The Clare Echo 01/04/21

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APR 1 2021

McNAMARA TAKES AIM AT COVID PLAN ‘HEALTHY YOUNG PEOPLE’ SHOULD NOT GET VACCINE YET PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

OUNG people that are deemed to be healthy should not be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when supply is short, a Clare TD has remarked.

Speaking at a sitting of the Dáil in The

Pages 24-31

Convention Centre yesterday, Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) noted the “ethical dilemma” on giving vaccines to healthy young people ahead of frontline workers and the elderly. The Scariff native believed young people should not be prioritised when the vaccine is currently “such a scarce resource”.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) felt the evidence was not strong enough to back Deputy McNamara’s assertions. “The advice is to vaccinate,” he stated.

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ENTERTAINMENT GREENER CLARE COLUMNISTS BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

FUN ON THE FARM WITH DAD

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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TULLA FEATURE

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SPORT

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36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie paraic@clareecho.ie news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@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

€2m ward works get underway

lFEEDING TIME: Seven year old Rebecca Beston is pictured with her father John with their pet bucket fed calves at their beef farm in Mountshannon

Photo by James Treacy

€2M extension of Raheen Community Hospital is underway which will result in the building of a new ward.

On Tuesday, the HSE confirmed that following a Public Works Restricted Procurement procedure, Custy Construction have been awarded the contract and works have now commenced on site.

Works will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase has begun and consists of the construction of a new plant room and services compound and involves the partial demolition of existing stores building to allow for the connection and commissioning of the new services to the existing building. July 2021 is the scheduled start date for phase two. Works under this phase include the demolition of the remainder of the stores building followed by the construction of the bedroom block.

Construction is expected to last a year, followed by the equipping of the unit.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) believed the progress would “be of great comfort and relief to patients and their families who rely on the wonderful services in Raheen”.

Ennis Hospital Outpatients Department has relocated.

The Outpatients Department has moved from Ennis Hospital to: Westpoint Retail Park, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 D9KW. All outpatient clinics are appointment only.

Free parking, with greater levels of comfort for our patients.

Further information:

@ULHospitals

www.hse.ie | t: (065) 686 3173

UL Hospitals Group comprises: Ennis Hospital | Nenagh Hospital | University Hospital Limerick Croom Orthopaedic Hospital | University Maternity Hospital Limerick | St. John’s Hospital (Voluntary)

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW UPDATED MEASURES

TIMELINE FROM APRIL 12: n Full return to in-school teaching. n Two households can meet up with one another outdoors for social and recreational purposes (this does not include private gardens). Any meetings outdoors should be safe with continued practicing of social distancing and other safe behaviours. Masks should be worn in crowded outdoor spaces. n Travel restrictions will be relaxed to enable travel within own county or within 20km of residence if crossing county boundaries. n All residential construction projects can recommence. n Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services will be added to list of essential services for construction activity during these restrictions to align with the current exemption to primary and secondary schools (where school building projects are progressing) and to allow important fire safety works to progress.

FROM APRIL 19: Expansion of elite sports to include: l Training for and playing of National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult intercounty National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including under 20 or minor competitions. l Certain high performing athletes as approved by Sport Ireland, in a range of sports FROM APRIL 26 (SUBJECT TO CONDITION: n Outdoor sports facilities can reopen (e.g. pitches, golf courses and tennis courts, other facilities as appropriate). See notes to editors for further details. n Outdoor visitor attractions can reopen (i.e. zoos, open pet farms, heritage sites).

Amusement parks are not permitted to open. n Underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 can recommence for all

exercise activities that can be delivered outdoors including dance. n Maximum attendance at funerals will increase to 25 on compassionate grounds.

Linked gatherings should not take place before or after funeral services.

BONUS FOR THE FULLY VACCINATED: l Current guidance for those most vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19 – the over 70s and the medically vulnerable - will be aligned with that for the general population (e.g. regarding use of public transport, going to shops etc) l Those who have the full protection of the vaccine may visit indoors with one other household who also has full protection. Those that are fully vaccinated may visit with other fully vaccinated people (from one other household only) indoors without wearing masks or staying 2 metres apart. Full protection is not in place if it has been less than 2 weeks since the second vaccine dose. If a second dose is still awaited, enhanced protected measures should continue to be applied.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

URRENT lockdown restrictions are to remain in place until after Easter week where an easing of measures will slowly come into effect.

From April 12th, the 5km limit will be lifted and countywide travel will be permitted. From this date, two households will be allowed to meet outdoors for social and recreational purposes. Construction of housing and childcare facilities will also resume seeing an estimated 40,000 people return to work.

A week later, on April 19th the return of inter-county training resumes. This is to facilitate the start of the Allianz National Leagues in May. Outdoor sport for U18s will be allowed from April 26th along with the playing of golf and tennis. Access to zoos and wildlife parks is granted on this sate while the amount of mourners at funerals will increase to 25. Two vaccinated persons will be entitled to meet in indoor and outdoor settings.

Reopening of hotels, B&Bs and guest-houses will be assessed towards the end of May.

Speaking at Government buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) stated, “The disease we are dealing with now is a very different beast to that which we were facing at the beginning of the first lockdown in Ireland more than 54 weeks ago” and cautioned that it was “significantly more dangerous”.

Vaccines were hailed as “truly transformative” and “our way out” by the Taoiseach. “By the middle of April, all over 70s will have had their first dose, and mid to late May all over 70s will be fully vaccinated. So, the truth is that despite the difficulties with international supply, our National Vaccination Programme is well underway.

“I expect that by the end of next week, we will have administered close to 1 million doses. After that, our plan is to pick up the pace even further. Close to 3 million doses will be administered by the end of May. Nearly 5 million doses by early July. 6 million doses by the end of July,” he outlined.

“This Summer, our businesses and our public services will safely reopen.We will finally be meeting and enjoying the company of friends and family once again. We will be able to travel within and enjoy our beautiful country again. Jobs and livelihoods will be restored. And most importantly, the worst of this awful pandemic, will be behind us,” the Taoiseach concluded.

ALSO: Government’s community support, wellbeing programmes, employment and business supports continue, with the EWSS, PUP and Covid-19 enhanced illness benefit applicable to June 30th.

AFTER MAY 4: THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CONSIDERED: n Full re-opening of construction activity. n Phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail i.e. garden centres/ nurseries. n Recommencement of Personal Services on a staggered basis. n Re-opening of Museums, Galleries & Libraries n Recommencement of religious services on a staggered basis

l COVID: Social distancing measures

Photo by John Mangan

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THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

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THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Crusheen cannot wait for transport strategy completion PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

RUSHEEN cannot wait for the completion of a transportation strategy for the county if an appeal to open a railway stop is to be successful.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) put forward the argument at a meeting last week. He called on Clare County Council to prepare a business case to support the development of a railway stop at Crusheen.

Senior executive engineer in the transportation section of the Council, John Gannon outlined that a transportation strategy in conjunction with the National Transport Authority is to begin this year. The reopening of the railway station is supported in the County Development Plan "by safeguarding lands along the route of the railway to provide for the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a train stop in Crusheen," he outlined.

Objectives of the County Development Plan will be considered in the development of a Clare transportation strategy, Gannon stated. "The outcome of this strategy will determine transportation policy and priorities

over the coming years in County Clare. This process will highlight any gaps in the public transport network and how these can be addressed. It will also inform future decisions in relation to capital investment in transportation in Clare".

A recent sitting of the Transport Committee in the Dáil discussed Crusheen, Cllr Hayes told the meeting. He interpreted that Irish Rail CEO, Jim Meade said the onus was on the County Council to put forward a business case on the matter. Sixmilebridge

overtook Crusheen in "initial proposals" for a rail stop along the Western Corridor, he said.

Specific emphasis needs to go on the case for Crusheen rather than the entire strategy, Hayes believed. "Crusheen is a growing area, has hinterland of Tulla, Ruan and Barefield.

An ideal opportunity for a rail stop. We are not talking about a big building, a ticketing machine for the train to stop. This is really a way to take traffic off the road. I am half afraid that the particular case for Crusheen

lINVESTMENT: Crusheen railway station

Photo by Anthony E Bennett - Irish Railway Record Society Archive

is going to get lost in the development of transport strategy for county".

As he seconded the proposal, Cllr Alan O'Callaghan (FF) suggested efforts be made for Meade to give a briefing on the possibility of rail stops at Crusheen and Cratloe.

Putting in place a rail stop is "vital to the Crusheen catchment area," Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) insisted. He referenced past and present development in the village. "I know Cllr O'Callaghan mentioned Cratloe but we should fight the case for Crusheen. I agree with Cllr Hayes, Crusheen would get lost in the county strategy". He maintained there was "a small bit of light at the end of the tunnel".

Senior engineer John Leahy said the Clare strategy would begin this year. "I hear what you're saying on the demands for a station in Crusheen, unless a case can be made within the construction of a transport plan, the NTA will not entertain the idea. It would be foolish of us not to involve the NTA. We can only develop ideas through an overall plan.".

Cllr Hayes disagreed with the remarks.

"Iarnród Eireann and NTA could put rail stop there without any transport plan for the county. The LSMATS won't resolve the issue for Crusheen, the transport document won't be ready for another year, we have a Minister there with Green credentials that would support the opening".

'Healthy young people' should not get vaccine during a supply shortage - McNamara

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

"HEALTHY young people" should not be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during a spell of shortage in supply, a Clare TD has told the Taoiseach.

At Leader's Questions on Wednesday in Dáil Éireann, Michael McNamara TD (IND) alluded to the shortage of the COVID-19 vaccine and expressed his confidence that the Irish Government would be making a better attempt of the roll-out if more supply was available.

Deputy McNamara referenced Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation speaking about the "ethical dilemma" of giving vaccines to healthy young people when healthcare workers and the elderly have yet to be administered the jab.

"Why are we administering vaccines to healthy young people," the Scariff native questioned. He added that HIQA "can't say with certainty" there is immunity for six months after receiving both doses of the vaccine. He believed young people should not be prioritised when the vaccine is currently "such a scarce resource".

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) outlined that the Government takes its advice on the vaccine from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

He felt the evidence was not strong enough to back Deputy McNamara's assertions. "The advice is to vaccinate," the Tao-

iseach stated. The current focus remains on vaccinating over seventies, he said with the HSE working through persons in the fourth cohort which was proving "challenging".

Reports of "massive reinfection" in Brazil were cited by the Taoiseach as an example of persons who felt they were protected from antibodies becoming at risk again.

"We can't ignore that. I prefer the cautious approach".

Criticism of student nurses being told they must receive a vaccine in order to finish their placement and obtain a degree was also criticised by the Clare TD. He said this was not an appropriate way to deal with frontline workers. McNamara also called on the Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly (FF) to change the record of the Dáil after a priest in Cavan was fined despite Minister Donnelly previously saying that mass going would not be a penal provision.

There is no "mandatory compulsion on people to vaccinate" in the Republic of Ireland, the Taoiseach replied. "Within the health service I would argue there are certain obligations". The Cork native said the last wave was "very challenging" with the amount of healthcare workers who tested positive for the virus. He said the vaccine led to a "dramatic" reduction in cases associated with hospital settings. "I do think we have to for the overall good do everything we can to protect the hospital setting". An "overwhelming" relief had been expressed from front-line workers who received the vaccine, he added.

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THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Madeline Taylor Quinn to take on role within Clare Fine Gael PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER Clare TD and Senator is to make a political comeback.

The Clare Echo has learned that the county's first ever female TD, Madeline Taylor-Quinn is to become the new Chairperson of Clare Fine

Gael. The Kilrush woman served for 30 years as a public representative which included stints on the County Council as well as in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Madeline who is the only nominee for the role of Chairperson will succeed Cooraclare's Sean Chambers whose three year term has concluded, he is expected to retain a prominent role within the organisation.

The AGM is scheduled to take place virtually on April 12th.

Current secretary Joe Melody is to move to the role of public relations officer while Geraldine Gregan is expected to be named as the constituency organiser.

She was first elected to the Dáil in 1981, following in the footsteps of her father Frank. Madeline set up branches of Young Fine Gael in Kilrush and UCG while she was the first person outside the parliamentary party to hold the post of honorary secretary. Taylor-Quinn continued as a TD until 1992, serving on the front bench as Fine Gael's spokesperson on Marine, Defence and European Security. She returned to the Seanad from 1992 until 2002 where she was Deputy Leader. She ran for the European Parliament in 2004 and finished her political career on Clare County Council in 2009, subsequent to becoming Fine Gael's first Mayor on the local authority.

l POLITICS: Madeline Taylor Quinn as Mayor of Clare

Photo by Mick Murtagh

Iconic Celia Holman Lee shoots in Ennis with RTE’s Today Show THE last Friday in March, a wet and windy day, brought the glamorous, the iconic and beautiful Celia Holman Lee and her models, Asta and Anne to Ennis, to film a segment for RTE’s daily afternoon show, The Today Show at the Old Ground Hotel, with fashions from The County Boutique and Nozomi Shoe Boutique, both on O’Connell Street, which aired yesterday, Wednesday 31st March and again on Thursday morning. If you missed it, you will still have a chance to catch it on the RTE Player.

Celia, who started modelling when she was 15, proudly celebrated her 70th birthday last month. Both nationally and internationally recognized, she was a really successful, much sought after model throughout 1970’s and 1980’s and continued to model right up to the 1990’s and still is a wonderful model and role model to this day. She founded her own model agency at the age of 22, now called Holman Lee Agency, which she runs her with her daughter, Cecile and her daughter-in-law, Asta.

Anyone in the fashion game, in the west of Ireland, has worked with Celia at some stage. With five decades of activity in the fashion business, it is brilliant to see her, as eager as ever, keeping the show on road.

In recent years she has achieved celebrity status, receiving a host of awards and plaudits, including being voted by the public as the winner of the first ever VIP Style Awards in 2002. Regular TV appearances along with productions of Bridal Fairs, catwalk shows, involvement in The Rose of Tralee Festival and a host of other events, keep her to the forefront of fashion news in Ireland. She regularly works as a fashion commentator, television presenter and stylist for many national and international brands on RTE and TV3 and is the ultimate champion for her own beloved city of Limerick.

‘Working with Celia again has brought a host of memories flooding back, work-

ing with our Mum and of amazing fashion shows in Dromoland Castle and The Old Ground Hotel with Celia keeping all her models in tow, to ensure that the everything went ‘right on the night’. Truth be told, we were all a little afraid of her, but she was the ultimate in providing a professional show.

Fashion shows are always hard work, but great fun as well. The buzz of a show night is incredible and we sometimes sold practically everything in the show’ says Gwen of the County Boutique This opportunity to showcase the Old Ground Hotel and garden, in the very heart of Ennis, is unique, as the hotel would ordinarily be full of customers and it would be just too busy to shoot. We are so looking forward to the Old Ground Hotel being open and bustling with customers again and getting back to normal life!

l FAB: Celia Holman Lee wearing County

Boutique in the Ballroom at the Old Ground Hotel Photo by Mike Mulcaire

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THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Mountshannon social housing project left idle for 19 years PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

N EAST Clare property acquired 19 years ago to provide social housing has been let run “into disrepair”.

No tenant has occupied the building in almost two decades.

In 2002, Respond Voluntary Housing Association purchased Mountshannon House as an option of accommodation for persons on Clare County Council’s social housing list. The purchase was financed by a loan raised by the local authority.

Administrative officer with the housing section of Clare County Council, Mairead Corbett explained, “the intention was to construct units of accommodation for special needs and elderly under the CAS Scheme. This Scheme has not progressed to date”.

Respond are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the

property as they own the house with the Council having a charge on Mountshannon House.

A meeting between the Council and Respond took place in October 2019 to discuss Respond’s proposals “with regard to the future use of the property. Proposals were subsequently received for the development of 10 units of accommodation but further information is required before submitting to the Department. The Council has been in touch with Respond and the receipt of this information is awaited,” Corbett outlined.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) tabled a motion on the property at the March meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District requesting information on the Council’s interests in it along with queries on its ownership and upkeep responsibilities. He expressed his shock that the purchase was in 2002. “It is a disgrace to think it has been lying idle for 19 years. I’m not sure how a Housing Agency thought a fine Georgian property like this was suitable”.

There was hypocrisy evident from the Council’s perspective,

Burke felt. “We give out about private individuals who own properties such as Tulla which are derelict, in this case the Council has an interest in the property and it is shameful that it is lying idle”. Future plans for the property must be made clear. “It is shocking to see it lying idle in a tourist area like Mountshannon”.

Detail on the amount of the loan raised and how much was being paid on an annual basis was sought by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). He was critical that plans to develop accommodation there have taken longer than two decades to progress but did recall efforts to offload the property had been made.

Director of Service, Anne Haugh acknowledged it was “a significant legacy issue” which “predates many of us”.

An update on a meeting between Respond and the Department of Housing has yet to be furnished to the Council. She did not have figures of the loan to hand at the virtual meeting.

“We are conscious of it, it hasn’t disappeared from our radar, there

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is a significant time lapse. If there is not a need identified scheme proposed by Respond, we do need to identify future need and regularise the loan scheme”.

“In my opinion the house was never suitable, why the Council

l DERELICT: Mountshannon House

Photo by John Mangan

Over 300 waiting on social housing in West and North

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

DEMAND for social housing is exceeding supply in North and West Clare.

839 social housing units have been allocated and are occupied throughout the West Clare Municipal District, the majority in Kilrush Town (24%), Kilkee (13%), Ennistymon (11%), Miltown Malbay (10%) and Corofin (6%). A total of 33 units are unoccupied.

According to the housing department of Clare County Council, the biggest demand for housing has been experienced in Kilrush, Ennistymon and Kilkee. The net need for housing is 303 applicants with a further 370 households availing of housing assistance payment (HAP).

Capital projects have been stalled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This has delayed the construction of 27 social housing units in Miltown Malbay which were due for completion in the second half of next year.

Opposite Francie Daly Motors, Limerick Rd, Ennis

089 2747493

financed the loan is beyond me.

This property was clearly a mistake,” Cllr Burke stated.

“This is not good enough, surely something more positive could happen here,” the Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council concluded.

l DEMAND: Corofin

Two separate developments in Doonbeg with a combined total of 10 houses are to finish at either end of 2022.

Between the end of 2020 and 2022, 57 units of direct builds are to be completed in the West Clare MD. An application has also been submitted for a 30 unit development on Council owned lands in Ennistymon, approval has yet to be received from the Department of Housing.

Housing is one of the biggest issues faced by county councillors, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) admitted.“Christmas for several families I was aware of this year was for Santa to bring a home, that is very difficult,” Lynch said.

Movement of some families to other areas to find social housing is impacting on rural schools, Lynch cautioned.

“There were concerns over the summer from schools that may not reopen because one family may be missing”. He continued, “the link to our strategic thinking is broken.

We need real action from Government. We have seen no action in Kilrush to help it recover”.

Engaging housing associations in a strategic way will help to tackle the numbers waiting for housing, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) maintained. “Some towns and villages would be glad to have an increase in population”. One family comprised of seven children and two adults were currently living in a three bedroom house, “that is nine people in a three bed house,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) highlighted.

“Demand is exceeding supply at the most basic level,” Director of Service, Leonard Cleary stated.

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Setback for Sixmilbridge healthcare

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON LANS for a primary health care centre in Sixmilebridge have been hit with a setback.

An “unforeseen issue” with the site purchase has resulted in what is expected to be a 12 month delay to the project, planning of which was first lodged in March 2019.

Situated at Ashview Drive in Sixmilebridge, the planned 1,600 square metre two-storey care centre is said to be off the table forcing the HSE to go to tender once again to locate a suitable site.

Hopes have been expressed the Ashview Drive site may come back into play. A new tender process is anticipated to begin within the next few weeks.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) labelled the setback as “unfortunate”. “We fought very hard over the last number of years to get approval and funding for that, it was achieved. It is a setback but the really important thing is the HSE have committed to continuing with the project”.

Design of a new proposed building will be dictated by the tender process, Senator Dooley explained. “Each site from a planning point of view would have to be assessed on a case by case basis, the site that was there was very suitable, it has planning permission, I can only hope that the existing site might come back into play again in some shape or form, if it does that would certainly be advantageous but if not, an alternative site will have to be found”.

Dooley said he has received “a commitment” that the project is still approved and will proceed despite the stumbling block.

New water plant planned for Kilrush

by CIAN O’BROIN SIGNIFICANT works are planned to take place in Kilrush comprising of a new Waste Water Treatment Plant at Skagh Point and upgrades to an existing Frances Street pumping station at Cappagh Road.

A capacity of 6,696 population equivalent will be provided by the new plant which will be located, west of the town at Skagh Point. Planning statements highlight that the path of the old West Clare Railway runs parallel to the northern boundary of the WwTP. In January, Clare County Council went out to tender for consultant services that will look at an environmental evaluation for the old railway to be used as part of a new greenway. Part of this line provides access to the proposed WwTP in Kilrush. The subsequent design includes a 47m setback from the Greenway and the mitigation of both noise and odour nuisance.

Both the plant at Skagh Point and the existing Frances Street pumping station at Cappagh Road lie 50m from residential and business units. As a result, an engineering services report has integrated mitigating factors to assist people in the community.

Public relations will be established with home and business owners in critical areas affected by work.A decision is due to be made by May 2, 2021.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

‘Selfless on an unmatchable scale’ - Nugent steps down SEAMUS HAYES

T

HE Clare 250 has been in operation since 1980 and a central figure since the outset has been Ennis woman Claire Nugent who has now stepped down from her roles in the Clare 250 cycle and in the Clare 250 Lourdes pilgrimage.

However Claire is not leaving the project and will continue her involvement as operational manager of the Clare 250 Cancer Centre at Ballygriffey, Ruan.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, Claire said she is leaving both roles "with many happy memories. In the early years it was more like one big family even through we had big crowds. They were all passionate about what we were all doing and those involved got tremendous satisfaction seeing how the fundraising benefitted the many people who were taken to Lourdes every year. Those who travelled to Lourdes formed a great bond but sadly many of them are no longer with us".

"The building of the Cancer Centre was another great achievement. The funds raised from the cycle paid for everything and there is no debt. This is great credit to the cyclists and to those who contributed to the fundraising. None of this could have happened without them", explained Claire.

On account of the pandemic, there was no cycle last year with supporters hopeful it will return when the lockdown lifts. The centre remains closed but when vaccinations are complete, personnel will return.

This project started out in 1978 with the formation of the Ennis marathon team whose purpose was to beat a Mallow club's record in the Guinness book of records for the longest indoor soccer tournament.

The 250 mile cycle started in 1980 when the late Fr. Pat Cotter, a native of Doonbeg, asked if the group would help raise money as he wanted to bring children with special needs to Lourdes. Claire's father, the late Matt, a noted hurler with Clare and Munster, suggested a charity cycle.

After completing her secondary education at Ennis Vocational school (now Ennis Community college), Claire spent four years working in the Department of Social Welfare in Dublin before being transferred to Limerick where she spent a further two and a half years.

Claire was eager to find work in her home town of Ennis. Her father Matt and Ennis man John Dunne were great friends, a friendship that started on the hurling fields.

John had started his own business in the wholesale drinks industry and he was looking for someone to take care of the office administration duties. She took on the role and with the office in John's home she became great friends with his

late wife Eileen who passed away in the mid 1980s.

While Claire had no aspirations to lead the back up crew for the cycle she quickly mastered the task.

Her team of approximately 20 had to cater for about 150 people at the peak of the event. She played a part in every event that took place from the late 1970s to the present.

To mark her retirement a tribute booklet has been produced which includes comments from many of the people who have been involved in the Clare 250 over the years.

Fr Pat O'Neill has been involved with the group for 26 years and remarked, "it is fair to say that nobody knows the amount of time, energy and dedication that she has given to the pilgrims and also to the centre at Ballygriffey".

John Dunne's daughter Emer, another key figure in the Clare 250 said "nothing that was ever undertaken was ever about her or us or the people on bikes or the people on the road. It didn't matter how tired or sore you were, the only concern you should have is for the person who gets to set foot in Lourdes or in the centre because of what you do. Claire has been selfless on a scale that most couldn't manage" Amongst the fundraisers in addition to the annual cycle, organised were Malin to Mizen group cycle in 1992 and 1993, Howth Head to Sline Head in 1994, Mizen to Malin and back to Mizen in 1994 and Malin to Mizen and Ennis to Dublin in 1995.

‘Common sense has died’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A UNITED front is needed from Clare's Oireachtas members to amend planning legislation to alter structures for rural planning.

An appeal was issued by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District for the county's seven Oireachtas members "to unite and influence at a national level, to pressurise the Minister to amend planning legislation to facilitate rural development in Clare". The proposal was

l UNITED: Cllr PJ Kelly

Photo by Eamon Ward

seconded by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND).

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Kelly said he maintained an interest in planning throughout his life. "I've seen parts of West Clare survive and parts of it decline progressively," the Lissycasey representative reflected. He admitted the decision to seek action from the county's national representatives was "a last resort".

Post offices and banks are closing in West Clare, Cllr Kelly noted and said a united approach from the Oireachtas members was required "to get rid of the terrible structure we have for rural planning.

"Growing trees and wind turbines seem to be the solution, we couldn't do that for people because it would be visual vulnerable," Kelly quipped in reference to his long-running search for answers from the County Council on the meaning of 'visual impact' which has been cited in several unsuccessful planning applications for dwelling houses in West Clare.

Planning chiefs should also revise their grammar, the county's longest serving councillor added. "Someone well known in our society passed away, common sense, when it went I do not know. Maybe it will lead to a new version of common sense in our country".

l LOCAL HERO: Claire Nugent

Leaving Cert 2021 online and onsite revision courses at Kilmartin Educational Services THIS Easter, many students will be availing of the onsite and online revision courses over the holiday period at Kilmartin Educational Services.

According to Julie, the online hybrid courses are proving very popular. Students can tune into their classes online from the comfort of their home. Furthermore, students have access to the recording of the class for up to 3 days after the class, to help them further revise the material.

Many students are opting for the Live online courses to access some of Ireland’s top teachers. These courses are Interactive and provide students with the opportunity to engage with the class teacher.

These revision courses onsite and online will help students maximise their academic potential as they prepare for the SEC Accredited Grades and Leaving Cert. exams.

Kilmartin Educational Services also offer a Comprehensive Pre Recorded Revision Course Package for Leaving Certificate students sitting exams in June 2021. Students will have full access to all recorded courses. Now students can access Revision of Vital Exam Topics at the click of a button with the ability to Revise – Rewindfrom the comfort of their home with the

backup of revision notes for every course.

Finally, students will have the opportunity to access study facilities at one of our 3 buildings in the city centre, at 83/84 O Connell Street & Mallow Street. These study halls are bright, spacious and well ventilated.

Julie Kilmartin is constantly evolving and responding to the needs of students. Together in Separation where we are physically distanced but digitally connected. Julie is bringing her Amazing team of teachers to the homes of Irish students.

l EXAM READY: Class of 2020

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Neylon’s shop closes after 63 years of service ELAINE TUBRIDY

W

news@clareecho.ie

HEN Tony and Geraldine Neylon closed their shop yesterday (Wednesday), it seemed to mark the end of an era.

For 63 years, Neylon’s Foodstore has been a central part of the community of Kilmurry McMahon and surrounding areas.

In 1958, Tony’s father and mother, Paddy and Susan Neylon, set up shop at Drumdigus, Kilmurry McMahon.

They ran a successful business until Tony and Geraldine assumed responsibility in the mid 1980s.

In the intervening years, the shop provided a reliable and invaluable service to a rural West Clare community.

As well as selling newspapers and groceries, they kept the parish going with diesel and petrol and the farming community relied on

them for animal feeds.

But Neylon’s shop was more than a place where you could buy goods. Tony and Geraldine -and Paddy and Susan before them - provided a listening ear, kind words of advice and quiet support for people.

Very often, the person who benefited might not have even real-

ised they needed that support, but inevitably, you left Neylon’s shop in better humour than when you went in.

It might have been the funny story that Tony told you or some quirky observations on people and life in general, as experienced in a rural area.

Tony and Geraldine stocked a

wide range of goods in their shop and provided a meeting-place for locals to exchange news and views.

People often think that this easy chat can only happen in a local pub, but Neylon’s Foodstore fulfilled the same function - and this aspect of their service, accompanied by Tony’s ‘online’ commentary, will be sorely missed.

Tony and Geraldine’s daughters, Antoinette, Susan, Maryruth and Claire, all helped their parents in the shop over the years.

Locals turned out in force at close of business on Wednesday evening, in a socially-distanced ‘drive-by’, to wish Tony and Geraldine well and to show their appreciation of the sterling service they have given for so long.

All of the community wishes them a long, happy retirement.

lSORELY MISSED: Neylon’s Foodstore has been a central part of the Kilmurry McMahon Community

Phone Order 065-6848612

NEWS 11

Communities need to be ‘sustainable’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AREAS of North and West Clare cannot be viewed solely as places for people to visit, the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District has stressed.

A bid by councillors in the West Clare MD to obtain details of the proposed breakdown of the population growth targets for the county in the new County Development Plan and the allocation by each Municipal District came undone at a recent meeting. Acting senior planner Helen Quinn replied that the information was not available.

Quinn’s reply was labelled as “a non-response” by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF). “Maybe I’m just tired from Zoom but I’m finding the messages of rural areas from strategies to population targets, they seem like they want us to be a place where people visit,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) remarked. He continued, “I’m more dispirited than I have been in a long time looking at the big picture. They need to listen to us if there is going to be a sustainable living community in North-West Clare.

An answer like this seems like there is a desire not to give the right answer, I’ve never hoped I’m as wrong in my life”.

The detail was described as “plain”

by Cllr Ian Lynch(IND). Disappointment with the response was also issued by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Marie honours baby Catherine through Live What You Love PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE woman is honouring the legacy of her late daughter in a new voluntary venture that is promoting the best of Ire-

land.

Live What You Love launched in February and is the brainchild of Newmarket-on-Fergus native Marie Donnellan. The website aspires to encourage Irish people to purchase from domestic websites and also embraces what is best about the Emerald Isle.

Primarily it serves as a referral system to flag businesses worth supporting, the majority of which the Galway resident has already tried and tested before recommending.

For over a decade, Marie has worked in the corporate world, having held an active involvement with a Big4 company leading an entrepreneur programme along the west coast of Ireland. “I noticed myself early on when the pandemic started that we tried to support

Irish, from an economic perspective we’re losing about €4bn a year to international online stores, if we get a chunk of that back into Ireland look at the economic impact it would have”.

Determined to support local, Marie deduced that by sharing her research, more Irish businesses would benefit. “It is very hard for Irish businesses to compete with international brands in terms of search engine optimisation, the likes of Amazon will always be the top of the Google searches, then there’s a mountain of businesses that you think are Irish but aren’t Irish at all.”

Articles with the most views and interactions thus far tend to be those profiling businesses, Marie admitted. “It is going really well and has been really well received especially by the very small businesses who are trying to get their word out. There is a massive movement of people wanting to support domestically”.

Mention of her time as Rose of Clare in 2013 brings a smile to the face of the audit director. “I know this will sound like a silly thing to say but when I was the Rose of Clare, at that time I can’t ever re-

member anything in my life that I was more proud of, I’ve always been so proud of Clare. Clare will always be my first love and that is why I do give a preference, there is a bias towards to promote Clare on the website”.

Marie’s latest venture would not have occurred were it not for the

devastating loss she and her husband William suffered in October when their baby daughter Catherine died aged four days old. “I wouldn’t have done this if I hadn’t lost Catherine. Losing Catherine gave me a massive wake-up call in terms of what is important in life”.

By helping others, Marie has

lSUPPORT LOCAL: Marie Donnellan

found Live What You Live to have aided her in the grieving process.

“I found myself on maternity leave looking in at the walls closing in on you, I wanted to use the time and not be sitting there for six months especially during lockdown when you have nowhere to go so I said I may as well be using the time to do some good, it absolutely has helped the grieving process by sending out a bit of positivity in the world. I still have days where I’m miserable with no creativity and then I’ll have a brilliant day, I take it one day at a time”.

“I would have thought that I knew everything there was to know about life, I know that sounds like a crazy thing to say but I had a great job, a lovely house, a lovely car.

“It gave me such a wake-up call and it made me realise what is important in life. I’m doing this on a voluntary basis, in time it might grow into something bigger, I don’t know but I feel like I’m honouring her legacy by trying to do good and give something back both to people and businesses,” Marie told The Clare Echo.

She is eager to feature Clare businesses on the website, to be featured visit livewhatyoulove.ie/ .

Shannon Group ‘out of sync’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A FRESH approach is needed from Shannon Group when a new Chairperson is appointed, a Clare Senator has declared.

Shannon Group has been without a Chairperson since Rose Hynes’ 12 month contract extension expired in August. In February of this year, the proposed appointment of ex CEO of Aurivo, Aaron Forde fell through after old tweets which criticised the Traveller community, social welfare recipients and the Tanáiste Leo Varadkar (GP) emerged which prompted Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan (GP) to withdraw the nomination.

Speaking at a briefing organised by Shannon Chamber to push for multi-annual financial support, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) commended the Chamber for organising the session. “For far too long the focus

has been on the Group and the success on its property portfolio and not on the Airport keeping pace with the previous growth in tourism numbers and how it was beaten into third place by other airports. We now have an opportunity to get back on that ladder from an even base.” he stated.

Dooley called for a change in the thinking of the Shannon Group. “The strategy needs to change, the strategy of the Shannon Group has been out of sync with where it needed to be for some time, like others we want an appropriate and qualified Chairperson appointed, if it is going to be more of the same in trying to replace what is lost and that in itself will be difficult”.

“If the unbridled growth of Dublin which we saw up to 2019, then I’m sorry it won’t benefit tourism or hotels in the region. The existing strategy was not functioning or fit for purpose,” he added.

lFRESH: Craggaunowen is one of the attractions operated by Shannon Group

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, APR 1 2020

Airport survival depends on multi-annual funding PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CONSISTENCY of financial support over the next decade is needed to ensure Shannon Airport survives the current aviation crisis.

To recover and grow Shannon Airport’s “previously viable air services”, a sustained period of multi-annual funding until “at least 2024” or possibly 2029 depending on when traffic returns to 2019 levels is required.

Former CEO of Shannon Development, Kevin Thompstone on behalf of Shannon Chamber and the Irish Hotels Federation put forward a business case for a multi-annual funded action plan for regional air access recovery and growth on Monday morning. Aviation’s recovery is dependent on vaccination, testing, track and trace, confidence,

route marketing operational and financial viability for airports and airlines, he believed.

A swift return of critical routes to and from North America, the UK and Europe is needed with sustained funding to preserve Shannon, he detailed. “In order for Shannon to navigate its way out of the current crisis, there is an urgent need for consistency of

support over the medium term as the Airport recovers. A new multiyear funding arrangement for the smaller state-owned airports is vital and would be comparable to the regional Airports Programme’ providing CAPEX funding for the coming years”.

Airports outside Dublin should be provided with “a common fixed sum per passenger which will be

lSUPPORT: (front) Stephen Keogh, Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, with

(back l-r) Dermot Kelly, Darragh McAllister, Donnacha Hurley and Ken Deery Photo by Eamon Ward

used by the airports to stimulate traffic by reducing airport charges for airlines. This scheme should apply for the duration of the aviation sector’s recovery from the pandemic”.

EUROCONTROL’s most Optimistic Forecast shows that air traffic in Europe will not return to 2019 levels until at least 2024 if vaccine will be made widely available to travellers this summer or an end of the pandemic occurs this summer.

The more pessimistic scenarios forecasts a delayed recovery until 2026 if vaccine availability is delayed until summer 2022 or for no recovery until 2029 if the vaccine is ineffective with lingering infection and low traveller confidence.

A three pillar plan published by the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery focusing on protecting public health and rebuilding customer confidence, saving jobs and supporting Irish businesses plus rebuilding regional and international connectivity. The latter pillar proposed that a common fixed sum/

pax to be provided at Shannon to stimulate traffic through reduced charges.

Subsequent to this, the Government launched the Regional Airports Programme in February setting out a framework for providing CAPEX and OPEX support to Airports with less than 1m passengers. The announcement included a €32m fund for Cork and Shannon Airports. Funding of €6.1m has also been approved for hold baggage screening (HBS) project at Shannon Airport to comply with EU regulations.

“The big question to be resolved is less about funds but more about their purpose. Do the announcements provide a meaningful plan for restoration of connectivity?

There were 40 flights a week from Shannon to London at peak schedule? Will they return and when?

There were 45 peak transatlantic summer services to Shannon using single aisle aircraft. What does the plan and funding do to ensure their timely return,” Thompstone added.

14

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

in association with

New Outpatient Department opens PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW outpatients department for Ennis Hospital opened on Monday.

Situated at Westpoint Retail Park on the Kilrush Road, the new department will initially house the services currently based in Ennis Hospital, and also allow for the expansion of outpatient services into the future.

Initial phase of operations include a relocation of outpatient staff currently based at Ennis Hospital, at a pace determined by the hospital’s re-emergence from Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. Claire Lenane, a clinical nurse manager will be the department manager. With a total floor space of 1,300 square metres, the new OPD in Ennis has 15 clinical rooms, in addition to a phlebotomy bay, four waiting areas, offices

and staff changing rooms. The new department, which has an equipping allocation of €900,000 for 2021, will allow for the relocation of services such as cardiac rehabilitation and, later this year, radiology and general X-Ray. All activity in the OPD is scheduled and operates on an appointment-only basis.

Permission for the project was granted in October 2018 by Clare County Council with works beginning a year later. The opening “on schedule” despite a two month period with no construction was welcomed by outgoing project lead Sheila Mulcair. “Currently in the hospital, it can be very difficult to get parking on some days of the week. But here, there is ample parking, easy access from the bypass, and the building is bright, airy and modern, developed specifically with patients’ needs in mind. For the people of the Mid-West region, it’s nothing less than what they deserve”.

“This beautifully designed, state of the art facility is what the people of Clare have long been entitled to for outpatient services,” said UL Hospitals Group CEO, Colette Cowan.

l Patricia Arthur, Ennis, with Siobhan Murray, Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist, at the new Ennis Hospital Outpatients Department

Pedestrians and cyclists the priority for Corrovorrin Junction DIFFERENT designs are being assessed for the development of Corrovorrin Junction with pedestrian and cyclist activity on the approach the priority, writes Páraic McMahon. €75,000 has been allocated under the Low-Cost Safety Scheme for works at Corrovorrin Junction in Ennis following approval by the Department of Transport.

Analysis of design options to consider how the junction will be modified is underway.

An update on the improvements leading into and out

of the Corrovorrin Estate at the junction of Kevin Barry avenue and "the very busy Tulla Road" was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

Additional funding to the allocation is anticipated, senior executive engineer John Gannon advised. This he explained would help "incorporate additional cycling lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossing points within the final design arrangement". Gannon added, "The survey work for the design

options has been substantially completed".

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Flynn detailed that 15,000 vehicles per day travelled along the Tulla Rd prior to the pandemic and referenced the extent of houses in Corrovorrin and Kevin Barry Avenue. "This junction is an ongoing issue that needs to be urgently addressed, the only solution that will work I believe is a traffic light solution," he stated. Should this be rejected, Flynn believed a plebiscite was the next best option.

FUELLING A NEW PARTNERSHIP

l Seanie Moloney with Niall O'Connor, Sales Executive at The Clare Echo, launch Moloney Fuels' sponsorship of the Ennis News page

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Different tact to be taken by new grass cutting contractors PÁRAIC MCMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

OTED as one of the “most contentious issues” in the town of Shannon, a new contractor has been assigned the task of carrying out grass-cutting in the area.

Prior to St Patrick’s Day, the 2021 grass cutting contract for the Shannon Municipal District was signed into effect and covers over 130 hectares of land. The company awarded the contract are from Tipperary having won a tender from the local authority.

Criticism of the manner in which grass cutting was carried out in public areas along verges with tufts of grass left behind has been a bone of contention for Shannon residents in recent years.

Better use of the contractors needs to be considered by the Shannon MD, Cllr Gerry

Flynn (IND) believed. “From October to February each year, it is five months for hedge cutting, I cannot understand why the contractor cannot be in place from September of each year to get full use of the contract, every year we’re scrambling into March and doing it under health and safety concerns”.

Importance of overseeing the works of the contracts was highlighted by Cllr PJ Ryan (IND). “One of the problems before was the company was based in Dublin, I don’t think they knew what was entailed in the job”.

Senior executive officer with the Shannon MD, Jason Murphy acknowledged it was “a very contentious issue year on year”. He said the local company were best placed to do the job and carrying out work in the neighbouring country for the local authority there “which means they have more crew so we’ve more confidence in them.

“They will have three crews in the Municipal District, this year they will lift the grass so it won’t be left on footpaths and it will improve the quality of the job. We are taking a different

tact this year based on learnings,” he outlined.

Monitoring of the company is ongoing, Murphy confirmed.

lCONTENTIOUS: Grass cutting

Loud support needed for SNN rail link LOUD support for the addition of a rail spur to Shannon Airport needs to stem from the entire Mid-West region, writes Páraic McMahon.

Limerick TD, Brian Leddin (GP) expressed the sentiments at a webinar hosted virtually by Shannon Chamber on Tuesday morning.

Provision of a rail link to Shannon Airport is included as a key objective in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

Leddin outlined that the LSMATS second draft would be published in the coming weeks. He stressed the need to “lock in” Shannon Airport and the Free Zone as strategic assets.

“We need to be shouting very loudly for a rail link for Shannon, we need to get Shannon Chamber strongly behind that”.

People of Shannon must embrace Japanese culture to clamp down on litter problems

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

JAPANESE culture is an example for the people of Shannon to follow in order to clamp down on the rate of littering in the town.

Complaints on the rate of littering and dog waste left around Shannon was raised by local councillors at a recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Introduction of more bins “with a particular emphasis on dog waste bins” were sought by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) in Shannon. She felt that the nationwide inter-agency campaign, Leave No Trace “does not seem to be working”.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett outlined, “Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003, dog-owners are required to clean up after their animals if they foul in a public spaces. Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150. Dog waste

lISSUE: Dog waste

bags are available at MD offices free of charge and they can be placed in any waste bin. The Municipal District Office will be carrying out an audit of existing bins and their condition with a view to ensuring the current stock is fit for purpose”.

As reported by The Clare Echo last month, just one fine for dog fouling in 2020 was paid across the entire county. 83 complaints were submitted on the subject of dog fouling.

Ensuring more people were hit with fines would lead to greater compliance from the public, Cllr McGettigan felt. She acknowledged dog owners who were reluctant to carry the faeces on long-distance walks which she underlined necessitated the requirement of more bins. She said there are seven bins on the outskirts of Shannon Town Park but a shortage of them along the Loop Walk.

Either way, there would be problems encountered, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) predicted. “A lot of people in this District will use the bins for disposal of household waste, you will always have people who break the law. A lot of people are saying ‘more bins more bins’, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) suggested taking a leaf out of the book of their Japanese counterparts. He believed the problem stemmed from Irish culture. “The Japanese have no bins in the National Park in Tokyo, they bring their rubbish home and 99 per cent of them adhere”.

16 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Lahinch landcape plays a key role in Smother

by CIAN O’BROIN CAST members from Lahinch made hit TV series Smother have said the local landscape plays a critical role in the drama.

Thomas Levin and Hazel Doupe, who play onscreen father and daughter Carl and Ingrid Jensen, looked back on the 2020 filming of series one whilst in conversation with The Clare Echo.

18-year-old star Hazel, who last year received her predicted grades for the Leaving Certificate, likened local scenery to that of West Cork.

"The local landscape plays a massive role in the show. Lahinch is almost violent in a way. I remember one day walking down by the sea and the spray coming out onto the street. It was alarming and I was almost scared. It fits in very well with the plot. It's going to be shown in a nicer light in the next episode (aired March 28). The sea is calm and serene to contrast with the daunting landscape," she conceded.

Hazel also alluded to the relationship with her on-screen father played by Thomas, describing it as a joy to create. She admitted that she avoids Twitter hype and fan theories circulating once the show airs on RTÉ One every Sunday night.

Like her, Thomas relished the filming experience and described working with the cast as being part of a unique team.

His favourite part was playing relationships on screen that both lWILD WEST: Hazel Doupe and Thomas Levin

intrigue and inform audiences in a unique way.

The third episode centred around the questioning of Carl Jensen, accusing him of sexually abusing a teenager before moving to Ireland.

Being in Lahinch, Thomas ensured that no posters were left behind on set for fear of local villagers making a connection between him and his onscreen portrayal of a questionable character.

"People don't know me where I am shooting. I don't want to be seen here due to the mystery that is going on in the show. If somebody found that flyer and I had to go and buy groceries, that would be really uncomfortable because there is a thin line between who I am and who the audience think I am as a character."

The 42-year-old Copenhagen born actor, who has been active in TV and film productions since 1998, admits that last years filming of Smother was his very first time on the west coast of Ireland. He described local scenery as harbouring a feeling of destiny and humbling in a way that sets you up for very good acting.

He relished the opportunity to attend a local pub and singalong before the start of the pandemic and recalls being mesmerised in the differences locals noted between pints of Guinness.

"I was fortunate enough to experience working in Lahinch. I'm very grateful, even though the weather wasn't too good. I'm definitely a fan of the Irish people," he added.

Artist Maeve Stone lands national Bursary Award CIAN O’BROIN

C

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

LARE artist Maeve Stone has been announced as one of the 31 recipients of a national bursary award, which she has pledged to focus on climate and biodiversity.

Participating artists will receive an €8,000 bursary to invest in themselves and their practice, combined with participation in an advisory and developmental framework and a peer network.

Maeve stated, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to connect with so many exceptional artists across the country. As Clare's Platform 31 artist I will be focusing on fostering connections with the local county council, building community, and searching for projects that can help build hopeful conversations around climate."

Maeve is a director and writer for film and theatre whose work responds to issues of climate, diversity and revisits the canon with a feminist lens. She shot her first short film The House Fell, a

lCLIMATE: Maeve Stone

portrait of grief and friendship in 2019 which showed at multiple film festivals around the country.

Clare received the highest number of applications for the inaugural national bursary, which Clare Arts Officer Siobhán Mulcahy commented: "The quality of the applications across all

art forms was heartening and we are proud to support film maker Maeve Stone from North Clare.

Her contemporary film practice, coupled with her interest in the environment, offers an interesting starting point to her journey and to the supports she will receive through Platform 31."

Groups hopeful of Faoin Spéir success

by PÁRAIC McMAHON GROUPS in Moyasta and Labasheeda are among those hoping to hold outdoor activities backed

by The Arts Council under a new scheme.

Faoin Spéir (In The Open) was developed by The Arts Council in response to COVID-19. Its purpose is to generate a sustained and curated programme of multidisciplinary, inclusive arts activity in public or open spaces in towns and communities around Ireland between July 2021 and April 2022.

A spokesperson for The Arts Council explained, “Our recent surveys with Behaviours and Atti-

tudes show us that there is greater public confidence in attending events outdoors. As we expectantly emerge from the pandemic in the second half of 2021 and into 2022, In the Open/Faoin Spéir will help to bring a renewed spirit of optimism and confidence in a fulsome return to the arts”.

Up to 14 places around Ireland will receive a Faoin Spéir award this year. The award will support local authority identified and led outdoor programme in partnership with one or more arts centre, organisation, festival or curator.

Similarly arts groups can also partner with local authorities under the award. Applications will be accepted up until April 22nd.

An application for West Clare was suggested by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) at a recent sitting of the West Clare MD and was backed

by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF).

“Any proposed application by Clare County Council will be submitted on the basis of meeting the criteria and meeting matched funding requirements. We will endeavour to support any individuals in the West Clare area, interested in making a proposal, on the same basis,” arts officer Siobhán Mulcahy replied.

Groups in Moyasta and Labasheeda had already expressed an interest, Cllr Lynch stated.

“We need to try and attract people back into West Clare”.

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

GREEN CLARE

‘Pristine rivers have almost gone’ CIAN O’BROIN

F

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

ÉIDHLIM Harty’s interest in the environment began one day when he was windsurfing in Cork Harbour. After seeing the scum from a sewage pipe entering the water in front of his eyes, he pondered on the possibility of cleaning up local waterways.

Earning a degree in environmental science and technology in Sligo, FH Wetland Systems located in Ennis, was developed in 1996 to provide a design, consultancy and planting service for constructed wetlands and to increase public awareness of constructed wetlands, wetland habitats and water quality.

Since arriving in Clare from his home county of Cork, Féidhlim has identified three locations where sewage discharge runs directly into a water source and believes that the crux of the issue is improvements in the wastewater infrastructure in Ireland.

“Water and wastewater treatment holds a large carbon footprint. If you pour dirty water into clean water, there are a number of things that happen. Firstly, the habitat is degraded for fish, whereby they can’t see the food they are looking for. Nutrient levels go up and you get nutrification, causing algal blooms. This is a particular problem for lakes in Clare in recent years. Another

element would be pathogens, from diseases and bacteria. Most bacteria are fine, but the ones you flush down the toilet quite often aren’t,” he stated.

Waterless or compost toilets are one method of bypassing this. These dry toilet systems refrain from using extra materials and collect human waste below the bowl and turn it into a compostable substance.

This material can be used on soil to increase its biodiversity.

Whilst not the most popular option for homeowners, Féidhlim admitted, it was the only choice over 200 years ago. Waterborne diseases were non-existent for this reason, he added. “Climate change isn’t going to be solved by simply tweaking around the edges.

We have an urgent need to move to where all our agriculture is regenerative. Compost toilets all fit into this.”

Many of the jobs undertaken by Féidhlim exist outside the realm of career guidance literature. The replenishing and building of wetlands systems across Ireland is one such ingredient. Wetlands, falling under the category of waterway rewilding, are built for both water quality and biodiversity. Féidhlim is currently working on the existing Westfields Wetlands on the Condell Road in Limerick, along with the City Council.

Management of visitors and resident’s overall satisfaction with the wetland is one particular element. He recalled one of the first conferences for constructed wetland systems which took place in 1993 as a result of the poor condition of Cork Harbour. Lap-

lPROBLEM: Wastewater and agriculture are polluting Irish waterways

Photo by irishwetlands.ie

ping up this information at the time, whilst studying in college, was the push required for Féidhlim to set up his own business constructing wetlands systems.

“Over the last 30 years in Ireland, the very polluted streams have gotten cleaner, but all the pristine rivers have almost gone,” he highlighted. In 1980, Ireland had 13 streams of reference or very high quality. We have now dipped below one per cent in the last five years. This is down to wastewater and agriculture, he asserted.

He stated: “The two are deeply intertwined. How do we grow our food and how do we dispose of it after we have eaten it?

Sewage and agriculture are the two biggest causes of poor water quality in Ireland.”

When harvesting, a certain amount of soil runs into the water. No till methods of agriculture are one way to mitigate this.”

Current projections show that Ireland and England have only about 50 harvests left. Féidhlim highlighted that the Garden of Eden, otherwise known as the Mediterranean Basin, is now essentially a desert. This is a direct result of over farming. “If you look at us as a culture, we are a desert making species. No till methods are best for the soil and carbon,” he added.

His latest book Towards Zero Waste, which looks at the reduction of household waste on an individual level, is available from www.wetlandsystems.ie or in Meanwell Whole Foods in Ennis.

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

BACK POCKET CRÈME BRÛLÉE

I

HAD big plans this week. I was going to do something completely different for the column.

Unfortunately though, I made a complete balls of it in the kitchen so I had to come up with a quick plan B for this week’s paper.

So I am going to give you one of what I like to call my “back pocket recipes”.

These are recipes that I have up my sleeve that I can use in an emergency.

They are usually handy enough to do, require basic ingredients and are easy to remember.

Stuff like scone, soda bread and pastry. This is one such recipe; my simplified, easy, no fuss crème brûlée.

Kearney Cooks

Step 2 Take your brûlées out of the oven after 35 minutes and let them cool.

Step 3 Once cooled, cover the top of the ramekins in a thin layer of sugar and place them under a grill until the sugar starts to crisp up. Or if you’re weird like me, use the blowtorch you keep in the press to melt your sugar until it’s golden brown.

Step 4 Time to eat, taking time for a dramatic pause as you crack the cooked sugar layer on top of the dessert. The cracking sound gives me an enormous sense of well-being.

This is the most basic version of this recipe that is available. It requires little skill but yields a good reward. I like to serve it with a nice shortbread biscuit and a bit of fruit coulis, but it also works well on its own.

As usual, if you have any questions or queries about this recipe or others, please feel free to contact me on Instagram at KearneyCooks or stevekearney37. Keep an eye to The Clare Echo social media channels as well, as all the companion videos to this column appear there .

Enjoy

Steve K

YOU WILL NEED: • 200ml of milk • 50 g castor sugar • 1 large egg • 1 egg yolk • 1 tsp of vanilla extract • A handful of sugar to form the brulee top Step 1 Get all your ingredients. Feck them into a jug and whisk the hell out of them. Pour into three ramekins and place into an oven dish. Fill the oven dish half way with hot water and put it into the oven at 170 degrees for 35 minutes or until the mixture is firm to touch.

R

ebecca O’Neill

The future of modelling

C

ATWALK Model Agency represents the future of modelling and I’m so happy to be able to work with such a phenomenal team.

This agency is run by the experienced and business orientated Mandy Maher.

With 20 years of experience in the modelling industry and a regular stylist on Virgin Media Television’s Ireland AM, Mandy provides amazing opportunities for her models with fashion shows, PR, photoshoots, promotional events, wedding fairs and television.

Catwalk provides top quality production in terms of fashion shows nationwide and offers very professional marketing expertise for bridal markets and fashion.

The agency provides a creative team consisting of some very talented hair-

dressers, photographers and stylists. They also have commercial models, female and male models that represent this agency. With over seventy to eighty people signed onto Catwalk, this agency is most certainly the one to be a part of.

It breaks down barriers to a whole new level of modelling and marketing that offers the best promotion for your fashion business and bridal wear. This agency has paved the way for so many others, to become authentic and unique. Catwalk treats their models like family and offers support and guidance through everything.

Catwalk Model Agency also offers Teen Style Camp providing coaching in grooming, etiquette and style. It gives young girls personal confidence and provides tips and tools to maintain a healthy self-esteem.

This week, Rebecca O’Neill gives some insight into Catwalk Model Agency who she has recently signed for

COLUMNIST 19

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Producing an in-demand product that is enjoyed by many has proven to be a special feeling, farming columnist Joe Melody remarked on the success of Melody Farm Eggs

W

ITH the clocks going forward last weekend, it seems to have induced a stronger sense of spring upon us. The hedges are opening, road verges look more verdant by the day, livestock in the fields seem to be content with having water, a picking of grass and sun on their backs.

This is the natural progression of the year.

In former times, a lot of the calving of dairy herds would only be gaining momentum around now.

Alas we have condensed so much of our year into the early spring period of February to mid march, it’s easy to forget that these months while being spring on the calendar are winter in terms of precipitation and temperature.

I recently partnered with my brother Frank in his venture Melody Farm Eggs.

The demand for his pasture raised eggs has been growing exponentially since last April. The next challenge will be in guaranteeing supply of these eggs to our customers who already buy

them from us at our self service ‘Egg Hut’ located at the entrance to our home farm. This has proven extremely popular and sells out regularly.

The past year has shown us that if you produce a high quality product people will come and buy it again and again. They say which came first, the chicken or the egg? To us one is as important as the other. If the hen isn’t fed and raised ethically, the egg will not have the same high quality nutrient profile and delicious taste.

We are employing the principles of grass based dairy farming in our hen farm. It is simple in theory but its application can take some work and thought.

The system is all based around keeping our flock of hens in fresh grass, this is what makes for a superior egg and a happy hen.

In May we will take a delivery of 1,200 young hens or to be more technical, pullets. Our current project is a facility that will be capable of housing 2,000 hens who will have access to fresh pasture daily in a rotational grazing system.

The concrete is being poured this week and nest boxes are being made off site. It is a special feeling as a farmer to be able to produce a product that is in demand and that people really enjoy.

Our hope is that we can get our eggs on as many kitchen and restaurant tables as possible. This new piece of infrastructure is the next step to doing that, it has been a wonderful adventure so far.

Away from the hens. This week we hope to get slurry out on the silage meadows that the replacement heifers have been grazing off. For much of the month of April we will be grazing our river banks with these heifers.

These banks have been closed up since last October as part of our effort to conserve the populations of wild geese and swans and in more recent times as part of a GLAS environmental program. We will be using an umbilical system of spreading slurry with a dribble bar. This method will prevent compaction of our soils alongside being low emission.

CLUCKING DELICIOUS: The Melody Farm grass fed hens’ eggs are proving popular

Green issues causing friction

A

LL is not so rosy in the garden for the Green party. If people were not aware of that beforehand, it came to light over the past week when 3 Green Senators, including Clare’s Róisín Garvey, placed down a motion of no confidence in their party chair, Dublin Lord Mayor Cllr. Hazel Chu. Chu defied a decision by the party’s executive, on which she sits, for the Greens not to contest the Seanad by-elections this month. Despite this decision, Chu received nominations from enough Parliamentarians, including fellow Green members and Independents to contest the election in violation of the party decision. The argument for the no confidence motion appearing to be that a party chair cannot be the ultimate arbitrator in setting the rules if she herself cannot obey them.

However, this latest squabble seems like the latest twist in the internal divisions within the Greens that have seen apparent Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin, the party leader and deputy leader, factions grow more bitter and hostile towards one another.

The Ryan wing would be more traditionalist and centrist in their approach.

The Martin wing would be more militant and left wing in theirs.

The decision to enter Government after phenomenal results in the 2019 and 2020 elections, under Ryan’s leadership, has seen bitter rivalries form from the wing of the party that was opposed to coalition and some resentment from those in favour.

In fact, the break from the Greens of many hard left members in the wake of the vote and subsequently has garnered much attention. But even a leadership

election, in which Ryan narrowly saw off a challenge from Martin, has not quelled tensions. If anything, the narrow margin has seen to make them even more prevalent.

The entire affair has completely overshadowed what was supposed to be a great week for the Greens in which they secured an amended Climate Action Bill that will transform Ireland’s approach to tackling green house gas emissions, biodiversity and sustainability.

This bill gives legal basis to the emissions targets, ensures the climate impact of all budgetary measures are fully factored in in future and that Ireland will cut 51% of emissions by 2030 and become net carbon neutral by 2050. The bill was widely welcomed by all within the Greens and was a huge achievement for the party as a key cornerstone of their election manifesto has now been green lit by Government.

Nevertheless, the political headlines after the announcement revolved around Chu and her challenge for a seat on the Seanad Industrial and Commercial panel, in which FF’s Gerry Horkan is running in an electoral pact with their coalition partners that will see Limerick FG’s Maria Byrne contest for the vacant seat on the Agricultural panel.

The bill has also been welcomed as a massive pos-

itive step for the environment by many NGOs and lobby groups and will see Ireland transformed from a climate laggard over the past decade into a climate leader in Europe. That said, those same hard left former Greens are not happy. So much so that, according to leaked documents, they’re forming their own party, the Left Greens.

Amongst their key policies would appear to be a large reduction in the national herd, a targeted shrinking of the economy, and the shutting of airports, including Shannon, with only Dublin airport to remain operational and only for “essential” flights. Words like growth, progress and prosperity being labelled as dirty words in their eyes. I can’t see these policies gaining much support in the likes of the Banner county any time soon.

So while the rest of the country gets on with living with Covid as we watch for announcements from Government regarding the easing of restrictions over the month of April, the Greens, like their coalition partners FF, appear to be navel gazing as they struggle with low single digit poll numbers.

One would have to say that, from the outside looking in, appearing as two separate parties distracted with infighting is a poor image and focusing on highlighting the great environmental and social justice work achieved within the first year of the coalition will serve them much better.

Alas, most parties never cop on to this fact until it’s too late. At least their environmental credentials appear to be rubbing off on FF and FG. That may end up being the Green party’s legacy in Government if nothing else. LORD MAYOR: Hazel Chu

20 FEATURES

Rise up the Cross RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

T

HIS Easter we are a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and again it has challenged us to reflect on what is most important in our lives. For many of us, to say it's been a dreadful year is an understatement.

Some have walked through times of deep loneliness, struggles, isolation, pain and heartache while many others have tried to find healing while navigating through seasons of great loss and unimaginable grief. I don't know about you, but to be honest I feel like I've been moving very slowly through the journey of life this last year overwhelmed, downtrodden and wrecked. We have been stripped of many of the human, normal life and religious rituals which we just took for granted but in the stripping, we see what is at the heart and the centre of our lives. Easter offers us a moment in time to take that opportunity to consider the deeper meaning of life. We are all, from time to time, given a Cross to carry and globally we have all been given the cross of this terrible pandemic. So let us during this Easter keep in our prayers all who carry a heavy burden.

The Three Trees

'Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure.

I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones.

I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be travelling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world! The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town.

"I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world. Years passed.

The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain.

The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me."

With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasures!" the first

tree said. The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!" The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way.

She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up.

"Any kind of tree will do for me."

He muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell. The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals.

The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.

The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat.

She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumber yard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."

Many days and nights passed.

The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. "This cradle is beautiful," she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.

One evening a tired traveller and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveller fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered.

She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke.

He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth. One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her.

She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week and as Easter Sunday approaches, we need to acknowledge that we are doing our best, from under the weight of all that's wearing us down. We need now to turn our eyes to Jesus. Think of Him on the cross, overwhelmed physically, emotionally, spiritually and totally beaten. Think of Him with His eyes focused upward, to the ultimate goal. Jesus is a perfect example of what to do when we feel beaten and bruised by the past year of restrictions and lockdowns as a result of this global pandemic. As we move towards Easter Sunday, let us try to remember all that Jesus went through.

That He prayed for the circumstances to change. And so can we.

That He ministered to others in the midst of His suffering. And so can we. That He prayed for those who abused Him. And so can we.

That He forgave those who did him harm. And so can we. That He rose from the grave, and brought victory and salvation to the world. So that we might have life and hope in the midst of our own suffering.

In our weaknesses, He is strong.

In His miraculous resurrection, we have hope eternal. And, really, what else do we need?

So rise up and never give up on yourself or on others because life is short and we all need a bit of a resurrection experience in our life no matter who we are now and then and when it happens everything falls into place. So rise up and give your faith a chance this Easter whatever you believe that to be. Let me leave you with a famous prayer written by Charles de Foucauld called the Prayer of Abandonment which I love to pray each morning.

"Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.

Amen."

lSTAG DO: A decorated deer in Mountshannon

Photo by John Mangan

Kerry man hoping to reconnect with old Ennis penpal TADHG HOLLAND

K

news@clareecho.ie

ERRY man Sean Dineen is looking for his old Ennis pen pal Patricia Howard who he corresponded with during the year of 1984.

Sean reached out to The Clare Echo hoping to find her as he wondered what became of the woman with whom he frequently contacted over a twelve month period. "There was no argument it just ended the way these things do" he said on the end of the letters.

He also highlighted that the reasons for looking for her weren't romantic.

"We weren't a couple or anything like that. I had other pen pals at the time but for whatever reason I kept this photograph and on the back I wrote Patricia Howard.

"I'd love to be able to trace this woman to show her the picture what a surprise that would be to see that picture after all them years but who knows where they are today" the Tralee man said.

The pair were put in contact through the lonely-hearts segment of RTÉ 2FM's 'Keeping

it Country' show. Presented by country and western DJ Paschal Mooney it was one of the first shows to air on 2FM when the station began in 1979.

It continued into the 80s even recording a show in Sean's hometown of Tralee in 1984 during the festival of Kerry before coming to an end when Mooney was elected as a Fianna Fáil senator in 1987.

The now 73 year old presenter has returned to broadcasting with a Saturday music show on Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal's local station Ocean FM. The pair never met in person and it has now been roughly 36 years since they communicated but Sean has a lot of nostalgia for the time around when he and Patricia were corresponding saying in relation to the 80s "those were the times".

He remembers very little of what they talked about in their letters and doesn't know exactly where she was from in Ennis but he's held onto the photograph for many years and would love to reconnect.

He hopes Patricia or someone who knows her will get in contact with The Clare Echo.

If you have information that may be of benefit to this, please contact 065 671 9021 or news@ clareecho.ie.

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Community BALLYEA

COMMUNITY 21 CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

FERN CELTIC

FERN Celtic FC will host a 5K/2K Virtual Run on Monday 5th April, 2021.

To get involved and have the chance to win a spot prize, people can go to eventbrite and log in. Search for Fern Celtic FC 5K/2K Virtual Fun Run on Eventbrite.co.uk to buy tickets.

ENNIS ROAD MARKINGS

FADED road markings at an Ennis housing estate on the Gort Rd have been repainted following requests from residents and local representatives, writes Páraic McMahon.

Works were completed off the back of a request before its March meeting where Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) tabled a proposal appealing for the repainting of the "very faded" road markings.

Cllr Ann Norton (IND) seconded the motion while Cllr Mary Howard (FG) referred to a wider issue surrounding speed bumps and liability. She asked that a survey be conducted in the vicinity of speed bumps and questioned, "if they can't see bumps due to no markings are we liable. It's important that somebody would take a couple of hours to look at them".

Subsequent to the repainting of the markings, Cllr Nestor paid tribute to the local authority for their swift management of the matter. "I was glad to see works have been carried out in the Glenina estate," he outlined.

ENNIS BOLLARDS

BROKEN bollards at the Ballymaley roundabout are to be repaired, writes Páraic McMahon.

An order has been placed by staff within the Ennis Municipal District for the "required bollards" and the work has been assigned to the roads crew within the District to complete.

It follows a motion from Cllr Ann Norton (IND) at the March meeting of the Ennis MD. "There are a number of broken bollards," at the roundabout, she flagged. Her proposal was seconded by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG).

lECUMINICAL: Sue O’Brien, Church of Ireland and Director of Ecumenism, Killaloe Diocese, and Mary Curley launch The Way of the Heart outside Carmody Shoes at Bank Place in Ennis HE WAY OF THE HEART T A UNIQUE art trail has been established throughout Ennis which depicts the suffering endured by people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Way Of The Heart – The Stations on the Streets of Ennis, Easter 2021, is a collaborative Ecumenical project between the local Church of Ireland and Catholic Church.

It includes 15 pieces of contemporary art to run during the Easter celebrations; beginning at the Poor Clare’s Convent on Francis Street, the project makes its way up through

ENNIS EASTER TREE OF HOPE

A JOINT initiative of Inisowiacy Polish Folk Group, Clare Immigrant Support Centre and the Polish Arts Festival Limerick, the Easter Tree of Hope aims to allow local people to decorate their own Easter egg in a Slavic style and hang the decoration at a specially designated tree at Waterpark House. There will be a similar tree in the People’s Park in Limerick. The tree selected in Ennis was planted by members of the Polish Community during the Polska Eire Festival in 2016.

The initiative includes two online videos demonstrating how you can decorate your own egg by traditional methods and a video exploring Easter tradition in Eastern Europe, including Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia. There is also a look at old Easter traditions in Ireland. Jo Walsh a director of Clare Immigrant Support Centre recalls the “whip the herring procession” which in modern times has almost van-

Abbey Street and down O’Connell Street taking incorporating businesses including Liam Hogan Photography, Holly’s Pharmacy Haven, Ennis Cash Company, the Town Hall restaurant and more. The art was installed in windows on March 27 and will be in situ all of this Holy week.

Joanne O’Brien, director of the Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Killaloe, tells The Clare Echo, “As people aren’t able to celebrate Easter in traditional ways this year. This project is bringing the stations to the streets in a contemporary way. 15 shops/business-

es around the town are hosting contemporary pieces of art which vary from fine art to award winning photography to 3D Art, all of which highlight the suffering which people are enduring at the moment.”

“It’s a lovely opportunity to have a reflective walk around the town and be inspired along the way.”

For those living outside the 5km restriction, pictures of the stations will be available to see on www.killaloediocese.ie and www. clareanglicans.ie.

MOUNTSHANNON ished. The videos are available to watch at www.inisowiacy.com The event organisers and the municipal district have reminded the public to comply with social distancing when bringing your egg to The Tree of Hope. The gates of Waterpark House will be open on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday to facilitate hanging eggs on the tree.

WRITING PROJECT

Writing submissions are open for; To Myself: Before, a project by Wayword Theatre as part of Mountshannon Arts 2021. .The Concept: This month you have spent one year of your life living through a global pandemic.

Pre-pandemic you had no idea that in 2020 the whole world would come to a crashing halt. If you could send yourself a message through time, from the present day to you to before the pandemic began - what would you say?

Wayword Theatre and the Mountshannon Arts Festival are calling for collaboration from you for the creation of To Myself: Before, a performance created from the messages people submit.

Criteria: The message can be in any form (letter, text, tweet, etc.); It is sent from you in the present to your pre-pandemic self.(any time/date/year); Submissions can be real or

fictional; There is no minimum or maximum length; The piece can be anonymous or your name can be included in the list of contributors – please specify when submitting; All writers are encouraged to submit whether a regular scribbler or someone who has never written before; Please note, as this is a theatre performance, the pieces will be collated

by WayWord Theatre.

As such, submissions may be used in their entirety or excerpts of the work may be used as part of the overall project at the discretion of Wayword Theatre; The format of the final performance i.e. whether a video, audio or stage production will be decided closer to the festival and dictated by the submissions received and whatever Covid restrictions might be in place at rehearsal and performance time.

Deadline for submissions: Friday 9th April 2021.Submissions can be emailed to waywordtheatre@gmail.com.

22 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Join our Production Team at Zimmer Biomet in Oranmore, Galway Join our Production

Summer reopening critical to survival of Clare tourism STUART HOLLY

Commenting on the ability of Clare’s VEA sector to act as a leader in adhering to public health guidelines and operate safe environments for visitors and staff, Mr Connick said: “In spite of very low levels of demand, our members in Clare and across Ireland have worked incredibly hard to reopen safely when permitted to do so, protecting our people, and securing as many of their jobs as possible. Clare’s visitor attractions are perfectly positioned to reopen safely under Level 3, having made significant investment in implementing visitor and staff safety measures. These include the roll-out of staff training under the Fáilte Ireland Covid-19 Safety Charter.

“Clare’s visitor attractions are professionally controlled spaces and are highly experienced in managing the flow of people, with most operating online booking systems allowing for detailed capacity management.

Visitor attractions are very spacious places, with many primarily operating in an outdoor setting. The guided tour element that most of our members operate also acts as an additional safety measure ensuring that members of the public do not congregate or stand stationary while visiting.

“These are safety measures you do not get in a retail setting. It is our belief that non-essential retail could have 10 times more visitors daily in smaller and more congested spaces than our largest indoor heritage and cultural attractions. In addition, our members are obliged to operate a full contact track and trace system unlike retail.”

Commenting on the importance of maintaining the physical and intellectual assets core to the success of Clare’s visitor experiences, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Geraldine Enright said: “The VEA sector forms a vital cog in the overall marketing strategy for positioning Clare as an attractive international tourism destination. There is a pivotal need to ensure that our visitor experiences are primed and ready to drive international tourism recovery once travel resumes. If we are anyway serious about retaining the unique selling point and identity of our cultural experience offering to international visitors, we cannot allow Clare’s visitor experiences to fail and disappear due to financial losses incurred because of Covid-19.

C in our Team at Production editor@clareecho.ie

LARE’S visitor experiences and attractions must be allowed reopen their doors under Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions to access the lifeline of a summer domestic tourism season. That is according to the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA), who have today (23.03.21) warned that the survival of visitor experiences core to the fabric of Ireland’s cultural identity and tourism industry is at a tipping point.

Expressing the concern of the association’s 85 members who currently are not permitted to reopen under Level 3 of the Government’s recently revised Covid-19 ‘Path Ahead Plan’, Chair of AVEA, Sean Connick said: “We are urgently calling on the Government to confirm the inclusion of visitor experiences and attractions (VEA) as a named sector permitted to open under Level 3 when the country is ready to move to that stage. The opening of visitor attractions under Level 3 was correctly amended in November 2020, in line with other tourism, hospitality and retail businesses. It is our assumption that the non-inclusion of visitor attractions under Level 3 in the revised plan is a simple oversight by Government rather than a policy reversal.

“The VEA sector is set to miss another season of international travel, meaning two full years of lost revenue for our members.

With the sector continuing to operate in survival mode, it is critical that visitor attractions are given the desperately needed lifeline of access to domestic tourism during the summer months. This is the only market the sector can depend on and given the cautious approach by Government to lifting restrictions which AVEA supports, it’s likely the domestic season will run for an extremely limited period, with capacity curtailed significantly due to operational restrictions.

According to Fáilte Ireland, AVEA members rank among some of the country’s most popular visitor experiences and include several Clare based attractions such as the Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Doolin Cave, and Shannon Heritage.

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For more detail callto more detail email your CV Emma on 091 452444 or email your CV to productbuilders@careerwise.ie Eileen Kelly at ekelly@careerwise.ie

To find out more about the Association of Visitor Attractions and Experiences, visit: www.avea.ie.

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VITAL: Cliffs of Moher Photo by Ilaria

BUSINESS & RECRUITMENT 23

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Up close & personal with Carey Corbett Impressive growth of Ennis company rooted in customer care STUART HOLLY

“I

editor@clareecho.ie

N TIMES of stress or turmoil, people think about protecting themselves and their family unit.” These words spoken by Donal Carey, of Carey Corbett Financial Solutions, come as he and his business partner Tommy Corbett reflect on their continued progress amidst the pandemic.

The Roslevan-based company is now in its 17th year and has enjoyed annual growth since emerging from the previous recession in 2010. This can be counted in both arms of their business; Carey Corbett Financial Solutions and Carey Corbett Sullivan Insurances.

The blossoming of a local financial services and insurance brokerage in a year of extreme economic turbulence may come as a surprise however it is no revelation to Tommy or Donal, who attribute the success to their unwavering approach to customer care.

This week Carey Corbett expanded their team with the addition of commercial insurance advisor Enda O’Halloran and they now boast a full-time staff base of 14. As Tommy muses, “We invest in our business and people every year. There is always someone in the office doing an exam, we make a conscious effort to upgrade ourselves yearly. This industry is fast paced and we like to be ahead of the curve.”

l HANDS-ON APPROACH: Donal Carey and Tommy Corbett Photos by John Mangan

Reflecting on the current market demands, Tommy reveals that the phone lines have never been busier due to the changing personal circumstances many people have experienced in the last year. He states, “I think people are becoming more aware of their own finances so we’re getting a lot of financial services queries.” Donal continues, “In times of stress or turmoil, people think about protecting themselves and their family unit.

“So we’re finding people are looking for specific financial advice. People are planning for their future, something they mightn’t have done a year or two ago when their lives were very busy. Now they’re sitting down to think, ‘where will I allocate this money’ so we’re seeing a lot of those calls and we’re always happy to answer as much as we can.

“All areas of our business are busy. For example, we have never set up so many pensions in such a condensed period of time.

We have small companies setting up pension schemes, business owners reviewing their self-administered pensions and those without a pension deciding to begin the process.”

This is where a local brokerage such as Carey Corbett come into their own. Clarecastle native Donal explains, “What Tommy and I decided when we started this was, we would try and bring people in, sit them down and talk to them about their life and financial goals, talk to them about their family situation and their work status, in a way that we felt hadn’t been done in County Clare.” Carey Corbett has won three customer service excellence awards in a row because of this type of relationship and Donal credits it as a primary reason for their success. “Our customers are focused on getting investment plans in place and generally they like the peace of mind of walking away from the plan and just checking in for an investment review annual.

We provide that peace of mind.”

Unquestionably, on the insurance side a ‘shop around’ culture now exists as customers search for the best quotes available on insurance with the large-scale providers.

However, Tommy affirms that Carey Corbett puts the customer’s needs ahead of the singular transaction and this relationship will ultimately pay dividends for the client. He is of the opinion that everyone should have access to a personal advisor they can call upon when it comes to making crunch decisions on financial matters.

“An awful lot of people when they go online, look for the cheapest option, whereas we will look for the cheapest but we’ll always look for the one that suits you best and long

term that’s better for the customer.

“We can take care of people for everything.

So, a person comes in for their first car insurance; then they get a job and want a pension.

After that they could be looking to do a mortgage; then they might want to put a few quid away for their kids; after that they may have a few quid they want to invest so every stage we can look after them. So we offer a full package under one roof.”

Donal elaborates that a large segment of their customer base that are business owners.

“We understand them because we are them, we have been building own business for 17 years. These clients depend on our professionalism and discretion. We know our industry inside out and we make a point of

delivering innovative investment solutions.”

Rewind to 2004, these were the principles upon which Carey Corbett was founded.

Tommy recalls, “Donal was previously working for Scottish Providence and when they left the market he went to work for a broker in town. We used to meet often for coffee and hop ideas off each other. One day over a coffee we said we’d do it [set up Carey Corbett], it was basically a 30 second conversation.”

Donal adds, “We were sharing opinions on how to help people over those coffees and we’re still doing that to this day 17 years later.”

To contact Carey Corbett Financial Solutions or Carey Corbett Sullivan Insurances, call 065 68 93540.

24

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

New facilities will help Tulla Athletic Club create more great days PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

DDITION of quality facilities are necessary for the likes of Tulla Athletic Club to move forward and continue to attract rising stars, a leading club member

has said.

With Tulla Athletic Club, it has always been a case of getting the job done with little fanfare and no fuss. This attitude is traced back to the establishment of the club with the minute book giving a brief summary of its first meeting on 11th November 1952 “the following officers were elected: Michael O’Keeffe, Miltown was its first Chairman and Pat McNamara, Crusheen was the first secretary”.

The club was formed following the splitting of St Michael’s Athletic Club into Ruan Athletic Club and Tulla Athletic Club.

Since then, it has had many great days, the 1960s were marked by twelve in a row senior cross-country championships and the 1963 All-Ireland junior cross country success for Clare which included two Tulla runners.

Other highpoints include the fourteen senior championship medals accumulated by both Joe Lynch and Michael Minogue

plus Minogue making forty consecutive appearances in the Clare senior cross-country championship. The feats of the McGrath brothers Donal and Jimmy by winning six individual titles and three individual titles in a row respectively also hold pride of place in the annals along with the several underage accolades secured by the club.

Progress made on the development of a 400m hard core surface track, a 1,500m cross country track, that now serves as the club’s home on The Creamery Rd also gives another reason for members to stick their chest out. A shot putt circle, hammer and discuss circle, synthetic surface for the longrun jump off, lighting and toilets will also be installed when COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Eugene Conlon was secretary when the plans for the development were submitted in March 2015. The dairy farmer has regularly been spotted at 11pm over summer nights preparing the facility while he also used his used track machine to develop the 11 acre site free of charge.

Donations from the public, particularly those in the early stages fuelled his motivation for the project when all that was visible was “a poor wet field” but people made the decision to “see the future” by investing in it.

He has held a lifelong involvement with the club from his days as a cross-country runner following in the footsteps of his father Pat to his time serving as an officer.

Donlon’s SuperValu Tulla Supporting the Local Community

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 8am to 9pm Sunday and Bank Holidays 8am to 6pm

The Conlon family are very proud to see the strides made with the club. “When we were young, we were all brought off to cross country racing. We were running in juvenile races but one of our first cross-country races that I really saw that caught my attention was the Tulla team of the 1960s, in 1967 Tulla had the first three men home that day and it was John Danagher, Joe Lynch and Tom Byrnes, it was an amazing achievement and it would give you the courage to take up athletics and try be like those fellas when you grow up”.

Modern day athletic clubs must be able to cater for track and field events, he outlined.

“Young people seem to be bigger and stronger now, they are more geared towards sprinting, running and throwing. We felt for an athletic club to move forward that we had to have our own facilities, otherwise young people would go to clubs that had their

own facilities, that is why we decided to purchase the site”.

Tulla has for decades been the club of choice for athletes from Feakle, Bodyke, Broadford, O’Callaghans Mills, Clooney and Crushee, “some fantastic athletes have come in from other parishes to compete with us,” Eugene recalled.

Conlon is confident more social runners will also find their way to their complex when restrictions ease. “We also have put in a cross country trail around the track, we’ve about 800m completed, it will be 1500m in total.

For people to come in there, it might be easier than running the road, roads are quite busy, the social runner will have a great future in the club because it will be a place for them to go and meet and the facility will be there for them as a social outlet”. l Eugene Conlon.

Photograph: John Mangan

25

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Role of Tulla Athletics Club will become more important as village grows

By SEAMUS HAYES

M

l Tom Byrnes current chairman, Mike O’Keeffe

first club chairman and Mike Minogue club member

Photograph: John Mangan

ICHAEL Minogue is a long standing member of Tulla athletic club and currently fills the position of club treasurer a position he has held for many years.

He has been involved with the club since 1965.

“We used to be hurling and a neighbour came in one day and put us running before he brought some of us to a race and we have been involved since”, explained Michael this week.

Success of the club achieved by John Danagher, Joe Lynch, Tom Byrnes, Jimmy and Donal McGrath from Feakle, the Conlons is remembered

by Michael plus the contributions of Pat Firth and John Minogue winners of the 1953 junior All-Ireland.

He also acknowledged the feats of Crusheen’s Michael Culligan winning three Clare senior titles and that of his brother Frank, Clare intermediate title winner Anthony McNamara of Tulla and the exploits of James Murphy, Michael Solon and Donegal native James McIntyre.

Importance of the club to the community of Tulla was underlined by Michael. “It offers people an opportunity to exercise and to meet with other parishioners and with people from neighbouring

parishes”.

“The club has changed quite a bit over the years. We have recently developed our own track on land that we purchased a few years ago with the help of a loan which we have now paid back.

We have developed a cross country course there and we hope to get working on the building of changing rooms in the near future. It’s very important now to have facilities for the youth. Planning permission has recently been sought for a lot houses in Tulla and facilities are needed. People need activity and this is very important”.

Minogue recalled, “When I was starting out the senior athletes in the club used to train on Kennedy’s land in Miltown, Tulla. They were the county senior champions at the time. They won five titles in a row and after being out of the winner’s enclosure for a few years they bounced back to win twelve titles in a row”. Michael was part of the twelve in a row winning teams. He noted that he and current club chairman Tom Byrnes “are the only two veterans involved in the club now”.

His love for the club still burns strong. “If we don’t keep it going it will die”, explained Michael whose brother Danny won novice and junior Clare titles with the club while he also helped Tulla to Clare intermediate hurling honours.

26

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Tulla sporting groups taking pride in giving back to the community

By EOIN BRENNAN

T

ULLA’S sporting infrastructure understandably evokes an immense source of local pride, with The Cragg (Tulla United), Dr. Daly Memorial Park (Tulla GAA Club) and now Creamery Park Road (Tulla Athletic Club) forming an enviable triumvirate for the town.

Far from being coincidental, the development of such contemporary facilities is primarily due to a strong community spirit and passion for sport according to Tulla Athletic Club secretary Alan O’Keeffe.

“There’s a real sense of cooperation and compassion in that everyone wants the best for each other. The hurling club supports us, we support them and the soccer club the same. The bottom line is that the only reason all this gets done is because there are people willing to work hard enough on committees and that there’s spirit there that’s good enough to want the community to develop and that’s what has made all this possible.”

The athletic club’s Creamery Park Road complex is a case in point as following the site’s purchase in 2014, its incremental development has required substantial planning, enthusiasm and of course funding. Combined with successful grant aid, both locally and nationally, finance has been sourced by approximately €70,000 from the local community.

“We wouldn’t have a grounds today without the local community and businesses getting behind us, it’s as plain and simple as that. The more they see being done, the more they’re willing to support so they’ve been great from the start and they continue to be great,” the secretary added.

The recent addition of a long jump along with shot putt and discus circles have maintained the anticipation levels ahead of a summer reopening after lockdown. However, in terms of ambition, the crowning achievement of a sports hall is Tulla Athletic Club’s next big focus, with the five year planning permission granted for the site provid-

ing an immediate timeline to commence fundraising for the project that will cost a minimum of €250,000.

Enter Peadar Greene and Keith McInerney, the newest recruits to Tulla Athletic Club’s fundraising arm who have wholly embraced that ‘without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community’ philosophy.

“We just wanted to be more involved with the community so what we’re trying to do is first create awareness of Tulla Athletic Club and also support the local community especially in these difficult COVID-19 times.” Noted Peadar Greene “So rather than going to businesses and asking them for money, that we would take a completely different approach. Our idea was to buy four vouchers from each local business to the value of €30 each and that we’d use those vouchers then for our raffle. It was just a way of showing our support for them as they have been supporting us for years and people can subscribe to the raffle for €20 so everyone is a winner.”

l Louise McInerney, social inclusion group coordinator Photograph: John Mangan

27

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Community links key for Beckman Coulter

B

ECKMAN Coulter is located in the heart of a great community in O’Callaghan’s Mills where it employs more than 500 people, making it one of the largest employers in the region.

Part of the Fortune 500 listed Danaher Corporation headquartered in California, it is a diagnostics company whose products are found in hospitals, laboratories and GP surgeries worldwide. The company’s vision is to advance healthcare for everyone and it is very proud of its contribution to the Irish economy nationally, regionally and more locally in East Clare.

Staff at its Irish base are engaged in Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Engineering, Science and product support activities. The site is also manufacturing serology products (assays) in the fight against COVID-19.

The company currently has more than 40 vacancies with roles ranging from Director level to scientists, technicians and analysts.

As well as offering great career progression opportunities, there is the attraction of living in the beautiful Mid-West and enjoying some of the best living standards in Ireland.

Situated on a former 85-hectare farm, the Beckman Coulter site is home to bees, bats and a wormery that helps to recycle water.

It also boasts its very own 5km nature walkway for its employees, as well as lakes and the ruins of an old castle.

With such a wealth of natural assets, it is not surprising that the company retains a constant focus on its environmental and sustainability practises, which also helps to drive excellence in employee engagement and wellbeing. It has been awarded a num-

ber of awards for excellence in sustainability.

The company is committed to Diversity and Inclusion and recently chose International Women’s Day to announce several new promotions of women within its senior management team.

Developing and maintaining community links is important for the company and there have been collaborations with local schools such as St Joseph’s in Tulla on the BT Young Scientist competitions as well as encouraging interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects.

Beckman Coulter Site Director Orlaith Lawler said: “We want to play our part in growing the talent pool of engineers in Clare, Limerick and the region as a whole as part of a long-term strategy. We hope to see more young people taking an interest in STEM subjects and choosing to become engineers and scientists.

“We have a hugely talented team working across many functions including science, manufacturing and administration. I am incredibly proud of our team and our place in the Co Clare community and look forward to continued growth and expansion.”

28

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

‘Community’ the heart and soul of Cooney’s Hardware STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

HE local community in Tulla has been a great support to the business community over the last 12 months, according to local traders.

Eugene Cooney, of Cooney’s Home and Hardware store is approaching three years in operation, having taken over from Conlon & Son which had established itself on the Main Street in Tulla for more than 30 years.

Before purchasing the business, 35-year-old Eugene previously worked as a block layer and then worked for Zimmer in Shannon for four years.

A provider of plumbing supplies, Cooney’s also stock everything from work gear and Dulex paint to homeware, helium balloons and more. The veteran senior Tulla hurler says that running a traditional hardware store has changed on account of the pandemic.

“We have had to put safety precautions in place as have all retailers we also increased the giftware, homewares and the children’s offering because of Covid really, as people couldn’t go into town and pick up these small little gifts. It’s acually gone really well,

the sales on these items trickle away and as customers werre at home more they were baking or painting and these products were also in demand. It was to accommodate the fact that people were no longer in a position to go to Ennis or Limerick for these items.” says Eugene.

When taking over the business in September 2018, Eugene and his wife Clara were also in the midst of raising a young family.

They have a four-year old boy named Ollie and a two-year old girl, Ava. Despite his busy personal life and having to learn about running a business for the first time, Eugene says he’s enjoying the challenge. He remains very good friends with the store’s previous owners and credits the Conlon family with making the transition a seamless one for him.

Another aspect that has made the transition more comfortable is support from people in Tulla and the surrounding communities. “It was a big change but I enjoy it; meeting new people and your customers every day. I’m not there a very long time but people have been very good lately with shopping local which is great for the town to be honest, and hopefully it will continue,” says Eugene. “I believe it’s up to the people to mind their own businesses.”

Eugene believes that independent stores such as his increase the health and vitality of a community such as Tulla. While cred-

l Eugene Cooney Photograph: John Mangan

iting the support of the public for his shop’s success, Eugene believes that the support has to be repaid to the public by local business owners. “If your gas runs out over the weekend or on Christmas Day you are not going to be able to ring a big retailer. That’s the importance of a local independent hardware store I think.

“Ever since I joined this business I realise moreso, it’s up to the people of every community to look after their own businesses as those businesses will look after the community. So I really think the importance is the personality, the engagement. As the customer knows the person in the shop, you

can ring him on a Sunday morning when there’s something leaking or something gone wrong, and he’ll get up out of bed and give you what you want. Really I think that’s the heart and soul of a little hardware shop in a parish like Tulla.”

Eugene notes that people are more conscious of the shop local message since the pandemic “and hopefully it will continue”.

“They have been supporting local business and I have been very busy thank God. I have been very lucky to remain open and I feel very sorry for my counterparts in the village that have had to close. So I feel very lucky that I can remain open.”

29

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Perfect storm for vibrancy and development in Tulla STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

A

PERFECT storm of developments in Tulla will lead to young families moving to the East Clare parish, it has been claimed.

With a number of housing projects in the offing and a new state-of-the-art secondary school, locals in Tulla believe the village on the windswept hill is becoming a more attractive prospect than ever for young couples to raise their families.

Along with the Main Street being well served by a number of dynamic businesses, Tulla boasts a highly active GAA club, a modern soccer club, an acclaimed Comhaltas Centre, and the newly developed athletics club.

Originally from Longford, Paul Donlon has been in charge of SuperValu Tulla since 2004 and now considers himself “adopted to the West”. With 35 staff members, Supervalu serves as the heartbeat of the village where locals do their weekly shopping. Paul laments that Covid-19 impacted the sociable nature associated with a local shop due to the advent of facemasks and screens however he has seen people’s confidence restored in recent months. “It has turned around thankfully to the way it used to be

since Christmas. The local chat seems to be returning and that’s something we built our business on, that we’re friendly and approachable.”

Paul is enthusiastic about the village’s prospects and is encouraged by the current political will to encourage remote working, which he believes can revive rural Ireland.

“Tulla was always earmarked as a satellite town for Ennis and there was no building for the last 10 years but now there are three housing estates set to be developed in the next year and a half which is great.”

Liam O’Meara of O’Meara Butchers started trading in the village in 2005. A great success story, O’Mearas have a farm in Flagmount. With a strong focus on freerange and organic, O’Mearas sell their own range of products from beef, egg, sausages, to turkey burgers – “90 per cent of what’s on the counter we make ourselves and we try and source locally as much as possible,” says Liam.

The butcher has been extremely busy during the pandemic and has adjusted their business to tailor for customers ordering over the phone or by whatsapp, to the point where the purchase will be delivered to the boot of the customer’s car without any personal contact being made.

Liam says he’s grateful to be able to trade in Tulla, which he describes as a “thriving village”. “Since I moved in about nine more businesses have opened in the village,

Biodiversity plan developed

by Tulla Athletic Club

By CIAN O’BROIN

TULLA Athletic Club has been taking advantage of a quiet time to bolster the 11.4-acre site with a new biodiversity plan.

The East Clare club stretches back to 1952, following the split of the then St. Michael’s Athletic Club into two separate units, Ruan Athletic Club now known as Marian AC and Tulla AC. Tulla Athletic Club has recently announced a new biodiversity plan to increase “carbon footprint awareness and leave a long-lasting legacy,” club officer Peadar Greene explained.

A project developed by local TY students has seen a native tree sponsoring initiative being introduced. Tulla vintage organisation have donated €3700 to plant 37 sponsored trees. Anyone who sponsors a tree will receive a timber plaque with their name and message on it. A selection of native saplings, beech, alder, oak whitethorn is available at the individual’s discretion. A total of 500 trees are planned for the site.

Plans have been put in place to add a track linking the club’s facility to the village and add additional parking spaces by the end of the year.

the health food shop, hairdressers and few more. We’re very lucky, it’s a tight-knit community. There are a lot of facilities between the handball, soccer, athletics, GAA and the scouts. It’s great to see the new developments too, there’s planning for nearly 200 houses in Tulla and the new secondary school has been the trump card.”

Eugene Cooney of Cooney’s Home and Hardware flags that while he has huge concerns when he sees services such as Bank Of Ireland being removed from Tulla, the overwhelming feeling is one of positiv-

ity in the East Clare village. Also alluding to school, housing developments and wide range of clubs including “one of the best soccer clubs in Ireland”, Eugene adds, “Tulla’s a great village – you can get anything you want in Tulla. The Supervalu, chemist, butchers, flower shop, you can get a cup of coffee, a book in the library, an oil burner, a helium balloon, to a bag of cement; it’s all here in Tulla, ourselves included. I do my shopping in Tulla, and I think it is on the way up as a place to live.”

l Main Street, Tulla Photograph: John Mangan

30

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

Housing developments ‘a major lift to Tulla’

By PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

“MAJOR LIFT” is on the cards for Tulla as three separate housing developments highlight the appetite to live in the East Clare town.

On the old site of St Josephs secondary school, a 17 house development will be accompanied by a mixed use building offering potential for retail and office units. Last July, An Bord Pleanála backed the decision of Clare County Council to grant permission for the site.

Restrictions due to COVID-19 have currently paused the development of 25 social housing units at Doonaun on the outskirts of Tulla. The provision of six electric vehicles are included along while plans for a pedestrian walkway linking the new development to the existing O’Reilly Park were scrapped.

Further information has been sought by Clare County Council on an application from Rockfort Developments Ltd to construct 36 residential units. The plans were filed in December with the local authority appealing for further information due to concerns relating to drainage, the size of the attenuation system and the impact to subsurface archaeological remains.

Developments of this nature are viewed

as “a major lift” to Tulla,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) stated. “You’ve a lot of businesses in Tulla, it is a very viable town,” he outlined. “There is an awful lot happening in Tulla, there is a lot of facilities in Tulla, you have the GAA with a fantastic set-up, the soccer club has a fantastic set-up and the athletic club are putting up a brilliant facility on the outskirts of Tulla, there is a new secondary school, a fantastic primary school and facilities like that in an area naturally enough is it encouraging people to move into a town like Tulla where you have such fine facilities”.

Services and location underpin the attractiveness of the area, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) detailed. “Tulla has been the centre of very considerable growth, I moved there in 2003, Tulla has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, a very considerable amount of new housing and potential for more coming on stream.

Tulla is very centrally located, it is very much part of East Clare, people who live around me in the estate I’m in travel to Galway, Limerick, Roscrea, Shannon and Ennis for work, it is an epicentre. With the changes people are working from home, people who ordinarily spent the week in Dublin and come home at the weekends are now able to work from home. There is a good array of services, having a prima-

ry and secondary school is very advantageous to the village”.

Not all parts of East Clare are as fortunate as Tulla when it comes to services, Cllr Cooney highlighted. “Unfortunately there are areas in East Clare outside of Tulla that don’t have the proper infrastructure, that is a major setback to localities. Tulla is fortunate to have good infrastructure and it benefits from having the infrastructure.

Dereliction in the town needs to be tackled, he insisted. “Unfortunately some of the buildings in the centre of the town need to be renovated, I know it is something that both the Council and the property owners are working, hopefully we will see these properties renovated in the near future and build the centre of the town of Tulla again”.

Efforts must be intensified to bring an ATM to the town, Senator Dooley flagged.

“We’ve seen other parts of the county where villages have become depopulated and services unfortunately leave, it is very unfortunate that the Bank of Ireland has decided to close, it is a negative but I’m hopeful that some additional services will be put into the post office, we have to continue to fight to get an ATM that is accessible 24/7 in Tulla”. l Tulla, Co Clare Photograph: John Mangan

Senator

Timmy Dooley Weekly Clinics Countywide

“Dooley doesn’t dilly dally - he delivers” Constituency Office:

8 Mill Road, Ennis.

Tel: 065 689 1115

Email: timmy.dooley@oir.ie

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

PHASE 1 NOW RELE ASED 17 New Quality Built Homes in the Heart of Tulla by Galvin Construction.

3 B e droo m e d D e t a c h e d Bu n g a l o w - €25 0,000 – ONLY 1 2 B e dro o m e d D e t a c h e d Bu n g a l o w - €215,000- ONLY 1 3 Bedro om e d S e m i D e t a c h e d H o m e s - €240, 000 – ONLY 4 Re m a i n i n g

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Sport Clare Echo THE

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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

Harvey Sligo’s McGowan named as confirmed as senior captain football coach

By PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

AOIMHE Harvey has been named as the new captain of the Clare intermediate ladies football side.

West Clare Gaels clubwoman Harvey was sprung from the bench the last time Clare featured in the All-Ireland intermediate final in 2016. She replaced her sister Shauna on Neil Moynihan’s side and has become an integral part of the team in the subsequent years.

Last year, Caoimhe lined out at midfield as James Murrihy’s charges reached the last four, a very strong Meath side ended their involvement in the All-Ireland series.

Only two Clare teams have ever won the All-Ireland Minor B ladies football crown. Caoimhe was top-scorer with 2-01 to her name from midfield in an exceptional performance. The victorious team of 2017 were managed by her late father Kieran, a man held in the highest of esteem by those involved in the sport.

Evan Talty has taken over from his Kilmurry Ibrickane clubmate Murrihy as manager of the side. All-Ireland glory has already been listed as the objective by the new manager.

SEAMUS HAYES SLIGO’S Gerry McGowan has been confirmed as the new team coach of Colm Collins’ Clare senior footballers.

The Tourlestrane clubman replaces Dublin native Brian Carson who stepped down at the end of last season.

McGowan, a former Sligo inter county player, co-managed his home club with Eamonn O’Hara to a five-in-a-row of Sligo senior football championship titles while he was also a selector with Sligo in 2018 with then manager Cathal Corey.

He now links up with Cratloe clubman Colm Collins, who is into his eighth consecutive season as manager of the Banner football team. Clare will be operating from Division 2 of the national football league, having retained their place in the division for the fourth successive season.

Clare were narrowly beaten by eventual All-Ireland semi-finalists Tipperary (2-11 to 1-11) in the quarter-final of the Munster football championship last year.

Collins confirmed to The Clare Echo that McGowan had joined the management team. As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Declan O’Keeffe, Enda Coughlan, Declan Downes and Rob Mulcahy re-

main involved.

McGowan held an online discussion with members of the Clare panel earlier this week. He will begin his coaching role in earnest when the current Covid restrictions on intercounty training are eased.

Almost 1,000 Club Clare memberships in first week

By PÁRAIC McMAHON

THE backing of almost 1,000 membership subscriptions to Club Clare in its first week has been described as the “perfect boost” for the county’s hurling and camogie squads according to the senior managers in both codes.

A new Club Clare Membership offering gathered immediate momentum with the first official figures released on Wednesday afternoon verifying a membership of more 975 to directly aid Clare’s inter-county squads from Under 14 to Senior.

“With the players not being able to puck a ball together yet in 2021, to know that the county are fully behind them is just the perfect boost ahead of hopefully getting back on the field as soon as possible,” county senior camogie manager Ger O’Connell admitted.

Club Clare Committee Member and senior hurling manager Brian Lohan was equally as appreciative of the ringing endorsement the new supporters club initiative has received from Banner fans throughout the world.

“We are overwhelmed by the response so

far, both from within the county and overseas too. I suppose like any new venture, you’d always be a little apprehensive as to how it would go, especially in these difficult times but we have been seriously heartened by the continued good will and generosity of the Clare supporters,” Lohan remarked.

Club Clare’s first stated target is to reach 3,000 members so to achieve a third of that objective within 10 days bodes well for the voluntary committee’s ambitions.

“Hopefully we can keep up that momentum now because as the saying goes, a good start is only half the battle,” Lohan added.

“The level of preparation required to compete nowadays is rising rapidly all the time and with this membership drive fundraising for 11 different county teams in hurling and camogie, every cent counts to ensure that the county can legitimately attempt to reach its potential at all grades.

“I mean there were upwards of 30,000 or 40,000 Clare supporters in Croke Park for the finals in 2013 and again in the drawn

semi-final in 2018 so while we’d love if all of them signed up, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect that at least 10% would do so. Look, we’re fully aware that it’s a difficult time financially for some people but we’d urge those that are in a position to assist to go to clubclare.com and join up.”

Having been forced to watch from afar over the past 12 months, it’s important to keep Banner fans connected according to O’Connell.

“It was eerie playing in an empty Páirc Ui Chaoimh last November and I’m sure it was the same for Brian and the lads throughout their championship campaign but the messages of support and best wishes were all greatly appreciated and hopefully the camogie and hurling teams repaid that support somewhat by reaching their respective All-Ireland Quarter-Finals. So until it’s safe to get supporters back in the stands, the players want to show their appreciation through Club Clare by giving members some exclusive content and insights into our camps”.

l OVERWHELMED: Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan Photo by Jim Campbell

pg 33

01-04-21

Clare Echo THE

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'One chance' left to make Caherlohan a success PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA have “one chance” to make sure the Centre of Excellence at Caherlohan becomes a success.

Central Council Delegate, Simon Moroney who is the new Chairperson of a sub-committee for Caherlohan said the right approach must be taken when it comes to the future of the facility’s development. €4.8m has been spent on Caherlohan to date.

Speaking at the March meeting of the County Board, Tulla delegate Brian Torpey noted that he had been fighting the cause for Caherlohan “for many a year”. He referenced a report completed by a

Kilkenny company which “told us exactly the problem and more importantly the solution”.

Torpey criticised the approach taken at the time by Clare GAA. “We thought we would try the cheaper solution by spraying sand on it and it hasn’t worked”. The report he said identified the need to relay the top pitch.

Addressing the meeting, Moroney confirmed that the sub-committee had held two meetings. The Ennis man said he had “a long conversation” with Richard Hayden who produced the report referenced by Torpey and that he was to have another meeting with him. “Our focus has been on those reports, I felt it necessary to speak to him directly”.

Elements of the report “indicated that if job wasn’t done in winter of

18/19 that there could be deterioration”. Moroney commented, “it may be a necessity to do trial holes, they were done on pitch number one, the result of trial were extrapolated onto the others”.

“We’ve one chance to do this, we will spend a lot of money on remediating the situation and want to make sure we do it right. We have been working and have met on site.”

Wolfe Tones representative Dermot O’Donnell stated, “It is our club’s view that it is well documented the amount of money spent. I don’t think anything more should be spent on Caherlohan and the wider picture until we give an opportunity to the independent committee formed to make their assessment”.

Photo by John Mangan

THE CUTTING EDGE

Ennis RFC man to get taste of Champions Cup MUNSTER coach Johaan Van Graan has added Ennis scrum half Ethan Coughlan to his side’s Heineken Champions Cup squad for the knockout stages of the competition.

The 18-year-old has been making steady progress through the Munster and Ireland underage ranks. He played a key role for Ennis RFC U-18s last season as the side captained by Tony Butler made their way to the Munster Final where they were due to meet Cobh Pirates before the match was cancelled due to Covid-19.

This represents another stepping stone in the career of the Clare youngster who is also on the current National Talent Squad.

WITH MARK O’DONNELL

Time to get your P-FACTS straight

G this week.

AA Games Development Officer with LIT, Mark O’Donnell breaks down the P-FACTS approach

Players are regularly summoned to alleys/ball walls to improve their kicking/striking technique. Unfortunately, most deliberate practice occurs with little coaching or without a framework to develop technical proficiency. This principle, summarized by P-FACTS, can be implemented when practicing isolated skills to aid players.

P – Power is required to pass, shoot or clear a ball in Gaelic games. For instance, Joseph McGann doesn’t need to kick the leather off a ball when shooting at goal, but a full kick is required to bypass a defensive line when delivering to the forwards.

Therefore, players should be encouraged to develop a variety of powers. When learning a new type of kick/strike, initially reducing power may help to expedite development until the skill pattern is formed.

F – Fluency is the ability to perform with ease and confidence, enabling players to reach their full potential. This quality separates Tony Kelly and fellow All-Stars from others. While many athletes can execute the skills of TK, their performance may be rigid and uncontrolled. Coaches are advised to monitor skills three-fold – isolated, semi-opposed and in-game. Some players may appear competent striking unopposed in an alley, but

struggle to find flow in a match context.

us of technical aspects needing attention.

A – Accuracy is conducive for success in sport. Chloe Moloney is the bearer of high scoring and successful kick-passing rates.

Accurate skill execution is the common denominator. The determining metric is her ability to hit a target e.g. teammates, pockets of space or goalposts. Players may have difficulty interpreting feedback from a wide effort on the pitch, but when kicking or striking against a wall, a returning ball may inform

C – Consistency is key for those seeking improvement over time. Everybody has the potential to muster a moment of sporting magic, but can we repeat these actions? Coaches are challenged to develop technically proficient players, who can rely on their skillset when called upon. Do our players routinely score frees or execute tackles at training but fail to do so during competition. Are we observing a one-off performance and assuming mastery, or was it a beginner’s luck? Regular skills testing is an appropriate method of assessing consistency.

T – Timing often deciphers between winners and losers. A player may have textbook hooking or near-hand tackling ability, but if they cannot execute the skill when required – it’s all in vain!

Timing of performance is closely intertwined with decision making.

Perceiving when to shoot, pass or carry, and whether to engage or drop off an opponent are examples that centre around the timing of a skill. Well-designed games will nurture players’ timing of their technical skills.

S – Speed kills, especially in the GAA. Foot, hand, eye, mind, reaction and swing (hurling specific) speed all shape how the game is played at the highest level. Players have various speed capacities, and a mere few will excel across all categories.

Speed can be developed, despite hearsay, provided we identify which elements require coaching.

Aoife Power possesses electric foot speed, while Ciara Grogan’s stroke speed is the envy of many camogie players. The key coaching message is to foster all elements of the speed spectrum.

01-04-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 34

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Byrnes proud as Tulla on track for future SEAMUS HAYES

l PROJECT: Tulla AC Chairman Tom Byrnes Photo by John Mangan

MENTION Tulla athletic club and the name of Tom Byrnes immediately comes into the conversation.

The current club chairman won his first medal back in 1955 and throughout a glittering career he won a total of 88 medals while he also has a collection of plaques to his name from cross country races in many counties in Ireland.

Tom’s first medal was won in a race for the Walsh Cup, a competition between athletes from East Clare and the host club won the team event on the day. The race took place at Miltown in Tulla where the local club staged many memorable events.

The club chairman then had to wait until 1958 for

his next medal and he captured three in that season.

“The club enjoyed huge success in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We were very strong at that time. We took part in a lot of meetings throughout Ireland and we regularly competed in invitation races in Limerick, Cork, Tipperary and Galway to mention some places,” he reflected.

Without doubt a highlight of Tom’s athletic career came in 1963 when he captured the All-Ireland junior cross country title. The race took place at Drumcliffe in Ennis and Tom led the Clare team to the gold medals in the team event.

“John Danagher was fourth, Joe Lynch was sixth and Tommy McCarthy from West Clare was seventh”, recalled Tom this week before adding that “Paddy Considine from Kilmihil won this title on another occasion”.

Although he is confident the club’s new track will be a great asset, he is concerned about the future of the sport. “The virus has thrown a lot of things up in the air and it is very hard to keep things going”, said the man who was in the scoring six on nine occasions during the club’s record 12 consecutive Clare senior championship successes.

“I was nervous when we started out on the project to develop our own track.

There were only five of us involved and it was a big undertaking but we got over it. A lot of the development work was done on a voluntary basis and Eugene Conlon put in a lot of hours on the project.

Some people thought we were cracked when we purchased the land but the power of machinery is great. We got some grants which were a huge help”, explained Tom.

Idle time in the winter months enticed Tom to the world of athletics. “There was nothing else to do.

There was no activity as such in the winter time.

In the summer time some lads played hurling”.

He added, “A grand uncle of mine, Jim McNamara from Tulla, was a good runner. He won a few All-Irelands before he emigrated to the U.S. where he continued to run and won some titles”.

Looking to the future Tom agrees that the club’s proud history will encourage young people to take up the sport. “The fact that we now have our own track with a cross country ring is sure to be a big advantage.

Hopefully the powers that be will get the virus under control and things will return to normal and allow people to return to their sporting activities”, he concluded.

Two winners for Kieran Browne at Galway Track KILMIHIL handler Kieran Browne was the man in top form in Galway Track on Friday night as he sent out two winners.

In race 2 which was an A6 graded contest, Cloneyogan Jet and Burnpark Rankin disputed the early lead and racing towards the opening bend it was Burnpark Rankin owned

by Kieran’s wife Maria that took an advantage as they took the bend. Racing down the back Burnpark Rankin opened up a two length advantage on Cloneyogan Jet as Croaghill Doris tried to get involved. Rounding the home bend Burnpark Rankin led by two lengths but he was all out close home to hold Croaghill Doris by half a length in 29.78.

There was a further boost for Kieran in race 7 he sent out Ballyea Ruby to win for his brother-in-law Noel Gavin of Ballyea. Showing good improvement on her debut effort from earlier in the month, she made all the running to defeat Ballylean Rogue by three parts of a length in 29.97. Trapping well the winner led by two lengths rounding the opening bend. Racing along the back straight the winner opened up a four length advantage but from the home bend she was searching for the line as both Ballylean Rogue and Malibu Baby closed with every stride.

Race 8 was an A5 graded contest which developed into a match from the opening bend between Solana Beach and Noelles Torello. Turning to run down the back straight Solana Beach led her rival by three parts of a length as they began to draw clear of their rivals. Approaching the home bend Noelles Torello loomed up on the leaders outside but the Mullins-Curtin Syndicate of Gort owned Solana Beach responded well to prevail by a neck at the line in 29.21.

The outcome of race 10 was never in doubt from the opening bend as the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan of Sixmilebridge owned Derra Misty made all the running to defeat Headford Honey by two lengths in 19.37. The daughter of Laughill Blake and Playmistyforme was very smartly into stride and led by over length form Headford Honey approaching the opening bend. With bunching among the chasing pace Derra Misty kicked clear between the two bends and the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained runner stayed on well for victory Murray was back in the winners enclosure after the opening contest on Saturday night’s card. Here Croaghill Blake broke smartly on the wide outside to lead on the run towards the opening bend as Non Stop also showed pace towards the inner to join issue. Rounding the bend the Niall O’Riordan of Shannon owned Non Stop took the advantage along the rails and the daughter of Shaneboy Lee and Raficky stayed on well to defeat Croaghill Blake by nearly two lengths in 19.35.

The Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton Zero recorded his fourth career success in an S6 graded sprint contest as he led off the home bend on his way to a three parts for a length success over Ruthies Joy in 19.42.

Meanwhile in Limerick, there was an explosive start to the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial. Progression to the second round was recorded by Noel Hehir’s Coolavanny Lilly, Flyers Iniesta owned by Patsy Fitzgerald of Kilrush and Rockalong Rocket owned by Tulla’s Michael McNamara.

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PLANNING

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

37

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCK AGUILLA, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE. EIRCODE V95 E9R3.

Take notice that MELYSSA MAC GILLIVRAY & KIERAN HAUGH intend to apply for permission to RETAIN the Porch to the eastern gable of the existing dwelling and for PEMRISSION to extend the Dwelling and include an Attached Garage/storage area in lieu of that granted under P17/325 and all 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 KILLASPUGLONANE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. Take notice that Shane Droney intends to apply for permission to partially demolish the existing Stables and build a new Dwelling , install a Wastewater Treatment Unit and all 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 KILKEE WEST, RUAN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Robert Flanagan intends to apply for permission to build a new Dwelling , install a Wastewater Treatment Unit, create a new entrance onto the public road and all 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 DEHOMAD, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Cyril Sheehan

intends 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 CLOONCOLMAN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE. Take notice that Tony Nagle intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the South-West side of existing dwelling house along with 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, STRAND LINE, KILKEE, CO CLARE Take notice that M. & E. Curtin intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend their existing dwelling house. The works involve the following; a) to install new windows to the rear elevation b) to construct a new ground and first floor extension within the inner courtyard c) to alter the front elevation d) to carry out internal alterations along with associated site works at the above address. The development is located within an architectural conservation area.

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

LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Chloe Cornu & Conor Murphy intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance and sewage treatment system along with 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 CO. COUNCIL QUINPOOL NORTH, PARTEEN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Tom Lane intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit extension onto existing agricultural building and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe 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 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 TOOREEN, KILMORE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Bryan Kennedy & Kelli Power for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, wastewater treatment system with soil polishing filter together and all associated site development works and services including connection to existing well 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 planning authority 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 NEWTOWN & KNOCKNAGROAGH, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Darren Smith & Lesley McSweeney for permission to (a) demolish existing substandard dwellinghouse (b) Construct new dwellinghouse and connect to existing services together with all ancillary site development 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 planning authority 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 6 CONNOLLY VILLAS, ENNIS CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Christopher White for permission to retain changes to side extension from what was previously granted under P27/1489 together with all associated site development works and services 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

BUILD DIRECT CLARE

submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority 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 SITE NO.2 CLONMONEY WEST, HURLERS CROSS, BUNRATTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Alan Collier and Fiona Delaney for permission to retain internal alterations, fenestration changes and rear extension from what was previously granted under P18-630 together with all associated site development works and services 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 planning authority 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 CARROWMORE SOUTH, KILKEE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Richard Vaughan is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and 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 WESTWIND, LISSYNEALON, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brendan & Marie Gorry are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for alterations to house and site boundaries granted under P8/13994 and planning permission to relocate the sewerage treatment system and percolation area along with all necessary associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and 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 CO. COUNCIL BALLYEA SOUTH, INAGH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Declan O Looney intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an extension to existing slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe 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 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.

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1 Great painters of the past (3,7) 7 Food fish (7) 8 Attractiveness (5) 10 Probabilities (4) 11 Miserable (8) 13 One who attends to horses (6) 15 Thrifty (6) 17 One who looks on the bright side (8) 18 Notion (4) 21 City of N Italy (5) 22 Put in order (7) 23 Searcher for minerals (10)

ALL WEEK SPECIAL ANY LARGE PIZZA €13.99 COLLECTION/DELIVERED *From the menu or create your own up to 4 toppings. Extra charge for premium bases and extra toppings

OFFER ENDS APRIL 30th 2021

< 5;

< 0 1 ; 2,

The Clare Echo Crossword

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

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Boneless Artless Careless Boneless Endless Careless Eyeless

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How to play

Y F B D G U L A S S U R S R M

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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.

H H T E A P B S W O N S A

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DOWN 1 Looked at amorously (5) 2 Money owing (4) 3 Thespians (6) 4 Habitually silent (8) 5 Reckless, selfish driver (4,3) 6 Anaesthetic (10) 9 Neither young nor old (6-4) 12 End of line (8) 14 In name only (7) 16 Housing area (6) 19 Giver (5) 20 Determination (4)

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71 Lower Parnell Street, Ennis

(065) 6840880

Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs: 4pm - late, Fri to Sun: 12 Noon - late. /DominosEnnis Call

dominos.ie

@Dominos_ROI Pop in

< 7= 3; 3 2 ! 0

Tap the app

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, APR 1 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

The 2018 Munster fleadh was be The holy well at Newhall just 1Kilrush, held in which Clare town?

4 outside of Ennis is named after which saint?

Ennis, Shannon Name this County Clare castle.

5 (Pic left) Ballinalacken, Lemenagh,Knappogue

Droichead an Chlair is the Irish 3 name for which Clare village?

Cratloe, Clarecastle, Liscannor

In which County Clare village will 6 you find L”ARCO Italian Restaurant Ballyvaughan, Tulla, Doonbeg.

Clonmoney is a townland in 7 which County Clare parish.

Kilbaha, Tulla, Bunratty

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

Hennessy Memorial Park is the 8 Gaa grounds in which County Clare town

ANSWERS

Kilrush, Milltown Malbay, Shannon

9

Name this County Clare village?

(Pic right) Doonbeg, Bodyke, Ruan

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

lCASTLE: Question 5. Name this County Clare castle.

Who was the Grand Marshall 10 for this 2018’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis?

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

2

Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Paul

Smith O Brien’s gaa club are based in which County Clare parish?

Feakle, Ballyvaughan, Killaloe

Marty Morrissey, John Burke, Tom McNamara

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Last weeks Answers . Middle missing on orange flower . Blue bucket now yellow . Crest missing on girls pants (left) . Flowers on table different colour

. Branch from tree missing in background . Pink flower missing (front) . line missing on table

Pictured in the new Ennis Hospital Outpatients Department are: Fiona Johnson, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Fiona Higgins, Staff Nurse; Clinical Nurse Manager Claire Lenane (OPD manager); and Kate Meade, Staff Nurse. Picture: Brian Arthur