our constituents convenience, I believe it is appropriate to have a

€146k win for Ennis EuroMillions player

A SECOND-tier EuroMillions prize worth €146,289 was won by a lotto player in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon. Friday night’s EuroMillions jackpot draw was worth €130m and had no overall winner. However, two players, one in Co Clare and another in Co Donegal were one Lucky Star number short of the jackpot prize. Both players matched all l Winnings

five numbers and one Lucky Star to claim the second-tier prize worth €146,289. This Quick Pick Clare ticket was purchased on Friday at the Circle K service station on the Limerick Rd in Ennis. The other winning ticket was purchased online at www.lottery.ie by a player in Donegal. The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification to the user’s online account and a sep-

arate email has now been sent to the lucky Donegal ticketholder. Winning numbers for the main EuroMillions jackpot draw on Friday were: 08, 19, 32, 41, 42 and the Lucky Star numbers: 09, 12. As there was no winner of the €130 million EuroMillions mega draw, Tuesday’s jackpot prize is heading for €145 million. The National Lottery have called on players to check their tickets carefully and have asked the lucky winners to make contact as soon as possible. A spokesperson for the National Lottery said: “There was extra excitement for Friday’s EuroMillions draw which promised a guaranteed jackpot of €130 million. While there was no winner of the overall prize, over 76,000 players in Ireland won prizes which includes the two big winners in Clare and Donegal. We’re asking all of our players nationwide to check their tickets and if you are one of the big winners, you can call us on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie”.

public office at this location”. She also suggested that councillors should be permitted entry to the offices via a fob or swipe card. “When I spoke to the other councillors, they all have public desks, within their areas, there is one in Shannon, Ennistymon, Scariff, you know, and that kind of got me thinking that should we not have something similar in our own county town”. Support was voiced by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). “It would be a great move for us as an MD”. In the opinion of Cllr. Tom O’Callaghan (FF) having an office will improve public interaction and increase individual satisfaction levels, whilst Cllr. Johnny Flynn (FG) said “a public desk, I think would be important. I think it would be very beneficial to our elderly customers, and people

who don’t have access to a car within Ennis, a public counter would be ideal”. Lenihan informed Cllr Howard that the Buttermarket Building currently lacks sufficient physical room to accommodate this concept. He said, “Members will be aware that following the abolition of Ennis Town Council in 2014, the Ennis MD Roads office was set up in the first floor of the Buttermarket Building in Drumbiggle. Members will further be aware that the Buttermarket Building also houses the Council’s Project Management Office and Climate Change Office on the ground floor of Buttermarket with the building currently at capacity and space at a premium. Therefore, in its current format, there isn’t physically the room to accommodate a public counter within the building”.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

21,000 St Brigid’s Bank Holiday passengers for Shannon Airport

HANNON Airport is forecasting over 21,000 passengers for the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend, writes Páraic McMahon. A 12 per cent increase on passengers numbers is expected this weekend at Shannon Airport when compared with the same period in 2023. Following the inaugural February Bank Holiday in 2023, Shannon Airport has seen a growing appetite among customers for winter sunshine breaks and city escapes over the new bank holiday period. European destinations including the new Faro service

as well as Lanzarote, Malaga, Tenerife and Alicante are proving popular for winter sunseekers, while the Edinburgh, London and Liverpool routes are highly sought after for a long weekend getaway. Shannon Airport’s transatlantic daily flight to Boston is also expected to be busy during the upcoming bank holiday. CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine stated, “It is wonderful to see the increase in customers taking advantage of the new February Bank Holiday and we are looking forward to welcoming passengers from all over Ireland as they head off for a well-de-

served winter sunshine escape or a weekend city break over the coming days”. She continued, “Travelling from Shannon Airport has never been easier with our hi-tech security screening in place, meaning passengers don’t need to separate liquids and electronics from cabin bags, while US-bound passengers can also avail of our time saving US pre-clearance facilities. These provisions, combined with the airport’s shorter queues, sensory room and age friendly initiatives, ensure passengers get more time to relax and enjoy the airport experience”.

lSUN SEEKERS: Shannon Airport

13 year old girl assaulted Garda at Lidl in Shannon A 13 year old Ennis girl assaulted a female Garda at Lidl in Shannon last October, a court has heard, writes Gordon Deegan. The accused, now aged 14, has appeared at the Children’s Court in Ennis where she pleaded guilty to the assault of Garda Ailish Hanly on October 14th last at Lidl, Tullyvarraga, Shannon. The teenager - who can’t be named for legal reasons due to her age - has also pleaded guilty to a public or-

der at the same location on the same date. In the assault charge, the teenager has pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Ailish Hanley, a peace officer acting in the execution of her duty contrary to Section 19 of the Criminal Justice Act. The teen was accompanied to court by her mother and an Extern social care worker. The teenager met with Gardai by appointment before court to be charged

l Lidl, Shannon Photo by Joe Buckley

where she made no reply after charge and caution. Solicitor, Tara Godfrey for the accused said that she has spoken at length to her client. Ms Godfrey said that her client “accepts that her behaviour was improper on the date. There was some background to it but not sufficient to actually fight the case or win the case”. Ms Godfrey asked that sentencing be deferred to allow a Probation Service be carried out on her client. Ms Gofdrey said that her client has “very minimal schooling right now” but stated that Extern has been hoping to increase that and her client “is very interested in various past times and opportunities”. Ms Godfrey said that her client was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of eight and had connections with HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) but was discharged from that service. Judge Adrian Harris was told that there was no issue concerning bail for the accused and Judge Harris remanded her on bail to appear before court again on February 14th.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Gort& North Clare

Speeding charge against singer Tommy Fleming struck out in Gort District Court by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE multi-million album selling singer, Tommy Fleming has beaten a speed rap in court after a no show by Go Safe speed van operators. At Gort District Court, Sgt Damien Prendergast told Judge Adrian Harris that it was the State’s application to request “a blanket adjournment’ for all Go Safe speed cases to next month. Sgt Prendergast told Judge Adrian Harris that he was requesting the adjournment as the Go Safe operators had other commitments including court appearances elsewhere. However, Judge Harris struck out any cases where a motorist appeared in connection with a Go Safe speed summons. In his case, Tommy Fleming of Castleconnor, Ballina, Co Mayo was accused of speeding in his 15 D registered vehicle in excess of 120km per hour on the Galway Limerick M18 motorway at Killeenhugh, Kinvara, Co Galway on December 12th 2021. When Tommy Fleming’s name was called, solicitor for Mr Fleming, Deirdre Brophy said that she appeared on Mr Fleming’s behalf and that Mr Fleming had travelled from Ballina for the Go Safe prosecution. Sgt Prendergast asked for an adjournment

lTommy Fleming

in the case to next month. However, Judge Harris said that he would strike out the case. He said, “The State isn’t here to proceed. This man has travelled here and I strike out the matter”. Mr Fleming smiled as he briefly spoke with Ms Brophy before exiting the court. Judge Harris dismissed another case

against a driver from Cashel who showed up in the court “because the Go Safe people aren’t here”. In four other cases, Judge Harris adjourned the prosecutions to next month when there was also a ‘no-show’ from the drivers concerned. Over a 30 year career and one of Ireland’s most popular singers, Tommy Fleming has

Normal water supply returning to parts of North & East Clare NORMAL water supply is returning to parts of North and East Clare following bursts in recent days, writes Páraic McMahon. Uisce Éireann have successfully completed repairs to two significant bursts in the county with supply now returning to customers in affected areas. Crews were deployed by Uisce Éireann to carry out repairs and worked hard to restore normal water supply to impacted customers supplied by Ballymacraven Water Treatment Plant and O’Briensbridge Water Treatment Plant. Areas impacted included, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, O’Briensbridge and Bridgetown. Repairs were also successfully completed at Old Doolough Water Treatment plant following a mechanical failure at the plant and water has been restored to all customers. Following the repairs carried out by dedicated water service crews in Clare, it may take some time for normal supply to fully restore to all areas, especially for

those on higher ground or at the end of the network. Anyone who experiences issues with discolouration are asked to run the cold water tap in the kitchen for a few minutes. Doing this usually clears any unusual colour. Darragh Conneely, Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, thanked customers for their patience while work was underway. “On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I’d like to thank impacted stakeholders for their patience, co-operation, and assistance while we worked to complete the repairs as quickly as possible and regret the inconvenience”. Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is

Notes

available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

sold 3.5 million albums around the world and is currently in the middle of a nationwide tour where he has dates at Cork Opera House and Bord Gais Energy Energy Theatre in Dublin. Mr Fleming’s earnings from live performance were decimated during the pandemic which closed down the live music industry for almost two years. The most recent accounts for Mr Fleming’s production company, TF Productions Ltd show that it received Covid-19 related Government grant income of €752,952 made up of €547,119 in 2022 and €205,833 in 2021. The 2022 grant income was mainly made up of a €434,619 Live Performance Support Scheme grant of €434,619 from the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and another €100,000 grant under the Live Performance Restart Grant scheme from the same Government department. The firm recorded post tax profits of €179,161 for 2022. The firm’s cash funds during 2022 increased sharply from €125,093 to €290,690. At the end of 2022, the company’s shareholder funds totalled €144,807. Pay to directors for 2022 increased more than fourfold to €145,629 made up of €55,629 in remuneration and €90,000 in pension contributions.

GROUP WATER SCHEMES – CAPITAL FUNDING Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 (MARWP) Clare County Council is inviting Group Water Schemes to apply for capital funding under the above programme to improve the quality, quantity and reliability of the water services provided. Details of the various funding measures available can be accessed on the Council website at www.clarecoco.ie/services/water-and-wastewater/ rural-water-services/

lDoolin

RELAY FOR LIFE RELAY for Life Clare extends a warm invitation to all individuals navigating Cancer treatment or any Cancer Survivors, along with their spouses, to join us for our upcoming Survivors’ Coffee Morning on Saturday, February 3rd, at The Cheese Press in Ennistymon.To attend please email relayforlifeclare@gmail.com

Information on categories of funding is also available from the Rural Water Office, Phone No: 065-6866115 / 6866119. Applications can be submitted to the offices of Rural Water, Clare County Council, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis Co Clare. Or by email to ruralwater@clarecoco.ie Completed applications should be submitted no later than 29th February, 2024.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Health & Fitness

16 years of performing arts at Breakthrough Dance Company ‘BREAKTHROUGH Dance Company is a professionally run dance and performing arts school based in Ennis, Co Clare, now operating in its 16th year. We offer classes in jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, street dance, and musical theatre. We also host personalised birthday parties for ages 6 and up and run our annual Performers Camps during the summer and Easter holidays. Based in the Quin Road Business Park, Ennis. V95XA32. Email: breakthroughdancestudios@gmail. com. Tel: 0857771328’ PROFESSIONAL DANCE WORKSHOP WITH AMY THORNTON Breakthrough Dance Company is offering a professional dance workshop with Amy Thornton. Amy trained at Laine Theatre Arts and has enjoyed a very successful career in Theatre and TV. She has just finished playing the role of Nini in Moulin Rouge in the West End.

Some of her other credits include Evita (Associate Choreographer , Regents Park); Matilda (Resident Choreographer, West End), Rock of Ages (Original West End Company), Grease (West End), Flashdance (Original West End Company), Goldilocks and the three bears, (London Palladium), Fame (UK Tour, Monte Carlo), Cats (Jersey, Guernsey), and Never Forget (Original West End Company) among others. Her television work includes Royal Variety (ITV), Britain’s Got Talent (ITV), X Factor (ITV), Ant and Decs Saturday Night Takeaway (ITV), Blue Peter (BBC); while her Film resume includes Matilda (Working Title/Netflix), Mamma Mia 2 - Here We Go Again (Universal Pictures). There are limited spaces available for this course beginning this weekend for ages ranging from 8-19 years old and prices start at €25. For more information call 085 777 1328.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness Glenina Reflexology – A Natural Self-Care option in Ennis for all ages

lenina Reflexology is based in Ennis town and Lorraine has been a Reflexologist for nearly 19 years. Lorraine Hughes graduated in 2005 with a Diploma in Reflexology, following in the footsteps of her mother Lily who had trained in reflexology just one year before her as she was retiring as a nurse. “We both have a passion for health and wellbeing and were drawn to Reflexology because its a safe and natural therapy that can restore and maintain the body’s natural balance and ability to heal itself ” as Lorraine points out. Reflexology is a holistic treatment that involves applying pressure to a number of acupressure points in the foot that reflect or correspond to parts of the body through zones of energy. It works by inducing deep relaxation and balancing the whole body mentally and physically. It can work on a number of ailments for all age groups and the renewed curiosity in reflexology is due to its hand-on nature, its simplicity and the genuine benefits that people are experiencing. Reflexology is still a popular

choice for those on a fertility journey and as an additional support for women during pregnancy. Regarding the latter, there is evidence suggesting that pregnancy reflexology is a safe and effective alternative therapy and a welcome support right up to the due date. Lorraine is seeing a wide variety

of clients at Glenina Reflexology since her re-launch two years ago. “I am seeing all ages coming through the door here at my practice with a definite increase in the amount of children (especially 7 -12 year olds) and teenagers coming to me. The issues for them include enuresis, disturbed sleep, poor con-

centration and fluctuating moods. I’m really happy to see young people experiencing the benefits of a natural therapy like reflexology. I discovered reflexology myself as a teenager when I needed support around exam time and I continued to get reflexology sessions over the years for sleep, depression, sinusitis and digestive issues”. Lorraine also works with older clients and treats residents of Carrigoran Nursing Home every Tuesday afternoon. Reflexology is really suitable for older people as it’s a gentle yet powerful, non-invasive treatment which is free from medication and encourages the body to heal itself naturally. It can contribute to improvements in sleep and digestion as well as working on the lymphatic system and helping with swollen feet or ankles. As Lorraine explains “Reflexology has been proven to be one of the best ways to activate the vagus nerve system which triggers a relaxation response in the body leading to a combination of powerful health benefits including improved circulation, increased energy, a boost to the immune system, general pain relief, improved flexibility

and better sleep. Above all - there’s a detoxification happening in the body during a Reflexology treatment which helps the body achieve optimum health. Once you start detoxifying the body then the real improvements start to happen.” If you want to try reflexology for a specific health issue, its advised to have up to 6 reflexology sessions close together as this is more beneficial and will have a stronger impact on your body. It gives you time to integrate the healing process within your body’s systems and there’s a preventative maintenance aspect to this for your overall well-being. Lorraine is a member of the professional body, the National Register of Reflexologists Ireland (NRRI). This enables clients to claim back money on Reflexology treatments on their health insurance policies from these 3 major companies – VHI Healthcare, Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare. People just need to check with their health insurance company for clarity on their policy cover. To book a treatment contact Lorraine at 087 6595417 or check out www.glenina-reflexology.ie for more details.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness 24 24

Acupuncture treating wide spectrum of ailments Acupuncture treating wide spectrum of ailments

P P

EOPLE suffering from anxiety and depression are turning to acupuncEOPLE suffering from anxiety and ture since the global pandemic. depression are turning to acupuncThat is according to Ennis-based ture since the global acupuncturist Keir pandemic. McNamara, That as is according to Ennis-based who also serves Chairperson of the AcuKeir Speaking McNamara, puncture acupuncturist Council of Ireland. to who also serves Chairperson the while AcuThe Clare Echo,asKeir explainedofthat puncture Council of Ireland. Speaking traditionally acupuncture has been used to The , Keir explained that while treat Clare areasEcho including musculoskeletal intraditionally has beenthere usedhas to juries, femaleacupuncture health and fertility, treat aareas including inbeen shift over the lastmusculoskeletal two years. juries, and fertility, there has “Onefemale of thehealth main areas I’ve seen a huge been a shift over the coming last two in years. number of patients over the last “One of isthearound main the areastreatment I’ve seenofa posthuge two years numbersymptoms of patientsand coming in people over thehave last Covid issues two yearspost-viral is aroundfatigue the treatment of postthrough which is one side Covid symptoms andother issues have of it,” says Keir. “The sidepeople of it, which through post-viral is one side is probably greater,fatigue is the which huge amount of of it,” says of Keir. “The and other side of it,-which treatment anxiety depression anxiis is theAllhuge of etyprobably being thegreater, bigger one. of usamount have seen treatment anxietylockdowns, and depression anxithe effects of Covid, social- isolaety the bigger one. All of uscome have with seen tionbeing and everything else that has the effects of Covid, lockdowns, social isolaCovid times. We have seen a huge increase, tion and everything elseour thatprofession has come Iwith so much so that within orCovid times. We have seen with a huge ganised a webinar last year anincrease, internaso much so that within profession ortional expert from Israelour because it wasI evganised a webinar yeartowith an internaident that this waslast going become a huge tional from Israel” because it was evpart ofexpert what we practice. ident thatbroader this wasspectrum, going to become a huge In the acupuncture is part what practice. ” skin conditions, also of used to we treat allergies, In the broader spectrum, acupuncture is sinus, cold and flus, and viral conditions. also used to treat allergies,health, skin conditions, On the subject of women’s Keir adds, sinus, cold and viral conditions. “There’s beenand a lotflus, of publicity in recent years On themenopause subject of women’s Keir adds, about and poorhealth, levels of support “There’s been aoptions lot of publicity recentpart years and treatment and it’s in a huge of about menopause and poor levels of support and treatment options and it’s a huge part of

Keir McNamara chairperson of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland and owner of McNamara’s Turnpike Clinic Photo by Gary Collins Keir McNamara chairperson of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland and owner of McNamara’s what we Clinic do here, and for a slightly younger A trailblazer in the industry, Mary was Turnpike Photo by Gary Collins

lady an awful lot around female health iswhat we do here,ofand for aand slightly younger sues, regulation cycles, fertility treatlady anIt’sawful health isment. seen lot as around a really female good adjunct to sues, cycles,that andladies fertility otherregulation treatment of options aretreatpurment. inIt’srelation seen asto afertility. really good adjunct to suing Most IVF clinics other options that ladies purwouldtreatment have a close association withare an acusuing in relation Most IVF clinics puncturist if notto anfertility. in-house acupuncturist would have a close an acuworking with them,association very muchwith to support puncturist not an in-house what’s beenifdone medically foracupuncturist the patient.” working with St them, very much to has support The former Flannan’s student takwhat’s done for theAcupuncpatient.” en thebeen reigns atmedically the Turnpike TheClinic former St 18 Flannan’s student with has takture after years working his en the reigns at the Turnpike Acupuncmother, following Mary’s departure from ture Clinic after 18 she years working with his the business which established in 1989. mother, following Mary’s departure from the business which she established in 1989.

only the second qualified practitioner in A thefondly industry, Mary was thetrailblazer county andinwas known as Mary only the particularly second qualified practitioner in ‘Needles’ to the masses in West the county fondly known as Mary Clare, whereand shewas served as team physio for ‘Needles’ particularly the masses Kilmurry Ibrickane fortomany years. in West Clare, where as team for In his role she as served Chairperson of physio the AcuKilmurry Council Ibrickane manyKeir years. puncture offor Ireland, has played his role as inChairperson of return-tothe AcuanInintegral role protocols on puncture Council Ireland, Keir played work safely for theofindustry, whilehas supportan role protocols ing integral members as inthey readjustontoreturn-tolife after work safely for the industry, while of supportCovid. Keir stresses that regulation the ining members as they readjust to life after dustry is of utmost importance, noting how Keir stresses thatplayer regulation of the inaCovid. female British soccer was forced to dustry is of notingpunchow retire as a utmost result ofimportance, pneumothorax a female British soccer player was forced to retire as a result of pneumothorax punc-

tured lung as a result of an acupuncturist in the UK while here in Ireland a physiotheratured lunghad as done a result of an acupuncturist in pist who a course in dry needling the UK while a physiotherapunctured thehere lunginofIreland a young doctor who pist whotreating had done dry needling she was foraacourse sportsin injury. “It realpunctured thethelung of for a young who ly highlights need properdoctor regulation she treatingand forsafety a sports injury. “It realand was education standards around ly highlights the the profession. ” need for proper regulation and andpatient safety standards Foreducation a first-time concernedaround about the profession. needle work, ”Keir notes that acupuncture For a first-time patientthin, concerned needles are “incredibly they’reabout only needle work, notes of thata acupuncture one-tenth the Keir diameter hypodermic needles “incredibly thin, they’re only needle…are people are often quite surprised one-tenth the diameter of a to hypodermic by how painless it is compared what they needle… expect.” people are often quite surprised byKeir how uses painless it is compared to what with they needles in conjunction expect. ” therapy to treat musculoskeletal massage Keir usesand needles in conjunction with conditions issues lifestyle advice around massage therapy treat musculoskeletal exercise and diet to “because as we all now conditions andfundamentals issues lifestyleinadvice around know, they’re maintaining exercise and while diet “because as we allis now your health”, herbal medicine also know,inthey’re fundamentals maintaining used the treatment of someinconditions. your health”, herbal medicine is also “I often jokewhile we have a very poor business used in–the model ourtreatment main aimof is some to get conditions. people sorted often joke we haveand a very poor business as “Iquickly as possible have them doing model – our simple, main aim is to and get people very sound, logical cheap sorted usualas quickly as possible and in have them doing ly methodologies at home order to mainvery their sound,health simple, logicalneeding and cheap tain without to usualcome ly methodologies at home in ordersense to mainback to us in a hurry. It’s common adtain but theirwhen health without needingon to themcome vice people are working back us indoa better. hurry.”It’s common sense adselves,tothey vice but when people are working on themselves, they do better.” online to read more Visit TurnpikeClinic.ie Forwhat more information or toand book an on acupuncture can treat to book appointment online. at Turnpike Acupuncture appointments Alternatively, Call 065 Clinic, call (065) 6841280 or or to book an For more information 6841280 or email Email: keirmcnamara@gmail.com. appointment at keirmcnamara@gmail.com Turnpike Acupuncture Clinic, call (065) 6841280 or Email: keirmcnamara@gmail.com.

The Health Connection Exercising in Clare - a delightful The Health Connection

“W “W

E ARE PASSIONATE about what we do!” That’s Olivia CaE AREhow PASSIONATE halane enabout explains what wethe do!” during success The That’s– where how Olivia CaAH, THE west of Ireland theof weather Health located Turnpike halane explains the enhas moreConnection, mood swings than a on teenager on a Rd, Ennis. Exercising during of The rollercoaster. in success this unpredictable We are dedicated providing comHealth Connection, located Turnpike climate iswith like trying to to dance on on our a moving munity healthy, organic local foods, Rd, Ennis. floor challenging, occasionally but supplements, refils and beauty. We– are dedicated to sustainable providingabsurd, our comundeniably entertaining. So, grab your rainOwnerwith Olivia is a organic qualified Nutritional munity healthy, local foods, coat, dust off wellies, andyears let'sbeauty. explore Therapist andyour has over twenty expesupplements, refils and sustainable the unique hurdles staying fit inNutritional the land of rience in the health wellness industry. Owner Olivia isofaand qualified Her speciality is advising on gastrointestiTherapist andskies. has over twenty years expeever-changing nal issues giving andindustry. sports rience in theand health anddietary wellness nutrition advice. Her Art speciality is advising on gastrointestiThe of Layering: Health Connection stocks wide nalThe issues andbut giving dietary and asports Like an Onion, Less Glamorous. range of supplement brands such as Bio nutrition advice. Forget those Connection stylish, Instagram-worthy Care, Nova, Macanta, The NHP, HealthTerra stocks Naturea wide workout outfits. In Ireland, and particularly sPlus Solgar. In store you such will also range and of supplement brands as find Bio the windy it'sNova, all about layering. You Dr Clare’s Apothecary, aMacanta, range ofNatureherbal Care, NHP,west, Terra start aSolgar. t-shirt,Inadd a sweater, toss find onIn a medicine made Galway. sPluswith andsupplements, store youinwill also rain jacket,The and maybeConnection finish withof a herbal scarfa– addition, Health stocks Dr Clare’s Apothecary, a range wide collagen and medicine made Galway. In just inselection casesupplements, the of wind decides toinprotein throw asuptanplements suchHealth asYou Planet Paleo NuZaddition, Connection stocks a trum. The The result? might look and like you're est. wide selection collagen and protein supauditioning for of a part in a Michelin Man biAt but theatHealth Connection, we and also NuZspeplements such as Planet Paleo opic, least you're warm. cialise and are passionate about giving est. sound nutritional and supplemental advice At the Health Connection, we also speChasing Rainbows, Not Personal Bests to tailor and our customers needs. cialise are passionate about giving Running inincludes Ireland issupplemental a bit like chasing lepOur team who is aadvice qualsound nutritional andGrainne rechauns – elusive occasionally leading ified Health Coach and andneeds. Dietary Counsellor, to tailor our customers you intoteam a pot of muddy gold.who One whose speciality is in assisting perimenoOur includes Grainne is aminute, qualpasal women by the advising with key ified Health Coach and Counsellor, you're basking in rareDietary warmth ofsupplethe sun, mental and dietary protocol. whose speciality in assisting perimenoand the next, you'reissprinting to escape a sudLaura and Maria arepersonal currently completing pasal women by advising with bests; key suppleden downpour. Forget just try IAHS certification. mental and dietary protocol. tothe beat the rainclouds. We areand also veryare proud to have recently Laura Maria currently completing been awarded the Sally McKenna Plaque, the IAHS certification. The Clare Yoga Pose: Dodging Puddles asWe we are endeavour always locally also verytoproud to source have recently and Hedges produced foods. beenHurdling awarded the Sally McKenna Plaque, Forget downward dog –source inofClare, we've Take athe look at any section the locally store, as we endeavour to always perfected art of our own yoga pose. This producedthe foods. Take a gracefully look at anysidestepping section of thepuddles, store, involves

and you can see the hard work put in by Olivia and the team in seeking and sourcing quality There is put a strong and high you can seefoods. the hard work in by emphasis many locally proOlivia andon thefeaturing team in as seeking and sourcduced products as theyexecuting can –iseverything ing high quality foods. There aimpromptu strong hurdling hedges, and from themoves iconic St Tolaconfronted to emphasis on featuring asgoats manycheese, locally dance when withprorogue the exuberant and can sauces fromand Savduced products as they – everything gusts of wind.krauts Coordination is key, flexiage Craic based in the heart of cheese, theyou Burren. from the St Tola goats to bility is aiconic must, especially when encounThe Health Connection stocks a wide the exuberant krauts andalso sauces from Savter Craic a sheep-filled obstacle on your selection of artisan foods including cheesage based in the heart ofcourse the Burren. morning es, pestos, and olive oilsalso fromstocks Toonsbridge, The Healthjog. Connection a wide Macroom and sumptuous andcheesdates selection of artisan foods truffles including The Doolin Drizzle Diet: Involuntary from Hungry Crow. es, pestos, and olive oils from Toonsbridge, Olivia Intake and team are alsoand passionMacroom and her sumptuous truffles dates Water ate about naturally essential oils, fromStaying Hungry Crow. sourced hydrated is crucial, but in Ireland, beauty and body such Dublin Olivia and heraproducts team also passionyou don't need water are bottle – as the sky takes Herbalists, Kinvara, Trilogy, and our fabuate about naturally essential oils,Diet care of that for you.sourced The Doolin Drizzle lous new facial range De Danu from Athbeauty and body products such as Dublin involves mastering the skill of catching rainlone. Herbalists, Kinvara, Trilogy, and our fabudrops onfacial yourrange tongue attempting Ournew Ecco station is constantly lous De while Danuexpanding from Ath- a brisk walk. It's refreshing are twist on hydraand evolving, anda customers welcome lone. but is key,and unless totion, come inremember: and refill from our Sonett Our Ecco station is moderation constantly expanding youevolving, want to resemble a drowned rat. Faith in Nature ranges. and and customers are welcome alsoinoperate a loyalty scheme that is to We come and refill from our Sonett and very popular and have lots of Checking special offers Faith in Nature ranges. Weather App Addiction: Forecoming up this Than Autumn. We also operate a Your loyaltySocial scheme that is casts More Media We would the likeweather to highlight running from very and have lots Inpopular Clare, is of as special reliableoffers as a polMonday 13th Saturday 24thwe’ve September, coming up thistoAutumn. itician's promise. As a result, developed ourWe 15% off alllike Eskimo fish oil capsules and would to highlight running from a love-hate with September, weather apps. liquids. Monday 13th relationship to Saturday 24th Constantly checking foroil updates becomes Also off all Planet Paleo Collagen our 15%10% off all Eskimo fish capsules and a national pastime, with the excitement of a products. liquids. clear forecast into disappointment Do in store check out our FaceAlsocall 10% off turning all or Planet Paleo Collagen book and Instagram for regular offers. products. when the rain arrives precisely when you Olivia team would take this Do calland in her store check like out to our Faceplanned to break aorsweat. opportunity to in especially thankoffers. book and Instagram regular Exercising theforoutdoors istheir notloyal for the customer base who take like great Olivia and heror team to pleasure take this faint-hearted thewewould fashion-conscious. It's a in serving, and of course we always welopportunity to especially thank their loyal delightful dance with the elements, a constant come newbase faceswho too!we take great pleasure customer of chance, a test resilience. ingame serving, and of and course weofalways wel- So, embrace chaos, come new the faces too! laugh in the face of the

dance with the elements

storm, and remember – a little rain never hurt anyone.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

Columnists

Thought for the week: We need to change Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

OW is the time when we need to change the way we live our lives and start to live with our eyes wide open and our hearts and souls full of prayer, compassion, kindness, action and fervour for all of life. AM I BEING THE CHANGE? Changing the self is how one can “be the change”. Always remember that this is your world; the things that happen here are directly affected by you. There are no ordinary moments; there are no trivial actions. Everything you do, everything you say or don’t say matters. Look at every action and reaction and ask yourself, “Am I being the change I want to see in the world?”. Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. That’s great, but how do you

“be the change”. Isn’t volunteering your time to build houses, visit the sick and dying, donating and raising funds to various charities enough? While volunteering and donating are some of the noblest experiences one can do, I’m speaking more of changing your world, rather than changing the world around you. I’m speaking of ways you can improve yourself. It seems to be part of the human spirit to desire to accomplish noble acts, to be the change, to inspire others to greatness. A fireman rushes into a burning building to rescue a mother and child. A soldier jumps between his comrade and a dangerous land mine. ThOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As you’re thought for the week “be the change for good you wish to see in your world” and keep trying to live it each and everyday for the betterment of our world. So, when you wake up and decide you want to change the world today, you need to put on the mind of God and the armour of God in order to

bring the goodness of God to the evil around us. Be the person who says no to everything that is not of God. No to the abuse of women, men and children. No to the rejection of the stranger, the homeless, the abandoned, the refugee. No to crimes against our homeless and our immigrants. No to the destruction of our planet and our climate. No to the pollution of the skies. No to the poisoning of the oceans. No to the despicable destruction of humankind for the sake of more wealth, more power, more control for a few. No to death in all its guises. No to Evil. But while saying no, also says Yes to equal rights for all. Yes to alleviating suffering. Yes to embracing the difference. Yes to who God made you. Yes to life. Yes to God. Yes to Goodness. And finally I have one piece of advice: Do something for the good of others and pray for others especially those in real need of peace, love and kindness always! I promise, it feels good!

lMahatma Gandhi

Beannachtaí Na Féile Bríde/I Mbolg Oraibh! Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

IA dhaoibh a Chairde! Tá súil agam that you are all ag súil le saoire bainc na Féile i mBolg/Féile Bríde. On this special day in Inis Oírr, where I grew up, the cailíní would, and still do, siúl ó theach go teach carrying a large babóg called a ‘’Brídeog’’ (the girls themselves are called ‘’na Brídeogaí’’) to represent Naomh Bríd and would collect airgead while entertaining na comharsain with a poem celebrating our National Matron Saint. Much like na buachaillí do on Láil’ Stiofáin or Lá an Dreoilín. Láil’ Bríde and Féile i mBolg have influenced ceilúradh theacht an Earraigh all over the world, including Groundhog Day sna Stáit Aontaithe. IARTHAR BHÉAL FEIRSTE LEADING THE WAY! The scannán from the triúr from Iarthar Bhéal Feirste, ‘’Kneecap’’, has made history by

becoming the first film i nGaeilge to win a gradam at the Sundance Film Festival i Meiriceá. This is another watershed moment for Irish and how we, and others, perceive our teanga. It’s time to wrap your arms around Gaeilge and welcome it into do chroí with a big hug. SIGN UP FOR TUESDAY EVENING IRISH CLASSES FOR ADULTS IN ENNIS! RANGANNA OÍCHE GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA CHUILE DÉ MÁIRT IN INIS! Spraoi le Gaeilge are running

Irish conversational classes in Clare Education Centre on the Kilrush Road on Tuesday evenings, with a tutor from Inis Oírr in The Aran Islands Gaeltacht! BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE, AND ADVANCED students.

For further information, please contact SPRAOI LE GAEILGE at spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com or call 085-1295594 Beidh míle fáilte romhat! You’ll be very welcome!

Gluais/Glossary:

Irish

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

English

Beannachtaí Na Féile Bríde oraibh! - Happy St. Brigid's Day to you Dia dhaoibh a Chairde! - Hi there friends! Tá súil agam – I hope ag súil le – looking forward to saoire bainc – bank holiday cailíní - girls siúl ó theach go teach – walk from house to house babóg – doll na comharsain – the neighbours ceilúradh theacht an Earraigh – celebrating the coming of spring sna Stáit Aontaithe – in The United States buachaillí – boys scannán – film triúr – three (people) Iarthar Bhéal Feirste – West Belfast gradam – award i Meiriceá – in America

Imeachtaí/Events:

lGroundhog Day

• SRÁID NA CATHRACH – Scéalta agus rannta do ghasúir 0-5 mbliana d’aois, sa Leabharlann, ón 10:30am go 11am, Dé Céadaoin, 31ú lá d’Eanáir. • Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM • Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Foynes strike deal with Rotterdam AN AGREEMENT has been signed between Shannon Foynes Port and the Port of Rotterdam with a view to developing a supply-chain corridor for exporting green fuels into Europe produced from the west of Ireland’s limitless wind resource. While West Clare elected representatives have been consistently vocal in calling for movement to ensure Moneypoint is ready to capitalise on the potential of offshore wind energy, it appears that once again Shannon Foynes Port is quicker to react to the breaking ball by striking a deal with the Port of Rotterdam. Market and trade development for vast volumes of green hydrogen and its derivatives produced at the planned international green energy hub on the Shannon Estuary are aspects that the agreement focuses on. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the ports

identifies significant and identified scale-up volumes of Green Hydrogen commencing with proof-ofconcept volumes by 2030. Europe’s overall green hydrogen strategy for 2030 is to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 for use in heavy industry and transport sectors that are traditionally reliant on coal, natural gas, and oil. The Port of Rotterdam intends to facilitate volumes of 40 million tonnes from across the world by 2050, a significant proportion of which can come from the Atlantic resource. Further opportunities will also be explored under the MOU, including building coalitions with interested and suitable commercial parties and adding other parties to the MOU to help achieve a joint supply chain process for delivering the first proof-of-concept volumes before 2030. The MOU also provides for en-

gaging relevant public stakeholders to support the initiative and sharing of information regarding the potential supply of green hydrogen and green hydrogen derivatives, such as green ammonia, green methanol as well as sharing best practice information on areas such as desalination, high voltage electricity, industrial clustering around the H2 molecule and green ship bunkering processes. The two ports will also potentially work together on market development in this new market and jointly finding final off-takers for supplies from Ireland. These would include maritime fuels sector, sustainable aviation fuels, green fertilizer and facilities with direct green hydrogen fuel requirements such as the steel industry. With an approximate 1,300 employees and revenue of €825m, the Port of Rotterdam generates over 500,000 jobs and provides an

added value of over €60bn for the Netherlands. René van der Plas, Director International at the Port of Rotterdam said, “The port of Rotterdam is already Europe’s leading energy hub and recognises the significance and opportunity for all European citizens and industries arising from the Green Transition. To that end, hydrogen is one of our priorities and we are working hard towards establishing infrastructure, facilities and partnerships that will help deliver on this”. He added, “This agreement with Shannon Foynes Port is one such partnership and can support our efforts to set up supply chain corridors for the import of Green Hydrogen into north-west Europe from countries elsewhere with high potential for green and low carbon hydrogen production. Shannon Foynes Port is an ideal partner in that respect”. Patrick Keating, CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company stated, “With the largest wind resource in Europe off our west coast, we have the opportunity to become Europe’s leading renewable energy generation hub. That will deliver transformational change for Ireland in terms of energy independence and

an unprecedented economic gain in the process. In delivering on this, too, we can make our biggest ever contribution to the European project as we become a very significant contributor to REPowerEU, Europe’s plan to end reliance on fossil fuels”. Keating continued, “We can produce an infinite supply of renewable energy here and there are already a number of routes to market emerging for that energy. One such route to market is the development of a supply chain into Europe. “This agreement with the Port of Rotterdam is a key step towards enabling that. “The port of Rotterdam already works on introducing the fuels and feedstocks of the future with major oil and gas companies and its broader port community of over 3,000 commercial companies. It can be a key supply chain corridor for exporting green fuels from the Shannon Estuary into Europe. This is very significant recognition and validation of the potential for hydrogen production generated in Ireland to be exported into Europe”. Brendan Rogers, Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands described the signing of the MOU as “a great day”.

lGREAT DAY: Pat Keating, Chief Executive, Shannon Foynes Port; Brendan Rogers, Irish Ambassador to the Netherlands and Mark Dijk, Manager External Affairs at the Port of Rotterdam

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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GREEN CLARE

CBS Ennis becomes first fully solar powered school in Ireland

AN ENNIS primary school has become the first fully solar powered school in Ireland, writes Páraic McMahon. CBS Ennis is Ireland’s first school to produce all its electricity using solar power. The school has managed to cut its energy bill by €10,000 through the installation of solar panels on its roof which has generated more green energy than the school used. Solar panels were installed on the roof of the school in October 2022, providing 40kw of energy. The school reported that in 2023, it generated 39.48mw (Megawatts) of electricity while using only 32.40mw. The excess energy was sold back to the national grid, earning revenue for the school. This energy created prevented

almost 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted, saving the equivalent of more than 2,000 tenyear-old trees or a seven-acre forest. Dara Glynn, principal of CBS Ennis said there was a strong aim to be a carbon neutral school when their new premises were completed in 2019. €67,000 was the cost of the entire project which was raised by the school community over the last number of years. Mr Glynn said the solar panels “will pay themselves off over the next six or seven years because it’s already saved us about €10,000 in electricity bills”. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) said, “It is amazing to see a school with over 650 students become completely powered by solar energy and save money in doing so. This shows

that switching to clean, green energy can be done and the Green Party is working to ensure every school in Ireland will follow in the footsteps of Ennis”. Inagh native Roisin continued, “Credit must be given to the Principal Dara Glynn for driving this and to all the school community for fundraising together to help make it happen. I know from speaking with Dara that the decision by this Government to remove the need for planning permission to erect the panels was motivating factor in their decision to do this. Children are demanding this type of action, as it is their future we must protect”. Founded in 1827, CBS Ennis is the longest CBS established primary school in Ennis and has a teaching staff of 32.

lSOLAR: Senator Roisin Garvey, Ádhamh Leydon, Emer O’Donnell, Ciara Dee, principal Dara Glynn with RTÉ’s Teresa Mannion

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Giveaway

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Have a look at some of the prizes you could win The Clare Echo would like to wish our readers a Happy New Year in the best possible way in conjunction with a number of our advertisers. To be in with your chance to win over €2500 worth of prizes read on for full details...

HOW TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN? Introducing The Clare Echo riddle. We will bring you a new clue each week, culminating with our fourth and final clue on February 1, 2024. Readers who guessed the correct answer in Week 1 received 10 entries and week 2 would have received 6 entries into our prize draw. The number of entries awarded for getting the correct answer this week will be 3. The number of entries that will be awarded for a correct answer are as follows. • Week 1 (until Jan 17 at 6pm): 10 entries • Week 2 (until Jan 24 at 6pm): 6 entries • Week 3 (until Jan 31 at 6pm): 3 entries • Week 4 (until Feb 6 at 6pm): 1 entry Contestants can enter each week and 10 entries is the most one person will be eligible for in total. To enter, email editor@clareecho.ie with the subject line Clare Echo Riddle. In the email, give us your answer, name, age, phone number and where you’re from.

YOUR WEEK 3 CLUE I’m not afraid of heights

Outdoor

egg chair

Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, V95 W63A

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Giveaway

WIN OVER €2500 of PRIZES 1 Night BB for 2 people 1 evening meal and tickets to Pat and Faye Shortt Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel.: +353 (0)64 663 6000 Email: info@gleneaglehotel.com www.gleneaglehotel.com

This Voucher entitles the bearer to: “Two course Lunch for 4 people with Tea or coffee” At Shannon Springs Hotel, Shannon, Co Clare. Served daily 12:30pm – 3pm Terms and Conditions apply

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Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Lifestyle & Comment

Changing a flat tyre on the roadside

CHANGING a flat tire on the side of the road is an essential skill that every driver should possess. A sudden blowout or puncture can happen at any time, and being prepared can save you time and ensure your safety. Here’s a step-bystep guide on how to change a tire safely:

FIND A SAFE LOCATION: As soon as you realize you have a flat tire,

safely pull over to the side of the road, away from traffic. Choose a flat and level surface to minimize the risk of the vehicle rolling.

TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS: Make your presence known to other drivers by turning on your hazard lights. This alerts them to your situation and ensures they give you enough space.

GATHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS: Locate your vehicle’s spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. These tools are usually found in the trunk or beneath the floorboard. LOOSEN LUG NUTS: Before raising the vehicle, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. This is easier to do while the tire is still on the ground.

USE THE JACK: Position the jack beneath the vehicle, following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Slowly raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground. REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE: Fully loosen and remove the lug nuts, then take off the flat tire. Be cautious as the tire may be heavy. INSTALL THE SPARE TIRE: Place the spare tire onto the wheel bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Later, you can use the lug wrench to tighten them further. LOWER THE VEHICLE: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack and remove it from beneath the car. TIGHTEN LUG NUTS: Use the lug wrench to securely tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure on the spare tire. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE: Before hitting the road, confirm that the spare tire is properly inflated. Adjust the pressure if needed.

lTyre change

Three cheers for Ennis CBS

Students of Ennis CBS shout on their team mates as Mary Immaculate Collage and and Dell Technologies Shine a Spotlight on STEM Talents at Dell VEX Midwest Regional Final, in DELL Campus Limerick

Photo by Brian Arthur

By following these steps, you can change a flat tire safely and efficiently. Regularly check the condition of your spare tire and keep your tools in good working order to be well-prepared for unexpected roadside challenges.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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This recipe is really quick, cheap, healthy and really tasty A great one to eat the winter greens

You will need

n 300g rigatoni n 4 tbsp olive oil n 2 slices crusty bread (stale if

possible), crusts removed and blitzed into breadcrumbs n 2 fat red chillies, deseeded and thinly sliced n 5 fat garlic cloves, thinly sliced n 8-10 anchovies, in oil, chopped n 200g cavolo nero, stalks removed, finely shredded n 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Method

1) Bring a large pan of

salted water to the boil and cook the pasta following pack instructions. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan and add the breadcrumbs. Toast until they are golden

Lifestyle & Comment

and crispy, then tip out onto a plate and set aside. Wipe the pan clean with kitchen paper. 2) Heat another 2 tbsp oil in the pan and add the chilli, garlic and anchovies. Sizzle for 1-2 mins but don’t let the garlic brown. Add a drizzle of the oil from the anchovies, stir and set the pan aside 3) When the pasta has 2 mins to go, add the cavolo nero. Remove a cup of cooking water before draining the pasta, then tip it into the frying pan and return to the heat. Add a splash of cooking water, the remaining 1 tbsp oil (along with another drizzle from the anchovies if the pasta looks dry) and the lemon zest and juice. Season well and cook for 1-2 mins, tossing everything together and adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Serve in bowls scattered with the pangrattato.

Top tdening

Adding some herbs to your kitchen garden

lPansies

WE ARE all longing to get out into the garden, especially if the days are nice and crisp. The garden will always welcome you, and there will always be something to do. I can hear you asking, “What?” For me, I start with a kind of checklist. Since spring is starting, check your tools. Do they need repair or sharpening? Some may need replacing if they are damaged. I find that you can be in the middle of a chore, and the tool is in disrepair, and you forgot to replace it. Now is the time to do it before you start. The lawnmower has had a

rest, so it’s time to service it and get that blade sharpened and ready for when the grass needs cutting. Now, in the garden, have a wander and see if there’s deadwood to be removed for shrubs. Do you need to prune and tidy up some perennials? It’s so nice to be out, going through the beds and borders to see what you have. Do you feel you are missing a shrub or a perennial? Could you possibly add some color to them this month? To give the beds and borders a fresh look, add mulch. Some love to use bark chips; it gives a lovely fresh look,

while others just add a layer of compost. If you have some pots not looking their best, the garden centre has a nice selection with a variety of bulbs, and some lovely primroses with viola and pansy will have your pots full of cheer and make the days seem even better. So enjoy the nice fresh, crisp days, and take time. As we go through February, you will be surprised at what the garden can offer you.

We are kicking off Spring early this Friday and Saturday with a sale not to be missed.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

‘Management is a daunting task for most’

WHEN I coach and train people who are new to the role of manager, I regularly hear the struggles that arise during the process of transitioning from ‘colleague to manager’. Most people get promoted because of their technical abilities and the next thing, they have people looking to them for direction. This for most, is a daunting task. My role as a leadership development consultant oftentimes is to help build the confidence of the new people-manager so that they can get a good foundation in place, providing effective training and support for people-managers effectively makes a massive difference to team morale, and to the culture within the organisation. Here are 10 tips for new managers: 1. Understand the shared goal that your team are working towards: Become familiar with the overriding goals and objectives that your team is working towards. To lead other people, you need to become strong at painting a picture and leading them towards success. 2. Get to know your team and find out what motivates them: Have one on one discussions, not just to check up on whether they’re doing the work, but to check-in with them and see how they are in general. Get to know your team through informal and formal chats and meetings.

3. Understand professional boundaries: While I do recommend getting to know your team, the ‘manager as best friend’ approach rarely is a good move. There need to be boundaries in place so that you have the freedom to set standards, and ask for what you need from each of your team members.

4. Remember that managing others is a two-way process: Most new managers forget to ask their team for feedback. This is as simple as saying, ‘How are you finding the pace at which we are working?’ or ‘What could we do more or less of as a team’. These types of open-ended questions encourage two-way discussion and lead to a more enriched working environment. 5. Know your triggers! What are your stressors, how do you come across when you are really under pressure? These are all great questions and if you don’t know the answers to these, you are working with some ‘blind spots’ which need to be addressed. 6. Be a role model: Remember that to get the best out of people you must demonstrate the desired behaviours you’re looking for in others. 7. Reward, recognition and feedback: Find out the ways in which your team likes

to be recognised. Some people like a public ‘thank you’ at a team meeting, while others prefer a private acknowledgement of the value they’re adding to the team, from your perspective. 8. Learn how to delegate effectively: When you’ve come from a position of knowing everything about your job, into a role where you are now expected to lead and manage others, you simply will not be able to do everything you once did. This is a huge struggle for new leaders, i.e. knowing what tasks to let go of and how to support others to complete these tasks successfully

are not there, then perhaps becoming comfortable at asking for what you need is next on the list! If you or any of your team are upskilling in the role of team leader or team manager, contact me directly to discuss how we can support your requirements, whether it be for a team of one or one hundred or more, we are here to support.

9. Know your HR policies and procedures: Legislatively, the employer is bound to provide support to staff in terms of holidays, sickness, maternity, paternity, force majeure leave etc. There are HR policies in every organisation (or there should be!) and as a manager of people, you will need to know how to apply these policies. 10. Know when to ask for support: Managing others is a specific skillset and as with all new skills, we need help in the initial stages when learning something new. You should have support from your own line manager, HR, learning & development and external training and development opportunities to build your skillset. If these supports

Why is your diet not working as well as you would like? DIET is a very controversial word. And has even more controversial emotional meanings. The first time I noticed that diet is associated with a restrictive connotation was at the very beginning of my practice as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a few years ago. Part of my usual coaching protocol is to assess the model of the world for the person who is looking to improve their health and well-being. A main part of the assessment is dedicated to eating habits and what foods do they have in their DIET. So one of my first clients answered this question, obviously very irritated, “I AM NOT ON A DIET”. WOW! Such a revelation for me. And

made me dig deeper into what is actually the history of the word DIET. I got very curious and I found a lot of interesting things that I am going to share with you here. DIET has its origins in the Greek word diaita and its original meaning was “way of living”. Seemingly, along the way, the word diet lost its original sense and became associated with food and drink intake during a limited period of time for medical or esthetical reasons. I would love to bring a ray of objective light when it comes to having a diet. We all have a diet. Whether we

like it or not, the foods we eat, and the drinks we drink are a part of our diet. Yes, you read that well. It’s not a misspelling. The foods and the drinks are A part of our diet. What we miss is that they are not the only ones that matter and dictate the way how we feel. Now that we put the word diet in a more accurate perspective, we can look at a few tips to transform our diet into a way of living for a healthy and happy life. • Foods and drinks are the foundation and the main rule that I suggest applying is to eat clean and organic where possible. Focus on eating foods that are closer to their natural form in nature and eliminate as much as possible refined and processed foods. • Exercise daily for 30 minutes. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an intense workout every day. It can be a simple stretching ses-

sion while watching your favourite Netflix series, getting out for a walk with a friend to get fresh air in your lungs while you have a much-needed catchup. • Start your day by setting an intention and connect with that intention throughout your day. That will set your brain for looking out for positive outcomes in your life. In neuroscience this is called the reticular activation system. It brings out of your subconscious small positive things that we usually forget about because they became the norm. • Watch your thoughts. Start questioning your thoughts because they usually are little lies that you were conditioned to believe by someone else. A simple question like: is this thought 100% true? Or is this my belief or something that I picked along the way because someone said it to me at some point?

• Spend time in nature at least once a week. Allow your mind and body to feel at home in nature. The exchange of positive and negative ions of energy will benefit you amazingly. • If you don’t have a community where you can feel that you are part of, make sure that you start looking for one. It can be anything like your group of friends, moms, active age groups, men shed groups, etc. Science proves that being part of a community plays a huge part in living longer. The biggest advantage of this type of diet, is that it doesn’t have a yo-yo effect! But has life-lasting results.

If you want to ditch as much as I do, the word DIET, please do reach out and I will help you to become converted to a healthy LIFESTYLE and fall in love with your wellbeing again.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Columnists

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) - What we need to know Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan discusses the little known, but serious condition affecting up to five per cent of pre-menopausal women IN LAST week’s article I mentioned a condition called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and this week I wanted to delve further into this disorder. A couple of women contacted me after they read my piece in the article and shared their own personal stories with me. I was well informed of PMDD as I researched the topic in the past, but unfortunately some women only received their diagnosis through self-diagnosing and consequently, a discussion with a healthcare professional. This disorder often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. There is a definite need for more emphasis and awareness around this

topic. According to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), PMDD is a cyclical, hormone-based disorder with symptoms arising during the luteal phase or the second half of the menstrual cycle and then subsiding within a few days of menstruation. PMDD affects 2% - 5% of premenopausal women and while this disorder is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, IAPMD states that this is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction that occurs in the brain to the natural rise and fall of oestrogen and progesterone.

“

The severe psychiatric and somatic symptoms of PMDD can be debilitating

”

lTREATMENT: The complex nature of PMDD means it is under-diagnosed

The severe psychiatric and somatic symptoms of PMDD can be debilitating and thus, places women at increased risk for other psychiatric disorders including major depression, generalised anxiety and for suicidal ideation. As I mentioned earlier, due to the complex nature of PMDD, as this does make it an underdiagnosed condition, there are clear diagnostic criteria for clinicians to ensure their patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. This condition can be challenging for primary healthcare providers to diagnose and treat, possibly due to the lack of screening methods and the unfamiliarity with evidence-based practices for diagnoses and it being so individualised and often time consuming, but with the high risk of psychiatric symptoms including suicidality, this makes timely diagnosis and treatment critical. 49 per cent of people prospectively diagnosed (e.g., diagnosed with two months of daily symptom ratings) have contemplated suicide in their lifetime, while 34 per cent have made a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. These figures are horrifying; I can only imagine how hard it must be to live with this disorder. This just highlights the impact that our hormones can have on our brains. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is categorised as a depressive in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the 5th edition, (DSM-5). DSM-5 is the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s professional reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions. The term premenstrual syndrome or PMS would be more widely known and recognised. PMS can be a collection of emotional and physical symptoms that women experience in the second half of their menstrual cycle. Women may experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of PMS. While PMS may interfere with a woman’s daily life, these symptoms are generally more easily managed and do not require prescription medication including antidepressants. PMS is not classified as a mental illness in the

lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan

DMS-5, while PMDD is. The goal of PMDD treatment is to relieve psychiatric and physical symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatments like anti-depressants or ovulation suppressants using oral contraceptives and hormones are used to relieve symptoms. Complementary therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exercise and reflexology can also help alleviate symptoms. In very severe cases, surgery like bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy may be considered, but this is the very last resort and is only utilised in women with severe PMDD that do not respond to pharmacological treatments. This surgery will then lead to premature menopause and that in turn has its own complications and unwanted symptoms. PMDD treatment differs for each patient and the severity of symptoms, treatments preference, age and conception plans all need to be considered in this cohort of women. More research is required around this topic, but there also needs to be awareness and information freely available. Patients should be educated on PMDD, like highlighting the importance of keeping a record diary of the symptoms and when they occur. All this information will speed up confirmation of the diagnosis and evaluation of individual response to a specific treatment. Patients should be encouraged to follow up with a healthcare professional to monitor treatments and the need for any required adjustments. If you are experiencing any symptoms in the second half of your cycle, so severe that you have contemplated suicide, then you need to seek some help from your clinician. This is another topic that I have a special interest in, and I find this resource amazing: https://iapmd.org There is ample amount of evidence-based information, educational videos and symptom trackers. I recently became a member and I personally think that they are doing amazing work raising awareness of PMDD.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Recruitment

REGISTER OF ELECTORS It is now your responsibility to ensure that you are registered to vote. The referendums on the proposals contained in the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (The Family) Bill 2023 and the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution (Care) Bill 2023 will be held on Friday 8th March 2024. To vote in the Referendum you must be: •

An Irish Citizen.

•

At least 18 years of age on or before Friday, 8th March 2024.

•

Ordinarily resident at the address at which you wish to be registered.

•

Your name must be on the Register of Electors.

If your name is not on the register of electors, you can submit an application on or before Tuesday 20 February 2024. How to submit an application:

11 a.m. Sunday 17th March 2024 Ennis Municipal District invites individuals, groups, clubs and societies from across Clare to participate in the 2024 Ennis St. Patrick’s Day parade. We would love for our regular participants to showcase their talents again this year and would really encourage new groups and individuals to submit an entry and get in on the fun. We are looking for vibrancy and would strongly encourage floats that are artistic and interactive, hence the prize for ‘best visual spectacle’ this year has been increased to €500. The 2024 theme is ‘Remembering the Past – Embracing the Future’ with prizes to be won under the following categories; •

best visual spectacle (€500)

•

On-line on www.checktheregister.ie

•

most environmentally aware entrant (€250)

•

Hard copy forms (ERF1) are available to download at: Register of Electors | Council | Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)

•

best musical entrant (€250)

•

best interpretation of theme (€250)

•

Email register@clarecoco.ie to request a form

Postal and Special Voters If you are eligible to vote by post, or are unable to vote in person due to an illness or disability and resident in a hospital, nursing home or similar institution, and you are not on the Postal Voters List or Special voters list, you can apply for inclusion on those lists. Email register@clarecoco.ie to enquire about your eligibility and request a form. Forms can also be downloaded at: Register of Electors | Council | Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)

The Mayor of Ennis, Cllr. Pat Daly commented “There is great community spirit in Ennis, I would urge all clubs and societies to get involved, embrace this year’s theme and contribute to a successful St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ennis”. The application form is available at www.clarecoco.ie/services/municipal-districts/ ennismd/news or a hard copy can be requested by contacting ennisparades@clarecoco.ie. All application forms must be completed and returned on or before Friday 23rd February, 2024 to:

Completed applications must be received on or before Monday, 12th February 2024 by either email to register@clarecoco.ie or by post to Clare County Council, Franchise Section, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

The St. Patrick’s Day 2024 Organising Committee, Municipal District of Ennis, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

For any enquires please email register@clarecoco.ie or phone (065) 6821616.

Or you can send it by email to ennisparades@clarecoco.ie.

Clare Older People’s Volunteer of the Year Award 2024

WANTED

The search is on again to recognise those who give their time, energy and skills to help others in the local community For a nomination form please email: agefriendlyclare@clarecoco.ie or visit www. clarecoco.ie/services/community/age-friendlyprogramme/age-friendly-county/ or telephone (065) 6846240 Nomination forms must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 1st March 2024.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout County Clare. Clare Tourism are now seeking to hire the following experienced professionals with the appropriate skills.

JOB OPENINGS – CLARE TOURISM • Commercial Manager • Project Manager • Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager • Duty Operations Supervisors

• Group Reservations and Revenue Manager • Group Training Officer • Assistant Reservations Manager • Finance Assistant

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying, or want to know more about the individual position, contact careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie. Closing date for applications Friday, 23rd of February 2024 at 5pm.

https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/community/age-friendlyprogramme Clareopc

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Sport

Banner Ladies toast successful year

l Banner Ladies Seniors, Aoibhin Ryan Helen Hehir and Shannon O'Donovan

l The Banner Ladies victory social took place in Woodstock Hotel on Friday with medals presented to the 2021 U16A Shield and Minor A Shield winners; the 2018, 2021, and 2022 Senior League winners and the 2020, 2021, 2022 Senior Championship winners. Pictured (above) are Banner Ladies Seniors Caoimhe Ryan, Louise Woods, Grainne Nolan and Caoimhe Cahill

l (clockwise from bottom right) Ita and daughter Roisin Mahony; Banner Ladies U14s Muirne Mescall, Martha Walsh, Aoife O'Loughlan and Cara Hegarty; Banner Ladies U14s Aoife Dunne, Abbey Brigdale, Eva O'Grady and Jorja Deegan Hurlihy; Kate Dowling and Georgia Whyte; Louise Henchy and Sinead O'Keeffe; and Laoise Ryan, Clare Hehir and Niamh O'Dea

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

St. Flannan’s College ‘One eye on the past and the other on the future’

Harty Champions Reunion

Harty champs celebrate 25 years ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE’s three-in-a-row Harty Cup winning side held a reunion at the Ennis secondary school on Saturday evening. Former Clare FM commentator Matthew McMahon was MC on the evening as a swarm of ex inter-county hurlers gathered to toast the success of St Flannan’s College in winning the Harty Cup in 1998, 1999 and 2000. For the record, St Flannan’s College defeated Limerick CBS 0-12 0-5 in the 1998 decider, they overcame St Finbarr’s College 1-14 1-8 in the 1999 final and then Our Lady’s Secondary School in the 2000 final on a score of

3-14 3-8. In 1998 and 1999, St Flannan’s College went on to win the Dr Croke Cup overcoming St Raphael’s College and St Kieran’s College. A special presentation was made to former Deputy Principal,

John Minogue who was involved with the teams along with Michael McInerney. Minogue manager of the first Clare team to win the All-Ireland U21 hurling championship in 2009 received a standing ovation.

l REELING IN THE YEARS: Former St Flannan's pupils gathered at their former secondary school to join in celebration at the reunion of the St Flannan's Harty Cup winning teams from 1998, 1999 and 2000. Pictured (clockwise from above) is: Benny Dunne, Diarmuid McMahon and Gerry Quinn; Brian Geary interviewed by MC Matthew McMahon; John Culkin, Cathal O Reily and Robert Conlon; players take a trip down memory lane; Ronan Hickey, Sean Hawes and Thomas MacConmara; Declan Walsh with Jonathan Colssey; Shane Mullane, Garry Farmer, Milan Graney and Brian Geary reminiscing; and Andrew Quinn with James McInerney Photos by John Mangan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Sport

“More than just a game” Phone: 086821 9624 Email: cllrgarrihy@gmail.com

Lohan finalises Clare panel ahead of National Hurling League start by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s senior hurling panel has been finalised ahead of the Allianz National Hurling League. Ten players have been dropped and 10 retained from the training panel which was introduced in November when Brian Lohan’s charges commenced preparations for 2024. Full-back in the 2023 Munster final, Cian Nolan informed management prior to this that he would be exiting the panel. His appearance in the provincial final was the first time in the championship that he was given a starting berth. The Killaloe man is to spend time travelling. Aaron Fitzgerald has also opted to leave the hurling panel. The Éire Óg defender joined the senior panel in December 2020 in favour of the Clare senior football squad. He made his senior championship bow for the hurlers in 2021 when coming on as a substitute for John Conlon in the 65th minute of Clare’s three-point win over Wexford, then managed by Davy Fitzgerald. He received his first start in May 2022 for a 12 point win over the Déise. The Ennis man informed management of his decision to step away following the conclusion of the club championship. Clonlara’s representation on the senior panel is up by three with Lohan opting to keep Páraic O’Loughlin, Colm O’Meara and Dylan McMahon on the squad. McMahon and O’Meara played in both Munster hurling league games. The trio shone as Clonlara won the Clare SHC for the first time since 2008 last year, O’Loughlin at wing-back, McMahon at centre back and O’Meara in the wing-forward role. Conn Smyth’s presence on the panel is now a permanent one. The Feakle man played 50 minutes of the January 10 game against Limerick and was introduced as a halftime substitute four days later versus Cork. He was the only player able to keep John Conlon scoreless in last year’s club campaign, a fact that was not lost on the senior management. For the second time, Ross Hayes

has been returned to the county panel during Lohan’s tenure. He was dropped prior to the 2020 championship but rejoined the panel in March 2021. He was a member of the county minor side managed by Sean Doyle that lost out in the 2017 provincial final and also played U20 for the county. He was centre-back and one of the pivotal influences on the Crusheen side which contested last year’s county final. Daithí Lohan joins his brother Darragh on the senior hurling panel and keeps the representation of intermediate dual-club Wolfe Tones to four. He was brought on as a substitute at corner back for Mary Immaculate College in their impressive Fitzgibbon Cup win over University College Cork. Lohan was one of the most consistent players for Terence Fahy’s Clare U20s in reaching last year’s Munster final. Ogonnelloe’s Gearoid Sheedy was also part of the U20 side last season and now becomes a senior panellist. He started at wing-forward when Clare lost out to Cork a fortnight ago and was introduced at half-time for the Limerick game. Sheedy also featured in a recent challenge game against Tipperary held in Nenagh. Newmarket-on-Fergus have a representative on the Clare senior hurling panel for the first time since 2020 after Éanna Crimmins made the cut. He played the second half in Clare’s recent tie with Cork before also getting game time in the challenge game against Tipperary. The pacy attacker scored 5-2 for the Blues in last year’s senior championship. Harty Cup winner Killian O’Connor has also cemented his place on the squad. O’Connor was part of the 2023 U20 panel but had to settle for only three minutes of championship action. He lined out in several positions for Corofin on their way to winning promotion to the senior ranks last season. St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s numbers on the senior panel have doubled. Cian Barron has been kept on to join Davy Conroy in keeping the Parish’s flag flying. He scored 0-2 in the Munster league match

away to Cork and is the holder of two intermediate championships. Had he not made the hurling panel, it is likely Barron could be fielding a call from Mark Fitzgerald given how well he fared for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in the Clare SFC last season. Physicality has been an area Lohan and his management have put strong emphasis on and it remains the case. Some of the players let go were informed that they would need to be stronger physically in order to cut it in the heat of Munster championship at inter-county level. Oran Cahill is the only member of the panel in 2023 to have been dropped by management. The Éire Óg defender operated mainly as a sweeper for the Clare U20s last year and impressed in this capacity along with producing consistent performances for his club. Injuries have disrupted the level of impression he could make when it came to senior trainings over the past two years. The Ennis man’s time away from county panels may be short as senior football manager Mark Fitzgerald may be tempted to recruit Oran. Inagh/Kilnamona’s Conner Hegarty will be sidelined for six months due to a shoulder injury. The exClare minor and U20 hurler had been added back to the fold as part of the extended training panel but this blow has ruled the UL student out of the equation and prompted management to let him go from the panel to focus on his recovery. For the second time in the space of seven months, Crusheen’s Oisin O’Donnell has been dropped from the county panel. O’Donnell was one of four members let go from the Clare panel in the aftermath of last year’s Munster final. The setback saw him respond with a fine club campaign which included scoring 1-4 in the county final. However his return to the Clare panel has proved to be a brief one, he didn’t feature in either of the county’s outings in the Munster senior hurling league. O’Donnell’s clubmate Tadhg Dean is also making way. He started at corner back in Clare’s Munster hurling league clash with Cork

l Killian O’Connor is among the new additions kept on the Clare panel

where three points separated the sides at the final whistle. He was substituted at half-time in this clash. Midfield on the Clonlara side crowned Clare SHC champions in October, Aidan Moriarty was the only addition from Donal Madden’s side not to be kept on heading into the league. It is his second time getting let go from the county senior panel. He partnered Cathal Malone at midfield in the opening half of the Munster league tie with Cork. Having been part of the Clare squad in 2019, Rian Considine’s return has proved to be short-lived. The Cratloe forward did not line out in either of Clare’s Munster league ties. Always one of the consistent goal-scorers in the club campaign, he won a Harty Cup medal with Ard Scoil Ris in 2018. Management’s decision to keep the same goalkeeping trio of Eibhear Quilligan, Eamonn Foudy and Cian Broderick means Scariff ’s William Kavanagh misses out on a place on the panel. Kavanagh’s clubmate Keelan Hartigan has also been cut from the squad. He is part of the UL Fitzgibbon Cup squad and featured in their win over TUS on Wednesday last. He was midfield for Terence Fahy’s

Photo by Mark Hayes

Clare U20s in 2023. He was introduced as a substitute in Clare’s two Munster hurling league outings, getting 22 minutes against Limerick and 12 minutes versus Cork, scoring 0-1 in the Limerick game. Corofin’s Diarmuid Cahill who recently sustained a broken hand in training has also been omitted from the National League panel, the injury also kept him out of Jamie Wall’s plans for Mary Immaculate College’s clash with UCC in the Fitzgibbon Cup. Cahill scored 0-1 in the opening half of Clare’s five point Munster League loss to Limerick prior to his half-time substitution. He was a key figure in Corofin’s intermediate success and had represented Clare at both minor and U20 grades. Former Clare minor and U21 player, Feakle’s Steven Conway bows out of the county panel, having fetured in Clare's loss to Limerick. Corner back David Tuohy also exits the squad. He was brought on for Paul Flanagan with fifty seven minutes for the Limerick game and started the Cork game at corner back where he had the job of marshalling Robbie Cotter. The Clarecastle defender held a corner back spot for TUS Midwest in last year’s Fitzgibbon Cup.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Regular game time the national league target for Ruan's Mounsey by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AS THE Clare senior hurlers fave into a new season there are a number of players seeking to claim regular places in the panel and one of these in Ruan’s Robin Mounsey. Now in his third year in the senior squad having come through the minor and under 20 teams, serving a number of seasons with each, he is determined to feature on the senior side on a regular basis this year. Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of this weekend’s opening round in the Allianz National Hurling League, the TUS student detailed that injuries to key men have opened the door for others to try impress. “A lot of lads were called up to the panel this year and many have put their hands up. Because Brian (Lohan) gave so many a chance in the recent Munster league, there are more options now. With players like Tony (Kelly) and Ryan (Taylor) on the injured list at

present, there will be opportunities for players to impress. Hopefully I can remain injury free and get more game time in the league”. Robin believes that his hurling has been helped by the fact that he has played most of his underage hurling at A grade as the amalgamation of Ruan and their neighbours Corofin has made that possible. He captained the combination to minor championship success and he was part of the Corofin/Ruan team which won the under 21 A title two years ago, defeating Newmarket-on-Fergus in the 2021 decider. Mounsey felt their outings in the Munster senior hurling league against Limerick and Cork were valuable as they provided the opportunity for a lot of players to get game time. “We also had a challenge game against Tipperary when conditions weren’t good but everyone got a run out”. At club level, Robin plays his football with Corofin and his hurl-

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

ing with Ruan, when it came to last year’s intermediate semi-final, Ruan exited at the hands of Corofin. “We didn’t give our best showing against

Corofin. Look they were worthy champions and they went on to contest the Munster final,” Robin reflected.

For Sunday’s opening round against Cork, he expects a tough test but is hopeful of a strong Banner support in Cusack Park. “Cork are always good. They played a strong team in the Munster league which shows that they are determined to win and we will be the same. We will have five games against top class opposition in the league which will bring the team on in leaps and bounds. Clare hurling has a great following and I expect there will be a big crowd on Sunday. Hopefully we can get a bounce from the team’s performances last season. After Sunday we face two tough away trips before we are at home again”. Robin acknowledges that “Limerick have been the team for the past couple of years. They were looking well in the Munster league, they were moving well. I suppose we beat them on the wrong day last year”. For now the Ruan clubman’s aim is “to stay injury free and to get my name into contention for regular game time this season”.

Ten traditions that have vanished from the National Hurling League by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

AHEAD of Clare’s opening outing in the Allianz National Hurling League, Eoin Brennan heads into his time machine to look at what has disappeared from the tournament. Clare last won the Allianz National Hurling League in 2016, having previously claimed the title in 1963, 1977 and 1978. The NHL was founded in 1925, almost 100 years on what has vanished from the league. 1. Crepe Paper Hats: Probably the most ill-advised match accessory in the GAA’s history as while the colours were bright, the material itself namely paper may have been ideal for a National League Final in Thailand but certainly not equipped for the frequent bouts of rain in Thurles as along with the hat disintegrating, the colour dye ran down supporters faces. 2. A.N. Other: a programme staple as managers pondered over invariably a late corner-forward replacement or a Shane O’Donnell-like bolter akin to 2013. 3. Christmas Break: The National Hurling

League used to start in the autumn and finish the following summer. For example, only five weeks after their breakthrough All-Ireland Senior title in 1995, the Clare hurlers traveled to Austin Stack Park in Tralee to face Kerry, with the final not taking place for a further seven months. 4. Knee bandages: All the rage in the 70’s, 80’s and in a more modern multicoloured guise in the 90’s, the Millennium Bug seemed to turn the necessity of a knee bandage into a cruciate epidemic. 5. Packed dressing rooms: Everyone from reporters to supporters could be seen mixing with players before and after matches, often over a cigarette. Sometimes there wasn’t even room for players. 6. Characters: While media training has been hugely beneficial for players over the past decade, constant references to the ‘process’, ‘taking it game-by-game’ and ‘not looking beyond next Sunday’ don’t exactly instill passion in supporters like frank and open interviews used to. 7. Micro Glove: A step further than the distinctive Micro helmet was the Micro Glove that was designed to protect a forward’s

catching hand from a no-nonsense defender’s robust aerial challenges. The only flaw was that they were so rare that it would actually alert defenders of who the chief marksman or targetman was in a team which ironically led to increased attention and invariably a rigorous test of how durable the glove actually was. 8. Pulling on the ground: John Fenton’s famous wonder goal from 1987 will never be repeated, not just because the Midleton maestro struck instinctively from 35 metres to the far top corner of Limerick’s net but simply due to the fact that if a player tried that now, they would be substituted almost immediately. Possession is now nine/tenths of the law so pulling on the ball or even the famous clash of the ash are practically extinct. 9. Skinny Tracksuit Pants: In the 70’s and 80’s, it used to be those shiny tight shorts but about a decade ago, the trend of skinny tracksuit pants became a prerequisite which was fine for inter-county players but certainly wasn’t suited to a lot of managers, social club players and physios. You could actually count the change in their pockets such was

the level of stress the stitching was under so it’s best to remember that skinny pants cannot make you skinny.

10. Hurley breaks: When’s the last time you saw a hurley broken in a match? It’s rare at club level but almost ‘once in a blue moon’ at inter-county which in itself is a myth as it turns out that blue moons occur every two to three years. Granted, the advancement of hurley making and price to boot has rather nullified the shattering of ash but there’s no doubt that it was a spectacular part of the game.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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Clare defeat 13-man Sligo in football opener ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 Clare 0-09 Sligo 1-05 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

CLARE SLIGO Frees for: 20 (10/10) Frees for: 18 (8/10) Wides: 9 (4/5) Wides: 3 (2/1) Scores from play: 0-4 Scores from play: 1-3 Spread of scorers: Spread of scorers: Four Five Top scorer: Emmet Top scorer: Sean McMahon (0-5 4f) Carrabine (1-1 1f) Bookings: Emmet Bookings: Luke Towey McMahon (57), Dermot (24 & Red, 40), Jack Coughlan (59) Lavin (29), Cian Lally Black Card: Aaron (37), Paul Kilcoyne (46 Griffin (35), & 63) Own kickouts won: 8/9 Own kickouts won: 11 (89%) from 18 (61%) REFEREE: Conor Lane (Cork)

l Dermot Coughlan and Ciaran Downes battle to win possession for Clare

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PLAYER WATCH RONAN LANIGAN (FULL-BACK) Minutes played: All Possessions: 13 (5/8) Passes: 12 (4/8) Long Pass: 1 (0/1) Short Pass: 11 (4/7) Hand Pass: 11 (4/7) Foot Pass: 1 (0/1) Tackles: 8 (4/4) Turnovers for: 3

(2/1) Turnovers against: 0 Frees for: 1 (1/0) Frees against: 1 (0/1)

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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New Clare manager Fitzgerald heaps praise on footballers CLARE senior football manager, Mark Fitzgerald has heralded the attitude and application shown by his panel of players since they commenced preparations in November. Fitzgerald’s National Football League campaign began with a one point win at home to Sligo in what is expected to be one of the trickier assignments in Division 3. For the majority of the second half, Clare played with an extra man’s advantage after Luke Towey’s sending off on forty minutes, the numerical difference became greater when Sligo were reduced to thirteen men with Paul Kilcoyne picking up a second yellow card on fifty eight minutes. How Clare used the advantage is something that needs work, the manager acknowledged. “Our game management was not where it should be but first day out with a lot of new bodies you’d be happy enough going away”. Had Clare failed to collect a win given that by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

they had two extra men and missed a penalty through Mark McInerney there would be have been plenty of criticism levelled in their direction. “Missing a penalty and the man advantage, we missed another goal chance and kicked four bad wides on the bounce so from that point of view we would have been disappointed if we didn’t win. A lot of the lads stood up at the end and we started to get good turnovers and we brought a bit of energy from that, for the first day out that is what you want”. He was hopeful the opening round would stand to the Clare players as they begin their 2024 run, “The one thing you can’t give guys is experience, that game will stand to a few more of them, we got a few more on and would have liked to get a few more on but it became a bit chaotic at the end, had you a three or four point lead going in you could have worked on a few more things”. “Those lads to a man have been brilliant since I’ve got here, we have three or four to get on board, they will be in good shape, we’ve to dust ourselves down and get ready for West-

l Mark Fitzgerald

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

meath which won’t be easy,” the Tralee native added. This character shown by Clare allowed them to bounce back from a shaky opening quarter where Sligo dominated on the possession stakes but also the beginning of the second half when they lost Aaron Griffin to a black card and conceded a very soft goal to Sean Carrabine. “Not alone the black card but we had possession running through and we turned it over, it ricocheted for a penalty so from that point of view it was a game that had

everything but it was good value if you paid in for it anyway”. When putting his name in the ring to succeed Colm Collins, the ex Limerick manager was aware there would be transition but not to the extent that has transpired, he admitted. “Not as many, I knew it would be in double digits, you like a challenge, life is boring if you don’t take a risk or a challenge on, we’ve a couple of lads to come back too, we’ve good lads”.

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Killaloe's McMahon leads Ard Scoil into battle for Harty Cup final by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CUSACK PARK hosts the Dr Harty Cup final on Saturday at 1pm with plenty of Clare involvement in the Ard Scoil Rís ranks. Sean McMahon of Smith O’Briens is joint captain of the side at full-back. For their semi-final win over Thurles CBS, a total of ten Clare players lined out including McMahon, Cratloe quartet Marc O’Brien, Jamie Moylan and Rian McNamara, Clonlara trio Michael Collins, Diarmuid Stritch and Eoin Begley plus Sixmilebridge duo Matthew O’Halloran and Daniel Chaplin. Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Sean Arthur and Cratloe’s Daire Neville are among those pushing for gametime with Sixmilebridge’s Jack Lee, Niall Liddane, Don Whitty and Paddy O’Reilly part of the panel along with Cathal Lohan of Cratloe Former Clare senior hurling coach Liam Cronin is manager of the Ard Scoil side, he will also coach the Éire Óg senior hurlers this season. Clare hurler Paul Flanagan and Clooney/Quin’s Derek Larkin form part of the management. Speaking to The Clare

l Fintan Fitzgerald & Sean McMahon of Ard Scoil Rís

Echo, joint captain McMahon noted the quality within their panel as a key strength. “There’s lads on our bench with All-Ireland minor medals so there is huge competition for places, training is intense every day with everyone hunting and fighting for a place, it’s a great squad to be a part of and there is a huge bond, we’ve been friends for six years”. “There is a good environment around the training camp, we want everyone going at 100 percent so if you

make a mistake you can recover. There’s lads going for each other in training and there is good intensity”. He continued, “We’ve a quality team and quality players but the determination and hard work that has been put in, the unseen things and unselfish work of working off each other is what we pride ourselves on, that is our main factor”. It is a busy week for McMahon who starts his mock Leaving Certificate examinations on Thursday, “I’ll have

to put the head down but I’m looking forward to Saturday,” the eighteen year old admitted. No special dispensation has been handed out for exams on Thursday and Friday, he quipped, “Not from the teachers but from ourselves maybe, Saturday is the main focus, it’s a distraction to keep our mind off Saturday”. Having been captain of the side at Dean Ryan level, Sean was “delighted” to be tasked with the role once again. “I like to do what I do and get everyone involved in communicating on the field,” the defender said. Looking back on their closely fought semi-final win over Thurles CBS, Sean reflected, “We had a super start, a super first half and Thurles CBS who are a brilliant team, they came back into it and got the lead, we were lucky enough that Marc O’Brien hit three super frees to win the game for us, we were delighted to get over the line but it could have went either way”. Ard Scoil are chasing their sixth Harty Cup title. “It would be known in the last few years to be achieving highly but hurling is a sidepart because there’s rugby and hockey, there’s high stan-

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WINNING START FOR CLARE INT' CAMOGIE SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Jennifer Daly scored 0-2

dards and expectations for us but we like to hold ourselves to those standards,” Sean said. Well-wishes have extended as far as Killaloe for Sean in advance of Saturday. “When I went in back in first year there was a bit of a shock as the first Killaloe man to come into Ard Scoil but there’s a nice buzz around the village and everyone is wishing me the best of luck, that is what you do it for, the friends and family”. Getting to play the final in Cusack Park is a welcome surprise for McMahon, “I’m

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

delighted it’s on in Cusack Park, I love The Park and all the Clare lads are delighted, it’s a beautiful field and a nice atmosphere there, Ennis is always good for a bit of a buzz”. For interviews with Ard Scoil Ris manager Liam Cronin and Nenagh CBS manager Donach O’Donnell become a Clare Echo subscriber at clareecho.ie/subscribe.

Strong showing from Ennis U16s

by Dearbhla Parry

SENIOR WOMEN’S MARK ANDREW’S COMP: ENNIS RFC 7 – 17 TRALEE RFC The Ennis Senior Women’s team lost in their opening game of the ten aside competition. Ennis/Kilrush took control of the opening phase of the match keeping the ball in the Tralee half. They took advantage of a good field position in the opposition’s 22. The girls managed a number of hard carries from the pack towards the goal line for vice-captain Karen O’Sullivan to carry over the line for the game’s opening score, with a conversion by captain Michaela Glynn. Tralee responded with their own opening score before Ennis/Kilrush scored in the corner due to a penalty, without a conversion, bringing the score to 7 – 5. Ennis/Kilrush were forced to play a field position game due to the harsh weather, with a few notable carries from number eight Aoibhe-

ann Hahessy, and back play limited to the centres. Tralee were the stronger team in the second half. Ennis/Kilrush suffered several injury replacements, allowing Tralee to keep the ball in away team’s half. A number of carries into the Ennis/Kilrush 22 drew in the defensive line and Tralee worked a nice move to their wing who touched down in the corner, with a conversion. Tralee worked many forward carries toward the line and touchied down in the corner for a try, without a conversion, making the score 7 - 17. The Ennis/Kilrush women played well, however were brought down from further injuries and an overall lack of cohesion characteristic of their performance on the day. Ennis: Orna Moynihan, Megan O’Connor, Ailish Dunne, Micaela Glynn, Ciara Moynihan, Particia Coote, Caoimhe Flynn, Emily Anglim, Meadbh O’Driscoll, Ciara Coughlan, Laura Cooney, Karen O’Sullivan, Emily Fanning, Amy Flavin, Aoibheann Hahessy, Aoife Killeen, and Aishling Browne.

The Clare women are now preparing for the Open Cup

l The Ennis RFC U16 boys defeated Waterpark

Final against Limerick side Shannon RFC on the 11th of February. U16 BOYS PAN MUNSTER COMPETITION: ENNIS RFC 31 - 5 WATERPARK Ennis showed a strong performance against Waterpark to win 31-5. The U16 boys played well in the first half of the game by holding onto possession of the ball for long periods of time while Darragh Fahy put Ennis ahead after twen-

ty minutes of play. Ennis dominated the second half with further tries from Rory Keogh, Harry O’Donoghue, Malachy O’Halloran, and Cillian Thornton with three conversions made by Cona McAllister to gain the final score of 31-5. U15 BOYS LEAGUE: ENNIS RFC 7 – 13 THOMAND/RICHMOND Ennis were narrowly defeated 7 – 13 during their

away game with Thomand/ Richmond. An opening try in the first ten minutes of the game left Thomand/Richmond five nil ahead at half time. At the start of the second half, captain Ciaran Sheehan achieved a huge pick-and-go converted by Tadgh Bane, leaving Ennis leading with 7 – 5. This lead was short-lived, however, as a rushed kick clearance led to a scrum six metres out. Thomand/Richmond’s number eight player dove over, but the conversion was superbly blocked by Bane, making the score 7 – 10. A penalty led to the final score of 7 – 13. U14 BOYS PAN MUNSTER LEAGUE: ENNIS RFC 19 – 7 RUGBAÍ CORCA DHUIBHNE RFC Ennis’ U14 team made a great winning start to the Pan Munster Cup with a hard earned 19 – 7 victory against the Dingle team. Ennis struggled at the beginning of the match, despite a neat finish from

Thomas Connolly. Captain Jake O’Donoghue added a second try just before half time, making the score 12 – 7 before the end of the first half. Steven O’Neill sealed the victory with a fine solo effort and managed to convert two tries. Ennis: Dan Holly, Cillian Dinan, Cormac Dinan, Christopher Rynne, Shaun Woods, Conor Quinn, Luke O’Connor, Colm Griffin, Reece Yeung, Ronan Donlan, Seán Peoples, Josh O’Halloran, Joshua Flynn, Reece Corbett, Thomas Connolly, Steven O’Neill, Jake O’Donoghue, Alan English, Oisín Egan, Eoin Keane, Ronan O’Leary, Sam Kelly, and Donal Garvey.

U12 BLITZ Both the Ennis red and black teams played Young Munster RFC, St. Mary’s RFC, and Ballina/Killaloe RFC in an away Blitz in St. Mary’s. Both teams played exceptionally well with a mix of individual and team tries. ADDITIONAL RESULTS: U18 Boys: Ennis v Sundays Well – 32-10

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Where are the Irish gone? by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH What an epic finish to last weekends ladies LPGA Drive On Championship event where Nelly Korda rallied to a strong finish to level with Lydia Ko on -11 under par. Nelly went through a horrendous run with a bogie on the 14th, double bogie on the 15th followed by another bogie on the 16th. Then ahead of her Lydia eagled the 17th hole to go three ahead of Nelly. It looked all but over until Nelly also managed to eagle the 17th and followed that eagle with a birdie on the 18th final hole, hitting her second shot to a foot to force an unlikely playoff. Korda won that Playoff on the second playoff hole with a 3-foot par putt on the par-4 18th after Ko’s 4-footer caught the lip and spun out. The 25yr old Korda lead wire to wire for the first time in her career en route to her ninth LPGA Tour victory and first since the 2022 Pelican Women’s Championship. Lydia Ko had won the season-opening Tournament of Champions a week earlier at home in Orlando for her 20th

tour victory to move within a point of qualifying for the Hall of Fame. However Nelly has delayed the New Zealanders Hall of Fame entry for a while longer. No Irish in this week's DP World Tour Event: It is the first event I can ever recall where we have no Irish golfer representing us at this weeks Bahrain Championship. Tom Mc Kibbin's decision to take the week off after a run of events means there is no Irish representative now in Bahrain. This is the knock on effect when none of the six players in tour school last season secured a tour card in the final stages of tour school. Two decades ago we would have had ten players in the field for Dubai events however now we can't manage one player. What has gone wrong? There has definitely been

a decline in Irish players breaking through on the new DP World Tour as of late. You could argue now it is no longer a European Tour but a World Tour and is it now just harder to make the break through with so many worldwide players now playing on the new DP World Tour. Amateur events in Ireland focus a lot on links golf predominantly and I've noticed a lot of the players making it through then seem to struggle to make it as a golf professional because the events are mainly parkland courses. I myself have been a parkland golfers all my life so I always struggled on links courses and majoy amateur events, until I discovered the secret to playing links. Been a long hitter Parkland courses suit my style of play but on a links course hitting it long often finds you trouble. Having played a lot of top amateur golfers in my youth I recall some of the top amateurs shooting insanely low scores on links courses and a lot of those top ranked players were shorter hitters off the tee. But on a links course you can get a lot of run on the ball meaning even shorter hitters could hit long drives on the links. However when these players tried to

make it on tour they just were not long enough hitters for the parkland courses they play predominantly on tour. If you look at the modern golf game the majority of golfers nowadays hit the ball ridiculous distances and the stats show the closer you get to the hole the lower scores you'll shoot. The modern player has a better chance of getting a birdie from inside 120 yards from the rough than a player hitting from 150 yards from the fairway. Knowing these stats most if not all of top players hit the gym and focused solely on hitting the ball further. BrysonDeChambeau, Padraig Harrington, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Paul Dunne, Rory McILroy to name a few have all focused on increasing their clubhead speeds with the driver. You do have to wonder is the lack of links golf on the top PGA Tours, resulting in some of our top amateurs making the break through when they are trying to make it on the world stage as a top PGA Golf Professional. The game has definitely changed in the past decade and the importance of hitting the ball further cant be ignored anymore if you want to make money in the modern game of golf.

Kelly wins singles at Woodstock by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WITH weather conditions improving in the past week, competitions were held at some clubs and its expected that more clubs will start their competition schedule this week. A number of clubs have commenced preparations for the upcoming inter club competitions as they seek to finalise panels. WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The weekend’s club singles at Woodstock was over 15 holes and it was won by Gerry Kelly (6) with 34 points from Colm Geary (6) who had a similar score. Harry McEnery (10) with 33 points was in third place. There will be another 15 hole singles this weekend. The Ozone Health and Fitness league continued when the format was scotch foursomes over 15 holes. The winners were Brian Kilker and Eugene Conroy with 41 points from Kieran

and Michael Crosby who had a similar score. In third place with 40 points were Kevin Toner and Matthew O’Brien. The league continues this week when the format will be singles. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: John Stapleton (15) was the winner of the singles competition at Kilrush at the weekend with 29 points. He won on a countback from Jean-Luc Bellevergue (13) while Dominic Enright (8), also with 29 points was in third position. GORT GOLF CLUB: The men’s competition at Gort at the weekend was an 18 hole singles stableford. Peter Deegan (10) won category 1 with 40 points, Kevin McGourty (15) was the winner of category 2, also with 40 points, category 3 was won by Martin O’Reilly (19) who also scored 40 points while John Daly (23) was the winner of category 4 with 37 points.

Coarsing/greyhounds: Clare interest as all roads lead to Clonmel by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THERE is a big Clare interest in the annual national coursing meeting which takes place in Powerstown Park in Clonmel on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For the 98th annual meeting, a record-breaking attendance has been forecast. In the Boyle Sports Derby, the Harte and Haugh clan from Kilkee have two runners qualified, this team includes Joe, Barry and Josh Harte and Damien, Linda, Cian, and Shane Haugh. Bayview Bandit who is owned by Cian Haugh qualified in Listowel, he is a son of Blades of Hope and Way Back West and he is currently priced at 50/1 and Intrinsic Yank who

impressed at the Killimer Kilrush Meeting when he won the Working Members stake at his ease, gained his golden ticket at the Dungarvan Meeting, a son of Newinn Wonder and Cardi Bee he is owned by Josh Harte who is now based in New York, and he currently priced at 33/1. Strikin Distance collected his ticket at Miltown Malbay for Inagh’s Noel Hehir, having previously won the Reserve Dog Trial Stake at the Ennis Clarecastle meeting. This son of Ballymac Best and Specific Wonder is priced at 25/1, Rachel Wheeler of Golden, Tipperary is joint owner. Michael Eustace, who has the accolade of winning five football championships with his native Kilrush is represented in

this classic by Winfarm Mike, having hit the post on three occasions as a beaten finalist, he is representing the Rathdowney club, bred by George Gallery of the Cillowen Kennels, he is a son of Kyle Leigh and Colossal Delight and Liscannor’s Declan McDonagh is his trainer and he priced at 40/1. On the card as reserves are Sammy Tiger and Malbay Houdini who both will be hoping the grace the Powerstown stretch in the TA Morris Consolation Derby Stake at least. Sammy Tiger impressed at the recent South Clare Meeting at Ballinagun, Cree for the Banner Gentleman Syndicate which comprises of Corraclare’s John Riedy, Tom Browne, Michael Healy, Cross na-

tive Finbarr Keating, Mullagh’s Brendan Clancy and Pat Reidy and Frank Finucane from Kilmihil. A son of Kyle Mozart and Gaisce Buo he was bred by Quilty’s Johnny Sexton. He is trained Partick O’Connor who hails from Saleen, Tarbert. Malbay Houdini, a son of Howdododo and Oakview Lily is owned by the Milltown Based Pure Ganders Syndicate, trained by Gerry Burke, this syndicate comprises of Gerry, Sarah, Kevin and Ciara Burke, Jason O’Dwyer and Eoin Hurley. He was a comprehensive winner of the reserve Dog Trial Stake at the Killimer Kilrush Meeting. Runners in the Horse and Jockey Hotel Oaks sees legendary Clare hurler Sean Stack in-

volved. The Sixmilebridge man is represented by Lady Wild, this daughter of Annual Fergie and Breaska Wild really caught the eye at the Tradaree meeting when claiming her golden ticket, she is quietly fancied at 16/1 and is currently trained by Owen McKenna from Tipperary. The Atlantic prefix has graced Powerstown Park on many an occasion down through the years, and Miltown Malbay’s Paddy Marrianan is very excited about Atlantic Sunset challenging for this year’s females classic, a daughter of Newinn Wonder and Cracking Prim she won a very completive Trial Stake at a packed Abbeyfeale meeting during the festive period, partly owned and trained by

Eamon Kiely who resides in Cork she is prices at 14/1. Martin Keane form Kilmihil is represented by Thai Smile, who he owns in partnership with Patrick Treacy form Kilfinane in County Limerick. A daughter of Newinn Wonder and Sayyouloveme she was a comprehensive winner at the Charleville meeting and backed up her credentials and potential with an eye catching victory of the South Clare All Age Bitch Stake and she currently priced at 25/1. Popular Nenagh native PJ Cooney who reside in Ballyalla, Ennis is joint owner of Get Lucky with his brother Michael is representing the Nenagh Club, a homebred daughter of Blades of Hope and Well Friend

she is priced at 50/1. On the card as a reserve is Johnny’s Gaisce for Quity’s Johnny Sexton. Having graced two finals she is currently reserve E and will at least take her place in the Kitty Butler Stakes, she is a litter sister of the aforementioned Sammy Tiger and is bred by Kyle Mozart and Gaisce Bui. In the Callaway Kennels and Kevin Smith Champion Stake, for second and third season campaigners, the Harte and Haugh Clan form Kilkee have further representation in the hands of Crew Beans. An impressive winner of the White Sands Hotel All Age Stake at Ballyheigue, he followed up two weeks after that triumph to take the feature event at the Miltown.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1, 2024

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FREAGHAVALEEN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that E. Zidrunas & K. O’Donovan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain existing outbuildings along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, TROMRACASTLE, QUILTY, CO. CLARE V95 PX08 Take notice that D. & M. Naughton intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following; a) to construct a new first floor extension onto his existing garage b) to alter the external elevations and internal floor layouts to his existing house c) to replace existing sunroom with a new sunroom in the same location d) to construct a new carport along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMMANEEN, CRUSHSEEN, CO CLARE Take notice that Josephine Keehan Intends to apply to planning authority for permission to retain two storey Extension to rear of dwelling house at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WATERY ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that the Clare Family Resource Centre Ltd intends to apply to the planning authority for (a)

permission to extend the grounds of the Childcare facility to the North with the construction of additional carparking spaces, an access road along with a new entrance and converting some of the existing carparking area to children’s play areas with additional fencing & hedging, along with ancillary works and (b) retention permission for roof canopies on the existing main building and an outdoor class/sensory room, at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRAGGYKERRIVAN, TIERMACLANE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Brian Hehir & Clodagh Gray intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYTIGUE, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Gearoid Neville and Alexandra Bracken intend to apply for permission to build a dwelling house, garage and install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DUNSALLAGH WEST, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE Take notice that Tony Crowley intends to apply for RETENTION permission for the storage shed on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WOODBINE HEIGHTS, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE Take notice that Leagard Homes Co. Ltd intend to apply for; a) Retention Permission to retain the existing side boundary fence as constructed at No. 12 Woodbine Heights. b) Planning Permission to erect a low level security fence across the front of the

open area, complete with access gate, to extend from the waste water treatment fence to the side boundary of No. 12 Woodbine Heights c) Outline Planning Permission to construct 2 No. semi-detached dwelling houses, connect to the existing waste water treatment system including all ancillary services and works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

Planning

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYDUFF, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95D6XA Take notice that I Martina Merz, intend to apply to the planning authority for permission for proposed change of use and extension of existing garage to residential unit, connection to existing waste water treatment system on site, and associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning authority of Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 DXP2, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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Contact 065 671 9021 or email sales@clareecho.ie PRAYER O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times) Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. NH

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Recent Deaths O’Brien (née Lynch) Maureen, Ruan, Clare Peach, Terry, Tulla, Clare Roche (née O’Shaughnessy), Marian, Kilrush, Clare Chambers (née Hanrahan), Meta, Kilkee, Clare Conroy, Noel, Clarecastle, Clare Gavin, Michael, Ennis, Clare Gooney, Thomas, Ennis, Clare Hurley, John (Jack), Meelick, Clare Lynch, Bridie, Cross, Clare McCarthy, Sarah, Ballynacally, Clare Peter, Bob Robert Friedrich, Mountshannon, Clare Brennan, Pádraig, Tulla, Clare Keating, John, Kilbaha, Clare Melican, Michael, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare Ryan, Patrick (Pakie), Tubber, Clare Travers (née Mescall), Mary, Kilkee, Clare Bradley (née Burke), Mary, Kilrush, Clare Hartigan, Seán, Carrigaholt, Clare Ferns, Gerard (Ged), Shannon, Clare Linnane, (née Fahey), Valerie, Kilnaboy, Clare O’Doherty (née Ryan), Nuala, Bridgetown, Clare O’Shea, Seán, Ennis, Clare Kelly, Jim, Cree, Clare O’Brien, John, Ennis, Clare Crosby, Chris, Clarecastle, Clare Healy (née Fitzgibbon), Emer, Miltown Malbay, Clare McMahon, Michael, Ennis, Clare

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Thursday, Feb 1, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Planning

The Clare Echo Quiz what year did the first girls Which of the following is known 1Inclass enter St. Flannan’s College? 7 as the only all boys school in Clare? a. 1992 b. 2002 c. 2008

In what year did the boarding 2 school close at St. Flannan’s College? a. 1995 b. 2000 c. 2005

a. Ennis Community College b. C.B.S Ennistymon c. St. John Bosco Community College

many secondary schools 8How were in Clare in the early 1700’s? a. 1 b. 5 c. 8

many Harty Cup wins has St. 9introduced to Clare? 3How Flannan’s College enjoyed?

In what year was free education

a. 1958 b. 1967 c. 1979

many secondary schools 10How are there in County Clare?

St. Flannan’s gained national media attention for ____ in 2009?

a. Young Scientist of the year award b. Flooding c. Highest leaving certificate results

a. 12 b. 15 c. 19

l QUESTION 1 : In what year did the first girls class enter St. Flannan’s Col-

lege?

Which of the following Clare hurl5 ers did not attend St. Flannan’s College?

Clare School performed 6Which the best in Ireland in 2017?

a. St. Joseph’s Tulla b. St. Caimin’s Comprehensive Shannon c. Rice College Ennis

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS 6. St. Joseph’s Tulla 7. C.B.S Ennistymon 8. 1 9. 1967 10. 19

a. Anthony Daly b. Brian Lohan c. Davy Fitgerald

1. 2002 2. 2005 3. 21 4. Flooding 5. Brian Lohan

a. 12 b. 18 c. 21

Last week’s Answers . Belt on the person far right . Lamp post over flag . Logo on the Outing sign . Nike logo on man’s tracksuit bottoms

. Missing polka dot on the jacket . Wristband changed from orange to green . Adidas logo removed on man far left

Clare v Limerick Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Advertisement 39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 1 2024

Puzzle

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JUNE 8th

6 9

5 3

1/3/23, 11:01 AM

4 6

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS T

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S P A C

B A K E

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Daily Quick Crossword: 3 January 2023 ,1/3/2023 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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DOWN 1 Fracture (5) 2 Flesh without fat (4) 3 Whole (6) 4 Put together (8) 5 Of greatest size (7) 6 Robin (9) 9 Rued (9) 12 Helped (8) 14 Mollify (7) 16 Obstacle (6) 19 Sorrowful poem (5) 20 Throw carelessly (4)

N E E D L

ACROSS 1 Credible (10) 7 Chic (7) 8 Arrange in order (4) 10 Cook in an oven (4) 11 First showing of a film (8) 13 Uncover (6) 15 Northern Ireland (6) 17 Roomy (8) 18 Warmth (4) 21 Orient (4) 22 Bishop’s district (7) 23 Unnecessarily (10)

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https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search 2

Solution

The Clare Echo Crossword

Reveal

Save

Check

Clear about:blank

00:14

S A P P E A R G R C F

H T

T T D

Y R P S D A O R E H T T

Vamoose Vanish Retire Retreat Withdraw Quit

T G R

Leave

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

P A E M F Y V M S P L

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

E P L A M O U T O S L O Y U O

How to play

T E R E N N D V E W C

R E R

Scram Hit The Skedaddle Road Lam Out Split

W D L C V T E L D D A D E K S

Fly

Y R D F H T D C D N B W S D R

V S A T L E

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U Q V X C S A N C R A R S

Withdraw

Retire Disappear Retreat Exit Flee Run

Depart

A H K F U O D E P O

Vanish

F W E A

Vamoose

M F E T M R R R O R N H R S O

Leave Quit Decamp Cut

Split

Y L F P C C P L Y U D T T C M

Check Out

E R A

R O P T

Begone Lam Out Skedaddle

D D G N Y Y

A N H F G M A L Y V L W R A V

Fly Run Hit The Road Beat It Scram Abscond

How to play

T A E B E G O N E S R M E

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SUDOKU

1/3/23, 11:00 AM

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WORD SEARCH

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