The Clare Echo 08/06/23

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S senior hurlers are going back to the Lions Den to face the All-Ireland champions in the Munster Final.

Near neighbours Clare and Limerick will face off in the Munster senior hurling final on June 11 with 1:45pm confirmed as the throw-in time.

Tickets are expected to go like hot cakes with a full capacity attendance of 44,000 anticipated. Terrace tickets go on sale from 12pm today (Thursday) with stand tickets to be distributed through both County Boards.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh looked on course to host the decider for the first time since 2021 until Clare GAA threw a curve ball on Monday night by suggesting the fixture instead be played in Limerick’s own backyard, TUS Gaelic Grounds.

THE

CHERRY ON

This proposal led to the reconvening of a meeting of the Munster Council’s competitions control committee which then heard on Tuesday that both County Boards in Clare and Limerick were in favour of the Limerick venue.

While the sides met in an epic contest for last year’s Munster Final played in Semple Stadium where extra time was needed to decide a winner, the counties’ last provincial final meeting held in the Gaelic Grounds was in 1995 when the Anthony Daly captained Banner won the Munster title for the first time in 63 years on a score of 1-17 0-11.

More recently, the counties met at the same venue five weeks ago when Clare ended Limerick’s seventeen game unbeaten championship run.

Brian Lohan’s side are expected to be allowed to hold a session at TUS Gaelic Grounds provided it does not clash with Limerick’s training schedule.

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Mayoral awards for community heroes

CATHAOIRLEACH of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien, hosted a Mayoral Reception in Áras Contae an Chláir today (Friday, 26th May) which recognised a number of individuals and groups in County Clare.

Cllr O’Brien hailed the “the outstanding contributions and achievements” of the award recipients, who represent a cross-section of the community in the county.

“As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council I am delighted to be able to honour these very worthy award recipients with a Mayoral Reception,” Cllr O’Brien said.

“I believe it is important that we officially recognise achievements by members of the local community. There are many individuals and groups who are making a real difference in our communities and who represent County Clare with distinction.”

Cllr O’Brien said that the groups and individuals were an example to everyone.

The award recipients are: Darren Byrnes and Ian Bolger – for their courageous efforts in rescuing a child from dangerous waters in Doonbeg last year; The Order

of Malta Shannon – celebrating their 50th year serving the community of Shannon and its surrounding areas; Mick Guinee – for his support of community organisations in the Shannon Municipal District and beyond, while also providing employment in the Shannon Industrial Estate; Padraic Flaherty – for writing and producing Clare FM’s awardwinning tribute documentary to Ennis native and former priest, Bernárd Lynch, titled ‘Falsely Accused’; June Curtin – the founder of Snámhai Sásta, for her continued positive outlook on life, and her promotion of both physical and mental health for herself and others; Diarmuid Nash and Colin Crehan – in recognition of their

doubles success this year at the O’Neill’s All-Ireland 4-Wall Senior Championships, making it a third senior doubles title for the pair.

At the reception, Cllr O’Brien also paid special recognition to the success of women in sport from the county who, over the past 12 months, have had great success at local, provincial, national and global levels.

The award recipients are: Doireann Murphy – Clarecastle and Clare camogie goalkeeper who capped off a great year on the pitch by picking up the Munster Senior Camogie Player of the Year Award.

Ennis/Kilrush Women’s Rugby Club – for their underage and senior success over the past year, marking an excellent

year for the club which they can be very proud of.

St Anne’s Community College – for leading young women in sport, and celebrating success across different grades of girls’ and women’s sport.

Aideen Walsh – for her performances on the golf course while representing County Clare and Ireland on the international stage.

Clare Ladies Football – who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and have had a successful year to date, at both senior and minor levels.

Rachel Akers – who claimed two Golds in Hammer and Weight Throw, at the World Indoor Masters Athletics Championships earlier this year.

Lakelands Hotel to welcome refugees to Scariff from next week

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FIRST arrivals of the 77 refugees at The Lakelands Hotel in Scariff will take up residence from Tuesday (June 6).

Clare Lakelands Hotel is to come into use in the coming days as an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

77 people are to be accommodated across 26 bedrooms at the former hotel which closed over fifteen years ago but has been the subject of renovations in recent years and is located on the main street of Scariff. A valid fire certificate is in place for the building.

Most of the individuals coming to Scariff will be new arrivals to the country and will be eligible to work, six months from their arrival in Ireland.

Each bedroom varies in size with one bedroom, two bedroom and bunk bed options available for residents, the breakdown of which will be families, couples and single females. High speed fibre Wi-Fi will be available for residents plus full board catering while tea, coffee and snacks will be provided throughout the course of the day and replenished if necessary.

Scariff locals will be holding a public meeting on the issue this Thursday evening at McNamara’s

Pub from 7:30pm in an attempt to obtain further information. Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) are among those who have confirmed to organisers that they will attend.

Tellhill Ltd are owners of the

Lakelands Hotel in Scariff but Dromboy Ltd have a ten year lease on the site and have worked with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth since April 2022 providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. Staff will be on-site for twen-

ty four hours a day with a manager and/or security staff present at all times.

A memo from the Department obtained by The Clare Echo detailed that Dromboy Ltd plans to have five staff on site generally with 24 hour staff coverage and a duty manager on duty at all times.

An exact length of stay is unknown at this juncture but a twelve month contract has been offered and accepted by the operator.

There is an integration fund available to assist in linkages to local communities. Further information on this can be obtained from the Department.

Any individual residing in IPAS accommodation is entitled to a medical card. They can also avail of English language classes from the local Education Training Board. An adult resident receives an allowance of €38.80 per week. Other assistance from the Department of Social Protection, such as bus fares to attend appointments, is available at the discretion of the local community welfare officer.

Figures as of May 14th show that 73,296 persons fleeing the invasion of Ukraine have arrived in Ireland, they are known as Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs), of this number 64,132 have been provided with accommodation. 59 is

the average of daily BOTP arrivals in the country.

20,412 International Protection applicants are being accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), of this 3,461 arrived in 2023 and 15,014 in 2022. The most recent seven day average number of daily IP arrivals into the Republic of Ireland is 138.

Broadford native, Matt Moroney who is seeking a Fianna Fáil nomination to contest the local elections in the Killaloe Municipal District believed better consultation was needed. “As we saw with the Ukrainian refugees when proper consultation was had local people opened up their homes and communities to help in any way they could and if proper discussion was had and the local communities informed of these big decisions to the small rural settings these plans are proposed for”.

Elected representatives need to engage with Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) on what Moroney called a “serious issue in East Clare”. He stated, “hold proper engagement meetings on any plans to move asylum seekers to any small towns or village and to make sure that proper amenities and health care is provided for them if they do arrive”.

lThe Lakelands Hotel will come into use within days Photo by John Mangan

Mixed reaction as design team appointed for Francis Street housing development

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

PLANS for a temporary car park in Francis Street have been scrapped altogether with a design team appointed to develop a masterplan for a mixed-use development on the site.

On Tuesday, Ennis 2040 Designated Activity Company announced that Vincent Hannon Architects (VHA) in collaboration with Cundall Consulting Engineers and Ian Douglas Environmental Consultants had been successful in the tender process to prepare a Master Plan for the 0.327 hectare site.

This design team are to develop a master plan for mixed-use sustainable development for Francis Street, Ennis Town Centre. It will be managed under an agreed Service Level Agreement with Clare County Council.

A statement issued by Ennis 2040 DAC said the site had the potential to include up to 45 housing units. Master planning will commence immediately with the aim of launching a comprehensive public consultation process in four to five months’ time to give the public an opportunity to view and comment on the proposed designs. Subject to a successful planning application, it is anticipated the project will be completed by early 2026.

This press statement issued by Ennis 2040 DAC came as a surprise to elected members of the Ennis Municipal District who had not been aware of the appointment prior to its release.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy who also sits on the Board of the DAC said the appointment “represents a significant step towards realizing the town’s vision for a sustainable and vibrant future. The development has the capacity to meet the growing demand for quality housing while setting a new benchmark for sustainable multigenerational

living in Ennis. Our County Development Plan 2023 – 2029 sets ambitious targets for badly needed housing over the coming years with an identified need for 1,550 units in Ennis over this period”.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) welcomed the appointment. “I’m looking forward to seeing their considered designs and, in due course, how this development will have a positive impact on our town and meeting the needs of modern families”.

Pat Dowling, CEO, Clare County Council, commented, “I’m delighted to see this first step being taken. This development in the making will build on the submission for affordable housing by Clare County Council earlier this year”.

Chair of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Gerry Cahill described it as “an important milestone” marking the first phase in the delivery of the strategy’s first brownfield de-

velopment. “The Francis Street site offers huge opportunity for a high-quality mixed-use development of real scale”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said, “it is a little bit disturbing that the Mayor of Ennis is quoted on these plans for Ennis 2040, she is a board member of Ennis 2040 DAC but is not reflecting the views of all seven councillors, she is expressing the views of the company. I haven’t been informed as an elected member of the specific plans that Ennis 2040 have”. He added, “This is not a Clare County Council plan, it is a plan by Ennis 2040 who don’t as of yet own Francis St, I will be voting against any transfer”.

Knocking six houses “seems absurd particularly on Council owned land with potential for further housing units,” Flynn maintained. He said he was not in favour of the building of an apartment style complex in Francis St. “I under-

stand that the former Ennis Town Council had to demolish its multi storey 18 two bed Apartment development, Arás Ui Coughlain, on Drumbiggle Road in the past due to a number of issues including I understand antisocial behaviour. A large multi-storey development at Francis Street would not be appropriate in the context of the modern one and one and a half storey housing across the road on Francis Street that were designed to complement the cottages”.

Deep concerns have also been voiced by the Francis Street Alliance (FSA) on the appointment of a design team in the absence of public consultation. In an email sent to all Clare councillors, the FSA emphasised the urgent demand for immediate action to alleviate the housing crisis and protect the well-being of the community.

Tim Hannon, Chair of CATU Clare and representative of the FSA commented, “The appointment of a design team without proper consultation and transparency around the terms of reference for the development is deeply concerning. We urge councillors to recognize the impact of their decisions on our community and to take immediate action to address the urgent housing needs of our residents”.

Fellow FSA member, Tommy Guilfoyle said, “The Francis Street development stands at a crucial juncture, and we earnestly appeal to councillors to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to our community by signing the pledge.

“This pledge places utmost importance on retaining any development under public ownership, while also prioritising the construction of purpose-built housing for people with disabilities and age-friendly accommodations on the site. By endorsing this pledge, councillors will showcase their dedication to creating a development that caters to the diverse needs of our community.”

BRIEFS

Man released after cannabis seizure

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A MAN in his twenties has been released without charge following the seizure of €105k worth of cannabis in Ennis.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, An Garda Síochána seized €105,000 of cannabis and arrested one man in Co Clare.

Conducted as part of Operation Tara targeting the sale and supply of drugs across the county, the searches saw one man arrested. At approximately 12:20am, Gardaí from the Clare Divisional Drugs Unit stopped a vehicle in the Tobarteascain area of Ennis. At this juncture, €100k worth of cannabis was seized and the occupant of the vehicle, a man in his late twenties was arrested. During the course of a follow-up search of a residence in the area, a further €5000 of suspected cannabis was seized, along with a weighing scales and other drug paraphernalia. The seized drugs (totalling €105,000) have been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Gardaí released the man without charge on Friday evening. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions while investigations are ongoing.

Hamilton joins Clare Champion

FORMER Clare People journalist, Andrew Hamilton has joined The Clare Champion Hamilton is understood to be on board as the new Deputy Editor of The Champion succeeding Limerick native Kevin Corbett.

A member of the newsroom with The Clare People throughout its entire 14 year history, Andy is now based in Galway. Since The Clare People’s closure, he was worked as a freelance reporter with outlets such as The Irish Times and The Irish Independent

He is the latest former staffer of The Clare People to join The Champion. Editor, Colin McGann previously held the same role with The Clare People while Ennis’ John O’Rourke is the paper’s Graphic Designer.

lCllr Johnny Flynn was unaware of the appointment

Photo by Eamon Ward

60 Years of Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW EXHIBITION chartering the history, evolution and popularity of one of Ireland’s oldest running evening entertainment shows has been launched in Bunratty.

Coinciding with the sixtieth anniversary of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, past and present banquet performers and producers attended the launch on Thursday.

Family members of the late, Dr. Brendan O’Regan who introduced the first commercial medieval banquet at the newly restored Bunratty Castle in April 1963 were present at the launch along with elected members and officials of Clare County Council plus the Trustees of Bunratty Castle.

More than 3 million people have attended the banquets since the dramatic idea of a medieval meal in a 15th century Irish castle captured the imagination of travel agents, dignitaries, and celebrities worldwide in the 1960s.

Officially opening the exhibition, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien (FF) said the banquet’s international appeal remains as strong today as it did back in the 1960s when the visionary Brendan O’Regan spearheaded its inception. “An integral driver to the growth of US visitors to the West of Ireland in the 1960s, this magical evening of medieval music, mead and merriment is still going strong 60 years later having welcomed over 3 million guests and overcome economic and social adversity throughout its long history”.

Located within the grounds of the Folk Park, the Bunratty Banquet Exhibition features pictorial records of the banquets over the past six decades, video footage of performances from the past to the present day, interviews with former and current performers and producers, and displays of costumes and instruments that have been donated by past entertainers.

Brendan’s son, Declan O’Regan said his father would be proud of

how the banquet remains an important fixture on the itinerary of many visitors to Ireland 60 years on. “The family is honoured to be represented at the official opening of this exhibition, which stands as a legacy to those pioneering early days of promoting cultural tourism in County Clare and the wider Mid-West to a growing international market”.

gan’s vision brought about this venture and the commitment and creativity of hundreds of people down through the past 60 years has ensured its enduring popularity”.

Adrienne O’Flynn, Brand Marketing Manager for Shannon Heritage, commented, “From humble beginnings during the early trial banquets of 1962 when employees of Shannon Development volun-

century Knappogue Castle, near Quin. Collectively the three sites have attracted more than 5 million people to their banquets since the 1960s, which is testament to everyone involved”.

Entertainment at the banquets is provided by the world-famous Bunratty Castle Singers with enchanting melodies to harp and violin accompaniment.

and have appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Rockefeller Centre and as the interval act for the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest. The group has also performed for US President Ronald Reagan, President of France Charles de Gaulle, Pope John Paul II, Crown Prince Akihto of Japan, Princess Grace, Bob Hope and The Beatles.

Colette Davis, who has been the musical director of the Bunratty Castle Singers for almost 50 years, commented, “The Bunratty Singers are an intrinsic part of the Bunratty Castle success story and are renowned the world over. We are very proud of the group’s contribution to making the medieval banquet an integral part of this iconic visitor attraction and the wider tourism product in County Clare”.

Meanwhile, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will host a festival later this year, marking the integral role of the Irish Harp to the banquet offering and the importance of the instrument and national emblem in the growth and popularity of Irish music worldwide. The Festival, hosted in collaboration with Deirdre O’Brien Vaughan of The Irish Institute of Traditional Music, will present visitors with the opportunity to enjoy performances by past and present Bunratty Castle Entertainers and renowned harpists, as well as partake in specially commissioned harp workshops.

The Banquet Exhibition launch was followed by a tree planting ceremony in the Folk Park. Dr. O’Regan’s children, Carmel, Andrew and Declan, planted a ‘Councillor’ apple tree in their father’s memory.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “Aside from being a notable landmark in the Clare countryside, Bunratty has been at the forefront of the Mid West Region’s tourism story for many decades. Dr O’Re-

teered to don medieval costume and entertain guests, the success of Bunratty castle as a medieval banqueting venue prompted other castles to be sought for similar revitalisation, including Dunguaire Castle, near Kinvara, and the 15th

Less than 3 months after the first commercial banquet got underway, international fame came to the Singers when they performed twice for US President John F Kennedy. The Singers performed for President Nixon at the White House,

The Bunratty Banquet Exhibition runs until November 2023. Admission is included in the standard Bunratty Castle and Folk Park ticket which can be purchased on www. bunrattycastle.ie.

Dromoland Castle best hotel in the world to sleep in

A HOTEL located in Newmarket-on-Fergus is the best in the world for sleep, writes Páraic McMahon

At the Traveller’s Choice Hotel Awards, the top spot in the new ‘Hotels for Sleep Category’ was won by Dromoland Castle. The recognition means it is viewed as a hotel where a decent night’s kip is as good as guaranteed.

Managing Director at Dromoland Castle, Mark Nolan was very pleased with the win. “At Dromoland Castle, we believe that a good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of a memorable and rejuvenating hotel experience.

“This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled comfort, reinforces our position as a global leader in luxury hospitality and motivates us to continue raising the bar for excellence in guest satisfaction. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TripAdvisor and, most importantly, to our valued guests whose trust and support have made this achievement possible,” he added.

Dromoland Castle which has been welcoming guests since the 16th century is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland.

Bought by US businessman Bernard P. McDonough in 1962, Dromoland has been converted for use as a luxury hotel since then. The five star hotel has a golf course on its five hundred acre estate.

Once again, Sheedy’s B&B in Doolin finished high in the rankings. It was named as the twelfth best B&B in the world, the sixth best in Europe and best in Ireland. Run by husband and wife, Frank and Marian it faced off with competition from 8.5 million businesses worldwide. Within the Irish rankings, the Wild Atlantic Lodge in Lahinch was fifth, Daly’s B&B in Doolin was seventh and the Hazelwood Lodge in Ballyvaughan in tenth spot.

lADJOURNED: Pictured at the launch of an exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien and Adrienne O’Flynn, Brand Marketing Manager for Shannon Heritage with Viking reenactors Photo by Eamon Ward

Killeen & Talty first candidates selected candidates selected

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SITTING councillors, Shane Talty and Joe Killeen have both been selected as Fianna Fáil’s candidates for the Ennistymon local electoral area.

Both Cllr Talty and Cllr Killeen were the only nominees for the selection convention which was held on Monday evening at The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon. The duo are aspiring to be elected for a second term on Clare County Council when the local elections are held in May 2024.

They are the first confirmed candidates in the entire county ahead of next year’s local elections.

Fianna Fáil are to hold their selection conventions for the Killaloe Municipal District and Ennis Municipal District in the coming weeks, no date has been set for the Kilrush local electoral area

and the Shannon Municipal District.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), former Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen (FF) and retired councillor Richard Nagle were among those present in Ennistymon for the selection convention. Both Deputy Crowe and Senator Dooley addressed the gathering

along with the sitting councillors.

More than thirty members of the party were present for at the Falls Hotel but no vote was needed with only two candidates declared.

In what was an impressive first election bid, Lahinch native Talty topped the poll in the Ennistymon LEA in 2019 amassing 1,977 number

Five in frame for Ennis FF ticket

FIVE nominations have been received within Fianna Fáil for the Ennis Municipal District, writes

Páraic McMahon

one votes which saw him elected on the first count. Only Deputy Crowe, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) secured higher tallies than the postmaster in their respective electoral areas. Shane is currently the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, a role he will hold until the end of June.

Despite only having a single month of canvassing in 2019, it didn’t stop Killeen from winning a seat, he did receive less first preferences (13.91%) than Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) (15.45%), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) (15.14%) and Bill Slattery (FG) (15.15%) but beat them all to secure the second seat. A former principal of Lough Gutra NS in Gort, Killeen also spent a year as President of INTO and since his election to the Council, he has served as Leas Cathaoirleach of the local authority.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Pat Daly (FF) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan have been nominated alongside Antoinette Baker Bashua and Amanda Major.

Fianna Fáil’s provincial organiser for Munster, Colm Leahy told The Clare Echo that no date had been set as of yet for the selection convention and that it was still undetermined the amount of candidates the party would be recommending go forward.

For the 2019 local elections, Fianna Fáil ran three candidates in the Ennis MD with the county’s youngest candidate Mark Nestor their top performer. The Cloughleigh man was the second candidate elected after poll-topper, Cllr Mary Howard. Nestor has since left politics to join the priesthood with Cllr O’Callaghan co-opted to the local authority as a result.

In 2014 when the Ennis MD had the longest ballot paper in the country, FF had five candidates with Tom McNamara, Pat Daly and Clare Colleran Molloy elected while Bernard Hanrahan and Brian Meaney were unsuccessful.

That 2014 election was Quin native Colleran Molloy’s entry into politics and just three votes separated her and Ger O’Halloran (FG) from the final seat. She has since gone on to serve as Mayor of Ennis twice and had a brief stint as Mayor of Clare following Cathal Crowe’s election to the Dáil in February 2020 until she was succeeded by Cllr Howard in June 2020.

Within the Ennis MD, Cllr Daly

is the longest serving following his election in 1999. Born on Parnell St but now living in Gallows Hill, Pat is to succeed Colleran Molloy as Mayor of the Ennis MD next month. A former parliamentary assistant to ex-TD, Tony Killeen (FF), Daly was elected Mayor of Clare in 2012. He was the last of the Ennis councillors elected on the tenth and final count in 2019.

Of the 28 county councillors, Tom O’Callaghan is the most recent addition following his co-option in December. Since then, he has clashed with his party colleague Cllr Colleran Molloy and Cllr Howard regarding the Ennis 2040 Strategy. The Kildysart native is Chairman of the Independent Postmasters Group.

O’Callaghan fought off competition from publican Darragh McAllister, Hanrahan and Amanda Major to get the nomination and he will be renewing rivalries with Ms Major once again.

Living in Co Clare since 2007, Amanda contested the 2019 local elections as an Independent candidate before joining Fianna Fáil last year. She is aspiring to become the first Nigerian candidate elected to Clare County Council. She became an Irish citizen in 2015 and has previously lived in Monaghan, Scariff and Shannon before settling in Ennis.

Antoinette Bashua Baker completes the list of nominations. The Ennis woman lives in Cloughleigh with her husband Museliu a local soccer referee and their two sons. A first cousin of All-Ireland winner, Ollie Baker, Antoinette has worked as a special needs assistant at St Anne’s SS in Ennis for over two decades.

lON THE TICKET: Cllrs Joe Killeen and Shane Talty

Bearded Benefactors raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease

A GROUP of Clare men are taking on the challenge of growing a beard for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. The Bearded Benefactors Team of Alan Considine, Martin Madden, Timmy Dooley and Eoghain McMahon can expect itchy faces and general discomfort in the coming weeks as they grow beards as they aim to raise more than €4,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

PICTURED: Local financial planner Alan Considine and Senator Timmy Dooley are growing beards for a good cause

“A friend of mine got Motor Neurone Disease about four years ago,” local financial advisor

Alan Considine told The Clare Echo

There will be a golf day on June 19 at Ennis Golf Club as a fundraiser, a ladies golf day on June 14 while there will be a flag day on June 24 for County Clare for Motor Neurone Disease.

“I said I’d row in and organise the bearded benefactors and I’ll be joined by my brother in law

Martin Madden who

Tension rising amongst East Clare Fianna Fáil

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

lives in Kilkishen, Eoghain McMahon of EMC Autos and Senator Timmy Dooley.”

The four men will shave off their beards at 7pm on June 17, 2023 in PJ Kelly’s Pub, Carmody Street, Ennis.

All funds raised here will go directly to this great cause.

To donate, visit https://www.idonate. ie/ and search Bearded Benefactors IMNDA.

TENSIONS ARE BEGINNING to simmer among the Fianna Fáil faithful in East Clare.

Candidates will be selected for the Killaloe Municipal District on June 9th for Fianna Fáil. As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Broadford native Matt Moroney will be squaring up with the sitting trio of Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).

Party insiders have told The Clare Echo that only three candidates will be chosen at the convention.

Members of the East Clare Comhairle Ceanntair have accused Moroney of playing “dirty tactics” by informing persons eligible to vote that a sitting councillor will be added to the ticket if they are defeated by him at convention in his efforts to win extra support.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Moroney explained what he had been telling eligible voters. “I made an enquiry to headquarters to know what was the position if any of four lost out at Convention. They said there is a process to go through, an appeals process and they decide, they said it may be possible that a fourth candidate added depending on the status of the person, it is up to the appeals committee”.

He added, “I’ve been getting a great reaction, I’ve done a lot of canvassing of delegates, most of them are under the impression that new blood is needed, that’s across the district, you will have supporters of each candidate that will have their back no matter what but people are open to new blood”.

Moroney said he was shocked with the decline in party members particularly in areas of Killaloe and Scariff, “it’s a worry that the effort is not being put in on recruitment”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr O’Brien insisted the party cannot afford to run four candidates in the Killaloe

MD. He referenced the 2019 local elections where Fine Gael received 4,735 first preference votes in comparison to Fianna Fáil’s 3,730, “if you put four candidates in you risk the logic of losing two,” he said.

O’Brien added, “If I lost out at Convention, would I run as a fourth candidate, I haven’t even considered it yet, I don’t think there is room for four Fianna Fáil candidates in the Killaloe MD based on the stats, it would be ludicrous because you can see by the percentages that we wouldn’t have a hope, I’d contend and argue that we’d be very fortunate to hold onto the fourth seat”.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, a surge in membership has been experienced within the East Clare Comhairle Ceanntair from 160 to 244 has been recorded over recent months, a cohort of which are said to be supporters of Moroney and joined late in 2022. One of these is understood to be Beckha Doyle who contested the 2019 local elections as a Social Democrat candidate.

Before being able to vote in a selection convention, individuals must be paid up members for thirteen months. The decision of party chiefs in East Clare to move swiftly in holding a convention will subsequently hinder the potential impact from the Moroney supporters.

MEN'S SUMMER SUIT COLLECTION

lMatt Moroney

Review of Shannon Heritage sites commences

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has signed a contract with Lambert Smith Hampton (Ireland) to undertake an in-depth review of the Clare-based assets of Shannon Heritage.

The property condition survey of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience will guide all future investment in maintenance, remedial and conservation works at the sites. The results of the technical audit will be presented to the Local Authority before the end of the year.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “In order to commence our programme of investment in the assets, it is of critical importance that a detailed technical audit be carried out to determine the scale and nature of appropriate repairs and retrofitting measures that may be required. Clare County Council is committed to investing in the future development of these sites for the benefit of the tourism sector and the wider economy, as well as the communities in which they are situated.”

Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council, said Clare County Council, as the operators of the four sites, has an obligation to meet

the heritage, conservation, and education objectives of the Trustees.

“It is recognised in the wider community and those operating in the tourism sector across Clare that the Trustees have held the man-

tle of responsibility for the visitor attractions over a long number of years and in doing so, have given huge service to the State,” explained Mr. Cleary. He continued, “Clare County

Council looks forward to building a productive working relationship with all stakeholders, including the Trustees of the Gort Museum Trust, Bunratty Castle and the Bunratty Castle Ownership Trust, the Hunt

Museum Trust at Craggaunowen and Knappogue Corporation at Knappogue.”

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience are managed, developed and promoted by Clare County Council as part of its existing portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites, namely the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Vandeleur Walled Gardens & Visitor Centre, and the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience.

Niki Alderdice, Director of Building Consultancy of Lambert Smith Hampton, said, “We are delighted to work with Clare County Council in delivering a detailed technical examination of the four sites, and look forward to delivering a full and comprehensive overview of the general health and infrastructural needs of the buildings and properties in question before the end of 2023.”

Aodhagan Behan, Operations Manager at Shannon Heritage DAC, stated, “Investment is required at Bunratty, Knappogue and Craggaunowen. I am very much looking forward to the outcome of this survey and, subsequently, plans being put in place to remediate the sites for the benefit of those who visit and work there.”

For more visit www.shannonheritage.com or www.visitclare.ie.

lPictured at the signing of a contract for an in-depth review of the Clare-based assets of Shannon Heritage; Front Row L-R Niki Alderdice, Director of Building Consultancy of Lambert Smith Hampton; Cllr. Michael Begley, Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD; and Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council. Back Row: Aldo Andreucetti, General Design, Clare Co Co; Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare Co Co; Paul Tuohy, Operations, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park; Donnacha Lynch, Head of Commercial and Shared Services, Clare Tourism DAC; John Moylan, General Design, Clare Co Co; Aodhagan Behan, Operations Manager, Shannon Heritage; Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council

Photo by Eamon Ward

Scariff regenration granted €524k stalls over car park

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ACQUISITION of a 42 space car park in Scariff has not yet been completed and remains integral to the Regeneration Project already granted €524,000 in funding.

Development of a town car park in Scariff was among areas included in an application for Rural Regeneration Development Fund as part of the Scariff Regenetation Project allocated €524,000 in January 2022.

Public realm in the Market Square and the development of a multi-service innovation and engagement hub also formed part of the bid.

More funding will be needed to bring the project to fruition, senior officials in the local authority have now said but they were unable to give an indicative timeline on how long this would take.

Design of the car park and hub commenced in March 2022 with a Part VIII lodged in October 2022. At the February meeting of Clare County Council, the Part VIII was permitted following public consultation.

Senior planner with the Council, Brian McCarthy labelled this as “a positive step and mile-

l Cllr Joe Cooney

stone, enabling us to progress with certainty to commence the acquisition of the site and to undertake its detailed design in order to be in a position to seek funding to develop the buildings and carpark in anticipation of a Call for Category 1 RRDF capital funding later this year”.

In order to offer “an alternative and much needed mobility solution” around the town centre while also enhancing the public realm, the new car park is essential, he acknowledged. “The carpark is however dependent on concluding the acquisition of the site and in particular obtaining Category 1 RRDF capital funding for the overall project”. For this funding application

to be successful, McCarthy explained that it must be clearly demonstrated how the overall development “would be transformative, create a sense of place and a safe, secure, easily accessible and enjoyable public realm for all”.

Speaking at the May meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) flagged, “there is a lot of concern around the town of Scariff on the lack of parking, businesses are suffering with the lack of car parking, we discussed this 12 months ago and said if we could progress car park it would be a major benefit, I am aware of the RRDF funding that was approved, it has come in a package and other works have to be carried out to achieve the funding”.

Worry was expressed by the O’Callaghans Mills man that the car-parking deficit may not be rectified. “My concern is if this phase two funding don’t come on stream, what will be the story in Scariff.. A lot of concerned calls I’m getting is about car parking in Scariff”.

gone through part eight for the car park, we’ve made the big decision to go ahead and do that, would like to get short-term car parking and see who could get temporary parking, it would alleviate the issue of parking, most of it needs to be done in the centre of the town, it needs to be pushed ahead”.

Calls for a temporary carpark were backed by Killaloe MD Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). “Government policy seems to be gearing towards less and less parking, all HSE and civil service buildings are geared towards less parking spaces being created, we are going to have a huge issue in getting funding, hopefully it will come through RRDF in the whole package. If we solely look to try get funding, it is easy to say how can we build all these buildings, what is the alternative of getting people out of these shops. I do feel the concerns about Scariff”.

The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Short-term car parking measures need to be examined while the application and wait for potential for funding progresses, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) maintained. “The important thing is we’ve

Responding to councillors, McCarthy said “significant progress” had been made since planning consent was received in February. “The updated position is the car park identified is not fully in our ownership, we can’t do a temporary car park until it is in our ownership.”

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Multi-storey development ‘could kill the centre of town’

AGROUP of local representatives who are against plans for the development of Abbey Street Car Park believe that no meaningful consultation has taken place with the public.

Bridget Ginnity, a member of Save Ennis Town, believes that if the public wait until planning is lodged to voice their concerns through public consultation, it will be too late to stop the development from progressing.

“We actually think it’s great having an Ennis 2040 plan and a strategy and taking that time to step back and say, what do we want? What’s good for the town? But we feel these plans have been made without that discussion among all the interested parties, which is the businesses, the local people, and all the people of the county because it is the county town and it impacts a lot of people coming into it,” Ms Ginnity told The Clare Echo Save Ennis Town is a group drawn from the general public including community, business, retail and political representatives. It formed after a public meeting on May 4 in the Temple Gate Hotel and aims to have constructive engagement with Ennis 2040 DAC and develop a plan that will “enhance our town for everyone”.

Last week, Save Ennis Town sent a letter to all members of Clare County Council outlining their concerns about elements of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, in particular the proposed commercial developments in Abbey St. Car Park and Harvey’s Quay. Its members include Gearoid Mannion (chair), Edel Cassidy, Joan Duggan, Cllr Johnny Flynn, Bridget Ginnity; Aoife Madden, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan, John O’Connor and Feargal Ó Dúlaing to name a few.

Bridget Ginnity is a member of the Green Party and is expected to run in next year’s local elections. A chemistry scientist by trade, the Kildare native has been involved with Ennis Book Club and is a regular swimmer in Ballyalla with the Ballyalla Bravehearts. She is eager to see climate-related aspects as core to all council developments and states she is “very concerned about town development and the town being a good place

to live”. Plans for a data centre on the Tulla Road first sparked Bridget’s concerns in relation to Ennis 2040, stating that it “is the worst thing possible for Ennis and as a member of the Green Party we have put in an appeal to An Bord Pleanala in that regard”.

“If everybody in Ennis reduced their emissions to zero by 2030, that data centre would completely undo all our savings.”

One subject that unites all members of Save Ennis Town is their opposition to largescale development at Abbey Street Car Park and Harvey’s Quay.

“Oppositional is an unfortunate word to use. We are all aiming - and I believe the people who have done the Ennis 2040 plan - are also aiming for a good Ennis, a better Ennis. We just have different ideas as to what that means. Some people think a multi-storey office block in the Abbey Street Car Park is the way to achieve that. I feel it could kill the centre of the town, especially if it’s half empty.

“Consultation can be a box-ticking exercise and we really don’t want that.

“Some aspects [of Ennis 2040] are wonderful. I love the idea of the wetlands parallel to Clonroad. What’s said in the text is very good, all about being climate adaptive and a 10-minute town but the riverside, it’s such a unique town with medieval streets and to build a multi-storey office block on Abbey Street and two blocks in Parnell Street, who would benefit is what I would ask? Maybe the people working on the top floor will have lovely views of the river and the town, but for the rest of us that space which is there would be gone and at the moment it’s providing vital carparking for the businesses.”

When put to Ms Ginnity that Ennis 2040 is attempting to fulfil a vision to make Ennis Ireland’s first climate adaptive town, which would potentially attract investment to the town, she responds, “Data centre. Data centre. Data centre. How anybody can write a chapter, on what they have written about being climate adaptive, and put a data centre as their jewell in the crown. Do they know what climate adaptive means? If they do that, we are not a climate adaptive town.”

development would be a bonus for every business’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

OUTSIDE Tierney’s Cycles on Abbey Street in Ennis, a noticeboard erected on the footpath reads, “Save our beautiful town from the madness & dictatorship of Clare County Council & Ennis 2040 DAC team.”

Mayo native Kevin Corrigan is the man at the wheel of Ennis 2040 in his position as Chief Operating Officer, and when asked if he feels uncomfortable walking past that sign – or if he thinks there is a figurative target on his head – Kevin chuckles.

“I definitely walk down the street. Thankfully we live in a democracy and everyone’s entitled to their opinion and I suppose we’re in the listening phase of what we’re doing but at the end of the day we’ve got to deliver for the future of Ennis,” he responds.

“Going back to when the [Ennis 2040] study started in 2018, there was a lot of consultation done during that time, these were international experts. It was voted on by Clare County councillors three times, so the plan was adopted. There was €10m loaned and it was put in the County Development Plan. It’s not like this has surprised anyone and it was dreamed up overnight.”

Ennis 2040 is the most topical issue among business owners in the county town, with a public meeting last month attended by close to 200 people concerned about projects in the pipeline. From that meeting, a voluntary group called Save Ennis Town was established bidding to have plans scrapped to remove public car-parking in Abbey Street and Parnell Street. Meanwhile, plans to construct a €1.1m interim carpark at Francis

Street – while a part 10 planning application was in place for the construction of 45 residential units on the site – were also scrapped following a public protest attended by more than 100 people who were upset about the demolition of six cottages. The matter was also raised in Dáil Eireann by Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara, comments which Mr Corrigan said were “unhelpful”.

However, Mr Corrigan remains steadfast in his approach and plans for the Francis Street residential units will continue in the form of a Part 8 application to Clare County Council. Meanwhile, Ennis 2040 DAC plan to lodge an application for the construction of a mixed-use retail development in Abbey Street Car Park before the end of 2023.

In an interview with The Clare Echo, Mr Corrigan said the development of 45 residential units is a step in the right direction to address the local housing crisis, adding that a design team has been appointed “to bring the development to fruition with a planning application before the end of the year for 45 inter-generational housing units on the site as part of a mixed-use development.

“That will be a major game changer for Ennis; if you look on Daft.ie at the moment there are around 70 properties for sale in Ennis and they range from hundreds of thousands of euro down to a site.

“It was great news for Ennis that it is now an affordable housing location and we want to develop that in conjunction with Clare County Council as an affordable housing project which would be very sustainable.

“We’re looking at €15m of a project and hopefully we’ll be breaking ground there in late 2024 and be turning keys in early 2026.”

Meanwhile, Save Ennis Town last week released a statement highlighting concerns about erosion of car parking in Ennis. They claimed there is a deficit of 1,500 spaces and if the Abbey Street development proceeds it would remove a further 200. Corrigan notes that car parks at the old Boys National and the Cloister will be developed in the near future, but he adds, “There’s a lot of work being done by Clare County Council in the background around parking and parking studies. Recently, on a number of occasions that number of 1,500 was refuted, backed by statistics by

Ennis has been neglected since

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

WITH 25 years of experience developing large capital projects between the Middle East to Ireland, Ennis 2040 DAC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Corrigan believes it’s crucial that Ennis wastes no time in developing projects contained in its 2040 vision.

Ennis 2040 DAC plan to deliver 10,000sqm of retail/ office accommodation in the next three to four years and at least 50 residential units, while nine transformational sites around the town have been identified to leverage investment and promote growth in the town.

“If we manage to try and

bring everybody with us, it’s obviously going to be a key challenge, but getting the investment and getting some projects moving early days will attract further investment outside of Ennis 2040 private-sector investment, public sector investment, and it will position the town as one of the most dynamic towns in the country,” says Mr Corrigan.

“Our overall goal is to attract investment in.” And what if Ennis 2040 fails to garner public support for their projects? “My fear is the town stagnates.”

Having taken the reins of Ennis 2040 in September 2021, a team of four are now involved in the company

as they enter the delivery phase of the project.

Kevin believes Ennis has “a lot of ingredients” to spark development including its status as a large market town with “great transport infrastructure” including rail, airport and motorway links.

“It’s a very compact town with a medieval footprint, so it’s easy to get around and walk around. There are great little businesses in the town, it has a great history, so from a tourism point of view, from a critical mass point of view, from a location point of view, it has all the right ingredients to have a bright future if there’s infrastructure and if there’s

investment made.

“It has been neglected for a number of years, there hasn’t been any major investment in the town centre really since the Celtic Tiger. It’s in a very competitive location between two cities, it doesn’t have a huge industrial base or huge employment base, it’s a commuter town so it’s not without its challenges either, that’s why something needs to be done for the future of the town.”

Mr Corrigan says that making Ennis Ireland’s first climate adaptive town could reap great rewards for the county, similar to the success of

‘2040

l PLAN: Kevin Corrigan says that

change is on the horizon for Ennis town

both Clare Co Council and some county councillors. Understandably enough people are concerned about parking spaces and understandably enough people are concerned about change but change is coming regardless.

“A Climate Action legislation has gone through the Dáil last year, studies will be starting on every town centre and city centre in the country and have to be completed by summer of 2024. That’s going to bring a raft of change around car parking and traffic through town centres, whether Ennis 2040 does anything or not.”

Mr Corrigan outlined that planning for the Abbey Street development will be lodged late this year or early next year and has urged people to hold judgement until plans have been pre-

sented. “That site has been earmarked to drive economic development in the town centre, it is designed to increase footfall in the Abbey Street area, increase footfall in the streets leading to the Abbey Street area. It would be a bonus for every business to have additional people walking past their door through good times and bad. If people are coming to Ennis to shop because of a large anchor retail tenant or because there’s offices there with 50-70 employees walking around at lunchtime and going for post-work drinks, living in the town, that’s of much more benefit to the town than other suggestions.

“Everything we’re doing here is about increasing the economic viability of the town and securing the future of the town.”

the Celtic Tiger years

trendsetting Greenways established in Waterford and Mayo.

Noting the excellent work done by Ennis Tidy Towns already on this front, he explains, “You could position Ennis as Ireland’s first climate adaptive town, it’s one of the goals in the vision,” expanding that a climate adaptive town would include minimising our Co2 footprint with increased pedestrian and cycling access, along with “ideally electric public bus services”.

“You would be attracting in that public investment, be it gre-

enways, cycle lanes, public bus services which is due in 2025.

“It would definitely put us top of the class [in attracting investment] if we could get out ahead of that. So, we can resist with all our will and be the last to change or we can be one of the first and we can get the funding to go and do that. It’s really important for Ennis to consider, are we trying to be proactive or are we going to be constantly reactive and having a reaction on every proposed town centre development no matter what it is?”

He adds that a recent project Ennis 2040 car-

ried out with local TY students opened his eyes to the importance of securing young people’s future in the town. “They’re looking at 2050 and climate change and all that comes with that. They’re looking at that because that happens in their lifetime so they’re prepared to change and they’re embracing change. The winners wanted a green mode town, they wanted their school drop off to be easy from a pedestrian or cycle access, they’re looking for the infrastructure to do that. They’re not looking for that infrastructure in 2040, they’re looking for it now.”

Photo by Natasha Barton

Going to College? The SUSI Grant explained

ARE you or do you have children thinking of going to college in September 2023?

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is the national awarding authority for the Student Grant Scheme, more commonly known as SUSI grants, for eligible students attending approved full-time third level courses.

There are two types of SUSI grants available. Maintenance grants help students with their living costs. Fee grants cover tuition fees for students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Scheme.

To qualify for a SUSI grant, you must be an Irish, UK, EEA or Swiss citizen or have refugee status, subsidiary protection or have been granted leave to remain. You must also have lived in Ireland for three out of the previous five years, be increasing your NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) level, be attending an approved course and your means must be below the threshold for your personal circumstances.

The amount of financial assistance you receive when you qualify for a SUSI grant depends on three things, your means, the distance you normally live from the college and whether or not you are considered to be a disadvantaged student.

Information Officer Caroline Rowley, based in Ennis Citizens Infor-

mation Centre suggests “that students use the eligibility reckoner on the SUSI website www.susi.ie to see whether they meet the qualifying criteria for a SUSI grant.

Development Manager, Deirdre Power with Citizens Information Services in County Clare explains

that in the 2023 budget, the time period to requalify for a SUSI grant for “Second Chance Students” ( these are students who previously attended but did not complete a course) has been reduced from 5 years to 3 years.

If you think you might be eligible

for a SUSI grant, you can submit an online application at www.susi. ie. SUSI have been accepting new SUSI grant applications since the 13th of April and continuing students’ renewal applications since the 9th of March. The closing date for SUSI grant applications is ex-

pected to be in November.

If you are refused a SUSI grant or are approved a SUSI grant at a rate that you believe is incorrect for your personal circumstance, you can submit an appeal to SUSI within 30 days of receiving the decision. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal, you have 30 days to make a further appeal to the Student Grants Appeals Board.

Information Officers in our Citizens Information Centres throughout County Clare are available to answer any queries you may have. You may phone the Citizens Information Centres for details on our Drop in and Appointment service. Visit our website www.citizensinformation.ie which is packed full of useful information.

Ennis CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5260

Kilrush CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Wednesday, phone 0818 07 5310.

Shannon CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5370,

Citizens Information Centres are funded by the Citizens Information Board. They provide a free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services to member of the public on a broad range of public and social services.

Clare is Amazing, take it ALL in...

RTE Today show broadcast live from Kilrush

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien, RTÉ Today presenter Sinead Kennedy and Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and West Clare MD, Clare County Council, pictured centre with Board members of the Kilrush Amenity Trust CLG, which has oversight of Vandeleur Walled Garden Visitor Centre; Left to right: Councillor Gabriel Keating; Siobhan King, Fáilte Ireland; Noel Kilkenny; Leonard Cleary Director of Tourism Development and West Clare MD, Clare County Council, Steve Lahiffe, West Clare MD; Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council; and Pat Canny

Pictured ahead of their departure to Scattery Island left to right: Nicola Killeen; Tourism Development, Clare County Council; Sinead Kennedy, RTÉ Today; Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; and Irene Hamilton, owner of Scattery Island Tours and Coastal experiences.

Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council (left) and Clare County Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien (centre) pictured with the management team at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre L-R: Brian Markham, Colette Marrinan, Brian Cusack, Colette Browne, Karoly Torok, Donal O’Shea and Phil Crowley

RTÉ Today presenter Sinead Kennedy and Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien drive past children of St. Senan’s Primary School Kilrush who performed during RTÉ Today’s live broadcast from Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre

Promoting the Burren GEOfood brand at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre for RTÉ Today is Brónagh O’Rourke of Burren Premium Beef and Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

David Tubridy, Doonbeg GAA and former Clare footballer; Caoimhe Harvey, West Clare Gaels and Clare Ladies Footballer; Eimear Considine; Kilmihil GAA and Irish Rugby; and Keelan Sexton; Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA and Clare footballer pictured during RTÉ Today’s live broadcast from Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre

St Flanann’s board of management & staff lodge appeals over €25m community hospital

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A ‘HOLY ROW’ over contentious plans for a new €25m community hospital on diocesan owned green space at St Flannan’s College in Ennis has taken a fresh twist.

This follows the College’s own Board of Management and Staff Members of St Flannan’s College lodging separate third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála in their joint bid to try to prevent the 100 bed hospital on the seven acre green field college site getting the planning go-ahead.

Already, celebrated Clare All-Ireland winning hurlers amongst St Flannan’s College staff, four-time All-Star, Tony Kelly, double All-Ireland winner with Clare from the 1990s and well known hurling pundit, Jamesie O’Connor and key member of the 2013 Clare All-Ireland winning team, Brendan Bugler have appended their names to a 75 strong group staff objection to the planned hospital lodged with Clare County Council.

The HSE application was only made possible after it received the consent from landowners, the Diocese of Killaloe to lodge the planning application.

The diocese led by Bishop Fintan Monahan has agreed to sell the lands to the HSE subject to planning permission.

A total of six third party appeals have been lodged against the Clare County Council decision to grant permission. Others to lodge appeals are ‘Jim and Mary Wylde and others’ and individual appeals from Sean Walzer, Maura Walzer and Patrick Walzer.

The HSE has also lodged a first party appeal against condition(s) attached to the planning permission.

On behalf of the college Board of Management, a diocesan colleague of Bishop Monahan, School Principal Fr Ignatius McCormack has told the Council that “other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large proportion of the youth of the area must be available”.

Fr McCormack went on to state that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict”.

In their objection, the staff told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on

the student population of St Flannan’s College”.

The staff stated that St Flannan’s College for the past two academic years has had its two largest ever enrolments with 240 First Year students each year.

They stated, “St Flannan’s College is the only school in the town with the potential to expand if needed. We believe that it would be incredibly short sighted were the lands to be taken away from any future development”.

They further stated that “the green field site at St Flannan’s College is the last remaining of its kind in Ennis. Urban sprawl is taking up much more of our green spaces each year. Once built, this land will be gone forever”.

They stated that they understand the need for a new community hospital in Ennis “however, we believe that there are several more appropriate sites available for development”.

The staff at St Flannan’s College state that the playing fields at the college are used daily for sports for a variety of sports. They stated that “we believe that no other sporting facility in Ennis would be built upon as it is proposed for our developed playing pitches”.

In February, Fr Albert McDonnell on behalf of the diocese’s property arm, the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust provided a letter lodged with the Council which stated that the Trust do not intend to use the planned hospital site for the future development of the school.

Placing the diocese at odds with the St Flannan’s staff and board of Management, Fr McDonnell stated that “this area is on the periphery of the campus and in the event that the school requires expansion in the future, the Trust believes that there is ample space in the remaining lands for this to occur”.

After plans were lodged last year, Bishop Monahan said “this wonderful proposed development” by the HSE “will be of great benefit to our community”.

Bishop Monahan said that “the Diocese is very pleased to be able to facilitate the HSE in providing a state of the art facility for the benefit of the communities of Ennis and County Clare in general in a location which is ideal for such a facility”.

Bishop Monahan said that the Diocesan Trust could confirm “that the Diocese is entirely free to sell this land for community benefit and

has received the necessary Charities Regulator authorisation”.

In recommending a grant of permission for the project last month, the Council planner’s report stated that while there would appear to be some level of dispute between the landowners and the BOM of St Flannan’s College concerning the future intentions over the school’s potential expansion, “this is not an issue that the planning authority can resolve”.

The planners’ report also noted objectors’ claims regarding the diocese’s ability to develop the site arising from conditions attached to the 1955 bequest of the lands to the diocese controlled St Flannan’s (Killaloe) diocesan Trust.

The report states that “again, this is not an issue for the planning authority to resolve”.

The Council states that the HSE has provided sufficient evidence of their legal interest to lodge the planning application.

The Council granted planning permission after concluding that the proposal would not seriously injure the residential amenities of the area and would not pose a risk to pedestrian and traffic safety.

Bishop Fintan Monahan & St Flannan’s College principal, Fr Ignatius McCormack

Photo by John O’Neill

Ennis Street Kids reunite

A REUNION of Ennis Street Kids took place last Saturday night, with people who hadn’t met in 50 years being acquainted.

With almost 100 in attendance, made up of people who grew up in Ennis’ main streets during the 20th Century, all eyes were focused on Martin Breen’s amazing collection of old Ennis photographs displayed over what used to be the old Convent Chapel window.

Sinead Spellissy, one of the event organisers, told The Clare Echo that Nigel Bridge stole the Show “as usual in his own ini-

matble way”.

Jerry Cahir spoke about growing up in Parnell Street in the 40s, Gerry O’Connell, son of Gerry who is remembered in stone outside the Manse, spoke about growing up in the 60s and returning to live here 50 years later. Mary B O’Sullivan spoke of her late husband Chuck’s childhood and Mary McNelis nee Griffin mentioned what mattered to her and her siblings then. The reunion also heard from Pat Daly, Peter Moylan and Brian Burke.

Dick Wilson, Maeve Wilson and Jerry Cahir

Brenda Mathews and Marie Kennedy

Audrey Real, Sinead Spellissy, Liz Griffin and Kathleen Daly Collins

Peter Quinn & Pudsy Ryan

Jerry Cahir , Sinead Spellissy and Martin Breen

Mary Coote Ryan, Mag Cronin, Des Neylon, Marie Moloney

Ger Griffin, Aidan Griffin, Neil McNelis and Mary Griffin

Paddy Smyth, Johnny Murphy and Declan Daly

Peter Quinn, Pudsy Ryan, Michael Considine and Donie O Driscoll

Photos by John Mangan

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT’s new service to Chicago with United Airlines has taken flight.

Passengers boarded the Boeing 757-200 aircraft from 08:50 on Friday morning for departure at 09:30 for the first daily seasonal Chicago service from Shannon bound for O’Hare International Airport.

Mary Considine, speaking at a gate celebration to mark the occasion said it was “a significant boost for Shannon Airport”. The CEO of the Shannon Airport Group labelled United Airlines as one of Shannon’s valued airline partners.

“Chicago is an important U.S. gateway and is a really positive addition to the daily services we already offer from Shannon to New York, Boston and Newark. With a seat capacity of over 42,000, this strategic Chicago route not only benefits leisure and tourism travellers, but this direct service also provides important additional business connectivity for our customers,” she said.

Ms Considine added, “With our US preclearance facilities, passengers flying from Shannon can arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers, saving valuable time, especially for connecting flights. The enhanced security screening system we installed during the Pandemic has eliminated the need

Drumgeely dipping a source of frustration in Shannon

by

COMMITMENT has been issued by the local authority to resolve the issue of dipping roads in Drumgeely which is causing flooding in the area.

A request to source funding for the roads at the rear of the houses in Drumgeely was made by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at the May meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. “The roads are dipping and heavy vehicles are causing damage, there is constant flooding and jetting the drains is only a temporary solution. A permanent solution is looked for by residents in the area”.

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon MD, Tom Mellett acknowledged, “This is an issue which has been ongoing for a number of years, these pavements were not originally designed as roads but over the years locals, visitors and service providers have used them as such, because of the background they are not classed as public roads and so do not have access to the traditional funding streams we rely on for maintenance purposes”.

Mellett stated, “this office is committed to resolving the issue and will identify more recent funding funding streams which may al-

low for the upgrades these laneways require. I expect the funding streams to be advertised in the coming weeks”.

Sixteeen parking spaces in the vicinity of Cill Chais and Lee Park for the benefit of the general public were recently installed by Clare County Council.

Several Shannon residents are highlighting the matter and have been doing so “for many years,” Cllr McGettigan said. “People are having to wade through puddles and muck to try get to their cars, a permanent solution is what’s needed”.

Elected representatives have been flagging the problem but seem to be ignored with similar suggestions, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) lamented. “Elected members who have a mandate need to be listened to more, just because we’re not executives or executive engineers doesn’t mean we should not be listened to.

People come and go, this District is denuded the whole time, every time we build up a good link with somebody they are gone, it must be a good training ground or bus link”.

to remove liquids and electronics from cabin bags, halving the time for our passengers in this area. This provides an added benefit for U.S. bound passengers, as along with this, Shannon is the first airport in the world to provide a combined EU/TSA security screening system, meaning passengers only have one security check, making their journey through Shannon even easier”.

Head of Corporate Sales UK and Ireland with United Airlines, Martina Coogan said, “As the only U.S. airline connecting Shannon with the United States, we are excited to launch our new service to United’s hometown hub in Chicago”. She continued, “This is great news for travellers in the west of Ireland, providing even greater travel choice and the possibility to connect via our U.S. hubs to over 100 destinations across the Americas,” said Ms Coogan.

United Airlines began operating from Shannon Airport in 1998, and since then have carried over 2.2 million passengers. The airline previously operated a Shannon/Chicago service from 2013 to 2017. At that time, the airline operated five-times weekly. The 2023 service operates seven-days-a-week and has the capacity to generate an additional 42,000 passengers through Shannon Airport. The airline’s flight to Chicago builds on existing transatlantic nonstop daily seasonal services from Shannon to New York, Newark and Boston.

New Chicago service has potential to generate extra 42,000 passengers at Shannon Airport

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

East Clare reps fearful upgrade of Tulla junction is parked

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

UPGRADES to the footpath at the junction for SS Peter & Paul Church in Tulla are likely to be parked, elected representatives in East Clare have lamented.

Clare County Council’s road design section in their submission for Active Travel funding completed a preliminary design of the junction on the main street in Tulla leading to the church but funding was not granted by the NTA.

Derek Troy, acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe Municipal District said the project would be included in the application for 2023/24 again. “It is possible that alternative funding streams need to be identified in order to progress this project, such as planning contributions,” he stated.

Works on the sections of replacement footpaths throughout Tulla “are progressing well,” the senior engineer noted. These are taking place at Chapel Street and Main Street, they along with the provision of two controlled pedestrian crossings on the R462 in the vicinity of St Mochulla’s NS are funded by Active Travel.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) was pessimistic in his reaction,

“This junction is probably going to be parked with no stream of funding, I haven’t seen the design, we might be able to produce what road design had for it, I presume it was a comprehensive design, it was a two-step on the road, reading this it is probably parked now to be honest with it, unless funding can be got it seems to be parked which is very unfortunate”.

Active Travel funding is “hugely appreciated but have we gone too reliant on it,” the Kilmurry representative questioned. His colleague, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) felt there was a way around the lack of funding. “There is no Active Travel but there is development levies and if any town warranted spending from development levies it is Tulla with the amount of housing going up there, the money is still going into the Council and we haven’t got any real spending out of that

for places like Tulla”.

Hayes added, “ I’m glad you went back to drawing board because original design didn’t take into account what was required. We need to storm ahead with it, if Active Travel or other funding comes that is great but this needs to be progressed as matter of ur-

Draft proposal for controlled pedestrian crossing in Whitegate to be completed

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

the design that road design are working on, I’ve asked for an update a couple of times, when that design is in place for councillors, it is not an easy junction to design and there’s no point saying it is”. He said he attended a funeral in Tulla recently where someone tripped due to the condition of

A DRAFT PROPOSAL is to be given to Clare County Council’s road design section for a controlled pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the GAA grounds in Whitegate.

Installation of a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the GAA grounds in North-East Clare was requested by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) “in the interest of safety”.

He first looked for such measures back in 2011, two years after he was first elected to the County Council while longer-serving colleagues Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) have both raised the matter in the past.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe Municipal District, Derek Troy confirmed that a draft proposal would be issued to the Council’s road design section. “The proposal will seek to provide a safer facility for pedestrians to cross the R352. It is possible that traffic calming measures may also be incorporated into the works, if deemed necessary,” he explained.

gency”.

Tulla has had “fantastic work” done to its footpaths and crossings, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) remarked. “We’re well aware this junction was supposed to be part of the works done a year and a half ago but a new design was needed. I would love to see

the kerb at the junction. Responding to councillors, Troy outlined, “This area was included in submissions last year, the NTA moved the goalposts, up to that point the design was reasonably progressed”. He told them he was happy to circulate the design.

Lost opportunity for Killaloe Market & upgrades to pedestrian bridge ‘ill-judged’ - McNamara

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LACK OF ATTENTION to the Killaloe Market is a lost opportunity, a Clare TD has said while also describing the move to complete remedial works of the pedestrian bridge in the summer season as “ill-judged”.

Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) met with senior officials in Clare County Council including Chief Executive, Pat Dowling this week.

During this engagement, the Scariff native flagged that the lack of attention to the site was a lost opportunity for the town and the wider area and was restricting the volume of traders and visitors able to attend the weekly market. Killaloe’s weekly market is held every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

McNamara said the Council’s decision to undertake remedial works to the pedestrian bridge, one of two access points to the picturesque riverside location market, during the peak summer season was “ill-judged” and required an explanation.

He told The Clare Echo, “Located on a

sliver of land between the Canal and the River Shannon, known locally as ‘between the waters’, the market is accessed from the main bridge crossing in Killaloe and from an additional metal pedestrian bridge at Royal

trading area”.

Works to the pedestrian bridge should have been deferred, McNamara maintained. “The decision to close the pedestrian bridge in the peak summer period in Killaloe Municipal District’s biggest town and one of Clare’s most important tourism centres is ill-judged. Instead, these works should have taken place earlier in the year or held off until late autumn or winter.”

“Immediate improvements could be made through the relocation of the existing bottle bank to a different location in Killaloe and a commitment to ensure the public toilet remains operational at all times, which was not the case last weekend.

Such projects are generally funded after submission by Road Design to the Department of Transport under Safety Improvement Works on regional and local roads, he said. “Funding under this grant has already been allocated for 2023, therefore this project could be considered under the 2024 submission. When a draft design is completed, this project may require consultation with An Garda Síochána, the Regional Road Safety Officer and may need to be approved under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994”.

Speaking at the May meeting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Burke commented, “it is not my first time having a motion on this, the place has got busier since the footpaths have improved to the approach to the GAA grounds, there is a lot of children in the evening times in particular, they are finished at seven before the next crew come on, God forbid anything might happen there”.

“There used to be a crossing without any lights which motorists wouldn’t have been aware of. I’m not sure a controlled pedestrian crossing is necessary,” said Burke who serves as Whitegate’s delegate to Clare County Board meetings.

Flashing amber lights would be on at all times for this pedestrian crossing, the engineer responded. “Controlled is where traffic comes to a stop and the pedestrian has priority”.

Former Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council, Burke replied, “Whichever but it has to be done, it is something I could be raising again and that it is not to put it on the long finger, I get asked about this every week so that something could be done. There is a volume of young kids crossing a regional road and the reason they are crossing is to get to a shop”.

Parade. However, ongoing upgrade works to the pedestrian bridge has resulted in the loss of much-needed car parking spaces and market space in what is already a relatively tight

I hope the Chief Executive of Clare County Council will take my observations on board and will work with the Area Office and local Councillors to explore opportunities for the future management and development of the site, which would greatly benefit both the tourism sector and the local economy,” he concluded.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “With funerals and matches on there it really justifies a pedestrian crossing, I’m not sure which is suitable and will leave it to the designers”.

SS Peter & Paul Church in Tulla SS Peter & Paul Church in Tulla

West Clare not adequately resourced in Garda numbers for summer influx

would have turned around if they knew how bad the road was’

MOTORISTS diverted to a West Clare road following a recent accident would not have travelled along the route if they knew how bad it was, a county councillor has claimed.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST CLARE’s shortage of Garda resources continues to be a concern.

No Superintendent is in Kilrush following the retirement of Ennis based Supt John Galvin at the end of February which resulted in the transfer of Supt John Ryan from Kilrush to the county town.

Multiple queries have been issued by The Clare Echo to An Garda Síochána over the past three months on plans to fill the vacancy. The Garda press office have been unable to give a commitment or an update of substance with enquiries ongoing, fuelling belief that there is no intention to appoint a Superintendent in Kilrush.

Speaking at a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) flagged, “there’s been a number of property thefts and items stolen from West Clare”. He said there was numerous concerns within the locality and felt the JPC should be writing to the Garda Commissioner asking for change and whether an increase in policing numbers would lead to an impact in West Clare.

Kilrush based Lynch outlined that the area experiences “such an influx of people during the summer months” that they would like “assurances that we would be adequately resourced”.

An Garda Síochána’s current operating model was identified by the policing authority and agreed by Government “that this is the way forward,” Supt Ryan told the meeting. He said his role in Kilrush has been taken over by Inspector McMahon.

Recruitment continues to be an issue for the Gardaí, Supt Ryan explained. “Nationally we’ve seen a difficulty in getting people to join An Garda Síochána, there’s still a commitment to get people to go in and set the commitments, whether that’s people who don’t see An Garda Síochána as a job for them or the high amount of young people going to Australia. There has been a cultural shift, you were encouraged to get a job for life in my day but now you’re encouraged to travel and see the world”.

“We are actively looking for An Garda Síochána to come to Clare but the difficulty is no other part of the country can give them to us and Templemore don’t

have them,” he added.

Absence of a Superintendent in Kilrush was previously highlighted by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) at a meeting of Clare County Council. He referred to a recent “rural crime spree in West Clare” where “trailers, tractors and all kinds of vehicles were disappearing out the door”. He stated, “we’ve lost our Superintendent in West Clare, that needs to be looked at”.

An appeal for “urgent maintenance work” at the L6012 at Trusclieve Cross was made by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District. The motion was seconded by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF).

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly reminded Cllr Keating that the schedule of MD works for 2023 was finalised and that the L-6012 was not included. The roadworks programme was adopted by elected members of the West Clare MD, following consultation. Nonetheless, he said very minor works to the road could be arranged. “I have spoken with the area engineer and the local roads senior general services supervisor and asked them to ensure that any potholes are filled and the road is main-

tained in a passable condition. If more extensive remediation including drainage and resurfacing of the entire road is required, the West Clare MD does not currently have funding for works on this scale”.

Cllr Keating commented, “We had a fatal accident in the area recently and traffic was diverted, I’d say the people didn’t realise how bad the road was, they probably would have turned back and gone home had they known the way they were sent, the road is in a dreadful condition”. Absence of funding was proving frustrating for the Cross native. “Here we are again we’ll continue to maintain it but we don’t have the funds to carry out the works or whatever has to be done. I acknowledge what has been done, I always do but I think what has been done has been on the roadworks programme already and the money was allocated, what we need is more funding”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) remarked, “We’d all agree, more funding is always welcome”.

Pictured on the first day of the three-day ESB Science Blast in Mary Immaculate Collage Limerick that brought STEM to primary school children in 28 counties during 2023

Photo by Brian Arthur

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photo by John Mangan

‘People

Cllr Gabriel Keating

Photo by Natasha Barton

Tom cracks the code Glory for Kilnaboy’s Rory at Green School Water Awards

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILNABOY’S Rory Fitzgerald has been named as a regional winner at the Green School Water Awards.

A first year student at CBS Ennistymon, Rory was declared as a regional winner in the secondary school poster competition at the annual Green School Water Awards hosted by An Taisce Green-Schools and Uisce Éireann.

Over the past school year, over 1,2800 students in 432 schools all over Ireland have participated in the Green-Schools water theme which is sponsored by Uisce Éireann. The water theme looks at developing awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this precious resource in schools and at home.

Eight regional winners were chosen to attend an award ceremony in Dublin where they were recognised for their exceptional commitment to delivering water

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A KILMALEY student has been crowned the overall winner of the thirteenth annual National Scratch Coding Competition.

Tom Dandoy, a student at CBS Ennistymon won the top prize at the coding competition which is organised by Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software and the Irish Computer Society.

Top-scoring teams from schools and clubs across the country with participants aged six years and older demonstrating their Scratch projects to judges at the University of Limerick. Among the themes of this year’s entries were healthy eating, social inclusion, recycling and poetry.

There were 280 entries in this year’s competition, a big increase on last year with a gender balance of 56% male and 44% female. Forty-five students made it to the finals and the panel of 15 judges was very impressed by the quality and originality of the projects on show.

Scratch is a visual programming language that helps children to build key coding skills in a fun and interactive way. The Scratch Coding Competition promotes computing and software development at both primary and secondary school levels and has grown since 2010 alongside the growth in interest in coding.

A senior student at CBS Ennistymon, Tom designed and built the computer game ‘Spaceship Battles 3’ using Scratch, he also composed the score. He has attended the North Clare school for the past five years,

his parents hail from Belgium.

Dr Clare McInerney, Education and Public Engagement Manager with Lero said, “Lero’s support and involvement in the Scratch competition underpins one of our core objectives which is to train software practitioners of the future through interventions at all levels of the education system. It is so important to nurture and develop coding skills and computational thinking among children and young people. What we see in the National Scratch Competition Finals is the culmination of many months of work for the participants, their teachers and their families and the end result is very impressive. Their projects are a convergence of science and creativity and allows them to see what coding makes possible”.

Mary Cleary, Secretary General of the Irish Computer Society commented, “The National Scratch Competition gives young people a chance to show both their creative and critical thinking, as well as their innovation. Technology can be immensely valuable and hold a lot of potential if you learn how to use it and Scratch shows that power in a fun and engaging way. I hope that some of the young people in the finals today will go on to become tomorrow’s IT professionals, but even if they choose a different path, I hope their experience in this competition will help them as they become digital citizens”.

conservation measures, awareness raising and sustainability actions.

Kinsale Community College in Cork was named the Secondary Water School of the Year, while Scoil Fhionain/Kifinane in Limerick, were the winners in the Primary category. Gort Community School was named as a runner up in the water video competition.

Speaking at the awards, Geof- frey Bourke of Uisce Éireann congratulated all the winners for their efforts to highlight the value of water. “It is truly inspiring to see how the schools taking part in the Green-Schools water theme are setting an example for how we should all value our precious water resources and have proved just how much water can be saved. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who has taken part in this excellent program”.

Green-Schools Manager, Joanne Scott said, “Once again this year we have seen some inspirational ideas from the participating

students. They have shown great leadership, not just in their schools but also in their wider communities. Our Schools of the Year winners have showed a genuine willingness to reach out beyond the schools themselves to engage with a wider audience”.

Among the awards announced at the event were the regional and national water schools of the year and the Green-Schools poster and video competition winners. The country’s top Water Ambassadors were also honoured at the special ceremony which took place in Dublin.

This is the tenth year of the Green-Schools partnership with Uisce Éireann, and in that time over 630,000 students have taken part, attending interactive water workshops or Walk for Water events, hosting talks from Uisce Éireann staff or visiting their local water and wastewater treatment plants.

Tom Dandoy presented with his prize at the annual National Scratch Coding Competition

Photo by Liam Burke / Press 22

Kilnaboy’s Rory Fitzgeraldwinner of Green School Water Awards

Jane Shannon of Mary Immaculate Secondary in Lisdoonvarna, was presented with the first place trophy in the Leaving Cert category of the 2023 CareerSkills competition by Careers Portal on May 10th

Zen & the art of friendship maintenance

The meaning of success

minutes later……

Friend: Well, just so you know, you weren’t the entire topic of conversation.

Me: Still. Thank you. You made my day!

EVERY now and then in life, we receive a communication that stops us dead in our tracks.

Posted brown envelope with harp stamp square in the middle? Gulp. An email from your manager asking for a quick five? Sure thing boss. Just as soon as I’ve finished hyperventilating.

WHAT does success mean to you? I've been thinking about this question a lot lately. It might have to do with the fact that I have a birthday approaching; one that is taking me closer to a roundy one, and I’m not really all that pleased about it. I feel very unsettled in myself, as if time is running out. I am plagued with big questions. What’s love got to do with it? What becomes of the broken-hearted? Is this the way to Amarillo?

While correspondence around employment and taxes might elicit a sense of resignation in the best of us, at least we have the micro-communiques to rely upon. The ones that punctuate the staleness of a humdrum day.

Usually, when these little anxious periods arise, I find solace in a book but my concentration is not what it

I was at a seminar recently. At about one hour in, my phone pinged. A WhatsApp message. A friend, letting me know that I had come up in his therapy session that morning. I know. I read it twice too. The exchange went something like this: Friend: You came up in my therapy session this morning.

used to be. The cinema can work well for distraction but the latest listings are pitiful. A freestyle dance practice occasionally works but not when you find yourself inexplicably drawn to Morrissey’s back catalogue.

4,000 WEEKS

The smell of fresh coffee and croissants prompted me to stop. I filled up, sat down, ready for the next seminar topic with pen in hand. I couldn’t help myself. Within minutes, I had picked up the phone again.

Me: I know what it is.

Friend: Spill.

Me: We water each other’s spiritual gardens! I then sent a GIF of a skeleton showering from a watering can.

This is an in-joke between us. There are many. It is always said in a high octave American voice, when we need to justify overspending or oversharing. “We’re just watering our spiritual gardens”.

I listened to a podcast episode recently where the Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman, was dicussing his latest book, 4,000 weeks. Centred around time management, it differs from the standard productivity offerings in the self help genre. The title says it all. If you live until you’re 80, you’ve got 4,000 weeks, which is, as he has described it, absurdly short. He goes on to point out that time management is all life is, and for every project that you’re putting on the long finger,

Macalla an Chláir

Me: Okaaay????????

Friend : I was asked to name someone in my life who could be serious, frivolous, or serious in a frivolous way.

le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Clár as Gaeilge

Me: Oh my God. Thanks Friend! That means a lot. I always feel like I share too much on the serious front and then I get vulnerability hangovers.

Pause.

Me: You and I have always got on though. It might be the music thing? It might be the fact that you are a fellow water sign. You never judge me.

My friend is a former colleague. We first met at an Alanis Morrissette concert. I, having consumed one too many ciders, bounded over to him and his friends like an enthusiastic puppy, expounding on 90s female singers and how amazing the venue was. I vaguely recognised him from a mutually attended, 800 person strong workplace and felt now was the time to also elaborate on the many other colleagues I had spotted at the gig. Picture it. The sun was beating down. My group was looking for me everywhere (I hope). His group were giving me major skunk eye. All around us a deranged crowd were scream-singing, “It’s like raaaaaiiiiiiinn!” Even though we had never spoken, he was gracious and no doubt relieved when I finally skittered off into the melee.

Labhraíonn beagnach leath agaibh Gaeilge!

Long pause, and then about fifteen

The following Monday, full of self loathing, I decided I’d better email him to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

GREAT news - almost half of you (people of Clare) speak Irish. Labhraíonn beagnach leath agaibh (Muin ab Chláir) Gaeilge!

According to the Census 2022 Summary Results for Co. Clare, the number of people who stated that they could speak Irish was 54,437 (52,482 in 2016), which is a whopping 43% of the population. Within this figure, 1,415 said they spoke Irish daily while 3,142 spoke Irish weekly.

What does this mean?

It means that there is a great chance, a 43% chance, that the person beside you on the bus, in the queue behind or in front of you, in the pub or café, or in your classroom or workplace, has Irish.

It means, you can start a coversation with ‘’Dia dhuit’’, and know that there is a 43% chance you’ll get ‘’Dia is Muire dhuit’’ in response! Or when you say ‘’go raibh maith agat’’, you might well get a ‘’go raibh maith agat fhéin’’ back!

It means there should be more Irish in schools, on the airwaves, in advertisements, in print, online, in shops and businesses, and on the streets to cater for 43% of the population.

LEAN ar na meáin-shóisialta muid / Follow us on social media, @ClárAsGaeilge, Twitter, Facebook agus Instagram. R-phost / email: lionranahinse@gmail.com

Imeachtaí/Events:

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in Insomnia (Tesco), oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm

• BAILE UÍ BHEOLÁIN – ‘’Dúchas is Dóchas’’, Under the Oak, Dé Luain, 5ú Meitheamh, 7pm, in aisce

• INIS - Scéalaíocht do pháistí / Story time i nGaeilge le MacDara, Dé Máirt 6ú Meitheamh / June, Leabharlann De Valera, 3pm, in aisce

• RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm

• INIS - Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag 7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Sráid Uí Chonaill

• CILL INÍNE BAOITH - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

• INIS – An Fleadh Nua, ‘’Cupán Ceoil’’, Glór, 11am

• Déardaoin, 1ú Meitheamh: Conor Keane and Evan Ó Cualáin

• Dé hAoine, 2ú Meitheamh: Rachel O’Dea and Muireann Byrne

• Dé Sathairn, 3ú Meitheamh: Joan Hanrahan, Brid Long, Joe Carey and Sean Lyons

you need to understand that you will never reach the high standards that your inner saboteur is expecting you to meet. Once you accept that, you should start your task anyway and more importantly settle for the results as they are. I suppose it’s another way of allowing for progress over perfection.

He was generous in his response, advising that he had had many similarly embarrassing evenings in his time, not to worry about it and that he’d see me around the office. He signed off with a winky face emoticon. Six months later, I joined his team. Our “formal” introduction was super awkward but within weeks we had quickly established that:

A LIFE IN THE COUNTRY

(a) Our biggest disappointment in life is that we are not Madonna;

(b) The Pet Shop Boys’ Hotspot album is indeed as good if not better as any of their predecessors;

(c) A bag of Manhattan cheese and onion crisps and a cold bottle of Peroni together is quite the pairing; and

Just last week, the topic of success came up at my sister’s. We had finished a breakfast of chocolate croissants, orange juice, and peppermint tea. So far, so diabetic. The sun was shining and the conversation easy. I admired the tulips in her garden. Her dog ambled over, looked at me with sorrowful eyes, and dropped his head in my lap for a little rub. It was just lovely and allowed

(d) As mid-40 somethings, we really missed nightclubbing. Since then, we have left our roles and moved on to other firms. It hasn’t stopped us going to ALL the fun concerts. Steps in Belfast post lockdown? Count us in. Rina Sawayama at the Olympia? We’re down with the kids. We’re about to see Lizzo, Sam Smith, and of course, the Pet Shop Boys. We’ve made almighty fools of ourselves by paying an extortionate amount to see Madge in Antwerp later this year.

me to be very much in the moment. Anyway, we moved to the garden and as I made myself comfortable in a chair, she took up a shovel and began to dig the periphery. I shielded my eyes from the sun, admired her Saturday work ethic, and asked her what was next. Not for the weekend but for her. Her answer basically amounted to what looks like a very simple, sustainable life in the country. I asked her if she worried about pensions and how much is enough? In short, the answer was no. We touched on consumerism, capitalism, the environment and the appeal of simplicity at this point in our lives, before moving on to mundanities like other family members and holiday plans. The chats, good weather, good food, and cuddlesome canines can go a long way toward being a balm for what ails us.

SELF COMPASSION

Discovering mindful self compas-

sion has been a pleasant surprise. Instead of resisting a negative thought and berating ourselves for it, we can learn to accept it while speaking kindly to ourselves. In practice, it’s difficult and tiring but ultimately serves as an effective tool to have for the times when you’re calling yourself a donkey, whatever the reason.

I think, we have to keep asking the questions, irritating and disruptive as they are. Surely, success in life lies somewhere in appreciating the moment, not remaining stagnant and taking it easy on yourself. If we’re lucky, friends and family are on hand for light and laughter. The arts, community and charity are key components too. Maybe we should prioritise getting out of our heads and into our bodies. Does anyone know a good dance instructor? I’m determined to master the moonwalk before that birthday. Until next month.

Thought for the week: Living in hope

Spreading the word of positivity

I am grateful. Firstly, I have health. Secondly, I have family and friends I can be serious, frivolous or serious in a frivolous way with. The trick is to let them know.

RONAN SCULLY

It doesn’t matter if it’s a random Tuesday at 10.30. Buy them a bun. Pass on a book. Leave them voice notes. Text them until the message is received loud and clear. That way, the next time a dental appointment reminder rolls in, they can remain entirely apathetic instead of reaching for the Rennies.

SO OFTEN, I hear the following phrase: “Life doesn’t send us anything we can’t cope with.”

This isn’t to say that life doesn’t send us a barrel load of hardship at times, but that when it does, we can deal with it, that our coping powers are far in excess of what we perhaps think.

In spite of this refreshing news, we still fail to cope on a daily basis with the events that crop up. When I say ‘fail to cope’, I don’t mean that we fall into a mega depression or run screaming to the hills every time life goes against us. Rather, we moan, whine, cry, get snappy and generally over emotional about things that could otherwise be solved quite easily. These things, if we were to look closer, are perhaps not just problems, but maybe also solutions or as I like to call them blessings to help us face up to life’s problems and challenges with hope.

I have received many letters, cards and emails over the years because of the messages in my writings from various people up and down the country and from abroad. Some said they were doing great, seemingly on top of the world while others confided in me that they were barely getting by, living day-to-day, trying to make ends meet and that life was a hopeless situation for them and with many others dealing with circumstances such as serious illnesses, financial worries and lack of faith so difficult that, quite frankly, they

felt defeated and overwhelmed by life. We will all battle hopelessness at some point in our lives. And no matter who we are or what our situation, “Hope” is one thing we all desperately need. Hope is what sustains us as we persevere, remaining steadfast in times of trial and discouragement. Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness. Hoping is knowing that there is love; it is trust in tomorrow. As long as there is still hope there will also be prayer and you will be held in God’s hands.

HOPE IS EVERYTHING

One little drop of hope has far reaching consequences for all of humanity. As Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” They say that a “man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope.” Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Living a hopeful life is to recognize that everything and everyone matters, even you. Taking care of yourself matters. Hope can be the difference between success and failure. You can withstand so much if you know you have people who support you and are looking out for you. You can face just about anything, as long as you don’t lose the hope that you can succeed. Even hope and faith as tiny as a mustard seed can produce mountainous amounts of blessings. Each of us carries within our hearts the seeds of enduring hope. With a conscious effort and committed action, and

rooted in God’s love, our hopes have the power to transform our lives and the lives of others.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, pray for hope for the people in your life especially now that things are beginning to open up after nearly two years of lockdowns and restrictions. Every morning when I wake up I tell myself that today is a new day, a new beginning, a new dawn, a new chance, a new day with endless possibilities. And that gives me something that everyone cherishes, it brings me hope. It can bring anyone and everyone hope, and if you hold on to hope one day all those thoughts of a better life will become a reality. I am going to try each day and I hope you will too. I am going to wake, get up, dress up and show up and give it the best I can at that time. And if you aren’t going through any of this but know a friend or a family member or a colleague who is, talk to them, be with them, listen to them, guide them, help them, get help for them, show them where they can get help, be there for them, care for them and help them to show up and find that hope that you hopefully have in your life. I will have that candle of hope lighting for us all today, tonight and tomorrow and everyday that we will all find that hope we need in our lives. I wish much hope and prayers for us all and especially for any families or friends or colleagues who are searching for a loved one who is missing, or who is unwell or is suffering in any way. Let us all say my beautiful friends David’s prayer“God keep me well with acceptance of your will”

especially for those of us in those longer seasons of joblessness, sickness, financial stress, addiction, homelessness, relationship strain and other ongoing life events and especially where the stress and frustration is overwhelming and where hope had started to lose its flicker. I pray for strength and hope for us all as we go forward on our life journey’s!! And finally, be a reflection of hope to the world. Let them know where your hope, faith, and trust lies, sharing the light and hope of Jesus with them. A prayer of Hope I like to say to keep me going each day goes as follows - “Dear Lord, I try so hard to be your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope, courage and strength. There are times when I feel helpless and lost. There are times when I feel weak and addicted. I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love, care, shelter and kindness. Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems very dark in my life at times. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory. To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me Lord to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and support to those most in need. Help me to shine my light to help others shine their light. “When my arms can’t reach people close to my heart, I hug them with my prayers of hope”. In your name I pray, Amen.” Let me say here to everybody reading, don’t let nothing or nobody take away your HOPE.

Nurturing hearts & minds in North West Clare

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE North West Clare Family Resource Centre’s mission statement is straight to the point – to support the growth of a strong, inclusive community in North West Clare.

While its mission statement evokes simplicity, the wide range of services being offered to people living in North West Clare are more complex, with a huge focus on mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of what they do.

Cork native Miriam Hallahan, who relocated to Clare after marrying a Miltown Malbay man, has been in the role of Manager Co-ordinator at the North West Clare Family Resource Centre since January.

The centre was established in 2000 and is now located above the Ennistymon Digihub, while they operate at two further premises including Parish House in Ennistymon, and the creche. The centre employs 10 people and is TUSLA funded with support also from Pobal, the Family Resource Centre National Forum, and Clare

County Council.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Miriam states, “We are here for the community and we provide services based on the need of the community as they arise. It’s ever evolving, our work, to meet that needs. We have a full timetable Monday to Friday and there’s a variety of activities every day.”

Those activities cover all age groups, including baby massage classes, yoga, parent & toddler groups, a men’s shed, gardening courses and much more, all examples of how the centre is nourishing the hearts and souls of people in North West Clare.

A Clare Youth Action group runs each Thursday from 4-6pm for young people in the community, while summer camps will also be held in the coming months, with various activities on the agenda including football and music.

Miriam says there is a massive feelgood factor on being involved with the North West Clare Family Resource Centre. “There’s so many people in and out the door here. No day is alike, it’s a vital service for the commu-

nity and there’s been people coming in here for 20 years. We have the sewing group and a textile group as well, they’ve been coming in here for years. Then it’s lovely to see all the new people coming in like the Ukrainian teens and treating the place like their own space.

“It’s very social. We have the men’s shed as well and community garden group, they’re real social groups.”

Miriam ensures the dayto-day delivery of the service and most notably, two new full-time workers were hired earlier this year to specifically cater to the needs of the Ukrainian community.

“They’re covering Lahinch, Ennistymon, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan, Kilfenora and Liscannor. They’ve been delivering a programme that’s ever-adapting. We have a drop-in service, we have teen groups that come in on a Monday morning and we have the kids clubs running on Thursday in Lahinch Leisure Centre and we have another one in the Pavillion in Lisdoonvarna in Friday.

“They’re running really well and it just shows the need for them in the commu-

nity. We also have active play sessions on a Wednesday in Lisdoonvarna. We also have a play therapist working with us on a Wednesday in parish House, which is used primarily for counselling and play therapy.

“One of our support workers is a member of the Ukrainian community so she’s able to know from the grassroots what’s needed. The feedback has been amazing.

“For example, a lot of the Ukrainian teens, they love to cook and they mightn’t have the facilities to cook so they come into our youth groups and do all their cooking here and we have X-Box’s, pool tables, they can come in and be themselves. The toddler and parent groups are really good, it gives parents the opportunity to chat while the children are playing.”

The Centre also employs a member of staff who works directly with the local Traveller population.

Miriam explains that a counselling service is also offered by the resource centre, with three counsellors and one play therapist available through the service. “It’s something we’re looking to expand in the future because there’s a massive need in Northwest Clare.”

She adds that North West Clare Family Resource Centre has an open door policy and encourages people to pop in, “We love when people just call in and ask about us, even if people have suggestions about what they’d like to see in the community

they’re welcome to come in and chat with us too.”

Contact North West Clare Family Resource Centre by emailing info@northwestclarefrc.ie or call 065 707 1144.

‘Minding Your Wellbeing’ online programme with the HSE – an evidence-based programme that provides a unique opportunity for people to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience. It has been adapted from a face-to-face programme into a series of free to view online videos to make it more accessible to the public at this time. The programme consists of 5 video sessions (20 mins) which are available via www.yourmentalhealth.ie. The content focuses on: practicing self-care, understanding our thoughts, exploring emotions, building positive relationships and improving resilience, all of which are important for mental health and wellbeing.

GREEN CLARE

Feedback invited on new Climate Action Plan for Clare

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE DEVELOPMENT of a new five-year Climate Action Plan for County Clare is underway with individuals, communities and organisations across the county invited to provide their feedback to inform the plan’s development.

development of the Climate Action Plan to inform how best to tackle the challenges posed by the changing climate, while working to meet national targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It is envisioned that engagement with

developed. The report includes a baseline emissions inventory that identifies the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Clare and a climate risk assessment that identifies key risks for Clare in the coming decades including coastal

to work in this broad area. Through this plan, we aim to develop ambitious climate actions both within Clare County Council but also across the communities of County Clare. This Climate Action Plan will work towards achieving the sectoral

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

Clare in the coming years. These actions will be included in the first draft of the Climate Action Plan to be published later this year, when the statutory public consultation process will begin.”

PÁRAIC

MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

The plan will aim to position Clare as a national leader in climate action and strengthen the delivery of effective climate action at local and community levels, through placebased climate action.

MThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020 published by government in October 2020, requires local authorities to develop five-year Climate Action Plans with mitigation and adaptation measures included. The plan will include actions which aim to reduce Clare County Council’s own emissions by 51% by 2030 and create pathways towards enabling sectoral reductions in emissions across the county.

INISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030. one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

An auction for the country’s first “major offshore projects” is to commence this year on the east coast, Minister Ryan said. “Most of them you drive the turbines into the sand banks on the coast, we’re now planning phase two which goes to the west and south-west, it

In the past fortnight, the Irish curement of 450 megawatts of emergency generators to help close the gap over winter if there was no wind to generate power and one rienced a shutdown, this will cost

The plan will set out the key actions that will support Clare in its transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050. The actions of the plan will look not only at how Clare County Council can transform its own operations and services but will consider what other organisations the Council can partner with and what support it can give to local communities and individuals.

eypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-wa ter port.

Chairperson of the Taskforce, Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien, commented, “Clare County Council is seeking public engagement in the

During his time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com

communities will provide feedback on how best to ensure that the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with climate action can be fully realised.”

To inform the development of the plan, a Climate Action Plan Sum mary Report has been published which provides an evidence base upon which action areas can be

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of the Estuary and similar with Tarbert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

erosion, flooding, heatwaves and severe storms.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “Climate change is increasingly understood to be the most critical, longterm global challenge of our time. Through our wide-ranging service provision across the county, Clare County Council is ideally positioned

reductions required over the coming decade.”

Siobhán McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development in Clare County Council, said, “Feedback will help the Council to identify ac tions that need to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity and prepare and adapt for climate change in

€350m.

The development of the Climate Action Plan also coincides with the development of a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2023-2029 for the county. Feedback on both plans can be provided in person at any of the upcoming consultation events:

• Monday, 12th June, in the Shannon Municipal District Office (5pm to 8pm)

• Tuesday, 13th June, at the Ennis MD Office in Drumbiggle (5pm to 8pm)

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using at the current time.

• Wednesday, 14th June, at the Killaloe MD Office in Scarriff (5pm to 8pm)

"We by 2030 can deliver that level, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the scale of power that is available”.

• Thursday, 15th June, at the West Clare MD Offices in Kilrush and Ennistymon (5pm to 8pm).

The Climate Action Plan Summary Report is available to view on Clare County Council’s engagement platform ‘Your Say’ where feedback can also be provided through an online survey which will be open until Friday, 23rd June. Individuals, communities and organisations can also provide written feedback directly to Clare County Council (referencing ‘Climate Action Plan’) or emailed feedback to climate@clarecoco.ie

To complete the online survey, or for more information, visit: https:// yoursay.clarecoco.ie/climate-ac tion-plan

Lahinch Beach photo by John Mangan

Shot in the arm for West Clare as floating wind project gets back on track

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONTRACTS have been signed for a multi-billion euro deal to develop two floating wind farms off the coasts of Clare and Cork.

It brings the Western Star Floating wind project which will see the development of a 1.35GW floating wind farm 35km off the coast of Kilkee back on track. It will be located in waters over 100m deep.

EDF Renewables Ireland has entered into a partnership to develop the Western Star and Emerald floating wind projects with Simply Blue Group. The partnership is subject to a merger clearance expected in the coming months. The 50:50 joint venture partners will now seek to progress the two projects to meet Irish Government targets to have

2GW of floating wind in development by 2030.

Last September, the Western Star Floating wind project was plunged into jeopardy after the multinational energy giant, Shell announced it was to pull out of the Irish renewables sector.

Both EDF Renewables and Simply Blue Group have said they are confident in the Irish market.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) said the new partnership was “good news for West Clare”. He added that floating wind would provide “the electricity of the future and will bring big economic benefits to our county”.

Kilkee based, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) labelled it as “an extremely positive development for us here in West Clare”. He said it was “a real shot in the arm for this project spe-

cifically, but also great to see confidence as to the development of floating offshore off Clare in general”.

Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, stated, “We are very pleased to sign the partnership on these two exciting floating offshore wind projects. Emerald and Western Star will complement our flagship, fixed-bottom foundation, Codling Wind Park development off the east coast of Ireland, diversifying our offshore portfolio in Ireland and strengthening our position as a key player in the Irish and UK offshore markets”.

“These projects further strengthen EDF Renewables’ position as a leading global player in the emerging floating wind industry, joining a portfolio that includes our Gwynt

Glas project in the Celtic Sea and Provence Grand Large off the south coast of France. We are looking forward to working closely with Simply Blue Group to deliver on the two projects’ great potential to make a significant contribution to the Irish Government’s renewable energy goals”.

Sam Roch Perks, CEO of Simply Blue Group, stated that “Simply Blue are delighted to partner with EDF Renewables to deliver these strategic assets and to deliver Ireland’s first floating offshore wind farms. As an international renewable energy company, EDF Renewables are major players in the energy transition worldwide, ensuring alignment with Simply Blue’s culture and commitment to making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity, and coastal communities.

Simply Blue’s expertise in floating offshore wind, with over 10GW of floating projects in development globally, has been brought to bear on the selection of the two sites, following extensive stakeholder engagement and initial environmental assessments”.

Val Cummins, Project Managing Director for Emerald and Western Star, added “the partnership is ideally placed to deliver for Phase 3 of offshore wind in Ireland. This is key to kick-starting floating offshore wind, which will have a transformational positive impact on Ireland’s maritime and energy landscape, including the coastal communities in Cork and Clare”.

Clare businesses encouraged to avail of new energy efficiency grant Resilience Healthcare open new Day Service in Ennis

SMALL BUSINESSES

in Clare are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a new support that could help them reduce their energy output. The Energy Efficiency Grant to aid small businesses on their sustainability journey was announced last week by Simon Coveney, T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The new support, available through Local Enterprise Office Clare, will enable small businesses to invest in technologies and equipment to make their businesses more energy efficient. The grant will be available to companies who through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes have identified the technology and equipment need & benefits. The grant will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000. The scheme will reduce the impact of small businesses on the environment and may help them to reduce costs over time to enable them to become more competitive.

Minister Coveney said; “The Energy Effi-

ciency Grant is another significant step in helping our small businesses to become more sustainable and to make a significant contribution to reducing their energy output. Everyone must make changes as we aim to become a more sustainable country and small businesses are no different. This grant will make it more feasible for small businesses to engage in this process and hopefully set them on a more sustainable path.

The Local Enterprise Office’s Green for Micro programme has enabled many small companies to take those first steps and now with the Energy Efficiency Grant they can continue that journey.”

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise said “The Local Enterprise Offices are continually looking at ways to help their clients increase productivity and competitiveness. The new Energy Efficiency Grant is the natural next step for all those companies that have identified their needs around energy reduction, and this will enable them to make those changes in their business. We are seeing a huge shift in the mindset

of small businesses in recent years around sustainability.”

Carol Gibbons, Manager of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland said; “This new financial support will enable small businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey. Increasingly, sustainability is seen as a core driver of future growth for small businesses, aligning them to changing consumer demands and ensuring access to business-tobusiness supply chains. It is important that business supports match this fundamental change and I am confident that the new Energy Efficiency Grant will assist companies across the country on their sustainability journey.”

Cathaoirleach, Cllr.

Tony O’Brien said; “It is great to see this grant join the suite of practical and impactful supports offered by Local Enterprise Offices. It has been a very difficult year for businesses facing high energy and input costs. I would encourage any eligible business to investigate this grant, which offers a real opportunity to reduce your operating costs and boost

RESILIENCE HEALTHCARE opened it’s new Day Service in Ennis on Friday, May 26th. This service provides an outlet for young adults living with disabilities, by realising their potential and identifying individualised goals and flexible supports which focus on education, employment, community inclusion, and socialisation opportunities. The Ennis Day Service is centred within the community, service users come to the service location and from there are taken to participate in their

resilience, while also lowering emissions and helping Ireland to meet our climate action targets.”

The Energy Efficiency Grant is another support from the Local Enterprise Offices for small businesses that enables them to increase their competitiveness and productivity. Small businesses are also able to avail of the Lean for Micro, Digital Start and Green for Micro programmes through their LEO that will all help small businesses to become more competitive and increase their productivity.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Patricia Farrell, Wilde Irish Chocolates, Michelle Mulleavy, AIP Thermoform, Shane Ryan, Ryan’s Timber Products and Michael McLoughlin, Monaru pictured at the launch of the new Energy Efficiency Grant for small businesses

Photo by Don Moloney

Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis and James McLaughlin cut the ribbon, launching Resilience Healthcare’s new Day Service in Ennis. Also pictured staff, service users and friends of Resilience Healthcare.

Laura Keane, CEO, Resilience Healthcare, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis, Lars Schabelski, Director of Day Services, Resilience Healthcare, and Cathy Moynihan, Day Services Manager (Clare/Limerick), Resilience Healthcare, at the opening of Resilience Healthcare’s new Day Service in Ennis

specific, individualised activities - according to their personal plan. The Mayor of Ennis, Clare Colleran Molloy, officially opened the service.

Ennis Real Estate Agent, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Properties wins National Award

CLARE estate agent DNG

O’Sullivan Hurley Properties has been named DNG Large branch of the Year sponsored by MyHome.ie at the DNG National Conference and Awards ceremony which took place at The Curragh Racecourse, Friday, 26th May.

The Conference and Awards ceremony was attended by more than 150 delegates from offices across Ireland where a range of top-

ics from Ireland’s property market outlook to DNG’s recent partner affiliation with Hampton International and the role of DNG in the residential and commercial sectors, were discussed. Delegates were entertained by Guest speaker Ireland Rugby legend and La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara.

Speaking after receiving the award, Cormac O’Sullivan, Partner, DNG O’Sullivan

Commercial Manager

Full time permanent contract

Hurley, said: “We are thrilled to be named DNG Large Branch of the year are It’s an incredible feeling to know that our efforts in the real estate industry have been acknowledged and celebrated at a national level. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication shown by the O’Sullivan Hurley team. Every single team player contributes evenly to the success

TOURISM JOB OPENINGS IN COUNTY CLARE

The position of Commercial Manager is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in playing a significant role within Clare Tourism. The successful applicant will report to the Head of Commercial and Shared Services with Clare Tourism and work closely with the Senior Management and Line Managers within Cliffs of Moher Experience, Vandeleur Experience and Loop Head Light House. The Commercial Manager will be responsible for the financial aspects of the business of the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Vandeleur Experience and Loop Head Light House.

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying, or want to know more about an individual position, contact Máiréad in The Hr Suite on 066 7102887 or email your CV to jobs@thehrsuite.com

Closing date for applications Wednesday, 21st June 2023 at 5pm

Procurement Officer

Full time permanent contract

The procurement officer is a management position within Clare Tourism and is responsible for implementing Clare County Councils procurement policy and strategy, coordinating procurement practices to ensure compliance, minimise risk and maximising savings and benefits available to the Clare Tourism from procurement activities. The position is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in playing a significant role within Clare Tourism.

Clare Tourism DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that will oversee the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites throughout Clare. Clare Tourism is developing these visitor attraction sites and is now seeking to hire the following experienced professionals with substantial skills in Business, Financial Management and Procurement.

Pictured (centre) accepting their award with Keith Lowe - Chief Executive DNG and Joanne Geary – Managing Director MyHome.ie are Cormac O’Sullivan and Douglas Hurley, Partners, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Gaelic Grounds to host Munster final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TUS GAELIC GROUNDS

has been set as the venue for this year’s Munster senior hurling final between Clare and Limerick.

A chance to win a first provincial title at the grade since 1998 is the prize on offer for Brian Lohan’s men who know they face no easy task going up against the reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick on June 11th with a start time of 1:45pm, the move forward by fifteen minutes is to facilitate live TV and the potential of extra time.

Details on a venue were due to be announced on Monday night following a meeting of the Munster Council’s competitions control committee. This decision follows a request from Clare to the Munster Council CCC on Monday evening of May 29th to postpone making a decision on the venue to allow Clare time to explore the possibility of playing the game at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

Earlier, Clare had proposed Semple Stadium, while Limerick had proposed Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Munster Council CCC agreed to postpone making their decision, and both counties have confirmed that they had reached agreement to play the game at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Munster GAA chiefs had been keen to stage the showdown at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time since 2021 when Limerick defeated Tipperary in the decider but the first at full capacity since the redevelopment was completed in 2017. They were going to set the Cork stadium as the venue until Clare officials with the backing of Lohan and his management suggested the Gaelic Grounds.

Stand tickets will be distributed through participating County Boards only,

Cooney exits Clare panel

TWO-TIME CLARE

while terrace tickets will be going on sale to the general public on Thursday June 1st at 12 Noon

With a current capacity of 44,023, the Gaelic Grounds is expected to sell-out for the decider. Clare will earn a share of the gate receipts as a result of the game taking place in Limerick.

Clare had one point to spare over Limerick when they clashed in the round-robin series at the end of April, since then the Treaty County drew with Tipperary and edged out Cork to secure their place in the final.

Their latest showdown will be the eighth time they cross paths in the Munster final but the first to be held in Cork. The 1955 meeting took place at the Gaelic Grounds but their clashes in 1918, 1974, 1981, 1994, 1995 and 2022 were all fixed for Semple Stadium in Thurles.

Politicians in Clare were among those calling for Semple Stadium to host the tie. Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) remarked, “Thurles is really the only option for Munster hurling final, convenient to fans from both counties and environmentally friendly, no need to have thousands of cars travelling extra miles emitting unnecessary C02”.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) labelled the potential of hosting the game in Cork as “madness”. She stated, “In my opinion bringing thousands of supporters from Clare and Limerick all the way to Cork is madness. We have perfectly suitable venues in both Semple Stadium and the Gaelic Grounds, considering the current cost of living crisis, fuel prices and the carbon footprint of those travelling I am appealing to the decision makers in the GAA to see sense and have this game at a more suitable location”.

SFC winner, Gavin Cooney has left the county senior football panel, Páraic McMahon reveals

Added to the senior squad in 2018 fresh from the minor ranks, Gavin made the decision to leave the Clare panel last week in the wake of their disappointing five point loss to Donegal in the opening round of the All-Ireland series.

Surprising, Cooney was not used at any stage in defeat to Donegal. The Ennis native has had to contend with a role as a substitute in this year’s championship and was not handed a starting jersey in any of their four outings.

He kicked a point when introduced off the bench in Clare’s dramatic one point win over Cork while on the field for twenty minutes. He was brought on with forty five minutes played in the Munster semi-final win over Limerick and

on the forty eighth minute versus Kerry in the Munster final. There was no appearance from the bench for the Éire Óg forward a fortnight ago with Lissycasey’s Aaron Griffin and Mark McInerney chosen as

the substitutes to introduce in attack instead.

During this year’s Allianz National Football League, Cooney started four of Clare’s seven outings and was introduced as a substitute in two further games. He notched

CLONLARA, BRIDGE, FEAKLE & CRUSHEEN VICTORIOUS

a personal tally of 1-09, the goal coming against Dublin in Croke Park, a game Colm Collins’ side came moments away from winning.

In 2021, Gavin started all of Clare’s outings in the National

Football League and memorably stepped up with a goal in their clash with Mayo. Last year, he started the Munster quarter-final when Clare lost to Limerick on penalties and retained his spot for the two point win over Meath but was back on the bench when they overcame Roscommon to seal a spot in the last eight. For this clash, a 5-13 2-08 loss to Derry, he was brought on with fifty three minutes played for Podge Collins.

At club level, Gavin has captained Éire Óg to successive senior championships and has been one of the standout players in the competition. Not alone is he a key player for Paul Madden’s Éire Óg football side but he was a standout player for Matt Shannon’s hurlers who reached the county final only to come up short to Ballyea.

Clare GAA to prep plan for floodlighting at Cusack Park

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA are to beginning planning a report on floodlighting Cusack Park, Chairman Kieran Keating has confirmed.

At present Cusack Park is one of a small minority of county grounds without floodlights but delegates at the May meeting of Clare GAA

were informed that the County Board intend to assess the possibility of installing the lights.

Finance report at June meeting: Clare GAA chairman Kieran Keating informed the May board meeting that “there will be a financial report at the June meeting.

Fitzpatrick and O’Dwyer (accountants) are working on it at present

while our treasurer Rebecca (Sexton) has been unavailable in recent weeks due to illness”.

Floodlighting at Cusack Park: Clare GAA will be “starting work on a plan in the coming months in relation to the floodlighting of Cusack Park”, board chairman Kieran Keating informed the May meeting. Fixtures ‘as Gaeilge’:

Ruan’s Michael O’Regan asked the meeting if the Board had changed its policy with regard to the publication of GAA fixtures in Irish.

“Publishing the fixtures for two weeks in advance is a demarcation between those scheduled for the week and for two weeks time and it is also a positive way of supporting

the Irish language”, he said. The meeting was also asked about notification for board meetings which used to accompany the fixtures but that hasn’t been the case in recent times.

Chairman Kieran Keating said he didn’t have a problem with “reverting to the way things were in the past”.

Colm O’Meara bursts out of the Clonlara defence

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Colin Guilfoyle wins the ball in the sky

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Cooney in action for Clare

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Sons of '95 heroes aim to carve out own legacy with Clare minors

by Derek Dormer news@clareecho.ie

THREE of the Clare team from 1995 will be looking on proudly this weekend as their sons form part of the county minor squad vying for All-Ireland glory.

There's a well-known phrase that an ounce of breeding will beat a tonne of feeding. Mark O'Connor, Matthew O'Halloran and Fred Hegarty come from hurling royalty. Their fathers, Jamesie, Michael and Fergal are household names, heroes from the all-conquering All-Ireland winning teams of 1995 and 1997 but the trio are hoping to win what only one Clare team have ever won and that's the famed Irish Press Cup.

To begin the conversation, we ask what is it like to have All-Ireland medal winners for Dads.

Mark O’Connor (MOC) – “It has both positives and negatives to be honest. It's a big thing to live up to and it does bring a bit of pressure but it's a great thing too. You'd be going to matches and people from all over the country recognize him. We were at the Ulster Final recently and people from Armagh and so on recognized him straight away. It does make you proud”.

Fred Hegarty (FH) - "I would take a lot of inspiration from my father to be honest. He started me hurling out the back when I was only three or four. I've watched all his games from those golden years and it's absolutely brilliant. Hurling

was a lot different back then though but the principles are still the same. He always tells me to work hard and play with pride. He tells me to listen to my coaches and try follow instructions as best I can. He's always there for me after a game where we discuss it. He really does know his hurling and like Mark and Matthew I'm so proud of him”.

Matthew O’Halloran (MOH) –

“It's a real inspiration having Dad at home. Knowing what he has achieved on the field . You just want to try and replicate it and do better if possible. I can't tell you how many times my Dad forced me to watch the 1995 All Ireland,” he says

roaring with laughter. “Seriously though he is always encouraging me in a positive way. You couldn't but feel pride especially when you hear people go on about how important 1995 was”.

Hurling is now more than ever a squad game and substitutes can be the ultimate difference between victory and defeat. This Clare side have consistently changed the starting fifteen and it seems that if you're going well in training you get your opportunity on match day. The lads give their view.

MOC - "The competition for places is huge from one to twenty nine. You really have to work

hard. You can't drop the standards in training or you'll be gone. That's the great thing about it. Anyone can be called in to start or to do a job late on. You just have to be ready when you're needed. We are all in it together and we know that it takes every single one of us to play to our best and perform for the team. Otherwise we wouldn't have won Munster”.

FH – “Damien (O'Halloran) has it drilled into us that if we aren't starting that we are the finishers and that's the way we look at it. If it's for twenty minutes or five minutes you are expected to do a job and we feel like we can do a job. It's an honour to play for your county and if you can contribute something it's even better. It's about all of us not just one to fifteen. Sure you wouldn't be winning matches unless substitutes make an impact”.

MOH - "The squad is brilliant. All of the lads give it everything in training all of the time. We have a great bond and it's a joy to come training. We all work so hard for each other and I have faith in all of the twenty nine guys”.

MOC - "We have a great bond. We would all go to war with each other. We know each other all the way up through the development squads and I know these lads will give everything they have for the cause. It's a great feeling knowing the quality of hurler we have”.

FH - "I've actually played three county finals against Mark twice

Championship opener 'make or break'

by Seamus Hayes

Clare camogie joint captain Niamh O’Dea readily acknowledges that Saturday’s All-Ireland senior championship opening round against Down is “the biggest game of the year for both teams”.

John Carmody’s side travel to the grounds of Liatroim Fontenoys for the opening game in the group before having home advantage for their matches against Galway and Cork.

“Camogie fans looking at the group when the draw was made automatically picked Cork and Galway as the teams likely to progress as they are amongst the favourites for the title. Saturday’s game could make or break our year”, Kilfenora native O’Dea outlined.

Speaking to The Clare Echo during a break from preparing her students for next week’s maths exams in the Leaving and Junior Certificate, the St Caimin’s Community School teacher admitted, “Down beat Antrim in the Ulster final which was a massive win for them and they will see this as a great chance to add to that. They are a team we know very little about. We must concentrate on playing our own game”.

She noted, “we face a long bus journey in the heat which we are enjoying

at present. We must organise how to deal with that first and when the game gets underway, try and play to our best”.

Clare’s last competitive outing was against Tipperary in the Munster final, a game which the Premier outfit won comfortably in Thurles. “We must

pick ourselves up from the Munster final loss. We can’t dwell on what has happened before this”, according to Niamh, adding that “this is the biggest game of the year for us”.

Niamh is happy that Clare have prepared well. Everyone has bought in and all have given their bit. There is a good buzz there and we are all fit and rearing to go. We have a few in the panel who are preparing for their Leaving certificate exams but hopefully all will be there for the game on Saturday”.

Following Saturday’s game which has a throw in time of 3p.m. Niamh will join with family members and travel to Clones to support the Clare footballers on Sunday when they take on Monaghan in the All-Ireland qualifier. Her brother Cian is a member of the football squad.

Talking sport takes up a good deal of time in the O’Dea home. “We are all playing at some level so there is always someone to offer a bit of advice”, Niamh said. She is a key member of the Banner ladies football team managed by her father J.J. and which also includes her sister Eva while brother Jack is a member of the Kilfenora intermediate football team and also an officer of the club.

and Mattie once and I've lost all three but they're still great lads even though they've broken my heart a few times. It's brilliant to be playing with them in the county Jersey. It's truly special."

MOH - "Like the lads said we'd all know each other so well. We will have a cut off each other when playing for our clubs but we will die for each other when we put on the county jersey”.

To win on Sunday and get their hands on the Irish Press Cup is something they are determined to do.

MOC - "It would be amazing. It's a bit surreal to be honest to think that we have this opportunity. When the whistle went after the Munster Final you needed a minute to actually let it sink in what we had just achieved. To go on and win it now would be unbelievable”.

FH - "It's been some journey. Beating Cork in the Munster Final was incredible. We then beat Kilkenny but Galway will be as tough a challenge as there is. They are the benchmark at underage hurling but we've improved all year long and I know if we win it'll be massive for all the people. It would mean the world to be honest”.

MOH – “That team in 1997 was a great team with great hurlers. We just hope that we can go on and be hurling for Clare for years to come. It would be great to make Dad watch the minor final of 2023 a hundred times if we win it”.

Munster glory for Clare Ladies

l Clare's Matthew O'Halloran

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Clare's Niamh O'Dea Photo by Gerard O'Neill

news@clareecho.ie

Clare's Captain Caoimhe Harvey lifts the trophy after Clare were crowned Munster LGFA Senior B Champions 2023 following their win over Limerick Burren Eye Photography

Cup glory ‘no more than Avenue deserve’

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

RETAINING THE Clare Cup

is the first task complete but Avenue Utd have now switched their focus to finishing the job by bidding to hold onto the League title.

A 2-0 win on Saturday evening saw Avenue Utd defeat Lifford FC in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup. It is the twelfth time the Ennis club who are now based in Roslevan have won the Cup. Successive victories were fully earned, manager David Russell maintained. “It’s been a culmination of ten months hard work and it’s no more than the lads deserve, anybody that was at the game can see we were fully deserving of it, we could have ran out more convincing to be honest but credit to Lifford for digging in and being very resilient”.

Nnabuike Nneji and Elias Kunz hitting goals on twenty five and forty seven minutes respectively came at the opportune moment, the Clarecastle native said. “We scored the goals at a crucial time, it got a bit of a rocky but after twenty five minutes Na came up with a big of a magic, we saw out comfortably till half time, we knew they would have to push up, they went five at the back starting off but it was a bit ultra-defensive from them but it gave us more freedom to move the ball which we didn’t do when we should have moved it in or around the middle, then Elias’ goal a couple of minutes into the second half

really set the tone, they had to change formation. We got so much space at the back, we didn’t take our chances which we created but very comfortable”.

That both Na and Elias have been two of the best Avenue signings in recent times is a view espoused by soccer followers in the county. Russell was not inclined to disagree, “Without a doubt Elias Kunz has been one of our best signings for the last ten or fifteen years, his work rate, attitude, aptitude, he is a silent assassin, he never complains, he works hard in Hustle Fitness, he is nearly at every single training, he is such a gentleman and a

nice young fella, he was the top scorer with 34 goals last year, he has come up with the goods again, he is unbelievable and a credit to himself with the way he carries himself on and off the field, I told him he would score before the game, he said ‘yeah we’ll see’.

“Na is an unbelievable player, a gentleman on and off the field, he came up with the goods, he has put in savage work, we will see where his journey takes him to be totally honest with you, both players are quality but they have quality players around them which elevates them, it is not just a couple of superstars, it is the hard-working

ethic of the squad that has got us to where we are”. As captain Dylan Casey called out the names of his teammates for CDSL Chairman Jason Ryan to hand out the medals, the mixed emotion on the faces of some unused substitutes was clear to see. “Five years ago in my last game, I was a sub, I’m still baffled by the decision to be honest, I came on but we lost the game so I know how people feel, there’s no personal feeling in it but some lads take it worse than others or try and explain things, it’s hard when you’re a manager and you’ve eighteen lads bursting their gut with everybody else getting game time,

it is part of the game but there is unfortunately nothing I can do about it”.

"The monkey off the back was last year so we went into this final with a bit of confidence, we weren’t the underdogs, we were favourites and fully justified as it transpired”.

To hold onto their League title, they must defeat Newmarket Celtic on Wednesday evening to force a play-off. Should they bring it to an extra game, they are set to be without star striker Kunz. That club chairman, Gearoid Mannion works as a travel counsellor may just help Avenue in sorting alternative travel arrangement for Elias, “We’ll see how things go

first”, came the coy response from Russell on the various plans they could put in place for such a predicament.

Second Cup success that bit sweeter for Barry

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

DYLAN BARRY collected his second Clare Cup medal as part of the victorious Avenue Utd side but title number two was far more special for the twenty year old.

An unused substitute when Avenue Utd won the Cup last season defeating Newmarket Celtic 2-1, Dylan got the full ninety minutes at centre-half when they won the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup for the twelfth time overcoming Lifford FC 2-0 in the town derby.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Dylan admitted that the on-field involvement made the 2023 win more special. “It is great to be part of the squad but the difference when you’re on the field is massive, throughout the season one to eighteen has been absolutely crucial.

“I know I’ve had my fair share of time on the bench but everyone is a part of it and to be fair to the lads, Russ, Davy and Oliver make sure even if you’re on the bench that you are still included and we always have great numbers at training whether it’s sixteen, seventeen or eighteen and every single person is putting in the work so regardless of who the eleven is it is very very

important that we all have the same goals and we will hopefully drive on”.

Getting a break in a settled side is never easy and unfortunate circumstances led to Dylan nailing down a starting jersey. One of the club’s most loyal players, experienced defender Conor Mullen has been out of action since March with a knee injury, meaning a new partner for Dylan Casey had to be found. Different players were trialled by David Russell and his management but Barry has been the most natural fit.

Getting the nod and repaying the trust shown in him has been rewarding for Doora native Dylan.

“With Conor Mullen getting injured and it being a long injury meant he was out so we had different people centre-back but the lads have trusted me in the last few games to go there and to be fair I’m happy with how we’re playing, I feel we’re playing better football and it’s showing off, we’re more comfortable on the ball which is important because that is the way football is going in the future”.

One touch football and moving the ball quickly has been a feature of Dylan’s game and it has been

more commonly used by Avenue as the season has progressed. “It’s absolutely crucial,” he said of this style of play. “I think our backline is brilliant on the ball, just look at Dylan Casey. Na and Tiny are savage on the ball so we’re playing to our strengths, keeping the ball is crucial especially knows these days that if you have the ball then your opponent can’t score, that’s as simple as it is, however I feel we’re going forward that way and Luke in goals has been a massive addition to the squad, we’ll drive on and we can only get better”.

Composure was key to their latest Cup final, Dylan a third year business student at UL felt. “A final is a final no matter who you are playing, credit to Lifford who have had a brilliant season. Finals are always fifty fifty games, I felt we took our chances well but that we could have had two or three more goals to be honest, they had their chances too but I felt we were calm and composed on the ball especially in the first half, they came into it in the last fifteen to twenty minutes but our discipline came into show and we kept our shape very well”.

Dylan Barry with loved ones Photo by Joe Buckley

l Avenue Utd players celebrate led by captain Dylan Casey and (right) Paul Martin competes for the ball against man of the match Nnabuike Nneji

Photo by Joe Buckley

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

TULLA & COOLE FC RETAIN PREMIER STATUS AS ENNIS DONS SECURE PROMOTION TO FIRST DIVISION

Ennis duo in Pike Rovers success

ENNIS DUO, Steven McGann and Colm Walsh O’Loghlen were celebrating as part of the Pike Rovers squad which claimed back to back Premier League titles.

A scoreless draw against Fairview Rangers on Saturday evening in Crossagalla was enough for Pike to retain the Fran Mullally Trophy.

Before a ball was kicked, Pike knew that with their one point advantage at the top of the table that a draw would suffice in their bid to be crowned league champions. It came as no surprise they produced a strong defensive performance with Pat Mullins who last week was named Limerick Player of the Year to the fore alongside Adam Lipper. Fairview needed a win but Pike reduced them to taking pot shots

Man of the match display for Ennis' O'Callaghan in Connacht Junior Cup win

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Sean O’Callaghan gave a man of the match display while collecting his first Connacht Junior Cup medal over the weekend.

Centre-half Sean was part of the Athenry Utd side to win the Connacht Junior Cup for the first time since 2016.

It took penalties for the Galway outfit to defeat the roll of honour leaders Castlebar Celtic, the tie finished 0-0 after normal and extra time but Athenry prevailed 5-4 when it came to the shootout.

Penalties were dispatched by Shane Keogh, Cole Connolly, Dan Cunningham, Simon Dziedzina and Colm O’Donovan while goalkeeper, TJ Forde made a crucial save from Castlebar’s third spot kick.

While it is the sixth time Athenry have won the provincial title, it is the first time twen-

l Sean with his proud parents, John and Geraldine

ty nine year old Sean has got his hands on a Connacht medal. He has formerly lined out for Pike Rovers, Ennis Town FC and Avenue Utd before making the move to Athenry.

Within the Galway Premier Division, Athenry have finished runners up to Salthill Devon over the past two seasons, they last won the league title in 2021.

from long-range with efforts from Conor Coughlan and Wayne Colbert the closest Rangers came to opening the deadlock in the opening half.

Walsh O’Loghlen had an opportunity to getting off the mark on the restart, after an impressive run his shot was blocked by Shane Tracey and the game eventually petered out to a 0-0 draw.

An ankle injury has kept Pike captain McGann out of action for the past three weeks and he will remain sidelined into the pre-season. He scored five goals in his fourteen appearances in the League. In his absence, Pat Mullins accepted the Fran Mullally Trophy from Pat Dillon of the Limerick District League.

League success was greatly aided by the showing of winger Walsh O’Loghlen in their

midweek 3-2 win over Munster Junior Cup champions, Regional Utd. He scored two exceptional goals to steer them to victory which ensured that the draw against Fairview was enough to be crowned champions.

Both of the Ennis men previously lined out for Limerick FC before settling at Pike Rovers where they have won back to back League titles, the first of which was won after an eight year gap.

Completing the Clare involvement with Pike Rovers is Ennis based physical therapist John Earls who is also part of the backroom team with the Newmarket-on-Fergus senior hurlers and the St Breckan’s senior footballers having previously been involved with Clare’s Oscar Traynor winning sides.

Big turnout for Flannans outing

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The annual St. Flannan’s College past pupils’ competition took place at Ennis last weekend.

In the Ennis members section Barry Vaughan (22) was the winner with 41 points from Flan Downes (13) with 40 points and Barry Ward (16) who also had 40 points.

The past pupils’ section was won by Cathal Hastings (28) with 40 points. He had three to spare over Darragh Murphy (7) with third placed Conor Malone (9) also on 37 points.

The gross was won by Noel Pyne (6) with 30 points while John O’Connor (8) won the staff prize with 31 points.

Ciaran Browne (18) was the winner of the Friday singles with 41 points and he had one to spare over Andrew Turner (16) with Aaron Burke (19) in third place with 37 points.

The captain’s mixed foursomes on Friday last was won by Joan and Conor Murphy with 31 points from Geraldine O’Rourke and Paul White with 27 points.

The Ennis seniors modified scramble last Thursday was won by Noel Pilkington, J.K Considine, Matt Flynn and David Berry with 83 points and they had five to spare over P.G McInerney, Eamonn Corry, Joe Dilleen and Brian Tuohy. In third place, also with 78 points, were John McNamara, Paul Higgins, Noel Connellan and Brendan Pyne followed on 77 points by Vincent Corbett, Seamus Hanrahan, Denis Cahill and

Ger O' Brien.

In the Tuesday fourball, the winners were Brian Considine and Tommy Timpson with 36 points followed by Michael Kearney and Neil Cremin with 34 points, John Gavin and Johnny Kearse also with 34 points while fourth spot was filled by Don Ryan and Declan Healey with 32.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Bryden Cody (10) was the winner of the Kilrush Laundry prize at Kilrush last week with 42 points. Category 1 was won by Austin Handy (11) with 36 points from Michael Meehan (13) who also had 36 points.

Billy Clarke (18) won category 2 with 40 points from David Abbott (14) with 38 points. The winner of category 3 was Sean Moran (21) with 38 points from Noel Kilkenny (21) with a similar score.

Des Murphy (24) won the front 9 with 21 points while Pat Mulcahy (21) won the back nine with 22 points.

The ladies played for the Crotty’s Pub and Restaurant prize and here the winner was Helen Hurst (52) with 39 points from Celia O'Grady (34) with 38 points. In third spot with 36 points was Mary Young (24).

The category winners were Ann Marie Donnellan (15) with 33 points (category 1), Sheena Mahony (24) with 29 points (category 2) and Mary Downes (36) with 34 (category 3)

WOODSTOCK GOLF

CLUB:

Last week’s open singles at Woodstock was won by Matthew McGrath (5) with 44 points. He had two to spare over Joe Colleran (22) with Steve Lahiffe (18) in third spot

with 39 followed by Tony Nugent (5) also with 39. Sean Myatt (1) won the gross with 37 points.

In the ladies medal competition

Chaye Kelly won the silver medal for those in the handicap range of 0 to 20 with 77 nett while the bronze medal (handicaps 20 and upwards) was won by Imelda Duffy with 76.

The men’s May medal, sponsored by Holly’s Pharmacy Ennis, was won by Cathal O’Sullivan (14) with 65. He had one shot to spare over Andrew Mason (11) with Alan Markham (6) a shot further back in third place. Tony Cleary (scratch) won the gross with 70.

Gerry Kelly (5) won category 1 (+ to 10) with 68. Denis McCarthy (16) won category 2 (11 to 18) with 72 while Thomas Flynn (20) won category 3 (19 and over) with 70.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

Noel O’Brien was the winner of the men’s 18 hole singles stroke competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 68. He won on a countback from Alan Henstock and Jason Mulderrig, both of whom also had 68. Mark Reynolds won the gross with 76 while Tony Cotgreave won the category for 22 handicappers and over with 72.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

In the Eleanor Tivy qualifier, a ladies 18 hole stableford cometition at East Clare, Mary Hogan (24) emerged as the winner with 40 points. She had three to spare over Noreen Skehan (25) with Helen Downey (36) a point further back in third place. Eileen Donnellan won the gross.

l Jack Devitt in actoin for Ennis Dons

Photo by Natasha Barton

Community Games

THERE was fantastic success for the St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games in the Community Games National Finals in Gormanston, Co Meath at the weekend.

Forty-four children from across the county participated in Cycling, Handball, Marathon, Badminton, U13 1200m Cross Country and Mixed Distance Relays.

The Clare children came first in five events, second in two and fourth in one, bringing home a total of 30 medals.

The Cross-Country team kept Clare’s long-standing record in this event having won it more times than any other county, while Aisling Kelly from Ennis St John’s scored individual gold leading the whole field of boys and girls home.

The two Badminton teams from Ennis St John’s won gold as did Sophie Maher from Ballynacally/Lissycasey in the Marathon. Daithi O’Leary of Inagh/Kilnamona/ Cloonanaha came second in the Marathon while Sean Mc Gee from Quin/Clooney won fourth place medal in the Handball competition. All the other competitors put in a great show but were unlucky not to be among the medal winners.

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Clare men share in Munster Rugby's URC success

TWO Clare men were involved as Munster powered to a 19-14 win over the Stormers in Cape Town to win a first United Rugby Championship title.

Ending a 12 year trophy drought for the province, Munster became the first Irish side to win the URC and picked up their first piece of silverware since defeating Leinster to win the 2011 Magners League.

Graham Rowntree’s side were in control for the majority of Saturday’s contest but nonetheless trailed by two points for large spells of the second half. That was until John Hodnett’s try six minutes from time which was converted by Jack Crowley.

This gave Munster the coveted lead and ensured loyal servant Peter O’Mahony would lift the URC in front of the 2,500 Munster supporters among the capacity crowd of 55,000.

Over 9,000 supporters travelled to Thomond Park on Monday for the homecoming in Limerick.

Former Ennis RFC man Ethan Coughlan was part of the extended squad that travelled to South Africa. The Barefield native was one of three scrum halves in the squad alongside Conor Murray and Craig Casey. He joined the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy in the summer of

2020.

Coughlan made his senior competitive debut for Munster in their opening Champions Cup fixture away to English club Wasps on 12 December 2021, coming on as a replacement for Conor Murray in the province's 35–14 win alongside fellow Ennis RFC men Conor Moloney and Tony Butler. Ethan captained the Ireland U18 Clubs in Italy in 2019 under Head Coach Fiach O’Loughlin before signing up with All Ireland League side Shannon RFC.

An unsung hero behind the success was Newmarket-on-Fergus native, Ged McNamara. The Stonehall man was appointed as the province’s Head of Athletic Performance in November 2020 having previously held the role of Greencore Munster Rugby Academy Lead Athletic Development Coach.

Burnpark Layla scorches her rivals

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

BURNPARK LAYLA brought success to Cree owner Michael Browne in Friday’s racing in Galway.

Race number seven on Friday night’s Galway card was the Final of the Barking Buzz App Novice 350 Yards Stake and as traps rose Burnpark Layla was away like the wind from her trap four berth and racing towards the opening bend the Michael Browne of Cree owned daughter of Newinn Taylor and Burnpark Leanne led Rinnwood Gemn and Annadown Paddy by over two lengths. Approaching the home bend the leader had only Rinnwood Gem to worry about and on the straight the gain narrowed with every stride but Burnpark Layla just lasted home by a rapidly diminishing head at the line in 19.26.

In the first semi-final of the Novice 525 Stake, the Michael Fitzgerald of Kilrush owned Flyers Kirsty was very smartly into her stride in the centre of the track and racing towards the opening bend the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Ballymac Aminta led Crafty Keiko by two lengths with Lady Aston back in third place. Racing towards the third bend Crafty Keiko went for a run along the inner but found his path blocked as Flyers Kirsty kicked again on her way to a four length success over Crafty Keiko inn 29.06.

In the second semi-final, Rebellious Rosie, Rockmount Skiddo and Jimonfaya were all away well with Messalina also showing pace along the rails approaching the opening bend. Turning to run down the back Messalina led along the inner as the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained Jimonfaya closed in second place before joining issue approaching the halfway mark. Racing towards the penultimate corner Jimonfaya made his move and the Peter Mulrooney owned runner took command of the contest and although Messalina gave game chase Jimonfaya (Superior Panama-Cabra Skylar) was home by three parts of a length in 29.74.

In the concluding A3 graded 550 yards contest Blaze Bill was away well along the inner and racing towards the opening bend the son of Rising Brandy and Drahbeg Princess showed plenty of early pace to lead Barnora Bella by two lengths approaching the opening bend . Turning down the back Blaze Bill set sail for home and with trouble behind the front two were clear passing

halfway . From the crown of the home bend Barnora Bellla did begin to close but Tony Brigdale’s of Ennis owned Blaze bill was home and hosed by a length at the line in 30.78.

It was a successful weekend for the Ennis handler as he was back in the winners enclosure on Saturday night after the concluding A2 graded 525 in which from traps Blaze More Fire in the red jacket was away smartly and racing towards the opening bend the son of Ballymac Best and Blaze Bee led from Flyers Magu and Pats Best Girl. Tracking well the Kim Bennis and Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned leader took a couple of lengths out of his rivals and at halfway led by three lengths. Again tracking well between the final two bends Blaze More Fire stayed on well to defeat Flyers Magu by four and a half lengths in 28.90.

The opening contest of the night was an A4 graded 525 Yards contest and from traps Nephin Dubh and Bobtailbuttercup were prominent on the wide outside and as the opening bend loomed the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Peggy slipped through along the rails to head Nephin Dubh into the back straight. Racing along the back Lissatouk Peggy continued to show the way top her rivals and although she briefly looked in trouble rounding the home bend the daughter of Doritos Woo Hoo and Lissatouk Lady saw off the challenge of Nephin Dubh by a length and three parts in 29.50.

Last Thursday night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, Shanakyle Blue got the Clare flag flying in the opening A7 contest for Joe Collins from Parteen, a son of Malachi and Our Blue Velvet he recorded a third career win 29.82.

Ciaran and Donal Cooney from O’Callaghan Mills enjoyed the exploits off Killuran Sparky who recorded a first career success in 29.24, sparky is a son of Good News and Anhid Classic

There was also a first career win for Malabar Lane for Clarecastle’s, Terry Moloney, a daughter of Laughil Blake and Cherry Lane, she stopped the clock in 29.55 for an A7 graded contest.

The accolade for the fastest time of the evening went to Quilty Horace for Seamus Burke from Ennis, with an impressive 28.89 performance, this was career win number five for this progressive son of Droopys Cain and Klockwork Tip. Dietary Advise made no mistake for Enistymon’s Tom Flanagan in an A2 graded contest.

At the 2023 National Community Games representing Clare, Sean McGee who came 4th in Badminton with Michael Cahill, 6th in Cycling of Clooney-Quin

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DERRYCON LOWER, MOUNTSHANNON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Declan Keena intends to apply for planning permission for development at Derrycon Lower, Mountshannon, Co. Clare The development will consist of a new dwelling house, site entrance, wastewater treatment system and associated site works and services.

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

21 MOUNT IEVERS, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Mary Judge intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission to construct an extension to the front of existing single-storey building, which was previously granted permission under Planning Ref. No. P8/21427 and carry out all ancillary site 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 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

H5, WORLD AVIATION

PARK, EASTPARK, SMITHSTOWN, SHANNON CO. CLARE V14 RP02

Take Notice that We Shannon Aircraft Motor Works Ltd intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of an extension to existing car park including modifications to existing car park layout. Works to include provision of new EV charging spaces, relocated wheelchair user parking spaces, line painting, footpaths, landscaping and erection of 3 no. 5 metre high flag poles & 2 no. covered bicycle parking shelters including all ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during it’s 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 of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

21 KNOCKADERRY LISCANNOR

CO. CLARE V95 P228

I, Jim Fehily wish to apply to the above Authority for permission to construct single storey side and rear extensions and all associated site works to house at 21 knockaderry Liscannor Co.Clare V95 P228

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 of €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNAGUN EAST, CREE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that J. O’Doherty intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, foul sewer treatment plant, percolation area and new site entrance 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, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without con-

ditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL EMLAGH, QUILTY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. Flynn intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area 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, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

APPLICATION TO CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A WASTE FACILITY PERMIT

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended, that THOMAS CONNOLE of LISDOONVARNA ROAD, KILFENORA, CO CLARE intends to apply for a Waste Facility Permit at DOCTOR’S HILL, KILFENORA, CO CLARE to STORE & PROCESS FOR DISPOSAL OF END OF LIFE VEHICLES; STORE & COMPONENT RECOVERY OF CRASHED VEHICLES & RECLAMATION OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS FOR TRANSPORT TO RECYCLING FACILITIES . The application for a waste facility permit will be made to Clare County Council within 10 working days of the date of this notice.

The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in the Third Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended, is/are as follows;

D 14 Repackaging prior to submission to any of the operations numbered D 1 to D 13.

D 15 Storage pending any of the operations numbered D 1 to D 14 (excluding temporary storage (being preliminary storage according to the definition of ‘collection’ in section 5(1)), pending collection, on the site where the waste is produced).

The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Waste Management Act,

1996, as amended, is/are as follows;

R 4 Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds.

R 13 Storage of waste pending any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 12 (excluding temporary storage (being preliminary storage according to the definition of “collection” in section 5(1)), pending collection, on the site where the waste is produced).

The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in Part l of the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended, is/are as follows;

Class 4:

The reception, storage and recovery of scrap metal, including scrap metal arising from end of-life vehicles, waste vehicles (other than end of-life vehicles) and WEEE where scrap metal from—

(1) End-of-life vehicles shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery in accordance with the provisions of articles 14 and 15 of the European Union (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 281/ 2014) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility, and as appropriate,

(2) Waste vehicles (other than end-of-life vehicles) shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery having regard to the provisions of articles 14 and 15 of the European Union (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 281/ 2014)) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility, and as appropriate,

(3) WEEE shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery in accordance with the provisions of articles 21, 22 and 23 of the European Union (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2014

(S.I. No.149/2014) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility.

Class 12.(PRINCIPLE ACTIVITY) The collection and storage (including the temporary storage) and the appropriate treatment and recovery of end-of-life vehicles in accordance with the provisions of articles 14 and 15 of the European Union (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 281/ 2014)

A copy of the application for the waste facility permit will be available for inspection or purchase, as soon as is practicable after receipt by the Clare County Council, at the principal offices of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL INCHIQUIN PARK, COROFIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Delbrack Developments Ltd., intend to apply for PERMISSION to build a dwelling house,

garage, connect to existing services & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

CAPPA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Planning Reference: P 22 / 898

Development Description: Planning permission for the construction of 4 dwelling houses incorporating garages, new entrance and access road, connection to water and sewerage facilities along with all associated works at Cappa, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Location: Cappa, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Take notice that Joanna McNulty has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P 22 / 898. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONCOLMAN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Dermot Nagle intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with an access road, 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 LAHARDAUN, TULLA, CO. CLARE

Take notice that I, Mr Mark Bennis intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission to (a) retain the garage as constructed (granted under Planning permission P19670) (b) complete the construction of the dwellinghouse (granted under Planning P18670) on the doundations as constructed. 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 of €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKALISHEEN, MEELICK, CO. CLARE

I, Gearóid Moroney, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Knockalisheen, Meelick, Co Clare:

Retention Permission for the construction of an extension to the side of the existing dwelling together with a first floor extension as constructed together with all associated ancillary and incidental site work

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 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 SUMMERHILL, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE

I, Patrick Noonan, am applying to the above authority for retention per-

mission for the following development on property at Summerhill, Clonlara, Co Clare:

Permission for the construction of a detached dormer dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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 BALLYHEEFY, OGONNELLOE, CO. CLARE

I, John McKeogh, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Ballyheefy, Ogonnelloe, Co Clare:

Permission for the construction of a detached single storey dwelling, access from shared entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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 CROAGH SOUTH, BALLYVAUGHAN CO. CLARE

Take notice that Thomas Hynes intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a calving 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.

ROOF MOSS

The Clare Echo Quiz MARTIN HAYES QUIZ

1Martin Hayes is from where in Clare?

Maghera

Moyasta

Moylussa

2He started playing the fiddle at the age of seven. How old was Martin when he won his first fiddle competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann? 7

3How many fiddle competitions did he win in the Fleadh before turning 19?

Four

Six

Eight

4Hayes is one of only three fiddlers to be named an All-Ireland champion in the senior fiddle division in two consecutive years. In what successive years did Martin claim All-Ireland glory?

1970 and 1971

1977 and 1978

1981 and 1982

5His father P Joe Hayes and uncle Paddy Canny were founders of which musical group?

Kilfenora Céili Band

Tulla Céilí Band

Shaskeen Céilí Band

6He moved to Chicago in 1985 and began to collaborate with guitarist Dennis

Cahill. Which US President did they perform in front of at the White House?

Ronald Reagan

Bill Clinton

Barack Obama

7What is the name of the contemporary Irish/American music supergroup formed by Hayes, Cahill, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett in 2011?

The Gleaning

The Gloaming

The Glistening

8In 1991, he released an album with his father P Joe Hayes, what was it called?

The Shores by Dromaan Harbour

The Shores of Lough Derg

The Shores of Lough Graney

9He became the first musician to win the BBC Instrumentalist of the Year in 2001 and received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil award in 2008 but which university gave him an honorary doctorate in 2019?

10Martin’s brother is a Fianna Fáil representative sitting in which house of Government?

Arás Chontae an Chláir

Dáil Éireann

Seanad Éireann

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

l How many fiddle competitions did Martin Hayes win in the Fleadh before turning 19?

ANSWERS

10. Arás Chontae an Chláir

9. NUIG

8. The Shores of Lough Graney

7. The Gloaming

6. Barack Obama

Last weeks answers

. Bucket hat differenct colour

. O’neills logo missing on same man

. ‘An’ missing on arm of jersey (bottom)

. Crest on cap missing (left)

5. Tulla Céilí Band

4. 1981 and 1982

3. Six

2. 13

1. Maghera

. Headband different colour (centreTop)

. POD logo missing (centre)

. Logo missing on black top (top left)

Exhibition marks 60 Years of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet

Photo by Eamon Ward

Best Daily Word Search: 29 May 2023

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JUNE 1st

Cutting Edge

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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.

The Clare Echo Crossword

2023

not too coffee

ANSWERS

ACROSS

1. Masticate(4)

3. Flag(8)

9. Examine(7)

10. Restrict(5)

11. Dig(5)

12. Needing food(6)

14. Make possible(6)

16. Vehicle for travelling over snow(6)

19. Also(2,4)

21. Kingdom(5)

24. Exchange(5)

25. Ten-sided figure(7)

26. Troubadour(8)

27. Advantage(4)

DOWN

1. Infants(8)

2. Painting stand(5)

4. Easily irritated or annoyed(6)

5. Synthetic fabric(5)

6. Highly regarded(7)

7. Palm fruit(4)

8. Divulge(6)

13. End of line(8)

15. Take no part(7)

17. Words of a song(6)

18. Promise(6)

20. Put up(5)

22. Supernatural being(5)

23. Stalk(4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

(6)snow