The Clare Echo 01/07/21

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JULY 1 2021

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West Clare publican named Lions captain

part of a new lease agreement.

Irish company Nolaclan, who have taken over the lease, are viewed as one of the country’s paraic@clareecho.ie most expansionary pub chains BRITISH & Irish Lions captain already has a portfolio of bars, restaurants and Conor Murray is involved in hotels across Ireland, a new business venture in including House in Doonbeg.

Belfast, Dublin and Limerick native Murray Limerick; The Oyster (pictured) was on Saturday Tavern in Cork; and announced as the new Larry & Nora’s in captain of the Lions tour of Navan.

South Africa, while closer to home The Clare Echo has learned that Murray is set to front a new-look Morrissey’s Bar and Restaurant in Doonbeg that is expected to open on Saturday as

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

FULL STORY P4

l THE SEMPLE LIFE: Ciara Galvin and Cliodhna O’Neill were among the lucky few to attend the Clare senior hurlers in action against Waterford last weekend in Semple Stadium

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK

2-17

GREENER CLARE

18

ENTERTAINMENT

19

COLUMNISTS

22-23

BUSINESS

24-25

PROPERTY

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

26

SPORT

28-34

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

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

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

Punter wins a million

lHON THE BANNER: Colm Hayes and James Foley supporting the Clare senior hurlers in Thurles on Sunday

Photo by Joe Buckley

O CLARE has a new millionaire in its midsts following Saturday’s National Lottery draw.

Saturday’s prize of €1m is heading to the Banner County after one millionaire player selected their own numbers on a Normal Play ticket they purchased online at lottery.ie.

The winnings are the fourth top prize in the Daily Million game so far in 2021.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification to the user’s online account and a separate email has been sent to the lucky ticket holder in Clare.

The winning numbers for Saturday’s draw were: 06, 12, 18, 34, 35, 36 and the bonus 39.

There was no winner of Saturday night’s jackpot which now heads for an estimated €4.5 million on Wednesday 30th June.

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4 NEWS

Lions captain part of new Doonbeg venture PÁRAIC MCMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

IONS captain Conor Murray is involved in a new business venture in Doonbeg.

The Clare Echo has learned that Murray is set to front a new-look Morrissey’s Bar and Restaurant that is expected to open on Saturday as part of a new lease agreement.

Limerick native Murray was on Saturday announced as the new captain of the Lions after original captain Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out of the series after picking up a shoulder injury in Saturday’s fixture with Japan at BT Murrayfield.

It is the 32 year old’s third time touring with the Lions. The Patrickswell man becomes the second Limerick captain of the Lions in twelve years, following in the footsteps of 2009 captain Paul O’Connell.

Murray and the Lions landed in Johannesburg on Monday but his business interests back home are taking shape in the form of his involvement with a popular West Clare bar and restaurant.

A scrum-half with Munster,

Conor’s involvement in the business means that two of the province’s top sporting stars will now be running different bars and restaurants on the one street.

Clare footballer David Tubridy who last month became the alltime top scorer in the National Football League runs Tubridy’s Bar and Restaurant also located on Main St in Doonbeg.

An extra bit of sporting pedigree was also thrown into the mix with Galway hurler Joe Canning spotted in the village assisting his brother who was involved in the renovations of the premises.

Nolaclan have taken over the lease for Morrissey’s Bar and Restaurant and are set to open on Saturday. The Irish company which is viewed as one of the country’s most expansionary pub chains already has a portfolio of bars, restaurants and hotels across Ireland, including House in Belfast, Dublin and Limerick; The Oyster Tavern in Cork; and Larry & Nora’s in Navan.

Xico which is one of Nolaclan’s Dublin venues is noted as the haunt of Canadian singer Justin Bieber when he is in the capital.

lBUSINESS MAN: Conor

Murray in action for Munster

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

No update on Shannon Group Chair SHANNON Group is ten months without a Chairperson, all the while the aviation industry faces one of its biggest crises of alltime, writes Páraic McMahon.

Rose Hynes of Bellharbour was the last Chairperson of Shannon Group, the North Clare woman’s tenure was extended after then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) approached former Minister for Transport, Shane Ross (IND) on the matter.

Hours after appointing ex Aurivo CEO Aaron Forde to the role in February, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan (GP) was forced to make a U-turn and cancel the appointment when tweets deemed to be offensive towards Travellers and Varadkar.

Local representatives have criticised the pace at which progress has occurred since Hynes’ departure and the Forde debacle.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo on Tuesday that there was no update on the appointment of a Chairperson for Shannon Group.

“I’ve to meet Minister Ryan, this is a matter I hope to raise with him,” the Meelick native stated. Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on aviation was confident the meeting would be held imminently. “With international travel to resume, this is the obvious time to progress this and have all structures in place”.

l EMPTY: Photo by Joe Buckley

Photo by Joe Buckley

Council content with Premature to extend cyber security system defective block scheme

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

SPECIFIC budget for cyber security within Clare County Council has been suggested by an Ennis elected representative.

In March of this year, the local authority’s exchange server fell foul to an attempted hacking. This resulted in the suspension of all email activity for Council staff for a four day period on the advice of cyber security specialists. No data breach or malicious activity beyond an initial probing was detected.

An independent review of the Council’s ICT systems was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) “in order to establish its systems ability to withstand cyber-attack in order to protect sensitive information it holds”. His motion was seconded by Cllr

Joe Garrihy (FG).

Director of Finance and Support Services, Noeleen Fitzgerald in response to this proposal outlined that a multi-layered approach to cyber security has been implemented to “strengthen the council’s systems ability to withstand cyber-attack and protect any sensitive information and systems”.

This includes strong access, password controls, end user awareness training, managed firewall services, latest virus protection technology, multifactor factor authentication, encryption, email and web filtering, patch management, network activity monitoring and backups.

Staff from different directorates have been added to an information and cyber security committee. “We also have in the past and

will continue to engage independent Information and Cyber security experts to periodically review and test existing controls, provide recommendations where improvement can be made or recommend new technologies that can be utilised to improve existing controls and protection against cyber security attacks,” Fitzgerald stated.

She added, “Clare County Council will continue to focus on protecting against cybersecurity attacks”.

Independent specialists should be consulted for an audit of the systems in place, Cllr Flynn believed.

He described the reply from the Council as “very encouraging”. An allocation to cyber security should also be included in the next Budget, the Ennis representative maintained. “The amount of ransom and malware attacks have intensified.”

A REVIEW is to be completed by July 31st on the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme which has seriously impacted homes in Clare, Donegal and Mayo, writes Páraic McMahon.

Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) has confirmed that the working group looking at the scheme will complete their review by the end of the month.

Currently there are 52 homes in Clare which have been confirmed as affected by the use of building materials containing pyrite.

Two local authority built estates are also believed to be affected.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) asked the Minister for an update on work to incorporate Clare in the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme and if homeowners will be eligible for recoupment of 100% of the costs associated with carrying out the necessary works to address the damage caused by defective concrete blocks.

An extension of the scheme was initially sought by Clare County Council last October. Council officials are presently analysing homes in Clare to determine the impact of deleterious materials such as mica and pyrite plus the extent of the problem in the county.

lUPDATE: Pyrite “Such analysis will provide the evidential basis necessary for the consideration of any extension of the scheme. Pending the receipt of and consideration of such analysis it would be premature to consider an extension of the scheme,” Minister O’Brien stated.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

CLARE PUBLICANS FUME

‘NPHET have decided we no longer deserve to exist’ STUART HOLLY

U

editor@clareecho.ie

P TO 50 per cent of pubs in Clare have been unable to reopen following the latest delay in easing restrictions for indoor dining and drinking.

Clare publicans have argued that NPHET have decided the hospitality sector “no longer deserve to exist” and that the Government are “quite happy to go along with it”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Charlie O’Meara of Moroney’s Bar and Chair of the Clare branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), said that the hospitality industry as a whole continues to be treated with no sympathy or respect by the Government who he claims have “no idea of how the business operates”.

“Unfortunately there are no plans for the hospitality sector and that’s our biggest worry at the moment,” he said. “There isn’t actually a reopening date for July so once again there’s been no clarification from Government, and like so many dates that came and passed for the pub industry and hospitality sector as a whole, nothing has moved on as far as we can see. There’s nothing to give us any hope.”

Charlie ruled out the idea of vaccinated-only customers being admitted to indoor serving and called the suggestion a “smokescreen”.

“It’s been absolutely terrible what the

Government has done. They’ve shown absolutely no sympathy and no respect whatsoever. The way they’ve been treated, everything has been last minute, it seems NPHET has decided the hospitality industry no longer deserves to exist and the Government seems to be quite happy to go along with it.”

For the publicans themselves, the emotional toll both physically and mentally has been “absolutely terrible”. Charlie also lamented the fact that the longer his industry is left out in the cold, the more complex staffing issues will become.

“The Government seems to have on idea of how the business operates. We’re hemoraging staff like there’s no tomorrow.

You can’t expect staff to wait around while you reopen your business. Most of them have gone out looking for other work so if we finally do get to reopen, God knows when, will there even be enough staff to man these places? At the moment, the industry is struggling to find staff and the longer this goes on the harder that will be.”

He explained that the number of false dawns is continuing to take a fiscal and emotional toll. “We all got caught so many times and the amount of stock that has been dumped in the last 12 months between opening and closing has been unreal.” Without intervention from the VFI and other hospitality representatives, Charlie believes that thousands of euro worth of stock would have been dumped.

“It’s going to be very hard for a lot of businesses to survive without any clarity on when this is going to all end,” he added.

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6 NEWS

Disability issues to be put to TD

by PÁRAIC McMAHON MINISTER of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte (FF) is to visit Ennis on Tuesday.

A TD for Galway East since 2016, Rabbitte is to meet with members of the Clare Leader Forum on Tuesday morning.

Implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 and the right to information, independent living and a recent Ombudsman report ‘wasted lives’ are among the items that will be discussed.

Jennifer Hynes and Martin Mounsey who are living in nursing homes against their wishes will also tell the Junior Minister their stories.

“We are looking forward to engagement immediately rather than dragging it out,” Dermot Hayes of the Clare Leader Forum told The Clare Echo.

60 cannabis plants seized in Kilrush

by PÁRAIC McMAHON INVESTIGATIONS of drug cultivation in West Clare saw €51,000 of suspected cannabis plants seized last week.

Uniform Gardaí from Kilrush executed a search warrant at a house in Kilrush on Tuesday last at approximately 8pm.

Sixty cannabis plants were discovered by Gardaí with an estimated value of €48,000.

At an unrelated search, Gardaí detected four cannabis plants worth €3,200 from a house in Lissycasey.

All of the suspected drugs were sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. No arrests were made in either investigation but Gardaí are following definite lines of enquiry.

Planning lodged for Kilkee ATM

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CONCERNS for the future of an ATM in Kilkee appear to be abated with planning lodged for what would become the village’s second such facility.

A planning application was lodged with Clare County Council last week by the Irish branch of Euronet 360 Finance Ltd to place an ATM at Moody Cow Milkshakes on O’Curry St. An update on the application is to be issued by the planning authority within the next eight weeks.

Bank of Ireland are to close 103 branches in September including Kilkee, Tulla and Miltown Malbay. An ATM will be retained in Kilkee.

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

‘Time to bring the bulldozers’

l HISTORIC: Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) hopes to have a conclusion for Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon within the year

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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LARE councillors have elected Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) as the county’s first citizen.

An elected member of the local authority since 1999, the Cratloe oil distributor succeeded Cllr Mary Howard (FG) in the position. Ryan’s first preference vote of 1,238 at the 2019 local elections was the highest he received since entering public office.

He is the first person from Cratloe to become Cathaoirleach since Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) was elected to it in 2003.

Speaking at Friday’s AGM, he identified a number of projects to progress over the next twelve months. This included trying to put Shannon Airport on a solid

footing, addition of streetscapes and more retail outlets to Shannon Town. Potential to develop the Shannon Estuary via a deep water port was referenced.

Prioritisation of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in Clonlara which would become Europe’s 21st century university town is required, Ryan stated.

The development of Holy Island “needs to be brought to fruition, I believe it can become a major tourism asset for the county”.

Paying tribute to his family and wife Mary, PJ noted that she came from North Clare and the one of the most contentious issues in that area needs to be resolved. “I would like to see a conclusion to Blake’s Corner by the time I finish as Mayor. Hopefully bulldozers will be in there by the time I leave office”. In the county town, derelict buildings require attention, he added. “If I get all that done in the next 12 months, I could be in line to be-

come President”.

Taking on the role was “a great honour”, he admitted. He commended his predecessor, Cllr Howard for her tenure. “43 soon to be 44 Mayors have their pictures on the wall of the Council Chamber, it is my intention to follow in their footsteps not in their shadow”.

He was proposed for the chains by Cllr Michael Begley (IND) and seconded by Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr O’Gorman and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).

It was the first Council AGM to be held at the Reflective Garden on the grounds of Clare County Council’s headquarters in Ennis.

“PJ is a fantastic councillor, he is very committed to his role.

He has given a fine shopping list to the CEO, I hope the CEO has the cheque book in his back pocket,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented. Cllr Shane Talty

(FF) was confident the county’s first citizen would “ably represent the county with distinction”.

Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling said he would work “very hard” on the lengthy list put to him by the new Cathaoirleach. “It is time to plan for the future with ambition and confidence”.

Two years on from his election to the Council, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) has stepped up to become Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council. “He comes from a family steeped in agriculture, education and politics. First and foremost Joe Killeen listens, he has a sense of calm and balanced reflection,” Cllr Talty said as he proposed his North Clare colleague, he was seconded in this by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

Speaking on Friday, Cllr Killeen told the AGM he was “very proud” and admitted that it was surreal to receive the elevation.

School transport refunds to be issued over next six weeks

by PÁRAIC McMAHON SCHOOL transport refunds are to be issued on a staged basis over the next six weeks.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley (FF) confirmed that Bus Éireann will from Wednesday (July 30th) commence issuing refunds to families who are due to receive a refund for the unused portion of their ticket for the period of school closures arising from public health measures/Covid-19 restrictions in the 2020/2021 school year.

“In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020,” Minister Foley stated in response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND).

Deputy McNamara outlined, “This is the correct decision by the Department of Education as thousands of parents will have paid in advance for transport to schools which

were shut through no fault of their own or the Minister”.

Each primary school student is due a refund of €31 with the figure rising to €108.50 per post primary school student, the Scariff native explained.

“The refund will be automatically made to the bank card used to make the payment, or by cheque if a card wasn’t used. Bus Éireann says refunds will be issued to all entitled family account holders starting from 30th June until mid-August”.

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Project amplifies the voices of Broadford and Ennis students CIAN O’BROIN

A

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

COMMISSIONED recording project that aims to amplify the voices of national school children in Clare has been developed.

In partnership with the Clare Arts Office and Creative Ireland, Glaoch! is a transmission of young thoughts and opinions as recorded waves.

Artist and producer John Lillis was invited to work with local national schools in Clare to develop two unique podcast shows, created, directed and presented by primary school students.

“In our current social climate of restricted movement and distanced interactions, our dependence on each other and our ability to communicate lies at the core of our wellbeing. Listening remains one of the more potent skills available to us. Our ears do a lot of the work, but the rest lies in our imagination. Glaoch! is a way to send a message, to amplify a voice to a community or nation, and to connect with its own local environment,” he explained.

lTHUMBS UP: Pictured are John Lillis and students from Broadford National School.

Scan the QR code above with your phone to listen to the recordings

Despite the fact that a great deal of media content is created and aimed at young people, children's voices are seldom heard in transmissions. Glaoch! aims to give volume to the imagination of primary school students in Clare, creating a unique radio ex-

perience that is fostered organically within the classroom. Third class students of Ennis National School and the fifth and sixth class pupils of Broadford and Kilbane National School were the first pioneers to explore this new arts initiative.

John worked with the students over a seven-week period to help plan, develop and produce the content. With the creative support and encouragement of Ms. Lisa Walsh of Ennis National School and Ms. Deidre Troy of Broadford National School, fun and imagination were brought to the forefront of all activities.

All material was recorded within the school or classroom environment. Students were encouraged to engage with their surroundings, their community, their history, and, most of all, themselves in an attempt to create 40 mins of podcast content that's honest, clever, reflective, fun, personal, entertaining and educational. Areas covered include local folklore, dreams, interviews with local musicians and advice for their future selves.

“Unique recordings directed by the young students that show a deep sense of fun, engagement and imagination that could only be delivered from the wild minds of children. We hope the listening experience is as special for you as it was for us in the recording process."

The Glaoch! Shows will also be available to stream online through Soundcloud by searching for both Ennis National School and Broadford National School.

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Passing on the chains of command

by PÁRAIC McMAHON OUTGOING Cathaoirligh across Municipal Districts and the County Council have been praised by their colleagues following the conclusion of their respective terms.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG)’s term as Cathaoirleach (Mayor) of Clare County Council concluded on Friday with warm tributes paid to the Ennis woman.

Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) finished his second term with his colleague Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) expressing confidence that the Whitegate man would be sitting in the top seat after the 2024 local elections.

In the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) vacated the Cathaoirleach role on Thursday, the manner in which he conducted virtual meetings was praised by Cllr Burke and fellow East Clare councillors. Enthusiasm and energy brought to the role of Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) was acknowledged at last week’s AGM. Elected representatives commended Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) for his experience and called him “Mr Shannon” for his constant advocacy of Shannon Airport following the conclusion of his stint as Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD.

Memorial unveiled for Mother and Baby home PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMORIAL to the women who gave birth and the infants who died at the county’s only Mother and Baby Home has been unveiled.

On Thursday last, a memorial marking the County Clare Nursery was unveiled at Toler Street in Kilrush by the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) in the presence of Chief

Executive, Pat Dowling.

Following publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in January of this year, Clare County Council apologised for its role in the County Nursery, which was owned and financed by Clare County Council during its decade of operation, 1922-1932.

It is likely that there were between 300 and 400 mothers there and considerably more chil-

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dren.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office detail that 168 ‘illegitimate infants’ died in Co Clare from 1923 to 1932.

A plaque is also to be erected on the original site of the institution on the Cooraclare Rd. Clare County Council are to partner with the Department of History at UL to fund a post-doctoral fellowship to allow a greater understanding of what happened in Kilrush.

l WE REMEMBER: The County Clare Nursery memorial

Cooney braced for challenge PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

FURTHER progress on two big projects in East Clare have been earmarked as key goals of the new Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District.

On Thursday afternoon, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) was elected as Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD for the second time in his political career, he previously held the role in 2013. He was proposed for the post by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and seconded by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF).

A poll-topper in the Killaloe MD for local elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019, the building contractor also secured the highest vote in the county of all Clare councillors for each of his three runs for public office.

As he backed the proposal of Cllr Burke, Cllr O’Brien wished his colleague well on securing “a well deserved honour”.

Newly elected Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) believed Cooney’s reputation as a hard-worker would come to the fore. “He works hard, he is an honest man who rolls up the sleeves”. He said, “We are the smallest Municipal District but I can definitely say we are the stron-

gest because we do what we need to do to deliver for the people”.

Cooney’s predecessor, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “I know you will do an excellent job, we have known of your work ethic for years”.

Each day as a public representative is a challenging one, Cooney commented in his first address.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and trying to achieve as much as we can until this time next year”.

He identified both Holy Island and the Killaloe Bridge and crossing as two of the major projects that will continue to progress in the next 12 months, “we all know it will take time and funding but we believe we’re on the right track and it will be achieved”. Improvements to infrastructure in local towns and villages must also see improvements over the nextyear, the former Chairman of Clare GAA highlighted.

Preparation of the County Development Plan will be a key body of work for all councillors in the Killaloe MD, Cooney believed.

Director of Service, Anne Haugh informed Cooney he would have the full support of the Council Executive. “We welcome Joe into the Chair, I have experience of you in the Chair at SPC level but not at MD level, I know we will continue to get on very well”.

l WELCOME: Cllr Joe Cooney (FG)

Photo by Ruth Griffin

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

'Nothing like this has happened in Ballynacally' CIAN O’BROIN cianobroin@clareecho.ie

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OMMUNITY cottages in Ballynacally are welcoming tenants at what has become the new social meeting point for villagers and tourists visiting the Shannon Estuary Way. The six-person Local Development Association is delighted to welcome tenants for the first time to two self-catering cottages adjoining the Estuary Way café, which saw its doors officially open last year in July 2020.

The apartments, which form part of the ‘Range Cottages’ were originally built by the Ball family from Ballsbridge in Dublin for their workers and have added to the buzz around the village.

Chairman of the Local Development Association Liam Kirwan stated “Young families and older people hang out here on weekends. It has remained right through the winter and the summer. People are delighted that something is happening in a small village. Nothing like this has ever happened in Ballynacally”.

Funds raised from the cottages are to

go towards the renovation of the local community hall.

Part of the drive to revitalise the old cottages was a push for tourism in the village located between Ennis and Kildysart, focusing in on the Shannon Estuary Way and the new Eurovelo Cycle route.

“Being on the Estuary way is hugely important for us here. People are coming and stopping here through the use of apps. In the future, we would hope to be like the Burren for tourists,” Liam opined.

Incorporating the rich history of nearby islands such as Coney Island, Deer Island, Canon Island and Inishloe Island is also part of the future tourism strategy of the association, he added. This will come in the form of collections and boat tourism trips to the islands, akin to “island hopping.”

Music sessions on Sunday mornings outside the café are also something to look forward to within the village, Liam enthused, casting an optimistic eye to the future of his native Ballynacally.

The cottages can be booked by contacting the Development Association through Facebook and making an enquiry. A new website is currently in the works for the cottages, which will make future bookings more accessible.

Supporter leads call for return of fans

by PÁRAIC McMAHON ONE of Clare’s most well known hurling supporters is leading the call for more crowds to be permitted to attend GAA inter-county games.

A pilot event will see 2.500 fans attend the Munster SHC semi-final meeting of Cork versus Limerick on Saturday while there is no planned increase on the 200 permitted to sit at the Gaelic Grounds for Clare against Tipperary less than 24 hours later.

Kildysart’s John Joe Costelloe is noted as one of Clare’s most prominent hurling supporters, however he has been unable to attend any championship match involving Brian Lohan’s side for the past two seasons.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, John Joe recounted, “It’s not the same without the crowds, you used to travel everywhere following them, it’s not the same without the atmosphere. We travelled everywhere,

league games, we would send in a poem before the match and be among the first to greet the team when they arrive. There is no game like the hurling, it is a wonderful game, with players like Tony Kelly you would travel anywhere. It is a shame not to let more in but that’s Micheál Martin’s decision”.

Now fully vaccinated, he said that he would feel safe by attending a championship game. “Supporting Clare is great for people, it gets people out of the house and it gets them together, the support has been unreal for Clare in the last few years”.

“You’d miss it terribly, you’d miss the team going out on the pitch, the parade and the fantastic supporters. Please God they win on Sunday.

“The team misses it too, it is very dead without supporters, the players make the GAA what it is today and so do the supporters,” John Joe added.

l GIG: Music sessions are very popular in Ballynacally

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119 O'Connell Street, Limerick City Centre 061 413263 - info@obdental.ie l FLAGS: John Joe Costelloe

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www.obdental.ie

10 NEWS

O’Connell Monument repairs are underway

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Concert on the hill

by PÁRAIC McMAHON STRUCTURAL repair and refurbishment works to the O’Connell Monument at Ennis have begun.

Originally due to commence at the beginning of June, the works were postponed and instead started on Monday (June 28th) and are expected to last twelve weeks.

Scaffolding has been erected at the famous landmark which is tied into Clare’s rich political history. The project is part funded under the Historic Structure Fund 2020 from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Access to the loading bay immediately adjacent to the O’Connell Monument was temporarily blocked off while scaffolding was put up and decommissioned. A pedestrian management plan has been put in place by Clare County Council.

€40,000 investment in Shannon

by PÁRAIC McMAHON SHANNON is to benefit from a €40,000 investment from the Arts Council. €40,000 has been set aside to develop and sustain new creative opportunities for all age groups in Shannon as part of a research award in the Creative Places Programme.

Creative Places is an opportunity for places which had not benefitted from sustained arts investment in the past to build local arts programmes which will benefit the people who live in these places. Each programme will have a coordinator or researcher who will begin local conversations to discuss and plan a range of creative and participatory projects.

The programme builds upon existing local cultural strengths and is based on dialogue, listening to what matters locally and reaching people who may have barriers in participating in an active cultural life.

Employment opportunities will be created for coordinators, artists and researchers interested in place based arts development, the Arts Council have said. A researcher for Shannon is to be appointed in the summer.

Director of the Arts Council, Maureen Kennelly commented: “We look forward to seeing the ambitious new projects that these inspiring communities create together and we are excited by the prospect of supporting them to celebrate and animate new places.”

Clare County Council will manage the Shannon project. County Arts Officer, Siobhán Mulcahy stated, “Shannon is a town of welcomes, it welcomed and developed new communities from near and far when it was established, and this warmth is evident today in its community spirit”.

l SUMMER SOLSTICE: Friday night last saw a revival of the gathering for Saint John’s night on the Hill of Tulla, with a superb open air concert by local musicians and singers. 150 people gathered, with their own personal seating and weather protective clothing, but most importantly, with their resilient and elated spirits, for the first open air performance since Covid 19 imposed its restrictive measures. 15 singers and musicians and a natural 360 degree theatre setting lead to an uplifting experience for all.

Kilrush Traveller gets €2,500 for defamation

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by DAVID BYRNE TRAVELLER man from Kilrush, who claimed he was falsely accused of stealing a toasted sandwich from a busy Killarney shop and petrol station, has been awarded €2,500 plus costs at Killarney Circuit Court.

Michael Kelly, of Crawford Street, Kilrush, had sued Donal Hegarty, John Hegarty and Elsie Hegarty, trading as Hegarty Bros Service Station and Hegarty’s Spar, for defamation.

Judge Helen Boyle told defence barrister Richard Liston she believed Michael Kelly’s version of what had happened outside Hegarty’s Spar on the Muckross Road, Killarney, in an incident concerning the payment or non-payment of food from the store’s deli counter on July 2, 2018.

After hearing the evidence, Judge Boyle said it was clear Mr Kelly felt he was wrongly accused, in front of his family and bystanders, of stealing the food items.

Evidence was heard from Mr Kelly, his wife Teresa Purcell, and Spar employees Ross Fleming and Nicola Murphy.

Michael Kelly told Judge Boyle that Spar shop assistant Ross Fleming had accused him of not having paid for food he had purchased.

The Kilrush man, who was visiting Killarney at the time with his family, said he stopped at the shop on his way to Torc Waterfall and ordered a hot chicken breast and a toasted sandwich from the deli.

He said after he ordered the food he was told he could pay for the items while waiting for the toasted sandwich to be made.

Mr Kelly told Judge Boyle that the shop assistant behind the deli had put two barcode stickers onto the bag of chicken, allowing him to pay for the two items.

He then proceeded to get a bottle of water, a bottle of club orange, and a packet of 20 cigarettes, and ate the chicken while he was queuing up, the court heard. The court also heard that after Ross Fleming served Mr Kelly, the bag was thrown into the bin, as requested by Mr Kelly.

After paying for the items, Mr Kelly said he went back to the deli counter and collected the sandwich before leaving the shop. He said he was followed out of the shop and then stopped

by Ross Fleming, who, he said,

accused him of ‘not paying for the sandwich’.

Mr Kelly told the court he felt he was ‘being singled out’ as he was a Traveller.

In cross-examination, defence barrister Richard Liston said Mr Fleming denied he ever accused Mr Kelly of not paying for the sandwich and claimed that he (Mr Fleming) said: “Sorry, I don’t think I took for that sandwich.”

Michael Kelly replied: “No, he said ‘you never paid for it’. He said it two or three times.”

The court heard that Mr Kelly then returned to the shop and showed Ross Fleming the bag in the bin in a bid to prove he had paid for the items.

Mr Kelly said: “I felt degraded.

I felt low.”

After leaving the store for the second time, Mr Kelly later returned and took the discarded food bag with him as he wanted to prove to his wife and son that he had paid for the items.

He said: “I got tormented after a few minutes and turned around and went back to the shop. The main reason I took it was to prove to them that I didn’t steal it.”

In her evidence, Mr Kelly’s wife, Teresa Purcell said ‘a boy’ followed her husband out of the

shop and said ‘you didn’t pay for that stuff ’.

She said: “The boy got louder.

It was like he was getting angry or something”. Ms Purcell said that as Mr Fleming was accusing her husband of stealing, an elderly lady, and others outside the shop, started listening in.

Spar store manager Nicola Murphy said she believed the incident was an ‘honest mistake’ but it shouldn’t have occurred and she ‘understood the distress’ caused to Mr Kelly.

Judge Boyle said that while there was a disagreement over what Mr Fleming said to Mr Kelly, she was confident the words spoken ‘were certainly taken by the plaintiff that he had taken the goods’.

Judge Boyle said that while there was ‘not enough evidence’ to show that the events were malicious, Mr Kelly was ‘unfortunately’ followed out to the forecourt and felt he was being accused of stealing.

A separate claim of false imprisonment by Mr Kelly against Hegarty’s Spar was ‘unfounded’, according to Judge Boyle.

She said there were no threats to call Gardaí, no physical touching, therefore there was no evidence of false imprisonment.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 01 2021

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11

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Milestone project will end the discharge of raw sewage PÁRAIC MCMAHON

W

paraic@clareecho.ie

ORKS to end the long running practice of discharging raw sewage into Liscannor Bay are due to get underway in the coming months following the appointment of a contractor to construct a new wastewater treatment plant.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, is committed to eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Liscannor Bay. The construction of the new wastewater treatment scheme will bring big benefits to the scenic West Clare village by improving water quality, protecting the local environment and supporting new homes and businesses.

Wastewater in the Liscannor area is currently treated by a septic tank system which discharges poorly treated effluent into the bay near Liscannor pier. This long-running practice has impacts on water quality, detracts from the amenity value of Liscannor and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

To address this, Irish Water is building a new wastewater treatment plant with capacity for a population of 1,150, along with approximately 1.2km of sewer pipelines, a pump station and a storm water storage tank.

This will ensure that all wastewater from the village will be collected and treated before being returned safely to the environment.

Following the appointment of EPS as the contractor to carry out these works, it is expected that construction will get underway later this summer and take approximately 18 months to complete.

Caroline O’Reilly, Irish Water’s Programme Manager, said: “This is a major milestone for this project and for the village of Liscannor – one of the most popular destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way. The discharge of raw sewage into our precious marine environment is unacceptable and ending this practice is a top priority for Irish Water. The benefits of this work will be enormous – not only will it ensure cleaner water for swimmers, surfers and other recreational users, but it will also provide a platform for social and economic development in Liscannor.

“The environmental benefits will also be significant, ensuring that wastewater is treated in a sustainable way and returned safely to the environment. Cleaner waters will protect

EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

l MARINE LIFE: Liscannor

Photo by Burren Geopark

marine life, support biodiversity and enhance the amenity value of the area.”

Irish Water is on track to deliver a programme of unprecedented scale to stop the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into our seas and rivers. Since 2014, Irish Water has stopped approximately 50% of untreated and inadequately treated wastewater that was being discharged to our rivers and the sea, with the completion of new wastewater treatment plants in 16 towns across the country. Irish Water’s investment plan prioritises public health and safety by targeting locations where there is no treatment for raw sewage or where the treatment is not in compliance with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

In Clare, new public sewerage schemes

are currently planned for five locations where there is untreated wastewater being discharged; in addition to Liscannor these include Kilrush, Kilkee, Ballyvaughan, and Clarecastle.

Irish Water will work with the contractors to keep the local community informed as this essential project progresses and further details on the timelines shall be provided in the coming weeks and months.

We continue to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Examine housing stock to solve crisis - Garvey

NOW OPEN

LIMERICKGREENWAY.IE l CRISIS: Senator Roisin Garvey

Photo by John Mangan

EXISTING stock needs to be examined if the housing crisis is to be tackled, a Clare Oireachtas member has stated, writes Páraic McMahon.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) raised the issue of empty houses in the Seanad on Monday and argued that this needs to be focused on if efforts are to be made to tackle the country’s housing crisis. “With over 200,000 empty houses in Ireland, we surely need to look at existing stock and upgrade it so it can play its very important part in increasing home supply”.

Lack of regulation for Airbnb is fuelling the problem, the Inagh native believed. “Air B&B of a room in your own house is not a problem, but when you Air B&B an entire house, it removes its potential to be a home at a time when we have a housing emergency”.

Access to clear data and with the right mixture of carrot and stick incentives a large number of homes could be provided in a relatively short space of time, the former county councillor stated. “There are over 5,000 vacant dwellings in Clare alone. 80 of those are vacant Council Houses. We need to be prioritising turning these into homes” she concluded.

THURSDAY, JULY 01 2021

NEWS

13

Property Matters Cohabiting and Co ownership – Protect your interest

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HEN you are buying a property with another person it is important that you are very clear at the outset on the type of co-ownership structure you wish to choose . It is also important to understand the consequences of co ownership and your rights and entitlements . You may be purchasing a property with a family member, friend or partner so it is important both parties understand the legal rules of co- ownership.

More couples than ever are choosing to cohabitate We regularly consult with couples on what each person’s rights and entitlements are in the event of a relationship breaking down or on the death of a co habiting partner . Co habiting couples do not have the same property rights and entitlements as married couples so knowledge is important prior to making the decision to buy property together or before moving into a property owned and registered in the name of one person in the relationship only .

The number of cohabiting couples in Ireland rose by 6% since 2011. Of the 1.22 million families in Ireland (Census 2016), 152,302 couples are counted as cohabiting -. Whilst discussing a co habiting or or co ownership agreement it is not the most romantic consideration before buying a property or moving in together we recommend asking all the questions you need answered at the outset . This will ensure that you both understand the legal framework of co owners and co habitees A clearer understanding of the legal framework will be of assistance where the co living or co owning relationship comes to an end.

TENANTS IN COMMON This type of co ownership means that the ownership is held in clearly defined shares for example 50/50 or 70/30 . This commonly arises if friends buy a property together and share in the purchase in different amounts financially .Ownership can be agreed pro rata per financial contribution.With a tenancy in common you can specifically transfer or bequest your share of the property to someone else subject to any terms of a co ownership agreement . Your share is tangible asset that does not automatically pass to the co owner .It is very important for that reason all co owners put a Will in place to specifically stipulate who is to inherit their share.

Studies

A Marriage and Homebuying Study found that one in four couples between the ages of 18 and 34 bought a house together before they were married. That compares with 14 percent of those aged 45 and older.

JOINT TENANTS A Joint tenancy is most common property registration with couples. The joint registration shows both people own the property jointly. If one person pre deceases the other, the surviving person will automatically become the full owner of the full property. The property will pass automatically by the legal rule of survivorship . The property does not pass under the deceased persons Will . It does not form part of the deceased persons estate. The surviving owner by way of a simple land registry application become the sole full owner .The is most common when one spouse predeceased the other .

Tel: +353 (65) 6828383

Email: info@cahirsolicitors.com

Census

The last Census in 2016 listed 152,302 couples as co-habiting, up 6 per cent on the 2011 census.

If you are one of these co-habiting couples, it’s important to know what your rights are, if you’re thinking about buying a house with your partner, as different rules may apply.

COHABITATION PROPERTY RIGHTS

TYPES OF OWNERSHIP There are two types of co ownership in Ireland. Careful consideration should be given by you to which type of co ownership suits your particular circumstances. You should fully understand the consequences of death of a co owner or the consequences of a breakup of a relationship if only one person owns the property you reside in . Individual consultations are common for us to explore with clients the best options and considerations for each persons specific situation.

one party wishes to sell the property. It should also provide for what is to happen if one party is unable to meet their financial obligations and if you agree first option to buy is to be given to the other co owner .Clarity in an agreement supports any change in the relationship .

WILLS & COHABITING PROPERTY RIGHTS We always recommend you put a will in place and particularly when purchasing a property. When buying a property it is prudent to update an existing will . Making a will regardless of your marital status is important . Maybe you are a cohabitant, single, widowed or married person .What ever your circumstances we guide you to putting in place what you need to protect your loved ones and provide for your wishes.

Co habiting couples need to be very aware the legal and property protections available to married couples and civil partners is very different . Unlike a married couple or civil partnership, there is no automatic right of inheritance on the death of either partner in a cohabiting relationship. Making a will including your co habiting partner is imperative if you wish your property and other possessions to pass to them . A co habiting discussion with us allows you to understand your individual legal circumstances . Planning ahead in a co habiting relationship is crucial and makes all the financial difference on the death of one of you. There is peace of mind in knowing you are legally protected.

CO-OWNERSHIP AGREEMENTS A Co ownership agreement is a legal document drafted up by the parties with their Solicitor so all the terms of the joint purchase are committed to riting and a signed agreement available to all particularly in the case of disagreement or conflict down the road. It can specifically address issues such as who is contributing what funds and in what proportion, who will contribute to paying any mortgage , how it will be paid, and what is to happen if the relationship comes to an end or if

Cohabitation is defined by the act as two same sex or opposite sex adults who are not married to each other, not registered in a civil partnership and are living together in an intimate and committed relationship. The Family Home Protection Act 1976 gives protection to married couples and in particular spouses to consent to or veto any sale or mortgage of the family home by the other spouse and written consent of the non registered spouse must be obtained. Cohabiting couples do not have same protections in law and if you are living with a partner where the house is in their sole name there is no legal requirement for the partner to obtain your written consent before they can sell their house.

In a relationship breakdown a married couple when seeking a judicial separation or divorce who cannot agree on what is to happen to the property or family home can seek a property adjustment order. This is where the Court will decide what happens to the property.

If you are cohabitating and the relationship breaks down ,the family home will belong to the person with the legal title to the property. The duration of your relationship does not give you automatic rights in the property like a spouse would have .

You will as a cohabitee seek redress under The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010.

When this legislation was enacted much of the focus was on the establishment of rights for civil partnership for same sex couples. In our opinion the Act does not go far enough to protect co habitating couples.

To qualify as cohabitants to avail of any redress under the Act you must be living in an intimate and committed relationship together for 2 years if you have a child together longer if you do not have children , 5 years . If the relationship were to ends and you can assert that you are financially and economically depend on the other cohabitant with whom they have been living then you can apply to the courts for redress. The redress scheme is to provide protection for a financially dependent member of the couple if a long term cohabitating relationship ends either through separation or death. Every co habitating situation is different call Avril Aisling or Sharon to understand your rights and what protections you need to put in place for your family or when you are purchasing jointly.

Every co habiting and co ownership situation is different Call Avril, Aisling , Sharon or William to advise you.

A family business supporting families in Co.Clare Sharon Cahir | William Cahir | Avril Collentine | Aisling Carr

Cahir & Co. Solicitors LLP, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis,Co Clare.

14 NEWS

Naughton bids us farewell

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

On her retirement from The Clare Echo, Sales Director Ger Naughton speaks to Stuart Holly as she reflects on a career that’s left her with a lifetime of friends and memories

G

ER Naughton spent her entire adult life in the workforce, a colourful career that began in the banking sector in Ennistymon, before setting up a Bewley’s franchise in Ennis. The last two decades have seen her become the most recognised figure in media sales in County Clare, having worked with Clare FM, The Clare People and most recently, the Kilmurry McMahon native was key in helping The Clare Echo grow to become Clare’s most circulated newspaper.

Noted for her infectious energy, hard work and loyalty, Ger is a mother of three and grandmother to six. Now, in her final week of employment as she prepares to retire, Ger sits down with Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly to look back on her life and discuss her plans for the future.

Stuart Holly: You’ve come to the end of your working career but I want to visit the earliest part of your life. You speak fondly of Kilmurry McMahon. What was life like growing up in West Clare?

Ger Naughton: We had a dairy farm, there were 10 of us so we played together up the fields and we had a fort and we’d play up there, in our own little world. It was amazing. I was the fifth of 10.

My dad John – they used to call him Brud – he died when we were really young, I was only 13 so my memory of him isn’t great as at that time, farmers were out on the land morning, noon and night. He was very innovative, he was one of the first farmers in Clare to bring in the milking machines while most were still doing it by hand. My mam Susan worked really hard,

she was a widow with 10 children and she managed the farm until Paudie took it over. They were both from Kilmurry McMahon.

We were all big into the GAA, Shannon Gaels. We used to have a great time going to the matches every Sunday. The older three, Paudie, Ben and Sean, they all played for Kilmurry. We’d be roaring at the Kilrush fans, we were bould as brass. That was our social life along with going to Kilkee.

Where did you go to school?

Convent of Mercy, Kilrush. We’d get the bus in. After my Leaving Cert I went down to Limerick to what was called the Commercial College then. Then I got offers for Bank of Ireland and AIB and I took AIB. What brought you into that line of work?

I haven’t a clue. I was kind of told, ‘you’re going down there’ so that’s what I did. So I got the bank and I was sent to Ennistymon. I was told I was being sent to Ennitymon – I didn’t even know there was a bank in Ennistymon at the time! But anyway, that’s where I met my husband Mike.

You must have very fond memories of Ennistymon so?

We had good craic. We played tennis there, badminton, we’d walk out to Lahinch every evening during the summer. There was a whole gang of us, we were all young. When I got married I was 21. We then built a house in Ennis and I put in for a transfer and I was moved to Bindon Street.

Your career in finance was a short one?

I gave it up because the three girls [Ciara, Sarah and Eimear] arrived and it was too much then. When they were all in school I opened up

Bewley’s in 1990 and we ended up selling that around 1996.

You made a jump into media sales after that with Clare FM. How did that occur?

Dominic Considine, the sales manager, and the Clare FM team used to always come into Bewley’s and I got to know them really well.

He gave me a job in sales, it just came up in conversation. I loved it and worked really hard. We all had our Clare FM cars and I suppose Clare FM was new enough at the time and was a bit of a novelty to head back to West Clare for the day. I was there just over a year in 1999 when Mike died, and I never came back.

The Clare People started in 2005 with very ambitious plans to rival The Clare Champion. What pulled you back into media sales?

I thought ‘I like the sound of that’ and I wanted to get back into sales. Gerry Collison the editor, Claire Griffin, the financial controller and Irene Hamilton, the sales director, the three of them interviewed me. I said ‘You need somebody like me’. I was really strutty and I could see them looking at each other! Next thing they rang me and offered the job.

It was the height of the Celtic Tiger but also a time when the internet was beginning to impact the media industry. With these factors at play, what was it like in a newspaper start-up?

To be fair, it was a great place to work. We used to have a brilliant time and socially it was a great place, we’d be out every Friday after work. It was very ambitious what they did but I could see what was to come. We did well also but at the time, we had so many staff,

between 20-30.

When you heard another newspaper, The Clare Echo, was being established, what were your initial thoughts?

I was actually on holidays in Tanzania when my daughter text me about it. I thought, they are doomed before they start. The first day I picked it up I said ‘disaster’, because it wasn’t a great paper, you know that yourself. But when you approached me I knew you’d be serious about the project and I thought ‘I’ll give it all I can.

Was it that you wanted a new challenge?

I didn’t want a new challenge at all. The first day I met you I went home and thought ‘I don’t know if I can start all over again’ and then I met ye again and thought, let’s give it all I can. Which I did, I’m happy to say I did.

You’re leaving The Echo much better place than found it. How have you found the last three and a half years?

Absolutely wonderful, sure why am I so emotional? I’ve never felt it leaving a place so that says it.

That’s the truth, I loved working there. I loved everyone, you can see everyone is so serious about their job and everyone worked as a team. I loved it and I often thought all these years ‘when will I ever leave?’ but I think the pandemic and not seeing my daughters for so long played a part. Absolutely, the pandemic made me think about life being so fragile and precious, and short. The way something can close down the world, and I do want to travel!

How confident are you for the future of The Clare Echo considering threats to local advertising revenue posed

by huge corporations such as Google and Instagram?

I received four advertising enquiries this morning which is a great sign of where the paper is at.

I have no doubts it will continue to prosper. I really do, but obviously I think it helps that The Echo is so strong digitally and the type of paper it is, being free. People will always pick it up. I often meet people who stopped buying newspapers but continue to pick up The Clare Echo. The fact that it’s free, doorto-door and audited, that’s the key.

You told me in December that you would be retiring this year so it’s been a long winddown. Now that it’s here, how have the emotions been?

I just steeped myself in my work, I really decided not to think about it. I was weepy but now I’m in a better place again. I’ll always feel part of it, always helping out. I’ve made great friends.

Do you have any advice for anyone in media sales?

Treat every client as if they were the one and only client.

How would you like to be remembered and what will you do next?

I’d like to be remembered as a great team player. Now, I’m going to travel the world over with my partner Ken. I plan to travel quite a lot. Hiking, which we love, domestic holidays, South America, Africa. I have all those places in mind.

Any parting words?

Thank you to the clients who have kept me in employment and thank you to my colleagues over the years. I’ll always be part of The Clare Echo.

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Jewel’d all that glitters ADVERTORIAL

J

EWEL’D Design Studio is a design and manufacturer of jewellery based in Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Using gold, silver and a combination of materials to create a wide range of bespoke pieces, that will compliment any outfit or occasion.

Due to demand from our customers to have bespoke pieces, we decided to open a store.

Having the store open allows customers to experience a calm space to browse our jewellery without obligation. Coming into the store allows the customer to feel and see the quality of the pieces, try them on and find that perfect piece. We want you the customer, to feel as good as the pieces we produce.

We have a large range to suit all individual tastes and styles. All our suppliers and materials are from within Europe. Jewel’d Design Studio concentrate on providing smart and aesthetically styled pieces that can be worn alone or layered together to give a unique and personal style. Jewel’d Design Studio will have a limited number f each piece to ensure our customers style is as unique as them.

While supplying the best quality gold, silver and precious gems, we also have unique pieces suitable for everyday wear. We offer repair, cleaning and fitting service. We want you to feel as good as the pieces we produce.

Open daily Monday to Saturday 10 until 2pm. We offer appointments outside these hours to suit. At Jewel’d Design Studio, our jewellery is our style.

l READY TO SPARKLE: Pictured above is Claire O’Mara, proprietor of Jewel’d Design alongside a range of pieces available at the new store in Smithstown

DRICO’S FOOLIN’ IN DOOLIN

Probe into Broadford burglary

G l SUPER STAYCATION: Former Ireland, Leinster and Lions rugby international Brian O’Driscoll with his wife, actress Amy Huberman pictured with Bill O’Brien of Doolin Ferry Co during their staycation in County Clare this week

ARDAÍ are continuing their investigations after a shop in Broadford village was broken into.

In the early hours of Thursday morning (June 24th) between 3:30am and 3:45am, a shop on the main street of Broadford village was broken into, the shutter mechanism was interfered with and the front door was smashed in.

Intruders forced the cigarette machine off the wall and stole it along with the drawer of the cash register. A silver Audi A3 5 door vehicle was believed to be used in this burglary

according to Gardaí.

Killaloe Garda Station have appealed to anyone who was in Broadford between 3am and 4am and saw this vehicle or who may have dash cam footage to make contact with them on 061 620540.

Meanwhile, a home in the Victoria Court estate on the Lahinch Rd in Ennis was subject to a burglary between 1:10pm and 5pm on Tuesday afternoon (June 22nd). The rear kitchen window was smashed and entry gained to the house. A small and large Afghan gold necklace, a gold Afghan ring and bracelet were stolen.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Government support needed to save airport PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

S

HANNON Airport is in an emergency situation, the organiser of a Clare based group demanding Government support has stated.

Urgent attention is needed for Shannon Airport, members of the Save our Shannon campaign highlighted at a rally held on Saturday afternoon. A socially distanced rally was held by the SOS group at Shannon Airport involving just 15 supporters, a figure that was agreed with the authorities in light of COVID concerns. Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) joined the group in their demonstration.

Chairman of SOS, Denis Now Vaughan stressed that Govern-

ment action is needed now. “It is vital that government acts now to support the thousands of jobs that depend on the airport for their livelihoods. Our government must do something to incentivise airlines to put air services into Shannon and the other smaller airports. Otherwise, we will become a one-state airport”.

“Disastrous” transport policies from the Government are not helping Shannon’s future, Vaughan said at Saturday’s rally. “The livelihoods of thousands of people are at stake”.

“It’s an emergency. We need action. Shannon Airport is massively important to our region, from an economic standpoint and the wider role in the lives of so many people in the Mid-West. We call on the government to initiate the needed steps for revival now. Let Shannon Airport and the Mid-West play a central post-COVID naOpen role forin the Alfresco Dining tional recovery,” Denis concluded.

& Drinks!!!

lSOS: Chairman of Save our Shannon, Denis Vaughan at Saturday’s rally flanked by demostrators

Photo by Eamon Ryan

Fresh calls made for Dowling to be appointed to Board

by PÁRAIC McMAHON FRESH calls have been made by Clare councillors for the Chief Executive of the local authority to be added to the Board of Shannon Group.

A request has been issued to the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) to appoint Limerick native Dowling as CEO of the County Council to the

Board of Shannon Group.

In his proposal before the Council, Cllr John Crowe (FG) stressed, “It is vital that the Local Authority is represented on this important Board as we rebuild Shannon Airport in the wake of Covid-19 as our driver of economic activity in County Clare, the MidWest and Western Regions”.

“This request has been made on many occasion, the time is right now and the reason I say that is with the appointment of new Chair it will lead to a rejig of the Board, we need a major fight with Airport on its knees and we need a very strong leader,” the Sixmilebridge representative added.

Speaking at the adjourned June meeting, Cllr Crowe stated that Dowling’s predecessor Tom Coughlan previously served on the Board of Shannon Group.

“If they are interested in putting people in to fight then our CEO should be on it”.

With a new Chairperson of Shannon Group to be appointed in the near future, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) felt the addition of Dowling to the Board would be timely. “Clare County Council have been very supportive of Shannon Airport down through the years, we need first hand information coming back to the Council”. l REQUEST: Pat Dowling

Photo by John Mangan

Full Gastro Lunch & Gastro Evening Menu – Early Diner Specials – Costa Coffee Serving food daily from 12 noon to 9.30pm

Marquee is Dining Only and reservations required Beer Garden & Car Park Areas will be a Walk in System Full Takeaway Menu available Daily Order online: www.shannonspringshotel.com or by calling 061.364047 / 083.0703662 Offering Deliveries: Thursday to Sunday 12.30pm to 9pm.

17

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

in association with

Ennis ‘attractive location’ for campervans PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

AMPERVAN owners need to be welcomed to Ennis by providing a suitable place for them to park, a Clarecastle representative has said.

In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) asked that consideration be given to using the car park outside the headquarters of Clare County Council or the offices of the former Ennis Town Council in Drumbiggle for campervans over the summer.

Fully manned facilities would be required at Drumbiggle or New Road for this, senior executive officer Carmel Greene responded.

She explained, “At present, the car parks are full on the five-day working week serving staff, councillors and customers. With greater num-

bers likely to be returning to offices in the coming months, the use is likely to increase. Saturdays are often used for regular maintenance works that can only be done when the offices are vacant”.

She cautioned that recruitment of staff, cleaning costs of facilities such as toilets, security and 24 hour cover may impact the feasibility. “It should be noted that there are no showers in either facility and this is a key requirement for caravan parks”.

Cobh and Portumna were cited

by Cllr Murphy as successful examples when it comes to welcoming the campervan community. He believed the addition of a facility would strengthen the message that Ennis is open for business. “There are a lot of campervans being sold and this is something we should go after. Ennis is well known for music and would be a very attractive location for campervan units”.

Such is the demand for campervans presently that they cannot

l Campervans

even be rented, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) claimed. “Hopefully we will see them around Clare this summer,” she said in seconding the

Two new classrooms for St Clare’s Special School

by CIAN O’BROIN ST. CLARE’S Special School in Ennis is to add two new classrooms and 24 students in September.

Located on the Gort Road, the 25-year-old facility caters for young people with barriers to learning between the ages of three to nineteen.

Two new classrooms will accommodate five and six year old children plus the addition of two new teachers and four SNAs to a staff of 50.

Principal John Murphy told The Clare Echo that increasing the enrolment numbers has been an objective since his arrival two years ago from St Gabriel’s of Limerick.

“There were 54 children

here when I arrived two years ago.

“I could have kept it at the same number. It’s viable if you want to sit back and take the shillings.

“I knew the children were out there, but it was just a matter of advertising the school, signposting the children to the school and winning the hearts and minds of the parents.

“The school usually admits three or four children per year but in September, we have 24 new children coming in”.

It has been “a hard journey since COVID visited our shores” he conceded, adding that their students did not easily engage with distance or remote learning.

“These children need to be physically in the building

with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists.

It’s not just about the curriculum in here, it’s about all the other things that make up a broad and balanced person”.

The school is also “a lifeline for parents” where respite can be provided, allowing time for them to go shopping, visit the doctor or dentist during the five and half hour school day.

Mr. Murphy stressed that the absence of physical school time throughout the pandemic led to a great deal of stress, anxiety and hospitalisations for parents and their children.

Being one of 124 special schools nationwide, St. Clare’s specialises in educating children with a severe range of learning barriers, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as life limiting conditions.

“Sadly, each year, one or two pupils pass away, so we like to move forward communions and birthdays and celebrate everything. We are not just a school; we are a community here”. l St Clare’s School is growing

proposal. “It would be good for the town,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) agreed.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) reminded the meeting she raised this issue

last year to encourage the local authority to identify sites and work with private landowners.

Ballyalla Lake would be more suitable than Council car parks, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) commented. “I have been advocating Ballyalla Lake as a motorway beach, it is two minutes from a motorway and there isn’t a beach in the country that has that”. He highlighted that owners of campervans want to stay at beauty spots.

“I don’t see the use of a Council car park as adequate at all,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked. She questioned the profitability of such a service and referenced the absence of private owned equivalents in Clare.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby said they would work with the tourism unit to tease out the matter. “In Cobh the location for staycationers to stay with a campervan is directly across from the Garda station,” senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea advised.

18 FEATURES

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

GREEN CLARE

Additional staff to be hired to tackle littering across the county PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

DDITIONAL staff are to be hired temporarily over the summer period to deal with litter management in

Clare.

Published in May, the National Litter Polluting Monitoring System report for 2020 indicated a slight decrease in littering from 2019 to 2020, “we will be aiming to continue this downward trend in Clare,” senior engineer with Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney outlined.

He confirmed that the local authority are availing of additional funding as part of the €5m national package announced by Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP). This will be used for additional bins, awareness campaigns and supporting community groups to maintain their towns and villages. €95,000 has also been allocated to the Council under the Outdoor Summer Assistance Fund, this can be used in the provision and maintenance of public amenities such as parks, beaches and pedestrianised streets, Feeney explained.

“We are also employing an additional twelve temporary staff across the county to deal with litter management for the summer period”.

His comments came in response to a proposal from Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at the June meeting of the Council. She flagged that littering had reached “unprecedented proportions”. She believed that there was a strong argument to recruit more litter wardens and welcomed the commitment from the local authority to hire more persons in this capacity.

Speaking at the adjourned meeting, the Shannon representative stated that the Leave no Trace policy was not working. “I do feel people need to take personal responsibility. We do need to look at more bins”. She highlighted that broken

glass is limiting the amount of work Tidy Towns groups can do. “I would like to see more education on this and a day when we see no bins”.

She warned, “We’re soon going to see more plastic than fish in the sea”. McGettigan claimed that the cost in Ireland per year associated with cleaning up littering and dumping was €90m.

South Clare is “particularly badly hit” when it comes to littering, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) maintained.

The addition of CCTV cameras and drone footage to catch persons illegally dumping, he added while Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) insisted naming and shaming was the way to go. Illegal dumping was described by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) as “a national pandemic”. “t is every county in the country, it is a huge problem and it is not going away”.

Ennis’ Cllr Pat Daly (FF) reiterated his plea to reward persons who reported individuals that are dumping illegally. “People are not using bottle banks and recycling centres, they should be named and shamed, people are afraid to report people. Until there is some sort of reward for people that report these thugs, this issue won’t go away”.

Adequate resources must be at the Council’s disposal to allow the public access “proper collection services,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) said.

Tidying up fly-tipping costs Clare County Council in the region of €300,000 per annum, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) noted. “There is a fundamental difference between litter and rubbish, litter is the sweet wrapper or can of coke that doesn’t get put in the bin, fly-tipping rubbish is another level.

The flaw is that we privatised the entire process rather than just the collection process.”.

Infrequency with emptying bottle banks was leading to community groups taking home additional waste, Cllr Susan Crawford (GP) revealed.

lMAINTENANCE: Beach litter

Arts & Entertainment 19

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

A State of Emergency PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

L

AHINCH reporter, Richard Chambers is to publish his first book later this year.

HarperCollins have acquired the rights to ‘A State of Emergency’ which will be the first book written by the broadcaster. It will be released in October. A State of Emergency will reflect on the Ireland’s response

to the pandemic and will include several interviews with frontline workers, health officials and members of Cabinet.

In March of this year, Richard was promoted to the role of News Correspondent with Virgin Media News, having joined the outlet in August 2018 from Newstalk.

Of his upcoming publication, Chambers was hopeful it would serve as a “living history of the pandemic”. He stated, “This past year has changed all of our lives. The opportunity to

try to give people a new understanding of what happened in Ireland's Coronavirus crisis is a very exciting one”. The book, Chambers explained will look “the tense meetings, the crucial decisions and the moments the State's response came close to breaking point.”

Speaking with frontline staff across the country was a privilege, Richard said as he learned of their experiences as they “battled fatigue, PPE shortages and devastating surges to save as many lives as possible”.

lPANDEMIC: Richard Chambers

Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

Work of Ennis designer Laetitia Sinterella: an exploration on show at British Museum of visual material-based

by CIAN O’BROIN art storytelling at glór AN ENNIS based designer has been chosen to have her work showcased at the British Museum.

French designer Laetitia Sorohan (pictured right) has her work appearing alongside fellow designers at the ‘Thomas Becket Murder and the making of a Saint Exhibition’ in London which runs until August 22nd.

Laetitia is the designer behind the brand NAIIAD Contemporary Designer Jewellery and a selection of her designs were chosen for this event due to her unique style of jewellery which combines chainmail (or chainmaille) with other medium such as Murano glass and gemstones.

Both chainmail and Murano Glass were techniques used

in medieval times. Chainmail was used to produce armour, today this technique is used to create jewellery.

The British Museum selected these pieces because of the

link between the chainmail and the medieval period that is the focus of the exhibition.

The techniques used to make NAIIAD Jewellery’s pieces are relevant to the time frame of the show.

One of the star objects in the show is an alabaster plaque showing the murder of Thomas Becket and features armoured knights wearing what is likely to be chainmail.

The British Museum were first introduced to NAIIAD Jewellery at Showcase Ireland in 2019 prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic.Originally from the south of France, Laetitia trained as a metalsmith in Paris and has been living in Ireland for about 17 years.

She designs and makes her pieces of jewellery in her studio based in Ennis. She launched NAIIAD in 2018.

by ELAINE TUBRIDY THE Sinterella exhibition by Martha Cashman, Annita McKee and Insaf Yalcinkaya opens in glór on Thursday, July 8.

Sintering is the process of fusing powder-based materials into a solid state through a reaction to high temperature.

In clay work, sintering is when particles stick together permanently, and the work is considered fully fired.

Sinterella is a group exhibition produced to explore the idea of telling stories through material. Each artist chooses her material as a method to express a narrative.

The process of the works’ creation is often regarded as phases or drafts for a finished piece, but in Sinterella, we look at the creative process as a paragraph that lives on as an integral part of the entire story.

Cashman and McKee’s projects re-

spond to useful household objects and use the clay to explore the pebbles to tell different stories, perhaps less utilitarian, about our life and our history.

By taking the objects out of their original contexts, both artists offer brand new narratives for us to think about when seeing a chair, or a spoon. It is an opportunity to reconsider the potential in everything that surrounds us.

Yalcinkaya uses plaster, a material “cousin” of clay, to connect a Kurdish mythological narrative to her life in Ireland. The piece will progress throughout the exhibition period to offer engagement with the artist’s writing about the visual artwork, and her journey to Ireland, including a consideration of the chosen materials.

Sinterella will be accompanied by a series of free workshops for children and young people facilitated by Vicky Smith and Nathalie El Baba. Visit glor.ie for more information and booking.

Embrace life

20 FEATURES

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

W

HEN you think about children of the toddler or of a young age, or are blessed to experience them yourself, you come to a realization that they are always on the move, never wanting to stop. They go through each day with more enthusiasm than a grown up can ever imagine and never tire.

They coast hopefully through their early years with no real trouble and usually with a smile on their faces.

Children seem to have something about them that we as adults lost somewhere along our journey of life. They have the ability to forgive quickly, not really worry about things and get frustrated over things, and just enjoy the simple things in life, while never taking them for granted.

They never hold grudges and never hold resentments against someone, and if for some strange reason they do, they are playing and interacting with them the next day on the playing fields. I remember in the past having experiences with my two daughters when I walked into their room to call them for another new day and they were in their beds. They would jump up and down, screaming with happiness and great big smiles on their faces.

I often wondered what they were smiling and happy about. They were just excited about the dawning of a new day. That is where I thought to myself, "Why can't adults behave like this?

Make the Best of it

Too many times as adults, we forget how to live our lives happily and the days seem to slip on by. Sometimes people tend to mope around, sadly to say, over a variety of things that are out of their control like the weather or even something as silly as someone talking about them at the coffee shop or local pub. Sometimes, people live not just one day like this, but many. They do not know that they cannot get that day or days back...Ever! They repeatedly sob and sulk and in the interim, try to bring others to their level. We are not on this earth to be miserable. We are on it for reasons: To take each day and make the best out of it. To face new challenges and grow from them! To share our joy and happiness in the event that someone else will be infected by it.

We and our emotions are contagious to the people that surround us. Like the children that are in this country, we need to make the best of it for their sake and our own.

We are not on this earth for infinity, but only for a short time.

Constant Change

This life is in constant change. In constant movement. It’s easy to embrace life when things go the way we dreamed of. When we are “successful” in our life, in our relationships and in our work. But what about the moments when we are not? When it feels like our life is falling apart?

When big changes happen? When we are unhappy? Feel stuck? When we are in doubt about the next steps in our journey of life? Life as an ever present teacher is presenting us with change, challenge, grief, loss and intense emotions of anger, despair, jealousy, fear, shame, guilt as well as beauty, joy, love, gratitude and blessing. The journey of Life is inviting us to dance with all aspects of life. Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes, so Benjamin Franklin told us more than 200 or more years ago.

This holds true, but there are other certainties in life, certainties which everyone in the world has become more acutely aware of during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of life’s certainties such as - Everything changes and ends, Things do not always go according to plan, Life is not always fair, Pain is a part of life and People are not always loving and loyal all the time. Our ongoing experience with this Coronavirus Pandemic reinforces the notion that everything has changed, with our wiser self telling us that we won’t be returning to life as we knew it. Plans we had made have quickly crumbled, challenging the myth that we are in control of our destiny. But we also know or desperately hang on to the belief that this time of pandemic will end and hopefully it will soon!

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, go back to when you were a child and live without the troublesome melancholy that can seem to swallow you up at times. Life comes at you very fast and when it does, you have to be ready. Before you know it, your children will have children and your time on this earth will be coming to an end. So in the wake of recent tragedies in our world and the ongoing sadness and loss of life happening every day around our world through the Coronavirus, I send this loving invitation out to everyone it resonates with: Make this present moment of your life count.

Spend your liveliness this week thoughtfully on words and actions that serve you and others well. Be thankful for what you have, know-

ing that you have far more than you’ll ever need. Celebrate your gifts, your creativity, and your voice in this grand chorus of life. You and I are both here to inspire one another, to help one another, to share with one another. Sing from your soul. Value your life and the lives of those around you. We are all in this together. So truly value your life and everyone in it.

Don't lose sight of what’s important. Don’t lose hope when life gets tough. Don’t give up on your dreams for the future. Don’t sell yourself short in life. Don’t forget how to hug, to laugh, to smile.

Don’t be too proud to cry. Don’t be hateful or hurtful. Don’t forget to say, “thank you”, "I am sorry" and “I love you” each and every day.

Don’t expect there will always be a tomorrow. Don’t forget that one small kindness pays you back two fold. Everybody has something to offer. Indeed, most of us have many things to offer and, in a lot of cases, special expertise is not required. A face of love cures all ills.

We are all capable of giving that which people need most of all: Love.

Love translates into time, service and the sharing of oneself. Don't give up. Share the love, share your love. Be a face of love. And remember that there is no better thing that you can do in life than to love someone or care for someone or be there for someone.

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. I pray that each of you that have read this thought for the week today and on other occasions, may be blessed always and in all ways and that you will always value your life and the lives of others with gratitude especially during these worrying times.

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those that have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settled in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our world at times let us choose love during this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.

Let us always pray for and stand up for everyone working on the frontline. Amen.

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

CREATIVE BEAUTY

lUNIQUE: Pictured here is the unveiling of the volunteer

community project Clare Quilt, which was envisioned and executed by Valery Larkin along with members of the public.

Each square within the quilt was designed through each individual’s personal creative expression and depicts a different location within the county. A community first project, where each artist took their own initiative, the Clare Quilt is a celebration of the beauty of unique landmarks within the County and the finished product pictured here hopes to celebrate the continued strength of tourism within the county. Back Row: Carolane Fisher, Bernie Callinan, Tess Diviney, Cora O’Grady, Soo Ling Howard, Mary Lee. Front Row: Maureen Gooney, Valery Larkin, Maureen Flynn Photo by Joe Buckley

New online ticket system for Cliffs launched PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

FULLY integrated ticketing, booking and capacity management system is being introduced at the Cliffs of Moher to further enhance the overall visitor experience for the 1.6 million annual visitors to Ireland's most popular natural attraction.

Clare County Council has engaged Vivaticket to roll out the Visitor Attraction Management System (VAMS) which will enable individuals and group tours to secure their visit and experience at an available time via a booking portal allowing for improved visitor flow and a better visitor spread.

The new technology will go live this summer and also offers a range of other features aimed at delivering economic and social benefits for the wider Clare tourism sector.

Established in 1999, Vivaticket is a leading global provider of integrated ticketing software solutions to the leisure and entertainment, sport, culture and tradeshow industries.

The company has over 3000 clients worldwide, including FC Barcelona, Walt Disney World

Resort in Florida, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

“We are pleased to appoint Vivaticket in helping us deliver our promise of ensuring the first interaction the public has with the Cliffs of Moher is a warm welcome rather than a focus on a monetary transaction,” explained Leonard Cleary, Director of Service, Rural Development and Tourism, Clare County Council.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd. added, “It’s important we invest in digitalisation so that the visitor can get the most out of their visit.

"Embracing new technology also supports us in our mission to deliver a world class visitor experience that manages demand and delivers back to the wider tourism sector in County Clare.”

Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience outlined, “This critical investment is commitment to continued development of the services provided and will allow for a range of new products to be brought to the market including bespoke nature experiences with knowledgeable guides, authentic multi-attraction experiences, accommodation bundling, local inspired outdoor dining offerings, Co. Clare produced gifts all tailored to the emerging post pandemic market”.

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Community MILTOWN

COMMUNITY 21 CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

OIDHREACHT AN CHLÁIR

OUR unique Visitor Centre, The Music Makers of West Clare, has recently reopened in Áras OaC in the Flag Road, Miltown Malbay.

Opening hours 10.30am – 5.00pm, Monday-Saturday.

We also supply, postage included, a range of CDs of traditional music and song and of books of local and historical interest: see our catalogues at www.oac.ie. Contact us at eolas@oac.ie or at 065-708 5785.

VISITOR INFORMATION POINT

THE Visitor Information Point for Miltown Malbay has now been relocated, with the agreement of Fáilte Ireland, from An Ghiolla Finn to Áras OaC/ The Music Makers of West Clare, Flag Road.

SHANNON CYS SUMMER CAMP

THE return of the Clare Youth Service summer camps is set to provide a great boost to children and parents across the county over the coming weeks.

The hugely popular camps which have served Banner children for four decades will return in person in Ennis and Shannon, albeit the numbers attending will be smaller in line with guidelines.

Thomas O'Hara of CYS said that the green light to proceed is hugely welcome to CYS, Children will be divided into a two-hour camp in mornings and afternoons over 3 days from the 12th to the 14th of July in Ennis and from the 19th to the 21st of July in Shannon camps.

The camps will be divided into the 7 to 9 age group from 10am to 12:00 pm and the 10 to 12 age group from 1pm to 3 pm.

Places are filling fast and further information can be got from Thomas O Hara on 0858019666 (Shannon Camp) and Helena Slattery on 0858047580 (Ennis camp).

lTHUMBS UP: Getting ready for the Clare Youth Service Pop-Up Café at the Fairgreen in Ennis were Eve Hennessy Woods, Rachel Dunne Lambe Helena Slattery and colleagues.

CYS POP UP CAFÉ

LIKE many organisations, Clare Youth Service is getting used to providing its service in the great outdoors and the Fair Green has become their latest base with a new Pop-Up Youth Café last Saturday.

The event was open to all young people and provided refreshments, activities, games and most importantly an opportunity for young people to engage with each other and Clare Youth Service staff. CYS CEO, Margaret Slattery explains that outdoor work

COUNTYWIDE SPEED LIMIT REVIEW

CLARE councillors have appealed for the next speed limit review to be brought forward, writes Páraic McMahon.

2018 was the last time a speed limit review was carried out in the county. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) initiate the national speed limit review every five years.

An update on when the next review would take place was requested by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) at the June meeting of Clare County Council. The inclusion of traffic calming in towns and villages needs to be included in this review, he believed.

Several constituents had raised the matter with him over the past 12 months, Cooney stated. “We are all well aware there are a lot of people walking and cycling because of a change of lifestyle, it is important this review goes on sooner rather than later. I don’t know why there is so much speeding going into towns and villages. In fairness to the local authority they have put in traffic calming to alleviate speeding. My belief is more needs to be done. The most important thing to be done is for the speed limit review to take place sooner rather than later in interests of road safety,” the O’Callaghans Mills man outlined.

Routes from Whitegate to Killaloe and Tuamgraney had been highlighted to Cllr

has been part of the CYS agenda for many years but it has increased in recent months, “Outdoor work and pop-up provision has always been central to youth work as we try to meet young people where they are at and make ourselves available and accessible.

“Events like the Pop-Up Café allow young people to engage with the Service in a direct way and find out more about what programmes and services are on offer in their area.

“All activities are staffed by trained, Garda-

vetted Youth Workers who carry ID and observe current public health guidelines.”

Expect more pop-up events around the county from the Clare Youth Service team who are clearly identifiable by their distinct Blue Hoodies and Navy Jackets.

The next Pop-Up Café in the Fairgreen is planned for Saturday the 10th July.

Please contact Rachel on 085 8726293 or youthinformation@clareyouthservice for more details.

DOOLOUGH Pat Burke (FG) he told the meeting while backing his colleague’s bid to bring the review forward.

Speed limits around national schools is an all too common discussion, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) felt. He asked that the speed limit around all national schools be set at 50km/h. “There is always a danger with children crossing the road,” Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) agreed.

“It is one of the top three things I get to deal with and especially in last 12-15 months.

Our roads have gone from providing just a transport function to an amenity function and that increase has been notable,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) said.

Residential zones should have a speed limit of 30km/h, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) insisted.

He detailed that five out of ten pedestrians will die if hit by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h while “only one in ten” will die if the speed of the vehicle is 30km/h, this view was echoed

by Cllr Mary Howard (FG). “We need to protect our vulnerable road users. The review needs to be brought urgently forward.

Housing estates were designed for one car in driveway, now there is lines of cars and very little visibility,” he added.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby replied the next review was due to be initiated in 2023 but would have a long lead-in period.

WATER TREATMENT

COMPENSATION is being sought for locals who had property damaged as a consequence of foul discharge from Doolough treatment plant in West Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

A discharge to the Annageeragh river in April prompted a joint investigation by Irish Water and Clare County Council. Parts of the river turned orange following “issues encountered with the on-site sludge treatment process”.

Irish Water confirmed, “the discharge occurred at the New Doolough Water Treatment Plant (WTP) where processes are in place to treat this material, known as sludge” and that the issues have been resolved.

Low flow in the river was attributed for it taking a number of days for the material to make its way down towards Annageeragh Bridge.

“Irish Water and Clare County Council undertook immediate action to identify the cause of the discharge and prevent a similar discharge in the future. We are continuing to examine further remedial actions that may be undertaken”. The incident has been reported to the Environmental Protection Agency and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Importation of old sludge from the Old Doolough water treatment plant has been suspended pending further remedial works

at the plant.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) had requested information on the foul discharge from Doolough particularly the cause, the amount of discharges in two years, the impact on the river water, fish population and animals, how the damage would be assessed. He also called on Irish Water “to accept responsibility for any damage caused to humans, animals and fish” and asked what steps Irish Water will take to ensure that there are no repeat discharges.

In response Irish Water stated, “As part of daily plant operations, water from the sludge treatment process and from the backwash water tank are discharged daily from the plant. This has been ongoing normal operating practice at both of the Doolough plants. There have been no notifiable discharge incidents in the past two years”.

Commissioned in 1984, the new Doolough water treatment plant “is in need of upgrade,” the spokesperson responded. “Irish Water is currently progressing an upgrade of this plant, which include upgrades to the sludge treatment process. The estimated completion date for these works is June 2022”.

Cllr Kelly was not satisfied with the response.

“Locals tell me it has happened frequently,” he remarked.

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

EASY CORN FRITTERS

E

Kearney Cooks

VERY week before I write this column, I cook the recipe to make sure there is no problems with it. I also record the cook so that we can provide a cook along instructional video to accompany the recipe (check out The Clare Echo Facebook page for them).

Naturally enough, I usually have to buy in or source my ingredients every week.

However, this week was different. Work was insanely busy and my usual grocery shopping trip got put on the long finger.

So by the time I realised I had a recipe to write up I knew I was in trouble. I had very little fresh ingredients in the house, but thankfully I usually keep a well stocked dry goods cupboard. And that is why this week, I am doing Corn Fritters.

FOR THE BATTER: • 60g self raising flour • 20g milk • 2 eggs • 1tsp cumin • 1tsp turmeric • 1tsp garlic powder

R

ebecca O’Neill

•

Salt and pepper to season

VEGGIES TO ADD: • 1 small can of sweetcorn • 1 red onion diced (I like mine chunky, but cut them to a size you like) • Half a diced bell pepper • 1 diced chilli

Step 4 Leave the cooked fritters to drain on some kitchen paper and then serve with a dip of your choice (I like sweet chilli with them).

You should get about 12 fritters from this recipe. This is a very handy recipe to use up leftover veggies in the house. Grated carrot, courgettes and sweet potatoes all work fantastically in this,

Step 1 Horse your flour, eggs and milk into a bowl and mix until smooth, then add your spices and seasoning.

and anything that helps cut down on waste is welcome in my kitchen. This can also be a sneaky way to get the kids to eat some veggies too.

As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram (@stevekearney37).

Enjoy

Steve K

Step 2 Drain your sweetcorn and add it into your batter along with the rest of your veg. Stir it through until it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3 On a medium to hot heat, pour some oil into a pan and let it heat up. Drop a spoonful of your mix into the pan and let it gently fry, when the edges go brown, give it a flip and let it fry on the other side. Three minutes each side should be plenty.

Top tanning tips

Beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill shares her tried and tested methods for fake tanning and looks at some of the best products out there

E

VERYONE has their preferred self tanning products that work for their skin type. Whether that involves instant tan or overnight gradual tan. Fake tan can give you that perfect bronzed glow from head to toe when applied correctly.

There is a certain technique when it comes to applying fake tan and blending it into the skin.

TANNING TIPS: When tanning the body it is so important to know that you need the right tools to apply it. I always recommend using a velvet tanning mitt as it is very soft on the skin, causing little to no redness.

When applying onto the hands, it is extremely helpful to use a small brush.

For example a fluffy makeup brush is perfect for blending around the fingers.

This gives a more natural effect during the application. When tanning the face I love to use tanning spray.

My favourite product for this would be the Dripping Gold Wonder Water Self Tanning face mist which can be bought in your local pharmacy. This gives such a natural effect and allows for a very blending and natural look on the face. This products

retails as a spray which allows the product to cover the whole area. I always apply body moisturiser all over the body especially the elbows and knees where it tends to be very dry, before tanning application to ensure I get the perfect blend.

AFFORDABLE FAKE TANNING PRODUCTS I LOVE: I have tried and tested these products and I absolutely love how they’re made, how consistent they are and the way they look on the skin.

BELLAMIANTA TANNING LOTION: This Irish self tanning product offers such a beautiful blend with a gold undertone. It contains natural extracts which helps the lotion maintain and balance moisture in the skin. I love applying lotion to my skin when it feels very dry.

I would always recommend lotion products for the likes of people that have very dry skin and need to lock in moisture, while having a perfectly blending tan.

DRIPPING GOLD LUXURY TANNING MOUSSE BY SUZANNE JACKSON: This tan is perfect for all skin types containing vitamins A and E which helps the finished look have a very nourished and hydrated glow.

This product is extremely light weight on the skin and very easy to apply.

It is vegan and has fruit and flower extracts which gives it a lovely scent. This product blends really well using circular motions. It is so easy to apply and is suitable for all skin types while giving you that effortless glow.

NAKED GLOW SELF TAN

BY LOVE KIMBERLY: This tan is very new on the market now so the minute I saw it, I wanted to try it.

The Sun-kissed Skin Luxury Mousse is my favourite from this range. It compliments yellow skin tones due to the mix of golden caramel bronzers.

With a much easier application, this product can be found on www.NakedGlowSelfTan.ie

COLUMNIST 23

THURSDAY, JUl 1 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

In this week’s column, Joe Melody reflects on the reality of subcontracting essential farm work

W

HILE we are both in the season of field work and societal COVID-19 restrictions, it seems that the hum of farm machinery is more prolific than the roar of aircraft over our skies heralding the arrival of visitors to our shores for their summer sojourn.

The majority of these machines are operated by agricultural contractors, and what a service they provide to us farmers.

They have enabled farmers to expand and concentrate their resources on stockmanship and managerial tasks within their business by outsourcing most machinery related tasks.

The farmer does not have to have an expensive piece or pieces of machinery on his balance sheet and deal with the maintenance and associated costs.

Nor does the farmer have to procure the labour to operate that same machinery.

I sometimes read articles with headings that go along the lines of ‘See how this one labour unit operation manages 150 dairy cows’.

Who wouldn’t want to read such an article and find out what that farmer eats for breakfast or what unique genetics they posses or even what combination of both allows them to mange that number of cows alone and unaided. The reality however is some-

MACHINERY: Joe Melody attending to the milking on his farm in Bunratty

what different, the modern large scale farmer usually subcontracts out key duties such as silage making, slurry spreading etc.

There is usually some amount of casual labour employed during the busy period whether in the form of a student in the spring or relief milkers in the summer. the actual man hours associated with running a dairy farm in particular would be unsustainable otherwise.

Every year as part of our dairy discussion group, we endeavour to fill in a profit monitor.

It is a super resource in terms of bench marking where your at in terms of profitability with other similar farms and in turn it can help with projecting where you might be in the future financially.

I have one issue with the profit monitor however and that is that in many cases the farmer does not put in a figure for his own hours worked and hence there is no cost put in for his labour.

If this figure is left out of the final analysis, it gives an unrealistic farm profit figure. This serves nobody well and perhaps takes some of the onus off our co-ops to pay a better price.

High quality baled silage now makes up a decent proportion of dairy cows diet, the cows are satisfied enough on this but it does create a good deal of extra work feeding it out.

This will be our modus operandi until the rain arrives. In the past few days we have put a vasectomised teaser bull with the cows.

We find this one of the most effective ways of picking up late heats in cows.

He is fitted with a chin ball harness which will act like a big ball point pen and mark the cows with paint.

It’s a simple technology but it works and works well.

J

The youth disconnect

UST 13 months into the work of a new Government is a great time for a bye-election.

It gives us a chance to assess the public mood and performance of the various parties, albeit with the local caveats and trends considered. Given both the unprecedented year and unprecedented coalition we have, this one takes on an extra degree of attention. With the Government’s extremely confused announcement on Tuesday of a delay in the opening of society, just a week and a half from polling day, this is sure to influence the outcome. Nevertheless, just the day previous a poll landed that made for good viewing for Labour, but worrying viewing for both FG and SF. The latter two tried to frame the bye-election, and therefore all politics going forward, as a twohorse race between them.

However, FG on 27%, with Labour on 22% and SF way back on 13% bursts that narrative. In fact, SF were only 2% ahead of the Greens with FF 1% further behind. The devil was, as always, in the details though.

The poll found that SF fared better with younger voters and in less well-off areas than others. Tellingly, they did not dominate any single category. In the end, the destination of the seat will result on turnout in various areas and the transfer pattern of the lower placed candidates. Political analyists will pour over that data and look to apply it to various other constituencies, like here in Clare.

The item from the polls that most caught my eye linked to this column’s article just last week; FF’s ever worsening performance with the youth vote. Ac-

cording to the Irish Times poll in Dublin Bay South, FF scored just 2% with 18- to 24-year-olds and 4% with 25- to 34-year-olds.

This will set off alarm bells within FF, which, to their detriment, they have long ignored from their own youth wing. But is it too late to do something about it now?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the re-organisation of Ógra Fianna Fáil into a vastly more autonomous organisation, with the capability to elect its own leader, having previously being a handpicked member of the FF Parliamentary Party. There have been eight Fianna Fáil National Youth Conferences in that time, electing 7 different Presidents of which I was one. In all, those conferences have elected 80 different people to Ógra’s central officer board. Many people credit the groundwork Ógra fronted up, as a transformative aspect of FF’s fortunes post the 2011 election disaster. This resulted in the party coming out on top amongst young voters in the 2014 local elections.

The now Taoiseach also openly acknowledged in a TV interview after the Marriage Equality referendum that Ógra took the lead in the party’s referendum campaign. It comes as a big surprise then to think that, of the 80 young FF members to serve as national officers of the party’s youth wing in that time, just 6 of these have gone on to become Councillors, one of which was a recent co-opted, and another having since stepped down from the roll.

Only 6 more of these were ever even candidates.

None of these officers have been considered for a Dáil run. When you consider that FF elected 267 and

279 Cllrs in the two local elections in that time, this represents a phenomenally poor return. There have been more elected from the Ógra ranks in that time who were not officers. By my count, there are just 24 Cllrs nationally, outside of those mentioned above, who got their start in the party’s youth wing over that time.

Ennis’ Mark Nestor being one. There have also been 2 TDs and 3 Senators that have come from this pool of activists. Given the size of Ógra in that time, and the fact that under 40’s represent half the population of Ireland, it’s shocking to think that FF can only find a space for only 32 Ógraí over the past decade amongst the publicly elected ranks.

If you ask around, you’ll hear stories of gerrymandered conventions and conventions receiving, frankly odd selection criteria on the night, the end result being the up-and-coming candidate being frozen out. These stories are quick to be dismissed as the complaints of the embittered few, but the numbers speak for themselves. Barely one in 10 public reps for FF have come through, what was dubbed, the golden age of Ógra.

The party’s leadership let that happen and now, scores of 20 and 30 something year old members have left, leaving a huge disconnect between the party and their peers in their wake. The youth problem for FF is nothing new; the seeds were sown up to 8 years ago in some instances. They’re just finally bearing bitter fruit, that’s wrongly been dismissed for too long as sour grapes. The party needs to act fast or predictions of doom from 2011 will soon be back to haunt them.

24 RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

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

Ownership of three Shannon Heritage sites transferred to Council PÁRAIC MCMAHON

O

paraic@clareecho.ie

WNERSHIP and operation of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen is to be transferred of Clare County Council.

All three tourist attractions had previously been operated and maintained by Shannon Heritage since its formal establishment in 2014.

Alongside Shannon Airport and Shannon Commercial Properties, it fell under the banner of Shannon Group.

Prior to the pandemic, Shannon

Heritage’s operations contributed an estimated €20m annually in spin-off revenue. In total, it operated eight different sites based in Clare, Limerick, Dublin and Galway. During peak season, 350 people are employed by Shannon Heritage with the figure dropping to 145 for fulltime all year round staff.

In a memo to go before Cabinet on Tuesday afternoon, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton (FG) revealed that the discussions with regard to the transfer of the heritage sites to Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council were ongoing along with that of the retail outlet at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

Members of Cabinet were told that no final decision had been made

but flagged that the local authorities would engage with Shannon Group on all issues arising including staffing matters.

Shannon Group have confirmed to The Clare Echo that they are in in discussions with local authorities in Clare and Limerick on the transfer of the Shannon Heritage company and all its visitor attractions in Co. Clare to Clare County Council.

A spokesperson for Shannon Group outlined that the employment rights of its 200 employees at the sites will not change.

An agreement in principle has been reached with Clare County Council but this will take some months to conclude. It is the intention of the parties that the transfer will be completed by the end of 2021.

CW

­

conor whelan

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BUSINESS 25

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

Cellnet donates crucial device to Bunratty Search & Rescue

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND CLARE REGION INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES

SOCIAL CARE WORKERS l HELPING THE HELPERS: Nick Manowski and Jonathan Cronin from Cellnet

STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE shoe was on the other foot recently as Bunratty Search & Rescue were in urgent need of help when their radio equipment was decommissioned, potentially hampering their life-saving work.

A crucial device being used by Bunratty Search & Rescue was causing interference with radio towers in the area and as it did not meet the standard of Irish radio licencing, they were forced to have the device decommissioned. Bunratty Search & Rescue were left in a predicament as the building has low coverage and they could not receive important calls, which could be a matter of life and death.

When Cellnet were approached informally by a member of the wireless regulation authority on the issue, the East Clare company – which specialises in cellular solutions providing coverage to mobile phones and devices – they decided to donate and carry out the full installation of a mobile repeater to Bunratty Search & Rescue to make sure these life savers can carry out their important duty in the community.

A spokesperson for Cellnet said, “The

Bunratty Search and Rescue team are a crucial service to the people and visitors of Country Clare and Cellnet are proud and delighted to be able to support them in doing their invaluable work."

Bunratty Search and Rescues communications and connectivity problem is one that echoes throughout Ireland. All over the country, thousands are dealing with poor connectivity, either this is because of old technology, geographic location, or something as simple as modern levels of insulation in our homes. But these are issues Cellnet have first-hand experience of and know how to overcome.

The spokesperson added, “By working with Comreg approved devices, which work to give a reliable and stable connection to phone signals as well as 3G, 4G and soon 5G, Cellnet is not only connecting you to what is important in your life but also ensure your connection is not causing interference with other systems and stays within legal regulations.

“Cellnet has gained a strong reputation on guiding customers through all the technical and legal implications associated with modern day communication systems. So, whether they be for saving lives or attending a Zoom bingo session, Cellnet’s expertise will reassure you and provide you with the best possible connection.”

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26 NEWS

Property

THURSDAY, JUL 1 2021

HUGE POTENTIAL AT LANDMARK FAMILY BUSINESS IN KILMALEY CULLEEN HOUSE, KILMALEY €375,000 or €600 per week For Sale by Private Treaty Overall Floor Area: 4650 sq. ft.

E

STABLISHED in the early 1990s in Kilmaley where previously the old creamery stood, Culleen Lodge has served visitors, passers-by and locals alike for the best part of three decades. It comes to the market as what its owners of 30 years describe as a thriving business.

Purchased by the Pilkington family in 1991, Carmel and Patsy oversaw the business with help of their three children as it extended on a number of occassions to develop into a multi-purpose business incorporating a guesthouse, takeaway and restaurant. A great asset to the Kilmaley area, it serviced many local functions along with casual trade.

Primely located on the very busy tourist route of Ennis to Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point is just a 15-minute drive. The business sits adjacent to the local pub, The Kilmaley Inn along with the local shop, McNamee’s Londis Kilmaley creating a hive of activity in the area.

Selling agents for the property, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley in Ennis, say that there is also the potential to convert the guesthouse into private residential living space in order to have business and family home in the one location.

Owner, Carmel Pilkington told The Clare Echo that the time has come for the family to sell on the business with their children having moved on and herself and husband Patsy having reached retirement age.

“It’s a very thriving business, it’s a very good location,” she said. “There’s nothing really for food between Ennis and Miltown Malbay and we have had great local business here over the years, along with everything going West. Noone passed us out without coming in so we had that throughout the years.

“It was the old creamery since before we were born, that was there. We bought that and built on

the chipper in 1993. Then we built on the restaurant in 1998 and we built the B&B onto it in 2004.

“We ran it until 2018. Our children had moved on and age came against us. It was actually too busy for us, it’s a thriving business.”

Included in accomodation are a well-maintained takeaway/ cafe, with a separate entrance to the front with a seating area for 25 people and counter space; an L-shaped restaurant which can seat up to 60 people, ideal for private functions; a kitchen which is compliant with health board regulations; and a six-bedroom guesthouse, all en-suite. Outside is a large tarmac driveway with space for larger vehicles in a private car park area to the rear.

Available for let or for sale, Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling/ Letting Agents.

John Clohessy SCSI RICS Tel: 065 - 6840200 DNG Partner Director

Sport Clare Echo THE

01-07-21

pg 27

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

Spanish Point Golf Club defend handicap system PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

S

PANISH Point Golf Club have defended the handicap system in place for its members.

In the middle of June, Spanish Point Golf Club claimed their third Pierce Purcell Shield since 2013. The format for the competition is five pairs playing off a combined handicap of 27 and the minimum handicap being 12. The competition is named after a man regarded as one of the great golfing administrators in the country from 1920 to 1950.

When it came to their 2021 final, Spanish Point were clear cut 4-1 winners over Dunmurry on the links terrain of Donegal Golf Club on the Murvagh Peninsula.

Criticism was aimed in the direction of the Clare club in the aftermath of their success. The Irish Golfer Podcast labelled the scores achieved by Spanish Point as “wild”, “the handicaps are all over the shop”. Of the three titles in recent years, the presenters stated, “all things being right that should not happen” and continued, “(there is) something absolutely dodge about handicaps, it is not right”. As the discussion progressed, it was affirmed that Spanish Point were strong enough to play in higher competitions, “It is a good win for them but it is tarnished for them when they get scores like that.

Further views online from golfers across the country heard views

that half of Spanish Point’s team were capable of playing off single figures while one individual remarked, “this club is an embarrassment to the game of golf ”.

Team member, Seamus McMahon said the comments were “disappointing”. He told The Clare Echo, “The win was a phenomenal success for Spanish Point Golf Club, it was a hugely positive experience for the club. The commentary has been in relation to the final which was the biggest win of the year, throughout the year there has been some titanic battles all year not least the Munster Final which was so close that the final match went to six extra holes and had to be played over two days, there was very little between some of the teams, a bounce of the ball here or there decided some of the matches. If you looked at the final and the results of the final on paper, it wasn’t a true reflection of how close it was throughout the year and also in the final you had a links team playing links golf on a links course in windy conditions against a team that were from a parkland course which was a big advantage”.

Club secretary Noel Connellan when it was put to him by The Clare Echo that winning three Pierce Purcell titles in seven years was unheard of, responded, “You could say it is unheard of but Spanish Point have proved it can be done and they have done it, the first time they won it was a fantastic achievement, they tried for many years to do it and failed, the second year they knew what to do and did it, it wasn’t going to a course and playing a practice round, the lads went

to the course and played it five or six times so they would know every part of the course which gave them a great edge going forward.

If you put in the effort, you will get the result and Spanish Point put in the effort”.

He added, “To win an All-Ireland is the greatest accolade you can hang in the club, an All-Ireland is unreal, Munster titles are great but to be in an All-Ireland is a huge achievement but to win it three times is unreal”.

PRO and committee member of Spanish Point Golf Club, Mervin Hehir was unsure how many members of the team kept the same handicap in recent years. “I don’t know how many members of the team have kept the same handicap, the team from 2014 there was only three starters from that team on the 2020 team. There was a whole new panel there, there was an awful lot of young lads part of the 2020 team playing Pierce Purcell for the first time”.

McMahon added, “It is not the

same ten people that have played, some lads handicaps will vary throughout competitions and there will be adjustments made based on success, either individual success or team success, handicaps will be adjusted based on that, those adjustments will all be made in conjunction with the Munster Golf and match handicap authorities, they will be reviewed and come under scrutiny with the authority for handicaping, those reviews are ongoing the whole time and will be constantly audited the whole time in relation to the handicaps”.

Secretary Connellan admitted that handicaps of members did increase when they joined the club but it was flagged that this was not used for any qualifying system last year. “That only happened because the World Handicap System came into place in January. The person is a member that came from Dromoland, he was 12.4 and his handicap went to 13.6, because he submitted about 30 cards in Dromoland

when he joined Spanish Point his handicap was adjusted accordingly, that has happened to everyone else all over the country. There was no adjustment made but the World Handicap System changed it slightly”.

Presently there are 650 members in the club, Hehir said they were ambitious enough to try progress past the Pierce Purcell. “The next category up from Pierce Purcell is Jimmy Bruen, of course we have aspirations to go up higher, when we won the All-Irelands in 2013 and 2014, we did have a Jimmy Bruen team and were in a Munster semi-final for it in 2014 and the final for 2015 but we never got over the line in that competition because the standard was just too good and we’ve always tried to enter a Jimmy Bruen team and win it but it has never happened, we will continue to try and win a Jimmy Bruen”.

Above: The Spanish Point team that won the Pierce Purcell Shield. Photograph: Golffile

Mills man to take on coaching role in South Africa O’CALLAGHANS Mills’ Noel McNamara is to take up a senior coaching position in South Africa.

McNamara is to take up a new coaching role with a South African United Rugby Championship franchise, the IRFU have confirmed. The Sharks are the favourites to land the services of the East Clare man.

While studying as a final year PE

and Maths student at UL, Noel began his rugby coaching career with Glenstal Abbey. From here, he spent eight years over Clongowes Wood in Kildare guiding them to two Leinster Senior Schools Cup titles.

He will leave his role as Leinster Academy manager which he has been in since 2019 as a result.

He was head coach of the Ireland U20s from 2018 to 2020 winning

a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019.

Noel joined the IRFU’s elite player pathway team in 2016 as a development officer at Leinster.

He has coached both the Ireland and Leinster schools representative teams as well as Leinster U19s, U20s and Leinster A. “I am grateful to the IRFU and Leinster Rugby for helping to facilitate this move which will be anoth-

er great learning and development opportunity for me as a coach. I have received great support to date on my coaching journey garnering experience with multiple underage teams, exposure to senior provincial and national coaches and getting the opportunity of a three month placement with North Harbour in New Zealand,” he said on Wednesday.

01-07-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 28

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

Big game opinion with

Darach Honan

C

lare GAA experienced a winter of discontent in which our dirty linen was aired publicly, and failings of our county board were highlighted to the country. At times it appeared as though our county board were actively working against the management of the senior hurling team. The need for change at executive level had never been so obvious.

It was a welcome break then, to return to championship action at the weekend. Clare came into the game with a sense that they were gathering momentum. After uneven performances at the beginning of the league, they had won three on the bounce culminating in an excellent performance against Kilkenny in Ennis and the team began to take shape as players became familiar and comfortable in their surroundings.

Waterford’s performances throughout the league had been volatile. They were hammered by Cork and when they laboured past Westmeath, I wondered whether they could maintain the intensity and high energy gameplan that they had applied last year.

They seemed to answer that question with a great win over Limerick, the top team in the country. However, they were well beaten by Galway only to comprehensively beat Tipp in their last game, so they appeared to carry some momentum of their own into the Munster Championship clash with Clare.

The main talking point in Clare has been the positioning of John Conlon at centre back. John has some experience in this position having played there with our club in 2015. He took some time to find his feet at six in this year’s campaign, but after a solid performance here against Kilkenny he continued in that vein on Sunday.

John got on the world of ball and at times it looked like Waterford were actually picking him out with passes such was his dominance of possession.

There will be aspects of his use of the ball which should improve with every game as he continues to adapt to this role, but he will be delighted with his first championship performance after a long layoff.

Tactically Clare got their approach spot on while Waterford floundered.

Our back 6 remained compact and did not get stretched out the field.

They were enabled to do this through huge work rate from our half forwards and midfielders. Waterford were unable to get their running game going for the first 50 minutes of this game as Clare won the battle in the middle third, stopped runs and forced poor clearances into the welcoming arms of Conlon, Ryan and Fitzpatrick. Waterford rarely bypassed our half backline and when they did there was a cover-

ing defender coming back to snuff out the danger.

Clare also sprung a surprise with the positioning of Tony Kelly at full forward. Withdrawing Conlon from the forwards will inevitably lead to losing some attacking zeal. Clare balanced this with playing Tony in a more advanced role and it worked a treat. Tony scored five from play and was a constant threat in another great performance from him. This positioning had the added bonus of taking Calum Lyons out of his comfort zone and negating the attacking threat and creativity which he usually brings to proceedings.

Clare were entirely dominant for the first three quarters of this game and while we led comfortably, we should have been completely out of sight. A mix of some selfish play, poor shot selection and poor shooting was to blame for this. There were numerous times when we took on a shot under pressure rather than use a free man in a better position. Sometimes this can happen on the first day out in championship and it is an area where we can expect to see improvement with a game under our belts against Tipp.

On a relatively stress-free day for Clare, one cause for concern was the lagging and hint of tiredness towards the end of the game. Waterford got on top in the last quarter, they got their running game into rhythm and began to chip away at Clare’s lead. Save for some bad free taking and shooting of their own it may have been all too close for comfort in the dying minutes of the game. With only a short turnaround until the Tipperary game the lads will need to recover and come into this weekends game fresh and with huge energy.

Tipperary pose a different threat to Waterford and play a more traditional game. While Waterford aim to withdraw their forwards and create overlaps through a running game, Tipperary hold their forwards further up the field. This should lead to a greater challenge for our defensive unit. Tipperary’s age profile is older now which gives Clare a chance to bring more energy and work rate to the game. Having sharpened our claws against Waterford, Clare should be able to play a higher paced game and bring a match sharpness that Tipp will find hard to have replicated in training over the past few weeks.

Clare are coming into this game in a perfect position. They dominated Waterford but still have plenty to improve on which will keep the lads grounded. Clare should have enough to beat Tipperary and advance to a Munster Final. All we would need then is our government to finally see sense, apply logic and allow supporters to attend these games.

Hammer blow for Clare U20s SEAMUS HAYES WITH just over a week to go to the opening round of the Munster U20 hurling championship, Clare have been dealt a huge blow with the news that both Mark Rodgers and Shane Meehan will miss the campaign.

When Rodgers was introduced to the Clare attack ten minutes from the end of Sunday’s Munster senior championship quarter final win over Waterford at Thurles, it marked the end of his inter county U20 career.

In his final year eligible to play at this level, the ruling made by GAA authorities at congress which prevents U20 players from playing with their own age group if they play with their county senior team in the championship kicked in. The rule has applied in football for the past two years and it was extended to hurling this year.

Shane Meehan who is also a member of the Clare senior panel, will also miss the U20 campaign following surgery on a wrist injury last Friday which

will keep him out of action for three months. The Banner clubman is also a member of the county U20 panel and will also miss out on their campaign which is also due to start in mid July.

“It’s a hammer blow to lose the two boys but we have to go with it now,” U20 manager Sean Doyle told The Clare Echo. “It’s Mark’s last year at this level while Shane is eligible for another season. He missed last year’s campaign due to COVID and may miss out next year if he graduates to the senior team as is being predicted”, the Bodyke man explained.

Adding to Doyle and his management team’s worries are concern about the fitness of two other members of the senior panel, Paddy Donnellan who is the under 20 captain and Cian Galvin.

Clare played Kilkenny in a challenge game last week, a game the Noresiders won on a 1-18 to 0-18 scoreline and both Donnellan and Galvin picked up injuries. “Galvin will be having an MRI on his knee this week but we remain hopeful that both will be fit in time for the opening game against Kerry on Monday week (July 12) next in Tralee.

Clare also played Tipperary in a challenge recently and scored an impressive win while they will have a game against Galway this week as they finalise preparations for the trip to Tralee.

The team which lined out against Kilkenny last week was Cian Broderick, (Clarcastle); Adam Hogan (Feakle), Darragh Healy(Clarecastle), Mike Gough (Smith O’Briens); Dylan McMahon (Clonlara), Aidan Moriarty (Clonlara), Adam Mungovan (St. Josephs); Paddy Donnellan(Broadford), James McGuire (Kilmaley); Oisin O’Donnell (Crusheen) Cian Galvin(Clarecastle), Shane Punch(Ruan); Conner Hegarty(Inagh-Kilnamona), Kevin Keane (Corofin), Diarmuid Cahill(Corofin).

Clonlara’s Colm O’Meara missed last week’s game due to injury but he is expected to be fit for the Munster campaign. Should Clare, as expected, account for Kerry in the opening round on Monday week, they will play Limerick a week later in the Provincial semi-final in Limerick.

Below: Shane Meehan Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Just ring me' says Fitzgerald SEAMUS HAYES CLUBS have requested Clare GAA to forward details of fixtures to them earlier in the week.

Scariff secretary John Colleran asked this week’s board meeting if times for fixtures could be provided to clubs earlier each week.

“There is no problem with getting the times, just ring me”, secretary Pat Fitzgerald replied. He went on to point

out that “there are motions at every second convention on this issue. The objective is to allow clubs to change times as late as possible. Just this week we had two changes on Wednesday and last week we had four changes on Wednesday. Every club will have to be on board”, the secretary said.

On a separate matter, Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane highlighted that clubs need to be aware when it come to insurance cover. GAA members who work voluntarily for their clubs “don’t seem to be covered if they are injured. Read-

ing an article on Sunday, this seems to be the case and this is something the GAA need to examine, and particularly at Croke Park. If you are a member but are working voluntarily for your club and you get injured you don’t seem to be covered by insurance”.

Meelick’s Padraig O’Brien supported his statement. “Every club needs to read this. We are all expected to pay what is levied on us from Croke Park.

What are we covered for. We need guidance. It is worrying. Are we going to be wiped out,” he queried.

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MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL Compiled by Páraic McMahon

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Clare tee up Munster semi-final with old enemy Clare 1-22 Waterford 0-21 Venue: Semple Stadium, Thurles CLARE Frees For: 12 (6/6) Wides: 23 (14/9) Scores from Play: 0-15 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Tony Kelly (1-12 7f 1’Pen) Own Puck-Outs won: 26 from 33 (78%) Short Puckouts: 14 from 23 (61%)

WATERFORD Frees For: 8 (5/3) Wides: 6 (4/2) Scores from Play: 1-16 Spread of Scorers: 10 Top Scorer: TJ Reid (0-08 7f 1’65) Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 32 (59%) Short Puckouts: 27 from 46 (59%)

BRIAN LOHAN, CLARE MANAGER “IT WAS a bit frantic towards the end, that’s what happens when you start missing shots that you would normally put over and then there is a little dip that sets in.

Our wide count is a problem that needs to be improved on.

“We’ve a match under our belts, a good match out in Thurles against good opposition so we’re learning more about our team and I suppose the Tipp lads were sitting at home watching it and doing their own analysis to pick us or whoever won the game apart.

“We’re happy enough with how our lads played, everyone has a job to do when you come down to Thurles, if one person doesn’t do their job you are going to be in trouble, our lads did the job pretty well today.

“Conor Prunty being injured for Waterford was a big one and also Jamie Barron obviously was a massive loss for them, we have one or two lads with the attritional nature of the league, that is what you’re going to have but certainly Waterford did miss those two players.

“The big thing from last year was our fitness, we were blown out of it in the last ten minutes last year, we had a huge amount of work to do. We’ve good faith in our lads, good spirit in the group and guys that are very good to work with.

“It wasn’t extra special motivation but obviously when you’re beaten by a team you do want to rally against them and respond, it was a big challenge for us to respond but I think we did it. Every day we’re a little bit off.

“Those conversations should be inside in the dressing room rather than outside but we made a couple of mistakes around that time, sometimes it is hard to get what you are thinking out onto the field.

“I’d love to see more fans at the game, there would be awful less hassle for us from a ticket perspective, we got 80 tickets, we tried to give two tickets to each of the players so that was 74 tickets and we had six for our backroom team so it meant some of our backroom team had to stay at home again which is difficult. We could do with a couple more but the decision is out of our hands”.

LIAM CAHILL, WATERFORD MANAGER “I THOUGHT we could have been beaten by a lot more to be honest. I’m bitterly disappointed as that was one of the flattest performances in my reign here and I can’t really put my finger on it as to why to be honest. Having said that, I don’t want to take away from Clare’s performance. They brought what they had to to win Munster

PLAYER WATCH PAUL FLANAGAN (CLARE) Minutes Played: All Possessions: 4 (3/1) Passes: 2 (2/0) Long: 0 Short: 2 (2/0) Hand: 0 Hurley: 2 (2/0)

Clean Distribution: 2 (2/0) Clearance Lost: 1 (1/0) Tackles: 3 Turnovers For: 1 Turnovers Against: Frees Won: 0 Frees Lost: 0

Championship hurling and all credit to them but we definitely bring the energy we’re accustomed to.

“We came up short in a lot of areas. We found it very hard to win breaking ball in the middle of the field.

When we tried to take it on and break the lines we failed, passes to the next man’s hand didn’t go to hand and we lacked movement on our puck-outs. However, when you’re looking in on a flat team, it’s very, very hard to make the positional changes to correct these things. We tried desperately to get energy on the field and we probably did finishing up there near the end so that’s a credit to the subs that came on but overall, it’s a bitterly disappointing day for me and all the players.

“The most disappointing aspect is that for a young energetic team that is predominantly in their early 20’s, we were just flat so that’s something we’re going to have to really look at from a management perspective again and consult the S&C team as to what caused that today because it is definitely a concern.

“I will give the lads credit, they stuck in there until the end and had a couple of chances coming down the home straight that might have closed the gap further. But when you’re clinging to those things against a team with the quality of Clare who had their backs up, you don’t usually come out on the right side of the result.

“It goes without saying that they [Tadhg De Búrca, Jamie Barron, Conor Prunty and Stephen O’Keeffe] are all massive players and it’s hard to replace them but we’ve trawled hard through the cub scene in Waterford and I really felt that we had a good, strong panel and we still do. There will be learnings for our younger fellas today because it was a tough place for the majority of the game.

“Ultimately too many lads failed there today. We’ve nothing to lose now so we’re going to leave no stone unturned to stay in the championship.

“22 wides from Clare tells its own story. You’re looking in at it and you’re wondering why these Clare jerseys are taking pot shots at the goal and fellas ten or 15 yards away from getting a hook or a block is just not something that I’m accustomed to with this group of players.

“We had planned for that as we expected that Tony Kelly would appear in the full-forward line at some stage and I’m sure Clare were monitoring that to see what the supply of ball was going to be like. As it turned out, the supply of the ball was quite good so there was no real need to move him from there. But definitely pulling back an extra man in their half-back line when we turned them over in the middle of the field, left our guys with a lot of headaches to try and sort out and we just hadn’t that energy to run the ball, get past that extra defender and create overlaps. Fair play to Brian Lohan and Clare today, they came well equipped and ready to battle and we didn’t, that’s the bottom line.

Top: David McInerney and Ian Galvin celebrate their win over Waterford on Sunday.

Bottom: David Fitzgerald gets a hurley in as Austin Gleeson tries to rise the sliotar.

Photographs: Joe Buckley

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Clare ready for Tipp battle PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

R

eturning to a Munster Final for the first time since 2018 is the goal for the Clare hurlers when they take to the field on Sunday, captain John Conlon has outlined.

Tipperary stand in Clare’s way of securing a place in the provincial decider and they face the short journey to LIT Gaelic Grounds for Sunday’s encounter which will have 500 spectators permitted to attend.

“Our main goal is to get to a Munster final, Tipp were All-Ireland champions two years ago, we know the battle is going to come, they have a massive amount of players, the hardest thing for them is picking the team because they’ve an abundance of talent, we will have to be ready,” a defiant Conlon told The Clare Echo.

Recent internal games for Liam Sheedy’s were quite intense with a strong competition for places brewing in the Premier camp.

“They are a different kettle of

FIXTURES HURLING

THURSDAY JULY 1

Division 1 A Sixmilebridge; Sixmilebridge v Crusheen Inagh; Inagh-Kilnamona v St. Josephs Newmarket; Newmarket v Ballyea Division 5 A Whitegate; Whitegate v Eire Og. Division 5 B Corofin; Corofin v Killanena Shannon; Wolfe Tones v Parteen.

Division 5 C Bosyke; Bodyke v Tulla Clooney; Clooney-Quin v Banner Kilkishen; O’Callaghans Mills v Broadford

FRIDAY JULY 2

Division 1 A Broadford; Broadford v Clonlara.

Inagh; Inagh-Kilnamona v Ballyea Kilmaley; Kilmaley v Cratloe Clooney; Clooney-Quin v Feakle Tulla; Tulla v Eire Og Gurteen; St. Josephs v Whitegate Clarecastle; Clarecastle v Smith O’Briens Newmarket; Newmarket v Wolfe Tones Division 2 Scariff; Scariff v Parteen Ruan; Ruan v Tubber Division 3 Ogonnelloe; Ogonnelloe v Bodyke Division 4 Banner; Banner v Meelick Kilkishen; O’Callaghans Mills v Ennistymon

SATURDAY JULY 3

Division 1 B Sixmilebridge; Sixmilebridge v O’Callaghans Mills Division 2 Kilmaley; Kilmaley v Cratloe Corofin; Corofin v Newmarket

fish, it is a different type of game, they’ve a massive amount of talent, we will be underdogs going into it again for sure but we will be ready for the fight. All you want is to be playing championship matches”.

Conlon shone at centre-back in their four point quarter-final win over Waterford. “I hadn’t played a championship game in two years so it was great to get out and play again”.

Much discussion on Clare’s displays this year has centred on the deployment of the primary school teacher to the number six spot.

“The first few weeks I was trying to break out with every ball, now it is about being a bit composed, taking a second on a ball to think of where the easy pass is, as a forward I’m not afraid to hit the pass whereas a back coming out will often be afraid to hit it, I wouldn’t be afraid to hit any pass or drive it long. I’m trying to think what I’d like myself at times”.

Use of the ball defensively has improved in recent outings, he felt.

“We went out against Antrim, it was our first game, I know we lost the game but I was only delighted to be playing a game because I hadn’t played in 15 months, it was

Inagh; Inagh-Kilnamona v Clooney-Quin Division 3 Clonlara; Clonlara v Eire Og Crusheen; Crusheen v Killanena Clarecastle; Clarecastle v Broadford Division 5 A Kilmaley; Kilmaley v Smith O’Briens Feakle; Feakle v Clonlara Division 5 B Tubber; Tubber v Ruan Division 5 C Clonbony; Clonbony v Ogonnelloe

MONDAY JULY 4

Division 5 A Scariff; Scariff v Sixmilebridge

FOOTBALL

SATURDAY JULY 3

Division 3 Killimer; Killimer v Ennistymon Shannon; Wolfe Tones v St. Senans, Kilkee Division 4 Liscannor; Liscannor v Miltown St. Josephs Eire Og; Eire Og v Clooney-Quin Division 5 Kildysart; Kildysart v Lissycasey Doonbeg; Doonbeg v Cooraclare Division 6 Kilmihil; Kilmihil v Ml. Cusacks

SUNDAY JULY 4

Division 1 Quilty; Kilmurry-Ibrickane v Ennistymon Ballynacally; Clondegad v Doonbeg Eire Og; Eire Og v Miltown St Josephs Kildysart; Kildysart v St. Breckans Division 2 Cooraclare; Cooraclare v Kilrush Gurteen; St. Josephs v O’Currys Kilmihil; Kilmihil v Shannon Gaels Corofin; Corofin v Lissycasey Division 3 Kilfenora; Kilfenora v Coolmeen Cross; Naomh Eoin v Cratloe Division 4

a baptism of fire for me, learning the position and facets, I sat back after that match and said I need to think like a forward”.

He was vociferous with his praise for Banner boss, Brian Lohan. “When Brian put me back there at the start of the year I said I wanted six backs that were going to be dogged and communicating through the roof, I think we’ve found a place for everyone up the field, there has been great shape growing to the team over the last few matches which has been great.

Fair play to Brian and them, they brought us in at the end of last year, they told us what they wanted us to, we told them what we needed extra to go that extra bit, Brian has done everything we’ve wanted of him, everything we’ve wanted on and off the field Brian has bent over backwards to get it for us, he is a super Clare man”.

“There hasn’t been a game yet that Brian hasn’t given me a Fs from the sideline, I’ve often had to tell him to calm but we all know the passion he has and when he used to play, he doesn’t speak too often but when he does you listen”.

Clare’s John Conlon. Photo: Joe Buckley

Gleann Chiosog; Ml. Cusacks v Clondegad Banner; Banner v Ballyvaughan Division 5 Moy; Moy v Meelick Cratloe; Cratloe v Kilrush Division 6 Parteen; Parteen v Shannon Gaels Division 7 Lisdoonvarna; St. Breckans v Lissycasey Ballynacally; Clondegad v Cooraclare Monday July 5 Division 6 Gurteen; St. Josephs v Wolfe Tones Eire Og; Eire Og v St. Breckans Corofin; Corofin v Banner Division 7 Ennistymon; Ennistymon v St. Senans, Padraig MacGearailt, Runai

CAMOGIE:

FRI 2ND JULY

2020 U16 Championship U16A Shield Final Kilnamona GAA: Kilkishen/Bodyke v Inagh Kilnampna, 7.00pm Referee: Mary Jordan, Banner U16B Cup Semi Final Ruan GAA: Ruan v Kilmaley, 6.00pm Referee: Kevin Egan

SAT 3RD JULY

Munster Junior Championship Final Mungret GAA: Clare v Kerry, 12.30pm Referee: Mike Ryan, Tipperary Non-County Player League Div 1 Sixmilebridge v Scariff Ogonnelloe Inagh Kilnamona v Newmarket on Fergus Truagh Clonlara v Kilkishen/Bodyke Div 2 Eire Og v Feakle Killanena Kilmaley v Clooney Quin Clarecastle/Ballyea v St Josephs Div 3 Tulla v Broadford Corofin v Whitegate

Inagh Kilnamona Bye Div 4 Scariff Ogonnelloe v Ruan Truagh Clonlara v Feakle Killanena Parteen Bye Div 5 Sixmilebridge v Broadford St Josephs v Newmarket on Fergus Clarecastle/Ballyea Bye Div 6 Cratloe v Eire Og Banner v Kilkee Bealaha Whitegate Bye

MON 5TH JULY

2020 U16 Championship U16C Shield Final Wolfe Tones GAA: Wolfe Tones v Cratloe Wed 07th July U14 Championship U14A Scariff Ogonnelloe v Sixmilebridge Clooney Quin v Inagh Kilnamona Truagh Clonlara v Newmarket on Fergus St Josephs v Kilmaley U14B Ruan v Clarecastle Kilkishen/Bodyke v Feakle Killanena Crusheen v Ballyea Wolfe Tones Bye U14C Cratloe v Corofin Tulla v Parteen Banner v Smith O’Briens Broadford v Kilkee Bealaha

LADIES FOOTBALL:

U14 Championship Round 3: U14 A July4th West Clare Gaels v Burren Gaels Newmarket on Fergus v Doora Barefield 1 Fergus Rovers1 v Kilrush U14 B Kilmurry IB v Clooney-Quin Cuil Gaels v Cooraclare Miltown v Corofin

Clarecastle v Bye U14 C Éire Óg v Banner Ladies Wolfe Tones v Doonbeg Doora Barefield 2 v Liscannor Kilmihil @11 v Crusheen Fergus Rovers v East Clare Gaels Kildysart v Bye U16 Championship Round 3:

JULY 5TH

U16 A July 8th Fergus Rovers 1 v Doora Barefield 1 Crusheen @13 v Kilmurry IB @13 Banner Ladies v Clooney-Quin green 16 B July 1 @ 6:30 Miltown (H) v Kilrush Michael Talty July 5 @7.00 Doonbeg v Burren Gaels West Clare Gaels v Bye U16 C&D Clooney-Quin red v Wolfe Tones Kildysart v Cuil Gaels Minor Championship Round 1 Minor A July 7 @ 8pm Cooraclare (H) v Kilrush July 1 @ 7pm Doora Barefield A (H) v Banner Ladies Adult League Round 2: Division 1 July 4 @ 6pm Kilmihil (H) v Doora Barefield 1 TBC July 4@ 11am Lees Rd Banner Ladies 1 v Cooraclare West Clare Gaels v Bye Division 2 July 4@10:45 Moher Liscannor(H) v Fergus Rovers Burren Gaels v Kilmurry IB July 4 Coolmeen TTBC Cuil Gaels v Miltown July 4@7pm Kilrush Kilrush v Éire Óg Ml Talty Division 3 July 1 @ 7:30pm Kildysart Kildysart v Crusheen July 4@6pm Banner GAA Banner Ladies 2 v Doonbeg

Doora Barefield 2 v Newmarket on Fergus Division 4 03/07/21 6:30pm Miltown 2 (H) v West Clare Gaels 2 TBC 04/07/21 @7pm Wolfe Tones (H) v Fergus Rovers 2 C. Sheehan

SOCCER:

SATURDAY JULY 3RD:

Youths League A Division: Avenue Utd v Bridge Utd in Roslevan at 2pm Lifford FC v Bridge Celtic,Steele Rock Park 4pm Newmarket Celtic v Moher Celtic, McDonagh Park, 4pm.

Youths League B Division: Burren Utd v Fern Celtic, Lisdoonvarna,2pm Mountshannon v Tulla Utd, the Cragg, 2pm St Pats v Shannon Town Utd B, Kilmihil,4pm

SUNDAY JULY 4TH:

Premier Division League Cup: Newmarket Celtic A v Shannon Olympic, McDonagh Park, 2pm Shannon Hibs A v Avenue Utd A,Riverside, 2pm Bridge Utd A v Shannon Town Utd A Sixmilebridge, 2pm First Division League Cup: Shannon Town B v Hermitage FC, Corrib Drive, 11am Tulla Utd v Newmarket Celtic B, The Cragg,11am Coole FC v Turnpike Rovers, St Colmans Park Gort, 11am Avenue Utd B v Bridge Utd B, Roslevan, 11am Second Division League Cup: CloughleighCeltic v Rhine Rovers,Lees Rd 11am Connolly Celtic v Corofin Harps, Kilmaley School, 11am Kilkishen v Shannon Hibs B in Kilkishen at 11am Manus Celtic A v Inch Crusaders in Lees Rd at 2pm Third Division League Cup: Fern Celtic v Manus Celtic B, Tiermaclane,11am Bunratty/Cratloe v Shannon Town Utd C Bunratty,11am St Pats v Ennis Dons, Kilmihil, 2pm

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MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL Compiled by Páraic McMahon and Seamus Hayes

Kerry kill off Clare challenge Kerry 3-22 Clare 1-11 Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney KERRY Frees For: 16 (8/8) Wides: 11 (7/4) Scores from Play: 3-17 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Seán O’Shea (1-07 3f) Own Kick-Outs won: 11 from 18 (61%)

CLARE Frees For: 14 (7/7) Wides: 6 (3/3) Scores from Play: 1-07 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Eoin Cleary (0-06 3f) Own Kick-Outs won: 25 from 36 (61%)

PETER KEANE KERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL MANAGER: “I’M PLEASED with the result, it’s championship it’s knockout and you don’t get a second chance this year. It was all about winning and whatever way you win, you win.

“We had a very very good first quarter and we continued that in the second quarter, third quarter wasn’t so sweet but we had a very very good last quarter. We were playing a team that kicked 2-18 against a team that played an All-Ireland final last year, a team that kicked 1-18 against a team that beat us last year, Cork. We always knew that they had good forwards and that they were going to be a big threat up front.

“If you look at the games Kerry have played against Clare in the last few years, in 2019 we had a right good struggle to get out of there so we knew it was going to be tight”.

COLM COLLINS, CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL MANAGER: “WHEN you play against top teams mistakes are punished. The key thing was handing the ball over too cheaply, it cost us big time, it was a killer blow. We conceded 1-7 in the first half because of turnovers. When you are up against the better tems you are going to get punished and that is what happened.

“It’s a learning curve, these lads are young and they more they play against teams of quality, the better they will get. We came here to win. A lot of things we had been doing really well, we didn’t do so well today. We missed easy chances from lads that normally never miss”.

“I would not fought this group for heart. They are a great bunch of players but we need to be a lot meaner with the ball. When the real pressure

PLAYER WATCH EOIN CLEARY (CLARE) Minutes Played: All Possessions: 22 (13/9) Shots: 8 Scores: 0-06 Wides: 2 Dropped Short: 0 Passes: 14 (10/4) Long: 1 (1/0)

comes on we have got to keep the ball and move it quickly.

“I am very disappointed with the way we lost. I thought we were going really well and that we had a real chance. We turned the ball over very cheaply. In the first half 1-7 of their scores came from our turnovers and that will not win any game.

“Don’t be fooled, every team playing football including Kerry, play people behind the ball. When Kerry lose the ball they play their 15 behind the ball just as good. This makes me die. Watch Dublin. If they lose the ball they defend. If you don’t have the ball you defend and whatever you have to do to make sure your man is covered you do.

“We didn’t do anything different today from what we did against Mayo.

The mistakes we made against Mayo were, unfortunately, replicated today.

We were a bit careless at the end and conceded a couple of silly goals. If you play against teams like Kerry and Mayo you just have to keep the ball, you cannot give away the ball cheaply. If you take the ball into the tackle you are going to be turned over and that’s what happened.

“There was a decent enough breeze there, I thought we had a chance at half time. We played quite well in the third quarter, after that the wheels came off the wagon.

“It would be great to be looking forward to a back door but its hard to be critical in the times we are in.

The backdoor system has served us well and coming out of here you would be looking forward to playing a qualifier. Its not to be and we knew that coming down here so there is no point in complaining about it now.

“Some of these guys are very good players. Eoin Cleary would get on any team in the country. On the day some just didn’t click and some of our top forwards missed easy chances that they would normally put away.

It was not a great day at the office.

“I wouldn’t worry about set backs,

Short: 13 (9/4) Hand: 9 (7/2) Foot: 5 (3/2) Tackles: 3 (1 Turnovers For: 1 (0/1) Turnovers Against: 0 Frees Won: 0 Frees Lost: 0

these are a very resilient bunch of players. Far too much credit is given to managers in particular. You have a brilliant bunch of players who work really hard, you have a tremendous coaching team, a brilliant S&C coach. Everybody involved in the set up is so professional. You feel a bit of a fraud when you hear managers getting credit for everything because they don’t deserve it.

“They (Kerry) have been the form team of the year so far and they didn’t change anybody’s mind today.

Their work rate across the pitch was very good and you can only admire them. They will have a say at the end of the year”.

Top: Darren O’Neill is beaten to the ball.

Below: Eoin Cleary rises to claim the ball above Paudie Clifford.

Photograph: Tatyana McGough

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

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Askingforafriend provides timely lift for Ennis publican ASKINGFORAFRIEND provided a timely lift for Ennis publican Kieran Browne at Galway track over the weekend.

The outcome of race six at the Galway Track on Saturday night last in this S6 graded sprint contest was decided at the opening bend as from traps Pats Alloy and Lady Blue Eyes were both away smartly towards the inside and racing towards the opening bend the pair matched strides over a length clear of Askingforafriend who was all dressed up with nowhere to go as the bend loomed.

As the leaders took the bend though a small gap appeared along the inner and the Hey-You-Sir Syndicate of Ennis owned Askingforafriend needed no second invitation as he stormed through and quickly kicked clear of his rivals and the son of Reikers Island and Bower Judy scored by four & three quarter lengths from Lady Blue Eyes in 19.26. It was a timely boost for Syndicate member Kieran Browne well known publican of Francis St Ennis who is hospitalised at the moment all here are wishing him a speedy recovery, the dog is han-

dled by another syndicate member Shane Flannagan of Rockmount.

In the opening contest for A6 graded runner the reserve Cloneyogan Zippy in trap one broke smartly in company with Springwell Myko and Peteles Lady and the trio were lined abreast rounding the opening bend. Holding her line well along the rail the Siobhan Garraghy of Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Zippy led Scooby Flash and Springwell Myko by over length racing towards halfway and although that pair joined issue rounding the third bend Cloneyogan Zippy dug really deep to see off the challenge of Springwell Myko by half a length at the line in 29.85.

A tight finish was also produced in the A8 graded race four. The photo finish verdict went the way of the pace wetting Blaze Hero owned by Kim Bennis and Tony Brigdale of Ennis who just lasted home by a neck form Lismadine Dido in 29.77.

In the early strides of race 8 in this A5 graded contest Feed Me Icecubes led on the wide outside from Ballymac Empress towerds the inner and the red jacket Kilbal-

because

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lyowen Boy last along the inner.

Turning down the back though the Sean O’Riordan owned Kilballyowen Boy who tracked superbly around the opening two bends swept through to take command of the contest approaching the halfway stage.

Approaching the third bend Kilballyowen Boy(Laughill BlakeBright Ella) led Ballymac Empress by three lengths and staying on well the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained runner coasted home three and a half lengths to the good in 29.48.

The most convincing winner on Galway’s Friday night’s card was the Jack Browne of Ballyea owned Cascade King in the concluding A3 graded 525 yards contest. Trapping well in the centre of the track Cascade King showed good pace to the bend to lead Knockmeale Star and Bumblebee Love by two lengths at the turn.

Setting off down the back straight Cascade King opened up a five length advantage over Mollrose King passing the halfway mark and he was in total control despite swinging slightly wide

off the home turn as he defeated Mollrose King by three and a half lengths in 29.06.

In race three all six runners were very closely grouped approaching the opening bend in this S7 graded contest with Brickhill Paulio, Erril Star, Kilkeale Snow and Domhan Glory all lined across the track as they took the bend. With trouble towards his outside the John Collins and John Browne of Ballyea owned Brickhill Paulio held his position well along the rail and turned for home three lengths clear.

Staying on well the son of Laughill Blake & Rathmeehan Molly recorded his third career success by four and three quarter lengths over Domhan Glory in 19.44.

Having got off the mark at the fifth attempt in S7 grade last time, the Alanna and Michael Browne of Cree, Kilmihil owned Burnpark Lexi made light of the rise to S4 grade in race six as she proved a length and three parts too good for Caislean Joey in 19.24.

Breaking well as Danmar Daniel and Caislean Joey broke best on either side of her the daughter

of Adios Alonso and Burnpark Grainne surged between runners approaching the opening bend to take command of the contest.

Three lengths clear rounding the home bend Burnpark Lexi continued to extend her advantage all the way up the straight.

It was a case of third time lucky in race eight for the Mrs Maria Browne of Cree, Kilmihil owned Burnpark Brae in this A4 graded contest as the son of Kinloch Brae and Seekers Visionn made all the running from his trap line berth as he defeated Brickhill Jethro by three and a half lengths in 29.13.

At Shelbourne Park on Saturday night last in heat two of the first round in the Champion 550 Sweepstake Fast Fit Paddy came through to win for Declan McDonagh of Liscannor and John Quinn and Paul Horig of Gort.

Owner Noel Gavin of Ballyea was in the winners enclosure after the final races at the Limerick Track also on Saturday night handled by Tom Flanagan of Ennistymon, Noel’s Ballyea Scrutiny made it win number 6 in a very good time of 28.79 for the 525 yards trip.

Lahinch house is fundraiser top prize

by SEAMUS HAYES THE JUNE meeting of Clare GAA on Friday evening unanimously backed the a proposal from the board’s finance committee to hold a fundraising draw which will have a 4 bedroom house in Lahinch as the first prize.

Committee chairman Chris Ryan told the delegates that the committee had met with various groups including hurling, football, camogie and ladies football support groups as well as meeting with the members of the strategic review committee which was set up earlier this year.

Money raised from this draw will go towards the development of a floodlit synthetic pitch at Caherlohan as well as a ball wall. The finance committee had agreed terms with the developer John Talty for the purchase of the house which is currently under construction. The committee praised the developer whom he described as a keen GAA supporter, for his assistance and for providing “favourable terms”.

The draw will be launched on July 16 and will benefit clubs as well as Club Clare, the camogie, ladies football and men’s football support groups in that €25 euro from each ticket sold will go to the nominated group.

Treasurer Michael Gallagher acknowledged “concerns voiced by delegates in recent times. They are valid”. He reminded the delegates that “the secretary in his report to convention expressed concerns and he proposed the necessity of setting up a finance committee”. Naming the committee he told the meeting that “Leo Cassidy is based in the US and we hope that he will be able to join us more regularly now”.

The treasurer went on to pay tribute to the board’s main sponsor Pat O’Donnell. “He has already paid us 80% of his contribution for this year and Clare GAA owes that man a serious debt of gratitude. Croke Park continue to pay towards the cost of our inter county

teams”, he explained before telling the meeting that “already this week we have paid our €25,000. We have to look after the upkeep and maintenance of grounds and the administration expenses”.

Continuing he said “normally we apply for permission to draw down a line of credit from AIB for €250,000 and this year I am asking for permission to draw down €150,000”. The meeting sanctioned this on the proposition of John Meade (Kildysart) seconded

by PJ. McGuane (Cooraclare). Éire Óg’s secretary Paddy Smith thanked Chris Ryan “for the presentation” before noting that “this is a very big venture. What is the target? What is the cost of the synthetic pitch”.

Vice chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that “Roscommon had sales of 22,000. We would hope to sell 20,000 and we plan an 8 month run. The house will be completed by April. It’s an attractive prize but it will take lots of people to promote this”. Smyth agreed “it’s a very attractive prize”.

Killanena’s Kieran McNamara asked how much was Clare GAA spending on hiring pitches at present and how much this would save the association on an annual basis. Gallagher responded that Clare would have paid €30,000 for pitches in the last twelve months.

Scariff ’s Dan Treacy asked “why are we not getting s financial update tonight as decided at the last meeting.

How many accounts do we have? To which the treasurer replied “ten at the minute but we are in the process of joining up some of them”.

“We need the figures”, Smith O’Briens’ delegate Brendan Foley maintained. Complimenting the finance committee, former treasurer Bernard Keane said “this is very badly needed and long overdue”.

The decision to proceed with the draw was sanctioned on the proposition of Ambrose Heagney and seconded by Padraig O’Brien.

pg 33

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Sean Hayes wins Cahercalla Cup at Ennis

by SEAMUS HAYES ENNIS GOLF CLUB The Cahercalla Cup, sponsored by Gerard and Declan Daly, Insurance Brokers, was played for at Ennis on Sunday with one hundred and fifty seven members playing.

The winner was Sean Hayes (23) with 62 nett. John A Cleary (15), was second with 66 followed by Michael Irwin (28) with 68 and Eddie Glenny (17) with 69. Andrew Whelan (3) won the gross with 72 while Alph Jones (8) won category A with 70, Tony Kinnevane (17) won category B with 70 and David Doyle (23) won category C with 70.

In the Friday open singles sponsored by Martin Ward golf the winner was Simon Daly (29) with 45 points from Brian Kelly (10) with 44, Liam Hughes (13) with 43. Sean Myatt (scratch) won the gross with 69.

The Tuesday fourball was won by Pat Murphy and Ronnie Guinnane with 34 points from Flan Downes

and Barry Lee with 33 and Roger McMahon and J.J. Counihan with 33.

The Junior Foursomes were also in action at the weekend but lost out to Dromoland.

In the Australian Spoons foursomes the winners were Yvonne Keohane and Kitty Morris with 40 points while the gross was won by Shannon and Sinead Hegarty with 24 points.

In last week’s 9 hole stableford competition Terest Felle (20) was the winner with 21 points from Geraldine O’Mahoney (13) with 20 points, Anne Marie Darmody (15) with 20 points, and Mary Glynn (18) with 19 points. The senior ladies team competition last week was won by Carmel Verling, Brid Cunningham and Mary McMahon with 49.9. In second place with 50.7 were Mary Lenihan, Mary Glynn and Kathleen Pyne and they were followed by Jean Tassie, Claire Kenneally and Maeve O’Grady.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The Clare Oil men’s open singles at Kilrush was won by Michael

OPEN WEEK 2021

J. King (29) with 45 points from Noel Kilkenny (22) with 43, with third spot filled by Michael F. Ruan (12) with 43. The category winners were Pat Brennan (10) with 41, Joe Daly (16) with 41 and Martin McNamara (26) with 42.

In the Pat Geaney men’s open the winner was Bill O’Reilly (18) with 39 points, from Cian O’Mahoney (22) with 38 points.

In the Central Sports ladies competition Anne Brennan (12) was the winner with 37 points from Mary G Nolan (20) with a similar score while third spot was filled by Gerry O’Malley (29) with 35 points. The winner of the ladies 12 hole competition was Anne McMahon.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The June monthly meeting at Woodstock was won by Brendan Keogh (17) with 69 from Barry Keane (13) with a similar score.

Stephen Dunne (10) was third, also with 69. Brian Gilligan (+2) won the gross with 72.

Dermot O’Neill (20) was the winner of the club singles at Woodstock last week with 42 points from Cathal O’Connor (2) with 41 points and Kevin Clohessy (20) with

THURSDAY 8TH JULY – SUNDAY 18TH JULY

• • • • • • •

DATE

COMPETITION

Thursday July 8th

Juniors Competition 08.00- 12 Noon Mixed Foursomes S/F Sponsor: Sutton’s Lighting 12:10 - 17:50

Friday July 9th

Sponsor: Munster Group 08.00 - 17.30

Saturday July 10th

Sponsor: Old Ground Hotel. 07.30 - 15:00 & 15:50 - 17:30

Sunday July 11th

Sponsor: O’Flaherty Electric 07.30 - 16.00

Team of 3 (Any Combination) (2 to score at each hole) Ladies & Gents 9 Hole Singles S/F 17.40 - 19.00 Ladies and Gents 18 Holes Singles S/F

Ladies & Gents 9 Hole Singles S/F 17.40 - 19.00

Team of 4 Gents / Team of 4 Ladies (2 to score at each hole)

Thursday July 15th

Ladies & Gents Seniors 18 Holes S/F 8.00 - 15:40 & 16:50 - 17:30 Ladies & Gents 9 Hole Singles S/F 17.40 - 19.00

Friday July 16th

Gents Fourball B/B/ Ladies Fourball B/B, Sponsor Clare Echo 07.30 - 17.30 Ladies & Gents 9 Hole Singles S/F 17.40 - 19.00

Saturday July 17th

Ladies & Gents 18 Hole Singles S/F Sponsor: Martin Ward Golf 07.30 - 09.50 & 11:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 17:50 Ladies & Gents 9 Hole Singles S/F 17.40 to 19.00

Sunday July 18th

Team of 3 Gents / Team of 3 Ladies Scramble Sponsor: Michael O’Reilly Oil 07.30 - 16.00

Competition Tee Sheets will be active for booking on Sunday 27th June @8pm.

For Bookings Tel: 065-6865415/065-6824074; Email: info@ennisgolfclub.ie or book at the following link: https://ennis.intelligentgolf.co.uk/opens Limited Bar & Catering facilities available, depending on Covid Guidelines.

Please ring ahead and book a table to avoid disappointment.

Entry Fee: 18 Holes - Members: €5, Visitors: €20 9 Holes - Members €3, Visitors €10 All players must report to the pro shop to book in before playing with their GUI/ILGU swipe cards.

39 points. Tony Cleary (+2) won the gross with 38 points. There will be a club singles this weekend while the open singles continues on Wednesday and Thursday.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The winners of the men’s 18 hole scramble at Dromoland at the weekend were Nicky Duggan, Alan and Daire Neville and Adrian Glynn with 54.7 from Kyle Neylon, Gavin O’Reilly, Mark O’Brien and Jamie Costigan with 54.8 while third spot was filled by Seamus, Danny, Adam and Ben Mungovan with 55.2.

Charlie McCarthy won the Friday open singles with 40 points from Conor Tierney with 39, and Brendan Hannon with 38 while Killian Howard won the gross with 34.

Last week’s junior competition resulted in victory for John Hogan with 35 points off the white tees, Daniel Meehan with 44 points off the black tees while Eabha Brennan won the girls section with 31 points.

A similar competition on June 24 resulted in victory for Darragh Moylan with 38 points off the white tees, Daniel Meehan with 41 points off the black tees while Susie Cusack won the girls section with 36 points.

Last week’s 9 hole competition was won by Robin Mounsey with

ENNIS OPEN WEEK ENNIS golf club’s open week 2021 runs from Thursday July 8 to Sunday July 18, with an array of open competitions for all golfers. Competition types range from singles stableford, fourball betterball and varying team event combinations for Gents, Ladies and seniors alike, with a dedicated Junior golfer competition also included.

Captains Damian Pilkington and Deirdre Molyneaux have extended good wish-

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21 points from Cathal Turner with 21 and Brendan Lennon with 20 points. In the Deirdre Fitzpatrick 18 hole ladies stableford competition, Karina Doyle won with 41 points from Dolores Fox with 39 and Mairead Bergin with 38 while Leslie O’Flynn won the gross with 24 points. Karina O’Neill won the ladies 9 hole competition with 20 points.

DOONBEG GOLF CLUB: Ger Ryan was the winner of the weekend competition at Doonbeg Links with 65 from Diarmuid Griffin with 67, Donnacadh Nagle with 70, Michael G Conway with 70 and Sean Moloney, also with 70.

In the previous week’s stableford competition, Declan Griffin (22) won with 43 points from Gabriel Looney (15) with 41, Martin McGivern (15) with 41, Gerry Boland (25) with 41 and Patrick O’Malley(12) with 40 EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: The competition at East Clare at the weekend was a men’s singles stableford and division 1 was won

by Eric Kolshus (10) with 40 points from Dave Condren (11) with 36 points. In division 2 the winner was Richard Hayes (13) with 39 points from John Corcoran (15) with 37 points while division 3 was won by Shane McInerney (19) with 43 points from Cian McInerney (16) with 38 points.

es to all participants and have reminded those who might not be available to play in the 18 hole events that there will be 9 hole competitions each evening The club is delighted and thankful to be associated with generous sponsors who are supporting many events throughout the week. Booking for tee times is now open while the club restaurant and bar is also open for outdoor dining as per current Covid guidelines.

To book an appointment call us on 065 684 0844

PLANNING

THURSDAY, JULY 01 2021

35

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BURREN MEDICAL CENTRE, MARKET STREET, COROFIN. Take notice that Dr. Fergus Glynn intends to apply for RETENTION PERMISSION for the conversion of: 1. The locum’s apartment to a treatment room and staff kitchen area, 2. The staff canteen to a treatment room and Revisions to the internal layout to accommodate the changes, to that previously granted under planning permission P01/1301 and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLASPUGLONANE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. Take notice that Shane Droney intends to apply for PERMISSION to demolish part of the existing stables, build a new dwelling, install a waste water treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SCHOOL ROAD, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. V95 A439 Take notice that Helen and Conor Hanrahan intend to apply for PERMISSION to extend the existing dwelling and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMQUIN,BAREFIELD ENNIS CO CLARE Take notice that Drumquin Construction Ltd intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for the construction of 22 Residential Dwelling houses at Drumquin, Barefield, Ennis Co Clare.

This application seeks Planning Permission for the following: 1.The construction of 2 nr. detached Dormer Bungalows ( 4 bedroom) House Type A 2. The construction of 6

nr. semidetached Dormer bungalows ( 4 bedroom) House Type A1 3. The construction of 4 nr.

Detached 2 storey dwellings with Attic accommodation ( 5 bedroom) House Type B 4. The construction of 8 nr.

Detached 2 storey dwellings ( 4 bedroom) House Type C 5. The construction of 2nr semidetached two storey dwellings ( 3 bedroom) House Type D 6. The construction of on street public parking ,footpaths and Street lighting 7. The connection to the Exiting public mains Sewerage and water network facilities at this location and the extension and amendment of same.

8. All associated site boundary walls, gates and fences 9. All associated and ancillary 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 MERCHANTS QUAY, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paddy Clancy is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the change of use of a ground floor commercial unit and first floor apartment building into three apartments including all associated layout and elevational changes.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE. Take notice that Geraldine and Brendan Reddan and Eddie Walsh intend to apply for permission to RETAIN the New Entrance created onto the public road and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYHURLEY, OGONNELLOE, CO CLARE Take notice that Ciara & Michael Mooney intend to apply for a) Retention Permission to retain the position and reduced size of the detached domestic garage as constructed instead of that previously granted under planning ref. P19/354 and Planning Permission for the following changes to the dwelling house as granted under planning ref. P19/354 to; i) omit the chimney from the dwelling house and ii) to change the window sizes where indicated including all ancillary site services and works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNEW TD., MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE Take notice that Geraldine Rynne & Brendan O’Reilly intend to apply for Planning Permission to construct a new dwelling house, garage, waste water treatment system including all ancillary site services and works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CROSSAGH NEWMARKET ON FERGUS CO. CLARE V95 VO89 I, Carmel Meehan, intend to apply to the above Planning Authority for Permission to Demolish rear shed/garage. Construct rear / side extensions. Modifications to front façade, new front porch and extensive internal renovations along with all associated site works to Crossagh New Market on Fergus Co. Clare V95 VO89 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.

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 ST. JOSEPH’S NS, KILBANE, CO. CLARE, V94 P791

CLARE CO. COUNCIL FEAGH, KILLONE, CO.CLARE

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 085-8421780), on behalf of Madge O’Callaghan, intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to convert St. Joseph’s National School to dwelling house and carry out all ancillary site works at the above address. The building ceased operating as a school in the early 2000’s.

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 ARDATAGGLE, O’BRIEN’S BRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Deirdre & Tadhg Nihill intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at Ardataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare. The development will consist of one two-storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, new site entrance, driveway and all associated site works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ‘TONYS BAR’, CLONBOY, BRIDGETOWN, CO CLARE I, Nasir Mahmood, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at ‘Tonys Bar’, Clonboy, Bridgetown, Co Clare: Permission for change of use of existing pool room attached to existing licenced premises to new use as a takeaway/delivery restaurant incorporating a commercial kitchen, new signage together with all associated ancillary and incidental 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

Take notice that Paul Flanagan and Sarah Moloney intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for development which will consist of the construction of a dwelling house, garage, a proprietary waste water treatment system and 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 Clare County Council, Áras ContaeAn ChláirNew Road, Ennis Co Clare, 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 CO. COUNCIL KNOCKALUSKRAUN, BAREFIELD,CO. CLARE. Take notice that Joseph Moloney intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SCHOOL ROAD, ATTYCRISTORA, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of SPL Property Ltd for permission to construct 7 No. detached 4 bedroom dwelling houses together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CREGGAUN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Michael Kelleher for permission to retain garage as constructed together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

36

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PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, JULY 1 2021

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JULY 1

Best Daily Word Search: 9 March 2021

WORD SEARCH

Mountaineer

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6/24/2021

The Clare Echo Crossword

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

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Introducing our extended delivery service available from 1pm daily Order through Supermac’s app

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L O H R O D C H N W A U V N R

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

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6/24/2021

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JULY 1 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz NOEL HILL QUIZ 7 9

3

Planxty Noel Hill was a single released by which band in response to criticism by the Clare man?

The Corrs The Fureys The Pogues

Noel is also mentioned in the same 4 line as Micho Russell and Willie Clancy in a famous track written by which musician?

Christy Moore Luka Bloom Jerry Fish

Which city did Noel live in during the 5 1980s Boston New York San Francisco

His most celebrated album, Noel Hill 8 and Tony Linanne was released in what year?

1979 1985 1991

For the 2017 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉire9 ann, Noel performed alongside Liam O’Connor and Jack Talty at which Ennis venue?

The Dome at Tim Smythe Park Treacys West County Hotel glór

Noel was the first concertina 10 player to be honoured with the TG4 Gradam Ceoil award. In what year did he scoop this prestigious accolade?

2008 2011 2015

What was the name of the musical 6 group that Noel help to found in the 1970s?

Lunasa Inchiquin Clannad

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

l Where in Clare was Noel Hill born?

ANSWERS

6. Inchiquin 7. Kieran Hanrahan 8. 1979 9. glór 10.2011

At what age did he start playing the 2 concertina?

5

7

Caherea 9 The Pogues Christy Moore (Lisdoonvarna) New York

Caherea Cappa

Tony Linnane, Tony Callanan and which other musician were involved with the start of this band?

Kieran Hanrahan Mike Hanrahan Micky Hanrahan

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Where in Clare was Noel Hill born?

1Carrigaholt

Last weeks Answers . Mic missing . Badge missing on Padraig . Piece of white missing on flag . Reflectors missing

. Line of adhesive missing on block . Yellow cloth missing . bottom of camera strap missing

Madrassori Doggy Day Care Centre, owned by Sile Lynch presented Fern Celtic with their first set of jerseys

AND GUTTERING CLARE

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