The Clare Echo 01/10/20

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OCT 1 2020

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Clare and the Spanish influenza TADHG HOLLAND news@clareecho.ie

THIS week, The Clare Echo delves into the record books to examine what life was like in County

Clare during the last pandemic to strike, Spanish Influenza.

Our two-page feature reveals that while life in Clare changed dramatically during the 1918 pandemic, the Banner escaped with the lowest death rate of any county in Ireland.

Of course the 1918 pandemic did still have some impact on Clare and what effect it did have was reported on in The Saturday Record, a local Ennis paper that published between 1885 and 1936.

Disinfectants sold at a high

rate, schools were closed and the local hospital was full.

The Spanish Flu ultimately killed more than 50 million people worldwide and in Ireland, it officially claimed 20,057 lives.

Full story Pages 18-19

‘Woman considers exhuming husband’

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S WINNING SMILES

Rebecca O’Neill (left) from Shannon has been crowned Miss Clare 2020 following this year’s regional event which took place in Limerick last weekend; (right) Bunratty dairy farmer Joe Melody, was meanwhile named Clare Macra Young Farmer of the Year. For more on Miss Clare go to page 14, for more on the Young Farmer of the Year go to page 6.

CLARE woman who buried her husband less than a year ago is considering exhuming his body due to repeated instances of anti-social behaviour by his graveside.

Reports of thefts from graves throughout the county has increased this summer. Items taken include

benches, flowers, ornaments, family momentos and even toys at the graves of deceased children.

One woman has stopped visiting the grave of her recently deceased husband at Drumcliffe Cemetery and is now examining the prospect of exhuming his body. Repeated instances of intimidation at the Ennis cemetery have caused immense stress for the woman.

Full story Page 10

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Index NEWS

2-14

SCULLY

16

GREENER CLARE HISTORY FEATURE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS FEATURE MOTORING SPORT

SIÚL SA BHAILE FOR CRUMLIN HOSPITAL

17 18-19 21 22-23 26 27-35

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

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

l WORTHY CAUSE: For nearly 20 years, Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin supporter Liam Heffernan has been walking for

little patients in CHI at Crumlin. Never one to say no to a challenge, Liam once again put his passion for the hospital to good use by organising a three-day walking tour in the West of Ireland – covering the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Wild Atlantic Way – all to raise vital funds for sick children. ‘Siúl sa bhaile’ is a multi-tiered walking tour; catering for walkers of various levels. Liam adapted the challenge to ensure it adhered to social distancing and COVID19 restrictions. “We were based in The Armada Hotel in County Clare for the week. Everybody was given a reusable face mask, and a little bottle of hand sanitiser. The hotel was delighted to support this challenge, and they implemented the rigid COVID19 restrictions that are in place. My connection with Crumlin hospital goes back to about 32 years ago. My youngest daughter had a congenital heart defect when she was born. She had open heart surgery when she was just six weeks old. She was 2lbs having been 6lbs at birth. It was such an incredible feat of medicine, engineering and surgical procedure that I was gobsmacked by the whole thing. For years my wife and I had it in the back of our minds to try to repay Crumlin.

Anybody can do these challenges, it’s just about having the will, focus and confidence to do them. These are things that people wouldn’t normally do but once you do them you never regret them.”

Photo by Darren Hardiman Photography

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Inflatable toys banned from Clare beaches PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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NFLATABLE toys are to be banned from Clare beaches, rivers and lakes.

Clare councillors have backed a proposal by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) seeking the prohibition at beaches, rivers and lakes of inflatable toys “designed for use in swimming pools”.

Senior engineer with Clare County Council’s Physical Development section, Cyril Feeney believed it was “an opportune time” to review the beach bye-laws in the county. “There are currently restrictions regarding the use of leisure craft in the beach bye-laws but following some recent high profile events during the summer months it is perhaps prudent to include the use of swimming pool inflatable toys in the proposed review.

Tragic instances in Mayo, Kerry and Cork

were all referenced by Cllr Howard as she put forward the argument for the ban. According to the Mayor of Clare, five local authorities across the country are planning on introducing similar bans. “They have been called inflatable killers. They are meant for the pool in Ibiza not Ballyalla or Killaloe.

As late as last week in the supermarket, I saw that an inflatable unicorn was down to €5, they are meant for swimming pools not Irish beaches, it is important we create awareness for that”.

Seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), the proposal also received support from Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “Our beaches are there for the enjoyment of people and their families,” he stated and highlighted how parents cannot afford to take their eyes off children when travelling to such amenities. “There doesn’t seem to be any standard as to their usage. The review gives us the time to enhance what laws are there, there are a number of other activities going on that need to be looked at”.

Greater awareness on the use of lilos and inflatable toys is required, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) maintained.

“A lot of parents think when they buy them they will be of assistance to their children if they get into difficulty but they are not life buoyancy aids”. He paid tribute to Council staff for putting lifeguards in place at Ballyalla Lake, “hopefully we can keep that going forward”.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

New store creates 55 jobs amid local objections PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

OMESAVERS are officially opening their Ennis store at Ballymaley Business Park today (Thursday) in what will be their first outlet in the county which is to also create 55 jobs.

It comes as some retailers in Ennis have claimed the opening is going ahead despite planning regulations being allegedly breached such as the redevelopment of the exterior car park.

It had been reported by national outlets that the discount retailer was previously hit with enforcement notices for potentially operating developments without permission in Tallaght and Limerick. However a representative for the company told The Clare Echo that they had not been ordered to close any of their stores in the country.

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien confirmed to The Clare Echo that some of its members have written a letter of objection to Clare County Council to query if planning Partcontravened.

Ennis & Shannon 20200916.pdf guidelinesTopwere The concerns

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are stemming from businesses in the grocery and convenience sector, she stated.

One Ennis retailer told The Clare Echo they first made the local authority aware of a potential breach to planning rules six weeks ago and criticised the “inaction” of the Council in failing to deal with the matter. “If it was that easy, I would have done it,” one business owner said of flouted planning rules.

“The thing seems to be don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness instead,” one local trader remarked.

Speaking on Wednesday, Homesavers management directed The Clare Echo to forward queries to the landlord of the premises on whether all planning regulations were met prior to the anticipated opening of the store.

The Ballymaley store will be open seven days a week.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “The Planning Authority has received a formal complaint regarding the alleged unauthorised use of a permitted retail warehouse unit in Ballymaley Business Park. As this matter is under investigation by the Planning Authority no further comment can be made on the matter at this time,” the spokesperson added.

1 22/09/2020 09:28 Clare TD Joe Carey (FG) had been an-

nounced to officially open the store earlier this week. He confirmed to The Clare Echo on Wednesday that he was no longer opening the facility.

Following on from queries by this newspaper, Clare County Council contacted individuals that flagged concerns about the development on Wednesday afternoon to alert them

that a warning notice had been issued to the landlord of the unit relating to an “unauthorised development” at Ballymaley Business Park.

No details were submitted to the planning authority regarding a change of use for units D and E at Ballymaley Business Park.

l COMPLAINT: The new Homesavers Store in Ballymaley Business Park, Ennis

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Councillors oppose calls to put Airport under DAA PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

TRONG opposition has been voiced by Clare councillors on the possibility of the DAA getting back involved with Shannon Airport.

Confirmation that Shannon Airport would be separated from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) first emerged in 2012 when now Tanáiste Leo Varadkar (FG) was Minister for Transport. This move led to the merger of Shannon Airport with Shannon Development forming the creation of Shannon Group.

Citing the withdrawal "of so many airlines" from Shannon Airport, Cllr John Crowe (FG) had tabled a motion to the September meeting of Clare County Council seeking for the DAA to regain control of the international airport.

"When the stopover was introduced in Ireland for Shannon, it was done for a reason, to make sure we had regional development and that people would be distributed down to the south, that worked and worked very well. Since the lifting of the stopover, we have slipped down the ladder.

“When you think of Dublin with 92 per cent of traffic, it makes no sense that we could not get a hold of that traffic. It is ludicrous that so much money has been pumped into Dublin's runway," the Sixmilebridge native commented.

Planes taking off have now become a rare sight in Shannon every lunchtime, Cllr Pat O'Gorman (FF) said as he seconded the request to get Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan (GP) involved in the talk. "If the Minister doesn't step in, the way Shannon is going at the moment, it could fall down and not be brought back". He believed five per cent of Dublin's traffic should be redirected to Shannon.

A "caveat" is essential if Shannon Airport were to return under a national umbrella, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) stressed.

He believed action on the matter would demonstrate a commitment from the Irish Government to regional development. Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) flagged that a decade ago, "we couldn't wait to get out of the DAA".

Similarly, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) agreed with the desire for change but not to return under the DAA's control. "We have to learn from mistakes and that was a mistake we made. If we pass the resolution to return to the DAA we're putting up the white flag. The DAA are a disaster as far as Shannon is concerned".

Ennis representative, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) felt five per cent of

l NO WAY: Shannon Airport used to be under the remit of Dublin Airport Authority

Dublin Airport's traffic would not be adequate for Shannon and suggested that a quota of 15 per cent be introduced.

He strongly disagreed with bringing Shannon back under the DAA's control, "DAA has operations in 13 countries around the world, they are not interested in Shannon. Cork stayed under their death-grip, the DAA has no interest in supporting Cork or Shannon".

Traffic must be redirected to Shannon, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stressed as he warned the economic activity in the area would dwindle further if inaction continued.

"Shannon was targetted by various Governments to reduce it to commercial activity and maintenance of aircraft.

In an amendment to his motion, Cllr Crowe reworded the proposal to remove mention of the DAA and instead called on the Minister for Transport to redirect 15 percent of Dublin's traffic to Shannon, this was seconded by Cllr Johnny Flynn.

Bunratty’s Melody named Clare young farmer of the year PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

BUNRATTY dairy farmer, Joe Melody has been named Clare Macra Young Farmer of the Year.

Melody will now represent the county in the 2020 Macra na Feirme FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Entrants were judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.

Judges for the Clare competition in Clare included current Macra na Feirme Agricultural Affairs committee Chairperson Shane Fitzgerald and former winner of the overall competition John Buckley.

Competition was strong but the Newmarket-on-Fergus farmer was selected as the pick of the crop.

The dairy farmer who runs both a beef and dairy enterprise milks a herd of 139 Holstein-cross British Friesian cows, along with a pedigree herd of Charolais and Limousin cows.

In 2015, Joe was milking 75 cows and since then the Melodys have expanded and are now milking 139 cows, they are hopeful this figure will rise to between 160-170 cows in the near future.

"We bought a lot of breeding stock, from a local farmer, such as in-calf cows and heifers, as well as breeding our own replacements.

At the moment, we are milking around 140 cows, but next year we would like to

push that up to 160-170. We try to keep our meal bill low and try to maximise the amount of grass going into the cows' diets as we have the land capacity to achieve that. The milking platform is just over 40ha, so we are well-stocked," Joe explained.

The prize for the overall national winner is a €3,000 travel bursary and category winners get €500 each.

There are additional awards for emerging young farmer, most climate change conscious young farmer, the National Rural Network Biodiversity Award and Best Farm Manager. The final is scheduled to take place on November 24th.

l INNOVATIVE: Bunratty dairy farmer Joe Melody

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THURSDAY, OCT 1, 2020

Exclusively for the Locals – We have it all, here, in Clare

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OUNTY CLARE really is a special place to refresh your spirits. It’s where seascapes, landscapes and lakescapes all combine with a rich historical tapestry to set the backdrop for a memorable holiday. It’s wonderful for families, couples, solo travellers, and activity enthusiasts. Our County offers so much in its contrasts and diversity that the biggest decision you need to make is where to begin!

If you start in Ennis, in MidClare, you can take it all in.

Ennis is one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns. Its history, combined with its famous narrow streets and character buildings, tells you that this is somewhere special. Visitors particularly enjoy exploring its history, great music and entertainment, unique and diverse boutiques and shops, cosy cafes and top-class restaurants.

From Ennis, head in any direction and you will be rewarded with wonderful experiences.

Nearby, in Mid Clare, you can enjoy historical attractions including ancient Quin Abbey and world-famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – a real family favourite.

Head to North Clare, and its amazing attractions come in many forms. Take in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Formed millions of years ago, its geology, flora, cliffs, caves, archaeology and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. Don’t miss the 214 meter high Cliff of Moher, standing firm against the power of the Atlantic Ocean. The sheer scale and dramatic impact of the cliffs never cease to amaze and delight in equal measure! You can explore the Burren’s underworld at either of its two wonderful showcaves – the Aillwee Cave or Doolin Cave.

Take in a day trip to the stunningly beautiful Aran Islands, easily reached by ferry from Doolin.

West Clare is an area of unspoilt, natural beauty. It is wedged between the Shannon Estuary and the Atlantic, which has carved out giant natural sculpture formations from the stone-faced coastline, and then trimmed them with safe beaches and old-world fishing villages. Check out Loop Head Peninsula and its panoramic cliff views, or the Victorian charm of Kilkee, or take in Kilrush and include a boat trip to Scattery Island

– one of the most important sites of early Christian Ireland. For a unique experience, go dolphin watching from Carrigaholt or Kilrush.

If you love the coast, head to Clare’s Wild Atlantic Way taking in the coastline of both North and West Clare. Once you come down from the magnificent views from some of Europe’s best-loved sea cliffs, you can chill out at any of our seven coastal blue-flag beaches at Cappagh Kilrush, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Spanish Point, White Strand (near Doonbeg), or White Strand (near Miltown Malbay). You can also take to the water and get active enjoying swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, sea angling, or diving.

East Clare, part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, preserves the best of everything in a fresh visitor-friendly environment with towns and villages like Scarriff, Tulla, Killaloe, Mountshannon, and Feakle. East Clare is dotted with almost 40 lakes and boasts the unrivalled asset of the Lough Derg Blueway and the Shannon Waterway. The area is loved by water enthusiasts who can enjoy cruising, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and quality angling. It also has two of Ireland’s few blue-flag inland beaches at Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) and Mountshannon.

While there, take in a boat trip from Mountshannon to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) which is noted for its early monastic settlement dating to the late 7th century.

Our County is a haven for anyone interested in active pursuits and, in addition to all its water activities, land-based activities are well catered for. You can enjoy some wonderful walks by sea, river and lakes, including some excellent hill and cliff-top walks.

Other activities include cycling, horse riding, shore angling and, of course, golf. Thanks to nature, we have ten top-class golf courses, including two 18-hole links courses at Lahinch and Doonbeg.

Make a note that our County is especially loved by younger children. They love the beaches, folk parks, show-caves, pet farms, boat trips, water activities, forests, castles… and more.

For more information on the wonder of Clare and to check season opening, check out www.clare.ie or email tourism@clarecoco.ie

PLAY YOUR PART AND ‘LET’S SHARE CLARE WITH THE WORLD’ THE Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply impacted our lives in so many ways that we couldn’t have imagined, including disrupting the global economy, and travel in particular. It has had a devastating impact on tourism in County Clare.

While we remain in these uncertain times, we can “Share Clare with the World”. They can still get to enjoy our seascapes, landscapes, or lake scapes or experience our scenic, activity, sporting, or heritage attractions.

USE THESE FREE RESOURCES TO SHARE CLARE Clare County Council and Visit Clare Tourism are encouraging everyone in the County, particularly those who benefit from tourism, to remind people around the globe that Clare is amazing.

To help you to ‘Share Clare’, we have a range of resources you can download and use for free, including: Our ‘Dream of Clare’ video: Our one minute video is to remind people that Clare is amazing and that,

we are still here and look forward to welcoming them.

Zoom virtual backgrounds of Clare: Use these backgrounds, sized for Zoom, on your personal or business Zoom video calls. These are mostly spectacular aerial images from our commissioned drone photo-shoot. It’s a great way to share Clare with YOUR world.

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts: Use our Clare posts, sized to suit each of these social media platforms. They all feature wonderful images of county Clare.

Photos of Clare: You can select and use images from our photo-bank, free. There are lots of images there, and we will be adding to these over time.

HERE IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND ALL OUR RESOURCES: Go to: https://visitclare.filecamp.com/ Username: Share Password: Clare

County Clare is Amazing.

Take it ALL in!

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Clare 's i ld AtlaW ntic W ay

Atlantic Ocean

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher

Ennis Shannon Airpor t

East Clare

nnon a h S iverugh Derg R e h T nd Lo a

nnony a h S e h T tuar y Wa Es

Loop Head Peninsula

• The amazing beaches, cliffscapes, and seascapes along Clare's Wild Atlantic Way. • The spectacular Loop Head Peninsula, and the Shannon Estuary Way.

LORE P X E o t rded time a e w h e t r e e k Ta and b , e r a l ces C n y e i t r n e u p o C ful ex r e d n o ies. with w r o m e dm and fon

• The famous Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

• Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - the River Shannon Shannon, the East Clare Lakelands, and Lough Derg Bluewa Blueway for great activities.

• Ennis and other welcoming towns and villages offering a wealth of dining options, historical attractions, traditional entertainment, and craft shopping.

• Wonderful activity, sporting, leisure, and heritage attractions.

For great ideas, check out VisitClare.ie e.ie ®

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Woman considering exhuming her husband from Drumcliffe PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE woman whose husband is buried in Ennis is considering exhuming his body due to repeated intimidation experienced when travelling to the cemetery.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) revealed at this month's meeting of the Rural Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) that a woman is contemplating exhuming the body of her deceased husband due to ongoing instances of anti-social behaviour at Drumcliffe Cemetery.

The woman who buried her husband eight months ago has "stopped visiting the grave because of being intimidated by people playing music. She is considering exhuming her husband. Jesus Christ, it is wrong, it wouldn't happen in any other country," an upset Howard told the meeting.

She referred to reports of items being stolen from graves in Ennis, Quin, Tulla and Clooney over recent months. "We seriously need to get our act together on graveyards particularly with Drumcliffe. It is not good enough".

"Items are being stolen day in day out. I be-

lieve they are going to markets all over the country. I spent a lot of time there over recent months speaking to the bereaved, pretty much everyone has been affected. Nobody is locking the gate, I think there should be a recall on keys and they should only go to people with a medical cert. When the gate is left open, these opportunistic people are coming in," the Ennis representative added.

Clare County Council are in the process of commencing a review into the operation and maintenance of burial grounds in the coun-

ty. There are in excess of 160 known burial grounds in Clare with the local authority managing selling rights for 29 of them, 11 of which have a caretaker supplied responsible for light maintenance, contractors are engaged in the maintenance of Drumcliffe and Illaunamanagh.

Council officials have met with Crime Prevention Officer Tríona Brooks regarding the concerns on activity in burial grounds. The "enforceability of CCTV" was questioned by Gardaí during the engagement, Rural and

l HURTFUL: Items are being stolen from Clare graveyards such as Drumcliffe Cemetery in Ennis

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Photo by John Mangan

'No challenge or pandemic is too big for our community' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

TEL: 085 2134025 OR 065 6705970

Community Development senior executive officer, Bernie Haugh outlined. "We haven't stood up once to say enough is enough," Cllr Howard responded as she called for measures to be introduced.

Director of Service, Leonard Cleary acknowledged there was "a particular issue" in Drumcliffe Cemetery. He admitted that the Council will have to invest in adding extra resources for burial grounds with currently only two people working specifically in this area. "It is a major resourcing issue," he said.

A separate policy and management is needed for Drumcliffe, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) believed. He highlighted that Tulla graveyard had experienced stolen items in recent days.

"Burial grounds and graves create a lot of emotion, we get a lot of that when it comes to issues on the topic,” he added.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan, speaking in the past week noted that thefts from the East of the county had been ongoing for a while, occurring at graves belonging to adults and children in Tulla.

"It is so hurtful and terribly traumatic, the whole community is terribly upset by it," the Tulla parish priest stated.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) has said “malicious intent” has been evident at graveyards in the county with toys taken from a child’s grave in East Clare.

A COMMUNITY effort in Lisdoonvarna resulted in the donation of €8,500 during COVID-19 to upgrade its playground facility.

An official opening of the playground took place on Friday to mark the upgraded work and also to acknowledge the input of the community in getting the facility back into use. The site on which it is situated was derelict in 2006, the role of individuals like Kathleen Gibbons and Joe Garrihy in bringing it into use over a decade ago was referenced at the event.

In total, €8,500 was raised, €4,000 of which was donated by Megan White on behalf of the staff and residents of the Direct Provision Centre in Lisdoonvarna and the remaining €4,500 came from community contributions. "Megan used some of her own money, they also get some money from the Department of Justice to put into areas in the community that would help residents of the Direct Provision centre," Chairperson of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte, Marie Urquhart noted.

County camogie and ladies football player, Niamh O'Dea was on hand to cut the ribbon as children of all ages eagerly gathered to test out the upgraded facilities. A wet pour cement which acts as a safety surface, swing sets, roof for the playhouse, zipwire, boat, painting and a new lock for the gate were among the expenses incurred in redeveloping the North Clare facility.

Addressing Friday's event, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) noted that the facility cost €240,000 to construct in 2007 and spoke of the ongo-

ing challenge for community groups to maintain and keep playgrounds. He paid tribute to the people of Lisdoonvarna who put their shoulder to the wheel to raise €8,500 in a three week window. "We never had an official opening before, people must have been too busy".

"This project and funds raised proved that no challenge or pandemic is too big for our community," Marie maintained.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, she described the occasion as a great day. "It is a great achievement for such a small area under very difficult times. There was €8,500 raised in three weeks in the middle of COVID craziness, Megan White kindly donated €4000 on behalf of the Direct Provision centre's staff and residents because they are so grateful to have the facility, the community raised the remaining €4000. Everyone was so generous, local tradesmen helped to do different parts of the work, they donated their time and talent which cut down on the cost of what it all came to".

l PLAY TIME: Local kids get stuck in after Niamh O’Dea cuts the ribbon

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Liam Danagher is laid to rest PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

EGARDED as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, former Newmarket-on-Fergus and Clare hurler Liam Danagher has been laid to rest.

On Friday morning last, Liam died peacefully but suddenly aged 77 at his Newmarket-on-Fergus home, a house which proudly sported the many medals and trophies he collected during a glittering club and county career.

Although he was born as Liam, the late Mrs Anna O’Neill christened him Cass after Cassius Clay, another athlete who weaved magic through his sporting ability. He was a popular figure among employees in Shannon Airport working with Aer Rianta.

Liam made his first appearance for Clare in the 1960 Munster minor hurling championship in a 5-07 to 3-07 win over Cork in what was described as “a rousing win by a great Clare hurling team”. His final outing for the Banner was for the senior side in 1972 appearing in a challenge game defeat to Kilkenny. The intervening years saw Liam make 66 competitive appearances for the Clare seniors where he scored 13-38 from midfield and

l TRIBUTE: Liam Danagher with Sean Arthur and the recently de-

ceased Jim ‘Puddin’ Cullinan contesting both the Munster and Oireachtas Final in 1967.

At club level with the Blues, Danagher won eight senior championships, seven Clare Cups, two Munster Club titles, one minor hurling title and a junior football medal.

He is also the holder of a Railway Cup medal from 1966.

Speaking at his funeral on Monday, Pat Corry who is currently compiling a book charting the history of the Newmarket-on-Fergus

GAA club led a tribute to ‘Cass’.

“Probably his greatest performance in the Newmarket jersey came in the 1969 County Final Replay when he raised the bar even by his high standards. He scored 1-2 but supporters still recall the amazing sight of him appearing on the goal line behind his goalkeeper to deny Clarecastle a goal. To this day people still wonder where did he come from.”

Corry added, “Liam was consid-

ered a supreme athlete that covered every blade of grass during a game. He had all the skills required to master this great game of ours, fabulous wrist work, supreme fitness and tremendous speed. His trademark was the overhead strike as he was more likely to double on a high ball dropping in midfield rather than catch it. It’s been said quite often that he was one of the last exponents of this wonderful skill. He was a permanent fixture in the number eight jersey as Newmarket dominated the sixties.”

A nephew of Michael Considine, the former Newmarket and Clare full-back who was a teammate of Danagher’s, Pat concluded that Liam left many wonderful memories for all who knew him. “The word legend is thrown around freely nowadays, a lad playing two or three decent games is suddenly a legend but the word was very apt in describing Liam.”

Newmarket-on-Fergus parish priest, Fr Tom Fitzpatrick noted, “Liam wouldn’t have liked it to ever be a long farewell spread over a long period of time, he never wanted to be a burden on anybody. He was a private man and in a way this is the way he wished it would be”. He continued, “Liam of course around these parts was a Newmarket man through and through, as we say he was a True Blue and loved everything about Newmarket.”

Indeed the local GAA club played a central role in the funeral with Vice Chairman Seanie McMahon saying a reading while prayers of the faithful were read by club officials Freddy McInerney, Concepta O’Connor and Pat Keogh alongside Liam’s ex teammates Con Woods and Val Arthur.

Many of the men he soldiered alongside on the field including Paddy McNamara, Jimmy McNamara, Johnny McMahon, John O’Leary, Pat O’Leary, Mike O’Leary and Clare GAA secretary Pat Fitzgerald formed part of the guard of honour as the coffin made its way to the church on Monday morning.

Liam is survived by his son David, daughter Margaret, granddaughter Abby, brother Donie, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

l LEGEND: Liam Danagher in

his playing days with Fr Tim Tuohy and Gus Lohan

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Julia’s beloved doll comes home thanks to kind deed CIAN O’BROIN

A

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

l REUNITED: Julia Pennekamp with her doll

N EIGHT-year-old girl who was left suffering anxiety attacks after seeing her beloved doll being swept out to sea has been reunited with her favourite toy thanks to the efforts of the online Clare community.

Julia Pennekamp from Ballyvaughan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as cerebral palsy due to a stroke that her mother sustained during pregnancy, was bereft when her beloved toy doll was washed out to sea at Bishop’s Quarter, at the end of June.

Always an anxious girl, Julia’s mother Nicole tells The Clare Echo about the troubling trigger that the loss of Tiny initiated as well as the benevolence shown by the people of Clare in offering a viable alternative and helping Julia regain

her confidence with the eventual return of her most favoured companion.

Nicole explained, “We were down at Bishop’s Quarter and it was an amazing day. Julia was in the water splashing around. She threw the doll in the air, it dropped into the water and the stream washed her out into the sea. It probably wouldn’t have been as bad, but she saw it unfold right in front of her eyes and she had no control over it.

I had no control over it. That triggered something.”

She continued, “Ever since she has suffered with anxiety attacks.

Every time she would see the bathwater going out of the bathtub or seeing the water run in the sink, that would trigger super anxiety in her. We were unable to go to the beach. We went on a holiday this summer to Kerry. I went to the beach with her. She tensed up and absolutely wouldn’t have it. In the caravan, she was telling me that she just doesn’t like the sea anymore, she doesn’t like the beach and

doesn’t want to be near it.”

Nicole, bearing her daughter’s astute sensibilities in mind, decided that she had to take decisive action. After putting up a post on the Facebook Group ‘Clare Free to A Good Home’, Nicole recalls being inundated with messages of support for her daughter and their plight. The post garnered over 1,000 likes. A woman by the name of Diane Clohessy reached out to Nicole, informing her that her own daughter, a six year old said, “Oh Mommy, I have one of those dolls, I want that girl to have my doll.”

Nicole recalls being ingratiated by this gesture of kindness.

After receiving the doll, identical to the one Julia had lost to the sea, Nicole’s next task was to coincidentally land it at her daughter’s feet.

“My friend Thomas works in the local coastguard. He is a fisherman as well. I asked him, if he would be able, next time he goes fishing to bring the doll back.

“At our house, we can see his boat when he goes fishing. On the

Sunday I said to her, ‘look at his boat there, fishing behind Crab Island.’ This would make sense to her and make it more believable.

When he returned, he showed it to her. The doll was full of seaweed.

In the beginning, she was very shy and didn’t really believe that it was her doll. Eventually, she gave in and it was funny to watch her reaction. Once I cleaned off the doll, her anxiety started to go away. She is so happy now and she keeps telling people, ‘Mother nature brought my doll back. Now I can go to the beach again.’

Julia and her doll, Tiny, were reunited after two and a half months.

In a final thank you to the Clare community, Nicole professes, “It has meant the world to me that Diane got in touch with me. There were a few others that offered dolls and sent photos, I wish I could name them all. It was just the immense support shown. People are great, Clare is great. I am over the moon. From now on, we do not bring dolls to the beach.”

Clare tourism strategy ‘more important now than ever’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

Facilitated by Clare Suicide Bereavement Support We have reopened for face to face support for those bereaved by suicide at our rooms in the Rosleven Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. Since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic we have been supporting people by telephone and text.

Some changes have been implemented for people coming for support. You will be asked to phone ahead and wait outside or in your car until notified by one of our volunteers and to please wear a mask.

There are extra measures on hygiene, social distancing and PPE inside for your care.

If you would like face to face support please call us on 086-0565373 or 087-3698315. Support will continue to be provide by telephone and text.

For more information you can visit our website at www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

A 10 YEAR Clare tourism strategy has been approved by local elected representatives.

Deferred by councillors at the July meeting of Clare County Council, the strategy was adopted at the September sitting of the local authority. An implementation structure is to be put in place with further information to be outlined at either the November or December meeting of the Council.

An additional chapter was added to the strategy earlier this year following the outbreak of COVID-19. It focuses on collaboration with Shannon Airport forms and how international visitors can be enticed to the county in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Spreading the benefit of the Cliffs of Moher to the entire county also forms part of the thinking in the plan. Clare’s “unique and varied landscapes” are viewed as a unique selling point plus the ability to accommodate a wide range of holiday makers. Personnel behind its creation are confident the strategy will mark the county as a globally recognised destination.

27 strategic priorities underpin the decade long plan. An emphasis is also placed on four destination experiences in Clare which include, High Powers and High Towers, Adventure and Family Fun, Creativity Vitality and Holistic Landscapes.

Director of Service, Leonard Cleary outlined, “The strategy in its essence is about product and promotion, improving our marketing and partnering with key agencies”. He explained to councillors that the first step was adopting the strategy which

would be followed by the addition of resources and later implementation.

Tourism is worth €9m in revenue to the local economy, Head of Tourism Deirdre O’Shea stated. “Prior to COVID-19, tourism supported 12,000 jobs in Clare. The local tourism economy is in deep crisis so a long-term strategy is more important now than ever”. She was confident the plan would allow Clare to become the gateway to the West. “Clare at face value should be and we are one of the best performing tourism counties. We have exceptional heritage, we do have and have had a very forward thinking Council. The tourism industry is our largest indigenous employer”.

O’Shea described the county as “a paradise for adventure”. She added, “We do have a sense of vitality found in our villages and celebrated in our music, poetry and sport”.

West Clare representatives, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) and Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) proposed and seconded the adoption of the strategy, “It’s all there in Clare,” Keating remarked. One in nine jobs in Clare are reliant on tourism, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) calculated, “We need things to keep people here and be of interest to them,” he said of efforts to try maintain the attraction to the county. “Clare is the envy of every county in the country,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) felt, the Ennis representative stressed the role of Shannon Airport in making the strategy a success.

“Tourism will definitely be our bread and butter down the road, this is a wonderful project,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) acknowledged. Social media “will be the main marketing tool” in making the document a success, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) said, he was confident tourism would continue to grow.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Tragic Beirut explosion left the city ‘on its knees’ CIAN O’BROIN

A

cian@clareecho.ie

BURREN artist has disclosed his feelings on the recent Beirut explosion which took place on August 4th, 2020, where a large amount of ammonium nitrate caused 192 deaths and over 6,500 injuries.

Beirut born contemporary artist Richard Hearns commented that the recent tragedy in his homeland left the city “politically, economically and environmentally on its knees.”

Brought into the world in the capital city of Lebanon, Richard's story begins in the 1980s during the strife of civil war, where Frank, his guide and soon to be adopted father was serving as a UN Peacekeeper for the Irish Defence Forces as a UNTSO staff officer. Growing up in Malahide, Dublin, Richard enjoyed a happy childhood Fast forward to the present day, where Richard and his wife relish the benign beauty of Newtown, Ballyvaughan a place they have happily called home since June 2009.

"Four years at the Institute of Art Design and Technology and an intensive year at the

National College of Art and Design left me wondering what to do next. I decided to travel. While travelling across Europe and Asia I thought about what I might return to work as – all the while drawing and developing ideas in my notebooks. On my return it was these simple notebooks that grabbed the interest of art enthusiasts, collectors and galleries.

"My first solo show in Ireland took place in 2005. Encouraged by a bunch of madly creative friends, I exhibited locally and garnered the interest and support of some of my first patrons.” Richard has held successful shows in New York, California, London, Paris and Barcelona to name but a few.

Stylistically, Richard feels that his paintings and art practices over the previous decade are loosely based on American and European artistic formulas and ideas. Richard likens himself to a magpie in adapting and overcoming any and all stylistic boundaries. His daily objective lies in breaking free from outside influence and ensuring that his own, unique voice fully resonates and connects with the public. Richard is constantly looking to challenge himself and further expand his scope.

In November of last year, Richard was planning a homecoming solo exhibit in a gallery located in his homeland of Beirut, Lebanon.

A body of large abstract images entitled 'Vestige' was created.

"Through these works I had been, in some small way, beginning to rediscover something that remains from my own past in Beirut, Lebanon. The series attempts to echo my distant past; it traces my birth and childhood and attempts to describe the vestiges of separation that unites, creates a totality, and ultimately points toward the future. Alas, my exhibit was postponed. Then again in

February of this year we had to once more postpone my homecoming. The recent tragic explosions in Beirut has left the city politically, economically and environmentally on its knees. It remains a dream of mine to revisit the place of my birth and connect with my rich heritage and culture there. Who knows what this experience might add to my artwork?"

Richard's next solo show is scheduled at Cadogan Contemporary, London, next year.

l HERITAGE: Beirut native Richard Hearns now works as an artist in the Burren

Michael McNamara TD, Constituency Office, Lysaght's Lane, Lower Market Street Car Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95YD40 Tel: 065 – 6893639 Tel: 01 - 6183879 Email: michael.mcnamara@oireachtas.ie Opening Hours 9/5 and lunch 1/2

Michael McNamara, T.D., is hosting a series of clinics, commencing in October.

Scarriff: 1st Saturday every Month West Clare: Miltown Malbay and Kilrush 1st Friday of every month

North Clare: Ennistymon, Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan 2nd Friday of every month South/East Clare: Shannon, Westbury and Killaloe 3rd Friday of every month

All clinics are by appointment only.

Please call the constituency office to book appointment prior to clinic at 065-6893639.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Shannon ‘ignored’ in transport strategy PĂ RAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE councillors have expressed annoyance that the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) is very dominant in favour of its neighbouring county.

A draft plan for the LSMATS was launched in early September with an online briefing held for councillors in the Shannon Municipal District and their Limerick counterparts to coincide with this. "From our perspective, this is a key strategic document for the Municipal District into the next 20 years," acting senior executive officer Jason Murphy stated.

Murphy outlined that councillors in the Shannon MD would hold a workshop to review the

draft and work on putting together a joint submission. His proposal was welcomed by elected representatives including Cllr Michael Begley (IND) who felt the executive summary of the draft report was "short in detail".

Recalling his involvement in the online briefing, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) admitted, "I found it a small bit one sided. There was a huge emphasis on things around Limerick and little enough on the Limerick/Shannon side and it's supposed to be a plan for Limerick and Shannon. “We weren't allowed a lot of time, it was mostly controlled by Limerick councillors, our input was little enough. I tried to get in on a couple of occasions to ask questions and I was blocked out".

Notification of the briefing was not sent to Cllr Pat O'Gorman (FF) who outlined that he only became aware of it after seeing

a post on social media by Cllr McGettigan. "Shannon is being forgotten about in a lot of areas.

The airport is in dire straits at the moment, it is important we have this workshop".

According to Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area "hasn't been of any benefit to Shannon at all.

The only reason Shannon was thrown on the bus was because of the Airport". He said of the plan, "To tell you the truth, I have lost interest in it".

Director of Economic Development with the Council, Liam Conneally stressed, "the importance of this document is that the National Transport Authority who are the leading agency in the preparation of the document are doing this for each of the cities, public funding will follow the proposals listed in each document".

THE OLD LODGE AWARDED TRIPADVISOR ACCOLADE

lDELIGHTED: The Old Lodge Gastro Pub at the Shannon Springs Hotel is the proud recipient of a Traveller’s Choice Award 2020 from Tripadvisor. “Our team works very hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome and safe and this means the world to us to have this effort recognised. Thank you to all our guests who took the time to review us on TripAdvisor,� said a spokesperson for Shannon Springs Hotel

Rebecca takes the Miss Clare crown PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

R

paraic@clareecho.ie

lQUEEN: Rebecca O’Neill has been crowned as Miss Clare 2020

EBECCA O'Neill has been crowned as the 2020 Miss Clare.

Shannon's Rebecca beat off competition from Sally O'Shea of Clarecastle, TTM healthcare consultant Jane Halpin, Newmarket-on-Fergus duo Michelle McMahon and Siobhra Conway and psychology graduate Amie Wiley to take the crown. Kilmaley's SiobhĂĄn Fitzpatrick was named as runner up and qualifies for the Miss Ireland

semi-finals.

A beauty therapist at Lavender Beauty in Shannon, the 19 year old described the support since the win as amazing. "I am so grateful to be in the position that I am in at the moment and I cannot wait to show what I have in store for the year".

She will now compete in the Miss Ireland Finals, established in 1947 they are one of the world's longest running beauty pageants. Sunday's virtual final marked the first instance that the Clare, Limerick and Tipperary finals were all held together with the closed event taking place at Dani's Showrooms on the Dock Rd in Limerick.

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�� ­�€�€ ‚ �ƒ­ � �­��„

Speaking prior to the finals, Rebecca outlined why she entered the Miss Clare competition. "The reason I entered Miss Clare is because I want to be an ambassador for my county, I want to be able to represent the county in Miss Ireland and I also want to be able to fundraise for charities that I have chosen, I want to be a positive advocate for young girls to show they can be able to do something like this".

Formerly a pupil of St Patrick's Comprehensive, she will be fundraising this year on behalf of Enable Ireland. Rebecca's success also means that Shannon has completed a two in a row with Emma Austin chosen as Miss Clare in the 2019 pageant.

When: Opening Today Thursday 1 October 2020 at 10am Where: Units D & E, Ballymaley Retail Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 HN77 What:  Toys 2 for €25, while stocks last  Giftware



Homewares

 Halloween  Christmas  Toys  Household  Friendly staff

For further Opening Details Visit us on Facebook 18,000 sq. ft. Super store in Ennis, creating 50 jobs Email: ennis.homesavers@outlook.com, WhatsApp: 085 8567066

Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9-8, Thursday to Friday 9-9, Saturday 9-7, Sunday 10 -7

16 FEATURES

Acceptance prayer

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

W

E’VE all had days, weeks, months even years when life just doesn’t seem to be going

our way!

Actually we could say the last seven months or so that things aren't going any of our ways due to the Coronavirus. We feel at a loss, and despair for our future about what might happen to us. At times turning to different types of addiction or falling into different spiraling levels or symptoms of depression, and fear of being found out or fear of seeking help and support from family, friends and caring organisations.

I’ve had some long days in my own life especially over the last year and especially during this time of the Coronavirus where I felt like nothing was working and everything seemed to end in disaster and I’ve had many painful days of desperation where I just couldn't seem to get anything finished. I have started saying a prayer recently that you can use on the ten fingers of your hands which was kindly given to me by David, an amazing friend of mine who sadly passed away in May of this year. It goes as follows, "God please keep me well with acceptance of your will." But it made me think that it is one thing to pray for God’s will to be done in your life, but it is quite another to accept His will.

Many of us talk a good game, as they say in the sporting world, about wanting His will for our lives, but once it is revealed, we get scared and we run away from it.

We let fear take over. Or we refuse to accept it because God’s will actually isn’t what we wanted at all. I can say all of this because I’ve been there and in many ways, I am there right now.

I’ve long prayed and hoped for God’s will and purpose to be revealed in my life, but I never really took into consideration how I would respond to the revelation.

I realize that not only should my prayer be, “Thy will be done” but also, “Let me accept thy will,” or to put it another way, feel the fear and do it anyway.

Praying for Strength

I lit a few candles for hope and gratefulness this week in my little get away church along our beautiful west coastline where I calm my soul and offered up my prayers for the people who asked me to pray for them or their loved one's and for everyone of our frontline workers or heroes of keeping us safe during this pandemic of the

Coronavirus as I like to call them who are in need of a prayer or a lighted candle or are looking for hope at this time in their life. I will continue to do so over the next few days for anyone that asks for a prayer for hope or lighted candles and if anyone needs a prayer please let me know and I will offer them up with my daily prayers for I too am in need of that hope in my life.

I would ask everyone to keep as strong as they can be during these worrying and strange times of the Coronavirus. I have been at a few very sad funerals over the last few days, weeks and months which puts things into perspective about what life is all about. Let's all try to mind one another and look out for one another and try and be there for one another as much as we can be.

Everyday is a unique day and a unique gift that we should be continuously grateful for and if we learn to respond to each day as our very first day ever in our life and the very last day then we will have spent this day very well. Be grateful for each new day and let the gratefulness flow into blessings all around you. It's okay not to be okay at times but it's also okay to talk to someone especially if it's someone or an organisation that can help and that you trust. As I was praying for people who asked me to pray for them recently, I also prayed for all the people that are struggling in our communities, our country and our world right now, wondering what life would be like without them, or wondering if they are loved or cared for.

Let me say through this thought for the week that without you the world would not be the same and it doesn't matter who or what you are. You may not know it, but you mean something to someone and you will never know if you are not around. There are somewhere in the region of 7 billion people on this beautiful planet of ours, and every single one of them and you and me has a flaw or two and have our good days and bad days.

Nobody is perfect, take me for example.

I'm 54, and although I have never really said it to many before, I have many good days and not so good days, many good points and not so good points and have lots of ups and downs in my life and worry constantly and suffer many dark days at times but thankfully the bright days are in the ascendancy. But every morning I wake up I tell myself that today is a new day, a new beginning, a new dawn, a new chance, a new day with end-

less possibilities. And that gives me something that everyone cherishes, it brings me hope. It can bring anyone and everyone hope, and if you hold on to hope one day all those thoughts of a better life will become a reality. I am going to try each day and I hope you will too. I am going to wake, get up, dress up and show up and give it the best I can at that time.

And if you aren't going through any of this but know a friend or a family member or a colleague who is, talk to them, be with them, listen to them, guide them and help them.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, pray for hope for the people in your life and know that hope never abandons us. We abandon hope.

The only appropriate response to life is hope and gratefulness. May hope and gratefulness fills our hearts at this time of trouble and weariness during this time of Coronavirus. May its light dispel the darkness of hatred and fear.

May the hope in it lift us up.

May the love therein guides and embraces us. May the peace in it permeate our beings. May each of us be fully centered and rested in it always. Consult not your fears but your hopes, your gratefulness and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. Hope is the basis of existence and we should never give up hope.

Hope should be our true companion of all times. I am sure if you allow it, your hope will light many candles in your life. For when you light up the candle of others, in the days of adversity you will receive strength and capacity to overcome all of your fears. I pray that your candle of hope may start to shine brightly again!! A prayer of Hope and gratefulness I like to say to keep me going - Dear Lord, I try so hard to be your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope. There are times when I feel helpless and lost.There are times when I feel weak and addicted. I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love, care, shelter and kindness. Some say that the sky is at it's darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems very dark in my life at times. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe.

To bask in your glory. To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me Lord to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and support to those most in need.

"God keep me well with acceptance of your will". In your name I pray, Amen.

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

New book gives 'All Clare' perspective on War of Independence

C

LARECASTLE born historian, Dr. Joe Power, has released his latest local historical power piece, 'Clare and the War of Independence', writes Cian O'Broin.

Picking up from where he left off with 'Clare and the Great War', Joe's latest book tells the story of the members of the Clare Brigade from 1918, focusing in on "an all-Clare perspective" that is comprehensively researched, establishes all the facts and major events as they unfolded as well as refraining from falling privy to the over-indulgent heroic narrative.

Now retired, Dr. Power enjoyed a fruitful teaching career in Kilrush for 43 years. He points to an unwavering and firm interest in the War of Independence in Clare, establishing a personal connection to some of the local events that took place: "I had two uncles who fought in World War One. John Power was killed outright in the battle of the Somme in 1916. The other, Tim Power was shellshocked and never fully recovered, dying in a mental institution in Belfast in the 1960s. My father grew up in Clarecastle, he was born about 1900 and grew up around that time in the 1920s.

"As well as that, my mother, she was from Tipperary. An aunt of hers was shot and killed by the Auxiliaries in Kilkenny in 1920. I was lucky enough to grow up in Clarecastle in the 1950s and 60s, with the 50year anniversary taking place in 1966. All the living members of the Mid-Clare Brigade came out parading. I was able to interview a few survivors back in the 70s, like Tim Reilly from Castlefergus. He was one of the founders of the local Sinn

Féin club in 1917. He told me all about that and the famous cattle drives. I've been hooked on it for a long long time."

The book looks at all the major military operations carried out by the men of Clare during the war and how local news editors positioned these events at the time.

It also traces the actions, views and sway of the church at the time, with Bishop Fogarty standing up as an ardent advocate of Sinn Féin in 1916.

He became one of the three main trustees of Sinn Féin, offering huge moral support for the Volunteers. Clare was described, at that time, as being worse than any other county with regards to criminality.

Bishop Fogarty replied, "I will tell the world what is wrong with Clare. They have the manliness to stand up against tyranny and flourish the flag in the face of castle hacks, whether off or on the bench."

Dr. Power investigates the social impact of the war and how it affected transport and the economy. At the time, all markets and meetings were banned by the British, inciting an economic war, by which the IRA retaliated by consistently digging up the public roads so that British convoys were unable to traverse the county. To mitigate this, local Clare men were held at gunpoint and ordered to rebuild the road. Joe quips that the same men that were apparently helping to restore the road, were tearing it up again, under cover of darkness. Joe also analyses the prospect of peace and a truce as well as the essential backup role played by Cumann na mBan in the role of independence.

Clare and the War of Independence is available at all local bookshops in Ennis, County Clare.

l LOCAL: The front cover of Clare and the War of Independence by Dr Joe Power

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

GREEN CLARE

Cornelia’s Bin your Bin challenge

CIAN O’BROIN

P

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

LASTIC free environmentalist Cornelia Wahli hosted her very first Operation de-Plastification clinic in Tulla on Saturday, September 26th, 2020.

Following arrangements for permission to display and set up shop outside Cooney’s in Tulla, Cornelia utilised the opportunity to converse with passers-by on ‘their experiences, their trials and errors regarding slimming their bins or even binning their bins for the really brave.’ The ‘Bin your Bin’ challenge is the latest development in the operation de-Plastification project founded

by Cornelia in 2019, building on buoyantly from the original ‘Slim your Bin’ challenge.

Cornelia speaks to The Clare Echo about the latest local foothold on the journey to creating a plastic free community, the success of the opening Operation de-Plastification clinic, feedback on the day as well as the knock-on effects of plastic free shopping and how this has positively affected her sustainable lifestyle.

A number of shop windows throughout Clare lined with examples of plastic free shopping served as prominent prerequisites for the very first Operation de-Plastification clinic. Two of these shop windows were located on Main Street, Tulla, one at Bia Follain and another at Cooney’s Home and Hardware Shop. Cornelia is also extremely enthusiastic about an expansion to a shop window at the Farm Shop in Feakle and another at a vacant shop owned by Donnan Meade on Main Street, in Miltown Malbay.

Whilst standing outside Cooney’s in Tulla, one woman put the question to Cornelia, “what are you trying to get across with the

on-street display?� In response, Cornelia captured the essence of the first Operation de-Plastification clinic, explaining that: “Some years ago, I had grown tired of bringing my shopping home, pouring my purchases into plastic jars and throwing the packaging into the bin which I then had to pay for when bringing the waste to the Recycling Centre.

So, one day, I decided to bring the jars to the shop, to fill the jars in the shop and to leave the packaging in the shop. This way�, she explained to the lady, “I am no longer amassing waste at my home; post-consumer waste is now pre-consumer waste. This waste is then no longer my burden, it is now the burden of the shop keeper, who has accepted it into his or her shop. I, for one, do not want that kind of waste in my house anymore, nor do I want to carry the responsibility for that kind of waste anymore.�

For Cornelia, the news in January 2018 arriving from China announcing that the world’s most highly populated country will no longer be taking our recyclable items served as the starting point for a plastic free life. The emphasis from Cornelia lay in refusing and reducing rather than recycling household waste.

Herein lies both the ‘Slim your Bin’ and the newest ‘Bin your Bin’ challenges put forward to the local Clare community. Since the onset of Operation de-Plastification, Cornelia now only produces one wicker basket full of waste of recyclable mixed waste and non-recyclable soft plastic waste per month.

When Cornelia shops, she opts for packaging free items or packaging that can be reused, preferably non-plastic based such as glass bottles and glass jars. Glass has a long life span and can be reused again and again.

After mastering the art of pre-cycling and going plastic free with food items, Cornelia decided to move onto non-food items such as washing up liquid, shampoo, washing machine and dishwasher detergent as well

as soap, various moisturizers and deodorant. Cornelia no longer has wastebins within the household and points out that the use of a single box for any wayward items usually results in a trip to the recycling centre once or twice each year. “Looking back over the last 5 years and especially the last year and a half, I cannot believe what I have achieved in my house alone. “I am very happy to have taken the bin your bin challenge onboard and am very proud of my achievements to date. Who would have thought that starting at the back, because waste is usually at the back of the agenda, at the back of people’s minds, would actually bring forth very easy and doable

solutions to our current predicaments– the Climate Crisis, Biodiversity Crisis, Air-Water-Soil Pollution Crisis and Waste Crisis.

Think food security, water security, air security, think, what if...�

Cornelia hopes to continue her local Operation de-Plastification clinic in Tulla, talking about issues around environmental waste. She is also looking to reignite previous Slim your Bin and Bin your Bin surveys.

She closes the conversation with the following admonition: “Going public and sharing has taken a lot of courage, but in the end, I think it is worthwhile if other people find going plastic free makes a big difference to them, their families and their immediate environment.�

Smokeless Fuel

Make the Change It is an offence to sell and burn smoky coal in Ennis, Clarecastle and parts of South East Clare.

Enforcement officers are currently carrying out inspections of businesses and households.

Smoky Coal causes smog which is bad for your health and dangerous for the young, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Avoid an on-the-spot fine

of up to â‚Ź1,000 For more information visit www.clarecoco.ie Interested in reducing

costs and reducing the environmental impact of your festival?

Then greening of your festival/event is a must.

To receive more information, email greenerclare@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065 6846331 @greenerclare

Tel: 065 68 46 331

Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie

lPLASTIC FREE: Cornelia Wahli (right) held an Operation de-Plastification clinic in Tulla recently

18 FEATURE

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Clare and Spanish influenza: TADHG HOLLAND

S

news@clareecho.ie

INCE March 11 when the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 a pandemic, the strain of coronavirus has dominated headlines both locally and nationally.

The last time such an outbreak caused our communities to grind to such a halt occurred with the arrival of the Spanish Flu of 1918. Similarly to Covid-19, the 1918 pandemic infected nearly every country in the world including Ireland and the county of Clare.

The Spanish Flu ultimately killed more than 50 million people worldwide and in Ireland, it officially claimed 20,057 lives.

The first case reported of Spanish Flu in Ireland was in May 1918 when there was

an outbreak of the virus on the USS Dixie off the coast of Cobh. However it didn’t arrive in Clare until September. In fact the county almost escaped the pandemic, having the lowest death rate of any county in Ireland with a rate of .46 deaths per thousand. To put that into context Kildare’s rate was as high as 3.95 deaths per thousand.

Of course the 1918 pandemic did still have some impact on Clare and what effect it did have was reported on in the The Saturday Record, a local Ennis paper that published between 1885 and 1936.

Disinfectants sold at a high rate, schools were closed and the local hospital was full. The following are all the articles published in that newspaper on the Spanish flu, from the first mentions of it in the November 2 1918 issue until they reported “no fresh cases” on December 21 of the same year.

l JOURNAL: Front page of The Saturday Record on Saturday, November 2, 1918

November 2, 1918 INFLUENZA IN ENNIS

THERE has been an outbreak of the dreaded scourge, influenza, in this district, though not quite as virulent as in other localities, has yet of been of considerable severity. Public alarm, in view of the startling reports from Dublin and elsewhere, magnified the danger at the outset.

It was considered advisable to close the schools at the convent, but the Christian schools and the boy’s national schools and were kept open.

We have heard of two cases of death from the disease, that of a young lady in Boors, who was employed in a local office. And of Mr Frank Moloney, victualler, Mall Street, Ennis. There has been a big run on the disinfectants recommended for use, at the various local medical halls.

On Wednesday there was only one patient from the disease in the union hospital, but since then nearly a score have been admitted, but all are doing well. Soldiers who have had an attack state that it strongly resembles malarial fever in some of its phases.

November 9, 1918

THE INFLUENZA OUTBREAK

SINCE the last issue there has been a spread of the scourge of influenza through the district, and this week the National Schools were closed. Many of the cases from the town have been removed from the hospital, which is now full. There have been about 40 cases from the town and while the attack has been severe with the most of them, there has been but one death in the hospital, but there has been four deaths through town, from the after effects of the scourge. Almost every able bodied inmate in the institution is prostrate, and Mr Frank Barret, the master, has been obliged to convert two of the influenza wards into temporary hospitals. The attack is not of a grave type in the house, the worst cause being those admitted from outside. Some of the police force in the district are in hospital, and are all progressing satisfactorily. There is no necessity for general alarm, if the ordinary precautions are observed, and people attacked lie up at the first indications of the illness. It is in the latter stages that danger should be apprehended from the development of pneumonia, to which the victims are particularly subject. The use of disinfectant is strongly recommended.

November 16, 1918 THE INFLUENZA

THIS dreaded scourge continues to rage through the district with violence little, if any, abated and again this week some deaths chronicled from its effects, the immediate cause is nearly all cases being pneumonia, following the influenza. In some cases the victims were only a few days ill. Amongst those who have succumbed are Ms M. Hastings, a respected resident, Mr M. Torpey, a popular clerk in the West Clare Railway Offices, Mr. J. Culrhian, a well known local carpenter who was only a week down.

The hospital is now full to excess, and at the time of writing the patients were doing well. Dr Coughlain, the medial officer, who has had a most strenuous time day and night for some weeks has been attacked, and his work in the hospital been undertaken by Drs. MacClanoy, Counihain, and Duggan, and much valuable help is also being given by Mr Power, a student, of Clarecastle. We believe that there are only about four officials on the working list today.

There was no meeting of the board on Wednesday in the absence of a quorum. All the Nat. schools throughout the district within a wide radius of Ennis have been closed, and reports from some country localities state that there have been some deaths from the scourge. We see it has considerably abated in Dublin.

l DEADLY: The Spanish flu killed more than 50 million people worldwide

November 23, 1918 THE INFLUENZA

THE scourge is still raging through the county though the worst effects seem to have passed in the town, still have been several deaths from it, its principal resultant being pneumonia, chiefly of the sceptic type. On Thursday afternoon, Constable Burke, a young man of splendid physique, a native we believe of Co. Mayo, succumbed at the Co. infirmary. He was a very popular member of the local force and there is deep sorrow and regret amongst his colleagues and the public generally, at his premature death. Const. Crowley, Corofin, and Constable Burke, Quilty, have also died from influenza, also Mr James Lallis, an enthusiastic and very well liked member of the Mill St. Hounds.

All the patients in the hospital are, we hear doing well.

FEATURE 19

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Examining the last pandemic November 30, 1918 THE INFLUENZA

DEATH OF P’ODEA, O’CONNELL STREET

THE epidemic still continues to claim its victims through the town and district, and the hospital is still overcrowded with patients, the energies of doctors and nurses being taxed to their utmost by the constant calls upon them. There were two hundred cases in the institution on Wednesday, and on the whole they were making steady progress. Among the victims this week is Mr. Patk. O’Dea, for years foreman to Mrs McMahon, The Square and O’Connell Street, Ennis. He was only a few days ill when acute pneumonia developed, which ran a rapidly fatal course. There is general regret at his early death, for he was well known and exceedingly popular with all classes in the town. He belonged to an old and respected Barefield family. The funeral on Wednesday, was very largely attended. There was number of cases in the County Infirmary, and all seem doing well. There were 37 cases in Clarecastle on Thursday. There was one death in the village.

December 7, 1918 THE INFLUENZA

DEATH OF MR P. McGANN, ENNIS

THE epidemic, happily, seems on the wane, and there are few fresh faces cases reported as compared with past weeks. There have been, however, some deaths, and one which has caused very general and sincere regret is that of Patrick McGann, eldest son of Mrs McGann, and the late Mr. John McGann, Market St. Ennis. He had an aggravated form of the disease, which resisted all medical and nursing aid. He was a very popular young man, and the general regret at his loss, and sympathy with his family was shown at his enormous attendance at his funeral on Sunday. Many of the deceased’s comrades and friends, marched in processional order in the cortege after the hearse, to Drumcliffe Cemetery. Another death has been reported is that of Constable Gilligan of Connolly, who was a week in the hospital. He was a native of Co. Mayo.

December 21, 1918 NO FRESH CASES

IT IS pleasant to be able to state that the Spanish Influenza, Malarial Fever, or whatever it was is now on the wane in Kilrush and Kilkee, and the district generally. There are no fresh cases now for some time, or, after all were there so many deaths although, in West Clare, of course there have been some sad cases.

l FLU: A public health notice from 1918

Historical Turret Lodge refurbished PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare landmark, the Turret Lodge has been returned to the control of the Kilrush and District Historical Society following its €240,000 renovation.

Notable given its controlling access between Kilrush town and the Vandeleur Estate, the Turret Lodge acts as a surviving link with the past heritage of the West Clare capital. In 1897, Kilrush House which was the home of the Vandeleurs was burnt down, the surviving lodges, walled garden and stable block act as a reminder of the area's history.

Built in 1845, originally spelled as the Terret Lodge, the structure will now be utilised as a small genealogy and exhibition space.

Funding under the Historic Towns Initiative was granted to renovate the Turret Lodge last year. The partnership between the Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht also received match funding from Clare County Council. The approval followed requests from the Kilrush and District Historical Society (KDHS).

Chairperson of the KDHS, Lisa O'Sullivan received the keys to the Turret on behalf of the society at an event to mark the

works carried out.

Historical, social and tourism benefits will result for Kilrush as a result, officials within Clare County Council believe. The local authority has paid tribute to adjoining landowners, Coillte and Gearóid and Mary Williams for positively engaging with the project by facilitating the transfer of adjoining land.

"This project provides the local community with a truly unique space while also delivering on the conservation of an important building. The renovated Turret Lodge will increase the cultural, heritage and tourism offering of Kilrush Town," Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling stated.

Director of Economic Development with the Council, Liam Conneally flagged that the restoration aligned with objectives of the County's Heritage Plan 2017-2023, "It has brought into active use a protected structure, resulting in a long-term heritage asset".

Members of the KDHS have acknowledged Clare LEADER who initially provided funding to conduct a feasibility study and the input of Cllr Ian Lynch (IND).

"When it is safe to do so, we will have an official launch event and the public will be given tours of the lodge. The window boards will remain up until the final cameras are installed," a spokesperson for the society commented.

l CULTURE: Pictured at the official opening of the Turret Lodge are Carmel Greene,

Leonard Cleary, Mayor of Clare Cllr Mary Howard and Lisa O’Sullivan (KDHS)

Photo by Eamon Ward

FULL TIME STYLIST REQUIRED IRENE’S HAIR SALON KILKEE ARE LOOKING FOR A FULL TIME/PART TIME STYLIST

OR RENT THE HAIR SALON SPACE AS AN OPTION SEND CV OR CALL IRENE ON 065 9060107

Arts & Entertainment 21

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Mammoth line-up for Children’s Book Festival

ELAINE TUBRIDY

C

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

LARE County Library’s Children’s Book Festival (CBF) in October will include limited live events, lots of online readings and storytelling activities and guaranteed fun engagement with some of Ireland’s most popular and bestselling authors.

While disappointed at having to scale back hundreds of visits from schoolchildren because of coronavirus, library staff have not been deterred from connecting young readers with authors and book-related events at a time when the celebration of stories is more important than ever.

“We appreciate schools’ understanding of our delivery of a slightly different festival this year. Depending on event providers and their preferred method of delivery, restriction of the number of children participating will be necessary. Each branch library’s programme, with events taking place either online or live, will generally be available only to schools in their catchment areas,” a spokesperson for Clare Library said.

Featured authors for CBF 2020 include Muireann Ní Chíobháin, author of the prize-winning Irish language book Scúnc agus Smúirín, and bestselling and award-winning writer and illustrator Oisín McGann. Oisín’s latest book, Race the Atlantic Wind (O’Brien Press, 2019) is a compelling read for older children and indeed for adults.

Also included in this year’s CBF is children’s author Debbie

the author and illustrator of Fintan's Fifteen, Conor's Caveman and the Sam Hannigan series for the O’Brien Press.

His latest books, Sam Hannigan and the Last Dodo and Animal Crackers (with Sarah Webb), are both out now.

This October, Clare County Library brings you Alan’s new and hilarious show for children, ‘Furry Friends and Ferocious Foes – Favourite Animals Big

l STORY TIME: Muireann Ní Chíobháin features in this year’s Children’s Book Festival

Thomas. Debbie’s workshops for Clare libraries will focus on friendship, acceptance and belonging, using her book My Secret Dragon as a springboard.

Alan Nolan is a regular inclusion in library festival programmes all over Ireland. He is

and Small.’

The festival line-up also includes live Zoom sessions by AgriKids, a leading voice in promoting farm safety in Ireland.

Founder and facilitator Alma Jordan works tirelessly to proactively educate our children to

become farm safety ambassadors and her presentations will focus on animal and tractor safety.

Children’s author Judi Curtin needs no introduction. A primary school teacher, she has been writing for adults and children since 1999.

Her most recent books are Lily at Lissadell and Lily Steps Up. Set in 1913 and 1914, these books tell the story of a young girl who has to leave school to become a housemaid at Lissadell House.

Judi will be talking about her reasons for writing the books, the historical and social research she needed to undertake, and what life was like for a young girl in 1913.

County Librarian, Helen Walsh, commends the quality and diversity of this year’s programme. Ms Walsh said: “While our library service would dearly love to bring a fuller participatory programme to children as in previous years, the present programme showcases the work of excellent authors working in the field of children’s literature and ensures that each library branch has one or more events to offer to children during CBF this October.”

The library’s full CBF programme is available to download from www.clarelibrary.ie

Positive Ageing Week - celebrating older people THE Clare Age Friendly Programme and Clare Older People’s Council are delighted to support Positive Ageing Week, a festival that celebrates the positive aspects of ageing and the contribution older people have made and continue to make to their families and communities.

The central aim of the week is to celebrate the fact that people are living longer and to trans-

form attitudes towards ageing and older people.

Organised by Age Action for the 11th time, Positive Ageing Week runs from 28th September to 2nd October this year and also marks the UN International Day of Older Persons on 1st October.

Clare County Library is offering a series of smartphone classes for older people in a number of libraries, to start at the end of

September.

The daytime classes will take place in the libraries in Ennis, Shannon, Scariff, Kilkee and Ennistymon.

Clare Sports Partnership is offering online fitness classes to older adults. For more information, visit: www.claresports. ie/get-active/get-active-olderadults.

The Clare Age Friendly Pro-

gramme has developed an information guide on services for older people.

Copies are available by emailing agefriendlyclare@clarecoco. ie or phoning 065-6846240.

Visit www.positiveageingweek. com for more information on virtual events being held around the country.

glór hosts drama series GLÓR will host The Play’s the Thing, a series of play readings in association with The Ennis Players, Muse Productions, Corofin Dramatic Society and Sliabh Aughty Drama Group, writes Stuart Holly.

The series starts on Thursday 1 October with a reading of Glorious by The Ennis Players.

Sit back, listen to the actors, and let your imagination take flight in this staged presentation of humorous Irish and international modern plays.

With no sets, sounds or choreography, the performers and the words will do the conjuring.

Thurs 1st October; Glorious by Peter Quilter, presented by Ennis Players. Based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins – ‘the first lady of the sliding scale’.

This delightful and blissfully funny play spins from Florence’s charity recitals to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall.

Thurs 15th October; Plaza Suite

by Neil Simon, presented by Muse Productions. Muse Productions are bringing two acts of Neil Simon’s classic Plaza Suite set in Suite 719 of the Plaza Hotel New York.

The first story Visitor from Mamaroneck centres on Sam and Karen’s second Honeymoon, while the second story Visitor from Forest Hills revolves around Roy and Norma’s attempt to get their daughter Mimsey to her Wedding.

Thurs 29th October; Another Job Crisis: A play by Corofin’s own Gerard Kennedy presented by Corofin Dramatic Society.

Company CEO, John Andrews has successfully headhunted a new European Sales Manager but subsequently finds himself offering the same job to three other people, his lover’s husband, his bosses’ nephew and his wife’s brother.

How does he extricate himself from this dilemma and who can help him?

Thurs 12th November; Office Hours by Norm Foster, presented by Sliabh Aughty Drama Group.

Friday afternoon in the city and we follow a number of different storylines all in different offices and all unrelated to each other yet somehow connected This comic play by Canadian playwright Norm Fosters makes us laugh at our own humanity.

Tickets cost €8. Visit glor.ie or call 065 684 3103 for more information.

22 BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

Vigour add extra spice and PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

V

IGOUR, Clare’s newest food company is adding extra choice, variety and affordability to the market of pre-prepared meals.

Founded by Ciarán Russell and Amy McDermott during COVID-19, the idea behind its inception stemmed from years of sampling similar products while living in Dublin and a determination to bring a Clare version sprinkled in value for money.

Amy outlined, “We were in Dublin for the last four or five years and we moved back after having our son. We wanted to do so something ourselves which was community based, we had been using the meals for the last couple of years up in Dublin, we were looking for something local and there wasn’t anything similar there at an affordable price”.

Attempts to get separate meal plans were not fruitful due to the high prices offered by other companies. This is why, affordability as well as convenience and choice forms a key component of their business model for the venture which is located at Tracklands Business Park in Ennis.

Extra research was piled into the project when Amy was on maternity leave having given birth to their first child, Rian. “COVID put a spanner into the works, we probably would have started earlier had the lockdown not started, however regardless of COVID it is something that is needed and it was also a beneficial time to start up considering people didn’t want to leave their house and many were uncomfortable going into shops.

l Ciarán Russell and Amy McDermott pictured at their new premises

Unit 16, Tracklands Business Park, Ennis and (right) some of the tasty meals and snacks on offer by Vigour

Vigour is a click and collect service, you come in, grab the package and are out the door again.

If you want, you can stay in your car and we will drop the package to the car for you”.

The couple are eager to form partnerships across the county and bring local products on board. Their model is also reliant on the simplicity of online where consumers visit their website and choose which meals, snacks or packages to purchase. “The product we have suits everyone and this is something that we were very conscious of ”. The younger generation are well able to use the web but we also have meals for older people that may not be able to use it as well so we tried to make the website as simple as possible so people who weren’t as skilled could just log on and get it all done as easy as possible,” Ciarán noted.

Demand for homegrown food deliveries has increased in recent years and Russell is of the view that the cost factor will help Vigour stand out from the crowd. “There is plenty of companies out there doing similar meal packs and meals but I think our big selling point is we’re doing it at an affordable price with choice & convenience that is more suitable to everyone.

Russell said “I always wanted to keep on top of my nutrition but I couldn’t afford it with many of the products available so I looked into possible alternatives. The result is Vigour offering products that all people could afford”.

A management consultant with PwC, Amy noted that many of their rivals focus on weight loss, bulking and generally targeting a spe-

BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

choice for Clare foodies cific audience, but Vigour covers a wider net. “There is a lot of people who don’t have the time, they want tasty meals, something that is easy and affordable, not everyone is trying to lose weight and are more focussed on trying to maintain their lifestyle and stay healthy. This product is just so convenient for me in the sense that I’m a busy, full-time working mother that sometimes hasn’t the time to make meals and I want to eat healthy. “Every so often you come home with the best of intentions but you don’t have the time, or you don’t want to prioritise the time to cook meals and on many the occasion you end up with a takeaway which costs a fortune and you don’t really want it, you’re eating to eat. We felt there was an empty space in the market specifically in Clare and the west coast of Ireland for this product. We offer a local community driven product and people are changing from other brands because this is local�.

According to the couple, Vigour is more convenient than a takeaway, without the price tag or guilt element attached. “If you’re getting a takeaway you’re spending â‚Ź20, with Vigour, one meal is only â‚Ź5.50 and even less if you’re getting a meal-pack, it is very reasonable,â€? the Clare woman stated.

As a member of the Clare senior football panel, Ciarån is one of many sportspeople that places an extra emphasis on nutrition. He is confident Vigour’s offering will appeal

23

to athletes and non-sportspeople alike. “Even your local GAA teams have nutritionists, they give great plans but a lot of the time the food on the list is expensive, it is one thing going out and paying for it but then you have to come home and cook it. Sometimes it can be a bit too much, it is something that I do take seriously, I have put a lot of thought and research into it. I’ve spoken to nutritionists about the meals we are providing, I am eating them myself, they are definitely fit for purpose for athletes but they are also a one size fits all too�.

Initial demand and reaction to Vigour has been very positive, the pair revealed. “Business is going really well, we’ve had growth on growth for the last three weeks which is brilliant, we are going to have our delivery service up and running by the 10th of October, that will be a big help for people. The meals are for everyone, they are really handy to have,� Amy admitted.

CiarĂĄn is quick to praise the advice from Clare LEO and local businesses which has been a big aid thus far. Amy added, “The support we’ve got has been amazing, we never realised how much people would support us. So many people in town have been interested and offered their services, the LEO has been brilliant and it’s been a great experience all round. It was a challenge, we wanted something community based and something local, something in Clare that people wanted and neededâ€?.

SHANAHAN PAINTS ALBANY Est. 1972

Wishing Vigour the very best of luck from all at Shanahan Paints Smithstown Shannon 061 718674

www.shanahanpaints.com

Wishing Vigour the very best of luck

Clonroadmore, Ennis.

065 6824052

DAMIEN MCMAHON

Chartered Physiotherapist, MISCP, CORU

086 083 6015 physiorecoveryroom@gmail.com

@physiorecoveryroom

Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare

resh Produce Ltd. F g n i t a e K Congrats & Best Wishes Amy + Ciaran From Paul and Martha

Unit 14 Tracklands Business Park, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co. Clare | Tel:0868162162 | Email:keatingfreshproduceltd@gmail.com

Wishing Vigour all the best from everyone at Templegate Hotel

Unit 5B Tracklands Business Park, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co. Clare | Tel:065 6703786 | Fax:065 6703380 | Email:info@coyleminiter.ie

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

24

Ballymacaula welcome first home owners

M

. FITZGIBBON Contractors Ltd & Helen Gallery Auctioneers are delighted to see the first purchasers move in to their newly completed homes at “Ballymacaula View, Cahercalla” (Radharc Baile Mhic Amhlaoibh).

The first phase of this exciting new development is nearing completion with just a couple of houses remaining for sale.

Ballymacaula View comprises of just 42 elegant homes which are superbly located in a small haven just off the Kilmaley Road within minutes walk from Ennis town and beside the link road to the M17 and M18 makes them an ideal home for commuters to Shannon, Limerick and Galway cities.

Ballymacaula View has a charm all of its own, with its attractive use of stonework on the front facades throughout the development. Once completed, the homes will be centred around a lovely open green landscaped area - the ideal location for young families.

Finished to a very high standard, they offer an intelligent use

of space, a keen eye for style and a true commitment to quality.

These fabulous new homes will immediately impress you with the exceptional finish that has become synonymous with M. Fitzgibbon Contractors.

The remaining three bedroomed homes are available at €265,000 and qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme for first time buyers up to 10% of the purchase price bring the net cost of the new home to €238,500.

Location, design, well-proportioned rooms and high specification throughout with custom designed fitted kitchens, generously tiled kitchens and bathrooms, quality-controlled energy saving features are some of the reasons why these ‘A’-rated homes are proving to be so popular with astute buyers.

Call Helen Gallery to set up your appointment. 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671.

68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co Clare. email: info@helengallery. ie

O’BRIEN PARK, SHANNON, CO. CLARE

€120,000

l Kevin Moynihan receiving his keys to his new home at Ballymacaula View, Cahercalla from Rob Mullins, Site Forman M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd.

AN RIOCHT, BALLYBLOOD, TULLA, CO. CLARE

€425,000

4 SLI AN FHEARGAS, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE

€210,000

HELEN Gallery Auctioneers & Valuers are delighted to bring 20 O’Brien Park, Shannon - a mid-terrace, 4 bedroom home to the market. This property is ideally located within walking distance of Shannon Town Centre, St.Tola’s Primary School, St Patrick’s Comprehensive School and all other local amenities and services within the town. The property, which overlooks a large green area, has recently been redecorated and offers bright spacious accommodation with the benefit of a ground floor bedroom and shower room. The property has double glazed uPVC, oil fired central heating, enclosed rear garden and a newly fitted roof. This property would ideally suit a first time buyer looking to get on the property ladder or an investor. Viewing is recommended.

NEW TO THE MARKET - This superior architect designed home, built in 2005 stands on a mature well landscaped, private site in the popular Ballyblood area outside of Tulla, enjoying all the benefits country living has to offer and yet within a short drive of Tulla, Ennis and the M17 & M18. An Riocht is an exquisite detached family home beautifully finished to show house standards. Features include modern fitted kitchen, feature fireplace in the living room, tiled bathrooms, top quality flooring throughout, large detached garage, underfloor heating from the economical air to water heating system, solid walnut doors, electric gates and much more. This is indeed a unique opportunity to acquire a most impressive family home in a great location. Viewing highly recommended.

NEW TO THE MARKET is 4 Sli an Fhearghas an exceptional, modern three bedroomed semi-detached home, superbly located in a quiet cul-de-sac at the end of Quay Road, within a minute’s walk of the Quay which has been recently redeveloped. This home was finished to the highest standards in 2009 and has been carefully maintained over the years and is presented in a turnkey condition. The rear garden is West facing and is a key feature of the property boasting a large open space with a patio area, landscaped garden with beautiful mature trees and shrubs and a garden shed. Viewing highly recommended.

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

WE ARE SELLING HOMES AT AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL ACHIEVING IN EXCESS OF MARKET VALUE THINKING OF SELLING?? SEND US YOUR LOCATION 0656729999

info@locationlocation.ie

www.locationlocation.ie

19 Maigh Dara, Quin Village

1 Hill View, Creggaun Na Hilla, Clarecastle

Kilnow House, Clare Road, Ennis

45 Inchicronan, Crusheen

Bealcragga, Connolly

Seafield, Quilty

24 Carraig Dubh, Tobartaiscain 34 Dun Na Manach, Quin

96 Turnpike, Ennis

44 Castlerock, Tulla Road, Ennis

7 Drumbiggle Drive, Ennis

The Cottage, Kildysart, Co. Clare

27 Woodlands, Kilrush Road

10 Slí An Fhearghas, Clarecastle

3 Abbeyville, Limerick Road

22A Laghtagoona, Co. Clare

065 672 9999.

Unit 2 Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 WD2H

info@locationlocation.ie locationlocation.ie psl no 003928

26

MOTORING

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

MOTORING

IRISH MARKET SHIFTING TOWARDS HYBRID

T

HE Irish market is gradually shifting more towards plug-in hybrids this year.

Ireland, like many other European countries, is experiencing an EV boom. Passenger plug-in car sales are doubling to 522 registrations in August and 5,127 year-to-date.

The market share jumped to a relatively high 11% in August and 6.5% YTD, and despite the super quick expansion of plugin hybrids, the all-electric vehicles are still holding the majority among the plug-ins.

It’s an open question whether PHEVs (42% of total) will be able to finally beat the BEVs? Model rank The Irish market sees the Nissan LEAF still as the top-selling plug-in model. The Japanese EV has 551 new registrations under its belt YTD, which is noticeably more than the second-best Tesla Model 3 (490).

The Kia Niro PHEV (445) and Hyundai Kona Electric (433) are also not that far away.

Surprisingly the Renault ZOE (the top-selling model in Europe right now) is relatively far from the leaders (#10 overall with 192 registrations), behind the Ford Kuga PHEV (Ford Escape PHEV in the U.S.), with 199 new registrations.

It pays to choose Ireland’s most affordable electric car.

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Ryan bidding to take over from Fitzpatrick as CDSL Chair

K

ILRUSH’S Jason Ryan is among the names in the running to succeed Oliver Fitzpatrick as Chairperson of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), writes Páraic McMahon.

Monday October 12 has been set as the date for the highly anticipated AGM of the CDSL. In the middle of September, outgoing Chairperson Oliver Fitzpatrick and secretary Michael Lydon resigned from their respective positions with immediate effect.

In correspondence issued to clubs to inform them of their departure, both men detailed that relations within the CDSL Committee were turning sour.

“Life is too short,” Oliver said in reference to fellow officers criticising his performance as Chairperson while Lydon admitted, “The enjoyment of soccer for me now is zero mostly due to off field going ons”.

The Clare Echo has learned that CDSL registrar Jason Ryan (right, photo by Martin Connolly) has thrown his name into the ring for the vacant position of Chairperson.

Further potential candidates have yet to emerge in the race to replace Fitzpatrick who had been in the role since 2015. The Kilrush Rangers clubman had expressed concern with resuming the leagues during COVID-19 and subsequently clashed with other officials on the matter.

Ronnie Pyne is tipped to remain as Vice Chairperson. The former CSSL Chairperson had previously tabled a motion to the CDSL AGM calling for the establishment of a committee to handle the master fixtures plan, it is anticipated that a similar proposal will be submitted to entice individuals to go forward to succeed Lydon.

CDSL officials had previously announced that the new season would kick off on the weekend of October 10th/11th.

This will now be delayed until October 18th at the earliest as a new campaign cannot commence until the AGM has been held.

Hehir forms big Clare interest in English Derby for the latest greyhound racing news visit

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THERE will be a big Clare interest in the English Greyhound Derby which gets underway on this Saturday night.

Fresh from her recent success in Shelbourne Park, Coolavanny Chick goes to traps in heat fourteen and will be strongly fancied to secure a spot in the next round, she is trained and owned by Inagh’s Noel Hehir.

Hehir’s kennels are in tremendous form currently with Coolavanny Hardy producing another top class run in the Kasco unraced Sweepstake at Thurles on Saturday night last after he blitzed the field in the opening round , he was installed the red hot 1/3 favourite to land the spoils. Much better into stride this week from trap two, Coolavanny Hardy lay in second place

around the opening turn as Ballyhooly Roch set the pace out in front.

However, showing his ferocious back straight turn of foot, Coolavanny Hardy took control rounding the penultimate turn and stormed to a near seven length victory at the winning line. Chasing Turkey ran a big race to finish second as the clock returned 28.66 and both greyhounds will improve further with a clear passage.

Down Limerick way the man in form is Frank Browne. The Quin handler struck with a hat trick of wins over the weekend meetings. First off the mark was Mine Ceol who is owned by Frank’s wife Mary winning in a time of 29.34 for the 525yds distance.

The Thursday double

was completed by Mine All Ready who is owned

by Francis Browne winning in a very nice time of 28.93 .the Kennel treble was completed on Saturday nights card with Mine Claus claiming A2 525 victory in a time of 29.38.

On that same Saturday nights card the hugely consistent Finure Storm got back to winning ways for his owners the Finnure Syndicate of Mullagh.

Finnure Storm broke well and was not for catching when posting a career best for the trip of 28.71.

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SHC FINAL 2020

SIXMILEBRIDGE

CLARE SENIOR HURLING COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2020

Sixmilebridge in strong position to build on success SEAMUS HAYES

F

OR Sixmilebridge goalkeeper Derek Fahy, the team’s joint captain, Sunday’s championship victory was “a very proud moment”.

“I am absolutely delighted. It’s no secret that we struggled to win back to back titles. We didn’t seem to have the same drive as the years we had won. Its a very proud occasion for all of us and for our families”, he said after he and Shane Golden had accepted the Canon Hamilton trophy from Clare GAA chairman Joe Cooney on Sunday evening.

He believed their final win over O’Callaghans Mills was aided by a strong start. “We always aim to get a good start and today was the first time that we did that in this campaign and we got a lead of a

few points. That was massive as it put doubts in their heads from the start and we kept the scoreboard ticking over”.

Fahy admitted that he was “a little worried” early in the second half when O’Callaghans Mills hit three unanswered points. “We did panic a little for five to ten minutes as a few things didn’t go our way.

If they had tacked on a few frees it would have brought the game a little closer but we remained calm and we responded well. We got a few vital scores, Cathal Malone popped up and Alex Morey got a free”.

“We didn’t panic, we just stuck to the plan. If they had got closer maybe they would have got more confident like they did against Ballyea in the semi-final. We were determined to stay in front. They had beaten Inagh-Kilnamona and Ballyea, fine strong teams that many had fancied to be in the final. Luckily we got over that ten

minutes and built on that”.

As the eldest member of the Bridge panel, Derek reflected on the work done in previous years to foster their success. “I am hurling senior for thirteen years and this is the first time we have retained the title. It took a long time to achieve that.

“Thirteen years involved in senior hurling and I am glad to be a winning captain with Shane Golden. Its great for our families.

When I started out I didn’t think that I would be hurling thirteen years on., I never thought I would be a captain. I am the oldest in the team and this is a special day. I am delighted with that. I am looking forward to next year already. The three in a row is something to think about”, he agreed.

A member of Clare’s All-Ireland winning panel in 2013, Fahy believed Sixmilebridge were in a strong position for the future.

“There are some great underage

Shane Golden and Derek Fahy lift the Canon Hamilton Photo by Gerard ONeill

teams in the club. We are just after winning the under 14 title. There are great facilities there. Every kid

in the parish wants to play hurling for Sixmilebridge”.

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SHC FINAL 2020

‘Failure to win back-to-back would have stuck with us’ SEAMUS HAYES

P

AIDI Fitzpatrick won his fifth Clare SHC medal on Sunday but he surmised that their 2020 campaign was the only one that has finished on a high thus far.

Sixmilebridge’s Fitzpatrick stressed that they “gave a good performance but we had to”. He added, “I think we could have been accused of not firing all year but today we were the better team, we gave a good performance and we had to. We were under no illusions coming up here as the Mills had beaten some serious teams in style along the way and we had to perform today”.

The versatile Sixmilebridge player went on to say, “It’s been a funny year. I don’t know why but we just seemed to hit form every second year throughout the last decade. It was something that would be held against us as a team if we didn’t win back to back titles.

We wanted to put that right this year”.

“We had wanted to do this every other year also but it came together this year. As I’ve said, it’s been a funny year with a break in the competition schedule. We eeked out the win and we are fierce proud of that,” the Clare senior panellist added.

He accepted that Sixmilebridge “dictated the game and that’s something we focused on a lot this year. We mightn’t have done that in other games and we were chasing the win and that was the case in particular in the semi-final. We really put a focus on that today. The bit of experience of having been there before did serve us well and we did get off to a good start, which is half the battle”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Paidi described their latest victory as “a sweet one”.

He explained, “For the first time in this team’s history we are finishing on a high.

Last year we were very disappointed the way it finished in Sixmilebridge in the Munster club and we needed to put that to bed. Our record in Munster doesn’t do justice to the club we represent. It would have been nice to put that to bed but its great to finish the year on a high”.

Sixmilebridge 0-20 O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-12 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Sixmilebridge Frees For: 12 (9/3) Wides: 9 (3/6) Scores from Play: 0-14 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Alex Morey (0-07, 6f) Own Puck-Outs won: 15 from 22 (68%)

Paudie Fitzpatrick celebrates with Cathal Malone Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

O’Callaghan’s Mills Frees For: 11 (4/7) Wides: 10 (3/7) Scores from Play: 0-07 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Colin Crehan (0-05, 4f) Own Puck-Outs won: 20 from 29 (69%)

Tim Crowe, Sixmilebridge manager: “Because we showed absolute respect for the Mills, we weren’t going to be caught. We produced a very good performance but because of the respect we have for the Mills we played so well, I don’t think the Mills did themselves justice, as I said to you before there is pressure on the underdogs as well as the favourites, I think we handled the pressure a bit better than they did. I’m very proud that the Bridge are beside the asterix of winning the COVID championship, the sixteen teams set out to win it and it is an asterix but it is a championship and it is getting closer to Newmarket-on-Fergus. I think the fact that we hadn’t the Clare Cup helped us a lot too, the real test will be next year if there is a Clare Cup, we’ll keep focused on retaining the Canon Hamilton. I think it is Paddy Meehan’s fourteenth county final between being player, manager, selector and chairman, not all wins but it is some record”.

Donach O’Donnell, O’Callaghan’s Mills manager: “I feel very sorry for our crew. They worked so hard all the year and did everything right. We just didn’t perform today, that’s the bottom line. Anytime we got a hold on the game, they got a couple of points or a couple of frees and we made a couple of mistakes.

We never really got right back into contention, we were struggling for a lot of the game. We knew that’s the way they would play. It is hard to break down their system and particularly when you are not getting the frees if you break a tackle and you are pulled. Tere was only one yellow card given in an hour and it’s very hard to deal with that, at least if you are getting your frees you have a chance of breaking down the defence. The Mills have made a lot of progress this year. At the start of the year from where we came, we have improved an awful lot, played some very very good hurling and showed some great courage all the season. Today when things were going bad we never gave up. There is great credit due to the whole club, they are a fantastic group with fantastic support behind them. We have taken a step this year and I hope they can step it up again next year”.

Brian Carey tackles Gary Cooney

Compiled by Páraic McMahon & Seamus Hayes

Photo: Gerard O’Neill

01-10-20 10-09-20

Clare Echo THE

SFC FINAL 2020 Compiled by Páraic McMahon & Seamus Hayes

Cratloe Frees For: 27 (12/15) Wides: 9 (3/6) Scores from Play: 0-05 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Cathal McInerney (0-06 6f) Own kickouts won: 15 from 20 (75%)

Aiden ‘Horse’ Moloney, Kilmurry Ibrickane manager: “It’s as good a championship as we’ve ever won. When you beat Miltown, Éire Óg, Lissycasey and Cratloe, I think we beat the cream of the crop.

“The game started slowly today. We didn’t make the best start, I think Cratloe went two points up. The goal from Mark Killeen was a major changing point in the game, we kicked five points after that and it set us up for the game, Cratloe were chasing it a little after that.

“A bit like the semi-final, I think we took our foot off the pedal but we finished strong again, overall it was a fair result. They finished their games strong and they finished strong again.

Our lads were set well, we rowed our luck here and there a little bit there is no doubt, but realistically with five or six minutes to go we were fairly well set defensively but there was always the option of a counter-attack which got points.

“To be honest, I feel I’m part of this team, I played with some of these fellas in the past when they were young lads, they respect me and to be honest if they didn’t I wouldn’t be there. We all come from the same place and we all want to achieve the same thing, last year didn’t go great, maybe we have to lose one to win one back. I’m really delighted for all the younger players we brought on this year, we made some big changes from our goalkeeper outwards, we blooded some new players in Diarmuid King, Andrew Shannon, they had the legs and in Cusack Park you have to be able to run and we had those great runners in the middle of the field with Aidan McCarthy and Dermot Coughlan, when you give them the ball in open space they are going to hurt you.”

Colm Collins, Cratloe manager: “I have spent my life saying nothing about referees and I am not going to start now. The result is very disappointing for us. I felt some of the scores we got in previous games, we didn’t get today. We needed to get them, obviously it was going to be a very tight game. It is disappointing as the scores we got in other games didn’t go over today”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

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Shane Gleeson and Darragh Sexton shake hands after the final Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Kilmurry Ibrickane 1-12 Cratloe 0-12 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Kilmurry Ibrickane Frees For: 17 (12/5) Wides: 7 (4/3) Scores from Play: 1-10 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Keelan Sexton (0-5, 2f) Own kickouts won: 17 from 21 (81%)

pg 30

Nephew and uncle David Sexton and Ian McInerney Photo by Gerard O’Neill

‘For some reason, this title means the most’ - Sexton PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

D

ARRAGH Sexton was one of the finds of the summer in 2016 when Kilmurry Ibrickane won a first Clare SFC title in four years. They retained the title a year later but with three seasons deprived of championship success, the defender made sure to absorb the moment as he got reacquainted with the Jack Daly.

Saturday’s three point win over Cratloe gifted Darragh with his third Clare SFC medal. It was one he had to wait longer than planned for. “I did two in my first two years and I thought we would win every year, I’ve been waiting a while for this third medal but for some reason this one means the most”.

Wing-back on the side, Sexton provided an excellent delivery to his namesake Keelan Sexton to set up their first score with five minutes played which would settle the ship as Cratloe had already gone two points clear by this stage. “I did a nice bit of running and it was good to get on a bit of ball,” he said of his contribution throughout the contest in picking up breaks and launching counter-attacks.

“More importantly, every single player really played well today, we were gunning for this all year, we put in the hard work and we’re really delighted with this,” the business customer advisor with AIB added.

Sexton is grateful to get the opportunity to play alongside experienced men such as Martin McMahon, Shane Hickey and Darren Hickey whom he credits for making life much easier for the entire Kilmurry Ibrickane defence.

“This is my fifth year on the team, getting to play with the likes of Martin McMahon and the Hickeys, they make you very comfortable on the ball. You have the lads organising everything and it frees you up, they tell you what to do. I’ve got that bit of experience and composure now on the ball, it was a good performance”.

He described the displays of their younger guns as “amazing” and believed they added a new dimension to their cause in 2020.

“It was Andrew Shannon’s first year breaking into the team, Diarmuid King was excellent but it’s really the mix we have between youth and experience. Half of our starting team is under 24 someone said and I didn’t even realise that, it shows we are integrating these lads and it is good to see the hunger is still there,” the Corofin resident added.

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Clare Echo THE

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SFC FINAL 2020

KILMURRY IBRICKANE CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2020

Thrilled to give Kilmurry a lift in these strange times PÁRAIC MCMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

ETTING their hands on Jack Daly for the first time since 2017 has given Kilmurry Ibrickane supporters the perfect tonic in the midst of a global pandemic, star man Keelan Sexton believed.

Scorer in chief with 0-05 to his name, Keelan came up with vital offerings as Kilmurry Ibrickane won their sixteenth Clare SFC title overcoming Cratloe by three points on Saturday evening in Cusack Park.

“Times are uncertain and people don’t know what is happening, it is nice to be able to celebrate, to have something to look forward and to give the people of our parish something to be happy about in this strange time,” the Clare senior footballer reflected moments after

inspiring the Bricks to glory.

Collecting his third senior championship was a great feeling, the three-time national boxing champion admitted. “It is great to be here in strange times, I’m probably at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to the amount of senior medals. You can’t really describe it until the final whistle goes and the euphoria fills your body and you think of all the hard sessions you did during the year and all the slogs you did on your own, they were worth it and thankfully it was worth it”.

Mentioning sacrifice and what it takes to get to the top, Sexton omits referring to the brownie he decided not to purchase when dropping into Dodi in Lahinch on the morning of the final but is quickly reminded of it by The Clare Echo. “Normally I’d be good for it the week of a championship, I won’t say that too loudly because there are a lot of lads who want me

to give them up and go on the salads, I’ll keep doing what’s working, it was worth it today but I’ll have to have one in the morning”.

Although only 23, Keelan is one of the most experienced players lining out for Aiden Moloney’s side. “I’m old now I think,” he remarked. “That is three out of six seasons I’m on. We left one behind last year, Michael Hogan has said this was his last game, I remember coming into my first session, he was there so was Steven Moloney, Odran O’Dwyer, Peter O’Dwyer, Johnny Daly, they christen you really quickly and I’m delighted we kept the tradition going on, as the All Blacks say you want to leave the jersey in a better place, we’re back here today and we will enjoy this one. The crowd we’re playing with at home, they are hungry, they want more, they are like animals down there and we will try keep them happy”.

With no Munster club campaign

Keelan Sexton keeps Mike Brennan by his side Photo by Gerard ONeill

to focus on, Keelan said that celebrations would become the priority. “We’re in it together, we lose together and we celebrate togeth-

er. We were sick going home on the bus last year, we’re a bit happier this year and that is the main thing”.

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IFC FINAL 2020

Rebuilding key for St Joseph’s return to senior - Tom O’Brien Tom O’Brien in control

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Doora Barefield 1-16 Corofin 2-08 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Doora Barefield Frees For: 17 (9/8) Wides: 8 (4/4) Scores from Play: 0-10 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Conor Brannock (0-5, 3f) Own kickouts won: 8 from 17 (47%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Corofin Frees For: 14 (5/9) Wides: 7 (7/0) Scores from Play: 2-05 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Robin Mounsey (1-01) Own kickouts won: 13 from 25 (52%)

Kevin Frehill, St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield manager: “It was a really slow start to the year for us, our first couple of performances weren’t anywhere near where we wanted to be but we kept getting through and getting the results, it just clicked for us against Shannon Gaels they had the ability and played superb, we were praying that it would keep going for this game and they really brought it again today. Luckily in the last five minutes of the first half, I felt there was a change, we were trying to be positive at half-time because I felt we were on the up. Immediately after the ball was thrown in we created two goal chances, from there on we felt we were in control of the game, we had ridden our shaky period and come through, they showed unbelievable character to come back into it. I’m unbelievably proud, it would have been easy for us to die, we went five points down, heads had dropped.

Corofin had serious talent but our lads showed unbelievable character and I think fitness really told in the second half.

It means a huge amount for us to be back senior, we were relegated in the year where they changed the structure, it was a bad year for us overall, we had a change of management halfway through the year. The age profile of our team, senior is where they need to be, the average age is twenty or twenty two, it is a relatively young team”.

Colm Clancy, Corofin manager: “It fell apart, that’s the words for it, the legs seemed to go from the lads, we didn’t seem to have the energy and they upped their game. It is bitterly disappointing, it is hard to take but maybe the semi-final was our final and we couldn’t get ourselves up for this one. We could have been further ahead, we were playing well in the first half. If you focus on the wides you would get flat from it, the legs throughout the team seemed to drop slightly, they upped it and we hadn’t any answer to them. It is very disappointing, we want to perform day in day out and in that second half there was no real performance, it is very disappointing. If we gave it a lash and were close at the end you’d say something but that is hugely disappointing”.

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

ONSISTENT improvement has been a feature of St Josephs Doora/Barefield’s two year stint in the intermediate championship according to goalkeeper Tom O’Brien.

Tom’s first year on the panel in 2018 coincided with their relegation from the senior ranks.

He is of the view that the pain of that experience has made them a stronger side. “With my first year on the senior panel, there was a gang of us that came up from savage minor teams and we played against Clondegad and Éire Óg in the year that four dropped down, it was fairly gut-wrenching but sometimes you do need to rebuild, you need to go down and gain experience.”

When Robin Mounsey put the ball past O’Brien on 24 minutes, Corofin held a 1-05 0-02 lead on Sunday. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried,” he admitted.

“But you have to be confident the lads up top would start getting ferocious in the tackle, turn over balls and put pressure on their kickouts, that is the difference. It is very hard for a back one on one against the likes of Jamie Malone, Gearoid Cahill, Robin Mounsey and Diarmuid Cahill but once we started stop-

ping them up top that was the difference.”

Moments before the final water break, The Parish were dealt a setback when man-marker Conor O’Brien was given a black card by referee Barry Kelly. Without the defender that was assigned the task of keeping tabs on Jamie Malone, they could have crumbled but instead limited Corofin to a single score during his period in the sin-bin.

Their resolve came as no surprise to car salesman Tom. “We’ve lads there that could do a job, I could name lads in the full-forward line that can come out and do a wing back or a fullback’s job. We brought so many subs on, Tom McDonald drove through twice for two scores, he was doing shift work and coming straight back into training, that is where you have to be to go back up to senior”.

Clare’s U20 netminder is confident they will continue to improve when they return to the senior ranks. “We know we can play ball, we’ve been in and out of games all year but now we’re back up. We’re finding that we were going for twenty, thirty or forty minutes, we’re going to get there, we’re still building but the talent there is just ridiculous. Most of our mistakes were personal mistakes, bad hand passing and stuff like that which happens but we’re going to build and keep building, we’re so looking forward to next year”.

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Clare Echo THE

IFC / MHC FINAL 2020 Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

Corofin-Ruan 2-16 Feakle-Killanena 2-11 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Corofin-Ruan Frees For: 17 (8/9) Wides: 10 (4/6) Scores from Play: 1-07 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Shane Punch (1-09) Own puck-outs won: 14 from 21 (67%)

Duggan confident The Parish can succeed at senior PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

F

RESH from securing their promotion to the Clare SFC, Leo Duggan expressed his confidence that St Josephs Doora/Barefield can leave a mark in the 2021 senior campaign.

Fitness and self-belief were key factors referenced by Leo as St Josephs Doora/Barefield overcame Corofin1-16 2-08 in Cusack Park on Sunday. They let the Corofin side dominate the opening half but this was nothing new given the way their campaign has functioned throughout 2020.

He said, “We’ve been funny all year, we haven’t started games too well. We played against Michael Cusacks in Corofin and we were six points down after 15 minutes. The team is young, there is not a lot of experience, we didn’t panic and there is some serious young talent in that team. We always knew the fitness levels would come through in the end and we would finish games exceptionally well, we always knew we would finish strong. We have a serious bench, we have a great panel, any of the lads can play. We held on for the first half and drove on in the second.”

Uncertainty surrounding the running of the 2020 championship in the midst of a pandemic ensured Duggan and Doora/ Barefield appreciated getting over the line and claiming the Talty Stores Trophy. “At the start of the year we didn’t know what

was going to happen and we were just happy to get back training. The team is exceptionally young, the average age is 19 or 20, there is a couple of us in our late twenties, we’re trying to build for the future, the management came in last year and did a flaking job, we’re absolutely delighted and taking it game by game. We went out and tried to do the right things, it came off today and we’re delighted.”

A dual-player with the club, Leo admitted that the hurt of their semi-final defeat in the intermediate hurling championship inspired the footballers to take the chance.

“We didn’t perform in the semi-final of the hurling against Tubber and we were bitterly disappointed, we had a good few lads that were involved in both and that disappointment drove lads on both.

“We want to be senior in both, we think we’re good enough to be senior in both, we want to be competing and there is no reason why next year we can’t drive on in the intermediate hurling and be back in senior”.

Kevin Frehill’s side have the ability to cause upsets in next year’s senior campaign, the Barefield based primary school teacher believed. “There was a great game in the senior final but there is no reason why this team can’t push on next year, the teams that have come up from intermediate have done really well at senior, anything can happen on a given day. If we put our heads down and add a couple more young lads, there is more great talent coming through, the average age of the team is so young that we’re only going to be able to drive on”.

Feakle-Killanena Frees For: 16 (9/7) Wides: 9 (7/2) Scores from Play: 2-06 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorer: Keith Smyth (0-09) Own puck-outs won: 18 from 28 (64%)

Joe Cahill, Corofin-Ruan manager: “We’re delighted to have just got over the line in the end. We knew this was going to be tough as Feakle/Killanena were in this final on merit so we had to battle. We expected it to go right down to the wire and it did so luckily we got that crucial goal at the end to finally put some daylight between us. We had played Clarecastle and Sixmilebridge and I think that stood to us in the end today as we were battle-hardened from those matches and were quite prepared to go to battle again.

“It took a little patience too as Feakle/Killanena starting winning a lot of rook balls that we pride ourselves on winning so our boys had to stick with it right until the end. Shane Punch’s free-taking was impeccable all day and in general his ball winning ability is second to none and it took two or three men to stop him today so he’s a great player. To win back-to-back Minor A’s is brilliant but our primary focus is getting these lads prepared and ready for playing adult competition. If you look back on this competition, Sixmilebridge won back-to-back titles in 1993 and ’94 and a lot of those players went on to win senior medals so our vision has to be that too. So while it’s great to win trophies and medals at underage, it’s just as important that we develop guys that are ready to play adult competition”.

Tommy Guilfoyle, Feakle-Killanena manager: “We’re gutted to lose but at the same time, I’m so proud of the lads for just giving their all and performing in a Minor A Final. Credit to Corofin/Ruan, they showed what they can do last year and have backed that up this year so they’re a super team but I’m just immensely proud of the Feakle/Killanena players from the goalie right out. We may have a small panel but they are a very committed panel and once you have that, there are no limitations. It brought us all the way to the final and while we probably got off to a nervy start which was understandable, again the lads showed their true character in the manner in which they came back and it had to take a late sucker-punch to decide it in the end. We just had to go for it at that stage and Corofin/ Ruan just caught us on the break so fair play to them for showing their own character when required. This year was a unique year and we had a unique bunch of players so we set out to write our own bit of history in 2020 for the right reasons. There’s great credit due to the clubs, the COVID officers, the parents and the players for their handling of the restrictions. It was all hands on deck and it got us to a final.”

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THE GAME CENTRE HURLING

Results Senior hurling championship final: Sixmilebridge 0-20 O’Callaghans Mils 0-11 Minor A hurling championship final: Corofin/Ruan 2-16 Feakle-Killanena 2-11

FOOTBALL

Results Senior football championship final: Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-12 Cratloe 0-12

Intermediate football championship final: St.Josephs Doora/Barefield 1-16 Corofin 2-8 Junior A football championship semi-finals: Ballyvaugfhan 2-14 St. Senans Kilkee 1-11 Banner 1-9 Ennistymon 0-8 Minor A football championship semifinal: Ennistymon 0-10 St Breckans 0-6 Under 14 A football final: Lissycasey 0-10 Ennistymon 1-6

CAMOGIE

Lee’s Road, 12.30pm

Fixtures Sunday, Oct 4 Munster senior club semi-final: Inagh/Kilnamona v Courcey Rovers (Cork) in Inagh at 2pm

RUGBY

Fixtures Sunday, Oct 4 Women’s Community Series Conference 2: Ennis RFC v Kilrush

North Under 20 League: Ennis v Bruff, Ennis Munster Under 18 League Conference 4: Bruff v Ennis, Kilballyowen Park, 1pm; Nenagh Ormond v Kilrush, Nenagh, 1pm; Munster Under 16 League Conference 4: Ballina-Killaloe v Bruff, Killaloe, 2pm; Ennis v Newport, Ennis, 12pm;

Spanish Point crowned Pierce Purcell champs

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Linnane (13), also with 41 points, in third spot.

They were followed by Colm Murphy (19) who also returned 41 points. The category winners were Derek Byrne (13) with 40 points, Derek Garvey (15) with 39 points and Gavin Duffy (18) with 38 point

Spanish Point’s Patrick Hogan celebrates the winning putt of The AIG Pierce Purcell Shield Final Photo by Oisin Keniry

By Seamus Hayes SPANISH Point were crowned Munster Pierce Purcell champions at Fermoy on Sunday.

Having defeated Cahir Park in Saturday morning’s semi-final they faced Kenmare in the final on Saturday afternoon. With the teams level at two wins each, the fifth match was adjourned on Saturday evening due to failing light. The pairings resumed on Sunday evening at the sixth tie hole and the Spanish Point pairing of Sean McMahon and Patrick Hogan won to seal the Provincial title for the West Clare club on a 3/2 scoreline.

Kevin Hynes and Niall Heaney were 5/4 winners over Pearse O’Shea and David O’Dwyer while Mervin Hehir and Cillian Duggan had a 6/4 victory over John Guest and Sean O’Regan.

Fergal and Mervin Hehir lost by one hole to John Maye and Michael O’Sullivan while Mike Donnelly and Michael O’Brien also lost by one, going down to Chris Dale and Robin Clifford In the semi-final Spanish Point had a 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 win over Cahir Park on Saturday.

Kevin Hynes and Nall Heaney beat Kevin McGuire and Paddy Farrell 3/2; Fergal and Mervin

Hehir were 5/4 winners over Thomas Walsh and Barry McCormack, while Mervin Hehir and Cillian Duggan were 7/6 winners over Christian Healy and John Ryan.

Seamus McMahon and Michael O’Brien lost to Willie Morrissey and John McGrath 4/3 while the match involving Patrick Hogan and Sean McMahon with Donal Mullane and Thomas Kinnane was called in.

In earlier rounds Spanish Point defeated Kilkee(4/1), Kilrush (4/1), Woodstock (3 1/2 to 1 1/2) and Nenagh(4/1) WOODSTOCK: Brian Logue is the new seniors captain at Woodstock. He takes over from Tony Coote who has held the position throughout 2020. Following last week’s outing many tributes were paid to Tony on his season as captain.

Last week’s competition was won by Tony Coote, Eugene Conroy and Ger Griffey with 49 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The Talty Stores open was the competition for men at Kilrush last week when Fergal O’Connor (20) emerged with honours with 42 points. He had one to spare over Bill O’Reilly (19) with Joe

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s 18 hole stroke competition for Ennis ladies was won by Patricia Moroney (21) with 77. She returned a better back 9 to win from Helen Harnett(24) who also had 77 which was one stroke ahead of third placed Mary Woulfe (27) on 78.

The ladies 9 hole stableford competition was won

by Claire Ruane (9) with 19 points from Mary McMahon (12) with 18 points.

Ann Kehoe (16) was third with 17 points followed by Rose Enright (14) with 17 points, Emer McHale (16) with 16 points, Kate Keohane (12) with 16 points and Carmel Verling (10) with 15 points.

DROMOLAND: Diarmuid McMahon was the winner of the Friday open singles at Dromoland with 40 points. He had two to spare over Fiachra McMahon with Donal McGrath, also with 38 points, in third spot. Jason O’Leary won the gross with 31 points.

The Fred O’Flanagan, v par members competition, was won

by Eoin Heaney with 7 up from Philip Alldritt on 5 up with Brendan Lennon in third spot with 3 up. Jason O’Leary again won the gross, this time with 2 up In the mid week 9 hole competition Will O’Callaghan was the winner with 23 points from

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065 689 3540 Paudie Dorgan on 21 points and Conor Brannock on 20 points.

CLARECASTLE: Clarecastle society president Ger Ward’s prize was played for at Ballykisteen last weekend with John Mc Carthy emerging as the overall winner. Joe Green was second, Bernard Hanrahan third, Pake Murtagh fourth with Liam Barry in fifth position.

James Murtagh and Donnagh

Murphy were the nines’ winners and Paschal Russell claimed the past president’s prize.

The society’s next outing is to Adare Manor(Old Course) golf club on Saturday October 17.

GORT GOLF CLUB: Last Monday’s 18 hole stableford competition for men at Gort was won by Mark Deegan (8) with 40 points. He had two to spare over Pat McNamara

(19) with third spot filled by Rob Boyce (11), also with 39 points. Sean Myatt (1) won the gross with 32 points The weekend competition was for the Josie McInerney trophy and the winner of this 18 hole singles event was Laurence O’Loughlin (12) with 44 points from John Rodgers (7) with 41 and Eamonn Higgins (24) with 40 points. Enda Connolly (8) won the gross with 29 points.

pg 35

01-10-20

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Clare Masters Basketball prepared for new season

CLARE Cascaders are appealing for new members to sign up to their masters team ahead of the upcoming season.

Basketball Ireland have announced a Cup competition for Master’s basketball for both male and female in two categories, under forties and under fifties. This will culminate in a finals weekend at the National Basketball Arena in February 2021, a first for the association.

Clare Cascaders ladies have led the charge with successful outings at the Galway and Kilkenny Masters, the most prestigious of the tournaments to date.

They were pipped by a single basket in the Kilkenny 2019 Semi Final. The Men’s team turned in a strong performance at Galway making the 2017 Plate Final.

The annual Frank Gallery tournament

welcomes back former players of the Claremont Admirals team of the eighties. The 2019 tournament was played at Breezy Point New York, hosted by former player Dan Leary and was an international Masters event. The ladies team had to pull out of the Kilkenny tournament this year due to COVID-19.

Apart from this new competition the Cascaders Masters will be starting workouts at the new CBS Yard MUGA facility shortly with dates and times to be announced.

Enda Byrt said, “We want to hear from players who have passed the 40 threshold to get in touch if they are keen to extend their playing careers and most importantly join in the fun”.

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Ennis Hockey aim for better infrastructure SARAH CLARKE news@clareecho.ie

E

STABLISHED in October 2019, the Ennis Hockey Club is the first of its kind in Clare.

Just into their first year of existence, they already have 70 juvenile and 20 adult members. The Clare Echo sat down with committee members; Head Coach Daniel Potts, Club Secretary Marta Miciula-Osak and Liaison Officer Shanelle Waring to discuss the impact Covid-19 had on the club and their hopes for better infrastructure to support this fast growing sport.

The club was very much in its foundation when Covid hit. For Ennis Hockey Club, the challenge comes mostly in a form of venue availability. “Hockey is played on a 2G Astroturf and there is lack of these type of facilities in Clare. This unfortunately significantly limits our ability to grow”, says Daniel. Before the pandemic, the club trained both

indoors and outdoors, however indoor training is no longer viable.

The club is working with and very appreciative of the support from Ennis CBS, however, as the committee outlines, the astroturf pitch can only fit smaller groups at any given time.

This puts a strain on the amount of people attending training, and with no flood lights available, also to times they can train at. The second venue where the club trains, Gurteen GAA, is also supportive, but being home to Barefield GAA, has limited time availability.

As the club is heading into their third term, almost everyone who trained with them prior to Covid is willing to come back. While obviously this is a clear sign that there is place for new sports in Clare, between the group size regulations and pitch situation, availability for all who want to try the sport is a challenge.

The club has looked into other venues in Clare to little avail. Either the pitches are too small, there is a lack ofavailable slots or lighting, or

it is not suitable to practice hockey training or games.

Shanelle states that, “It would mean everything to the club and players to have a new hockey pitch in Ennis. There is no facility Ennis Hockey Club haven’t tried to get into. It would be amazing for us. We could set teams, aim higher and get players on the national team with the

Olympics in mind.” Marta added, “It would definitely be an opportunity to make hockey a regular and widely played sport in Clare. From kids playing with us, we also see that it greatly improves their skills for other sports such as camogie or hurling, and likewise” Ennis Hockey Club are appealing for funding for a hockey pitch in Lee’s

Road. At the moment funds are being generated through membership.

Clare Sports Partnership has helped greatly and has agreed to cover some training and gear costs. A number of bag packing days at Tesco had been organised but due to Covid-19, this is no longer feasible. As much as the venue situation is putting a dampener on the development of the club, they are very hopeful for the future.

With the planned expansion of Lee’s Road Sports and Amenity Park, EHC is hoping to work with the County Council to build a suitable MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) pitch. To support this plea, the club is also looking at securing more funding from other sides.

Shannelle concludes, “In the near future we will absolutely be seeing people from Ennis playing hockey for Ireland at the Olympics. So many people are excited about hockey which is great because GAA and soccer isn’t for everyone and hockey is a new outlet. Ennis Hockey Club needs the County Council’s help.”

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PLANNING 37

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLERK EAST, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that M. Haugh intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect slatted shed and yard 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.

dwelling house, relocate site entrance and carry out all ancillary site works at Clonteen, Ballyalla, Ennis, Co. Clare.

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

areas, boundary treatments & all ancillary site works at above address. A Natura Impact Statement(N.I.S.) shall be submitted to the Planning Authority as part of this application.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on CLARE COUNTY payment of the prescribed COUNCIL fee of €20 within the period CLONLARA of 5 weeks beginning on CO. CLARE the date of receipt by the Take Notice that We D.T.W authority of the application.

Construction Ltd. intend to apply to Clare County CLARE COUNTY Council For Permission COUNCIL for the Construction of a FURTHER total of 70 Dwellinghouses INFORMATION/ (including 14 no. Detached REVISED PLANS 4 Bed houses, 4 No. split PLANNING REF: 20/297 level 4 Bed houses, 12 Development Description: No. Semi-Detached 4 Demolition of an existing Bed houses, 36 No. Semi- dwelling house and Detached 3 Bed houses, construction of a single CLARE COUNTY 4 No. Semi-Detached 2 replacement dwelling COUNCIL Bed houses) and for new house, provision of a CLONTEEN, connections to public new vehicular access BALLYALLA, ENNIS, services including water onto the Drumcliff Road, CO. CLARE & foul sewerage including provision of a new waste Take notice that Michael pumping station, rising water treatment system, Keating Dip. Arch., on main and associated percolation area and behalf of David Bourke and plant. Permission is also connections ancillary to the Maura McNamara, intends sought for vehicular and residential development, to apply to Clare County pedestrian entrances, appropriate landscaping Council for permission to access roads, footpaths, and boundary treatments, carry out alterations to their landscaping works, parking as well as all associated site development works and services. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

Location: Drumcliff, Ennis, Co. Clare Take notice that Maeve O’Doherty has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application Pl. Ref. 20/297. 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 THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE. an Chláir, New Road, Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Ennis, Co. Clare during its Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally public opening hours. A as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost submission or observation despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. in relation to the significant Make use I implore you of that particular privilege further information or given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost revised plans may be despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need made to the Authority in that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven writing on payment of in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that the prescribed fee €20.00 I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I within the period of 5 weeks promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this beginning on the date of great favour to always honour you as my special & receipt by the Authority powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion of this newspaper and site to you. Amen. notice.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

THANKSGIVING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARMODY STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates: Architects & Chartered Engineers of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Patricia Collins for permission to (a) Demolish 2 No. sub-standard single storey town houses (b) extend adjoining dwelling house (c) construct 2 No. two story town houses together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL KNOCKADERREEN, BRIDGETOWN, KILLALOE. Take notice that Aidan McKeogh intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit, new meal silo and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CAPPAGH MORE, BAREFIELD. Take notice that Eoin Hennessy intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted cubicle unit and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable

LICENCE APPLICATIONS cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CULLEEN, DRUMLINE. Take notice that Fergal O Grady intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CLOONNAKILLA, BALLYNACALLY. Take notice that Michael Coughlan intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit, new animal handling yard with cattle crush and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application CLARE CO. COUNCIL CAHERSHAUGHNESSY, SPANCIHILL. Take notice that Sean & Shane Halpin intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ENNISTYMON RD, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that H. Meade intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish a substandard building and to construct a new shed and front boundary wall along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

THE CIRCUIT COURT (AN CHUIRT CHUARDA) SOUTH WESTERN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF CLARE IN THE MATTER OF TIIE LICENSING ACTS 1833 - 2012 AND IN THE MATTER OF TIIE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT 1961 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 2 OF THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 AS AMENDED

BY SECTION 23 OF THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY EAMON DUGGAN, MALACHYS BAR, MAIN STREET, QUIN, CO. CLARE NOTICE OF APPLICATION EAMON DUGGAN. MALACHY’S BAR TAKE NOTICE that Eamon Duggan whose place of abode is Maitr Street, Quin, Co. Clare, intends to apply to the Circuit Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis in the County of Clare on the 27th day of October 2020 at 10.30 am in the morning or on such day thereafter as this Application may be taken in it’s order in the Court List for such Certificate as is mentioned in Section 5 ofthe Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1833 entitling and enabling the said Applicant to obtain an Excise Licence (commonly called an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s On Licence) to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on and off the premises known as “Malachys Bar” and situate at Main Street, Quin in the County of Clare which said premises are more particularly described on the plans and drawings accompanying this Application.

Dated this 28th day of September 2020 Signed by Hassett Considine Solicitors LLP. Solicitors for the Applicant 9 Carmody Street Business Park Carmody Street Ennis Co. Clare To: The Superintendent, An Garda Si6ch6na, Ennis, Co. Clare And: The Chief Fire Officer, Clare Co. Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare And: The County Registrar.

Circuit Court Office The Courthouse Ennis, Co. Clare

38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES OCT 01

Best Daily Word Search: 28 September 2020

WORD SEARCH

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

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1 Young women (5) 2 Rebuke (4,3) 3 Summit (4) 4 Insensibility (8) 5 Fruit of vine (5) 6 Bring back to life (6) 11 Asian country (3,5) 12 Public speaker (6) 13 Breathed in (7) 15 Stage-player (5) 17 Dirty (5) 18 Reflected sound (4)

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, OCT 1 2020

The Clare Echo Quiz • The Cliffs of Moher • Loophead Lighthouse • Poulnabrone Dolmen

Multiple scenes from the classic 2 1987 film ‘The Princess Bride’ were shot in county Clare but who directed that film?

• Steven Spielberg • Ron Howard • Rob Reiner

Ennis born actress Simone Kirby 3 played the character of Oonagh in which of the following Ken Loach films

• ‘The wind that shakes the Barley’ • ‘Kes’ • ‘Jimmy’s Hall’

Simone Kirby also played a 4 character in the popular English television show ‘Peaky Blinders’.

What character did she play?

• Irene O’Donnell • Grace Burgess • Polly Gray

5

Ennis native Kelly Gough appeared in the BBC’s popular drama series ‘Call the _______’ a.

• Doctor • Midwife • Ambulance

6

Last year Ennis celebrated local athlete Emma Barrett winning

• Chariots of fire • Boats of fire • Olympics of fire

Paul Newman starred in a 1973 7 cold-war spy thriller, some of which was set in Clare. What was the name of that film?

• The sting • The Mackintosh man • The spy who came out from the cold

A large portion of the ‘The Ser8 pents Kiss’ (1997) starring a young Ewan McGregor and Richard E. Grant was shot in which Clare town?

l QUESTION 8 : A large portion of the ‘The Serpents Kiss’ (1997) starring a

young Ewan McGregor and Richard E. Grant was shot in which Clare town?

• Ennis • Sixmilebridge • Lisdoonvarna

’Guns of Heather’ (1967) was shot 9 on location in Clare. Which of the following American film stars is seen playing hurling in the film?

• Kurt Russel • Cary Grant • Jack Lemmon

‘Into The West’ is another film 10 which features the cliffs of Moher but what year was it released?

• 1980 • 1996 • 1992

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS 6: Chariots of fire 7: The Mackintosh man 8: Sixmilebridge 9: Kurt Russel 10:1992

and the half- blood’?

gold at the ‘Special Olympics’ as part of Ireland’s 25m freestyle relay team. Olympic glory was also celebrated in the 1982 best picture winner. What was the name of that film?

1: The Cliffs of Moher 2: Rob Reiner 3: ‘Jimmy’s Hall’ 4: Irene O’Donnell 5: Midwife

Which of the following famous 1scene Clare landmarks appeared in a in the 2009 film ‘Harry Potter

By Tadhg Holland

TY student at Pobalscoil Ghort Inse Guaire

Last weeks Answers . Shadow missing on ground (right) . Tower on church missing . Window on church missing . Flowers/plants different colour

. Tree missing in the background . Pole in background missing . Pendant missing on man (left)

Sixmilebridge v O’Callaghans Mills Photo by Gerard O’Neill