The Clare Echo 01/12/22

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Clare farmers sleeping with their shotguns

PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE FARMERS are ready to take the law into their own hands.

Farmers in East Clare “have the shotgun loaded under the bed at night,” Cllr Pat Burke (FG) told Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) with increasing frustration over the apparent injustice in light of recent burglaries in Whitegate and Scariff.

“I can see it happening where the farmers will

take the law into their own hands,” the former Deputy Mayor of Clare stated.

Similar frustration is brewing in Ennistymon, community representative Bill Slattery said, “Farmers are being bullied and intimidated, I fear we’ll have to go back to a Padraig Nally situation where farmers went to get their own guns to protect their areas”. The Lahinch man called for Gardaí to be armed to try stamp out the prevalence of such crimes.

Ennis Supt, John Galvin voiced his reluctance for Gardaí to be armed.

l Graduate Bridget Haren from Ennis, Clare of Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty pictured as Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board conferral ceremony for the first eight graduates of the new QQI award ‘Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing’. These graduates are the first nationally-recognised, qualified hairdressers in the country. TV presenter, fashion designer and former hairdresser, Brendan Courtney, hosted the ceremony in the Limerick Strand Hotel, in front of the graduates’ family, friends and invited guests.

Photo by Brian Arthur

16 days of action against domestic abuse

DOMESTIC Abuse contin ues to happen unabated so Clare Haven Services is marking 16 Days of Ac tion on Violence Against Women.

The 16 Days of activism against gen der-vased violence is an annual interna tional campaign from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Vi olence against Women, until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It aims to raise aware ness and to call for the prevention and elim ination of violence against women and girls.

Dr Siobhán O’Connor, Manager of Ser vices at Clare Haven Services, which works to protect women and children being sub jected to abuse and violence in the home, says, “Each year we look at a different theme to see can we address the cycle of violence against women that exists in Clare Society.

“This year the theme is ‘Unite’ - we be lieve that we can rid Irish society of domes tic abuse if we unite against it. We encour age all of civic society to unite with us and rid our communities of fear and pain.”

On Tuesday December 6, Clare Haven Services will once again host a Candlelight Walk. This is a sombre, reflective walk from the Garda Station to the Court House in Ennis to think about the lights extinguished when the women we remember were killed. Congregating at Ennis Garda Station 6.15pm to depart at 6.30pm for the Ennis

Court house in partnership with An Garda Siochana and the Court Services.

Information stands and a meet & greet with Clare Haven staff will also take place at Ennistymon Library (Friday December 2); Ennis Library (Monday December 5); and Scariff Library (Tuesday December 20) where carol singing will also take place.

Clare Haven is available 24 hours a day on 0656822435 for individuals to reach out for information, support and a safety net.

l GAEILGE LE CHEILE: Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board staff presenting an Irish Resource pack for 4th class children in Ennis Educate Together National School to encourage Irish conversation in the home. Some of the parents attend English classes provided by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. Children in the photo are from different classes and are from Ireland, Ukraine, Syria, Taiwan and Slovakia Photo by Michael Kearney

Clare is at capacity for Ukrainians, Crowe (TD)

CLARE has “reached capacity” in terms of accommodation Ukrainian refugees, a Govern ment TD has said.

About 64,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since Russia’s invasion in February of this year. Clare accounts for the sixth highest proportion of this figure with 3,643 spread across the county compared with Dublin (11,215), Kerry (5,988), Cork (5,615), Donegal (4,477) and Galway (3,705).

Of the arrivals in Clare, an estimated one third of these are under the age of 18. A break down of the amount in the county was provid ed by Acting Director of Services Ukrainian Services Development of Clare County Coun cil, Jason Murphy at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee.

Displaced Ukrainians are located in Lis doonvarna (940), Ennis (691), Shannon (401), Bunratty (390), Ballyvaughan (379), Kilkee (310), Bodyke (111), Lahinch (65), Liscannor (58), Killaloe (38), Kilrush (33), Clarecastle (17), Kilmaley (15), Newmarket-on-Fergus (11) with those initially in Flagmount now in tegrated to the community and no longer re siding in the community centre which along with the Quin Rd in Ennis and the Tradaree building in Newmarket-on-Fergus is one of three rest centres in Clare.

Speaking at the JPC meeting, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) flagged that the Radisson Hotel in Meelick was not included in the figures. The presence of “army tents” next to “Ireland’s oldest refugee centre” in Meelick was ref erenced by Crowe who spoke of his unsuc cessful efforts to get access to view the site at Knockalisheen, “it is inhumane to have peo ple in tents. We’ve got to the point not only in Lisdoonvarna and West Clare, we were right to have our arms wide opened but there is no shame to say we’ve reached capacity, a roof overhead is one head of providing care, there’s schools and transport”.

“We’ve reached capacity,” Deputy Crowe commented. He added, “In November ‘22, I believe we’re at capacity, to try funnel more people through the system it does an injus tice to them”.

International protection at Knockalisheen is managed by IPAS and the Department of Justice, Murphy responded. “I think the point you’re making in relation to capacity in the county, all agencies are acknowledg ing that, we’re obligated and charged with responding to meet the need, we are feeding that back to all the agencies, message is sent back on multiple channels, we are at capaci ty, those services are critical. We don’t know where the crisis will go, we are anticipating more people into the country and for Clare to stay resilient”.

Subsequent to the meeting, Deputy Crowe when asked by Clare FM’s Josh Prenderville if he’d support a cap on new arrivals coming

into the county said this would be a “sensible position”, a view which contravened EU law and Government policy.

In a follow-up interview with Indepen dent.ie, the Meelick native did a u-turn, “I don’t want any cap, but I want our response to be guided by the capacity and the ability to provide things”. He added, “The arms of my county are wide open, we support Ukraine, we want to support the people coming in but I am also clear that lying in a tent in a field in Clare in November is not high quality care for somebody fleeing a war”.

Deputy Crowe said original comments of his had been inaccurately portrayed on so cial media with the public “duped by click bait headlines”. He outlined, “First of all, I’ve discovered there is no provision for a cap under this European directive but I think the sensible approach should be that we continue to take in refugees and I think there has been a welcoming presence in Ireland throughout all of this crisis. However, I think the intake of refugees should be in some way linked to capacity to house, profile education, health and transport.”

Ryanair adds Porto & Naples to summer schedule in Shannon

RYANAIR have added two new summer routes to its offering at Shannon Airport. Naples in Italy and Porto in Portugal will begin oper ating from Shannon in sum mer 2023. The new twice weekly services will run on Wednesdays and Sundays for both destinations.

This brings the total number of routes oper ated by Ryanair at Shannon Airport next summer to 26, and over 180 weekly flights – a 35 per cent capacity growth on its Sum mer ‘22 offering.

CEO of Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said it was “fantastic news for our passengers and another win for Shannon Airport, due to the hard work of our Aviation Development team. Porto is a great coastal city with incredible history, while Naples offers so much to see and do, and opens op portunities for passengers

to explore the wonderful Amalfi coastline.

“These destinations will provide further connectivity for Shannon and the region, and highlights Shannon’s continued growth since the pandemic. Today’s an nouncement is also our tourism industry across the region and along the Wild Atlantic Way, and these services will complement the exciting variety of destinations Shan non Airport has to offer for Summer ’23,” she added.

Ryanair’s Dara Brady stated, “To mark this good news, we’ve launched a limited-time seat sale for early bird customers look ing to bag themselves a re cession busting bargain on their Summer ’23 holiday

with fares starting from just €29.99 available now on Ry anair.com”.

Last month, Ryanair cele brated 35 years of operating from Shannon announcing a third based aircraft for Shan non and two new services to Beziers in the South of France and Newcastle in the UK for Summer ‘23. The bumper summer schedule follows Shannon Airport’s biggest ever Ryanair win ter schedule which currently operates 60 flights per week to a mix of sun, ski, and city break destinations.

For the past 35 years, Ry anair has successfully oper ated from Shannon carrying over 18 million passengers to date and promoting im portant rural development by investing heavily in the region, incl. the recent open ing of its €10 million 3-bay heavy maintenance facility at Shannon creating over 200 new high-skill jobs in Clare.

l PROUD DAY: Clare Echo columnist Ronan Scully receives an Honorary Law Doctorate from the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) alongside his wife, Spancilhill native Jacqui O’Grady, and their two children Sophie (12) and Mia (16). Ronan received his Doctorate for humanitarian work with families in Ireland, Africa and in the developing world

‘Honour’ for Fr Bernárd to bring archive home

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

THE National Library of Ireland has announced the acquisition of the personal papers of the renowned HIV/AIDS activist and former priest, Fr Ber nárd Lynch.

Bernárd Lynch was born in Ennis and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He dedicated his service to pastoral care and human rights ad vocacy in the LGBTI+ community in New York and London. He came to prominence during the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, when he worked di rectly with the communities affected by the epidemic, and he successfully campaigned for the introduction of non-discriminatory legislation in New York City.

The Fr Bernárd Lynch Collection represents the personal and public life of the former priest. Compris ing letters, postcards, newspaper clippings and legal testimonies, the archive spans more than 50 years. It includes letters from the 1980s from

people in Ireland and the UK who were dealing with issues around sex uality and religion, some of whom were living with HIV/AIDS; tran

the Dominican Sisters in New York asking Cardinal O’Connor to allow Bernárd to be their chaplain. The archive also includes personal cor respondences from Bernárd to his family in Clare, when he came out as a gay man in the early 1980s.

Speaking at an event to mark the acquisition, Acting Director of the NLI, Katherine McSharry, said: “It is an incredible honour for the Na tional Library of Ireland to receive the Fr Bernárd Lynch Collection, which offers us remarkable insight into a time – all too recent – when the LGBTI+ community were mar ginalised and discriminated against. The archive is a powerful remind er of those days, and of the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the LGBTI+ community both in New York and Ireland.

“Having spent most of his adult life in New York and London, Fr Bernárd Lynch has made an indel ible mark on the world, while main taining his Irish connections as a prominent member of our diaspora.

“The National Library is commit ted to collecting and safeguarding Ireland’s many voices and diverse

experiences. As Ireland’s memo ry-keeper, we are proud to add this archive to our extensive LGBTI+ collections, so that these stories can be shared and studied by all.”

Bernárd Lynch, who travelled from London to be present at the NLI’s acquisition event, said: “This year marks 40 years since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in Ireland. This anniversary is a time of reflec tion, allowing us to consider the effects which the epidemic had on the LGBTI+ community, and how – even still – there is a journey to travel before we arrive at a place of non-discrimination and acceptance.

“I hope that my archive will be a useful reference point for research ers; for people looking for hope; and for people who want to remember and reflect on loss.

“It is an honour for me to bring my archive home to Ireland; and I cannot be more grateful to the Na tional Library for their diligence and commitment to making this record accessible for generations to come.”

scripts and a lie detector test result from Bernárd Lynch’s trial in New York, where he was falsely accused of sexual assault; and a letter from

l CAMPAIGNER: Bernárd Lynch’s archive spans more than 50 years

New appeal to house Ukrainians

by STUART HOLLY

CLARE County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine.

The call is part of a new government ini tiative, led by local authorities, to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holi day homes to house Ukrainian people.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine. This payment rate applies from December 1, 2022. More than 60,000 people have ar rived in Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast majority need accommodation.

Under a new programme, Clare County Council will take offers of houses, apart ments, or holiday homes for temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to as sess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

Property owners can offer homes at of ferahome.ie or by contacting Clare County Council via email at: offerahome@clareco co.ie.

Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the local authority within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by the local authority shortly after. The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropriate person or family.

Anybody who offers a property will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website, offerahome.ie.

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months. Clare Coun ty Council recognises the importance of sta ble communities and services and as such is asking that people consider offering for longer periods.

While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Dept of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.

Appealing to the people of Clare to offer unused properties, Jason Murphy, Director of Services for Ukrainian Services Develop ment, Clare County Council, said:

“The communities in Clare continue to support the people of Ukraine. Unfortunate ly, the crisis is ongoing, and the country needs to continually adapt and respond. We acknowledge the generosity of individ uals, host families and community groups and are appealing now to anyone who has a suitable unoccupied house or apartment that they are not using at the moment to consider offering it to those who need shel ter and safety from war.

“We are trying to place people in accom modation close to where they may already be staying in an effort to keep our com munities supported – there are children in schools – new friends made – people work ing, new community volunteers and new services in place too and it is important that we try not to unduly impact these new rela tionships. For these reasons we would ask that you consider offering for longer than the 6 months if you can at all.

“We understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you don’t know. That is why local authorities will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.

“If you have a property that is otherwise going to be empty into 2023, please con sider offering it for those who need a safe home for a while,” Mr Murphy concluded.

To offer a property or for more informa tion, visit www.offerahome.ie.

McTigue’s legacy set in stone

Kilnamona to honour one of county’s greatest sportsmen McTigue & give village a signature point

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS are underway in Kilnamona to hon our one of the county’s greatest ever sports men.

Mike McTigue was the light heavyweight champion of the world from 1923 to 1925, a time when world titles were much harder to obtain than the current day where numerous belts and sanctioning belts exist.

Born in Lickaun, Kilnamona, in 1892 he emigrated to the United States of America in 1912, travel ling as a passenger on the British steamer Baltic, his sister Mary had previously been to the States and upon her return helped to give her younger brother the fare.

Nicholas Rynne, a face and voice known to many GAA sup porters for his work with Clare TV and Raidió Corca Baiscinn is a grand-nephew of the boxer who had 55 knockouts in his 77 wins.

McTigue’s boxing ability was not evident until he emigrated.

“He got a job in the docks haul ing meat off trucks, he was there one day and his boss got into trouble over owing money to two truckers, they threatened him and McTigue decided if he wanted to

keep his job he better step in so he did and he knocked the two boys out, he saved his boss who said he was too good for the docks and got him a trainer,” Nicholas said.

For 13 years, he fought in Amer ica, and by 1923 he got a title fight for the World Light Heavyweight Championship. Civil War was on going in Ireland at the time of the St Patrick’s Night fight in La Scala Opera House on Prince’s Street, Dublin. He defeated the then re cently crowned champion Bat tling Siki from Senegal on points after a whopping 20 rounds.

He would defend his title against future Hall of Famers Tommy Loughran, Young Strib ling and Mickey Walker before losing the title by unanimous de cision to the gold medalist wres tler-turned-boxer Paul Berlen bach in 1925.

To mark the centenary of the ti tle fight, a memorial is to be erect ed of Mike at Kilnamona Cross. A memorial group has been estab lished and is comprised of Nicho las (Chairman), his cousins Kevin Rynne and Ann McCormack plus sculptor Michael McTigue.

A conversation between Nich olas and Kevin three years ago lit the flame for the sculpture, “we mentioned the 100 year anniver sary was coming up and that we should do something, we got Mi chael McTigue who is a relative

on board because he has a great knowledge and it’s just convenient that he happens to be a sculptor as well! He has been very good, he went to America and got the film when it was located, he has kept to keep the name alive. The name isn’t anything, it’s everything”.

Michael is currently working on the sculpture at his Kilnamona base ahead of a planned unveil ing in March. “It will be about 6ft high with a boxer in it, it will be put at Kilnamona Cross, we’ve a bit of toing and froing to get the planning, we’ve got the go-ahead with Clare County Council but the roads authority is another matter,” Rynne stated.

Following publication of An drew Gallimore’s book, A Bloody Canvas: The Mike McTigue Story in 2007, there has been increased interest in McTigue’s career ac cording to Nicholas. “There wasn’t as much spoken of him until recent years when there was a book brought out by Andrew Gallimore, he was in UCD study ing and he came across McTigue, a world champion and wondered why nobody really said much about him. He researched him and wrote a book, I’m not too sure how accurate the book is but he opened it up for us to delve into a bit more.”

Though Mike died in 1966, he never met his grand-nephew

Nicholas who has had to rely on old video footage to see his boxing career. “The fight itself in Dublin is on British Pathé, it’s black and white, middling quality but there’s a good few videos of him fight ing, he fought Paul Berlenbach the American-German and Jack Sharkey that was heavyweight, he was beating him in six rounds but he burst a blood vessel so the fight had to be stopped. There is a lot of video footage of him”.

He added, “My aunt Christina who has since died, she got the video, we never knew there was any of that stuff. We didn’t know that there was a bar in New York which is covered in McTigue memorabilia... I’ve never been to New York but I plan to go to it be cause we are erecting a headstone there for him.”

In order to fund the cost of the sculpture, a number of fundrais ers are being held. On Saturday at The Grove, local musicians and artists will be performing in “an evening of entertainment” with owner Donagh Vaughan kindly providing finger food.

Donations can also be made to the GoFundMe (scan QR code) which has amassed over €2,500.

l IMMORTALISED IN STONE: Michael McTigue, Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy, Nicholas Rynne, Kevin Rynne, Pat and Antoniette McCormack and Kevin Keane ahead of the March unveiling of Mike McTigue’s statue in Kilnamona

Photo by Natasha Barton

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

“NO AREA in Clare is as congested as Sixmile bridge,” a county councillor has claimed.

Renewed calls to progress the construction of a new car park in the village was voiced by Cllr John Crowe (FG) at a recent sitting of the Shan non Municipal District.

Referencing different projects planned for parts of the county, Cllr Crowe remarked, “one I’ve been pushing since 2011 is the car park in Sixmilebridge, we heard recently that the ones in Scariff and Ennistymon are pushing ahead.”

He requested an updated position on the Sixmilebridge car park for the January meeting of the Shannon MD. “There is no other area in the county as congested as Sixmilebridge, it is choked with traffic in the morning and evening and parking is a major issue. I’ve been blowing the whistle a long time, I’m hearing it morning, noon and night, when I stand outside my door people ask me ‘what are you doing about this’,” Cllr Crowe stated.

Data from the CSO has indicated a growth of 7.6 percent in Sixmilebridge since 2016, this is a continuing trend with a massive 80 per cent increase between 1999 and 2016.

In September, Clare County Council put plans on hold for the development of a new supermarket at the old Arch Ballroom in The Bridge. JCCMC Limited Ballybunion were re quested for more information on the impact of the plan to the protected structure. Car parking and facilities related to this were among the is sues questioned by the planning authority.

by PÁRAIC MCMAHON

LARE County Council scooped three awards at the Chambers Ireland Excellence Awards.

Held at the Crowne Plaza in Santry, the awards were split into sixteen different categories focused on sustainable com munities, climate change, age friendly initiatives, communi cations, health and wellbeing, tourism, diversity, economic de velopment, arts, heritage and en hancement of urban areas.

At the 19th annual awards cer emony, Clare was named local authority of the year in what was the overall award. The ceremony was held in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and showcases and celebrates the best of Local Government in Ireland.

Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, Ian Talbot explained, “Clare County Council is the well-deserved winner of the overall Local Authority of the Year Award, who have shown engagement across the different facets of the Clare Community, and with the development and sustainability of its localities and environment, to achieve this ac colade. For their commitment

BANNER:

to serving their community and also raising their area’s profile nationally as a stand-out desti nation, Clare County Council deserve to be commended and have earned their Award title of Local Authority of the Year”.

Two awards were secured by Clare Arts Office. It claimed the ‘Sustaining the Arts Award’ for

House! An open-air aerial spec tacular and also won Festival of the Year for Ennis Mela. Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare Arts Officer said she was “bursting with pride that our little festival that celebrates talent and creativity in all our local communities scooped this award”.

Chief Executive of Clare Coun

ty Council, Pat Dowling, Direc tor of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby, Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary, Director of Social Development

Sixmilebridge Clare’s most congested? Local authority of the year C

Anne Haugh, Head of Finance Noeleen Fitzgerald, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) rep resented the Council at the four star hotel.

There were 15 awards present ed on the night plus the overall award for Local Authority of the Year. Individual awards were sponsored by: European Recy cling Platform (ERP), The Of fice of the Planning Regulator, Healthy Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Truehawk Media, Irish Public Bodies and EirGrid. Specially commissioned crystal awards designed by Waterford Crystal were presented to the winners on the night.

Planning permissions ‘not being acted on’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A“CONSIDERABLE” number of granted planning applications in the county have yet to be act ed on, the Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council has outlined.

In the past three weeks, a presentation was prepared for IDA clients in the MidWest on the amount of residential land and the availability of housing within Clare by the Council’s Director of Economic Devel opment, Liam Conneally. This was com piled on the request of the IDA’s Regional Manager.

Shortage of housing options to rent or to buy within the town of Shannon has been flagged as a concern by leading companies operating in the area.

When the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) officially opened the Meira GTx’s new GMP manufacturing facility in Shannon, it emerged that none of the 100 workers from outside Clare were able to locate housing in the town they were now working in.

He explained, “They wanted to see the pipeline of housing, the number of planning applications received and granted for the short-term and medium-term in Clare on housing. The feedback I got was that we have a considerable number of permissions out there yet to be acted on, over 1,000 units of permissions have been granted already in 2022 but there are considerable pipeline of development in planning system yet to be acted on, the amount of zoned land for enterprise and commercial.”

Following the presentation, there was a

Q&A session between Conneally and CEOs from IDA companies. He maintained that the “pipeline is strong” but noted the concern expressed from the business representa tives on the current climate in the tech sec tor. “We’re seeing more and more of these tech companies which have significant sub supply activity in our jurisdiction and how it will impact us and the talent pipeline from universities and other institutions to be at tracted to this county and region. It was a full and frank exchange, it was useful”.

Briefing elected members of the Shannon Municipal District, Mr Conneally stressed the urgency to complete the flood embank ment work within Shannon “so we can take the flood risk off a significant portion of lands in our control, that is crucial and the sooner it gets moving the better.”

Housing supply is “a huge issue” in Shannon, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stressed.

“The social housing aspect needs to be addressed but we need serviced sites and affordable housing, we need to be more in novative on the methods we use to fill the void.”

Cllr Flynn who is the Chair of the Social Development SPC which has responsibili ty for housing added, “A lot of people have left Shannon to get housing elsewhere be cause there is none available, a lot of the private schemes in Shannon end up as so cial housing. Shannon has its fair share of social housing but there has been no private scheme built for the last 12-15 years”.

l UP THE

Clare County Council named Local Authority of the Year 2022, pictured were (l-r): Minister of State Peter Burke TD; Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach; Fiona Candon, President, Chambers Ireland; and Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

O’Callaghan selected to replace Cllr Mark Nestor

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

TOM O’CALLAGHAN

is to become the newest Clare councillor after he received the majori ty backing from Fianna Fáil members in Ennis to fill the seat vacated by Mark Nestor.

On Sunday evening, members of the Ennis Fianna Fáil Ceanntair gathered at Hotel Woodstock to se lect Nestor’s replacement on Clare County Council with a total of 93 votes cast. The party’s provincial or ganiser, Colm Leahy was in charge of appointing tellers on the night.

Chairman of the Independent Postmasters Group, Tom O’Cal laghan was the landslide winner garnering 48 votes. Former coun cillor, Bernard Hanrahan and pub lican Darragh McAllister both se cured 18 votes each while Amanda Major who contested the 2019 local elections as an Independent candi date and recently deflected from the Green Party amassed 9 votes.

An ‘intensive’ campaign from O’Callaghan was crucial to seeing

ing, health, cost of living and trade as the key issues dominant across the country today. “I will work hard as a councillor for the Municipal District of Ennis,” he pledged.

Addressing members, Tom who contested the 2019 local elections in Limerick South, outlined, “I want Fianna Fáil to be a party that my son would be proud to join or even run for. United we are stronger.”

Ex-councillor, Hanrahan said, “to say I’m disappointed is an under statement. It’s another JJ McCabe story with me, I must have can vassed 47 liars.” The Clarecastle man commented, “I’m devastated with the vote I got.”

Owner of Lucas’ and Considine pubs on Parnell St, Darragh McAl lister said it was “a great campaign, it was very well run and respectful”. He believed party gatherings need to occur more often

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) called it “a very special occasion” but one with “mixed feelings because we said farewell to Mark Nestor”. The Meelick native said it was important to respect the Cloughleigh man’s de cision to join the priesthood.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Col leran Molloy applauded her new colleague’s “really professional ex cellent campaign which was clear for us all to see”. She said that Nestor was missed “but has a very worthy replacement”.

Jacqueline O’Brien

him join Cllr Pat Daly (FF) and Mayor of the Ennis Municipal Dis trict, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) as the party’s representatives within the Ennis MD.

Based in Clarecastle, Tom told members he was a “little bit emo tional” with the outcome and im mediately thought of his sister and grandfather. He pinpointed hous

l ALL SMILES: Marie, Tom and Darragh O’Callaghan

Photo by Joe Buckley

Farmers sleeping with ‘loaded shotgun under the bed’ in East Clare

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

FARMERS in East Clare are going to sleep with shotguns “loaded under the bed at night” ready to take the law into their own hands with one representative fearing a repeat of the Padraig Nally case.

Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Polic ing Committee (JPC) saw strong criticism of An Garda Síochána aired by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and community representative Bill Slat tery of Lahinch Development Association.

Community relationships with Gardaí have weakened because “the general public don’t know their local Garda,” Cllr Burke stated. He said an annoyance was brewing especially in the farming community with the lack of as sistance and action from An Garda Síochána, “I know plenty of farmers who have the shot gun loaded under the bed at night, I can see it happening where the farmers will take the law into their own hands”.

Whitegate based Cllr Burke flagged that for a recent burglary investigation in his parish that Gardaí in Shannon were deployed rather than their counterparts in Killaloe. “With all due respect they didn’t have a clue where they

were going,” he commented. Supt John Galvin said it was “normal” for Gardaí from the sta tion in Shannon to be in East Clare.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Burke de tailed that following two aggravated burglaries within Whitegate the community is disgrun tled. “There’s a perception out there that An Garda Síochána are not doing enough, what they can do I don’t know.

“Two houses were ransacked recently in Whitegate... the Gardaí were taking finger prints and DNA but what becomes of it?”

Thefts and break-ins to farms are becoming more frequent in Ennistymon too, Slattery cautioned. He said the Garda station in En nistymon was manned from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm with Kilrush the point of contact in the interval, “are there any Gardaí in Ennistymon between 1pm and 5pm to an swer local calls?”

Slattery added, “Farmers are being bullied and intimidated, I fear we’ll have to go back to a Padraig Nally situation where farmers went to get their own guns to protect their areas”.

In October 2004, Nally twice shot John ‘Frog’ Ward, a father of 11 and beat him with a stick after he entered his farmyard.

Gardaí are on duty 24/7 in Ennistymon, Galvin insisted. “The station is not always opened but guards are there, when someone rings 999 they will get a response.”

O’Sullivan to speak at Temple Gate event

CLARE filmmaker Ken O'Sullivan will be in con versation with MEP Grace O'Sullivan about our ocean and the ways we protect it on Tuesday, December 6 at 8pm in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis.

Originally from Ennis and now living near Lahinch, Ken has been an underwa ter cinematographer and ocean conservationist for most of his life. He produces creative and natural history documentary films and his work includes the acclaimed Sea Fever, Silver Branch

and Burren - Heart of Stone. Ken's work focusses hugely on conservation and education and students of the Junior Cycle have the opportunity to enjoy his doc umentary series Ireland's Deep Atlantic which he do nated to the curriculum. He also contributed significantly to scientific understanding of basking shark behaviour when he observed their courtship rituals off our coast. Clips of his footage will be shown on the night. Ken's dedication to the un derwater world is shared by

Grace O'Sullivan, Ireland's first female surf champion. She spent many years on the Greenpeace vessel, the Rainbow Warrior and was a crew member when it was attacked by the French se cret service. After 20 years with Greenpeace, Grace be came Green Party Senator and is now an MEP and an active member of European Party committees on envi ronment and fisheries.

This free event "Our Wild Atlantic" is co-hosted by MEP Grace O'Sullivan and the Clare Green Party.

Ennis NS Christmas display

ENNIS NATIONAL SCHOOL

have created a Christmas dis play in one of the town’s busy shopping centres.

Students along with their parents and grandparents plus staff of Ennis National School played their part in setting up the Christmas Display at Insomnia in the Tesco Shopping Centre.

A rock festival for elves called ElfFest is the theme for this year’s display, all of which has been handcrafted.

Members of the public will be able to admire the display from Wednesday No vember 30th until Sunday January 1st.

Prior to December 25th, a Christmas wish book will be located inside the door of the café for children to sign with or ganisers informing The Clare Echo that this will be delivered to be Santa before he departs the North Pole.

Notes

RUAN CHRISTMAS FAIR

IT’S FULL steam ahead on the planning front for the Christmas Fair on De cember 17.

As a special treat there will be carol singing by the scout choir. And if that isn’t enough, Ru an’s best bakers have promised to up the ante on the mince pies and cakes. Late shoppers could be lucky and find that special present for Gran da in the bric-a-brack stall. Plan ahead, don’t be late because like the man says, when these special Christmas deals are gone, they’re gone.

ST VINCENT’S TAKEOVER

TRANSITION year students in Ennis will take over the running of Vincent’s charity shop in the county town today.

An annual Christmas fundraiser is held by TY students of Ennis Commu nity College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, this year they will be working in conjunc tion with Vincent’s charity shop which is one of 230 St Vincent de Paul shops lo cated across the country.

Secret Santa 2022 is the theme for the fundraiser and students are urging the public to help become a secret santa for those most in need.

The students are taking over the run

ning of the charity shop to raise much needed funds for those who need help and support especially as we approach the festive season.

Extended opening hours from 9am to 9pm will be in operation plus a flash sale bonanza with up to fifty percent off se lected items.

For those un able to make it to the shop this Thursday, dona tions can also be made online by scanning the QR code.

New Leader role for Roslevan based Jerome

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

ROSLEVAN-BASED

On Monday, The Limerick Leader announced that Jerome with immedi ate effect would take up the role of news editor of the newspaper and its website, Limerick Live.

For the past seventeen years, the Pal laskenry native had been the Leader’s GAA correspondent, covering at detailed length the remarkable rise of the Limerick hurlers at minor and U21 which has resulted in the Treaty County claiming the All-Ire land SHC title in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Prior to joining the Limer ick Leader, Jerome worked as a news and sports re porter with Clare FM for twenty months. He initially joined his local newspa per as a news reporter before moving to the sports department and then becoming GAA cor respondent in 2005.

Now living in Roslevan, Jerome is married to Claire Gallagher, herself a former award win ning news journalist with The Clare People, they have two children together.

He said, “After 17 years as GAA correspon dent with The Limerick Leader, it’s time to blow the final whistle. A sincere thank you to all I encountered on that memorable sporting journey. I’ve been privi leged to have a front row seat for almost two decades of ac tion. Today, I take up the po sition of News Editor with The Limerick Leader and limer icklive.ie and will do my best to ensure the newspaper and website continue to give a voice to all in Limerick”.

Jerome’s move comes just over two months after Áine Fitzgerald was appoint ed as the paper’s first female Managing Edi tor. She had previous ly been News Editor prior to Donn O’Sulli van’s resignation.

Ennis reporter Cian O Broin, formerly of this parish will be among the members of the newsroom now taking their instruc tions from O’Connell.

l Friends of the late Michael Considine, Pine Grove, Ennis, raised funds through various events and kindly donated the proceeds to Clare Suicide Bereavement Group. Some of these events took place in Ciaráns Bar and The Diamond Bar where the proprietors and customers were extremely generous to the cause. L to R: Padraig Greehy and Sean Maher presenting a cheque of €1,040 to Dan O'Connor, Chairper son of Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Goup.

Jerome O’Connell has been appointed as news editor of The Limerick Leader.

Operating profits for the Trumps

by GORDON DEEGAN

THE Donald Trump owned Doonbeg luxury golf resort in West Clare last year re corded operating profits of €509,892.

New accounts show that ex US Pres ident’s TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd last year recorded the operating profit of €509,892 after sustaining operating losses of €1.98m in 2020, a positive swing of €2.49m.

The business returned to operat ing profit after revenues increased by 90 percent or €3.4m from €3.76m to €7.17m.

A chief factor behind the operating profit was €1.84m received in Gov ernment grants where the business in common with enterprises throughout the hospitality sector last year availed of grants such as Government Covid-19 wage supports.

The group recorded a pre-tax loss of €1.55m but only after taking into ac count hefty non-cash depreciation and amortisation charges of €2.05m.

The ex-US President’s sons, Donald Trump Jnr and Eric Trump remain on the board and they state in their direc tors’ report that they are continuing to upgrade the facilities at the Trump In ternational Hotel and Golf Club.

Planning permission was granted in October 2019 for a €40m plan that in cludes 53 holiday homes, a ballroom/ function room, a leisure centre and a new restaurant.

The Trump Organisation has ploughed more than €40m, including the purchase price, into the resort since it came under their ownership in Feb ruary 2014.

The new accounts show that a further €506,155 was ploughed into the resort last year and this followed €1.5m invest ed into the business by way of a capital contribution in 2020.

At the end of last year, the company’s shareholder funds totalled €16.98 mil lion. This was made up of €16.7m in accumulated losses offset by €33.77m in other reserves.

The company last year recorded a gross profit of €6.1m and administra tive expenses of €7.47m offset by ‘other operating income’ of €1.84m resulted in the operating profit of €509,892

Former President Trump and his daughter, Ivanka stepped down as di rectors from the company on January 19th 2017 - one day prior to President Trump’s inauguration.

The accounts were only signed off by directors, Eric Trump and General Manager, Joe Russell last Thursday on November 24.

Full article at www.clareecho.ie.

‘One project won’t resolve the issues facing Kilrush’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

KILRUSH NEEDS TO be included as a priority for town centre first proj ects, a former Mayor of the West Clare town has said.

Queens University have recent ly conducted a town centre health check of Kilrush. This along with reports by The Heritage Coun cil, the POBAL deprivation index scoring and Geo-directory vacant premises report was referenced by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) when seeking the area’s inclusion “as a priority project” for the town cen tre first policy in the county.

As per the most recent Geo Directory Commercial Building report completed in the second quarter of this year and released in June, Kilrush has the high est amount of vacant business premises in Munster with over a quarter of spots left empty. The town has consistently been in the top bracket in this report over the past decade.

Linda Earlie has recently been appointed as a town regener ation officer for Clare County Council as part of the national town centre first network “to im

plement and co-ordinate initia tives identified within the Town Centre First Policy in Clare”.

She explained, “The Town Centre First approach encour ages Government Departments, Local Authorities, businesses and communities to put town centres at the heart of deci sion-making, and to work col laboratively to regenerate our Towns & Villages”.

Over recent weeks, Linda has met with cross-departmen tal teams within the Council and statekholders to create “a co-ordi nated and collaborative approach to town centre first in Clare going forward”. She is set to brief coun cillors across each Municipal Dis trict in the coming weeks.

Initial attempts to secure fund ing through the Kilrush Town Team have not been successful, Cllr Lynch stated. He expressed his fear of a “perception that Kil rush is sorted and it has its bit done and has got its fair share”.

On the health check by Queens University, the man who served as Mayor of Kilrush in 2011 on the now defunct Kilrush Town Council remarked, “it was excellent, it told us everything we knew and a lot more but in

a harsh reality of where Kilrush is and what it needs”. Lynch said “one project won’t resolve it, we need to bring multiple depart ments together”.

While seconding the proposal, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) quipped, “I can’t wait to do all the same in Kilkee”. Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) welcomed the town centre first initiative, “many of us have championed small villages and towns around the county needing a very specific focus. There are now multiple funding streams be

ing made available, putting it all together is going to be really im portant. Town centre first is being taken as a priority in Clare”.

Prior to the discussion, Cllr Lynch had been deputising for Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who had been attend ing a budget meeting. On the re turn of Talty, he observed, “Chair you look a bit worn out” to which the Cathaoirleach responded, “I’m a bit like dev coming back from London”.

Rising amount of ‘near misses’ at Kilkee car park

ARISING AMOUNT of “near misses” at the “confusing” East End car park in Kilkee has led to a local representative pleading for the area to be made safer.

In a proposal before the West Clare Mu nicipal District, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) asked that the layout of the East End car park in Kilkee be reassessed “with a mind to mak ing it safer for pedestrians”.

Conducting a review of the car park’s oper ations “might benefit” the safety of all users, senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly ac knowledged. “It is an especially busy car park in Summer and is used by both pedestrians and drivers to access the beach,” he noted.

DOONBEG MEETING

A public meeting will be held in Doonbeg Hall on Monday, Decem ber 5 at 8pm regarding water out ages in Doonbeg parish. Organisers would be greatful for the attendance of TDs and councillors on the night

Kennelly suggested that both the West Clare MD and the road design office com plete an assessment of the car park. “I imag ine that some additional signage and line marking will be required to enhance pedes trian safety. We can mark these requirements on a drawing and perhaps then include this drawing in our Kilkee traffic bye-laws re view. A funding source will be required to fund any works arising from the assessment,” he stated.

Following the closure of Murphy Blacks restaurant in January 2020, Cllr Murphy said his departure from the restaurant business has resulted in more time for leisure activ ities in Kilkee during the summer such as

swimming and snorkelling. This has opened his eyes in more ways than one, “I witnessed some very near misses, there were kids run ning out in front of what is a confusing space, it is very tight with two rows of car parking and a two-way system. I saw a number of incidents where I thought a child would be sent to hospital or worse”.

Murphy continued, “The solutions don’t necessarily have to be very expensive, may be sitting down and watching what happens, maybe removing a space or two to allow pe destrians to permeate through”.

“I think this could be very simply done with traffic and road paint,” he added. The motion was seconded by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND).

l East End carpark and (below) Cllr Cillian Murphy

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Shannon drainage measures tabled

ginning of December.

PERMANENT mea sures are needed to sort the drain age issues impact ing on residents of Cluain Airne and Drumgeely.

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) tabled proposals before this month’s sitting of the Shannon Municipal District on the issue.

Cluain Airne and Drumgeely “are subject to flooding regu larly”, Cllr McGettigan flagged as she encouraged the Shannon MD to seek funding to alleviate the problem. “Residents cannot get their bins in or out of their backyards without having to go through dirty water, at times the water comes into their gar

dens and sheds.”

A jetting of the drains was the appeal from Cllr O’Gorman “as they are blocked and the water on the ground has nowhere to go and is causing flooding.”

Senior executive engineer,

Tom Mellett confirmed that a private contractor had been appointed “to work alongside our own teams to clear drains and gullies within the District”. He envisaged completion of the Cluain Airne drains by the be

Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who told the meeting he lived in Cluain Airne for “many years” explained that the drainage was a “domestic type” with “com mercial type gullies” required. “What will be done now will only satisfy it for a few months and it will have to be done again. The job now will only be a temporary measure,” he cau tioned.

Separately, Cllr John Crowe (FG) requested all drains of housing estates and streets in Sixmilebridge be cleared. “As a result of leaves falling and heavy rain, it is causing major flooding that will only be exac erbated as the winter progress es if this is not addressed.”

Cllr Crowe said he was get ting phone calls daily regard ing water “flowing down from Gleeson’s side, every second day it is flooded”.

Shannon Hub plan to be lodged

A PLANNING application is due to be lodged in April for the One Shannon Hub - however a philan thropic donation that had been earmarked for the building is at risk of falling through.

Heralded as a key pillar of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, the One Shannon Hub will be a multi-functional civic, community and performance building.

An application under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) will be made by the Council for the Hub but even if this is success ful, a quarter of the costs will have to be provided by the local authority.

Director of Economic Development Liam Con neally cautioned at the latest sitting of the Shan non Municipal District that the donation they had expected to receive to assist with the development may not arrive at all.

He stated, “We did indicate previously that we’re in discussions on possible philanthropic funding to make up a portion of that funding, the fact we’re waiting a little longer than we have to through pro curement and other rules puts a little risk on that philanthropic piece more than it should.”

Putting a timeline on the One Shannon Hub needs to be done, the Director acknowledged. He outlined that a planning application will be lodged in April.

Ei welcomes delegates from across the globe

Ei

Delegates

Peter Murphy, Ei Group Marketing Man ager noted the importance of the gathering.

“Given COVID restrictions since 2019, this was the first time in three years that this group has been able to come together in this forum. 2022 is especially significant as we have recently completed an important expansion of the Shannon campus and this was a great opportunity to showcase the expanded Headquarters to our overseas colleagues”.

2022 was another record year for Ei and their headcount in Shannon now stands at 1,100, with an additional 150 employees at its subsidiaries overseas.

l Ei CEO Mick Guinee Photo by Joe Buckley

l Drainage issues at Cluain Airne

Photo by Joe Buckley

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Today (Thursday, December) at 7:30pm, X-PO Kilnaboy’s book club will be meeting to discuss ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ by Anthony Doerr. There will also be some Christmas treats at the event. All welcome.

MAKE YOUR OWN CARDS

Skillswop: Make your own lino print Christmas cards will take place on Sunday December 4 at 2pm at the X-PO in Kilnaboy. Places are limited so booking is essential. To book your place email: kilnaboyxpo@gmail. com. Located in a rural post office in Kilnaboy, X-PO is an innovative community volunteer-led arts centre located in the former post office in Kilnaboy, North Clare.

FUNDING FOR THE BURREN

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announce ment of €768,204 in funding for Clare, under the Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors initiative.

Minister Heather Humphreys launched the initiative, a five-year ambitious and transformational Na tional Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

“Clare is a county with iconic na ture and outdoor options on our doorstep,” said Deputy Crowe.

“We all know the value of the Cliffs of Moher to our local economy and the pull that has for tourists from around this island but also further afield.

“It’s vital that we protect and main tain them, while acknowledging the tourist footfall that they bring in.

“Today’s announcement has seen €500,000 allocated to the Cliffs of Moher North Coastal Walk – one that many of us will have traversed over the years and one that virtu ally every visitor to our county has walked.

“The Cliffs and the Burren geopark will also share €87,304 for upgrade works, while a sum of €180,900 has been allocated to Ballycuggaran/Two Mile Gate in the east of the county for the upgrade of facilities there.

“Since the onset of the Covid pan demic, I think we’ve all gained a new found love and respect for the great outdoors, whether that be the coast or a forest walk or any of the other amenities dotted across Clare.”

Drainage issues must be tackled before fixing road approaching Ennistymon Community Hospital

“S

IGNIFICANT DRAINAGE IS SUES” must be dealt with before improvements to the road surface approaching Ennistymon Community Hospital can be made, writes Páraic Mc Mahon

An appeal for “much needed repairs and improvements” to the approach road was made by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) be fore the November sitting of the West Clare Municipal District. He asked for an outline of works done to improve the road to date while flagging that it was “in poor condition”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Enda Mac Namara outlined, “There are sig nificant drainage issues in this area. The area office is currently working with landowners in this

area to resolve the issues relat ing to water on the public road. Once the drainage works are complete, the road will be put forward for inclusion on the road works programme”.

Hospital staff and local repre sentatives had been “concerned” with the condition of the road, Cllr Grant stated. “It’s not accept able for what is on the road,” the Lahinch councillor said.

His motion was seconded by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who ac knowledged that Council staff including Pat Curtin and Paudie Barry had recently assessed the area. He noted that some of the lands affected belong to a former county councillor.

MacNamara said they had been engaged with local land owners “to solve issues with the land first”. He added, “once that’s resolved will look to include in

Christmas concert to raise funds for church repairs in Lisdoonvarna

ACOUNTRY music Christmas concert is to take place in Lis doonvarna to help fund urgent repairs to the Corpus Christi Church.

Staged by Fr Robert McNamara and the church organisation, the concert which will take place on Sunday December 11th from 6pm aims to bring in money to fund urgent repairs to the church and roof.

Country and gospel singer James Kilbane brings his Christmas concert to North Clare.

It will be his first visit to the county since COVID. “Clare has always been a special place for me. In the past we always one have wonderful nights. County Clare is an amaz ing place and people for their love of music and song. I am really looking forward to the Lisdoonvarna concert. It will be a real special night,” he said.

Corpus Christi Church was constructed in 1868, sections of the roof need repairs while the slates and gutters need to be replaced

with dampness caused inside the church. Fr McNamara is hopeful to have internal seal ing added to the church and extensive re pairs to the church’s bell tower.

Additional funds would be allocated to the maintenance of other church buildings in Kilshanny, Doolin, and Toovahera.

Donation tickets costing €15 are available from Howley’s Shop in Kilfenora, Dolly Jor dan shop in Lisdoonvarna, the church com mittee members or direct from 087 9763559.

roadworks programme for next year”. Currently “there’s issues on both sides of the road with land drains,” the engineer noted.

Council officials said they were “hopeful for a solution” with dis cussions ongoing with local land owners.

Quin needs ‘proper plan’ to improve its infrastructure

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A“PROPER PLAN” is needed for the growing village of Quin with repeated calls to improve the in frastructure in the area.

Calls to install a footpath out side the village of Quin on the Ballykilty Rd leading from Dromoland “in the interest of road safety” was requested by Cllr Pat Burke (FG).

This appeal will be considered, acting se nior executive engineer in the Killaloe Mu nicipal District, Derek Troy responded. This will also include the provision of public light ing “from a point approximately opposite Maigh Dara to the speed limit on the Bally kilty Road”.

Troy advised that a project outline pro posal would be submitted to Clare County Council’s road design section for inclusion in a countywide funding submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA) desig nated for Active Travel projects.

The Active Travel programme is aimed at developing high quality walking and cycling facilities to encourage more people to switch

to active travel.

Project submissions across Co Clare are to be finalised in December with specific proj ect funding approval confirmation to be an nounced in January.

Cllr Burke stated, “this is a very busy stretch of road for traffic leaving and enter ing the village”. He flagged that traffic acci

‘No ordinary grave digging’ in Scariff

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

SCAFFOLDING’S ongoing pres ence at a Scariff cemetery is re sulting in “no ordinary grave dig ging”.

An update on proposed works was sought by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) who pointed out “scaffolding was erected a num ber of months ago”.

Acting senior executive officer in the Rural Development directorate of Clare County Coucil, Bernadette Haugh detailed that a “comprehensive plan to deal with the stabilisation of the medieval church ruins” had been carried out by the burial ground unit for Moynoe cemetery. “This involved the erection of a scaffolding system to sup port the compromised areas of the gable structure” and the removal of “a significant amount of foliage overburden”.

3D modelling surveys of the structure have also been completed, Bernadette stated. “A comprehensive condition report” has been compiled by the Architectural Conservation Officer “which has defined all the critical elements required for both the emergency and long-term conservation of the structure”.

Advise on the necessary course of action for remediation and conservation works “to ensure the long-term stabilisation” has

been issued by the Monument Protection Officer at the National Monuments Service following an onsite inspection. Based on this, Ms Haugh surmised, “this is likely to be a lengthy and expensive process”.

An application through the Community Monuments Fund has been finalised and this includes costing for the preparation of the conservation method statement, project management, onsite conservation works and archaeological monitoring but she cau tioned “a decision on this application may take some time”.

Speaking at a recent sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Burke recalled that for burials in the summer “it was no ordinary grave digging carried out, a person was buried underneath the scaffolding”.

“I’m aware of the inconvenience caused to families when loved ones passed away but health and safety is also very import ant,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) acknowledged. “There are issues and concerns around the Killaloe Municipal District but when we try to get something done, it comes down to funding the whole time. We’re well aware of issues in other burial grounds,” he com mented.

Political support will be needed “to allo cate extra funding to graveyards in bud gets,” Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) observed. “This has been on the agenda for a long time, there has been a risk for a long time. There also has to be a cost to be leaving scaffold ing up, when you’re putting it up you need to be able to access funding at that time,” he said.

dents have been frequent but welcomed the response from the engineer.

Support was also voiced by Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). “We are all dealing with the County Development Plan and looking at influx of development for some areas and Quin seems to be heading in that direction”.

Land is zoned for development along the road referenced, Cllr O’Callaghan said. “For the village of Quin, a proper plan could be put in place, there are a lot of roads coming into the village that are lacking a lot of infra structure. Incorporate the whole village and not one particular area,” he added.

l Quin village and (right) Cllr Pat Burke

GREEN CLARE

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

Melody named enterprise young farmer of the year

by Páraic McMahon

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

BUNRATTY’S FRANK MELODY has been named as the enterprise young farmer of the year.

MINISTER for the Environment, Ea mon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reduc ing its energy emissions.

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

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

In what has been dubbed a very proud mo ment for the Newmarket-on-Fergus family, Frank won the other enterprises FBD Young Farmer of the Year at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Little Island, Cork on Tuesday night. A trainee solicitor, Frank runs the pastured

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that elec tricity onto that grid to power the country.

egg business Melody Farm Eggs on their fam ily farm alongside his older brother Joe who was awarded the 2020 National Rural Net work Biodiversity Farmer of the Year Award Frank was joined in Cork by his parents JJ and Ann plus his brother and business part ner, Joe.

WHAT GOES IN MY RECYCLE BIN?

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

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technolo gy, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a con tinuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

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

After plans to travel to Central and South America in 2020 were thrown into disarray, Frank used the additional time at his dispos al and the spare cash in the back-pocket to establish Melody Farm Pastured Eggs.

Prior to this, the twenty nine year old had followed Virginia based Joel Salatin who owns Polyface farms which is a regenerative farm and fo cused on di rect sales to customers in his locality.

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

€350m.

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

it actually fertilises the ground, when they are inside the egg mobile at night, the whole ground floor is meshed so their droppings go straight down to the ground, it builds up a fertile top-soil plus the hens fertilise the ground as they move along, they pick up a lot of the worms and the like that would make cattle sick. Hens are moved regularly so they don’t pick up the parasites on the ground themselves. I don’t give them any doses or an tibiotics or anything like that because there is no need because they move so regularly, pas tured is grass-fed in its most simple form but there is a whole other element,” the Newmar ket-on-Fergus senior hurler said.

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

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

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

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

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Frank explained the appeal of pastured rather than free-range eggs. “Pas tured is grass-fed, the hens are in their most natural en vironment, they would be eating grass, in sects, feed and whatev er foraging they can do. The normal free-range or caged, they don’t get the same access to fresh grass and you will see that in the texture and the taste of the egg, there is a different nutrient profile with less cholesterol in the pastured egg, higher vitamin D because the hens are constantly out in the sun and they are moving so they are healthier in general.

“There is an ethical element too, the mor tality rate with pastured hens is far lower than it would be for caged or barns, it’s a double whammy and is ultimately regenera tive agriculture. Even the egg mobile we have

Melody Eggs initially utilised social media to drive direct sales to customers but the agriculture business has since expanded with their prod uct now stocked in several stores across Co Clare.

West Clare’s Neil Reidy was also in the run ning alongside Melody for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year award which was claimed by Sli go’s Christopher Tuffy. He is the fourth mem ber of the West Awake Discus sion Group, which has been running since 1999, to win the Young Farmer of the Year award

Tuffy, who also plays football with Enniscrone/Kilglass GAA, leases a 150 acre farm and is milking in the region of 155 cows currently. The focus on his dairy farm is on grass, and producing milk solids from grass.

Reidy milks 111 spring calving cows on predominately heavy soils land. He graduat ed with a Level 6 Certificate in Farming from Salesian Agricultural College.

Pictured above are JJ, Joe, Frank and Ann Melody

Moneypoint to convert from coal to oil & decommissioning delayed

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

MONEYPOINT will convert from coal to oil as part of a key aspect of the Government’s Climate Ac tion Plan for 2023.

Due to be published early this month, the climate action plan includes a new commitment to convert Moneypoint from coal to oil, the decision has been made in an effort to prevent power outages over the coming years. Gas-burning jet turbines will also have to be purchased by the Gov ernment at a cost of €300m to be used as emergency backup electricity generators at times of peak demand.

Commitments had previously been issued by the Government to stop burning fossil fuels at Moneypoint by 2025. That is to be delayed as a result of the decision. Money point is the State’s largest generating station and it is currently Ireland’s only coal fuelled power plant in operation.

Following a report by The Business Post on Sunday, the Government confirmed the planned conversion from coal to oil gener ation at Moneypoint from 2023. Oil is a less ”dirty” fuel than coal, and will emit lower volumes of greenhouse gases. The longterm plan for Moneypoint is to convert the power station into a centre that will manu facture wind turbines and which will convert wind-generated energy into green hydro gen. However, the deadline for that change has been pushed back into the second half of the decade.

Speaking on The Week In Politics, Minis ter for Climate, Communications and Ener gy, Eamon Ryan (GP) explained, We have to stop the use of coal at Moneypoint and switch it to oil but more significantly what we have in Moneypoint is a world class facility, it has a 20m depth at the quay side, the only place with deeper water in Europe is in Rot terdam, we’ve a strategic advantage at the mouth of the Estuary where you’re close to the offshore wind that we’re going to bring onshore, bring that into Moneypoint, convert it to hydrogen and use on our grid to give us a secure energy system for the future, it’s real, it’s happening and it’s going to be good for Ireland”.

An increase of eight percent in the amount of electricity generated by coal in 2022 had been recorded at Moneypoint in October.

Speaking in the Dáil in February, Clare

TD Michael McNamara (IND criticised the Government’s policy of closing power sta tions during an energy crisis in the hope that they will eventually be replaced with green energy sources at an unspecified time in the future. At the time, he said the stated closure date of 2025 should be reversed in the ab sence of assurances that Ireland will have alternative energy sources in place by then.

Reference to Moneypoint was also made by Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar (FG). “I don’t like the fact we are burning oil in Tarbert, but we do actually need to do so, and we may need to do so for many years to come. Those plants will not be decommissioned until we are confident that we are able to replace them with secure supply and secure renew ables, and that might take a bit of time”.

Important young people know GOSHH exists

SEXUAL health experts have warned how critical it is that young people are aware of support services available. It comes amid a steep increase in almost all STIs (sexually transmitted infections) this year in the MidWest and Ireland as a whole.

The most recent statistics show that so far this year, there has been a 50 per cent increase in the rate of chlamydia, a 90 per cent increase in reports of gonorrhoea, a 127 per cent increase in reports of HIV cases, along with significant increases in herpes simplex (22 per cent) and syphilis (24 per cent).

GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health and HIV) is an organisation based in Limerick which serves the Midwest area of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. Its vision is to create an environment where the mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing of everyone is promoted and sexual rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. One crucial element of their work is to provide a rapid testing service which tests for a range of STIs including HIV at their premises on Davis Street in Limerick, while there is also a drop-in or postal service where condoms, lube and dams are provided free of cost.

Grainne Woulfe, a Sexual Health Project worker with GOSHH tells The Clare Echo that the organisation’s remit is much broader that this, offering emotional support for people and providing education across the spectrum of gender, orientation, sexual health and HIV in schools and companies in the Midwest.

“We provide a counselling service, we offer one-to-one personal support, and we also provide educational training workshops and information,” says Grainne, who has worked in her role since 2011. “Training programmes within the

community could relate to young people, adults, migrant communities, teen parents, also practitioners and professionals who are working with those community groups to build their capacity.”

An increasingly important role for GOSHH is the support and education around orientation along with gender, an area which has been highlighted increasingly in the public domain in recent years with more discussions around gender expression, the transgender community and non-binary individuals.

Grainne continues, “There’s always been a service supporting LGBTI people in the community, it has expanded and grown over the years and we have a number of staff working in that area so people’s awareness is increasing as society has changed. We are finding that more people are reaching out to avail of our training and people are also availing of our counselling and support services too.”

She adds that it’s important to many people within the Midwest community that support services around these areas exist. “There would be - as well as training - social and leisure groups for the LGBTI community, so that might be a range or sporting and leisure activities, book clubs, hill walking, it’s a way of making connections within the community.

“We provide a range of services for young people and their families. We have a counselling service for young people and a peer support group for young people. We also provide supports for parents and carers to help support them in supporting their young person through their issues.

“It’s important for young people to know we exist as a service. We work with people of all ages but we work with young people mostly. That’s changing as society is changing and we’re having more and more discussions around our areas of work, so we support all ages, older people, adults and young people. Sexuality is for everybody.”

For more information on GOSHH services, phone 061 314 354 or visit the website at goshh.ie.

Breith: A celebration of Irish independence in Clare

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

BREITH (Birth) A Clare Celebration of Irish In dependence is a pro duction to mark the centenary of the War of Independence in County Clare.

The work is the vision and cre ation of musician Dr. Tim Collins composer/musician and member of the world-renowned Kilfeno ra Céili Band. The event will take place in glór Theatre, Ennis on Sat urday, December 10 next at 8pm and feature a wide range of artistic talent including the Irish Chamber Orchestra based in University of Limerick.

“It is indeed a great privilege to bring together such diverse and illustrious artistic talent to com memorate what is one of the most important events in modern Irish history”, says Tim Collins.

“When writing Breith, my vision was to create an artistic space to re member and celebrate Clare men and women who lived through, and participated in the Irish War of In dependence.

“Through music, song, dance

and spoken word, Breith weaves their local stories into the nation’s narrative on the complex and tur

Clare woman wins Healthcare assistant of year

CLARE

The mother-of-one was nominated for the award for her tireless efforts to keep a client living in her home after being diagnosed with early onset dementia.

But Joan - who has been a carer five years - told how she’s marking her win by taking time off from her job to care for her own sister. She said: “My sister was diagnosed with cancer and was given two months. Her time frame runs out at Christmas.

“The girls are giving me time off to be the primary carer to bring her home. She wants to come home.

“We all just want to be at home, that’s what it’s about.”

Joan also told how the job can be challenging, admitting: “You have to be right in the head. If you’re burnt out you can’t do it.”

But she told how she ensures that all her clients get a personal touch when she arrives to care for them.

She said: “Some people are mad about sport, some are great gossips so you have to read the paper before you go in. Everyone is different.

“You have to have a different mindframe for each person you go to see.”

bulent path to Irish Independence. We have assembled a wonderful production team with phenomenal

technical and artistic expertise and experience. Their input is critical in ensuring a production par excel

lence.”

Helen Walsh, County Librarian and Clare’s Creative Ireland/De cade of Centenaries co-ordinator said “it was an honour for Ennis to be chosen to host such a spec tacular event which will provide a showcase for the rich cultural and historic heritage of the county”

Ciara Ruane, Chief People Offi cer with Avolon says “Avolon has a proud tradition of supporting Irish artists and innovative cultural projects like Breith. Avolon also has strong roots in County Clare and many of the musicians involved in this production have been involved in our events over the years. I wish all involved the best of luck for what I know as a Clare native will be a great night.”

Breith was commissioned by the Arts Office of Clare County Coun cil through the Decade of Centena ries programme with the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Avolon.

For further enquiries contact: berniehealy6@gmail.com Tel. 087 2615514

woman Joan O'Sullivan has been named as Healthcare Assis tant of the Year at Bluebird Care's annual awards

PICTURED: Joan O’Sullivan, right, was named as Healthcare Assistant of the year

l EXPLORATION OF HISTORY: Announcing details of Breith were (from left) John Lynch, Eoghan Hehir, Tiarnán Collins, Síofra Hogan, Edel Vaughan, Oisin Collins and Paddy Hogan. The specially commissioned production will take place at Glor Theatre, Ennis on December 10

Photo by Eamon Ward

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All wrapped up

Ozone Health and Fitness and their clients spread some early Christmas cheer to local families in need

LOCAL FITNESS busi ness owner Ken O Mal ley founder of Ozone Health and Fitness in Ennis, along with their many clients have been busy this festive period not only keeping their clients fit and healthy in the current climate but extending that help to the wider community.

Throughout the month of No vember and right up to Christmas they have organised a Christmas Food donation drive which will provide help to families in need in the locality.

"For the third Year in a row, we have teamed up with local Com munity Volunteers, headed up by Kathleen Austin, who organise the logistics around these donations actually arriving to those who need them most"

"Essentially, we have a food drop off point here in Reception in Ozone, in the Quin Rd Business Park, where our clients and any one in the community can drop off non-perishable food stuffs and es sential items for those in need"

During these challenging times Ozone has seen more than gener ous donations come in from the community they have built around their fitness business. Extending this out to their client's families, friends and colleagues they have seen a ground-breaking number of donations arrive to make Christ mas a little bit easier for those in need.

Last Year Kathleen and her Team were able to put together over 90 family hampers from the items collected through this partnership with Ozone.

"We are proud to use our platform as an established business in Ennis for over 14 Years, to raise awareness of this food drive" We thank our wonderful Clients and the wider Clare community that continue to support us, and look forward to an even great success this year, in giving back to the community that have supported us so generously since we opened our doors"

Pictured are Mike and Kathleen after last year's massive donations from everyone

All stock reduced in store

EVERYBODY knows how im portant it is to have a good bed & mattress. Home Trends located on Parnell Street in Ennis have reduced all their mattresses, bed frames, divans and bedroom furniture. With up to 50% off you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. There is nothing worse than tossing and turning on a lumpy mattress with the springs and broken-down base audi bly protesting with the slightest movement. It is the type of torment that will send you run ning to your nearest bed store. Since opening its doors in 2013, almost 10 years now, Home Trends has been synonymous with quality beds and bedroom furniture that you count on. The ongoing repeat business is testament to the professional and friendly approach by staff and excellent quality and value available in store. Home Trends is 100% Irish owned and is your one stop shop for all your Fur niture and Bedroom needs. Deposits can be taken on all stock to secure your price. At Home Trends a number of the product rang es on display are provided directly by Irish Suppliers bringing a better-quality product to their customers at very affordable prices. The ethos of the business has always been about offering Irish products to the public which is key to protecting Irish Jobs. Home Trends’ very owned manufactured mattresses are engineered through spring air, the world’s leading manufacturers in pocket sprung mattresses. Unlike many competitors, Home Trends buy directly from the manufacturer which means bypassing the wholesaler guar anteeing massive savings to the customer with the best and lowest prices in town with out compromising on quality.

Whether you are upgrading your own mat tress, your child’s or guest room Mattress, this is an excellent time to invest in that qual ity piece. Home Trend’s Black Tag Event Sale features up to 50% on top rated brands that won’t be beaten on price.

The team at Home Trends will work with you if you have a specific budget and also cover the commercial, rental and airbnb mar ket with prices to suit every budget. All size mattresses are on Sale and if you are looking for a particular size, we can also accommo date you. 3ft Single Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattresses now only €129, 4’6 Double Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattress only €189. If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, the 4’6 Royal Coil Pillow Top Mat tress is a great choice. It features a 7 zoned pocket sprung support system providing excellent support for spine, lower back and hip alignment, retailing at just €499, HALF PRICE, with all sizes available. Love a firm Mattress, our very own back master hotel quality Mattress is the one for you! It pro vides exceptional support and spreads the body weight to prevent the build-up of pres sure points particularly in neck, back and hips. It features a high-level air ventilation system to circulate air, expel stale odours and is hypo-allergenic. As part of our Black Tag Event Sale, Home Trends are offering you this sensational Mattress at HALF PRICE, with prices starting from only €259. Their Christ mas savings club is now open in store where you can secure your item of choice with a deposit and pay off between now and Christ mas. As part of this one-off Sale the store have excellent quality sofas and chairs with exceptional price tags. Noteworthy is the Al

ison 3-1-1

€1,399

The experienced staff at Home Trends will ensure you have a very positive shopping ex perience and will go the extra mile to ensure your needs and requirements are catered for. The delivery Team does nationwide delivery and can take away your old mattress, bed frame for a nominal fee. All packaging will be recycled free of charge. Home Trends, have fantastic value on wooden bedframes,

divans and storage beds. With the divan bas es, customers have the option to add drawers or they can opt for a gas lift storage bed. All stock has been reduced in store with prices that won’t be beaten.

Don’t miss out on this amazing Black Tag Event Sale where you will save up to 50%.

SALE must end this Saturday 3rd Decem ber at 5.30pm. Home Trends Parnell Street, Ennis - OPEN Mon-Sat 09:30am-06:00pm. Call (065) 6797853 / www.hometrendsfur niture.ie.

sofa with reclining armchairs now on sale

SAVE €1100. All in stock and ready for prompt delivery just in time for those special Christmas guests.

All wrapped up

Xmas Party Glam !

Style, Beauty and Lifestlye

Rachel Porter @rachels_day_

With Christmas parties quickly approaching make sure to call into Haven Pharmacy Hollys for all your party glam needs! Their extensive makeup ranges including the much loved Sculpted by Aimee will ensure you are glowing all night long.

Sculpted’s new long wear Satin Silk foundation (€30) is the perfect base for a high coverage look that still feels ultra-light on the skin. This foundation contains Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration giving the skin a gorgeous glow which can be hard to find with a high coverage base.

The Radiance Full Face Edit (€35) includes everything you need for a gorgeous, radiant finish in one convenient palette. This all-in-one palette features beautifully buildable textures for your face, eyes and lips. The great thing about having an all in one product like this is knowing the shades already go together with out any effort, perfect for anyone starting their makeup collection.

€35

Of course, in order to apply your makeup flawlessly the right brushes are a must. The Sculpting Duo Brush (€15) is a dual ended fluffy brush perfect for blending your bronzer seamlessly into your cheekbones but yet its thin enough to ensure less room for error. The opposite brush head is a ta pered one which makes the precise place ment of your highlight so easy!

A glam makeup look isn’t complete without a red lip and gorgeous glowing highlights. Sculpted Liquid Lights (€14) shade Pink Champagne will give your complexion an effortless glow and extra radiance to wherever you dab it. The Lip Duo (€19) in shade Double Trouble gives that vibrant red that screams xmas party - A handbag essential!

To make sure all your hard work doesn’t budge all night set with a generous spritz of Hydrate and Hold (€20) moisturizing setting mist and finish the look with Bellamianta x Maura Hig gins shimmer Glow Mist (€24) to sparkle on the dance floor.

Be sure to check out Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis for all your xmas party looks!

REAT you loved ones with a gift voucher from the Inn at Dromoland this Christmas. Spoil your family and friends with a variety of voucher types to suit all tastes. Choose from: Monetary Vouchers, Afternoon Tea Vouchers, Leisure Club Membership Vouchers, Shan nigans Gastro Pub Dining Vouchers, Accom modation Vouchers and much more. There is an option to suit every budget! Vouchers can be purchased on the hotel’s website www.thein natdromoland.ie, over the phone by calling 061368161or at hotel reception up until 9pm every night in the lead up to Christmas. Support Local this Christmas and consider a Gift from the Inn at Dromoland!

Shannigans Gastro Pub are launching a Fes tive Set Menu on November 25th which will be available daily from 1-8pm, right up to and including Christmas Eve! Choose from a two and three course meal, with both options also including complimentary mince pies and tea/ coffee. This delicious menu combines some classic Christmas dishes with some of Clare’s best local ingredients. Book your table now by calling 061-368161 or email info@theinnatdro moland.ie (Walk-ins are also welcome but sub ject to availability).

All wrapped up

Riverside Hair & Beauty receives AllStar certificate for third year running

OWNER SARAH GOULD says they are delighted with the success as they mark a special milestone this month.

"Riverside Hair & Beauty is cele brating 10 years in business in Octo ber. I am delighted to achieve Bussi ness All-Star accreditation for a third year running in 2022 and this makes me very proud of my staff and myself to see how far we have come in these 10 years.

Ten years ago, I opened my own beauty business in a small two room salon, I never imagined that I'd grow to finally have my own purpose-built salon, with 10 employees, offering all things hair and beauty in my home village of Cree, a small village in the west of Clare.

"I'm always working with my staff to upskill and evolve the business at all times, and in celebrating 10 years in business I've recently invested in two new treatments - laser hair removal and HydroFacials. We are very excited

to promote these new treatments as part of our birthday celebrations this month."

The Accreditation is overseen by the prestigious All-Ireland Business Foundation, whose adjudication pan el is chaired by Dr Briga Hynes of the University of Limerick and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics.

Deputy Chair of the Adjudication Board Kieran Ring explains what stood out when assessing the West Clare business:

"This certificate verifies that Riv erside Hair and Beauty has achieved All-Star Clare Beauty Salon of the Year 2022, in recognition of the com pany's commitment to standards of beauty care in the county. We wish to recognise Riverside Hair and Beauty's conduct in the areas of trust, com mitment, performance and customer centricity. The company is hereby in cluded in The AIBF Register of Irish Business Excellence (TRIBE) for a third successive year."

All wrapped up

Shop Local, Shop

Irish this Christmas…

THE FESTIVE SEASON is fast approaching and with it thoughts of sorting that perfect gift for family and friends. Bookselling Ireland, the committee of Booksellers Association members representing bookshops big and small across Ireland, is encourag ing shoppers throughout the country to support their local bookshop by shopping local and shopping Irish!

Books offer a fantastic gift for young and old alike and with so many different genres to choose from there will be some thing to please even the trickiest person on your Christmas list this year! Some of Bookselling Ireland’s favourite new books for Christmas 2022 include;

For children:

‘Cloud Babies’ by Eoin Colfer and Chris Judge – a compelling, empathetic book, gorgeously illustrated

‘Girls who Slay Monsters’ by Ellen Ryan, illustrated by Shona Shirley MacDonald –fascinating stories of brave and brilliant Irish goddesses

‘The Light Thieves’ by Helena Duggan – clever, quirky and imaginative, and the first in a new series

‘The Fox’s Tower’ by Sam Thompson –a captivating and thought-provoking tale for all ages!

‘Big Bad Me’ by Aislinn O’Loughlin –fresh, fast-paced and fun; vampire slayers and werewolves

For those who want to learn as they read:

‘Listen to the Land Speak’ by Manchán Magan – an expert mix of Irish history, my thology and folklore

‘You Don’t Know What War is’ by Yeva Skalietska – forced to flee Ukraine, a young girl now living in Dublin tells her story, a poignant and essential read

‘An Irish Atlantic Rainforest’ by Eoghan Daltún – beautiful nature writing combined with a passionate appeal for a radical new relationship with the environment

‘The Ship Beneath the Ice’ by Mensun Bound - the extraordinary story of the dis covery of Shackleton's Endurance

For the foodie:

‘Bake’ by Graham Herterich – classic Irish recipes with a modern twist ‘Ballymaloe Desserts’ by JR Ryall and

‘Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things’ by Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad – flexible, flavour-packed dishes to add something ‘extra’ to your next meal

For fiction lovers:

‘Where I End’ by Sophie White – a hor ror novel about being bound by the blood knot of family

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Gar mus - funny, poignant page-turner of a novel set in 1960's America

‘The Half Life of Valery K’ by Natasha Pulley - a tender, complex, darkly humou rous story, a stunning portrait of Soviet Russia during the Cold War For fantasy and science fiction lovers:

‘Legends and Lattes’ by Travis Baldreean orc called Viv retires from soldiering to open a coffee shop. The most gorgeous, cosy, heart-warming read

‘The Children of Gods and Fighting Men’ by Shauna Lawless - the first in a gripping new historical fantasy series intertwining Irish mythology and history

For the armchair sportspeople:

‘A History of the GAA in 100 Objects’ by Siobhán Doyle - an illustrated celebration of the GAA since medieval times

‘Point to Point’ by Healy Racing and Richard Pugh - superb photos of the rid ers, handlers, tracks, and horses that give Irish point-to-pointing such a unique spirit

‘Chased by Pandas’ by Dan Martin - the celebration of a true cyclist's career

Aoife Roantree, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, said, “There are a vast array of fantastic books available in bookshops throughout the country and experienced booksellers are on hand to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christ mas list. Like many businesses bookshops can only survive if they continue to receive support from their local community so we are encouraging everyone to shop local and shop Irish this festive season!

For more great Christmas gift ideas keep an eye on Bookselling Ireland’s so cial media platforms; Facebook: @Book sellingIreland, Twitter: @BooksellingI and Instagram: @BooksellingI. You can also pop into your local bookshop to receive a great Christmas gift recommendation today!

David Tanis – recreate the dishes from the iconic Ballymaloe dessert trolley!

Christmas Magic at the Cliffs of Moher Experience

TO KICK OFF this festive sea

son, Cliffs of Moher Experience are delighted to offer compli mentary admission to all Clare residents from 1st until 31st De cember 2022, along with 20% off products in the Craft and Gift Store.

The Visitor Centre will be adorned in twinkling Christmas lights and enchanting decorations from 21st November 2022 un til 6th January 2023. All festive visitors are welcome from 9am until 5pm.

Wrap up for an invigorating walk with spectacular views along the pathways of the Cliffs of Moher Experience, then pop into our Visitor Centre for a warming cup of hot chocolate. Visitors to Ireland’s most popu lar natural attraction will be able to enjoy a menu filled with locally sourced produce. The Cliffs View Café and Puffins Nest Café, both located in the Visitor Centre will be of fering an array of festive treats.

If you have some Christmas shopping to complete, do not fear! Our Craft and Gift Store offers an amazing selection of prod ucts from Irish suppliers both local and arti san. A wide range of gifts are available from jewellery, ceramics, clothing, perfumes and

cosmetics, perfect for family and friends. Melanie Lennon, Sales and Market ing Manager Cliffs of Moher Experience.

Ms. Melanie Lennon, Sales and Market ing Manager Cliffs of Moher Experience invites anyone thinking of coming along to download the new Cliffs of Moher Experi ence app in advance of their visit. With free Wi-Fi available throughout the main visi tor centre building and viewing platforms, visitors will be able to access a range of in formation about the Cliffs via their smart phone on the day.

The Cliffs of Moher Experience is a sig nature discovery point on Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, a main Geosite of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds and Wildlife and is a whol ly owned tourism asset of Clare County Council. Visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie for more details.

Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Cliffs of Moher Experi ence!

D Free admission for Clare residents from 1st – 31st December 2022.

D Enjoy an invigorating walk with spectacular views along the pathways of Cliffs of Moher Experience.

D Clare residents can also enjoy a 20% discount in our craft and gift stores.

D Drop into our Café for a warming cup of hot chocolate and lots of other local Christmas treats.

D Marvel at our twinkling Christmas themed visitor centre, a yuletide wonderland.

D Opening times 9am – 5pm | Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December 2022.

What are you waiting for – make sure you download our app and audio guide to maximise your visit.

Cliffs of Moher App & Audio Guide www.cliffsofmoher.ie

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

earlier and earlier each year. Our fondness for letting our festive spirit soar carries through to some pretty amazing décor and lighting displays all over the country. Christmas lights range from modest displays to show good cheer to gazillion-bulb light-appaloosas that draw attention from near and far. Irish light ing experts Solus have some top tips to help your festive display dazzle in the safest and most energy efficient way..

1 SAFETY FIRST

A&E departments are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their Christmas lights, suffer electric shocks or cause fire hazzards. To avoid the Christmas black and blues, take extra care over the Christmas period with any festive light displays.

2 DON’T TURN ON THE CHRIST MAS LIGHTS DURING THE DAY It is a waste of energy and electricity and no one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day.

3TREE LIGHTS ON - ROOM LIGHTS OFF When the tree is lit, there is no need to have other lights on. Save energy & enhance the

You can buy timers now for electric lights. They simply plug into a socket and then you plug your lights into them and set the timer to come on and off.

5 DON’T OVERLOAD

Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the exten sion lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire..

6 NEVER LEAVE LIGHTS TURNED ON WHILE UNATTENDED

Always turn off the lights before you leave the house and when going to bed. Leaving them on over night could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

7 STORE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN A BALL

It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life

Why should I shop in Kilrush this Christmas?

WE have now entered the most important time of the year for not just family and community, but also businesses and the local economy.

A Retail Ireland report predicts that the Irish households will spend approxi mately €978 more than any other month. This adds up to around €5.39 billion during the festive month, the organisa tion says - €1.86 billion more than the other months of the year. With many Irish shoppers now choosing to shop on foreign websites, there is a huge chal lenge for Irish retailers to ensure that they benefit from this anticipated addi tional spending.

With the big day quickly coming upon us, get started now so you can really en joy the festive season. If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush, or indeed across West Clare, we could help to make a real dif ference to our local communities. Local businesses are the life-blood of the econ

omy.

Buying local helps to support business owners who either produce their own artisan products or employ members of your family, neighbours and friends. They in turn, will spend money locally hence improving the cycle of the local economy. When a business thrives it can create jobs for your friends, neighbours and members of your family. These new jobs provide more money to spend in the local economy. When more money is spent locally, more jobs are created, and that means, there’s more money to support local fundraising drives for lo cal charities, sporting events/clubs and festivals. So not only do local businesses benefit, but our communities can contin ue to be vibrant places where we want to live, work and bring up our kids.

So this Christmas think before your buy. If every shopper spent some of their allocated Christmas spend in Kilrush — we could help to make a real difference to our local communities. Happy shopping!

Electric win for CSGL at

THE final of Clare Business Ex cellence Awards, hosted by En nis Chamber took place at glόr last Thursday night (November 24). Ennis-based CSGL Electrical Wholesalers, founded in 2011, were the big winners, with a trio of awards. CSGL won ‘Best Micro Business’ and ‘Business Support ing Community, and from there went on to scoop the overall award for ‘Clare Business of the Year’.

This was the 12th year Clare Business Ex cellence Awards took place and the indepen dent judges said the standard was back to pre-Covid days, with excellent submissions and tight competition across all categories.

Clare County Council is the awards main sponsor and supporter. Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Ann Norton congratulated the final ists and winners on the resilience they have shown to survive recent challenges including those brought about by Covid-19, and she wished them well as they face new challenges because of the war in Ukraine.

Commenting on the results, Ennis Cham ber President Colin Ryan said, “This year’s Clare Business Awards Gala was a great night of celebration and optimism. The fi nalists represented the best qualities you find in Clare businesses; commitment, drive, an openness to new opportunities and a com mitment to training.”

Winners on the night included, EI Elec tronics, Temple Gate Hotel, Caherconnell Stone Fort, Oar Restaurant, Eva’s Café, Seoi din, Torpey, Clare Drains Environmental, Shannon Springs Hotel, O’Connor’s Bakery, Cliffs of Moher Experience, Sweet N Green café and Cuimhneamh an Chláir.

Summing up what impressed most about the overall winner, CSGL Electrical Whole salers, the judges said, “CSGL has a clearly defined growth strategy which embraces cus tomer satisfaction at its core. The company

has developed robust best practice systems and procedures to ensure a quality product and it is exceptionally well-managed.”

Commenting on her company’s win, Car

oline O’Connor said, “Winning two individ ual awards was a fantastic achievement for CSGL, to then be announced as ‘Clare Busi ness of the Year’ topped off an already suc

cessful and thrilling occasion for us. We work as a team and these three awards underpin the commitment from each member of our team. It is a group effort.”

l OVERALL WINNERS: L-R John Burke, Stephen Kerin, Geri O'Donoghue, Alan Pyne, Michael Fitzpatrick, Colin Ryan, President Ennis Chamber, Liam Conneally, Clare County Council, Caroline O'Connor and Ethan Kerin

Photo by Arthur Ellis

l HAPPY EVA AFTER: Eva Dusnoki, proprietor Eva’s Café, Ennis receives award for Best Café, presented by Deirdre Frawley, AIB Photo by Arthur Ellis

l Ann Marie O’Connor of O’Connors Bakery receives the Jurors Special Recognition Award from Vice President Ennis Chamber, Sheila Lynch

Photo by Arthur Ellis

l WINNER ALRIGHT: (clockwise from top left) Torpey accept award for ‘Best SME’ (L to R) Fintan Cooney, Michael Fisher, Brian McDowell, representing category sponsor Cup Print, with Sean Torpey, Mark Collins and Aonghus Clarke; Kieran O’Halloran, Oar Restaurant, Doolin, and his partner toast a succesfull night; Frank Landy and Siobhain Landy of Sweet n Green accept ‘Best Age Friendly Business from Age Friendly Officer, Clare County Council, Karen Fennessy; Alma Kelly and Marie Gleeson of Simply Blue Group with Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Mary Howard; Marie Cleary, Dermot Kelly, Joan Kelly, John Gavin and Lisa Glynn, of Shannon Springs Hotel with their award Photos by Arthur Ellis

GLOBAL AWARD FOR SHANNON COMPANY

CalQRisk, a software application from Shannon, has won Risk Management Product of the Year in the CIR Risk Management Awards. The awards were host ed by the Continuity, Insurance and Risk (CIR) Magazine, and held in conjunction with the Institute of Risk Management in the London Marriot Hotel.

CalQRisk won Risk Manage ment Product of the Year, in the Technology Partner Division

of the awards. The company behind CalQRisk is based in Shannon and employs more than 15 people across Ireland and the UK. Chris Hanlon, CEO of CalQRisk said “It’s great to win such a prestigious award. We have grown consid erably over the last 18 months and this award highlights the fact that our solution and ser vice continue to be exemplary.”

CalQRisk has almost doubled revenues in the last 18 months and their clients include Aon.

Clare tourism facing ‘stark’ 2023

NEW analysis from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has underlined the challenges facing hotels and guesthous es into 2023, with spiralling business costs, reduced for ward bookings, and a planned increase in the tourism VAT rate at the end of February 2023.

Despite an uplift in tourism during 2022 following the pandemic, hotel room occupancy rates are still signifi cantly down on 2019 for the year to date. For the first ten months of the year (January to October), average room occupancy levels were 71 per cent nationally and 73 per cent for the Mid West. Over the same period in 2019, however, room occupancy was at 80 per cent nationally, highlighting the extent of lost ground still to be made up.

The economic outlook for the sector is now looking less certain with pent-up demand quickly unwinding, over seas markets entering economic downturn and consum er confidence reaching decade-lows across key over seas markets. This is taking its toll on confidence within the sector with the majority of hotels and guesthouses saying they are concerned about the impact of global economic uncertainty on their business over the next 12 months, with 38 per cent saying they are concerned and 56 per cent indicating they are very concerned.

With overseas tourism levels forecast to be down 25 per cent this year compared to 2019, forward bookings reported by hotels for next year remain challenging par ticularly for visitors from the UK and parts of Europe:

• 60% report reduced bookings from GB versus 2019

• 47% report reduced bookings from Northern Ireland

• 38% report reduced bookings from the rest of Europe

The US market is a cause for less concern, with 36 per cent reporting reduced bookings largely offset by the 35 per cent reporting an increase (29 per cent no change).

Stephen O’Connor, Chair of the Irish Hotels Federa tion Shannon Branch said, “We are now heading into very turbulent times economically with growing uncer tainty in our overseas markets. This comes at a time when escalating business costs are eroding confidence among hoteliers.

“For an average 70-bedroom hotel this means an increase of €380,000 in annual energy costs. While the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme in troduced in Budget 2023 is welcome, the qualification criteria are far too restrictive for hotels. Hotels are also seeing increases across the cost of food suppliers (up

25% this year), beverages (up 16%), linen and laundry services (up 30%) and insurance costs (up 18%).”

Mr O’Connor said that compounding the challeng es facing businesses was the decision to increase the Tourism VAT rate to 13.5% at the end of February 2023.

“The 9% Tourism VAT rate is the right rate for the longterm sustainable development of Ireland’s largest indig enous industry,” Mr O’Connor concluded.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• ASSISTANT PLANNER

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 21st December 2022

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846439, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

l CELEBRATION: The CalQRisk team collect their award (l-r) Chris Hanlon, CEO, Julie Scarlett, Solutions Specialist, Mairéad Scahill, Marketing Executive, and Gerard Joyce, CTO

Wix & Wax now stocked in 54 stores nationwide

STUART HOLLY

THE Ennis entrepreneurs behind Wix & Wax are just over two years into their journey as a candle-making company. Despite their relatively new venture, lifelong friends Chantell Keane and Danielle Kenneally are now being stocked in more than 50 stores nationwide and firmly in the melting pot of Clare’s most popular producers.

Wix & Wax use sustainably sourced and ethical materials to create their entire ‘cruelty free’ range which consist of candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and more. Having discussed setting up a company together, the wick was sparked between the duo during the global pandemic when the Ennis mothers took a candle making course and established Wix & Wax.

Their ambition and creativity were rewarded as they encountered unprecedented demand during 2020 and 2021. However like many businesses, they more recently have encountered the challenges associated with emerging from the pandemic such as people’s changing shopping habits and inflation taking its toll on business running costs. The cost of raw materials such as wax has increased by up to 40 per cent, however Wix & Wax so far have not yet this cost onto the customer.

Now based at Centrepoint Business Park in Hermitage, Ennis, despite these challenges Wix and Wax are preparing for a very business festive season of online orders and demand

from retailers nationwide. Dunnes Stores are counted among the 54 retailers carrying Wix & Wax products. Having originally dealt with only seven stockists, Chantell tells The Clare Echo why customers continue to gravitate towards the Wix & Wax range, “Being cruelty free and vegan friendly is massive for people and our products are, we use a soy-based wax which is also a cleaner burn and a lot of our customers love that.”

Danielle, mother to three-year old Matthew, continues, “We’re looking forward to a really busy Christmas which has started already. At Christmas time our gift boxes just fly out the door, we’re actually up to our eyeballs in them as we speak,” she laughs. “We have a range of gift boxes that start at €29 that go up to €67 so there is a budget for everybody.”

Chantelle is also a mother-of-one (to 11-year old Kayden), and the pair admit the challenge of balancing business with motherhood becomes more difficult during the hectic festive season. Despite this challenge, they have managed to vastly extend their range. “For our first Christmas we only had one candle. We’ve extended that to more than 10, and our wax melt range has grown massively. We’re now doing diffusers, room sprays, we have some Christmas wax melt baubles and advent calendars, they fly out the door at Christmas.”

Wix & Wax will be at the Ennis Christmas Market at Abbey Street Car Park from today, December 1 to Sunday December 4 and they will be at the Galway Christmas Market from December 9-15.

Visit https://wixandwaxireland.com/ to shop at Wix & Wax online.

Chantell Keane and Danielle Kenneally founders of Wix and Wax

Entrance Hall 5m x 2m. Covered porchway giving access to front door leading into the main hallway. This is a generous sized hall way with tiled flooring and ample space un der the stairs that could be closed and paint ed staircase with carpet runner.

Ground floor Bedroom/Office 3.55m x 2.65m. With a large 3 panel window to the front looking out onto green area.

Main Reception 5.5m x 3.65m. This is a spacious room which is drenched with natu ral sunlight with large 3 panel window to the front and 2 either side, decorative coving, with the centre piece of the room a painted timber surround open fireplace, with tim

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

ber style flooring and full length glass doors leading you into the Kitchen/Dining area.

Kitchen/Dining 5.8m x 3.1m. Modern wall and base kitchen units with integrated ce ramic hob, oven, extractor fan and sink unit with tile splash back, also plumbing for dish washer, space for a fridge freezer and pan try style unit with tiled flooring throughout. Full length glass double doors lead out in the rear garden area.

Utility Room 2.65m x 2m. Wall and base units with splash back and plumbing for a washing machine also with back door access with glass panel door offering great light.

46A LAGHTAGOONA, COROFIN, CO. CLARE

No. 312 Quay Road is a home that must be viewed to truly appreciate the exceptional property that is being offered for sale. On arriving at the property, the generous offstreet parking leads to vehicular side access leading to rear gardens that are normally reserved for countryside living. The interi or of the home has been meticulously re furbished by its current owners, boasting modern finishes while retaining the amaz ing character that the Quay Road homes are renowned for. All amenities are within a short stroll with easy access to the M18, En nis Town Centre and village amenities. This is an ideal first time buyer/growing family

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

PSL 002295

home with viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL 002295

Entrance Hall 3m x 1.90m. Quality tiled flooring, carpeted L shaped stairs leading to first floor landing incorporating ample under stairs storage and door to main re ception.

Main Reception 4.60m x 3.40m. Cast iron surround feature fireplace with cast iron insert and polished marble flag, dec orative wall decor, TV point and open arch to formal dining with additional open arch to kitchen/breakfast.

This is a beautifully modernized 3 bed room property set on in excess of 1 acre of an elevated site over looking the town of Ennistymon with a large number of out buildings and sheds which all have the ser vices. This home is a must view and strict ly by appointment with sole selling agents. PSL 002295

Entrance Hall 4.45m x 1.55m. PVC stained glass door leads you into the main hallway with original timber floors with 2.85m ceilings.

Main Reception Area 4.55m x 3.15m. Sit uated to the front left of the property with original timber flooring, has an open fire

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

place, a large 3 panel window to the front offering excellent country side views and a high 2.85m panel ceiling.

Reception Area 3.85m x 3.65m. Open plan reception area which leads to extend ed kitchen/dining. Solid timber flooring throughout with high panel ceilings, the centre piece of the room a modern stove and also has space for a computer desk. This area also houses the hot press.

Extended Kitchen Area 5.7m x 3.15m. A new PVC half door, access to the side, with modern base timber style kitchen units with integrated sink.

312 QUAY ROAD, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE

CIRCULAR ROAD, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

Skoda will launch three

ON TOP of the three allnew EVs planned by 2026, the Volkswagen subsidiary from the Czech Republic will also add more new models in subsequent years, and most of those will be electric. According to Skoda, the share of EVs in the brand’s European sales will rise to more than 70 percent by 2030, which means that it will continue to launch new or re freshed models with internal combus tion engines in subsequent years.

Skoda also wants to achieve the max imum possible CO2 emissions reduc tion for its production cycle. The firm’s Indian plants will be CO2-neutral in 2025, while one of its Czech plants, Vrchlabí, has already achieved this ob jective at the end of 2020. The other two Skoda factories in the Czech Republic have until 2030 to become CO2-neu tral, as well.

In the case of the Vrchlabí plant, since 2019, all the waste from the production process gets recycled either thermally or materially. The other two Skoda fac tories in the Czech Republic, Kvasiny

and Mlada Boleslav, have been doing the same since the beginning of 2020, so they do not have any waste from the manufacturing process.

Other measures meant to reduce the environmental impact of production involve using an innovative solution to apply one of the four layers of paint sig nificantly thinner than before without affecting quality or durability. Accord ing to Skoda, that move alone will save 720 tons of paint per year in the brand’s production plants.

Recycling is also a big part of this goal, and Skoda has managed to have recy clable and reusable materials making up over 95 percent of a vehicle’s weight. In the case of the Octavia, one third of the raw materials used today to make one come from recycled materials. This in cluded steel, aluminum, glass, plastics, and even insulating materials.

It is worth noting that not all parts used in a vehicle get to be recycled again as raw materials for other vehicles, but the idea is to prevent those components from reaching a landfill or having a sin gle-use cycle.

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW

Flanagan hoping to emulate great Clare teams of past

OFTEN the magnitude of success can be lost on players until they call it a day, but Paul Flanagan is well aware of what Ballyea are achieving, writes Pára ic McMahon.

Having captained the Clare U21 side to national glory in 2013, surprisingly it wasn’t until Brian Lohan became Clare manager that Paul was handed a starting championship debut. In Nowlan Park on November 7 2020, Flana gan started at left corner back and he hasn’t looked back since.

Two-time All-Ireland winner, Fergal Hegarty in his analysis on The Water Break (video podcast for Clare Echo subscribers) put forward the argument for Flanagan to be award ed an All Star for his dis plays this year.

The UL graduate admits he's playing with "great freedom" these days by putting less pressure on himself. Given the form he has shown for club and county, there’s no sur prise that the 30-year old is enjoying his hurling.

“That’s number one and Robbie [Hogan] has said that to us a few times, he

An individual who likes to reflect, Paul returned to UL and completed a Masters Degree in Mental Health, Mental Skills and Per formance Psychology in 2020. It could arguably be this trait that makes him really appreciate that Bal lyea have won four Clare SHC titles in six years (and their entire history) while Saturday marks the second appearance in a Munster club final.

“It’s a great thing to reflect on after the year. I definitely appreciate it, you don’t have to look too far in the history books, you see Doora/Barefield, Clarecastle and Wolfe Tones and the calibre of club teams that they were, it speaks volumes and I mean that genuinely to every one of those teams, it’s exceptional and to win two on the bounce is real ly special”.

Returning to the Munster final is “great testament to the work that has gone in and to the Clare cham pionship in general,” the Ballyea full-back affirmed.

“Pearse Lillis would have often laugh about the fact you could have a onepoint win or a two-point win or a two-point loss be cause it is so tight in Clare. To get out and to win an other championship was unbelievable."

Sharp-witted observers tried to put forward the view that Gary Brennan was awarded man of the match in their semi-final win over St Finbarr’s be cause he was capable of giving a post-match inter view as Gaeilge on TG4. He and Flanagan are Irish teachers and pundits on TG4. “I think he was well deserving of man of the match," admits Flanagan.

"I don’t think we were that sharp against Finbarrs the last day but we’ll learn from that...It’s great to be there. We know from Munster club hurling that it’s a different beast, you’re coming up against the best team in the coun try from last year, they are an exceptional side.

"I know what it feels like this year to be competing in a Munster final and to not come out on the right side of it. It’s a great op portunity to go in and

compete again.”

There are different en vironments when he ponders the dynamic between the dressing rooms at club and county but Paul is very appreciative to be involved in both camps.

“[In the Clare dress ing room] you have a lot of guys who are the best player in their club, every body is a fantastic play er and at the top of their game, every night you go in there is a real compet itiveness to the sessions and to the internal match es and so on, that go on.

"Then, you switch tack and come back to the club, there’s a real ca maraderie, you mightn’t have met a guy for quite a while but you just dive into what you do, we’ve been able to create great memories through tough games and great nights after games, that always adds to a melting pot of a team and it always mesh es it together really well, it lends itself to being great fun on and off the pitch.

"It’s not something I recognised enough when I was younger but I do now.”

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Kelly back in Thurles with childhood friends

MCMAHON

BALLYEA’S hurling field was not just where one of the country’s finest hurlers Tony Kelly honed his craft but also the spot where his greatest friendships blossomed.

Growing up, the field was the meeting point for Kel ly, Jack Browne, Gearoid O’Connell (Gudgy) and Jack Browne where multiple bat tles were had during their school holidays dabbling in different sports.

Two weeks ahead of his 29th birthday, Tony recalls that being in the field so of ten was an integral part in his progression. “Just getting down to the field, practising the basics in terms of strik ing on the run, left and right,

that was the biggest thing for us, we just spent hours at the field doing the basics.

I suppose when you’re at the field then you’re working on things without realising it like the running, sprinting, jumping, that comes from other sports because we weren’t just playing hurling at the field, if it was rugby or soccer, whatever it was we were just here constantly."

Though it sounds simple, he pinpointed the ability to strike the ball off each side as the most important skill for young hurlers to master.

“I always say to young lads if you have a basic skill of hit ting left and right, it’s a mas sive one that you can rely on.”

Undoubtedly when it came to hurling, Kelly ranked su perior but when the hurleys and sliotars were put down and the oval ball thrown

into the mix, Gudgy and Jack Browne came into their own. “At underage we were all half afraid of Gudgy until we started getting a bit older. It’s a local thing, you’ll see it at every club, if you go to the GAA field in the summer, at mid-term break or after school it’s probably the best thing you can have is a com munity field or a GAA field where lads can go and liter ally play whatever sport and enjoy it.”

So it comes as no surprise that getting to line out in an other Munster club final is made more special for the four time All Star that he gets to do so alongside his best friends. “I know it’s a cliché about the club but you play most of your hurling with the lads you grow up, it’s huge. I remember in 2016 there was such a huge buzz about going

to Thurles for a final because we were never used of play ing outside Cusack Park, to be heading back there again is massive...hopefully we can go one step further and make another bit of history, it will be tough work but one chal lenge we’re looking forward to”.

Kelly obtains that Na Pi arsaigh's defeat to Ballygun ner was the “standout game” of the Munster club cham pionship. It was watched by Kelly after Ballyea’s one point semi-final win against St Finbarr’s. “We’re under no illusions...they gave us a lesson in the Park last year in terms of movement, hurl ing and what they can do if you stand off them. Na Pi arsaigh gave them bags of it in the first half and looked very good but in the second half Ballygunner came out and took over, they’re like an inter-county team and we know we’re up against it.

"We’re looking forward to getting out and doing our selves justice which may be we didn’t do last year," adds Tony, referencing the 17-point defeat in last year’s quarter-final which he

missed due to injury.

Key to Ballyea’s now reg ular appearances in the Munster championship has been the addition each year of fresh talent with Mossy Gavin, Aaron Griffin, Peter Casey, Morgan Garry and Cathal O’Connor pushing to feature in their first provin cial club final.

“The squad has changed since we were last in a Mun ster Final in 2016 and there’s been a lot of turnover, lads retired, left and a few lads have come in that weren’t there since 2016 which also helped the squad in compar ison to last year.

"We definitely have un earthed talent both at the back and also scoring for wards which is huge”.

Read the full interview at www.clareecho.ie.

Tony Kelly Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PÁRAIC

Ballyea v Ballygunner (Waterford) Venue: Semple Stadium, Thurles Time: 3:15pm, Saturday

said you have to enjoy it."

MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Éire Óg rue missed chances

PAUL MADDEN, ÉIRE ÓG SENIOR FOOTBALL MANAGER:

“One point or ten points it doesn’t matter, if it’s ten you have no regrets but if it’s one you have a few.

"We genuinely felt we could win this game, we didn’t get a good start but outside of that we felt we could win it and right up until the end we were in it but we didn’t play at our best today to be honest.

"We got some good scores, some lads played really well but generally I don’t think we played at our best. They are a decent side but three years ago if you said to me we would be coming down here in a Munster semi-final team against a Kerry team on their home patch and losing by a point and being absolutely dejected, it shows how far we have come on but it shows the level we should be at.

"The hardest part at this level is getting out of your county every single year. I’d be very proud of the lads and the efforts they’ve put in, it wasn’t our day today and it’s hugely dis appointing.

“Frees and missed chances, I figured if we turned up and played anywhere to our per formance levels that we were used to or were capable of doing that they would be in a game and to be fair they were. Their manager said it after that it was a battle but we came up short.

“It was hard to tell what the extra man was doing at times because they were moving around and changed. I’m not going to make any excuses, it was a game we could have won, I’m not saying should have won but it’s a game we could have won and we didn’t so

FACTFILE

KERINS O’RAHILLYS

Frees: 17 (7/10)

Wides: 2 (1/1)

Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 1-05

Top scorer: Tommy Walsh (1-02 1f 1M)

Bookings: David Moran (19 & 21), Jack Savage (23), Gavin O’Brien (40), Diarmuid O’Sullivan (59).

Red Cards: David Moran (21), Own kickouts won: 11 from 17 (65%)

ÉIRE ÓG:

Frees: 19 (9/10) Wides: 8 (5/3)

Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 1-04

Top scorer: Gavin Cooney (0-05 3f)

Bookings: David McNamara (16), Niall McMahon (18), Mark McInerney (36 & 57), Jarlath Collins (53).

Red Cards: Mark McInerney (57), Niall McMahon (63) Own kickouts won: 8 from 12 (66%)

REFEREE: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary)

it’s disappointing.

“We had two chances at the end and you’ve got to be getting at least one point out of those chances, if we had we would be in extra time right now.”

Hogan happy to keep the lights on in Ballyea

sides, it goes without saying that he has had an indelible role in the club’s fortunes.

THERE’S no secret to the success of Ballyea’s senior hurlers, the ever humble Robbie Hogan admits.

During his playing days with the club, Robbie mainly lined out in the junior cham pionship but his last game in 2001 saw Ballyea win the intermediate title. Two years later, Clarecastle defeated Ballyea in the Clare SHC fi nal but nobody could have foreseen the run that pro pelled them to a first senior championship in 2016 which led to Munster club honours and an appearance in the All-Ireland club final.

Far from a fluke, Ballyea have backed it up by claim ing the Canon Hamilton on three more occasions.

Given Hogan has been manager for three of the four championship winning

That Ballyea have four se nior titles to their name is something he could never have predicted.

Appointed senior manag er in 2012, he stood down after the All-Ireland final loss to Cuala but returned to the hotseat in 2021 resulting in back to back successes.

Along the way, his play ers have gone from boys to men, bachelors to married fathers and for the likes of Paul Flanagan and Tony Kel ly, Robbie is helping them in building their own respec tive homes. “You’re near ly part of the journey with them, I’m living in Ballyea so I’d be constantly meeting them, they have matured so much...I couldn’t praise them enough, it’s been a journey that has been great”.

How approachable Ho gan is has been commonly praised by the players, many

of whom view the 50 year old as a friend not just their manager.

Replicating the tight-knit bond of the players is how close the management are.

“Reggie, Sully, Jude and Alan it’s nearly a social thing be cause we’re great friends off the field, we’re very com fortable with each other, we share the workload very well and very easily, it’s going on a long time at this stage so we’re very comfortable with each other, that rubs off on the players too I think”.

Not long after stepping down as manager in 2017, Robbie received a call from a good friend of his, ex Clare selector and twotime Clare SHC winning man ager Michael Browne who was then managing

Gort, where he took part in a management team that brought the south Galway club to a county final. “You take for granted a lot of the time how familiar you are with lads, their backgrounds and environments like work place situations they are in and that.

lads, when you’re in your own club you know lads so well."

To be back in a Munster final is “the stuff of dreams,” Robbie told The Clare Echo

They may be out in bad, cold conditions but it’s a po sition every other club in the county and indeed the prov ince is envious of. “If you travel the roads of Munster you will pass a lot of pitches that are closed this time of year and the lights are off, big clubs and big names in Tipperary, Cork and Limer ick but to think the lights are on in Ballyea and it’s only a small place but it’s great to have the lights on”.

An indicator of the respect for Hogan’s way is endorsed by the fact Clare senior manager Brian Lohan has added their coach Adri an O’Brien to his man agement and also add ed Brandon O’Connell to his panel.

O’Connell is among

the players set to line out in a Munster final for the first time. “You’re constantly look ing to expose lads to games and that, some days it will be Mossy, some days it will be someone else, you’re always looking for the next man up. We seem to have unearthed a few forwards, there’s a few more coming please God because you’ll have noth ing without competition or someone closing the gap be hind you, we’re happy with the younger players”.

For the lights to be back on in Ballyea in preparation of an All-Ireland campaign, Robbie is adamant a never-before seen display from the men in black and amber must be produced. “It will take hooks, blocks, tackles and it will take the lads doing something that they’ve never done before to get a result in this one...we’ll hope to go out and give a good account of ourselves and represent Ballyea and Clare to the best of our ability.”

l GAME OF MARGINS: The ball is wrestled away from Éinne O’Connor

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Kerins O'Rahillys (Kerry) 1-09 Éire Óg 1-08 Venue: Austin Stack Park, Tralee

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Lenihan returned as Clare LGFA Chair but secretary role vacant

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

SEÁN LENIHAN has been returned as Chairman of the Clare Ladies Gaelic Foot ball Association (LGFA) while glowing trib utes have been paid to Monica Callinan who stepped down as secretary following five years in the role.

In what was the first-person Clare LGFA AGM since 2019, delegates gathered in the Abbey Suite of Treacy’s West County Hotel.

Opening the meeting, the Chairman thanked all those in attendance but admitted he had hoped for a bigger crowd. “I would have like to see more, we’ve 23 clubs in Clare, each club is entitled to bring two delegates, I appreciate ye are all busy people and thank ye for coming”.

Stressing the importance of such meetings, the Miltown Malbay native pointed out how one of their motions from last year’s AGM was brought forward to Congress and im pacted on a rule change amending the sus pension ban of four weeks for all red card offences.

A bouquet of flowers was presented to de parting secretary, Monica Callinan. “Monica has done a superb job as secretary, it is the hardest job, the Chairman’s job is a doddle when you have a good secretary and Monica has been exceptional. You made my job very easy and the same has been said by my pre decessor’s Kieran Harvey lord rest him and David O’Brien”.

He added that the Monaghan native was

taking “a well-earned break but we are unfor tunate to lose her”.

Callinan’s position was not filled on the night and a special general meeting has been fixed for December 6th to fill the post and that of Assistant Secretary, Central Council delegates and Juvenile PRO. Therese Doohan had been nominated as secretary but opted to remain in her role as Registrar instead.

There was no contests for any position on the night with Lenihan, JJ O’Dea, Geraldine Kelly, Edel Conway, Therese Doohan, Síle Murphy, Carmel Bohannon and Christina Hayes all returned to their positions unop

posed.

Patrick Meaney

it wouldn’t fall on the few to do too much which is probably happening, Monica is do ing possibly three jobs here”.

“We put it out to clubs that the secretary position was going to be vacant,” Seán said while pointing out a special meeting would have to be held with Callinan to remain in the role in an interim capacity until then.

“We won’t sugar-coat it, it is a hard position with a lot of work”. He continued, “We need your help to fill that position, there is some body suitable and they are only waiting to asked, I was at home watching telly when I got the call to be asked”.

Clare LGFA Officers 2023L:

President – Christy O’Connor

Vice President – James Costelloe, James Lafferty & Anne Hayes

Chairman – Seán Lenihan (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)

Vice Chairman – JJ O’Dea (Banner Ladies)

Secretary – Vacant.

Asst Secretary – Vacant

Treasurer – Geraldine Kelly (Cúl Gaels)

had

the Board he would not be seeking a second year in the role of PRO. Caoimhe McMahon of Miltown Malbay was elected as his successor.

Encouraging delegates to put the thinking caps on ahead of the special meeting, Leni han referenced the late Johnny Hayes who had made similar appeals for new persons to get involved. “The same people are involved in everything and the pool is diminishing, our numbers are small tonight relatively speaking, if more people did a bit more then

Camogie PRO needed as Brid's term to end

RUAN’S BRID MACNAMARA will see her second term as Clare Camogie expire next week.

An award-winning PRO, Brid has completed a second five year term and will have to step down from the position at Monday’s AGM which is to take place at Hotel Wood stock.

It is expected that the woman who became county secre tary will be relocated to another role on the Executive. She is one of the nominees for the four Central Council dele gates alongside Joe O’Donnell, Caroline McAuley-Rynne and Ann Sanz.

Following the sudden passing of Jimmy Kenny this year, he had been development officer and county grounds offi cer, it will be the first AGM held since his death.

Cratloe’s O’Donnell who was elected Chairman in De cember 2018 succeeding Joe Robbins will be returned uncontested.

Sanz of the Banner club and McAuley-Rynne from In agh/Kilnamona will both be returned as secretary and as sistant secretary respectively. The duo are both nominated to continue as Munster Council delegates and for Munster Convention.

Husband and wife duo Martin and Marie-Louise Kaiser from Newmarket-on-Fergus will remain as treasurer and fixtures secretary respectively. Éire Óg’s Mary McMahon is the only nominee as Assistant PRO.

Gillian McNulty of Ruan and Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s Cor

Asst Treasurer – Edel Conway (West Clare Gaels)

Registrar – Therese Doohan (Kilmurry Ibrickane)

PRO – Caoimhe McMahon (St Joseph’s Miltown)

Juvenile PRO – Vacant

Culture & Language Officer – Síle Murphy

Munster Council – Carmel Bohannon & Christina Hayes

Central Council – To be finalised at Dec 6th meeting.

Clare

Clare

Conor Halpin on the charge for Clarecastle Photo by Gerard O'Neill

mac Heffernan are new nominees to the Executive in the roles of registrar and development officer. Billy Murphy is stepping down from his positions as as sistant secretary and registrar.

of Cooraclare who was absent from the meeting

informed

Brid MacNamara

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Christmas Spirits competition continues at Ennis Golf Club

Seamus Bowe (23). In second place with 70 points were Dermot Doheny (3), John Coleman (12), Martin Moran (3) and Darren McGill (12) and they were followed by Pat McInerney (19), John Casey (20), Joseph Griffin (13) and James Casey (10) with 69 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

Philip Hehir was the winner of the singles sta bleford competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 40 points from John O’Shaughnessy with a similar score. In third spot with 36 points was Tony Kelly.

Clare Youths hoping to get off the mark

CLARE’S YOUTHS soccer side face a must-win encounter with Galway this week end.

Ruairi Price’s side make the trip to Ea monn Deacy Park for a 5pm kickoff on Sat urday evening. Price is in his third season as manager of the county side.

In their only game of the Inter-League Youths Cup to date, Clare drew 2-2 with

Limerick at Frank Healy Park.

James Wallace and Eoin Hassett im pressed when introduced as substitutes in the opening round and will be pressing for inclusion in the first eleven.

Moher Celtic’s Joe Harrington is captain of the side which is likely to start with Tulla Utd’s Simon Kilker between the posts.

by SEAMUS HAYES

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The Ennis ladies' Christmas Spirits week two competition was won by Peg Hanrahan (19) with 31 points from Bridie Hanrahan (21) with 29 points with third place filled by Suzanne Deane (17) with 28 points.

The winner of the week one competition was Helen Gallery (25) with 31 points from Peggy Costello (23) with 29 points. In third place with 27 points was Patrice Ryan (35) followed by Monica Finnerty (23).

Patricia O’Reilly (25) won the nine hole com petition 20 points from Mary Woulfe (15) with 16 points. Patricia O’Reilly (25) also won the pre vious week’s 9 hole competition with 21 points from Margaret Flanagan (19) with 15 points with Carmel Verling (10) in third place, also with 15 points.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Brid Cunningham, Margaret Flanagan and Marie Dileen with 48.8 from Margaret McEnery, Mary Kearns, Carmel Verling and Eileen Daly with 57 points.

The previous week’s competition was won by Brid Cunningham, Liz Kelly and Ann White with 50.57 from Frances O’Reilly, Claire Ruane and Mary Kearns with 54 with third spot filled by Car mel Verling, Ann Kelly, Mary McMahon and Ei leen Daly with 54.4.

Meanwhile the men’s competition at the week end was a team of four with two scores to count. The winners, with 72 points, were Peter Quinn (15), Michael Sullivan (15), Noel Ryan (17) and

The winner of the ladies turkey competition was Joan Ryan with 19 points from Joan Dunne with a similar score. Leslie O’Flynn also with 19 points, was third with Ann McMahon in fourth spot with 18 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

John K. Ryan (12) won the mens turkeys singles competition at Kilrush last week with 32 points He had one to spare over Bernard Cole man (11) with third spot filled by Sean Lyons (12) with 28 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

Kieran Hannon (12) was the winner of the men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend with 41 points. Joe Moran (5) won the gross with 30 points.

The ladies Christmas 3 person waltz com petition was won by Carmel Joyce, Bernadette Burke and Teresa Brennan with 58 points from Josie Collins, Josie Cummins and Patricia Skehill with 51 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s senior men’s competition at East Clare was won by Martin McKeogh, John Farrell and Noel Earley from Kevin Wallis, Tony Kay and John Brett with third spot filled by Jimmy Nagle, Pat Duggan and Paddy O Brien.

The winners of the Friday mixed scramble last week were Tony McNulty, Terry Coughlan and Mary Jo Minogue from J.J. Barton, Pat Mc Namara and Willie Hayes with third spot filled by Mary Hogan, Willie Roche and Richard Pomfret. The Friday morning mixed scramble continues every Friday at 10 a.m.

Photo by Natasha Barton / CDSL

Harnett & Collins call time with Clare

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

TWO OF CLARE’S most experi enced defenders have called time on their inter-county careers.

With inter county senior squads back in training for the 2023 season which will get underway in early January, there is much speculation as to who will be part of the panels.

While the Clare senior football management team headed by Colm Collins, now the longest serving county manager in the game, has yet to finalise their squad, they will have to plan without four members of the outgoing panel.

Two of the players who have been key members of the squad through out the past decade, Kevin Harnett and Sean Collins have both retired from inter county football.

Meelick native Harnett now a member of the Newmarket-on-Fer gus club is now lining out with Cratloe’s footballers. He first rep resented the county’s senior side in 2012 before travelling to the Unit ed States in 2013 and returning in 2014 which marked Colm’s first year as manager.

Collins who made his Clare se nior football debut in 2008 has also represented his county at senior level in hurling, he was part of the All-Ireland winning senior panel of 2013 and lined out for the U21 side which claimed the county’s first All-Ireland at the grade in 2009.

Collins and Harnett missed the entirety of Clare’s National Football League campaign through injury.

Tristan O’Callaghan of St Breck an’s who assumed the goalkeeper’s jersey this year following injury to Stephen Ryan in advance of the

Munster SFC will not be part of the 2023 panel as he has emigrated.

Kerry native, Conor Jordan who lines out for Austin Stack’s in Tralee has also confirmed he won’t be in volved next year. His father George represented St Senan’s Kilkee and also wore the saffron and blue. Conor first joined the Clare panel in 2021. While O’Callaghan has al ready moved to Australia, Jordan is also heading down under.

Coolmeen’s Cathal O’Connor is presently concentrating on his involvement with senior hurling

champions Ballyea. He is expected to rejoin the squad.

Another of the squad’s longest serving members and one of the key players in the team’s progress during Collins’ reign as manager, David Tubridy from Doonbeg is currently taking a break. He is ex pected to make a final decision on whether or not he will continue for another term, early in 2023.

The backroom team is monitor ing the progress of a number of players and a decision on who will be called up to the squad will be fi nalised in the coming weeks.

The Clare Echo understands that Liscannor’s Darren Nagle who re turned from Australia this year ahead of his club winning the Ju nior A championship, Shane Griffin of Lissycasey and Cathal Downes from O’Currys caught the eye of management during the respective club campaigns and are set to be added to the panel for 2023.

For his 10th season at the helm, Kilmihil native Collins has made several changes to his management team. Brian Carson who served as coach from 2018 to 2020 returns

as head coach with Sligo’s Gerry McGowan stepping away after two years. Down native, Mark Doran is involved as assistant coach.

Lissycasey’s Joe Hayes who called time on his Clare career in 2017 is the side’s new goalkeeper coach, he held the same role for the Tipper ary footballers crowned Munster champions in 2020.

Rob Mulcahy, the highly rated strength and conditioning coach will not be involved with the senior footballers next season. Filling the void is the capable Micheál Cahill who returns to the fold. Declan Downes and Enda Coughlan will continue as Collins’ selectors.

Clare will again compete in the McGrath Cup and this competi tion is expected to get underway in the first week of 2023 and will be concluded before the Allianz league gets underway during the last weekend of January.

Greyhounds: Six of the best for Banner contingent

by MICHAEL MAHER

IT WAS a productive evening at Limerick Greyhound Track on last Thursday night for the Clare contingent with success claimed in six of the twelve races on offer.

In the first race on the evening an A5 con test, Tiermana Dolly recorded her first ca reer success in with a 29.11 effort, owned by Noel Moroney from Mullagh, Dolly is a daughter of Laughhil Blake and Cloneyo gan Flash.

There was a quick fire double for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge with her kennel comrades Inislosky Urchin and Inislosky Jasper. A daughter of Romeo recruit and Inislosky Swift, Urchin recorded a four teenth career win in 29.72 and Jasper a son of Droopys Roddick and Cailin Pol, made it eleven wins on his card, crossing the line in 29.63.

Another great campaigner Snuggie Bon nie recorded a remarkable 22nd career win for Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Breda Casey, not far off her fifth birthday Bonnie a daugh ter of Sir Paddy and Snuggie Whisper, she led from trap to line in 29.43.

Amys Jack, owned by Peter Russell from Shannon and trained by Donie Duggan ran on gallantly to record a fourth career win 29.38, Jack is a son of Skywalker Rafa and Notimetotalk.

Notching the fastest run of the evening was the Cooney clan from O’Callaghans Mills. Barnhill Jack with his 28.87 effort for an A3 contest picked up a fifth career win.

The opening round heats of the Stevie Sheehan Memorial A3 525 got underway at the same venue on Saturday night the final heat of the night was landed by Ball yea Scrutiny for Noel Gavin of Ballyea and Albert Mullins of Gort. Sent to traps as the 6/4 favourite, Ballyea Scrutiny didn’t come away too fluently from six but he was to benefit from early traffic to shoot through in second place heading into the back straight.

Ballyea Scrutiny took control entering the bottom two bends and from here, he was all out to hold off the powerful finish of Ruffian Rose in second, there was half a length between the duo crossing the line,

the time was 29.17.

Big crowds turned out at the Galway Track on Friday night last for the €6000 to the winner Greyhound Racing Ireland Gal way Oaks Final as the feature contest of the year at the venue took centre stage.

As the traps rose though all five runners (Newinn Nifty late withdrawal due to cough ing) were away pretty much on terms. As the opening bend loomed though Raha Mofo as all great champions do found that extra gear to surge to the front on the out side to take command and the roar of ap proval from the stands that sent her down the back straight two lengths clear of Mag ical Poppy could be heard in Raha, Ough terard the homeland of the Molloy family. At halfway the lead had grown to two and a half lengths but at the third bend ‘Mofo’ found another gear as she powered home by three and a half lengths in 28.52.

In the opening heat of the Christmas Bun dles A4 Stake Annadown Rose was best away but in the run towards the opening bend the red jacketed Ben N Marie showed plenty of pace to lead from Bobtailbutter cup rounding the opening bend. Turning down the back the leader was chased by the improving Boyneside Topic who began to close on the leaders outside as the third bend loomed. Tracking well at the third bend though the Frank Sheehan of Ennis owned Ben N Marie kicked again and the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained son of Pestana & Nothindosay prevailed by a length at the line in 29.18.

In the A3 eighth contest on Saturday night, Backstreet Lady broke smartly on the wide outside and racing towards the open ing bend she led from Pinnacle Rio, Astro Podge and Burnpark Crash towards the inside as they rounded the opening bend.

With crowding towards the inner Back street Lady found herself five lengths clear of Burnpark Crash turning down the back. Passing halfway the lead was still five lengths but Burnpark Crash began to get closer approaching the penultima cor ner and off the home bend the Mrs Maria Browne of Cree owned son of Crash and Ballyea Beauty collared his rival to win go ing away by a length at the line in 29.39.

PICTURED: Sean Collins and Kevin Harnett

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FANOREMORE, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Vanessa McQuaid Breffitt and Richard Breffitt intend to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURROOR, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Anthony and Kayleigh Kelly intend to apply to the planning authority of Clare County Council for permission to construct a new dwelling and garage with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare

County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWMORE NORTH, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Cian O’Mahoney & Denise Lynch intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS THE HAWTHORNS/ CLARE ROAD, CLONROADMORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Reference Number of the Planning Application: P22537

Development Description: The Construction of 4No 2-bedroom two storey Town Houses, with site works and connections to services

Location: The Hawthorns/ Clare Road, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that Jada Property Investments has lodged significant further information in respect of P22-537.

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, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning

authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNACRAGGA, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Pádraig Markham & Clare O’Donoghue are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, new entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works on an infill site at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 20 GREENFIELD PARK, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE, V95X961

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Paul & Fionnuala Chamberlain for permission to A) carry out alterations B)

construct a rear extension together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SCHOOL ROAD, ATTYCRISTORA, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie. Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Michael Kelleher for permission to amend approved house design granted under P21-275. The proposed amendment will consist of a) removal of stone façade b) removal of rear single storey element c) internal alterations together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the

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

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TYRES

Obituaries

3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times)

Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

Thank you.

-AM

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Leahy (née Barrett), Johanna (Josie) Ballyea, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 28th November 2022

Liddy, James (Jack) Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

McMahon, Gerry Kilkishen, Clare

Date of Death: Sunday 27th November 2022

Rzepa, Bozena Whitegate, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

Scully (née Houlihan), Mary Kilrush, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

Dixon (née Carey), Catherine Shannon, Clare

Date of Death: Sunday 27th November 2022

McDade (née Kealy), Carmel Shannon, Clare

Date of Death: Sunday 27th November 2022

Moloney, Simon Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

Moore, Patrick Liscannor, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

Costello, Patrick Shannon, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 26th November 2022

O’Connor, Michael (Mick) Kilmihil, Clare

Date of Death: Friday 25th November 2022

38TH ANNIVERSARY HOULIHAN, MICHAEL BALLINGADDY, ENNISTYMON CO. CLARE

In loving memory of Michael Houlihan whose 38th anniversary occurs on December 1st.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family. God called your name so softly That only you could hear; And no one hear the footsteps of the angels drawing near. The golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest; His garden must be beautiful He only takes the best. Rest in Peace

HOULIHAN, NORA BALLINGADDY, ENNISTYMON CO. CLARE

Remembering Nora whose 97th birthday occurred on November 30th.

No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Is always kept for you. Always remembered by your loving family.

Rest in Peace

Clarecastle v Clonlara u21

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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