Clare Echo 01/08/24

Our Country Girl Edna to be buried on Holy Island

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE COUNTRY GIRL, Edna O’Brien one of Ireland’s greatest writers will be buried on Holy Island. Edna died on Saturday peacefully at the age of ninety-three following a long illness.

Her family have confirmed that her wishes to return to Tuamgraney for her funeral and onto Holy Island to be buried will be honoured. She had

lived in London since 1958.

She has been credited with revolutionising Irish literature. President Michael D. Higgins said, “Edna was a fearless teller of truths, a superb writer possessed of the moral courage to confront Irish society with realities long ignored and suppressed”.

Her nephew Michael Blake said Edna was “one of the bravest women” he ever knew

and noted, she was “brave when it was hard to be brave” and “what needed to be said, she said it, that’s the way to live”.

One of her last pieces of writing was putting pen to paper on a speech which was read aloud at the renaming of the Scariff library in her honour, this recognition in her local library was a source of great delight to Edna.

More on p14-15.

l Two Year old Ava Moloney from Kilrush with Kilkee Firestation’s James Lucey at the Irish Coast Guard Open Day at Kilkee Photo by Eamon Ward

Call: 065 - 6719021

NEWSDESK CONTACT US news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

kieran@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

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

125-hectare solar farm plan rejected

A MASSIVE solar farm near Kinvarra has been rejected planning permission by Galway County Council.

Galway County Council has denied permission for the development of the solar farm proposed for a 125-hectare site in Cloghboley - Carrowgarriff North.

The ambitious project, which included the installation of over 570,000 sq m of solar

panels and extensive ancillary infrastructure, was deemed by Galway County Council to have inadequate road infrastructure, low solar potential along with environmental concerns including the proximity of the proposed solar farm to the Lough Fingall Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

These reasons aligned with the objections made by local residents who believed that a development of this scale was not appropriate for the Burren lowlands. The community also felt that the applicant, Harmony Solar, did not give the necessary respect to the area’s rich heritage and biodiversity, particularly given the development’s proximity to a Special Area of Conservation.

Person in Ennis scammed for Coldplay tickets online

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

GARDAÍ in Ennis are investigating a report of online fraud where the injured party believed they were purchasing tickets to see Coldplay but never received them.

Instances of online fraud are increasing across Co Clare and the latest incident occurred when the injured party believed they were buying tickets to see Coldplay from a friend online.

Catriona Holohan, Crime Prevention Officer explained, “They had seen an ad on Facebook and believed it to be their friend, they transferred the funds and never received the tickets. Fraudsters are always enhancing their strategies”.

She said fake friend requests, twishing and clickbait are among the ways in which fraudsters are accessing details. “Social media account holders receive friend requests from people that they do not know or

from people already in their contacts who have had their accounts hacked. Accepting these requests causes your account and that of your friends to be hacked and the personal data accessed”.

Twishing is “a combination of the words Twitter and Phishing and is a form of phishing in which a message is received on a person’s Twitter account in an attempt to obtain personal

or security data by directing the recipient to a bogus website”. Clickbait “is a post on social media which is worded in a way to attract the users’ attention and persuade them to click on the link to find out more. Often times these links are to bogus websites which seek to compromise your personal or security data”.

Fun in the sun at Kilkee

Harry, Bebhinn and Katie McGrath, Kilkee at the Irish Coast Guard Open Day at Kilkee

Photo by Eamon Ward

COURTS

‘Terrifying’ false imprisonment in Querrin

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has jailed a 49-year-old man to four years and eight months in prison for the false imprisonment and assault causing harm of his ex-partner during a ‘terrifying ordeal’ at her home in West Clare last September.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a 64-month prison sentence on Kevin Murphy, formerly of Querrin, Kilkee and suspended the final eight months.

At the sentencing hearing, it was confirmed that Mr Murphy is a convicted rapist and received a nine year prison term in 1998 for the 1994 rape offence.

During the incident on September 5th last, Mr Murphy pushed his ex-partner into a downstairs bedroom and pushed her face-down onto a bed where he restricted her hands with cable ties and tied them behind her back.

Det Garda Deirdre Collins told the court that the woman was “terrified” that Mr Murphy “was going to rape her or kill her”.

Det Garda Collins said that the woman was too terrified of Mr Murphy to come to court but in her victim impact statement read out by State counsel, Lorcan Connolly SC (Instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey), the woman said, “It is a very strange feeling to be attacked and in fear of your life knowing that you are powerless to stop it. It was almost a feeling of acceptance”.

The woman said, “There is not a whole lot you can do when you are restrained the way I was. I remember thinking ‘okay, if this is going to happen I need to go quietly because as long as my son is sleeping he is some bit safe’.”

She said that Murphy had a “look of evil in his eyes the night he attacked me”.

The woman said, “Time will heal, but I am already fearful of Mr Murphy being released. I no longer feel safe or peaceful. The physical injuries have healed but mentally and emotionally I am exhausted”. The two were in a relationship for seven years and have a son aged five.

The woman ended the relationship last year after Mr Murphy’s cheating but by last September relations had improved and he was helping with the care of their son. Det Garda Collins said Murphy assaulted the woman at her home shortly after she rejected his advances for a kiss and to rekindle their relationship.

Murphy tied the woman’s hands with cable ties, but he released her about an hour and half later.

At a Garda interview, Murphy made full admissions to false imprisonment, tying the woman’s hands and hurting her.

Counsel for Mr Murphy, Pat Barriscale BL (instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett) said Murphy did not disagree with any details in the woman’s witness statement and was ashamed of his actions.

Mr Barriscale said that his client maintains his innocence concerning the rape conviction from 1998.

In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that he wouldn’t add to the sentence because of the rape offence as it is 30 years old, but it did limit the amount of time he could reduce the sentence by way of mitigation.

Mr Barriscale said his client did plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, has shown remorse and a willingness to engage in therapy.

Mr Barriscale said that his client has had a late diagnosis of bi-polar personality disorder and is prescribed medication to deal with it.

Det Garda Collins said that Mr Murphy was mainly Co Tipperary based before the relationship and has three children from a previous relationship and has worked as a chef.

‘Time for words is over, the time for action is here

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

TIME FOR talking is over and action must now be delivered, a North Clare widow whose husband was killed in Ballyvaughan has said on the efforts to improve road safety in the area.

Musicians for road safety gathered in Ballyvaughan on Saturday for a one hour concert on what was the first anniversary of Jerry O’Connor’s death. The concert took place where Jerry died when his motorbike was struck by a French tourist just outside Ballyvaughan on July 27 last.

Speaking in Ballyvaughan on Saturday, Jerry’s widow Helga Himmelsbach said, “Jerry was butchered to death by a French person who yesterday (Friday) pleaded guilty to speeding on the wrong side of the road.

“Jerry was cleared of all responsibility for the accident, he couldn’t have done a thing differently, he could not have avoided having every bone in his body broken several times and his head smashed in

by a tourist on the wrong side of the road, speeding at ten to ten of a Thursday morning, that could have been prevented by our authorities but we know the story.

“I think the time is words is over and the time for action has begun, positive action that will keep all of us safe, for today it will keep all of us in a good frame of mind and that is where our musicians are here”.

An Garda Síochána gave permission for the section of the N67 from Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna to be closed to the facilitate the concert on Saturday.

However there was a tense exchange near the end of the concert when a male driver of a van attempted to drive through the concert. Helga stood in front of the van to ensure he did not pass.

Brendan Cusack from Lisdoonvarna was among those asked to assist with stewarding on the roads for the free concert. He confirmed that a permit had been secured by Helga and said “a small number of drivers questioned if the organisers had got a permit for the road closure”. Bus companies were contacted by organisers in advance of the concert to advise them of the disruption to traffic.

Tourist pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A FRENCH national has pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of a 71-year old motorcyclist outside the Burren village of Ballyvaughan in North Clare last July.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Olivier Le Bozec (42), with the assistance of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Jeremiah (Jerry) O’Connor on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan on the morning of July 27th last.

Saturday was the first year anniversary of Mr O’Connor’s death and his widow, Helga Himmels-

bach was in court for the arraignment hearing.

Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey told the District Court previously that his client, wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before the fatal collision to commence their holiday here.

Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French registered car when the collision occurred.

In court, Michael Collins SC told the court that his client “is a French national and was holidaying in Ireland with his wife and son when this tragic accident occurred”.

Mr Collins said, “He lives and works in France and has travelled here today and for the sentencing hearing he will require the services of an interpreter”.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly SC (instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey) suggested a sentencing date of November 8th.

Judge Francis Comerford said that a case like this is one of the serious cases a court can deal with when there is a loss of life.

Judge Comerford said that the case would be the first case dealt with on November 8th.

Mr Connolly said that Mr O’Connor’s partner was in court

for the hearing and said that a victim impact statement will be required for the sentencing hearing.

Judge Comerford remanded Mr Le Bozec on continuing bail to November 8th which allows him to return home to France pending the sentencing hearing.

Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death in the Circuit Court can face up to five years in prison.

Since her husband’s death, Mr.O’Connor’s widow, Helga Himmelsbach has been campaigning for improved signage and safer roads in the Ballyvaughan region.

Govt intervenes in Caherlohan plans over Bat concerns

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A GOVERNMENT department has intervened in plans by Clare GAA to expand and redevelop its Centre of Excellence due to concerns for the EU protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

This follows the Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage telling Clare County Council that it should carry out a study to determine if the Clare GAA proposal will significantly impact on the nearby Newgrove House which is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the presence of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

According to the Department submission lodged with the Council on the Clare GAA planning application, Newgrove House SAC “is considered to be of international importance”.

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is one of the world’s smallest bats and is afforded legal protection through the EU Habitats Directive.

Last month, in a bid to help unearth the next Tony Kelly, Clare GAA lodged plans for a large extension to its Centre of Excellence at Caherloghan, near the village of Tulla in east Clare.

The long awaited upgrade includes two new full length playing pitches; the construction

of a new all-weather synthetic playing pitch served by six 25 metre high floodlights and the construction of a new hurling ‘ball-wall'.

The plans also include the installation of 12 25-metre high floodlights serving existing Pitch Nos 3 and 4 and the construction of new covered spectator stand serving Pitch 3.

The proposal also includes the construction of a two storey extension to the existing Clare GAA Centre of Excellence building accommodating additional player welfare facilities including new dressing rooms, a gymnasium, dining and administrative areas.

In its submission, the Dept state that the site of the proposed development at its closest point is 1.7km from Newgrove House.

The Dept state that Newgrove is a hibernation site for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and as such connectivity with the numerous maternity sites in the vicinity is an important consideration.

No objections have been lodged against the Centre of Excellence upgrade plans and a decision is due on the application next month.

l MARCH: Jerry O’Connor’s widow, Helga with supporters

Photo by John Mangan

Agreement sought for street cleaning

FORMAL agreements are needed to ascertain terms for street cleaning within John Paul Estate in Kilrush, writes Páraic McMahon.

Kilrush based Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) appealed to the estate management team in Clare County Council’s housing section to reach “a formal agreement” with the West Clare Municipal District “to ensure that street cleaning is extended to within John Paul Estate”.

Alan Kennelly, senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD said, “Clare County Council road sweeper visits John Paul Estate on a regular basis. The frequency can be increased if there is an issue”.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Lynch commented, “there was a sense of frustration during the canvass that people felt it wasn’t given the attention it needed”. He felt the street cleaning once a month to assist with picking up rubbish and assist with grass cutting would make a big difference to the area. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF).

Talty hits out at West

Clare agenda

A NORTH CLARE elected representative has criticised the agenda issued in advance of the West Clare Municipal District annual general meeting (AGM), writes Páraic McMahon

As per the agenda for the West Clare MD AGM, representatives were to be nominated on the Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, two to the management committee of Active Kilrush “as well as nomination of representatives to any other Boards/Committees required”.

Speaking at the July meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who missed the AGM voiced his frustration with the agenda issued. “We had a diary clash with a Corporate Policy Group (CPG) meeting and it is more than disappointing to have not been able to attend. “I made the decision on which meeting to attend based on the agenda circulated and based on agreements, everything seemed to be moved inline but items not on the agenda were dealt with which were positions on the rural taskforce committee, I would have had an opinion on how it would be better filled,” the Lahinch man said.

Talty was critical that two representatives from the one party, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) and Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) were nominated. He said, “in those type of arrangements that something by agreement with cross party and geographical balance might have been more appropriate. Had it been on agenda I might have decided to attend a different meeting”.

His party colleague, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) suggested the members be changed “on a year by year basis”. Talty responded, “ No invite or circular was circulated, I was not aware the positions were to be filled, I don’t think that was fair”. Killeen repeated, “a compromise is that the position be changed every year”.

An amendment was sought by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) for Cllr Talty and all councillors to be involved when putting forward the nominees. Cllr Talty said he would be content if the matter was discussed before the September meeting.

Kelly appointed Sheils Peugeot Brand Ambassador

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ALL-IRELAND winning captain, Tony Kelly has been unveiled as the new Sheils Peugeot Brand Ambassador.

Fresh from showing Cork’s defence a clean pair of heels, Kelly has secured himself a new pair of wheels by getting his hands on a brand new Peugeot 3008 petrol-hybrid.

On Friday morning, the twotime All-Ireland winner got the keys to his new car and got to drive the car for the first time. Sheils Motor Group have recently been appointed as the main Peugeot dealers for Co Clare.

Peugeot’s new self-charging, automatic SUV features cutting edge fuel-efficiency and striking new design features.

Kelly has previously been a brand ambassador for Sheils in 2014 and 2015. The new partnership comes fresh from the Ballyea man leading Clare to a fifth All-Ireland title with the captain scoring 1-4 in the one point win over Cork.

Tony told The Clare Echo he was thrilled with the brand new Peugeot and to be working with the team at Sheils Motor Group in Ennis once again. His first impressions of the car were very positive as he took off from the Gort Rd Industrial Estate,

watched by his very proud inlaws to be, Paschal and Claire McMahon plus Ruan native Noel Casey.

Sheils Ennis General Manager Eddie Rynne stated the company “are extremely proud to have Tony as our Brand Ambassador for the fabulous Peugeot range”. He was joined for Friday’s presentation by Ted Sheils and Thomas Sheils, both of whom are Directors with the company and Head of Sheils Peugeot Business, Jack Finucane.

Next year, Sheils Motor Group will reach the milestone of one hundred years in business, they were appointed as the Ford dealers for Co Clare in 1925. Eddie

pointed out that since then the company has been a proud supporter of Clare GAA, providing support to the County Board, Cusack Park plus hurling, camogie, gaelic football and ladies football clubs across the county. Since 2017, Sheils have supplied the kit van for the Clare senior hurlers along with providing transport for underage teams. In addition to being main dealers for Peugeot, Sheils Motor Group are Main Dealers for Ford, Hyundai, MG and Honda and operate from their multi-showroom premises on the Gort Road in Ennis. The company are also main dealers for the franchises in Galway and Limerick.

Making a splash at Scariff Harbour

AN IMPRESSIVE range of activities will up the teenage heart beats when they take on team-building challenges, bungy trampolining, hanging tough and human demolition at the Riverside Park on the Feakle Road in Scariff this weekend.

Organised in conjunction with UL Sports Adventure, it will also include archery, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding while East Clare Paddlers will kayak the Scariff River from the harbour and get others involved on both Saturday and Sunday.

“After all the excitement of the county’s recent All-Ireland Hurling victory, it will be an opportunity to expend some more energy,” said Mike Rodgers, uncle of Clare’s corner

forward, Mark and Chair and Co-founder of the Harbour Festival.

“In the 2024 programme we were very conscious of including lots of interesting activities for young people and to maximise the river and harbour amenities,” he said.

In the GAA Park, the highly popular four-hour Family Fun Day with Toons and Balloons will feature a host of activities and games for younger children. It will also include a designated sensory hour between 1 & 2pm on Saturday reserved for families with additional needs. To ensure that no child is disappointed, it will happen indoors at Scariff Rugby Club, if the weather is inclement.

And what child isn’t fas-

cinated by fire engines?

Scariff Fire Brigade crew has stepped up to allow children see the fire equipment up close, take a tour of the station and go away with the all-important selfie photo. Underpinning the fun and enjoyment is, of course, the important safety message to shift the focus from responding to fires and accidents to involving the community in keeping safe.

For the less active, fun loving smaller children, a ‘virtual’ campsite will be set up on the Fair Green by the 10th Clare Scariff/Mountshannon Scout Group. Kids from 6-12 can toast marshmallows on a firebowl, build an Archimedes Bridge or join in a treasure hunt. Close by they can create

a piece of wildlife art with Cork-based, visual artist and educator, Mia Foley. There’s also circus and comedy with Ireland’s longest running juggling act, Babcock & Bobbins in the Town Centre, with surprise characters from the world of Disney at the Riverside Park.

The festival will be officially opened by the newly elected Mayor of Derry & District of Strabane, SDLP Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr at the Edna O’Brien Library, after she receives a Civic Reception hosted by the Killaloe Municipal District of Clare County Council. The Kenyan born community activist is the first black mayor in Northern Ireland, having come to Ireland as a refugee in 2010. Her presence in

Scariff maintains the link the festival has had with Northern Ireland since it began in 2003. She will address the Scariff audience with her very powerful personal story and her now re-invigorated public life in Derry, where she will be welcomed and joined by newly elected MEP, Michael McNamara; Brian Treacy, Western Regional Manager of Waterways Ireland; Harry O’Meara, Co-founder of the Harbour Festival Committee and the Mayor of Clare, FF Cllr Alan O’Callaghan. Scariff Harbour Festival 2024 runs from the 1st –4th August beginning on Thursday evening with the Celtic Tenors in the Church of the Sacred Heart.

l NEW WHEELS: Clare Senior hurling captain and All-Ireland champion Tony Kelly with the new Peugot 3008 at Shiels of Ennis

Monsignor Horgan becomes Papal Nuncio to South Sudan

MONSIGNOR Séamus Horgan was consecrated as Papal Nuncio to South Sudan in his native Ennis on Saturday, writes Páraic McMahon

Large crowds gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul for Monsignor Horgan’s consecration. He was appointed to the role by Pope Francis in May of this year.

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, two of the most senior officials in the Vatican were in attendance along with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to The United States, and Papal Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop, Luis Mariano Montemayor.

Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese, Fintan Monahan, Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh, his successor Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Bishop Ger Nash, Fr Iggy McCormack, and Corofin native Leonard Cleary who is a permanent deacon and the Chief Executive of Galway City Council were among the familiar faces at the altar.

A native of Tobarteascáin near St. Flannan’s College

The Town Hall Bistro

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

where he completed his secondary schooling, Monsignor Horgan entered St Patrick’s College Maynooth in 1987 before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Harty in 1994 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis.

He had been First Counsellor at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington D.C prior to his new role and has previously held Diplomatic Service of the Holy See rolls in Uganda, Switzerland, The Philippines and Italy. His new role also sees him appointed to the titular See of Árd Sratha – Ardstraw, County Tyrone while he is based in South Sudan city of Juba.

There are three Apostolic Nuncios, originally from Ireland, in active diplomatic service for the Universal Church, two of them are from the Diocese of Killaloe.

Séamus has served as Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciatures in Kampala, Berne and Manila, as well as working at the Secretariat of State in Rome from 2015 to 2020.

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

Following six years of pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Killaloe Diocese, Monsignor

Horgan was sent to Rome in 2000 for further studies. After completing a Licence in Canon Law (Pontifical Gregorian University), he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome to prepare for the service of the Holy See. In 2008 he was appointed a Chaplain of His Holiness and in 2019 a Prelate of Honour. Monsignor Horgan speaks English, Italian & French and has a working knowledge of German. His coat of arms includes elements common to all episcopal arms, as well as some personal elements. It is surmounted by the green galero (flat hat) with ten fiocchi (tassels) on either side, indicating the rank of Archbishop. The hat and tassels are green, which is the armorial colour of a bishop. The shield contains two elements personal to the new Archbishop. On the shield’s middle chief (upper strip), the key is taken from the coat of arms of Killaloe Diocese, representing the unity of the Diocese with the Bishop of Rome and Successor of St Peter. The second symbol is the galleon, taken from the coat of arms of the town of Ennis. The

The Poets Corner Bar

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

galleon also represents the Church, as the “ark of salvation”, by which we traverse the sometimes turbulent waters of life towards the safe harbour of heaven. Both symbols represent the Archbishop’s provenance, and his roots in the town of Ennis and the Diocese of Killaloe.

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

Séamus took the motto ‘Nec laudibus, nec timore’ which translates roughly as “neither for praise nor from fear”. It is taken from a prayer in the traditional Rite of Ordination of a Bishop and describes how the Bishop should conduct himself as a minister of Christ, swayed neither by flattery nor by fear. Ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See, Frances Collins, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Dep Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) were among those in attendance.

The

Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

Photo by John O’Neill

Planning approved for Ennistymon public realm works but concerns flagged on parking

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SOME 45 new car parking spaces are to be delivered in Ennistymon by the end of 2025 but concerns that traffic will be “choked” in the North Clare town prior to then have been voiced.

At a special meeting of Clare County Council on Friday, Part VIII planning permission was secured for streetscape and public realm works in Ennistymon. Approval had to be secured at this sitting to obtain grant funding of €495,000 which could not have been held over until the next Council meeting in September.

The proposed development will comprise of footpath upgrades, provision of a pedestrian friendly raised table area with controlled crossing, provision of a pedestrian friendly raised table with new courtesy crossing, a raised courtesy crossings, revisions to on-street car parking layouts, paved surfaces, relocation of existing and provision of new street lighting and street furniture and all associated services, site development and landscaping works.

Works will take place on Parliament Street, the Square, Church Street and McInerney’s. Some of the lands are located within the En-

Friday’s meeting lasted under quarter of an hour and was attended by 12 of the 28 councillors. Those present in the Chamber were Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Bill Slattery (FG), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Dinny Gould (FG), Cllr David Griffin (FF) and Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF).

Elected members attending online were Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG).

Proposing the development, Cllr

Talty said it came on the back of three years work between staff in the Council and the Ennistymon Town Team. He said the full enhancement strategy was launched for Ennistymon following “extensive public consultation.

“Critically, it comes along with a planning permission two years ago for an off-street car park on Monastery Lane is about to be developed in the coming winter and into next year, that has been delayed subject to finding a solution to rehousing of bats that are on the buildings there which have to be knocked, a solution for that is in train so the offstreet car park will be developed and we will get upgraded streets

and streetscaping on Parliament Street and the Square in Ennistymon”.

He added, “The planning application was open to the public, we only got two submissions which were generally positive with some suggestions, there was extensive public consultation on the strategy itself. On the back of the works done on Main Street this is another step along the way of upgrading the public realm in Ennistymon, the funding is in place since spring, it would be remiss of us not to back the permission now and lose the money and leave Ennistymon sitting for another ten years without getting the enhancement that is needed around the street”.

Support was voiced by Cllr Garrihy. “I am delighted to second the proposal which will build on the investment and ongoing success of Ennistymon over the last number of years. This approval will facilitate securing the €500,000 of funding approved under town and village renewal in 2023 following on from the Destination town project of €500,000 and town and village renewal of €250,000 in 2022. It is essential that the additional car parking facilities under development are completed in advance of

potential impact and disruption of these improvements.”

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr McInerney said she was “very supportive of the redevelopment” while concerns were voiced by Cllr Slattery. “I support any initiative on the streetscape but I am concerned, I wasn’t part of this as a councillor, I am concerned by the lack of parking. What is the timeframe for this car park being delivered, what is the timeframe for the work starting? The town is totally choked up every single day, if it goes ahead without the car park then the people are very concerned, objections are in from An Taisce on bats and everything else, we’re putting the cart before the horse, I’m not against this don’t get me wrong but we need the car park, we’re going to lose spaces which is a serious problem”.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling described the public realm development in Ennistymon as “very important”. He said, “In a perfect world it would be great if everything came together at the one time but that is not possible”.

Dowling said the ambition was to deliver 45 spaces in the car park by the end of 2025.

nistymon Architectural Conservation Area.

‘You

are not leaving this house b***h until you are dead’ said man in vodka-fuelled assault

by Gordon Deegan paraic@clareecho.ie

A 38-YEAR OLD man who held down his then girlfriend telling her ‘You are not leaving this house bitch until you are dead’ during a vodka-fuelled assault has escaped jail.

This follows Judge Francis Comerford at Ennis Circuit Court imposing a suspended two year six month or 30 month prison term on Colin Curtis of Horseshoe Grove, Crusheen, Co Clare.

Mr Curtis pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm and threatening to kill the woman on May 26th 2023 at an apartment on Parnell Street, Ennis.

In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that Mr Curtis had “terrorised” the woman during the one hour ordeal on May 26th 2023 at her apartment in what was “a horrendous assault”,

Judge Comerford said that it was “a very bad assault” where the woman suffered a series of injuries though none were grievous.

Judge Comerford said that what occurred was an instance of domestic violence.

Judge Comerford said that since initially hearing the facts of the case at Kilrush Circuit Court he has come around to a different way of thinking in the sentencing in the case.

Judge Comerford said that the mitigation features in the case touch the exceptional circumstances where the court can impose a wholly suspended sentence.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Curtis since the offence has done everything that could be anticipated by someone who wanted to mend their ways.

Judge Comerford said in reaching his decision he was not for a moment not conscious of the vulnerability of the victim.

He commented that “some peo-

ple think getting a suspended sentence just means getting off completely”.

He said: “The superior courts have recognised that a suspended sentence is a sentence because at any stage if he breaches that or if Mr Curtis gets drunk or got involved in any alterations, then he will be serving the prison sentence in full.”

After imposing the suspended prison term and Mr Curtis agreed to comply with all directions of the Probation Service for the next 12 months, Judge Comerford said: “We will see where that brings him.”

Judge Comerford said that Mr Curtis pleaded guilty, was disgusted by what he did, had shown remorse, is addressing his alcohol addiction, has got work and was in the throes of addiction at the time of the assault.

He said that no previous convic-

tions of this type of offence.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Curtis has €4,500 in court for his victim.

The victim in the case was not in court for either day of the sentencing hearing and did not provide a victim impact statement.

On the night in question, she escaped the apartment by foot and ran down Abbey Street to the local Garda Station where she presented herself at 11.55pm on May 26th 2023 with bruises all over her body after the one hour ordeal.

In her statement to Gardai, the woman said that during the assault, Mr Curtis held her to the floor and told her ‘You are not leaving this house bitch until you are dead’.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly SC (instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey) said that the woman described Mr Curtis

punching her in the face and pulling her around the sitting room “like a rag doll”.

Mr Connolly told the court that the woman presented at the Garda station with numerous injuries to her head including a lump on her forehead and swelling on both sides of her jaw.

Mr Connolly said that the woman’s chin was bleeding while she also had marks on her neck, arms and fresh bruises on both of her legs.

Garda Jonathan Ryan said that the woman told him that she had just been assaulted by her boyfriend and he said that one injury to the side of the woman’s upper face was particularly noticeable.

Garda Ryan said that Gardai then went to the apartment where they found blood spatters inside the door and various locations around the kitchen.

Garda Ryan said that Gardai had to break down the locked door to a bedroom where they found Mr Curtis asleep. Garda Ryan said a neighbour in the adjoining apartment heard a woman’s voice saying ‘stop it, stop it’ and the screaming went on for an hour.

Garda Ryan said that Mr Curtis was not fit to be interviewed that night but when interviewed the following day, he was co-operative and admitted the assault.

Garda Ryan said that when shown photos of the woman’s injuries, Mr Curtis was apologetic and very remorseful.

Garda Ryan said that two bottles of vodka were drunk on the day with the two sharing the first bottle and Mr Curtis drinking the contents of the second bottle by himself.

Garda Ryan said that Mr Curtis has 25 previous convictions which are mainly for road traffic.

Garda Ryan said that there has been no communication since between the two.

In the court, counsel for Mr Cur-

tis, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Tara Godfrey) told the court that Mr Curtis wishes to apologise to the woman.

Mr Whyms said that what occurred was “a bad incident”.

Mr Whyms said what occurred “is out of character - there is no previous offending of this sort at all but he knows he can’t get a pass on bad behaviour because of that”.

Mr Whyms then presented a number of character references on Mr Curtis including one from a former girlfriend and a second from his current girlfriend.

Mr Whyms said that from his current partner, she describes their relationship as loving and caring and confirms that Mr Curtis has stopped drinking and using drugs.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Curtis was in a previous relationship with a woman from 2006 to 2018 and in her letter to court she said that there was never any violence within the relationship and the reason the relationship broke down was because of his drinking.

Mr Whyms also provided a character reference from Mr Curtis’s unnamed employer, a garage operator. He said the employer described Mr Curtis as friendly, polite “and always willing to go the extra mile”.

Mr Whyms said that the author is aware of the background to the situation and says that “should the worst happen, we will keep Colin’s position open for him”.

Mr Whyms also provided a letter from Mr Curtis’s terminally ill grand-father who said that Mr Curtis is a compassionate person and has been a lifeline to him.

The man said that with Mr Curtis’s bail conditions meaning that he has to remain outside Clare, he has missed him greatly.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Curtis moved to Ireland from the UK in 1999 and had lived in Dublin and Galway before moving to Co Clare.

Craggaunowen steps back into Viking Age

Craggaunowen will be transformed into a Viking village with medieval games, battle creations and a celebration of Norse arts, crafts and trades this August Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August).

‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ will provide visitors with an insight into how the pagan warriors lived in Ireland during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The highlight of the weekend will be the battle recreations on the Castle Green at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm daily when warring warriors demonstrate their fierce fighting and defensive skills.

Visitors will be able to don the suits of chain-mail and hold a Viking Helmet, shield and other armoury once used for protection during the intense battles that raged across Ireland over 1,000 years ago. Visitors will have the op-

portunity to see and experience what life was like during the Viking Age at a recreated village where historically

accurate workshop tents will host crafters demonstrating their trading, leather working, and wicket basket and jewel-

lery making skills.

Kids of all ages will also be able to participate in Viking-themed activities from the “throwing logs” game of Knubb to Hnefatafl, a game akin to modern-day chess.

Pauline Lenihan, Site Manager at Craggaunowen said, “The Vikings have invaded Craggaunowen many times down through the years, but they always visit in peace and with an eagerness to share insights into their culture and rich heritage with the wider public.”

“Our open-air museum at Craggaunowen will bring the Viking story to life and we hope that people of all ages will come along to learn more about their day-to-day lives and the real people behind the legend of the ‘men from the north’. It promises to be an educational and entertain-

ing weekend for all the family,” added Ms. Lenihan. The Clare County Council managed visitor attraction at Craggaunowen, which this year celebraters the 50th anniversary of its foundation by John Hunt of The Hunt Collection, recreates what life would have been like for the Bronze Age inhabitants of Ireland. The attraction features a 16th-century castle and a reconstructed “crannog” showing how Celts lived, worked, and defended themselves. The Brendan Boat, built in 1976 by explorer Tim Severin who successfully completed a 4,500-mile transatlantic crossing, also is on permanent display at Craggaunowen.

Tickets for ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ are available online at www.craggaunowen.ie (normal admission rates apply).

l FUN: ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ takes place at Craggaunowen, County Clare, during the August Bank Holiday Weekend

Photo by Eamon Ward

l SUSPENDED SENTENCE: Colin Curtis

The Viking Age at Craggaunowen

Experience the thrill of the Viking Age at Craggaunowen!

Witness the might of Viking warriors in combat displays, be amazed by the skill of traditional artisans, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this fascinating era. Book Now: www.craggaunowen.ie

Saturday, 3rd & Sunday, 4th August 2024

From 10am - 5pm

Tuamgraney shows solidarity with Palestine

A UNION between the East Clare Memorial Committee and East Clare for Palestine resulted in the planting of a tree to show solidarity with the people of Palestine, writes Páraic McMahon

On Sunday at the East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney, a tree was planted by the two groups. The event included poetry readings, a performance by the Éisteacht choir and speeches.

Officially dedicated as the Republican Memorial Park in 1954, this year marks the 70th anniversary of East Clare Memorial Park. Carol McNamara proposed the idea of a ceremonial tree planting.

Among those to attend were the Awwad family who performed the tree planting, since they fled their bombed out home in Gaza in October they have found refuge in Scariff.

Secretary of the East Clare Memorial Committee, Dr Tomás Mac Conmara explained that the occasion represented an opportunity to express unity with those fighting for freedom in different parts of the world. “As we reflect on 70 years of remembering in Tuamgraney, we felt it only appropriate to express our solidarity with Palestine and in deference to the Palestinians who have been welcomed into east Clare since the recent genocide has been happening”.

by Gordon Deegan paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS family “have gone through hell” due to the presence of an illegal encampment, a Clare councillor has claimed.

Installation of a steel fence between Harnett’s Land “and the illegal halting site on the Kilrush Rd, Ennis” was requested by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan in response to Cllr Daly’s motion stated that legal proceedings were ongoing regarding the unauthorised encampment.

Lenihan stated, “In normal circumstances, the boundary fencing as installed would be sufficient and the responsibility of the adjacent landowners to maintain. It is accepted that more may need to be done in the current circumstances and to this end, we will engage further with our colleagues in the housing section and the roads section to come up with the optimum solution there”. He committed to keep elected members informed of any developments.

Cllr Daly commented, “the Harnett family have gone through hell because of this illegal encampment. It has gone from the High Court to the Supreme Court, I hope a steel fence can go up”. He argued that the inability to erect the fence was “a disgrace”.

This encampment has been in place at Ashline by the Kilrush Rd roundabout in Ennis since August 2018. An eviction of the tenants was previously ruled by The High Court and backed by the Court of Appeal in November 2021. Upwards of €200,000 has been spent by Clare County Council in a legal battle with the occupants of the encampment.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

acknowledged it was “a very difficult situation”. He continued, “Litigation is ongoing, if judgement in favour that what is happening right now can be sorted. I welcome the proposal”.

According to Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “recently they tried to raise a fence or build a wall but they were knocked overnight, horses have been frightened. In recent times, a horse's tail was cut which to me is quite sinister, they have put up with this for years, they have put up with an awful lot. We need to do something”.

Support was also voiced by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). “We need to try to assist people trying to live day to day and they are farming which makes it all the harder, it is part of a court process”. Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) also issued his support, “Cllr Daly works very closely with the people of the area,” he stated.

On the election canvass, the matter was raised with Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF). “I came across a lady who was heartbroken, she was a family friend, it was such a moving story so we forget it is a family that have suffered also”. She continued, “This is a human story, it is affecting them day in day out but not just this family but their larger family and friends, I hope it can be resolved, it is a short-term solution for a long-term problem”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) noted, “This is a very difficult case, those words were well spoken by Cllr Baker Bashua, it is a family in trauma for many years because of the incidents that have occurred. I met the family on the canvass trail and they voiced an appreciation for what the Council are endeavouring to do but it is taking so long, they are very grateful that Clare County Council are trying to pursue this”.

lTOUCHING: The tree planting ceremony in Tuamgraney

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Edna to be buried on Holy Island

EDNA O’Brien’s funeral is to take place in her native Co Clare in the coming weeks, writes Páraic McMahon

Family members of Edna have said her dying wish was to return home to East Clare one last time. She died on Saturday at the age of 93.

“She left this world in a very easy and peaceful way,” Edna’s nephew Michael Blake said. Her funeral will take place late next week at the earliest and will be held in Tuamgraney Church and she will be buried on Holy Island but formal arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Michael was with his aunt up until her death in London but she issued instructions over ten years ago which expressed her wish to be brought home for a service in Tuamgraney, the same church where she was christened and had communion.

O’Brien’s family have confirmed that she will be buried at the historic Holy Island with a trip to be made by boat following the funeral.

Blake recounted that Edna “always loved coming home to Ireland, but often said it was easier to write about Ireland from outside of it” while enjoying the anonymity of places like London.

From spending the final hours with Edna in London, Michael has flown to Paris where he is the Chef D’Equipe of the Irish senior showjumping team competing in the Olympics. He said she was a “fanatic sportswoman who loved soccer, jumping, racing, you’d find it hard to imagine how interested she was in all sports”.

He said Edna was “one of the bravest women” he ever knew and noted, she was “brave when it was hard to be brave” and “what needed to be said, she said it, that’s the way to live”. Last year, a mural was commissioned by Clare County Council of Edna which is located at Wood Quay in Ennis.

One of the last pieces of writing done by Edna was a speech in May which was read aloud at the renaming of the library in Scariff in her honour. “She was absolutely chuffed

‘A fearless teller of truths’ and one of Ireland’s greatest writers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

with that,” Michael said on having the library named after her, “she was really delighted with it”.

She was unable to attend the event but the reading of her letter was among the highlights of the evening.

“I’m very honoured to have the library named after me, I hope it doesn’t fall down. Why did I love it? Because I learned bits of poems, bits of history and bits of folklore that I would otherwise not have known or gone towards. I read extracts of great books and recitation, the Midnight Court in Irish was one of my favourites, I don’t think I was very sociable, I liked to have others around me rather than the silence at home and I came across some of the more vivid accounts in Irish history and it was a stepping stone to worlds beyond.

Buildings and walls and places carry in them stories that came before so I’ve good memories of my time there and what was instilled in me, I’ve said enough, good luck,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council has opened an online Book of Condolence in memory of Edna O’Brien, R.I.P.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, is inviting members of the public to sign the book and join people from all over Clare and Ireland in marking Edna’s legacy as “A novelist who skilfully centered women’s experiences in her writing, earning her plaudits as a literary genius and one of the most influential figures in Irish literature.”

“We are proud that Edna lived among us and drew on her experiences of growing up in rural East Clare, and that this shaped her perspective and influenced her writing,” added Cllr O’Callaghan.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling, said: “I invite people to sign the online Book of Condolence and add their names to the many tributes paid to Edna O’Brien by people around the country and all over the world.”

Members of the public are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/condolenceednao-brien

TUAMGRANEY’s Edna O’Brien has been hailed as one of the country’s greatest ever writers. Edna died at the age of 93 on Saturday afternoon peacefully after a long illness.

Her literary agent, PFD, and publisher, Faber in a joint statement, said “Our thoughts are with her family and friends, in particular her sons Marcus and Carlo. The family has requested privacy at this time”.

Born in December 1930 to farmer Michael O’Brien and Lena Cleary in Drewsborough, Tuamgraney, Edna became one of the country’s leading writers of all-time and among the biggest literary giants across generations.

In May of this year, her native area honoured her when the Scariff library was renamed the Edna O’Brien Library. This followed a proposal from Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) and ensures the Scariff library is the only one in Clare named after a woman with the others named after political and historical figures such as Eamon de Valera (Ennis), Sean Lemass (Shannon), William Smith O’Brien (Newmarket-on-Fergus) and Dr Patrick J. Hillery (Miltown Malbay). Efforts were made by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) for the new county library in Ennis to be named after Edna.

Her debut novel, ‘The Country Girls’ was released in 1960 and its publication caused a huge reaction. It has been heralded on lifting taboos on sexual and social issues in Ireland following World War Two. The book was banned, burned and denounced from the pulpit.

A trailblazer, she continued over the next five decades, she continued to challenge the commonly held assumptions on what women should write about. The topics of her work regularly deal with the relationship between the sexes from a female perspective, how women are changed by their relationships with men and how they can retain their personhood in a male-dominated world.

Edna was conferred with honorary doctorates by Galway University, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Limerick. In 2006 University College Dublin awarded her the Ulysses Medal, the highest prize the university can bestow.

CEREMONY

In September 2015 she was elected as a Saoi of Aosdána in a ceremony presided over by President Michael D Higgins.

On 10 April 2018, for her contributions to literature, she was appointed an honorary Dame of the Order of the British Empire.

She was awarded the David Cohen Prize for Literature at a ceremony in London in 2019. The £40,000 prize, awarded every two years in recognition of a living writer’s lifetime achievement in literature, has been described as the “UK and Ireland Nobel in literature”. A year earlier, she received the Pen Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature.

France announced that it would be awarding O’Brien Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest honour for the arts in March 2021

In September 2021, it was announced that O’Brien would be donating her archive to the National Library of Ireland. The Library will hold papers from O’Brien covering the period of 2000 to 2021 and includes correspondence, drafts, notes, and revisions. O’Brien’s papers from 1939 to 2000 are held by Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

President Michael D. Higgins described Edna as “a dear friend” of his and his wife Sabina. “Edna O’Brien has been one of the outstanding writers of modern times, her work has been sought as model all around the world. Edna was a fearless teller of truths, a superb writer possessed of the moral courage to confront Irish society with realities long ignored and suppressed.

“Through that deeply insightful work, rich in humanity, Edna O’Brien was one of the first writers to provide a true voice to the experiences of women in Ireland in their different generations and played an important role in transforming the status of women across Irish society.

While the beauty of her work was immediately recognised abroad, it is important to remember the hostile reaction it provoked among those who wished for the lived experience of women to remain far from the world of Irish literature, with her books shamefully banned upon their early publication,” the President added.

Faber, her publisher, said she was one of the greatest writers of our age.

“She revolutionised Irish literature, capturing the lives of women and the complexities of the human condition in prose that was luminous and spare, and which had a profound influence on so many writers who followed her. A defiant and courageous spirit, Edna constantly strove to break new artistic ground, to write truthfully, from a place of deep feeling. The vitality of her prose was a mir-

lPASSING OF A LEGEND: Edna O’Brien from

lMURAL: The mural in Ennis at Woodquay to Edna O’Brien Photo by John Mangan

released The Country Girls in 1960

ror of her zest for life: she was the very best company, kind, generous, mischievous, brave. Edna was a dear friend to us all, and we will miss her dreadfully. It is Faber’s huge privilege to publish her, and her bold and brilliant body of work lives on”.

LANDMARK

Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) said Edna was “a brave, gifted, dignified and magnetic person. She wrote her debut novel The Country Girls in just three weeks. Sixty-four years on it is not only a remarkable piece of work but still a landmark moment for Irish women and society. The book would be banned and burned but Edna O’Brien would never be silenced.

“Most people would have stopped and hidden away from the misogyny she faced, but Edna O’Brien kept working on her artistry and became one of modern Ireland’s most celebrated and honoured writers.

“Her memoir, Country Girl, is a beautiful and raw piece of work where Edna O’Brien bares her soul. It is for all of us to reflect upon, and never forget, that to reach her potential Edna would leave Ireland and make London her home. She beautifully summed up herself and this Anglo/Irish experience and identity of so many people when she spoke of “the wedding of the Country of Ireland and the Country of England in me”.

Literary agent Caroline Michel of

MacLeod

PFD said: “In Girl with Green Eyes, the immortal centrepiece of the masterful Country Girls trilogy, Edna writes, ‘We all leave one another. We die ... If I do leave you, I will have passed on to you something of myself; you will be a different person because of knowing me; it’s inescapable.’ “Edna is inescapable ... once read, once met, she is forever rebelliously and joyously in your life,” she said.

WOMAN’S EXPERIENCE

Scottish novelist Andrew O’Hagan said that Edna “changed the nature of Irish fiction; she brought the woman’s experience and sex and internal lives of those people on to the page, and she did it with style, and she made those concerns international”. She has been described by Irish novelist Colum McCann as “the advance scout for the Irish imagination” for over five decades.

Philip Roth labelled her as “the most gifted woman now writing in English”, while a former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, cited her as “one of the great creative writers of her generation”. Others to hail her as one of the greatest writers alive include John Banville, Michael Ondaatje and Sir Ian McKellen

Tuamgraney

Photo by Murdo

Echo slimmers back with a bang

AFTER a minor blip on the slimming road last week as our pair celebrated Clare’s All-Ireland win with the rest of the county, Denise knocked it out of the park by being named her group’s Slimmer of the Month as Kieran also got back on track.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Kieran Murphy

Title: Account Manager

gave back those 3.5lbs to get his health journey on track again.

How did week four go for you?

I was determined to take off the weight gain from the week before. Thankfully the work paid off. I found myself losing focus and saw old habits creeping in. I checked myself and got back on track. What changes have you made?

The past week I brought myself back on track as I was losing my way a bit. We did eat out on Sunday in Doolin. We had lovely food but there was no real “healthy” option. At this week’s early morning meeting Pamela suggested the next time I am out to ask for a baked potato & salad instead of the chips etc. When having the burger not to eat the burger bun.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Denise Quinn

Title: Head of Sales

Age: 49

Height: 5ft 3in

Starting weight: 14st.05lb

Week 1: Lost 7lbs

Week 2: Lost 3.5lbs

Week 3: Gained 2lbs

Week 4: Lost 6lbs

Current weight: 13st

Goal: To lose 2 stone

How did week four go for you? After a 2 lb gain last week I decided to start again from the very beginning and review what I did in my first week . My personal target given in the group for this week was 3lb.

lACHIEVEMENT: Leader Martina Nash and Caroline Estrange who received her Club 10 Award

forward to achieving this myself.

One of the gentlemen in group Brian who started his journey in June 2023 has lost 7 stone 12.5 pounds to date. What an inspiration! Brian wants to let other men know the Slimming world is fantastic for men.

We also chatted about group activities and raising funds for the Cancer society. I am really looking forward to this which will get me active to support my weight loss while raising much needed funds . Leader Tips this week.

Having gained 3.5lbs last week, Clare Echo account manager Kieran Murphy did a straight swap and

I met Stacey at this week’s meeting. She has lost nearly 13 stone on her journey so far. She now mentors other members and family. She is truly an inspiration to all of us.

I was absolutely delighted when I achieved 6lbs. The key this week was reviewing what worked in my first week and also drinking 2 litres of water daily.

Full of energy on Saturday

morning I attended Martina’s Group at the CBC primary school new Road Ennis at 8.30 am (second class at 10.30 am). I was really encouraged at this group when Caroline Estrange received her Club 10 award which has so many health benefits of losing 10% of your body weight. Looking

1.To help get best results follow the 10 essential steps on page 65 of your food optimising book which will always put you back in the weight loss seat

2.Taking time out to read and re read book is vital.

3.If you had a bad day, refocus on what’s important to you and this will help get you back on track.

Abundance of perennials and shrubs

WE HAVE stunning colour and an abundance of variety now to choose from in the line of perennials and shrubs the gardens are bursting with colour and with the weather being so nice everything looks fantastic.

Some of my favourite as a wander through the garden centre that have lovely blossoms now are Echinacea, Helenium, Agapanthus, Salvia Aster, Phlox and there are so many more, but the abundance of colour is flowing nicely through the whole place.

If you have a spot that need something, maybe consider one of the above and or pop in and see what available. The nice thing about this time of year is that you can see the

perennials in flower when you buy them.

There is some bedding plants available all year round like pansy and viola and some other summer bedding is still doing well like the busy Lizzy and begonias is still available alongside like geranium and fuchsia.

Hedging is available this time of year so if you are filling a gap or doing an area, we have some in stock this time of year the most popular is Laurel and Red Robin and Olearia is a great costal hedging plant along with fuchsia.

Mix hedging is nice to do as well if you want a bit of colour some plant like Hypericum and Choosy are used along with Escallonia these ones have lovely flowers on them,

there are lots of option when it comes to hedging depending on the look you may prefer.

This time of year, there is always a nice selection of shrubs to avail of too so weather it’s a colourful fuchsia or a ground cover persicara there is a lovely selection available.

A little reminder this week to continue to feed plant and bedding plant along with watering them and put the hoe to good use this coming week we all know the weeds will always thrive in nice weather like we have at the moment.

So enjoy the beautiful days and the time well spent in that amazing sanctuary of a garden you are creating sit back and soak it all up.

Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT) - where healing meets relaxation! If you’ve heard about the OxyGeneration clinic in Galway, you’re likely familiar with the incredible benefits HBOT offers.

The clinic is growing, thanks largely to word-of-mouth recommendations from past clients who have experienced remarkable improvements in their health and well-being. So today I’m going to cover some of the most frequently asked questions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each HBOT session at OxyGeneration lasts for 80 minutes, providing a perfect opportunity to unplug from the fast-paced world and embrace a moment of calm. As you settle into your seat, you’ll be surrounded by soothing music that helps you relax further. Imagine this: you sit back, breathe, and let the combination of high oxygen and high pressure work its magic on your body. It really is as simple as that!

The chamber temperature typically ranges between 20-23 degrees Celsius, so

we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and bringing a bottle of water. It’s also a good idea to avoid carbonated beverages and smoking before your session for the best results.

ENHANCING YOUR HBOT EXPERIENCE Hydration is key to maximising the benefits of HBOT. Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out toxins like ammonia and lactic acid that HBOT helps release from your muscles. This contributes

to an overall sense of well-being and faster recovery.

HOW SOON WILL YOU FEEL THE BENEFITS?

The timeline for experiencing the benefits of HBOT can vary widely. Some people report immediate relief, such as improved sleep or eased breathlessness, after just one session. For others, especially those dealing with chronic or complex conditions like non-healing wounds, it may take several sessions to notice significant improvements.

Here’s what we do know for sure: oxygen is essential for every cell in your body and every stage of healing. Without an adequate oxygen supply, they cannot function effectively or meet the desired standards. This slows down healing and recovery and in some cases makes a full recovery impossible. Many medical conditions are associated with inflammation, which also hinders oxygen delivery. HBOT helps compensate for this and ensures your cells receive the oxygen they need, supporting your body’s natural

Thought for the week: Do

not cast me off

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

IREMEMBER going shopping as a boy with my Mom Mary and Nana Scully. I guess, maybe 50 years or so ago, when I asked my Mom to buy me a football. We had just finished lunch at the Bridge House in Tullamore, and I pleaded with her, “please get me this.” My Nana Scully interrupted, “Mary, you are spoiling that boy,” and my Mom accepted her observation telling me that on this occasion I couldn’t get the football. As Mom continued her shopping, distracted from us, Nana Scully took my hand and whispered, “Go get the football. Here is the money. I’ll buy it for you.” So much for being “spoiled.” During my school years, I lived with my Nana Scully a lot of the time. Sunday was a sacred time when she would always take me to church. Back then, I lived in Clara, Co. Offaly and we went to mass in our parish church of St. Brigids. During those years,

it was my Nana Scully, who I’d see praying every night before going to sleep with her prayer book that I now have, who planted the seed of faith in my heart. It’s funny what you remember from so long ago. Grandparents have a special place in the heart of the family.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is celebrated each year on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. This year, the celebration landed last Sunday on July 28.

“Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Ps 71:9): This sincere plea, taken from Psalm 71, was the theme of the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. CAN WE HELP Some time ago, my Mom asked me to take her shopping in town. I dragged along my two daughters as well with the offer of a surprise if they helped out. While we were on the way on foot from the car park of the shopping centre, my Mom suddenly slipped and fell. I knelt down and tried to lift her up

but was not strong enough, and while I pulled, she lay spread out on the floor. My two daughters ran over to us all worried and upset for Nana. “Can we help? Will Nana be okay?” they asked worriedly. Together, we gently lifted Nana to her feet. She was a little bruised, tired and embarrassed, but otherwise unhurt. The girls then played away after they saw that Nana would be okay. Their service lasted only a few minutes, but the memory of it will never leave me. In a world where children and young people are often accused of being self-centered and oblivious, here was proof that many wonderful children and young people have great empathy and love for our elderly and for their loved ones who have paved the way for them. The girls showed me even at their young age that they understood a fundamental truth about human dignity: THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Remember that each day is a gift and that many of our elderly and aged parents, friends and relatives

helped to provide us with such a gift. Resolve to be more aware of the elderly in our society for they are our mothers, fathers, grandparents, family, mentors, work colleagues, wise folk and the pioneers that came before us and paved the way for our future and we must now also do the same for our own children’s future. Let me leave you with an excerpt of this prayer for grandparents and the elderly. Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents and the elderly. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them. Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents and the elderly constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!

healing processes.

A PERSONALISED HEALING JOURNEY

The exact number of sessions required can differ from person to person. Scientific studies are continually improving our understanding of the optimal pressures and number of sessions needed for various conditions. At OxyGeneration, we advise consecutive sessions for the best outcomes. We’ve seen clients call us the day after their first session, excitedly sharing that they had the best sleep of their life or that their chest wheeze has disappeared. Others find that by their eighth session, they start feeling the full benefits.

OxyGeneration has a team committed to improving health through HBOT in a supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking relief from specific symptoms or simply want to enhance your overall wellness, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Chance to speak Irish every week

NEART DEISEANNA GAEILGE A LABHAIRT I GCONDAE AN CHLÁIR!

IIf you find that you’re talking to yourself or to the cat in Irish because you can’t find other people to speak the ‘’native tongue’’ with, then why not pop along to your local ‘’ciorcal comhrá’’.

Reg Ua Ruairc has an on-going group that meets 4 TIMES a week at various locations around Ennis (see events section below) and newcomers of all ages and levels are more than welcome to converse or to just sit and listen. Similarly, Bernadette Watson organises a conversation group in Scarriff every Tuesday (see events section below). And you know, it only takes 2 to have a comhrá/conversation, so why not organise your own ciorcal comhrá at your place of work, sports club, or just with your cairde. And don’t forget that the Gaeltacht of Inis Oírr in Oileáin Árann is just a short turas/trip away with Doolin Ferries. Mar sin, bígí ag caint/ get talking!

agus comhrá: Bíonn ciorcail comhrá ar siúl go rialta i gCondae an Chláir

An bhfuil scéal le roinnt agaibh? Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @ macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

IMEACHTAÍ/EVENTS:

• INIS OÍRR – Rásaí Inis Oírr, 10ú agus 11ú Lúnasa

• LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

• Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

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

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

• LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

Caint

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Macalla an Chláir

Nora gives nod to Clare’s All-Ireland champions at the top of Kilimanjaro

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Nora Casey became the first person to fly the flag of the All-Ireland champions on Kilimanjaro.

After a gruelling eight day climb, Nora reached Uhuru Peak which at 5,895 meters above sea level, is the highest free-standing peak in Africa. Reaching Uhuru Peak is the end goal of 20,00035,000 hikers each year

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular destinations for avid hikers and climbers. A long-dormant volcano, Mt. Kilimanjaro boasts the highest peaks in Tanzania, as well as the entire African continent.

Tour de Munster going the distance for DSI

THE 24th Tour de Munster charity cycle is right around the corner and excitement is building as over 100 amateur cyclists are adding the finishing touches to their training preparations for this year's Tour. They are gearing up to tackle an epic 600km of Munster's challenging roads across the six counties of Munster from August 8th to 11th. The Tour aims to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

The Tour will roll into Ennis on August 9 after going through in Killaloe and Tuamgraney, before heading west through Kildysart to Killimer for the ferry to Tarbert.

This year's Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will contribute to the national charity for its 15th consecutive year. Since its inception in 2000, the Tour de Munster has raised a staggering €5 million for DSI. The vital

funds raised have a significant impact on the lives and development of children and adults with Down syndrome across the Munster region.

Speaking ahead of this year's Tour, Maeve Crawford and Nina Carey, organising committee of Down Syndrome Clare and parents, said: “The Tour de Munster is a highlight of our calendar each year, and we eagerly anticipate cheering on the cyclists throughout the four days. We are incredibly grateful for the funds raised annually through this event, which make such a massive difference for all of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches. These proceeds allow us to continue offering essential services and support to our members. We wish all participants a safe and enjoyable journey during this year’s Tour.”

To donate to this year’s Tour de Munster, https://www.idonate.ie/event/tdm24

Upon reaching the summit, Nora was proud to don a Clare hat and flag, days after the county’s hurlers scaled their own peak by becoming the All-Ireland champions. As far back as November 2020, Nora set the target of climbing Kilimanjaro in August 2021 in aid of Menigitis Research Foundation where she also managed to raise close to €4,000, fundraising efforts have included walking 106 laps of the track in Lees Rd. Uncertainty with vaccinations during the pandemic prompted Nora to postpone the trek for a year.

Altitude sickness during the hike last year prompted Nora to make the “really difficult” decision to descend on the third day of the hike. She came back stronger and more determined for 2024 and on Monday reached the summit after a tough eight day trek. “I was

fairly determined having not made it all the way last year, and my guide, Johnny Nanyaro, was absolutely incredible and determined that we got there. It was so surreal when we did reach Uhuru Peak, I had put a lot of work into training since November / December, and to see it all paid off was incredible, I was quite emotional,” Nora told The Clare Echo “I was so disappointed about missing the All-Ireland final but thankfully was able to tune into Syl O’Connor at the hotel on Sunday before starting the hike Tuesday, but being able to celebrate at the top of Kilimanjaro with some Clare gear was a great experience, and one I will definitely never forget,” she added.

lHIGH TIMES: Nora Casey on top of Kilimanjaro

lSUPPORT: Caoimhe Hurley, 10, from Watergrasshill gets ready to support mum Aisling at the end of the 2023 Tour de Munster Charity Cycle on Patrick’s Hill in Cork

Green light for new solar farm at Shannon Airport

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT is set to become home to Ireland’s first solar farm to be located within an airfield.

This follows Clare County Council granting planning permission to the Shannon Airport Group for the installation of a 1.2MW Photovoltaic Solar Farm on a 5.5 acre site within the airfield at Shannon Airport.

When complete and operating at full capacity, the solar farm is intended to provide up to 15-20 per cent of the airport’s current electrical demand from renewable energy.

No objections were lodged against the proposal and the Council granted planning permission after concluding it would not seriously injure the visual amenities of the area, the residential amenities of the area or the ecology of the area, and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and aircraft safety.

According to the Shannon Airport Group, the project will also provide for below-ground electrical infrastructure from the solar array in the airfield back to the main airport terminal building, enabling the energy generated to be used directly on site.

The sustainable use of existing land is one of the key projects included in the Group’s Sustainability Strategy, as it works towards its commitment of reaching its climate targets of a 51 per cent greenhouse

gas reduction by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Commenting on the permission, Chief Operating Officer at the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said: “We are pleased to be progressing to the next stage with our plans for the development of a solar farm at Shannon Airport”.

He said, “The strategic location of the solar farm within the airfield itself will allow the airport to decrease its reliance on energy from the national grid, decrease its use of fossil-fuels and increase its capacity for on-site renewable electricity generation.

“As we work towards our commitment of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, further use of renewable energy will be essential, and we remain committed to investing in smart and innovative infrastructure to

ensure we can meet our energy efficiency targets”.

The solar farm application is just one of five applications Shannon Airport Authority DAC has lodged in recent months with Clare County Council as the airport prepares for passenger numbers to exceed 2 million in 2024.

The planned solar farm site lies adjacent to the airport’s Taxiway 12 and an engineering report by TOBIN includes an area earmarked for potentially more solar farm development adjacent to the solar farm site which is a multiple in size of the initial 5.5 acre site.

A spokeswoman for the Shannon Airport Group said that the capital expenditure for the projects “will be funded from our own resources”.

51,000 to fly through airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ABUSY August Bank Holiday weekend is on the cards at Shannon Airport with over 51,000 passengers expected through the doors.

An eight percent increase in passenger traffic has already been recorded for the first six months of the year at Shannon Airport, the figure is over 974,000 versus 902,000 compared to 2023.

Customer demand for Shannon Airport’s thirty three destinations across Europe, the US and the UK continues to hold firm and this weekend is expected to be one of the busiest of the year at the International Airport.

Speaking on the predicted August Bank Holiday figures, Niall Kearns, Airport Director said: “Our fantastic team

is hard at work to ensure that every passenger travelling through Shannon during the busy August bank holiday pe-

riod can have an easy and enjoyable experience through our airport.

“Our summer offering has been boosted considerably by the resumption of Delta’s daily service to New York JFK, while passengers have also been taking full advantage of increased frequencies to nine of our European and UK destinations, including the likes of Alicante, Faro, Lanzarote and Malaga”. He added, “We are delighted to be welcoming passengers from all over Ireland, travelling to Shannon to enjoy our uncongested and convenient airport experience, from parking, right through check-in and security. On behalf of all the team at Shannon Airport, I would like to thank our passengers for their continued support”.

Grasslands plan needed in Shannon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RESPECTING THE “birds and the bees” has led to “briars and bushes” kissing each other across South Clare, the Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District has said.

A “vast increase in areas of grassland” in Shannon was flagged by Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) at this month’s sitting of the Shannon Municipal District. “I assume there is a proposal to increase the grass land, the parks have gone wild, we’ve no choice but to let them, it is a huge change. We need to let people know in advance, is there a proposal to increase the grassland, we need signage and to explain why”.

Cllr Mulcahy (pictured) told the meeting that he had spoken already with senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett regarding the Wetlands. “We need to inform people properly, we need a plan in advance of something happening not to let it wild and then explain it”.

Mellett advised the meeting that they were nearing the end of their current grass cutting contract, “We intend to tender it out in late winter or early spring”. He added, “we will be looking to increase areas to let grass grow particularly in non-amenity areas, it will be happening towards the back end of autumn”.

Shannon based Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “it is very important for us on the ground, we’re being contacted on the ground asking us why weren’t we informed”.

Climate action co-ordinator with Clare County Council, Morgan Lahiffe was deputising for Director of Service, Alan Farrell. He told councillors, “They use the term managed for wildlife, the key word is managed, some people are of the opinion that it is let go wild, the term wild is good for biodiversity”.

Agreement was voiced by Cllr McGettigan, “Five meadows have been well managed here and it is going great, they have QR codes on them”.

On the subject of grass cutting and management of same, Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “I know we are within rules and regulations with the birds and the bees, we have roads in rural parts of our Municipal District where the briars and bushes are nearly kissing each other at the other side of the road, when you go up the likes of Gallows Hill, Meelick and Ardnacrusha”.

Visibility is reduced as a result with “big lorries” posing a risk at different bends in South Clare, he said. “My phone is ringing three or four times a day from different parts of the MD which are rural”.

Senior engineer Mellett stated that the hedge cutter was currently on the ground across the Municipal District, “our focus is on sightlines and on health and safety”.

Newly elected Cllr David Griffin (FF) questioned if councillors could influence the already agreed schedule of works for hedge cutting. “You have influence, you can bring it to our attention,” Mellett responded.

“With No Mow May and that there was nothing cut, across all over villages you can see they were let go. The hedgerows on minor roads are fairly bad,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) stated.

l Shannon Airport

‘They are in a

deplorable state’ - councillors criticise lack of maintenance of Lahinch railings

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FRUSTRATION has been expressed in Lahinch at the failure to maintain infrastructure in the coastal town despite significant investment for its installation.

In a motion before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) called on Clare County Council to “power hose, clean and repair the railings on the old and new promenade in Lahinch” and to also paint the walls leading from the Claremont Hotel to the promenade.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Tony Neville confirmed that the cleaning and painting of the walls adjacent to the Claremont Hotel has commenced in conjunction with seasonal beach operatives.

He stated, “Replacement of one section of railing regularly damaged due to its location at a point where access steps meets the sea has commenced. A permanent solution has been determined and includes the provision of a small concrete retaining wall. Localised repairs are required to the railings in general and these will continue. Cleaning

of the remaining sections is also required and we are currently looking at the most effective method, power hose, chemical treatment, painting or a combination of each”.

Speaking in the Seanad in 2019,

Senator Martin Conway (FG) noted “a significant investment in Lahinch” with €5m spent on rock armour and essential coastal protection works. A figure of €2.85m for “major coastal protection works for the promenade area of Lahinch seafront” was announced in September 2016.

Cllr Slattery told the July meeting of the West Clare MD, “I know it is difficult with Lahinch promenade getting the prevailing wind but we find it difficult to maintain the railings and we always have, we had the concrete bars there for years, they weren’t as bad as what is there now even though what is there now was beautiful when they first arrived in 2019”.

He continued, “There was no spring maintenance going on in the prom in Lahinch, the painting and bins, everything seems to be lacking for such a prominent spot, it really came to my attention with a couple who got married four months ago,

they went over to get a photograph taken and all you could see in the background was rust”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented that it was “hugely frustrating that the investment was done as recently as 2017. The old bars were falling asunder, getting them replaced was critical, we got a product with a 25 year guarantee and seven years later they are in a deplorable state, an annual spring clean has to be factored in”. Current conditions are “letting the place down,” he maintained.

According to Cllr Michael Shannon (FF), the creation of a new strategic policy committee dedicated to tourism was welcome, “all the issues can be dovetailed into and addressed on its umbrella. Spring is about preparing for the season and having the facilities, we need to invest in the tourism product to have the return”.

Lahinch benefitted from a paint scheme prior to the Irish Open in 2019, questions on what has happened to the €10,000 paint scheme were raised by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) and he pointed out, “West Clare is different to East Clare in that we get the weather”.

Fantastic line-up for National Heritage Week in Kilfenora

National Heritage Week in Kilfenora

During National Heritage Week (17-25 August 2024), communities across Ireland are invited to create events to celebrate and educate about their local heritage.

This depends on voluntary efforts, as the only support provided is space on the National Heritage Week website.

As in 2022 and 2023, Kilfenora Development community group members have arranged a varied and high-quality set of events, nearly all free of charge, for both the local community and visitors in North Clare to participate in.

Two noted historians will be making presentations.

On Thursday 22 August, Dick Cronin (former Clare Council Conservation Officer) will discuss the fantastic story of Maire Rua O’Brien – a remarkable figure in Irish history – with a particular focus on the various castles she was associated with, which include Dromoland, Bunratty, Dysert and Leamaneh).

Research costs have been supported by the Heritage Council.

Liam Irwin, the recent Head of History at University of Limerick, will talk on Saturday 24 August about the remarkable achievements of Thomas Westropp (1860-1922), who remains the primary source of archaeological information on counties Clare and Limerick – and especially

the Burren.

Also on 24 August, multi-award winning musician

Aisling Lyons will take us on a journey through the history of the harp – the 2000-year old instrument that is Ireland’s heraldic symbol – demonstrating its versatility through her own playing.

On Sunday 25 August, the leading North Clare walking guide Tony Kirby will talk about the Burren’s holy wells - including the nearby well in Kilfenorasharing the results of his extensive research and providing new insights into their history, geography, folklore and hydrogeology.

On Monday 19 August there are two workshops (10-11.30 & 12-13.30) at St Fachnan’s Cathedral

“It is very relevant coming up to Budget time both at a national and Council level,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) observed. “We’re seeing the level of investment into tourism,” he said and referred to his motion before the July sitting of the County Council, “I asked that a focus be put on towns and villages not owned by Clare County Council, Lahinch isn’t owned by Clare County Coun-

cil, Lisdoonvarna isn’t owned by Clare County Council, they struggle with the dispersal of funds that might have a real impact”. His contribution prompted Cllr Killeen to seek that efforts be made to restore the paint scheme to which Cllr Talty advised, “it was lost in budget discussions a few years ago”.

that will be used to create a record of its historic graveyard, led by local archaeologist Edel Barry and Elaine Lynch, Field Monument Advisor for Co. Clare, and supported by the Heritage Council and BurrenBeo Trust. Limited spaces are available, and participants must register with BurrenBeo (email karen@burrenbeo.com).

Full details of all events can be found on the National Heritage Week and Kilfenoraclare websites. Most will be staged at the Burren Visitor Centre in Kilfenora, which also has newly re-furbished exhibitions on the Burren and music in North Clare.

Award-winning musician Aisling Lyons will take us on a journey through the history of the harp on August 24 at the Burren Centre

A fun-filled day for all at the 2024

Corofin North Clare Agricultural Show

l All Photos by Tom Micks.

Stellar line-up as Feakle Festival pays tribute to Martin Hayes

THE village of Feakle is set to come alive from Wednesday, August 7th to Monday, August 12th, 2024, as it hosts the 37th Annual Feakle Festival.

This year’s festival will be particularly special as it pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of Martin Hayes, one of East Clare’s most esteemed musical ambassadors.

On the opening night in the community hall, the festival will honour Martin Hayes, celebrating his enduring impact on the Feakle Festival. For over 30 years, Martin Hayes has been a cornerstone of the festival, captivating audiences with his extraordinary fiddle playing and sharing his vast knowledge through numerous workshops.

Martin Hayes first graced the stages of the Feakle Festival in its early years, quickly becoming a beloved figure in the local and international music scene. His deep connection to the

music and the community of East Clare has made his performances a highlight each year. Martin’s collaborations with the late Dennis Cahill, his great friend and musical partner, were legendary. Their concerts blended profound musicality with an intimate understanding of traditional Irish music, becoming a signature feature of the festival. This year, Martin will be joined by a host of musical friends and companions to share memories, tunes, and songs, taking the audience on a journey through the magical years of Feakle. Host- ed by Áine Hensey, the evening promises to be a heartwarming tribute to Martin’s incredible legacy.

The festival will host an array of workshops and concerts featuring the finest tutors and performers in traditional Irish music. Highlights include workshops led by renowned musicians in various instruments, sean-nós danc-

ing, and traditional singing, offering participants of all skill levels a chance to learn from the best. Thursday night in Peppers marquee will feature performances by Eileen O’Brien, Jackie Daly & Paul DeGrae, The O’Loughlin family, Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly & Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill, and Danny O’Mahony, Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh & Cyril O’Donoghue. Friday night in St. Mary’s Church will host Meabh Begley with her band The Weaving, followed by a special recital featuring Martin Hayes, Brian Donnellan, and Cormac McCarthy. Saturday night will present Keane, Connolly & McGorman, followed by Cormac Begley & Jack Talty, concluding with Breaking Trad. The night continues with Craic agus Ceol le Pólca 4 from West Kerry. The festival culminates on Sunday with an open-air concert featuring The Fiddle Case and Mega Trad.

In addition to these headline events, the festival offers a variety of activities for all ages, including ceilidhs with the Star of Munster, The Tulla Ceili Band, and the Sliabh Aughty Trio, singing sessions including one dedicated to Brían O’Rourke, CD launches, a festival walk, a Pop-up Gaeltacht, children’s activities, and more. The Feakle Festival is a celebration of community, culture, and the timeless beauty of traditional Irish music. It welcomes visitors from near and far to immerse themselves in the village’s rich musical heritage.

Tickets for the 37th Annual Feakle Festival are now on sale via the Glór box office. With the festival drawing near, tickets are selling fast.

For more information and to stay updated on the latest festival news, visit www.feaklefestival.ie and follow our social media accounts.

37th Feakle Festival

Wednesday 7th - Monday 12th August 2024

Concerts, workshops, C.D launches, sessions, ceili’s, children’s activities, outdoor concerts, walks, and lots more

Advanced booking for tickets and workshops is advisable through the Glor box office.

For more info visit feaklefestival.ie

WORKSHOPS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 1pm (Fiddle: Martin Hayes, Sorcha Costello & Eileen O’Brien, Concertina: Mary MacNamara & Brian Donnellan, Flute: Geraldine McNamara, Tin-whistle: Gearóid McNamara, Accordion: Danny O’Mahony, Banjo: Paraic McDonnchadha, Guitar: Terrance O’Reilly, Sean-nós dancing: Suzanne Leahy & Traditional Irish Singing: Cáit Ní Riain.

THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT: Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly & Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill, Eileen O’Brien, Jackie Daly & Paul De Grae, The O’Loughlin Family and Danny O’Mahony, Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh & Cyril O’ Donoghue.

FRIDAY NIGHT’S MUSIC RECITAL: The Weaving (Meabh Begley, Cáit Ní Riain & Owen Spafford) and Martin Hayes, Brian Donnellan & Cormac McCarthy.

SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT: Keane/Connolly/McGorman, Cormac Begley & Jack Talty and Breaking Trad.

SUNDAY’S OUTDOOR CONCERT – The Fiddle Case and Mega Trad.

Martin Hayes

Farmer tells court ‘cow dung assault case’ is media hype

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE SOUTH Galway farmer accused of throwing a bag of cow dung in the direction of Minister for State, Anne Rabbitte (FF) has told a court that the case against him “is completely media hype pushed by higher powers over a smallish thing”.

At Ennis District Court, Joseph Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort was making his second court appearance in relation to the alleged assault in as many days after speaking before Gort District Court on Thursday.

Mr Baldwin is charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4th 2023 at a public meeting at O’Sullivans Royal Hotel, Gort.

The assault charge against Mr Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

In court, Mr Baldwin told Judge Alec Gabbett, who will preside over the contesting hearing into the prosecution, “This is hanging over me. I have no job. I can’t get employment over it”.

Mr Baldwin said, “I have been tarnished by the media. Every time it comes up in court it is ‘man assaulted this person and assaulted that person’.”

In reply, Judge Gabbett said, “They are all allegations and have to be proven in court in order for you to be convicted”.

Mr Baldwin agreed saying “they are allegations”.

He said, “I have worked for the last seven years constant. I finished up a job last February and I can’t get a job because of this”.

Mr Baldwin told Judge Gabbett, “Do you realise the cost? I have €230 per week. I have a family and I am living at home and I am looking after my mother”.

Mr Baldwin said, “I have been speaking with a local councillor in the area who would be a good friend with Anne Rabbitte”.

Judge Gabbett interjected to say, “Don’t say anything about the case that might prejudice -“

In reply, Mr Baldwin said that “the councillor is prepared to go to court and be a character witness for me”.

Mr Baldwin handed a letter into court and Judge Gabbett told him the issues in the letter aren’t for him but for Mr Baldwin’s solicitor.

In reply, Mr Baldwin said, “I don’t have a solicitor now”.

On the case, Mr Baldwin said, “It is completely media hype pushed by higher powers

over a smallish thing”.

He said that there are people in Gort being broken into. He asked, “How come half of all this stuff is not all over the media?”

In reply, Judge Gabbett said, “I don’t control the media. The public is allowed into courts to see justice being administered and it ensures that there is adequate scrutiny on the justice system”.

He said, “Unfortunately, it doesn’t suit you and you may not like it but it is a very important part of the system”.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Baldwin, “You are arguing that media publicity is causing you damage and the best way to deal with that is to be ready for September 13th for the hearing date”.

Judge Gabbett said that September 13th “is the earliest possible date I can give it for hearing”.

Judge Gabbett told him, “You may very well have a defence to this case and you may very well win the case”.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Baldwin, “I sit up here and I am totally independent”.

Holding up the summons to Mr Baldwin, Judge Gabbett said, “All I have in front of me is that document. I have nothing else. I sit up here in splendid isolation. I don’t get statements and all I get is the one page telling me what the charge is. I will listen very carefully to both sides and I will make my decision”.

He said, “If you don’t like my decision, you can appeal to the circuit court. I appreciate you are finding this stressful and

Andy Lamy to blend trad with clarinet at Gort Town Hall

media coverage is a trial in itself”.

Mr Baldwin said, “This is being dragged out and dragged out”.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Baldwin to get a solicitor and adjourned the case to September 13th for hearing. Judge Gabbett told Mr Baldwin that he has set aside a half day for the evidence to be heard.

At the contested case, Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Dept of Health and at the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Anne Rabbitte (FF) will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.

Minister Rabbitt was attending the meeting to hear locals’ concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.

Galway East colleague, Deputy Ciarán Cannon (FG) was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant and €20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present.

Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting word or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

GORT Town Hall Theatre will play host to two collaborative transatlantic concerts this weekend.

On Saturday, August 3 at 8pm, Andy Lamy comes to town with his Shannon-Hudson Line classical/Irish traditional collaborative big band.

Following this on Sunday, August 4 at 8pm, Dermot Byrne & Bríd Ní Mhaoileoin and guests will perform at the same venue on a bumper weekend of music in South Galway.

Andy Lamy, classically-trained New Jersey Symphony Orchestra clarinettist, is bringing three of his colleagues from the Orchestra to perform with world-famous accordionist Dermot Byrne and other traditional Irish musicians, to present Lamy's groundbreaking critically acclaimed 2015 CD of Irish traditional music.

Andy fell in love with Irish music around ten years ago, after a classical harpist gave him a tin whistle CD - the tin whistle CD of all time - Mary Bergin's 'Feadóga Stáin'.

Lamy spent the next ten years honing his skills in Irish music on the clarinet, going to as many Irish sessions in New

York and other places, and Irish festivals all around the world, to listen to as many traditional Irish musicians as possible.

The result is a beautifull CD crafted with love and reverence for our music.

Andy Lamy has been invited to headline Dublin's ClarinetFest 2024 in the 2000-seat main Auditorium of the Dublin Convention Centre on the banks of the Liffey.

However, Andy is just as excited, if not more, to be coming west with his Shannon-Hudson Line big band of classical & Irish traditional musicans.

Featuring Donegal's Dermot Byrne on accordion, Clare's Yvonne Casey (fiddle) and Garry O'Briaian (guitar & mandochello), Galway's Bríd Ní Mhaoileoin of Flirt FM's 'Rogha Bhríde Radio Show' (voice, bodhrán, bouzouki) and who knows but we might have a special appearance by local legend, harmonica-playing singing priest Fr. Tommy!

Tickets €20 on eventbrite.ie and special concession/family prices at Hugh O'Donnell's fine butcher shop in Market Square, Gort.

l DUNG FLUNG: Anne Rabbitte (FF), Minister for State, allegedly had a bag of cow dung thrown in her direction by Joseph Baldwin (inset)

22nd Kilmihil Festival of Fun

KILMIHIL is set to host the 22nd Festival of Fun this August Bank Holiday weekend.

The committee has been working behind the scenes to build on the hugely successful event of 2023 with even more new additions coming for 2024.The very essence of the Festival of Fun as always is the local community and this year’s event is no different. We are delighted to partner with various sporting and community associations to deliver a catalogue of events. There is something to cater for everyone in the family!

The weekend kicks off with the much-loved Marty Coen football tournament in the GAA pitch on Friday evening. St. Pats host a super soccer tournament on Saturday morning followed by the ever popular Dan O Halloran 5k fun run /walk. A firm favourite event in recent years has to be the kid’s tractor run on Saturday afternoon at Kilmihil National School. It returns this year for more organised chaos!

On Sunday morning Fr. O’Loughlin will welcome all the new arrivals since last year, also welcoming back those who attended this event in 2019 for a five-year reunion. There will be refreshments & photographs afterwards in the community cen-

tre. In the meantime the ball run will take place on church street. Balls can be purchased in local outlets or on the day with a winner takes all prize. To add to this truly special morning, our local young musicians will entertain people with a 'Kids Trad Session' on the street.

Place your bets on Sunday evening as the Bonamh racing gets going from 8pm with a full race card, bookies on course, big screens, replays, barbecue, glow in the dark, tuck shop and popcorn. Fittest Friends returns which will see our reigning champions fight to retain their title against other groups of friends. This years theme is the Olympics which promises great fun on the night. This absolutely fantastic night of entertainment will close out as usual with an amazing fireworks display.

Monday morning starts with the vintage rally with exhibitors from all over the country. The Kilmihil vintage rally celebrates 20 years this year, credit to Bernard Duggan and his team of helpers for showcasing a stunning variety of vehicles and machinery from the past. The food and craft fair is on in the community centre with handmade produce and delicious food. The parade starts

at 12.30pm with street entertainment and a large variety of floats. The Weekend finishes out with the Monster Field Day. Entry is only €5 and includes access all areas, bouncing castles, vintage display, music & dancing. We are delighted to welcome back motorcyclists group Trialstar who will perform live stunt shows throughout the day. This year we are thrilled to bring new and amazing entertainment including Fire Shows, The Dragon experience and lots more. These performers have never been seen before in Kilmihil, be sure not to miss them!

Your patience and participation in obeying all stewards, road signage and directions over the weekend will greatly assist with the smooth running of events over the weekend. Entry fees remain the same this year, your support and contribution is greatly appreciated and will ensure the Festival of Fun returns in 2025. Grab your raffle tickets now, available in local shops and from committee members, for your chance to win the top prize of €1000. Follow us on all social media platforms for more details and updates throughout the weekend. See you all there !

Friday 2nd August

6.00pm (Free Entry)

Martin Coen U12 Blitz Kilmihil GAA Grounds. Boys & Girls born from 2012 - 2016 Contact Brendan 087 632 7484

Saturday 3rd August

9.30am St Pats Soccer Blitz (Free Entry) Dedicated to the memory of Pat “Dingle” Daly Kilmihil Peoples Park. U8 / U10 & U12s Contact Thomas 086 267 7424

12.00pm Registration for Dan O'Halloran 5K Walk/Run.

Kilmihil Community Centre Entry Fee €10 Adults / U16 €5. Prizes for U12, U14, U16, Senior, Over 40's & over 50's Contact Carmel 087 177 0102

1.00pm Start of 5K Run/Walk

3.00pm Kids Tractor & Trike Obstacle Course (Free Entry) Kilmihil National School Bring

Sunday 4th August

11.00am New Arrivals Mass at Kilmihil Church

To all babies born between August 2023 and July 2024 whose parents live in or are from Kilmihil. This is a "First Gathering" to welcome them to the Parish. There is a 5 year reunion for children who took part in the 2019 picture - children born from August 2018 - July 2019. Followed by Refreshments in the Kilmihil Community Centre. After Mass Kids Trad Session at Kilmihil Community Centre. A group of local children will play after mass outside the Community Centre.

12 noon Ball Run Kilmihil Community Centre Prize of €100 - balls are €3 each or 2 for €5.

8.00pm Annual Bonham Racing Kilmihil GAA Grounds. Adults €5, Primary School Children €2.

Enjoy a family evening watching our bonhams race. There is a BBQ at the event along with a tuck shop and popcorn stand. Featuring the return of Kilmihil's Fittest Friends Competition. Four groups take part in a grueling obstacle courseReigning champions Fitzpatrick’s Circle K return to defend their title - will any of our new groups have what it takes to win the title!! Our evening is finished off with an

Monday 5th August

10.00am Vintage Rally

This is a fun filled day out for collectors, enthusiasts and visitors alike - exhibits include tractors, trasher, stationery engines, unique cars, motorbikes and a large display of horse drawn machinery and so much more... Entry €5 to Vintage Rally and Monster Field Day. Contact Benny 087 257 7029

11.00am Food & Craft Fair at Kilmihil Community Centre (Free Entry) Contact Louise 087 631 2802

12.30pm Start of Cultural Parade

Tulla Pipe Band; Animated Characters; Balloon Modelling; NEW Kerry Samba Band; Street Entertainment; Large Variety of Floats; NEW Stilt Walkers and Fire Breathers. Contact Brendan 087 632 7484

AMAZING

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

2.00pm Monster Field Day (€5 entry) Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Super Slides, Rodeo Bull, Kids Trampolines, Face Painting, Laser Shooting NEW Dragon Experience, Dog Show (€3 per entry, 2 for €5). Trialstar Motor Bike Performances run all day.

Supplement will apply to some events in the field area.

Raffle will take place on Tuesday 6th August all winners will be announced.

l WHEELY GOOD FUN: The crowd watches on at last year’s Kilmihil Festival of Fun

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Decades of ‘great bonds’ formed at Vitalograph

The Clare Echo is delighted to partner with Vitalograph on a series of articles exploring the history and ethos of the trailblazing company which celebrates 50 years in Ennis this year, employing more than 300 people in Clare and 550 worldwide

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

VITALOGRAPH today employs more than 300 people in Ennis including test technicians, cough analysts, engineers, data analysts and production operators to name a few.

Despite its exponential growth in that time – some 50 years after the respiratory diagnostic solutions company opened its operation in Ennis – Vitalograph continues to uphold its values as a family-oriented business where career growth opportunities are abundant for its employees.

Some 38 years ago, Kilmihil native Rose Enright began her journey at the Gort Road Industrial Estate facility as a temporary production operator before into a test technician, becoming part of a small team who test the lung function products before leaving Vitalograph for medical facilities around the world. There she met Noelette Hartigan, from O’Callaghan’s Mills, who has now been her colleague for 28 years.

“There was a great bond,” recounts Noelette. “We used to go on a lot of nights out and we created nights out at times and got ourselves into a lot of trouble. We used to go for lunch every day, in our half hour we managed to pack a lot in.

“I could tell you about a group that went to a funeral here one time and we had arranged a night out after and they failed to show up, they got lost coming home from the funeral in the nearest pub, Rose was the driver,” she laughs.

Rose has fond memories of the Vitalograph team bonding over the

great Clare teams of the ‘90s and Ireland’s 1990 World Cup journey.

“The soccer, with Packie Bonner – when they won we all got dressed up. Management had a television upstairs and we were all allowed up to watch them matches during the daytime and they used to have finger food in. It was such an atmosphere, even you got off early to watch the games, now that wouldn’t happen now I’d say, but it was great. That was that time,” Rose reminisces. “Some of the nicest people you’d ever meet

have left, that’s the sad part. We probably have shed a few tears with people who left. You spend longer with them than you have at home, it’s sad in that sense but it’s great that you have good memories after it. It’s relaxed, we can talk, you’re not tied to your table. We’ve done lots of nice nights out and lots of nice hobbies,” adds Rose, who discovered her love of playing golf at Ennis Golf Club through working with Vitalograph.

Noelette’s time at Vitalograph has been so fulfilling that in January,

she opted against retirement and committed to another year at Vitalograph. Having initially been hired as a temporary worker, one of her funniest memories of Vitalograph was mistaking her manager for a cigarette vending machine operator, at a time when smoking was allowed on the factory floor. The irony of smoking being permitted at a respiratory diagnostic solutions company is not lost on Noelette and Rose.

Rose takes up the story, “When I started first we were allowed to smoke on the production line, it was cool to be smoking at the time.

“We used to have the vending machine for the cigarettes. At the time the role of manager had changed and Frank Keane had taken over. You know with these vending machines, money was going in and getting stuck, so Noelette said ‘we’ll keep an eye out and see when the man will be in again to fill the machine and we’ll get our money back’. So, none of us really knew

who Frank Keane was and next thing Noelette spotted this man walking up the floor to where the vending machine was and she goes ‘hey you, are you the vending machine man, we have money lost in the machine!’ I won’t say what he said to her and what kind of a face he had on! He wasn’t very happy being associated with a vending machine and he the manager of Vitalograph,” she laughs.

Rose says that today there are much stricter policies in place, noting, “you have to be nearly a quarter of a mile away to smoke.” However she admits that one thing that has never changed is the support staff receive from their employer.

“The atmosphere in Vitalograph has always been good, very friendly and family oriented. We all get on pretty well and everybody works with each other. Even our supervisor, line lead, if we need time off on short notice, there’s never been an issue. I think it works both ways, when your company works with you, you work with your company. I can honestly say I never say I hate coming into work and I never mind putting down my hours and for that reason I’m happy at Vitalograph.”

Noelette adds, “Sometimes,

Seán Chambers joined Vitalograph in March, 1991, not long after Packie Bonner’s World Cup heroics. The production operator works in the manufacturing of Vitalograph machines that give oxygen flow readings to medical professionals which helps determine patient’s medication.

Seán remembers his first day in Vitalograph, working under managers John Casey and DP Healy. “I got a message one day to come and meet a manager by the name of Martin O’Connor and he said, ‘Seán, we have three weeks work, are you interested?’ and I said, ‘I am’. It’s been a long three weeks, I haven’t left since.”

There were nine operators in Seán’s department when he joined, a number which has since swelled to 35. He recounts, “There’s been loads of funny moments, there is still a good sports and social club here. A lot of the stories, some of them we couldn’t tell… We had outings to concerts. I remember a crowd of them going to Joe Dolan one night in the West County, rest his soul, that was hilarious to see the reaction of some of the ladies who went down early to get front row seats!”

He adds, “Vitalograph is a good place to work, there are opportunities.

It’s one of the main employers in Ennis at this stage supplying local employment, and people coming into our country are getting opportunities as well to work in the medial spirometry

n GOOD TIMES: Vitalograph test technicians Rose Enright with Noelette Hartigan and (below) staff getting behind Jackie’s Army in 1990; (below right) Cooraclare native and production operator Seán Chambers Photos by Paul Corey

Church nature project responds to biodiversity crisis in Clare

by Páraic McMahon

TEN CLARE parishes are playing their part to carry out biodiversity actions on 12 church grounds across the county.

‘Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project’ is led and funded by Clare County Council with funding also from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

In 2023, the Irish Bishops’ Conference agreed on a policy that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030. In September of last year, Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer Barry O’Loughlin gave a presentation of the potential biodiversity actions

that could be undertaken on church grounds in Clare to Jane Mellett of the Laudato Si’ Working Group and the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan.

As a result, Clare County Council worked with the Diocese of Killaloe and signed up ten parishes to the Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project through the diocesan network. They are, Broadford; Clarecastle; Kilmaley; Inagh/Kilnamona; Mullagh; Cooraclare; Miltown Malbay (including Moy); Kilkee; Kilrush; and Killimer. Under the project, a local parish priest is linked with community members to deliver biodiversity actions on church grounds, which include: installing nest boxes for barn owl and swift (both

species experiencing national population declines); developing and implementing a pollinator plan for each church yard; erecting bat roost boxes on trees; installing bird tables and bird feeders; planting pollinator friendly fruit trees; erecting other bird boxes for robin and spotted flycatcher; and erecting pollinator friendly signage.

Parishes involved and Clare County Council continue to work with: BirdWatch Ireland; the NPWS; Ennis Men’s Shed; Irish Seed Savers; the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; Tidy Towns Groups; local farmers; and local schools in delivering these actions.

Proactive efforts have been visible thus far, O’Lough-

lACTION: Fr Martin Shanahan with Inagh Tidy Towns members Ray O’Shaughnessy, Eileen Ryan, Angela Malone and Clare Co Council Biodiversity Officer, Barry O’Loughlin

lin outlined. “The church is one of the main focal points of every town and village in the country and our project in Clare has heightened awareness of biodiversity by introducing this approach within church grounds, which are central to community life.

Across the ten parishes communities have been hugely proactive and involved in every step of the process. Already there is interest in the biodiversity officer network working on a similar project in other counties”.

“We are already seeing wildflowers such as oxeye daisy, common spotted orchid, hawksbeard and self-heal return on uncut sections of church lawns. The seeds of these wildflowers have been there this whole time, they just needed the right management measure to establish,” Barry added.

Local communities and priests have been informed and upskilled on biodiversity as part of the project. BirdWatch Ireland provided training and information on the ecology of barn owls and swifts and also helped with the installation of nest boxes, with many barn owl nest boxes being installed on lands of a neighbouring farmer in proximity to the church

grounds. Dr Tina Aughney provided training on bats, with some of the events coinciding with National Biodiversity Week including Irish Seed Savers providing three training sessions on native orchard tree planting on church grounds.

Fr Anthony Casey, Parish Priest of Cooraclare, said, “The very practical information and support we received from the Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project has encouraged us greatly. We are already extending the variety of flowers and trees, to enhance even further our promotion of biodiversity in the church grounds”.

Pollinator training was also provided by Giorria Environmental Services, which involved developing a pollinator plan for communities to implement so that every church could be managed to help boost pollinator populations. Parishes developed a small wildflower meadow on church grounds, planted pollinator friendly bulbs and herbs which links in as a faith community action of the ‘All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’. County Clare is one of the last refuges for the rare bumblebee, Shrill Carder Bee.

Mike O’Connor of Inagh

Tidy Towns commented,

“We got really involved in the biodiversity project in Inagh Church grounds with our parish priest, Fr Shanahan. We installed bat roost boxes and swift and barn owl nest boxes. We also had Minister Malcolm Noonan and Senator Garvey visit the church grounds. It has been a great journey in our first year working with Barry and Clare County Council”.

It is hoped that the project will encompass wider elements of the community such as linking in with local schools and groups to carry out citizen science initiatives such as Flower Insect Timed Counts and to monitor wildlife taking up residence on church grounds.

“I am very heartened to see the interest and enthusiasm at parish level for the work in promoting the Return to Nature Clare Church biodiversity project. The partnership, synergy and co-operation between the parishes, Clare County Council, the Episcopal Conference Agency and Trócaire have been most productive,” added Bishop Fintan Monahan.

paraic@clareecho.ie

Water quality on the agenda in East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE residents are being invited to share their views on the health of local rivers.

Flagmount Digital Hub is the venue for open consultation with the Waters of LIFE project on Tuesday July 30th and Thursday August 1st. Waters of LIFE are an EU-funded project trialling water quality measures that work for local communities.

The project is gathering local knowledge on the Graney sub-catchment and developing an action plan for the area.

The sub-catchment includes Lough Graney, Lough Atorick, Bleach river, Graney river, Corra river and Dromindoora riv-

er. Water quality solutions identified will be used to feed into future national and EU policy.

There is an afternoon session (12:30 to 14:30) and evening session (18:30 to 20:30) on both days. No appointment is necessary and locals are welcome to drop in and chat with catchment scientist John Kelly.

Kelly explained, “We want to hear from people who live in the area and have something to say about its rivers. Tell us about any issues or changes you’ve seen over the years. Having those chats and drawing from local expertise will really help us to review and update our approach”.

The project was first introduced to the East Clare

community at a public meeting in Flagmount in October 2022. Since then, a desk study and local catchment assessment has been completed by the Local Authority Waters Programme to identify pressures and issues affecting local water bodies.

Waters of LIFE will present a catchment management plan for the area at public meeting later in the year. They are also looking to meet directly with local community groups. Interested groups are asked to email info@watersoflife.ie to arrange a meeting.

lACTION: The project is gathering local knowledge on the Graney sub-catchment area

New lease of life for Clare music scene

Ennis Eccentric Music Society hosts Spectacular Summer Party

ENNIS is set to witness a revival of its original live music scene as the Ennis Eccentric Music Society (EEMS) prepares to host a grand music event on Saturday, August 3rd 2024 in Lucas' Bar.

The event, branded as the ‘Summer Party’ promises to showcase a diverse line-up of talented local musicians.

REVITALIZING ENNIS'S MUSIC SCENE

Ennis Eccentric Music Society are a group of friends and musicians who came together with a shared vision of reigniting the live original and alternative music scene in Ennis. EEMS aims to inspire local musicians and like minded people to come together, share their passion, and have a good time.

The journey has not been without challenges. Finding a suitable and sustainable venue for original music in Ennis proved difficult, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Once connected with Dylan Hayes, the proprietor of Lucas' Bar, recognizing the bar's history as a hub for rock music, eagerly embraced the opportunity to collaborate. Since last November, Lucas' Bar has become the monthly meeting ground for music enthusiasts, hosting live events that has showcased over 100 musicians across

various genres. A NIGHT OF MUSICAL DIVERSITY

This Saturday's Summer Party marks the ninth and most ambitious event organized by EEMS. The festivities will run from 4pm to 12:30am featuring 12 diverse acts spread over two areas. The line-up includes acoustic sets, live bands, DJs, and rappers, promising a rich and varied musical experience. Notable performances will include Limerick hip-hop legend

Strange Boy and reggaeton as gaeilge by Ushmush.

The event is free to attend, with donations welcomed to support the society’s ongoing efforts. Additionally, there will be a BBQ at 6pm. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

The community’s response to EEMS’s efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. Each event has seen increasing attendance and enthusiastic feedback, leading to a

surge in interest to perform from musicians both locally and nationally.

There has been new bands forming as a result with musicians young and old playing on the EEMS stage, which is very encouraging.

"EEMS has inspired young people to take to the stage and play their music in front of a crowd for the first time alongside seasoned musicians rediscovering the love for playing in town again which is a dream come true!".

EEMS is driven by a dedicated committee consisting of Saoirse Walsh, who grew up in the Clare live music scene with a wealth of experience, Laetitia Andre, a singer songwriter with two decades of experience in Clare bands and has organised many events in other capacities, and Nick Bromfield, a production manager with expertise in sound engineering and event management.

EEMS operates as a non-profit, driven by a love for music, community, and creativity.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

The success of EEMS’s events is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the local community. We are supported and inspired by many friends who have paved the way with their own events (Brandon's, Bushfest, Cosmic Gardens Fests, Originality

nights, Barrtrá etc).

It's a community effort that couldn't happen without the people who come out to play, support, engage and dance.

The regular live music events at Lucas' Bar have provided a much needed space for musicians to connect, perform, and grow.

LOOKING AHEAD

The upcoming ‘EEMS Summer Party’ is expected to be a highlight of the summer, bringing together music lovers of all genres for an evening of exceptional original talent and community spirit.

For more information about the event and to stay updated on future happenings, visit the "Ennis Eccentric Music Society" Instagram and Facebook pages.

The Ennis Eccentric Music Society’s Summer Party at Lucas' Bar on August 3rd is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Clare's rich musical heritage and a testament to the community’s unwavering support for local talent. There is an air of excitement as the town prepares for this musical extravaganza.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of what the local live music scene has to offer in a night that promises to be memorable for all who attend.

SATURDAY AUG 3RD ‘24 4 PM - LATE

Photo by Ferdia O’Sullivan

Top billing for Bunratty Down Under

by

MORE than 300,000 television viewers across Australia will be introduced to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this autumn.

An independent TV production team last week visited the popular visitor attraction in Newmarket-on-Fergus where they filmed throughout the world-famous medieval castle and 26-acre folk park.

Bunratty will feature in an episode of a new show called ‘Journey to Europe’, fronted by travel journalist and presenter David Whitehill.

The programme airs on The Nine Network, one of five main free-toair television networks in Australia, and its streaming service 9Now in October. The episode also will feature for six months on the Singapore Airlines in-flight entertainment system.

“We were delighted to facilitate the production team as they em-

barked on a filming trip across the Wild Atlantic Way to highlight the West of Ireland’s rich history and culture, fantastic culinary experiences and stunning landscapes,” explained Erin Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

She added, “This show will attract a significant audience for Bunratty in an important market for the Irish tourism sector. The timing of the programme’s airing could not be better as people across Australia plan their overseas holiday for 2025”.

PICTURED: Roger Price (Cinematographer), Erin Malone (Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park), Gareth Bowser, Rebekah Moore (Bunratty Castle & Folk Park) and David Whitehill (Presenter, Proud Nomads) pictured on the village street at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, which will be beamed across The Nine Network in October

Dermot Kennedy gigs boost revenues at Thomond Park

to €1.56m

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

INCOME from a string of Dermot Kennedy gigs at Thomond Park last summer helped the firm that operates the Limerick stadium to an increase in revenues to €1.56m.

The stadium hosted three Dermot Kennedy gigs last July and new accounts for Thomond Park Stadium Co DAC show that the business received income of €337,791 in ‘public event income’ in 2023 while hospitality and catering income soared.

The economic spin off from the stadium for the Mid-West area was further underlined in recent weeks with successful gigs at the stadium this July featuring Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol and Paulo Nutini.

Now, the new 2023 accounts show that the stadium company’s revenues of €1.56m are a marginal increase on the 2022 revenues of €1.52m when two May Ed Sheehan gigs boosted revenues.

The stadium firm operates the home of Munster rugby and the accounts show that the company’s balance sheet received a major boost during the year following a €6m

capital contribution from the Munster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The revenue comprises €598,405 in licence fee income, €333,8743 in rights income, €209,933 in hospitality and catering income, €61,682 in rental income, €23,000 in bar income and €337,791 in the public events income. The figures show that €563,698 of the licence fee income was received from the Munster branch of the IRFU and this is down on the €612,410 under the same heading in 2022.

The firm recorded pre-tax losses of €941,059 for 2023 which was an 18pc increase on the €795,566 pre-tax losses for 2022. The pre-tax losses take account of non-cash depreciation costs of €1.079m.

The directors state that they “are pleased with the success of the events hosted to date and the related stadium revenues”.

They state that the company “continues to explore additional commercial opportunities in order to maximise the return from the stadium”.

The amount owed by the firm to the Munster branch totalled €18m at the end of July last.

POSITION

AVAILABLE Industrial Electrician

Full-time Permanent

We are seeking a qualified Industrial Electrician to join our Team.

This is a full-time permanent position.

Work based locally.

Offering competitive salary, negotiable based on experience.

REQUIREMENTS

- Proven experience as an Industrial Electrician

- Full Driving Licence

- Excellent command of the English Language

If you meet these qualifications and are looking for a stable rewarding career we want to hear from you .

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AS WE witness the current Olympic Games, we are reminded of the razor-thin margins that separate victory from defeat.

A fraction of a second can determine whether an athlete qualifies for a final, breaks a world record, or wins an Olympic medal. Similarly, the recent All-Ireland Senior Hurling and Football finals in Ireland were decided by a single point, underscoring the significance of minute differences in performance.

As an executive coach, leadership development facilitator, and change-agent, I believe these exam-ples from the world of sports offer valuable lessons for personal and professional growth.

This week, I want to explore the concept of the “Olympian mindset” and how it aligns with the principles of the 1% rule and a growth mindset. These concepts illustrate how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

THE OLYMPIAN MINDSET

Irish Olympians, such as Rhys McClenaghan and Nhat Nguyen, exemplify this mindset. McClena-ghan, a two-time world champion gymnast, emphasized the importance of calmness and familiarity in high-pressure situations.

Reflecting on his performance, McClenaghan stated, “It was calm. That’s what you want to be like in that reappearance at the Olympic Games.

I want to be pushing more and more to that perfection that isn’t attainable but we’ll try”. Similarly, Nguyen, a badminton player, showcased great composure in his matches, highlighting the mental fortitude required to

compete at the highest level.

THE 1% RULE

The 1% rule, popularized by James Clear in his book “Atomic Habits”, emphasizes the power of mak-ing small, incremental improvements every day.

Clear argues that if you get just 1% better each day, by the end of the year, you will be 37 times better than you started. This principle applies to all areas of life, from saving money to improving health.

For instance, if you aim to save money, start by setting aside a small amount each day. Over time, these small savings will accumulate into a substantial sum. Similarly, if you want to improve your health, begin with simple changes like drinking an extra glass of water or taking a short walk each day. These minor adjustments can lead to significant health benefits over time.

THE GROWTH MINDSET

The concept of a growth mindset, in troduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelli gence can be developed through effort and the right strategies.

People with a growth mindset view challenges and failures as opportuni ties to learn and improve, rather than as setbacks. This mindset fosters resilience, creativity, and a contin uous drive for progress.

Adopting a growth mind set means embracing the idea that you can im prove with effort and

perse-verance. It encourages you to seek feedback, learn from mistakes, and persist in the face of difficulties.

This mindset is essential for personal and professional development, as it allows you to navigate challenges more effectively and achieve long-term success.

APPLYING PRINCIPLES IN LEADERSHIP

As leaders and managers, it is crucial to recognize the power of small, consistent changes. By focus-ing on incremental improvements, you can foster a culture of continuous growth and innovation within your teams. Here are some practical ways to implement these principles:

SEMI-SKILLED GENERAL OPERATIVES

REQUIRED:

We are currently recruiting for semi-skilled operatives in the Limerick City area. The role involves being a member of a team which takes the project from the beginning to completion of the structure. The workload will include demolition, preparing for structural cell, some blockwork and carpentry. The roles are particularly suited to general all round semi-skilled operatives who have a varied range of experience in the residential & commercial sector.

All candidates should have a full clean driving licence, own transport, Safe Pass and Manual Handling Certificate.

Advantage:

CSCS Card, C1 licence & Forklift licence.

Immediate start available.

Reply to: info@fcconstruction.ie

Morning Huddles: Start each day with a brief team meeting to set and agree on priorities. This practice helps maintain focus and alignment, ensuring that everyone is working towards common goals.

Monthly One-on-One

Regularly check in with team members to provide feedback, dis-cuss progress, and identify areas for improvement. These conversations can help build trust, moti-vate employees, and address any challenges early on.

Encourage a Growth Mindset: Promote a culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportuni-ties. Encourage team members to take on new challenges, seek feedback, and continuously strive for improvement.

The Olympian mindset, the 1% rule, and the growth mindset all highlight the importance of small, consistent changes. Whether you’re an athlete aiming for a gold medal, a professional striving for career advancement, or a leader seeking to build a high-performing team, these principles can guide you towards success.

Remember, the journey to greatness is not about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about making tiny improvements every day. By focusing on small, steady, and consistent changes, you can achieve remarkable results over time.

As leaders, never underestimate the power of your example. Your commitment to continuous improvement can inspire and motivate your team to reach new heights.

Embrace the Olympian mindset, and start your journey towards excellence, one small step at a time.

For more information on how to work on your mindset, or make positive changes in your life, your team or within your organisation, please contact me denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie.

WE ARE HIRING

CARPENTERS REQUIRED:

We are currently seeking Carpenters in the Limerick City area, the ideal candidate will be an all-rounder with experience in 1st fix, 2nd fix and Maintenance

The role is rewarding, and salary is based on experience and skill set provided.

Requirements, Own tools and transport. Good knowledge of building and renovations Safe Pass and Manual Handling Certificate.

Immediate start available.

Reply to: info@fcconstruction.ie

PICTURED RIGHT: Irish Olympic bronze medalist Mona McSharry

FACT FILE

Management: Peadar O’Brien (Manager) Mark Raftery (coach);Vincent McCarthy, Tony Kenny, Dara Kenny (Stats)

Thomas Whelan (video analysis)

Captain: Gearoid Cahill

Key Player: Kevin Keane

One to watch: Evan Doolin

Fresh Blood: Evan Doolin, Cathal Flanagan, Colin Fitzgerald, Colm Breen;

Departures Gates: Jamie Malone, Fionn Clancy, Michael Kelly, Fergal Killeen, Shay Malone, Ross Hayes, Conor Leen, Luke Neylon

Treatment table: Diarmuid Cahill

Last season’s run: Survived relegation play off with a one point win over Clondegad.

Titles Won: None;

Schedule of games:

Round 1 v Kildysart (August 3rd)

Round 2 v St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 v St. Breckans (August 31st/Sept 1st)

Corofin begin crusade as dual senior club

SEAMUS HAYES

COROFIN head into this weekend’s opening game in the senior football championship without the experience and leadership qualities of two players who have been regulars in recent seasons.

Jamie Malone, an All Star nominee in 2019 and Fionn Clancy have both emigrated and, according to team manager Peadar O’Brien, “the experience and leadership qualities they have shown over the years will be a huge loss and will be difficult to replace”.

In Saturday‘s opening round in the race for the Jack Daly Cup they face Kildysart in what will be a repeat of the intermediate final of 2021 when Corofin emerged victorious.

A member of the selection committee over the past few years, Peader stepped up to the manager’s role this year and Vincent McCarthy and Tony Kenny continue as selectors while the team is now coached by Derry native Mark Rafferty who resides in the nearby Doora/Barefield parish where he has coached a number of club teams.

Corofin’s round 2 opponents will be St. Josephs when Rafferty will find himself in opposition to his son Joe

who is part of the Doora/Barefield panel.

In their first season in charge they steered the side to the Garry Cup (Division 2) league final where they lost out to a fancied Éire Óg team but by getting to the final they earned promotion to the Cusack Cup (Division 1) for next season.

“The opening game in the senior championship race is very important for all teams and we are not looking past that”, commented the manager, mindful no doubt of the fact that his charges had to fight through a relegation battle last year to maintain senior status, overcoming Clondegad in the final.

In addition to finding replacements for the afore mentioned Malone and Clancy, Peadar and his management team take charge of a team representing a dual club which will have in the region of ten or eleven dual players in action on Saturday.

This includes having assistance from Cilléin Mullins from Crusheen and the Ruan duo of Colm Rice and Robin Mounsey who was part of Clare’s All-Ireland winning senior hurling squad last week.

Incidentally Corofin clubman Conor Leen, one of the stars of Clare’s great win over Cork last week, is understood

to be concentrating on hurling and won’t be part of the football panel this week, the same rule of thumb has been followed by Ross Hayes of Crusheen, another member of the All-Ireland winning squad.

For the next six weeks the dual players will have championship games every week as the football and hurling championships go ahead every second week. Should the clubs of dual players make it out of the groups to the knock out stages, the schedule will continue with hurling and football on alternate weekends. It’s a demanding schedule for those involved in both codes and all will be keeping their fingers crossed that they will avoid injury.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Diarmuid Cahill, younger brother of team captain Gearoid, remains doubtful due to a leg injury which has resulted in him missing a number of league games in both hurling and football this season. If he is ruled out it will represent a big blow to their hopes of making a winning start to this campaign.

The O’Loughlins, Cillian McGroary, Kevin Keane, Eoin Davoren and team captain Gearoid Cahill are key players for the North Clare outfit and they will be hoping that they can get their campaign off on a winning note.

Champions Cratloe chomping at the bit

SEAMUS HAYES

ON SIX occasions in the past twenty years, the Clare senior football title has been retained by the previous year’s winners.

Current holders Cratloe are one of four clubs to achieve that feat since 2004. Having won the title for the first time in their history in 2013, they retained the crown a year later when they were also crowned senior hurling champions.

Kilmurry Ibrickane managed this feat on three occasions (2008/09, 2011/12 and 2016/17) in that period while St Joseph’s Miltown (2018/19) and Éire Óg (2021 /’22) are the others to have achieved this.

As the race begins to claim the 2024 title, the question will be posed if Cratloe can add to that list and while Éire Óg will be viewed as the competition favourites in the eyes of many football followers, not many are prepared to bet against Cratloe.

Setting out twelve months ago, they weren’t in many people’s shortlist of favourites for the title but their experience was key to them earning a merited win, a penalty shootout win in the semi-finals saw them dethrone Éire Óg.

With the same management in place as that which has guided them to the successes of the past decade headed up by ex Clare boss Colm Collins, they must be given serious consideration when it comes to predicting who might come through as

winners this year.

Manager Colm Collins doesn’t need any introduction in Clare football circles. He is a very experienced manager and one can be sure that he will have his charges well prepared and ready for action.

“As has been the case at all times, we are not looking past the opening round. We are in a very difficult group and Miltown on Friday night will provide a difficult test”, the Kilmihil native told The Clare Echo.

Because of the involvement of so many of their players with a variety of Clare hurling and football teams in recent years, Cratloe have had to field weakened teams in their league games and they dropped down a few divisions.

This year they competed in Division 3 but a couple of surprise losses allied to the concession of a walkover by Ml. Cusacks to Naomh Eoin saw them just miss out on a place in the play offs.

They have struggled with injuries in recent times but indications are that they will have a near full strength panel to pick from for this Friday’s game.

Having missed concluding games in the hurling and football leagues, Sean and David Collins trained at the weekend and are expected to be in the starting line up on Friday.

Domiciled in London for the past year, Liam Markham didn’t feature in the league but is likely to be available for the championship.

As Cratloe face into the opening

game in defence of the Jack Daly dual star Cathal McInerney accepts “we probably have a target on our backs now having won the title last year but we feel we are experienced enough to deal with that. We have trained well and there are no injury worries at present”.

McInerney who was the MD MyClubShop.ie/The Clare Echo top scorer in last season’s championship continued, “in the football league we are down a few divisions which helps as we can blood a few new players”.

Cratloe have a high proportion of dual players at senior level. “That’s thrown at us every year. It’s great when its going well but there are challenges, particularly when you have a few injuries. The key for us is getting our best players on the field for each game. We were fortunate in football last year as we didn’t have any injuries but not so in the hurling when we had a few niggles. The important thing is to avoid injury. Our managements handle the dual issue well,” Cathal said.

“One cannot look past the first round as you are staring down the barrel of relegation if you lose there,” he concluded.

FACT FILE

Podge Collins

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Management: Colm Collins (manager), Brian O’Connell, Sean O’Dea, Shane Markham; Jody O’Connor, Ger Crotty (physio) Oscar O’Dwyer (S&C).

Captain: Kevin Harnett

Key Player: Cathal McInerney

One to watch: Eoin Carey

Fresh Blood: Eoin Carey, Jamie Moylan, Keelan O’Donoghue

Departures Gate: None

Treatment table: None

Last season’s run: crowned champions; Titles Won: 3 (2013, 2014, 2023);

Schedule of games:

Round 1 v St Joseph’s Miltown (August 2nd)

Round 2 v Ennistymon (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 v Doonbeg (August 31st/Sept 1st)

Miltown look to hit the high notes

FACT FILE

Management: Martin Guerin (manager), John McDonagh (selector), Eoin Curtin (coach), David Talty (selector), Jim Marrinan (selector)

Captain: Enda O’Gorman

Key Player: Cormac Murray

One to Watch: Ralph Whelehan

Fresh blood: Ronan Keavey, Gavin Toomey, Niall Toomey, Dominic Griffin, Ralph Whelehan,

Departures gate: Eoin Cleary, Paul Keane, Mark Cunningham, Conall Meade all in US, Euan Reidy (London)

Treatment table: Gearoid Curtin (hamstring), Gearoid Burke (knee), Conor Cleary (shoulder)

Titles won: 15 (1905, 1906, 1916, 1923, 1925, 1927, 1932, 1949, 1953, 1959, 1985, 1990, 2015, 2018, 2019).

Last year’s run: Exited in the semi-finals following extra time to St Breckan’s having recorded wins over Doonbeg, Clondegad and Kildysart.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Cratloe (August 2nd)

Round 2 vs Doonbeg (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Ennistymon (August 31st/Sept 1st)

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

‘LOVELY OLD MILTOWN’ is the ballad and while St Joseph’s Miltown have age on their side, that brings with it experience and for their cause a winning know-how.

That taste of success has been absorbed at senior level in 2015, 2018 and 2019 by the club, their return of three championships in a five year window has only been matched by their neighbours Kilmurry Ibrickane who claimed the Jack Daly five times between 2011 and 2020.

Goalkeeper Sean O’Brien, captain Enda O’Gorman, defenders Gordon Kelly, Seanie Malone and Eoin O’Brien along with the Cleary twins, Conor and Eoin, Darragh McDonagh, Brian Curtin, Kieran Malone, Cormac Murray and Jamesie O’Connor are still standing from the 2015 win, their first senior success in twenty five years.

Martin Guerin was a selector to Michael Neylon when they overcame Cooraclare 0-13 0-9 in the 2015 final and is now in his second year as manager. Eoin Curtin wore the number eleven jersey on that day nine years ago and is coaching the side now, having been involved with Liscannor last season.

Appearances in the business

end of the competition have been more fleeting than Miltown supporters would like. Since their last win in 2019, they have only appeared in one semi-final, that being last year’s showdown with St Breckan’s where they lost by a single point after extra time.

Getting to the last four was a welcome change in fortunes, the team lost all three group games in 2022 while it was St Breckan’s who again reigned supreme in their meeting in the 2021 quarter-final.

In 2020, Cratloe dethroned them as champions when running out 0-16 2-8 winners in what was a quarter-final in all but name as part of a revised championship format during the pandemic.

Now the boot is on the other foot in a sense, granted Miltown don’t have the opportunity to eliminate Cratloe on Friday evening in Clarecastle but they get the first kick at the champions. “The challenge is big enough as it was, every team you play in first round they are preparing the last couple of months for the first round so it’s a battle no matter what and there’s no easy games in the championship. This is a good Cratloe team with plenty of experience facing a Miltown team with less experience but this is where they learn the ropes and hopefully by the end of the sixty minutes, we’ll be the team still standing,”

said Miltown manager Guerin.

Starting off without both of the Cleary twins “is not an ideal scenario especially when you are playing the county champions,” Martin outlined. “That is a massive challenge, we’d love to have them obviously but you’ve to work with what you have and hopefully we have enough of work done with the group to get a result of some sort”.

Conor Cleary is to get a scan this week, the All-Ireland winning full back was forced off before extra time in Clare’s win over Cork in what is feared could be a recurrence of a shoulder injury which saw him miss last year’s Munster final. “I don’t think it’s long-term, I hope it is not but we have to wait and see what the scan says,” Guerin stated.

Eoin Cleary meanwhile has swapped Miltown for the Windy City and has been based in Chicago for the summer, where he is still in action on the gaelic football front. The former Clare football captain will be available for his club later in the campaign.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Guerin pointed out that if Miltown want to build on their run last season, there is only place they can go. “We got to the semi-final last year, if we have real ambitions we want to get to the final this year and hopefully we can

achieve that target”.

On the learnings from his first year as Miltown manager, Martin said, “It was a team in transition for sure. We would have got lads working hard again, buying in and giving the commitment which were laying the foundations and getting the young players used to that kind of discipline”.

Some Miltown players may have plenty of miles on the clock but it is not glaringly obvious when it comes to the heat of championship. “They are still preparing the same way, they are in good shape, they are still hungry and eager, it is great to have them and it is great for our younger players to be learning from them”.

Although three teams will emerge from Group 3, Guerin is adamant that they have no intentions of having a slip-up in any outing. “You’ll be aiming to win all games and they are all tough games. We’ve Doonbeg in the second round, they are always a tough team, Ennistymon are a young, up and coming team with plenty of potential who will fancy their chances against us but to be honest most teams will when we’re down players. Three teams will get out of the group and we don’t want to be the fourth team which doesn’t”.

Picutred is St Joseph’s Miltown stalwart Gordon Kelly

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Ennistymon’s footballing enigma can come undone with strong championship run

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

FOREST GUMP’s well-trotted out line, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get” is applicable when it comes to Ennistymon’s senior footballers.

Well able to mix the good and the bad, the men from Ennistymon and Lahinch are brimming with potential but also a recurring trend of not delivering on this promise when it comes to do or die battles in senior championship.

As a case in point, just examine the championship campaigns of 2022 and 2023. “Resilience” was the word constantly and rightly used by Mark Shanahan two years ago as Ennistymon made the final on merit and came up short against Éire Óg on a score of 0-9 0-6, they stuck to their task along the way and were three points off the county champions.

Twelve months on, they prevailed over neighbours St Breckan’s in the Cusack Cup final but the wheels fell off when it came to championship. They had seven points to spare over Kildysart in the opening round before suffering a six point loss to Lissycasey in round two and then bowing out of the title race with a six point defeat to Cratloe. They hopped past Corofin in the relegation play-off with a two point win to maintain their status.

Injuries to key players have been

an obstacle but with a panel as big as theirs and given the strong line of underage success, squad depth needs to be more than just a buzz word.

On the injury front, the party line from manager Ger Quinlan is that Kevin Hehir is the only player ruled out for the opening round against Doonbeg. “We hope to have most lads available,” he said but such a sentiment will only be fully known come throw-in on Saturday evening in Miltown Malbay and would represent a miracle given the nightmare they have endured with injuries in the last two years.

Among those set to take to the field is Clare senior Brendy Rouine in what would be his first senior appearance for the club since the 2022 final. “We’re hoping some of them will play a part,” Quinlan stated when touching on how many of their county football representatives will play.

They had three members part of the Clare hurling side crowned All-Ireland champions with David Fitzgerald and Cathal Malone playing vital roles with Seán Rynne part of the squad. “To be honest we’re hoping to have a minimum of one available, they have been enjoying the success and it is well deserved,” Ger commented on which hurlers would be in action this weekend.

Himself a Clare senior footballer from 1997 to 2013, Ger this season makes the move from Ennistymon coach to manager. “I’ve been the

coach for the last two years and I enjoyed that and I’m still mixing the coaching with the management but I’ve a bit more work in the background, they are a great group of lads to work with,” he told The Clare Echo.

On the alterations in the two roles, he explained, “The difference is the off field stuff, dealing with the club more directly more than I would have and dealing with the players more directly, as a coach you’re dealing with the players but I’m on the phone to them more than I had been”.

Giving his analysis on why Ennistymon’s championship run was a step backwards last year, the ex midfielder outlined, “Things didn’t go well for us, it was a hop of the ball between getting to latter stages and the relegation but we were disappointed, we got a bounce from the U21s winning the championship which is a help going into this campaign”.

Although they were down several bodies for the Cusack Cup final, their return of 0-2 in sixty plus minutes of football raised eyebrows as Lissycasey claimed the league title for the first time in fourteen years. “That didn’t go well at all, it was our worst performance in a long time, we’ve moved on and put in behind us, we’re looking forward to the first round,” Quinlan said.

Preparations in the interval “have gone good,” he admitted. “It’s about getting lads back on the field and training has gone good”.

He continued, “We’re looking at the first game, we won’t be looking further than Doonbeg, this week is about one game only, Doonbeg are going to be a tough challenge, there’s never a kick of a ball between us, they are after winning the O’Gorman Cup and so they’re coming in on a bit of a bounce and we know it won’t be an easy game”.

Central to Ennistymon curtailing

FACT FILE

Management: Ger Quinlan (manager), Brendan Rouine (coach), Michael Rouine (selector), Johnny Conneally (selector), Shane Keane (selector)

Captain: Cillian Rouine

Key Player: Cillian Rouine

One to Watch: Gearoid Barry

Fresh blood: Sean O’Driscoll (returned), Gearoid Barry, Conor Rynne, Joe Casey

Departures gate: Adam Ralph and Enda Ralph (travelling)

Treatment table: Kevin Hehir (knee)

Titles won: None

Last year’s run: Defeated Kildysart in the opening round before losing to Lissycasey and Cratloe which left them in a relegation semi-final where they prevailed against Corofin.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Doonbeg (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Cratloe (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs St Joseph’s Miltown (August 31st/Sept 1st)

this Doonbeg bounce is players willing to show leadership on and off the field. In this regard, they’ll be looking to the Rouines, Cillian, Brendy and Seán along with Noel Sexton, Ciaran McMahon, Cathal Malone and Seán Rynne. The absence of last year’s full-back Adam Ralph, their go-to man marker will be a loss but it is eased somewhat by the return of the experienced Sean O’Driscoll.

Brendy Rouine is on course to make a comeback for Ennistymon this weekend

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Dark horses Lissycasey can liven up championship

IT’s been five years since the winners of the Cusack Cup have left a meaningful dent when it comes to championship and Lissycasey are looking to put an end to that trend.

St Joseph’s Miltown won the league and championship double in 2019, no team since has managed to equal this feat and worse, they haven’t got beyond the quarter-finals.

After prevailing by six points in the 2021 decider, St Breckan’s were dumped out of the championship at the quarter-final stages by neighbours Ennistymon. A maiden league title was secured by Ennistymon last year but they failed to get out of their group.

One club that has proven ability when it comes to doubles is Kilmurry Ibrickane who claimed both titles in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017.

The man who led them to their success in 2016 and 2017 is none other than Aiden ‘Horse’ Moloney who enters his second year as manager of Lissycasey.

Although a depleted Ennistymon flopped in the Cusack Cup final, Lissycasey still impressed on their way to a 1-9 0-2 at the end of June. The success is in the rear move but has been a lift, seeing as it was the first senior title for the club since 2007.

“There’s no doubt it has been parked at this stage, it was a good success for us, there’s

no doubt it was important for the younger lads in the squad, we’ve a lot of U20s now on our team, winning a trophy was good for them, winning is all about winning and hopefully it will become a habit,” Moloney outlined.

Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating in his speech on that June day in Miltown Malbay observed that when Lissycasey last won the Cusack Cup, they went on to win the championship.

Horse didn’t think their ten point Cusack Cup final win prompted clubs around the county to view them as a more serious threat. “Ennistymon had their eye on a different prize, I thought they were and they’d admit themselves they didn’t do themselves justice, 0-2 was a poor return from them, we’ll take it but we know if we met in the championship it would be a different story”.

Year one of Moloney’s tenure with Lissycasey saw them defeat Ennistymon in the group stages to guarantee a preliminary quarter-final where they recorded a ten point win over Doonbeg but in the space of six days their championship was over as St Breckan’s had seven points to spare when they met in the last eight. “St Breckans’ are at a higher level than Doonbeg which is fair to say, they have some serious pace in their team which we couldn’t deal with, it is down to us as a management that we couldn’t deal with it, they’ve some serious quality players, they didn’t do well in the Cusack Cup but if you’ve five or

six on the county then you’ll struggle in the league which is fair to say is the case for teams across the board. The top teams are giving their top players to the county and the Cusack Cup is not the competition it used to be because of that”.

Different positional roles have been embraced by players since the ex Clare footballer has taken over in Lissycasey, most notably Connor Meaney’s development as a centre back and the experienced Niall Kelly adapting to a sweeper role. Youth is paving the way forward for the club, Aiden maintained. “I’ve got a good response I have to say, they are a honest crowd and they want to do well. We lost a lot of players through emigration and guys choosing to play hurling before I came in, we had to build more or less a new team, the minor management over last two years have given us some great young players, I think the way forward for Lissycasey is to bring them on and go with the younger players and I think if they do in the not too distant future Lissycasey will be a force to be dealt with”.

Tricky ties lie ahead for Lissycasey, first up they face neighbours Kilmihil before two of the leading championship contenders Kilmurry Ibrickane and Éire Óg cross their path. “Ourselves and Kilmihil in the first round, we both know it’s a must-win game and that is no secret, we’re not looking past it, it is such an important game,

it really is a make or break game for us and Kilmihil can say the same thing. Kilmurry Ibrickane have the strongest panel in Clare and Éire Óg if they get all their players back then you have the two strongest panels in the county both in our group”.

Round Two will see Horse come against his native Kilmurry Ibrickane, a team he captained to Clare SFC success in 2002 and managed to glory in the championship in 2016, 2017 and 2020. “There will be a lot of scratching of the head, I’d a few great years with them, five years over two stints, in total including replays we played in seven county finals and we won three of them, we had a very successful time and I’ve a lot of good friends there but I’ve a job to do and I’ll be using all my strength to bring Lissycasey up the ladder and playing Kilmurry Ibrickane the people will realise that.

“It is not unusual anymore, it will be an interesting game, Kilmurry Ibrickane have some really good talent and a lot of good talent coming through, it will be a good exercise but as I said we can’t look past Kilmihil, if we win in the first round the pressure is off in a way but if we lose against Kilmihil then the game against Kilmurry Ibrickane in the second round becomes a different kettle of fish altogether”.

With an array of scorers up front and pace to booth, Lissycasey have youth and energy on their side mixed with plenty of talent. They

are certainly dark horses but the rugged nature of championship will require them to

show their mettle if they are to fulfil their promise. PÁRAIC MCMAHON

Management: Aiden Moloney (manager), Pakie Keane (selector), Danny Lynch (selector), Jimmy Collins (selector).

Captain: Conor Finnucane.

Key Player: Aaron Griffin

One to Watch: Daire Culligan

Fresh blood: Michael Kelly, Ben Skerrit, Daire Culligan, Ryan Griffin (back from Australia)

Departures gate: Matt O’Shea (transferred).

Kilmihil must put lessons of past heartaches into practice to come back swinging at senior level

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

HAVING bounced back to the senior ranks at the first attempt, Kilmihil are determined to maintain their place in the top tier and to leave a mark.

A winless run in 2022 with group defeats to Lissycasey, Cratloe and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield followed by a play-off loss to St Joseph’s Miltown resulted in Kilmihil dropping down to the intermediate grade.

Here they overcame every obstacle in their path and sealed their return with a dramatic one point win over Kilrush Shamrocks to win the intermediate championship for the second time in the space of five years.

Michael Doran was a selector for last season’s success but has stepped up to the manager’s gig following the departure of his predecessor Paul Reidy, coach Brian Dillon plus fellow selectors Colm O’Gorman and Connor Crowley.

Doran felt there was more to give and when the vacancy emerged, he was happy to put his hand forward. “I was involved last year when we won, I came in as a selector then, I enjoy being around the lads, they are a great bunch. When the opportunity came up it made sense for me, I come from a football background and I enjoy being involved”. His own coaching career began as far away as Denver, he kept an active involvement in the GAA when living in America and Australia.

Lawrence Murray who represent-

ed both Kilmihil and Kilmurry Ibrickane as a player is the coach of the team this year and he’ll have an interesting hour when the two sides meet in the third round.

Armagh native Doran has been in fine form this week after his county were crowned All-Ireland champions with a 1-11 0-13 win over Galway in Sunday’s final. He has been living in Kilmihil for the past eighteen months and works as a legal consultant.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, he expressed the view that Kilmihil are in a good place ahead of Saturday’s first round tie with Lissycasey. “I think we’re set up pretty well, we had a very good league campaign so we’ll take confidence from that, we’ve a strong showing of players from the start of the year, they’re tuned into the game plan and what we want to do”.

Enduring the pain of relegation has strengthened the resolve of the panel and it will make them more determined to cause an upset in a competitive Group 1 and ensure they are in the knockout stages rather than the relegation play-offs. “I was home the last time they won the intermediate in 2017, a lot of the lads at core of the team were young then, they have learned from their time at senior and are better prepared for the senior championship and what is required this time round”.

Doran continued, “the fact that the core group are more mature it puts us in a better position than when we were last up in senior but there won’t be any easy games and we know that”.

Bringing them back to senior with a bang is a meeting with neighbours Lissycasey. “We haven’t looked at games as which are more winnable than others, there isn’t an easy game at senior, Lissycasey are first up and the local rivalry has helped focus our attention over the summer months, when you’re going that long without football it can be difficult but having Lissycasey first up it really helped us to focus the minds”.

Meetings with Lissycasey and Cooraclare remind Mickey of rivalries from home. “We’ve had our fair share of derbies, those rivalries are great and it brings extra attention to games, it adds a little spice and hopefully in throes of senior football championship you won’t need it as extra motivation”.

Their predecessors as intermediate champions, Corofin (semi-final) and Kildysart (quarter-final) hit the ground running in their first seasons back in the top flight. The loss of David Lernihan, a central figure in their success last season may curtail their ability to mount such a run but with Ciaran Downes off the back of the most game-time he has earned in the county colours an experienced cohort beside him including Martin O’Leary, Stan Lineen and Sean Crowley they will have a fighting chance but they will need to cause a big upset to make it out of the group.

FACT FILE

Management: Mickey Doran (manager), Lawrence Murray (coach), Eamon Donnelly (selector), Philip Ryan (selector), John Normoyle (selector)

Captain: Mikey Keating

Key Player: Ciaran Downes

One to Watch: Gavin Downes

Fresh blood: Cathal Murray (back from Australia)

Departures gate: David Lernihan (transferred to club in Meath), Gearoid O’Grady (injured)

Treatment table: Gearoid O’Grady (knee).

Titles won: 2 (1944 with Cooraclare, 1980)

Last year’s run: Secured promotion by winning the intermediate championship Schedule:

Round 1 vs Lissycasey (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Éire Óg (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Kilmurry Ibrickane (August 31st/Sept 1st)

Kilmihill’s Sean Crowley Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Kilmurry Ibrickane to deliver on expectation

EXPECTATION is always high in Kilmurry Ibrickane and after a quarter-final exit last season, the Bricks are in place to rectify this.

High standards are a trait of all successful sides and clubs, it’s why Kilmurry Ibrickane have won eight senior championships in the last two decades and also explains that 2021 serving as their last county final appearance is a bone of contention.

Coupled with the expectation and high standards is a cuteness, if an opportunity becomes visible then they are quick to grab it. Look no further than their new manager, David Egan, the ex Offaly footballer.

In October, he stepped down as manager of Cork club, St Michael’s in Blackrock, he oversaw their return to the Premier SFC for the first time since 2006 and a playoff defeat denied them a place in the quarter-finals of the top flight. He only recently relocated from Cork to Ennis with his family and Kilmurry Ibrickane were quick to pounce and get him on board.

Egan told The Clare Echo how the appointment came about, “To make a long story short, I work in renewable industry, I work on a windfarm in Quilty in close proximity to a guy called John Talty.

When he found out I was moving to Ennis he was sounding me out, he set the club chairman Michael Considine on me and Michael is a guy that doesn’t take no for an answer easily and here I am”.

Long before meeting his partner, Louise, an Ennis woman, David was aware of Kilmurry Ibrickane’s football team. “I would have known who Kilmurry Ibrickane were long before I met my partner a Clare woman. I was at their All-Ireland club final in 2010 against St Galls and have been aware of them but I haven’t heard as much about them in recent history because Friday’s opponents Éire Óg have been the standard bearers. When I came in I was told it was an ageing team but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the amount of youth that is here. For the Cusack Cup team that beat Miltown we had eleven players under the age of twenty one, there is a nice mix of experience and youth and that is what any manager wants to have”.

Friday in Cooraclare will be his first real glimpse up close and personal at championship football in Clare. On how the club scene in Clare compares to Cork, he said, “The Cusack Cup is the Cusack Cup, we’ve only got our panel together, the league standard is a bit behind Cork because there’s more clubs down there. I’ve been going to a lot of club championship games

in Clare, club football is at a par with Cork if not higher, three teams in Cork can win the championship whereas there’s four to five in Clare that can win it out every year”.

With a fresh pair of eyes, he has set Kilmurry Ibrickane the target of reaching the quarter-final, this according to their supporters would be the bare minimum of what should be achieved. “We’re going to get to quarter-final as our first target and take it from there, we’re not setting bar higher than that, if you set bar too high the focus is lost, our primary aim is a quarter-final, our panel of players are hungry which is a very good sign”.

Facing off against Éire Óg was almost a guarantee, he flagged. “Everything that surrounds me, Louise’s family are staunch Éire Óg people so there is pressure all around me, I had a feeling we were going to get Éire Óg when it came to the draws. They are a brilliant team, a formidable side, I’ve been following their fortunes closely over the last couple of years and I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen, they are nearly an inter-county team and they would be able to hold their own against some counties in Division 3 or Division 4”.

Offering a big boost to their cause has been the return of Keelan Sexton from the United States. David acknowledged it as a “massive lift. Through unfortunate circum-

stances he was home for a bereavement, he gave the place a huge lift when he came on against Miltown in the Cusack Cup, he’s back permanently now. The injection of his lift to us when came back four to six weeks cannot be underestimated, he’s working in Dublin but he’s willing to make the sacrifice and be down every weekend for challenge matches and training. He’s given us a huge boost, he is a very experienced guy and well respected by the lads”.

Although his club championship was finished by the quarter-finals last season, Dermot Coughlan was still one of the standout players of the 2023 campaign across the county. He’s carried that form through with the county and emerged as one of the real leaders during Mark Fitzgerald’s first season as Clare boss.

This leadership is just one of the reasons why he has been appointed as the Kilmury Ibrickane captain. “Dermot has been plagued with injuries, I wouldn’t have known much about him since last January or February, his inter-county career has been stop start with injuries but the clean run of health has given him a good run of games. Following John O’Mahoney’s sad passing, I went back and watched ‘A Year Till Sunday’ and Dermot reminds me of Michael Donnellan, he likes taking the ball from deep and run-

ning at teams from deep, he is a fine footballer but an even better person, he has huge respect all around Kilmurry Ibrickane, the boys love him and it is great he is hitting into his stride”.

Talent, experience and hunger, all vital ingredients for a successful team and it’s why Kilmurry Ibrickane will be in the shake-up for honours when the race for the Jack Daly reaches the business stage.

FACT FILE

Management: David Egan (manager), Vincent Talty (selector), Kevin Sexton (selector)

Captain: Dermot Coughlan

Key Player: Dermot Coughlan

One to Watch: Fresh blood: Conor Kearney, Michael Comber, Evan Cahill

Departures gate: None

Treatment table: Michael Comber (ACL), Andrew Shannon (back), Cathal Talty (ankle), Caoilfhionn O’Dea (Achilles)

Titles won: 16 (1933, 1935 as Quilty, 1936 as Quilty, 1939 as Quilty, 1963, 1966, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020. Last year’s run: Topped Group A with three wins from three but eliminated in the quarter-finals with a one point loss to eventual winners Cratloe

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Éire Óg (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Lissycasey (August 17th/18th) Round 3 vs Kilmihil (August 31st/ Sept 1st)

REMARKABLY Éire Óg last lost a game in the Clare SFC in 2021 but they are not the holders of the Jack Daly.

Despite going through the group and knockout stages of the championship last season without los- ing, Éire Óg were still dethroned as county champions and became the first team in the county to lose their grip of the title by way of a penalty shootout.

When it came to last year’s semi-final, they were 1-17 apiece with Cratloe following extra time but on penalties, Colm Collins’ side won 4-2 and went on to win the Clare SFC for the third time.

That exit and the manner of it is likely to have Éire Óg eager to renew acquaintances with the Jack Daly but there is a lot of football to be played before now and county final time.

Paul Madden has returned for an eighth season at the helm of the Éire Óg footballers. “I’d like to think there is renewed hunger in the camp but to be fair there was never a shortage of hunger. Last year we were mentally and physically fatigued when it came to the crunch against Cratloe and maybe there was signs of it against Doora/Barefield in the quarter-final but we didn’t lose a game, we lost on penalties to the eventual champions and while we know we were below par we weren’t a million miles away.

“There was a fairly honest assessment and reflection of the year done by the players and the consensus was after a nice break when we finished on October 1st that there was renewed hunger to go again and that’s why we decided to come back as a management,” he added.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Paul admitted that the manner in which players spoke at a panel meeting following their exit last year is what enticed him to return. “My personal resolve is generally always there because I’m really passionate about it, it was strengthened more by the players and what they wanted to get out of the year. It is very easy sit around a board table in December and January and bang your chest on all the things you will do differently but the effort and attitude of the players this year has been top class, that even goes for our county lads who haven’t been with us for the whole year”.

Madden’s selectors Peter Cosgrove and Shane Daniels have returned along with Tom Russell in the backroom team. They do have a change in coach, Seanie Buckley’s addition to the county management has resulted in the addition of Galway man Justin Burke as coach of the Ennis club. “Seanie is a fantastic coach and person on and off the pitch, he stepped up with the county, realistically you’re looking at full commitment with any club now, he was hoping to be involved up till the end of July and a bit with Clare but

it was the end of June, there’s such a high standard at club level that we needed to replace Seanie and find someone to come in and be involved from the start of the year. I’ve known Justin Burke for a couple of years, he has done good things with emerging clubs in Galway, he comes from a good pedigree and is a big football man. We are hoping to be in a good place come Friday evening”.

No better place than Cooraclare against Kilmurry Ibrickane on Friday evening to give them a feel as to where exactly they are. “Kilmurry Ibrickane and Éire Óg have always had ding dong battles over the years even when one team is going well and the other wasn’t, form seemed to always go out the window because of the healthy rivalry between the teams, from what I’m hearing they are going very well and have a full squad to pick from”.

Madden continued, “In the case of when we play Kilmurry Ibrickane, Éire Óg might have been had terrible league and it will still be edgy affair because of the rivalry between the teams, both teams always manage to lift their game for each other despite how they’ve done earlier in the year. Being a town team with several county players past and present we’ll always be a target for somebody and that is going to be no different”.

Although Éire Óg haven’t a full squad to pick from, with county men Manus Doherty and Mark McInerney currently in the United States and

injury doubts over midfielder, Gavin Murray, the strength of their panel will ensure this does not detract from their ability to get a result in the opening round. “We’re down three county players for Friday, any club without three county players would feel that, even without them it will be a tough team to pick, lads won’t get a game and they will be disappointed, there are lads that would hope to be starting that will be on the bench and they will have to settle with getting brought on. With the three lads, I’d expect to have them back and within our bigger squad for some part of the group stages, that is not to say they will get a game when they do come back. It is a tough group, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Lissycasey and Kilmihil, they will be three tough games and we have to be ready for them”.

Éire Óg come into the championship after winning the Garry Cup which secures their promotion to the Cusack Cup for next season.

FACT FILE

They’ve started the year in the right vein and with players of the calibre of Ronan Lanigan, Ciaran Russell, Ikem Ugwueru, Aaron Fitzgerald, Darren O’Neill and Dean Ryan they will be a match for anyone in and outside of the county. The return of Gavin

Management: Paul Madden (manager), Justin Burke

O’Riordan (S&C) Captain: Aaron Fitzgerald

Key Player: Ronan Lanigan

One to Watch: Luke Pyne

Fresh blood: Aidan McGrath (returned from abroad)

Departures gate: None

Treatment table: Gavin Murray (groin)

Titles won: 20 (1890, 1897, 1899, 1904, 1907, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929 as Ennis Dalcassians, 1947, 1948, 1952, 1954, 1994 as Ennis Faughs, 2000, 2006, 2021, 2022)

Last year’s run: Beaten in a penalty shootout in the semi-final to eventual winners Cratloe.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Kilmurry Ibrickane (August 2nd)

Round 2 vs Kilmihil (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Lissycasey (August 31st/Sept 1st)

(coach), Peter Cosgrove (selector), Shane Daniels (selector), Tom Russell (backroom), Billy Woods (backroom), Mike Carmody (athletic performance), Victor

Éire Óg’s Dean Ryan

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

St Breckan’s aiming to banish poor run of form

WITH only one victory under their belts in 2024 and that an ultimately fruitless lastditch attempt to stave off relegation from the Cusack Cup, St Breckan’s will inevitably have a greater emphasis on this Friday’s opening senior championship tie more than most.

Remarkably, off the back of reaching a first senior decider in 27 years last October allied to also contesting the Cusack Cup and Under 21A Finals, St Breckan’s were expected to be competing for their third successive top flight league decider rather than spiral through the relegation trapdoor but manager Declan O’Keeffe is hoping that the return of their county senior quintet can stop the rot this weekend.

FACT FILE

Management: Declan O’Keeffe (Manager); Odran O’Dwyer (Coach); Pat Haugh, Jersey O’Loughlin, John Petty (Selectors)

Captain: Cian Burke

Key Player: Alan Sweeney

One to Watch: Thomas O’Dwyer

Fresh Blood: Dale Masterson, Cathal Morgan, Robert O’Connell, Thomas O’Dwyer

Departure Gate: Padraig Kelly, Jack Sheedy (abroad, to return)

Treatment Table: None

Titles Won: 0

Last season’s run: Finalists

Schedule

Round 1 - v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Corofin, Friday 7.30pm

Round 2 - v Kildysart (Weekend of August 16/17/18th)

Round 3 - v Corofin (Weekend of August 31st/September 1st)

He told The Clare Echo, “There’s no point saying otherwise, we were disappointed with the league. Look, we were down the five county lads and had a few more in America and there were games there where we were minus nine or ten of last year’s county final team so no team could not be hugely affected by that. Having said that, it made us blood more players and look at others so we got plenty of that over the course of those seven matches and I must say that we were kind of unfortunate to actually go down as we lost three or four games by the minimum margin of one or two points which could has easily gone the other way.

“But they didn’t and while it’s not the end of the world, at the same time it was disappointing as where I come from [Kerry], you’d always like to be playing Division 1 football and we kind of feel that it’s a good springboard for developing young players to be playing against the best. Look, I suppose if you take Cratloe, they are winning championships from Division 3 so that’s the other side of the coin”.

With Alan Sweeney, Joe McGann, Jamie Stack, Cian Burke and Tristan O’Callaghan all part of Mark Fitzgerald’s new-look Banner side this year, O’Keeffe, an All-Ireland winner with Kerry himself, feels that their additional exposure to inter-county can only be beneficial for the club. “I’d always be pro fellas moving onto the next level. I think as a footballer, it should be everyone’s dream to play with their county. It was great to see the lads get an opportunity and while some of them didn’t get a lot of ball time, the likes of Jamie [Stack] and Cian [Burke]

did get minutes so that can only be good for their development and confidence and you’d be hoping that that experience would stand to them having been given a taste of a different level of strength and condition ing and coaching.

“That can only help our cause as we are in a very competitive group but also a very interesting one. From our point of view, I think we’ve drawn St Joseph’s Doora/Bar efield and Corofin for the last two years so they will certainly be out for retribution for the last couple of years and we’re under no illusions as to the task that’s ahead of us. Doora/Barefield drew with Éire Óg in last year’s quarter-final and looking at that, people might have said that it was a one-off but there’s no way it was a one-off. They are a young team with loads of pace and have been very well coached. Donagh [Vaughan] has brought in good coaches there over the last couple of years and they’ve changed the way they’re playing as well so I’m looking forward to a very tough battle on Friday night.”

A former St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield player who contested two senior finals with the Parish, O’Keeffe knows more than most about his opponents but at the same time is cautiously not putting all his eggs in the first-round basket. “Like every group situation, if you can get off to a good start it’s half the battle so obviously we’ll be going all out to win on Friday night but on the flip side I know that Doora/Barefield will be thinking the same way and if they can hit the heights of their last game last year, they will be very difficult to stop”.

Jamie Stack

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Stephen

FACT FILE

Management: David Butler (Manager); John O’Sullivan (Coach); Jacko Cleary, John Murtagh, Terry Murphy, Darragh Butler (Selectors); Kieran Connelly (Physio)

Captain: Keith O’Connor

Key Player: Emmet McMahon

One to Watch: Conall Casey

Fresh Blood: Conall Casey, Jesse Collins, Reuben Garry, Alan Hassett, Cillian Kelly, Joe Kelly, Harrison Scanlan, Jamie Sheehan

Departures Gate: None

Treatment Table: None

Titles Won: 1 Last season’s run: Made the quarter-finals in first season back senior Schedule

Round 1 - v Corofin at Clarecastle, Saturday 7pm Round 2 - v St Breckan’s (Weekend of August 16/17/18th) Round 3 - v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield (Weekend of August 31st/September 1st)

HAVING been constantly told that they were a senior team in everything but actuality during their arduous intermediate hoodoo of four heartbreaking final defeats in six years, it must have seemed as if a weight was lifted off Kildysart’s shoulders last year when soaring in their top flight return to come within a whisker of reaching a senior semi-final at the first attempt.

However, they only have to look at Saturday’s opponents Corofin as a warning sign that they need to work even harder in order to at least emulate that feat if not surpass it.

After all, the North Clare side hit the ground sprinting upon their reintroduction to senior level in 2022 to contest only their second ever championship semi-final, only to somehow find themselves embroiled in the relegation dogfight twelve months later.

Kildysart manager David Butler is confident that the character and insatiable work ethic of his troops can avoid any second season syndrome. “The one thing about them is that they’ve massive character. They really back themselves and are a great bunch of lads. Now I know every lad over a team says that but honest to God, It’s our fourth year with them and football is their life.

“Last year we were very disappointed in the Ennistymon game in the opening round but the character they showed after that was phenomenal as we actually finished top of the group. In the quarter-final against

CHEMIST

Miltown, there was nothing in it until Cormac Murray got the goal. We were right there in the mix so being our first year back at senior, it was an encouraging start. I mean there’s real ambition there amongst the squad because they were very disappointed after that Miltown game so we are all eager to try and get out of the group again.

“It won’t be easy though as we’ve Corofin on the first night, then St Breckan’s and then Doora/Barefield but we’re going along nicely and as I say they really have character and they back themselves which is hugely important. We’ve played Corofin and St Breckan’s in intermediate finals and look how they’ve done at senior since. You look at Corofin and I know that they were in the relegation last year but they were in the senior semi-final the year before so that’s the Corofin that we’re preparing for.

“St Breckan’s were last year’s county finalists and Barefield were very unlucky not to beat Éire Óg in the quarter-final last year so it’s going to be difficult but our only focus since the draw has been Corofin. I know that’s what every manager probably says at this time of year but genuinely it’s just all systems go for Corofin.”

Another major positive for Kildysart this year has not only been the greater exposure of players such as Emmet McMahon, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Fergal Ginnane at senior inter-county level but also the fact that a new crop of young talent are

emerging to compete for places. “It was brilliant that Diarmuid was called up to join Emmet and Fergal for the county but while it meant that we were without them for the Cusack Cup although we did have Diarmuid for the last few rounds, the big thing this year is that we got to run a panel.

“There were different games in the Cusack and O’Gorman Cups that we did have injuries as well so an awful lot of young players have stepped up this year which is fantastic. We stayed up in the top division and really battled hard in almost every game. Now we were disappointed in the Lissycasey game, the first half in particular, Miltown too on the first night was poor but apart from that, we got stuck in.

“We got a good battling draw above in Lisdoonvarna and beat Ennistymon in the final games so we were very happy with how things went on the basis that we got to see more of a panel this year more than recent years which we hope can stand to us come this weekend. I mean on any given day in Clare, any team can beat each other, that’s just how competitive it is really but we’re just really looking forward to Corofin on Saturday. There’s a great buzz there at the minute and the players are ready to go.”

Sheehan

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Parish take stock as they seek rich dividends

IF St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield were floated on the stock market, they would arguably be on every stockbrokers’ radar right now.

Not only due to the size and potential of the club itself but as much to do with the incremental rise of their flagship sides in both codes that has seen them become a dual senior force once more.

Take their football wing for example as since winning back the intermediate crown in 2020, they have improved their senior standing with every passing year and almost pulled off the ultimate derby ambush when pushing back-to-back champions Éire Óg to their optimum in last year’s quarter-final.

In order to maintain that upward development graph though, they need to go a step further this year which brings its own pressure and expectancy albeit that manager Donagh Vaughan isn’t about to dwell on that titanic extra-time battle with the Townies. “We’re a few years around now so we’ve gained valuable experience and we were unlucky not to take the scalp of Éire Óg in last year’s quarter-final but while it will have aided the lads’ confidence and it was great to play to that level against one of the top teams, we also have to park that game now and get back down to reality.

“Like everyone else, past reputations or games are out the window again now as we are all back down the bottom of the hill and back to work, starting on Friday evening in Corofin. We need to bring the same energy and work-rate against St Breckan’s,” he said. His caution comes from the fact that Group

2 is viewed as very hard to call as Doora/Barefield, St Breckan’s, Corofin and Kildysart have all aspirations of winning the Jack Daly despite their recent intermediate experience.

“Kilmihil won the intermediate last year but this group is comprised of the previous four winners who all know each other quite well. St Breckan’s would have beaten us in an intermediate semi-final before beating Kildysart in the final, we would have beaten Corofin in our intermediate final twelve months later and then Corofin had a late rally to beat Kildysart the following year in the final so these are teams that have come through the same route and now are eager to make their mark at senior level. Thank god, we all seem to be finding our feet at senior level and that’s down to the quality of the players and the strength of those panels so it promises to be a really interesting group.”

That intrigue commences on Friday evening in Páirc Finne in Corofin at 7.30pm when Vaughan’s Parish side take on last year’s finalists St Breckan’s. “Friday is massive as you’re building all year for this game. The league is great for development but despite training hard, you’re still not one hundred per cent sure until you play that first round. So Round 1 is massive and we happen to be playing a team that contested the county final last year and are an excellent team which is reflected on the amount of players on the county set-up particularly up front.

“They have some excellent forwards in their armoury but they’re also a team that we know well but they turned us over very easily last year and we wouldn’t be happy at all with our performance against them at the group stages. So we won’t be short of motivation but EOIN

FACT FILE

One

Fresh

Departure

Treatment Table: None

Titles Won: 1 Last season’s run: Quarter-Finals

Schedule

Round 1 - v St Breckan’s at Corofin, Friday 7.30pm

Round 2 - v Corofin (Weekend of August 16/17/18th)

Round 3 - v Kildysart (Weekend of August 31st/September 1st)

Management: Donagh Vaughan (Manager); Eoin Troy (Coach/Selector); Diarmuid Whelan (Video Analysis/Selector); Evan Hennessy (S&C); Morgan Rowland (Kitman)

Captain: Jack Hannan

Key Player: James Curran

to Watch: Paddy Bugler

Blood: Conor Daly, Charlie Hannan, Joe Keane, Cormac Maher, Mike Nash

Gate: Cian Barron (Hurling only)

Doonbeg want to create battle royale with Ennistymon in opening round

FIVE YEARS have passed since Doonbeg last contested the quarter-finals of the Clare senior football championship, a club with a rich history the Magpies are hoping to take flight in the opening round.

In the recently concluded league campaign Doonbeg took it game by game and didn’t look beyond the next fixture. Team manager John Keane has said they will follow the same template in the championship.

“We are in a very difficult group which includes the defending champions. Right now our full focus is on the opening game which is against Ennistymon and we are not looking past that fixture”, he told The Clare Echo.

There have been some changes to their management team this year, John continues as manager as does former Kilkee and Clare player David Russell as team coach while Megan Downes continues as their S&C coach. The trio of Kieran O’Mahoney, Padraig Gallagher and Conor Whelan have bowed from their roles as selectors.

Having struggled with injuries in recent years, Joe Blake retired from playing at the end of last season and he was immediately brought into the selection committee while Brian Behan, a member of the current panel has also been added to the selection committee. Because of injury he is unlikely to be fit for Saturday’s opening game.

The dominant force in Clare football throughout the sixties and seventies, it’s been fourteen years since the Jack Daly cup last spent the winter in Doonbeg. They have fallen on lean times in recent years and have struggled to make the knock out stages. Last year they were relegated from the Cusack Cup (division 1 league).

There are signs that they are on an upward curve and last week they won the O’Gorman Cup for the third time when they defeated Kildysart in the final.

David Tubridy who, last year, called time on a glittering inter county football career will lead their attack. He told The Clare Echo, “we have had fair battles with Ennistymon down through the years. We have a young team and we had a poor league campaign this year but since that finished I believe we have come on in leaps and bounds. Look, like all clubs, we cannot look past the first round”.

Tubridy a publican in Doonbeg continued, “the championship is very competitive and with groups of four the opening game is extremely important. For a few years we have struggled in our opening game, a draw last year and we lost the year before. A loss in the first round puts you on a back foot. You will be thinking of the sessions you have done

and wondering if you did things right. Hopefully we can get past Ennistymon who have been knocking on the door. In club football in Clare, everybody knows everybody. Ennistymon have had a lot of underage success and they have a lot of young players coming through. We know what we are going to be up against”.

A number of players who have

just come out of minor have been added to the panel for this year’s campaign and they will be hoping to gain valuable experience. Ahead of the weekend’s opening tie there are injury concerns for Eoin Tubridy and Luke Conway along with Brian Behan and it will be nearer match time before a final decision is made as to whether or not any or all will be available.

FACT FILE

Management: John Keane (manager), David Russell (coach), Joe Blake (selector), Brian Behan (selector), Megan Downes (S&C).

Captain: Kevin McInerney

Key Player: Cian O’Mahoney

One to watch: Darragh Burns

Fresh Blood: Shane Bermingham, Colm McMahon, Robbie Burns.

Departures Gate: Joe Blake

Treatment table: Luke Conway (shoulder), Eoin Tubridy (hamstring), Brian Behan (groin)

Last season’s run: Didn’t get out of the group, beaten in the preliminary quarter-final by Lissycasey.

Titles Won: 18 (1955, 1961, 1967, ‘68, ‘69, 1972, ‘73’, 74,1982, ‘83, 1988, 1991, 1995, ‘96, `98, ‘99, 2001, 2010)

Schedule of games:

Round 1 v Ennistymon (August 3rd)

Round 2 v St Joseph’s Miltown (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 v Cratloe (August 31st/Sept 1st)

Doonbeg’s David Tubridy & (top right) Darragh Burns Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Opportunity beckons as race for promotion begins in the Clare Intermediate Football Championship

by

FRIDAY evening will see the first ball kicked in the TUS Clare intermediate football championship as the door to secure promotion to the top tier swings ajar.

Twelve teams are at the starting blocks bidding for glory and to get their hands on the Talty Stores Cup.

Clondegad who last won the title in 2011 are back in the intermediate grade after over a decade in the top tier. Their quest to return at the first time of asking is made more difficult with the exits of the Brennan brothers, Gary and Shane along with the versatile Morgan Garry but they have turned to Kilmurry Ibrickane’s James Murrihy who eight years ago guided Corofin to success in the same competition.

Beaten by the smallest of margins in last year’s final, Kilrush Shamrocks are back and determined that the capital of West Clare will be dining in the top tier of senior football next season. They will have to journey without county man Stephen Ryan who remains sidelined through injury.

All three of the Shams’ opponents in Group 1 all made the quarter-finals of the competition last year. The Banner are a maturing side with plenty of attacking flair while the grit of Coolmeen and Liscannor will come to the surface in championship football.

Group 2 is headed up by Murrihy’s Clondegad but it also includes Naomh Eoin, Shannon Gaels and Ennistymon. Naomh Eoin have put together two successive strong championship campaigns and Barry Harte’s charges will be looking to navigate their way back to the last four.

Shannon Gaels have enlisted a management team with plenty of hurling pedigree and strong opinions. Fergie O’Loughlin has coached plenty of hurling teams including Clarecastle, Clooney/Quin, Doon and Ballybrown, he’s in the hotseat as manager and is joined by two-time All-Ireland winning Clare captain Anthony Daly along with former Clare Champion editor Peter O’Connell and Derek Dormer who has brought plenty of colour from the sidelines in his onair reports for Clare FM.

Ennistymon are the only football club in the county to have teams lining out at senior and intermediate level. They reached the semi-finals in 2022 but injuries hit their top team hard last season which prompted a dip into the reserves and a weakened selection for the intermediates who moved from being within sixty minutes of an intermediate county final in 2022 to sixty minutes away from relegation in the space of twelve months.

Killimer make the jump from Junior A and they’ll know within sixty minutes what type of gulf in standards there is when they face-

Cooraclare who are once again managed by former Clare great Martin Daly. The Milesians may have to taper aspirations on returning to the senior grade with several players opting out but in Brian McNamara they have one of the top players in the county to lead the way.

For the second year in a row, Wolfe Tones and O’Currys will do battle in the first round. The Shannon side managed by Johnny Bridges are well capable of having a big say in how the championship pans out, if they hit the right run of form. The men from Carrigaholt and Doonaha always give their last drop for the club, they’ve retained their status in the Garry Cup and their win over Corofin demonstrates that they’ll perform when their backs are to the wall.

Group 1:

KILRUSH SHAMROCKS

Management: Daniel Ryan (manager), Conor O’Brien (coach), John Keane (selector), John Fennell (selector), Noel Ryan (selector), Michael Fitzgerald (selector), John O’Mahoney (selector)

Captain: Niall Brennan

Vice Captain: Paudie Browne

Key Player: Conor Fennell

One to Watch: Don O’Driscoll

Fresh blood: Jimmy Browne, Tommy Dullaghan, Brad Phelan. Departures gate: Billy Clancy (emigrated)

Treatment table: Stephen Ryan (knee)

Titles won: 4 (1937, 1952, 1955, 2018)

Last year’s run: Beaten by Kilmihil by a single point in the county final

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Banner (August 2nd)

Round 2 vs Coolmeen (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Liscannor (August 31st/Sept1st)

“Definitely without a shadow of a doubt there’s a strong determination to get back to the top tier, you need a big club like Kilrush to be up in senior. We’ve a big panel with a few young lads and we’re building towards that. With the disappointment of last year we’re hoping to turn it around and go one step further”. - Daniel Ryan

BANNER

Management: Tom Meehan (manager), Pat McMahon (coach), Thomas Meenaghan (selector), Colm Browne (selector)

Captain: Thomas Meenaghan

Key Player: Thomas Meenaghan

One to watch: Kaden Herlihy

Fresh blood: Ronan Kilroy, Conor O’Toole, Kaden Herlihy

Departures gate: None

Treatment table: None

Titles won: None

Last season’s run: Beaten by Kilmihil by six points in the quarter-final

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Kilrush Shamrocks (August 2nd)

Round 2 vs Liscannor (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Coolmeen (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“It is our third year in intermediate, every year is a learning curve, we’d be hoping to get to the knockout stages again”. – Tom Meehan

COOLMEEN

Management: Frank Kennedy (joint manager), David Neenan (joint manager)

Captain: Aidan Corry

Key Player: Cathal O’Connor

One to Watch:

Fresh blood: Jack Hanrahan

Departures gate: Mark Meaney (emigrated), Jason O’Leary (retired)

Treatment table: None

Titles won: Two (1959, 1966)

Last year’s run: Recorded wins over Ennistymon and Liscannor to make the quarter-finals where they lost by five points.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Liscannor (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Kilrush Shamrocks (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Banner (August 31st/ Sept 1st)

“We’re just a small group, we’ve the bare twenty or twenty two players, our focus is on any given day that we can put it up to anyone, we’d a good league but we lost the final, if we play to our potential then we will be able to match anyone, to do that we need to work hard, give it our best and hope for the best”. –Frank Kennedy.

LISCANNOR

Management: Brian Considine (manager), Brian McMahon (selector), Bryan Curry (selector)

Captain: Padraig Haugh

Key Player: Darren Nagle

One to Watch: Tom Hanrahan

Fresh blood: None

Departures gate: Oisin Leyden (travelling), Treatment table: Joe Hanrahan (knee).

Titles won: Two (1988 and 2000)

Last year’s run: Took one of two best third placed spots to reach the quarter-finals where they lost out to Kilrush Shamrocks by five points

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Coolmeen (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Banner (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Kilrush Shamrocks (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“We know if we play to our potential we have the ability to make it to the knockout stages, we’re really focusing on the first game which will define our season, if we get a result we’re looking up ahead of playing The Banner, it’s hard to know how other teams are going. If we play to our potential and have everyone out we’ll be hopeful of getting to the knockout stages” –

Brian Considine

Group 2: NAOMH EOIN

Management: Barry Harte (manager), Martin Haugh (selector)

Captain: Owen Lynch

Key Player: Niall Bonfil

One to Watch: Fergal Keane

Fresh blood: None.

Departures gate: None.

Treatment table: Odhran Lynch (ankle)

Titles won: 1 (1950 as Carrigaholt)

Last year’s run: Topped their group, defeated Cooraclare in the quarter-finals but eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual winners

Kilmihil by five points.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Clondegad (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Shannon Gaels (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Ennistymon (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“The first target is to try get out of the group, everything after that is a bonus. We’re hoping to get out of the group, there’s three to come out but it’s a tough group, Ennistymon’s second team could have anyone on their day, it depends how many they lost to their senior team, the Gaels won’t be a pushover with Fergie over them and Clondegad will be a very hard one” – Barry Harte (manager)

CLONDEGAD

Management: James Murrihy (manager), Enda O’Halloran (selector), Mikey Conway (selector), Pat Coffey (selector), Cormac Ryan (selector), Victor O’Riordan (S&C) Captain: Declan O’Loughlin Key Player: Cillian Brennan One to Watch: Sean McAllister Fresh blood: Eoin Kennedy, Daniel Costelloe, Dara O’Neill, Dylan Killoughrey, Departures gate: Gary Brennan (transferred), Morgan Garry (travelling), Shane Brennan

Treatment table: Colm Meaney (collarbone), Podge McMahon (hamstring), Evan Flynn (finger). Titles won: Two (1944 and 2011) Last year’s run: Relegated from the senior ranks.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Naomh Eoin (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Ennistymon (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Shannon Gaels (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“We got relegated from the Cusack Cup so it was all senior teams that we’ve been facing this year so far. If you look at the teams who have gone up from intermediate in recent years, Corofin got to a semi-final, Kildysart got to a quarter-final last year, they are holding their own when they do get up from intermediate”. – James Murrihy

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Kilrush Sharocks' Jamie Griffin. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Clondegad's Brandon O'Connell.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SHANNON GAELS

Management: Fergie O’Loughlin (manager), Peter O’Connell (selector), David Neylon (selector), Anthony Daly (selector), Kieran Kennedy (selector), Derek Dormer (selector)

Captain: Darragh Bohannon

Key Player: Darragh Bohannon

One to Watch: Ciaran McCarthy

Fresh blood: Niall Ellis, Ciaran McCarthy, Dave Bannigan

Departures gate: Michael O’Malley, Matthew Reidy, Barry Crehan

Treatment table: Jack Reidy (knee). Titles won: Two (1999 & 2002)

Last year’s run: Overcame Ennistymon in the relegation semi-final to preserve their status.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Ennistymon (August 4th)

Round 2 vs Naomh Eoin (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Clondegad (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“Being honest for us the approach will be one game at a time and to be very competitive. We will see where the group takes us and try turn over one or two teams in the group stages and come out of it. We’re very grounded and trying to take each game on its merits but we want to be very competitive and we’re trying to come out of the group but we’re conscious that we had to fight off relegation last year” – Fergie O’Loughlin.

ENNISTYMON

Management: Brendan Rouine (manager), Tom Aherne (selector), Shane Talty (selector), Michael Rouine (selector)

Captain: TBC

Key Player: Ryan Barry

One to Watch: Seanie McMahon

Fresh blood: Sean O’Driscoll, Ryan

Barry, Joe Casey, Sean Conneally, Seanie McMahon

Departures gate: None

Treatment table: Shane Woods (ankle)

Titles won: Two (1991 & 2005)

Last year’s run: Defeated Kilfenora in the relegation final

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Shannon Gaels (Au-

gust 4th)

Round 2 vs Clondegad (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Naomh Eoin (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“We’re in a very tough group, Shannon Gaels are a very settled team with county seniors in Darragh Bohannon and Tom Kelly plus they have some very other good players. Then we have Clondegad who are just down from senior, they are one of the favourites to go back up and Naomh Eoin after them have been punching at a great level. We’re hoping to be as competitive as we can but it won’t be easy”.

– Brendan Rouine

Group 3: WOLFE TONES

Management: Johnny Bridges (manager), Kieran Ryan (coach), Barry Murphy (selector), Fergal O’Donnell (selector), Aoife Hogan (physio)

Captain: Dean Devanney

Key Player: Eoghan Casey

One to Watch: Jack Ryan

Fresh blood: Niall Fitzgerald, Tadhg Fitzgerald, Ben O’Connell, Chris Meaney, Aaron Shinnors

Departures gate: Sean Brennan (retired), Billy Connors

Treatment table: Eoghan Casey (hamstring), Colin Riordan (hamstring), Ben O’Neill (hamstring)

Titles won: Five (1973, 1975, 1990, 1996, 2014)

Last year’s run: Finished second in their group after losing by two points to Kilmihil, made the semi-finals where they lost by five points to Kilrush Shamrocks.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs O’Currys (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Cooraclare (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Killimer (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“It is our third year in a row facing O’Currys and our second in the first game. The first round aim is to always get the win and once you get that win it gives you a kickstart with three teams going through to knockout stages, the first win sets you up”. – Johnny Bridges

O’CURRYS

Management: Dinny McMahon, Andrew Curtin, Michael Carmody, Stephen Rowan, Seán Rouine (S&C), Davy Byrne (physio)

Captain: Shane Browne

Key Player: Thomas Clancy

One to Watch: Seamus Keane

Fresh blood: Luke Murray

Departures gate: None.

Treatment table: Darragh Keane (ACL)

Titles won: Three (1942 as Doonaha, 2001, 2012)

Last year’s run: Didn’t qualify from the group but defeated Shannon Gaels to avoid facing into the relegation semi-finals

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Wolfe Tones (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Killimer (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Cooraclare (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“We’ve a bit of belief coming into the championship after beating Corofin, a senior team, in the Garry Cup. We played quite well that evening, we’ve a small panel of players and it was a fantastic performance from them, it would be great if we could play our championship

matches in Doonaha” – Dinny McMahon.

COORACLARE

Management: Martin Daly (manager), Mark Tubridy (selector), Martin Queally (selector), Declan McMahon (selector), Trevor Slattery (S&C), Catriona McMahon (performance coach)

Captain: Thomas Downes

Key Player: Brian McNamara

One to Watch: Aaron Townsend

Fresh blood: Kevin Marrinan, Sean Molloy, Rory Lillis, Aaron Townsend, Sean O’Dea, Oisin Morrissey, Shane Lillis, Brian McNamara (back from injury), Colm Carroll (up from Juniors), Cathal

O’Gorman (back from injury)

Departures gate: Eoin O’Driscoll, Finn O’Driscoll, Jack Morrissey, Ciaran O’Donoghue (emigrated), Gary Donnellan (injured), Ronan Donnellan (J1), Kevin O’Gorman (J1),

Treatment table: Jack Carey (back), Gary Donnellan (injury), James Chambers (hamstring), Mark Lillis (hamstring), Shane Lillis (hamstring).

Titles won: Five (1941, 1927, 1943, 1954, 1957 as Cree)

Last year’s run: Knocked out in the quarter-finals by Naomh Eoin, losing by a single point.

Schedule:

Round 1 vs Killimer (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs Wolfe Tones (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs O’Currys (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“I think we’ve learned a lot over the last year and a half, they’ve trained a lot better with an S&C programme from the word go compared to last year, I felt last year it took us time to grasp certain aspects of the game to be better on like forward play. We’re into moving better and we seem to be a lot more disciplined, we’ve good numbers and commitment from the players, I’m hoping we’re battle ready but we really won’t know until we’re in throes of the championship” – Martin Daly.

KILLIMER

Management: David Kelly (manager), Michael Garry (coach), Megan Downes (S&C), James Blake (selector), Sean Troy (selector)

Captain: Colm Pyne

Key Player: Odhran Cunningham One to Watch: Mikey Kelleher

Fresh blood: Sean Kelly, Josh Hassett

Departures gate: David Moran, Ruairi Norby,

Treatment table: None

Titles won: None

Last year’s run: Won the Junior A championship to secure promotion to intermediate Schedule:

Round 1 vs Cooraclare (August 3rd)

Round 2 vs O’Currys (August 17th/18th)

Round 3 vs Wolfe Tones (August 31st/Sept 1st)

“Ideally we’d love to make a play off or a quarter final but we know it won’t be easy, every match will be a battle for us. We’ve played in Division 3 of the league for the last year so we’ve been playing intermediate teams, we know it won’t be easy and we’ll have to be at our best” –David Kelly.

l Darragh Bohannon in action for Shannon Gaels.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l O'Currys Seán Murphy offloads under pressure from Corofins Gearoid Kelly. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Mícheál Garry in action for Cooraclare aginst Naomh Eoin.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

'Every team has the players and the ability' - Neylon

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THERE are few people better positioned to offer a view on how the 2024 Clare senior football championship might pan out than the county’s under 20 manager, Michael Neylon.

He is eagerly looking forward to this year’s race for the Jack Daly cup and he expects there will be plenty of twists and turns before champions are crowned.

“All teams will be ambitious and I expect some very tight games in this weekend’s first round. Teams may be a little rusty and there will be opportunities for everyone”, he told The Clare Echo. “Availability of players will have a huge bearing as many clubs will be missing players for the opening round due to travel and injury,” the Miltown Malbay man explained.

The clash of Éire Óg and Kilmurry Ibrickane in this Friday’s opening round is one of the games football followers across the county have been looking forward to since the draw was made. “It’s the experience of Éire Óg against the youth of Kilmurry. A lot may depend on how near to full strength the teams will be. It may be that it will be in the later rounds that Kilmurry will be seen at their best”.

Neylon expects the meeting of Lissycasey and Kilmihil to be “a re-

ally good game”.

Based on “experience and performances so far this season”, he gives the nod to Éire Óg and Lissycasey to qualify from the group as the top two teams with Kilmurry Ibrickane to get through in the play-offs.

Group 2 includes St Breckan’s, St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Kildysart and Corofin and Michael believes “this group is impossible to call and it could be the group where there will be a lot of drawn games. Doora/Barefield are going well, I like what I see and hear about them but it’s hard to wager against the experience and ambition of St Breckans. They want to be back in the county final but this Doora/Barefield team could create a lot of trouble for op-

ponents”.

He continued, “Kildysart may edge Corofin this week but it’s hard to call what two teams will emerge from the group. The round one games are vitally important as I expect teams to take points off each other in rounds two and three. Teams that pick up points in round one will be in the driving seat. It’s dog eat dog and this could be the most exciting group of all”.

Turning to group 3 which includes champions Cratloe, St Joseph’s Miltown, Ennistymon and Doonbeg, Michael believes “a lot will depend on the availability of players here. The absence of the Cleary twins Eoin (in the US) and Conor (injured) is huge as they can potentially swing a game but Miltown are ambitious and will feel they could have been in the county final last year. If Cratloe have everybody, it could be decisive in this round one contest”.

Looking at the Doonbeg v Ennistymon clash Michael says “Doonbeg are a noted championship team, as evidenced by their performance against Éire Óg last year. They have a recent O’Gorman Cup win under their belts. They are young, very united as always and they will cause a lot of trouble for Ennistymon who will need to improve a lot from their Cusack Cup final performance. Ennistymon have had a lot of injuries and whether or not they will have a full

Seventh place final finish for Ballyvaughan's Liam

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BALLYVAUGHAN’s Liam

Jegou finished seventh in the final of the men’s C1 canoe slalom at the Olympics in Paris.

Liam was within touching distance of a medal at the Olympics but an error at gate fourteen proved costly. Prior to this, he had a storming run at the Vaires-surMarne Nautical Centre.

Aged twenty eight and competing in his second Olympics having been in Tokyo in 2021 where he finished fifteenth, Liam was within touching distance of a medal this time round.

He was the seventh athlete to take to the water in the final, with the five fastest semi-finalists to follow. A time of 98.52 meant he was sixth fastest of the dozen that progressed to the final, with world number three Nicolas Gestin posting the quickest time overall.

Jegou said his performance in the final was what he had "been working towards for the past fifteen years". Speaking on Tuesday, he stated, "I had a blast today, we spoke two days ago and I was ready to retire, maybe not that far but today was brilliant. I put down a really great semi-final run to

qualify for the first final in a while, and that final was superb”.

He added, "It's what I’ve been looking for for years, years, years and I got it at the right moment. I can stand here and talk about the 'what ifs' and this and that but the fact is, two days ago I almost got eliminated in heats and today I almost medalled at the Olympics and that’s what I’ve been working towards for the past 15 years”.

“It’s such a privilege and an honour to be in the fight for the medals, it’s what we all dream of and today I was almost there”.

Gold went to France's Gestin, who on the course where he

trains, blew the field away with a 91.36 second run, finishing well clear of Great Britain's Adam Burgess in second.

For Jegou, his attention now turns to Friday when he will compete in the kayak cross, a new canoe slalom event making its debut at Paris 2024. "Kayak cross is a new discipline for this Olympics and it's really fun to watch. It’s four boats going off a really big scary ramp at the start and instead of poles we have these big gates we touch and go around and it’s a fight to the end between those four boats," he explained.

l Liam Jegou

team available will be crucial. I won’t be surprised if Doonbeg edge this one”.

He gives the nod to Cratloe to emerge from the group “but it’s a toss up between the other three as to who will qualify. It won’t be decided in round one and the key games will be in rounds two and three as I expect teams to improve significantly”.

Asked what impact the dual player issue will have he said “it’s not an obstacle when you have a younger team, but the age profile may have

a bearing”.

Clare’s U20 manager believes “Doora/Barefield and Lissycasey will have a huge say. Lissycasey have extremely talented forwards and teams will struggle to hold all of them. I am really looking forward to what they and Doora/Barefield will bring to this championship”. Overall he says, “Éire Óg will want to bounce back from last year and they do have the players to win. They will be focussed. Look every team has the players and ability to go and progress”.

THE WATER BREAK: CLARE ARE HIGH KINGS OF IRELAND, IN A HURLING

SENSE AT LEAST

Cratloe’s Hot Wood Scores For Pat Carey

by Michael Maher

The inaugural running of the Jimmy Flaherty Memorial A1 550 Yards Stake Final was the feature contest of Saturday night eleven race programme at Galway Greyhound Stadium generously sponsored by the Flaherty family in memory of a great greyhound enthusiast and sponsor.

As the traps rose for the €3500 to the winner feature race Donies Wood and Hot Wood were both away well towards the outside as Aulton Lucy raced in third place on the long run towards the opening bend. Approaching the turn Donies Wood led by a length from Hot Wood on his outside with Aulton Lucy three lengths further adrift in third place turning down the back. Racing along the back straight Donies Wood was joined on his outer by Hot Wood as the pair turned the contest into a match. Approaching the penultimate bend the Pat Carey owned Hot Wood (Airmount Nando-Burgess Millie) began to gain the upper hand as he eased clear to land his second competition of the year at the track by four & a half lengths in 29.88.

In the second semi-final Positive Tom, Burnpark Amber and Konfu Tom were all away well and racing towards the opening bend it was the Donal Cooney & Pat O’Donoughue of Broadford owned Konfu Tommy the turned in front as Esme Lady improved on his inner to briefly joins issue as they entered the back straight. Racing along the back Kon-

fu Tommy led by over a length as Burnpark Amber improved out wide but Konfu Tommy (Concorde Jungle-Here Comes Sally) lengthened well out of the back straight to score by six lengths at the line in 29.45. In the A3 graded seventh contest the Thomas O’Doherty of Cooraclare owned Own Lullaby made just about all the running to record his fifth career success for the John Browne of Ballyea kennel as he defeated Harrowgatetownbaz by four and a half lengths in 29.02. The winner a daughter of Droopys Sydney & Droopys Lullaby was away well and led Lakeside Albert by two lengths at the opening bend. That lead had doubled by halfway as she made the best of her way home and she stayed on powerfully all the way to the line to score in fine style.

There was a thrilling finish to the A4 graded contest as Clare natives John Collins & Albert Long owned Brickhill Tina got up in the final strides to defeat Slipalong Dew and Crokers Fluffy by a neck and half a length in 29.30. In the early strides Crokers Fluffy showed pace on the wide outside to lead up form Sliplaong Dew and Baby Firefly. Turning down the back Crokers Fluffy led Slipalong Dew by two lengths as the eventual winner gradually began to move into contention. Rounding the home bend the leader drifted wide and this was just the opportunity Brickhill Tina needed and the daughter of Ballymac Bolger & Brickhill Layla powered through to lead late on.

l Michael Neylon.

Photo by Natasha Barton

Lahinch Member's Shine at The South

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

This year's South of Ireland Championship saw two local Lahinch members qualify to reach the final eight in this year's Championship. Local Ennis man Stephen Loftus playing his third decade in the South of Ireland shot a level par total 70 & 74 in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier to finish in 11th position and well inside the top 64 players. Stephen a now veteran playing in the South has always had an incredible steady overall golf game. He barely misses fairways and has a very solid short game to match. He had convincing wins in his first two rounds of the matchplay beating Niels Knudsen from Denmark in round one 3 & 2 and also taking out Gerard Dunne from Baltray GC 2 & 1 in his second round. Stephen had a tough match in round 3 against James Walsh where he came from behind to half the match on

the 18th before winning the 19th hole which saw Stephen get through to play another Veteran of the game Pat Murray who is no stranger to the last eight. The match between Stephen and Pat was aways going to exciting both are well known in the local circles and both players would draw a big local crowd.

The scene was set for a gripping batte with Pat taking an early lead going two up early in the front nine after four holes, helped by an opening birdie at the first and another at the Par 5 fourth. Two pars from Pat on the 5th & 7th holes would be enough to see him increase his lead to 4up which was always going to be a huge task for Stephen to fight his way back into the match from. After winning the 8th hole Stephen had reduced the deficit to 3up before Pat peppered the back pin position on the 9th hole to go 4up again going into the back nine. On the

10th Stephen had found the fairway to the right after Pat had found the rough to the left. Luck have it though Pat had a good enough lie to manage to get his ball to the green and hit a great recovery to the difficult back right pin position. Stephen having to fade his second shot from the right side of the fairway to the tough pin managed to start the ball left but his flight didn't achieve enough fade and found the heavy rough to the left which led to Pat going 5up in the match and making it extremely tough for Stephen to get back into the game. Stephen went on the win the 14th with a Par 4 however he still remained three down. Both players bogie the 15th and both had Pars on the Par 3 16th to see Pat close out the win 3 & 2. Congrats to Stephen on a great run in this year's South of Ireland Championship. This left four players remaining for the final day at Lahinch where it saw

President's Prize day at Dromoland

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Niall Cannon’s President’s prize attracted a big entry at Dromoland Castle golf club over the weekend when the winner was Brian Hickey with 61 points.

He had two to spare over Tony Kelly with third spot filled by Tony Byrne, who also had 59 points.

They were followed by Bart O’Brien with 58 points, Christy Cusack with 57, Denis Minihane also with 57, Barry Walshe with 55, Fintan Lahiffe with 54 and Eric Flynn, also with 54.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

The ladies July medal, an 18 hole stroke play competition, was played for at Ennis last week when the winner in the silver section was Ann A Gallery (11) with 73 nett and she had a stroke to spare over Mary T. McMahon (17).

In the bronze section the winner was Mary Nagle (23) with 73 nett with second spot filled by Carmel Verling (22) with 74 nett.

In the 9 hole stableford competition the overall winner was Mary McMahon (11) with 22 points and she was the only competitor in division 1. Division 2 was won by Bridie Keane (17) with 20 points while Eileen Holly (21) won division 3 with 22 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Friday’s open 18 hole singles was won by Jack Mulveen (26) Glenlo Abbey with 40 points while the gross was won by Joe Hopkins (9) Cregmore Park with 25 points.

The weekend competition was for the centenary medal, a singles stableford competition which was won by Joseph Caulfield (15) with 46 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Noel O'Shea (27) with 43 points won last week’s open singles at Woodstock while Eoin Glynn (-2) Lahinch won the gross with 40 points.

The category winners were Kieran Cunnane (1) with 38 points, Paudie O'Connell (17) with 40 points and Eugene Fawl (19) with 40 points. Spanish Point’s Tony Cleary (-1) won the senior scratch cup gross at the weekend with 70 while the nett section was won by Kieran Cunnane(2) from the host club.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

The Young trophy was played for at Kilrush at the weekend when Michael Honan (17) was the winner with 62.

He won by three from Brian Fitzgerald (8) with 65 with third place filled by Nevan Prendeville (10) with 65.

The gross was won by Jim Young Jnr (4) with 71 while the categories were won by Dominic Enright (12) with 66, Sean Nagle (14) with 66 and Tom G Smyth Snr (21) with 65.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Last week’s ladies 18 hole stroke medal 5 competition at East Clare saw Marie Donnellan (21) emerge as the overall winner with a nett 68.

The category winners were Noreen Skehan (23) with 71, Margaret Lynch (31) with 73, winning on a countback and Breda McCarthy (34).

The silver medal winner was Evelyn Skehan while Ann Harte won the bronze medal

In the Olive Fahy Memorial Day competition the overall winner was Stephen Moloney (9) with 40 points.

Michael Lee (20) won the men’s section with 40 points from Pat Duggan (20) with 39 and Donal O’Grady (13) with 37. Shane Fahy (8) won the gross.

American Patrick Adler (Overseas Lahinch Member) play Pat Murray. Adler got off to a very hot start shooting -4 after 4 holes including birdies on one and two followed with an eagle three at the Par 5 fourth hole. After losing the 7th hole to a Par Adler won the 10th & 12th with Pars and closed out the match convincingly 5 & 4. I think everyone that has ever played Lahinch or links golf would agree after every round your calves and feet ache from the firm ground and climbing the undulating dunes. So, to play seven rounds in such a short time frame has to benefit the younger athletic golfers. The scene was set for the final where Lahinch member Patrick Adler took on Brian Doran from Millicent. Fatigue combined with the pressure of knowing you are in the final of a major tournament often leads to steady golf being enough to win a final.

However, this final

certainly didn't show any signs of nerves while Adler birdied the second, Doran birdied the difficult third, Adler again eagled the Par5 4th. Adler replies with two incredible birdies back-toback on the 8th and 9th holes to turn in 2up. All Par's and one bogie for Adler on the back-nine was enough for him to close out the match and secure his home win at Lahinch

and

Ireland with the Clare team. Success is in the blood and there is an exciting future ahead for both cousins. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting young player in Patrick Adler.

Lahinch overseas member Adler wins South of Ireland Championships

by Caomh Breen Allen news@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH was able to lay claim to the winner of the South of Ireland Amateur Championships as one of its overseas members prevailed on the immaculate North-West Clare course.

Patrick Adler came to Lahinch for the first time as a youngster in the early 2010s and dreamed of one day winning a title on the famous Clare course and now at the age of 21 the dream has come true for this year’s Pierse Motors Volkswagen South of Ireland Amateur Open Champion.

At two o’clock on Sunday afternoon Adler and Brian Doran (Millicent) teed off in the final. The momentum swung back and forth in the early going, the pair halving the first before trading wins all the way to the eighth where Adler began to take control, birdieing three in a row across eight, nine and ten. The North Shore USA golfer playing his way to be

three up through 12.

Doran did battle back and the finalists traded wins once again with Doran taking 13, Adler winning 14 and Doran responding again on 15.

It was on 16 though where the title was decided, a hole which had been a memorable one for the young American the day before when he carded an ace to win his quarter-final in style. Both players though left themselves with work to do, missing the green short right, Doran with a chip from just off the green, Adler with a shot from the bunker.

“I actually wrote something in my book right before it,” said Adler. “I just wrote dig deep; this is what you practiced for, and you have worked for all of this. My last thought before I hit the bunker shot was you’ve hit thousands of these at North Shore”.

“I was telling my dad walking up 18 it still hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t know when it will but it’s very surreal and kind of this whole

week has felt surreal. Doing what I love and playing good golf and having fun out there with Neil it’s just been unbelievable,” said Adler. “I was quite nervous but something my college coach back home Steve Bailey always says is whenever you’re in those situations you know you have practiced a three-footer thousands of times so there’s nothing different really you are just hitting the same putt, so I kept reminding myself of that and just locking on my target”

The affectionately known “Paddy’s Army” cheered Adler home as the sun went down on another South of Ireland Championship in Lahinch. “The first year we had probably ten people watching me in the round of 64 and they started calling themselves Paddy’s Army and Paddy’s Army was in full force today,” said Adler. “It felt unbelievable to have the support. Maybe when I’ve lost a hole, they were always there to egg me on and push me to keep fighting”.

lift the South of Ireland Championship trophy. I am sure Patrick Adler was also inspired last week, after watching his second cousin Ryan Taylor lift his first All

l Patrick Adler alongside second cousin Ryan Taylor.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWKEEL, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE.

We, Paula O’Shea & Colm McKenna, intend to apply for permission for development at the above address.

The development will consist of;

a) renovation of existing vacant dwelling,

b) construction of new dormer extension to rear of dwelling, c) decommissioning of existing septic tank, d) provision of new proprietary wastewater treatment system and percolation area

e) 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 application may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/91

Development Description: For permission for the following works

a) the change of use of existing ground floor residential area to use as a commercial unit

b) the alteration of the front elevation to allow

for a revised external façade and raised roof to accommodate a second floor c) the construction of new two and three storey over ground rear extensions which will comprise 3No. apartments along with a basement store area for the new commercial unit along with associated site works

Location: Main Street, Lahinch, Co. Clare

Take notice that D. McCarthy has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/91. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATIONNATURA IMPACT STATEMENT

Planning Ref: P24/60162

Date planning application Received: 12/04/2024

Development Description: A replacement single storey detached house, a waste water treatment system and all associated works Location of Development: Killestry, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

Take notice that follow-

ing a requirement of the Planning Authority, James Lowry will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P24/60162. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of 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 NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GORTCURKA, DYSERT, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sinead Fox intends to apply for retention permission for the storage shed on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

FLAG ROAD, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sarah Broderick and Odhran McCarthy intend to apply for permission to renovate and extend the existing dwelling & all

other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FAHY BEG, BRIDGETOWN, CO CLARE

I, Noel Daly, am applying to the above authority for permission/retention permission for the following development on property at Fahy Beg, Bridgetown, Co Clare: Retention Permission for partially constructed detached dormer dwelling house and permission for completion of same, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, connection to necessary services, construction of new entrance detail together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONSALLAGH

EAST, MILTOWN MALBAY

Take notice that D. Griffin intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect agricultural storage shed at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONCULLIN, COORACLARE,

CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Alan & Irene Maher intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a granny flat with its own sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Claire O’Reilly & Conor Malone intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwell-

ing house and garage, complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

Recent Deaths

QUINN (née Ryan), Patricia (Patsy) Sixmilebridge

Browne, Patrick (Pakie) Cree

Hetherton, Michael Kilmihil

O’ Brien, Jim Carrigaholt

O’ Brien, Jim Doonbeg

Shine (née Murphy), Margaret (Rita) Ennis

Cassidy (née Houlihan), Bridie Ennis

Brigdale (née Naughton), Evelyn Ennis

Brigdale (née Naughton), Evelyn Doora

Mc Namara, Margaret Broadford

McNamara, John O’Callaghans Mills

McNamara, John Kilkishen

Melican, Thomas Kilmihil

O’Leary, Augustine (Gus) Ennis

O’Leary, Augustine (Gus) Ennistymon

Ryan (Ó Riain), Dónal Parteen

Cuddihy, John Ennistymon

Culliney, Tóla Ennis

Davoren, Seán Newmarket-on-Fergus

McMahon, Michael (Mick) Ballynacally

O’Boyle (née O’Driscoll), Jean Quilty

The Clare Echo Quiz

FAMOUS FIGURES IN CLARE’S HISTORY

1

Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

Lord of the Shannon, King of Munster, High King of Ireland.

2 Brian Boru was slain in 1014 at which battle?

Battle of the Boyne, Battle of Clontarf, Battle of Dysert O’ Dea.

3

John Phillip Holland of Liscannor is know for his invention of?

The Fling Dance of Clare, The bodhrán, The Submarine.

4 Michael Cusack founded the GAA in which year? 1884, 1886, 1882

5 Eamon De Valera was elected for which Clare Constituency in 1919? West Clare, East Clare, North Clare.

6 The Clare election of 1828 was a turning point in which political figure’s career?

Daniel O’ Connell, Stuart Parnell, Michael Cusack.

7 Clare Schoolmaster Peter O’ Connell is most noted for?

His maps of the Burren region, His Irish-English dictionary, His poetry of

19th c. Ireland.

8

Bishop Michael Harty created which Parish in 1967? Scariff, Shannon, Kildysart

9

Sharon Shannon is renowned for her mastery of which instrument? Accordion, Fiddle, Tin-Whistle

10

Harriet Smithson was a famous _ from Ennis?

Women’s Rights Activist, Actress, Novelist.

lQUESTION 3: John Phillip Holland of Liscannor

Spot the Difference

weeks Answers

Clare captain Tony Kelly with Paschal and Claire McMahon of Sheils Motors Group

Photo by Tom Micks

l QUESTION 1: Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

WORD SEARCH

Agra

Ahmadabad

Bangalore

Bhopal

Chandigarh

Chennai

Cochin

Delhi

Gwalior

Hyderabad

Imphal

Indore

Jaipur

Kanpur

Kolkata

Nagpur

Pondicherry

Pune

Shillong

Simla

Srinagar

Surat

Vadodara

HOW TO PLAY

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Snared (7)

Jaipur

Lucknow

Mumbai

Kanpur

Mysore

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

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN

5 Accommodation for prisoners (5)

8 Spacious (5)

9 Modest bet (7)

Best Daily Word Search - 24 J 2019 I di Solve (/games/best-daily-word-search/? l D t 20200624) 2020

10 Novel by Sir Walter Scott (7)

11 Edible fish (5)

12 Portray (6)

14 One of the planets (6)

18 Wash vigorously (5)

20 As a group (2,5)

22 Jiffy (7)

23 Respond (5)

24 Red, in heraldry (5)

25 Cajole (7)

1 Lingered (7) 2 Hawaiian greeting (5) 3 Clairvoyant (7) 4 Disagree (6) 5 Container for condiments (5)

We have recently updated our Privacy Policy to include additional rights that California residents may have. Click here (//www.arkadium.com/privacy-policy-california/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=arena&utm_content=policy) to learn more. By using this site, you agree to Arkadium’s Privacy and Cookie Policy (//www.arkadium.com/privacy-policy/? utm_medium=referral&utm_source=arena&utm_content=policy)

6 Disappointed (3,4) 7 Swagger (5) 13 Sunshade (7) 15 Regret (7)

Emblem of royalty (7)

Confer, impart (6)

Item of playground equipment (5)

Alloy of copper and zinc (5)

Grassy area (5)

Accept