The Clare Echo 02/01/25

Gangs cannot turn Clare into the lawless ‘Wild West’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CRIMINAL GANGS in the county “must live by the same set of laws” as everyone else, a Clare TD has said.

Christmas Day feuds resulted in a rampage on the Mill Rd in Ennis where multiple cars were damaged, weapons were brandished and a death threat was issued in reference to a prison sentence handed out to one family member.

Following the latest instance of violence in the county, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has written to the Garda Commissioner,

Drew Harris urging him to fully utilise the Armed Response Unit, manpower from beyond the Clare Garda Division and the Criminal Assets Bureau “to take to task those who make up their own laws. Criminal gangs cannot turn County Clare into a lawless ‘Wild West’ and law and order must prevail”.

Deputy Crowe stated, “I am pretty sick of feuds in Clare holding our county to ransom and putting innocent lives at risk. I have, again, seen footage of far too many acts of thuggery, violence and criminality over the Christmas period”.

Full Story p8

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT THE CLARE ECHO

Ruan village ‘still in the dark’ following lightning strike

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RUAN VILLAGE remains without public lighting following a Christmas Eve lightning strike.

St Mary’s Church in Ruan saw its timber spire go on fire and crash to the ground after a lightning strike shortly before 4am on the morning of December 22nd. Local residents were awoken by the sound of the spire hitting the ground and soon realised they were without electricity in some parts while watching the flames from the nearby church.

A property in nearby Dromore sustained significant damage but fortunately no injuries were reported with none of the residents home at the time of the strike. It is the first time in an approximate forty five years that there has been lightning in the village of Ruan.

An alarm was raised by locals with emergency services attending to the scene in under twenty minutes.

There has been a strong response from the local community with temporary lights erected at the parish office which is adding some bit of visibility in the dark evenings.

Electrical damage was sustained to St Mary’s Church after the fuse board was blown out of the wall. An inspection from an engineer and an assessment from the insurance company are due to be completed. The Clare Echo understands that

the entire tower of the church will have to be redone, a CCTV system which had been located there has also been damaged along with sections of the roof. Total repair works are expected to cost more than €100,000.

John O’Sullivan who lives in the village of Ruan explained, “Since the catastrophe here last Sunday week we’ve been using a supply from the community centre, we still have no lights in the village. The ESB were out on the Sunday and Eir came out on the Monday but the public lighting has been gone for the week and it is quite dangerous. We are still in the darkness”.

O’Sullivan told The Clare Echo, “The amount of work put in by the people of the parish has been unbelievable, it was like a bee hive of people on the Sunday”.

Fr Pat O’Neill, parish priest of Ruan and Dysart who lives opposite the church said everyone in the locality is “doing well” following the shock of the lightning strike. He recalled, “the lightning struck the steeple which went on fire, there was a good breeze so it lit the timber very quickly and fell. We had rebuilt the steeple, originally it was on a timber octagonal shape but a number of years ago in 2011, the timbers were rotting at the bottom so we put up a steel structure and placed the steeple on top of that, that steel platform I think saved the day, we were lucky the steeple didn’t fall on the church

and if the steeple had fallen on the church everything would have been gone, we were very lucky”.

Ruan village was saved by the church, Fr O’Neill believed. “In the last couple of weeks I had a man here who had a look at the lightning rods on the church, there is nine separate copper lightning strips and I feel that we were very fortunate in so many ways because maybe the church being hit could have saved an awful lot of houses or the village”.

On his feeling at the time, Fr O’Neill admitted, “You’d have had a fear that the whole church would go, there was a gas tank which hadn’t been filled, we use a gas tank for the heating, it is nearby and when the fire brigade came they spent a lot of time dousing down the tank to keep it cool and that nothing would happen there, I must say the fire brigade in jig time, they were here in about seventeen minutes or thereabouts from the time they were called, they were excellent, they had a great degree of confidence, they did their work very well, they served us very well”. On the response from locals, he said, “It was like a swarm of bees, so many locals came to help clean up the place, to take away the burnt pieces, the place was cleaned up in jig time, you could see the faith that people have and you would have to be impressed by them”.

Judge tells ‘immersion’ couple that they are ‘arguing

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A judge has stated that a couple are “arguing over silly things” after being told that a wife has allegedly breached sworn undertakings given to court in relation to the use of an immersion switch in the €400,000 family home.

In the case at the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment to the warring couple who have been before the court a number of times concerning the use of the house immersion.

The separated couple - who continue to live in the family home with their children - each have temporary Protection Orders against each other and have provided sworn undertakings in court that cover the use of the house immersion switch which is to be left on during the day.

In court, solicitor for the husband, Lorraine O’Callaghan Daly told Judge Gabbett that there have been numerous breaches of the sworn undertaking concerning the immersion by the wife.

She said: “The situation is quite fraught in the family home.”

Ms O’Callaghan Daly said that “the situation has changed from turning off the immersion switch and it has now led to when my client goes to have a shower the lights are turned off”.

Ms O’Callaghan Daly said that her client is entitled to live freely in his own home.

Judge Gabbett said: “What you are trying to illustrate is that there is a campaign to get him out of the house?”

In reply Ms O’Callaghan Daly said: “Yes judge.”

Solicitor, Anne Walsh for the wife, told Judge Gabbett that not on any occasion has her client

over silly things’

interfered with the immersion switch.

Ms O’Callaghan Daly reminded Judge Gabbett that in June 2023 both parties gave undertaking to the court and part of that undertaking was that the wife would not interfere with the immersion switch.

Ms O’Callaghan Daly told Judge Gabbett that “the reason we are here is that you made it clear that if either party breaches an undertaking it would be contempt of court and you would deal with it very seriously and the breaches have been happening from last November to last August”.

Judge Gabbett was told that the couple have circuit court proceedings in train aimed at finalising a divorce “and these need to be moved on”.

Ms O’Callaghan Daly said that her client believes the value of the family home is €400,000 while the wife believes it is worth around €300,000.

Judge Gabbett said that the more you get for the house the better “because you are going to have to buy two houses out of it” as part of the divorce.

In January of this year at Ennis District Court, Judge Adrian Harris ordered the husband not to enter his ex-wife’s bedroom as part of conditions attached to a two month suspended prison term imposed on him arising from a row over the use of a shower on their child’s Confirmation day.

Judge Harris imposed the bedroom ban on the man after finding the man guilty of a breach of a Protection Order the man’s ex-wife had obtained against him.

Judge Gabbett said that the issue of alleged breaches concerning the immersion “is not appropriate for his jurisdiction anymore - our business is done”.

l St.Mary’s Church, Ruan on fire after being hit by a lightening strike

Spike in flu leads to introduction of visitor restrictions in local hospitals

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

VISITING RESTRICTIONS

are to be implemented across all of UL Hospital Group’s hospitals following a spike in hospitalisations of persons with the flu.

One visitor per patient is now in place at Ennis Hospital and all other UL Hospital Group sites while no patient should be visited by a person who believes they may have the flu.

High attendances have been reported at the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Management have said there is significant inpatient admissions which has been driven by a spike in hospitalisations of people with flu over the past week.

On Monday (December 30th), there are 76 patients in UHL with the flu, a 204% increase on the 25 recorded on Monday of last week. With the demand on services, management have decided to restrict visitor access across all sites to one visitor per patient, children are not permitted to visit adult wards, strict visiting hours of 14:00 to 16:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 are to be enforced. Visitors must clean their hands on entry and exiting of wards. Visitors to UHL are being advised to wear face masks, which are available in the hospital.

HSE Mid-West has appealed for people not to visit any of our hospitals at all if they feel they have flu.

ED attendances at UHL over the last three days have

averaged 288 compared with 2023’s average daily attendance of 219. Over the past two weeks attendances have increased by 30% compared to 2023. This is part of a national trend, which saw flu hospitalisations across the country increase from 742 people on Friday to 809 on Saturday.

CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster stated, “We expect the number to reach around 900 in the coming week and are taking several measures to prepare for the potential surge in hospitalisations and intensive care admissions due to the flu”.

To respond to the demand in the Mid West, as elsewhere in the country, community healthcare measures have been ramped up, including longer opening hours at some GP practices and increased out-of-hours services.

HSE Mid-West urges people across the region to assist in curtailing the spread of flu by staying at home if you have symptoms. People should adhere to simple coughing and sneezing etiquette, such as using a tissue or coughing/sneezing into your elbow, and not your hands. You should consider all available healthcare options, including local pharmacies, your family doctors, or the ShannonDoc out-ofhours GP service on 0818 123 500. Visitors to our hospitals are asked not to visit if you have any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, a cough, cold or a temperature.

HSE Mid-West is also pro-

viding access to urgent care facilities as an alternative to ED. These include: Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals, operating 8am-8pm all year including bank holidays and weekends. Patients are typically seen and treated in under two hours, no appointment is needed, and there is no charge if you are referred by your GP.

Medical Assessment Units are located in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s hospitals. They provide an alternative option for GPs to secure prompt assessment and treatment of medical patients who otherwise might have presented to ED at UHL.

Additional consultants are on duty in UHL at weekends and bank holidays to assist with patient discharges and hospitals have limited surgical treatments to urgent cases only.

A spokesperson for Friends of Ennis Hospital has said that the numbers presenting at UHL were to be expected. “Without a second ED in the Midwest the Emergency Dept at UHL will continue to struggle as presentations in the ED continue to rise year on year which is entirely predictable given the age profile of our population”.

Friends of Ennis Hospital are currently running a patient survey to gather feedback on health services over the Christmas period in order to gauge where the shortfalls are in the health service in the Mid-West outside of the ED.

Cairde show best of Ennis at Christmas

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN IRISH DANCE group showcased the best of Ennis in Christmas and went viral in the process with their fairytale video from O’Connell Street Cairde which has seven members, two of which hail from Co Clare, delivered once again when it came to dancing through the streets of Ennis during the festive period.

On Christmas Eve, they brought O’Connell Street in Ennis to a standstill when dancing to ‘Fairytale of New York’ adding to the festive mood in the county town.

Their subsequent video shared on Cairde’s social media has been viewed by over fifteen million people and has received more than 242,800 likes on TikTok and 239,000 likes on Instagram.

Among the members of Cairde are Lissycasey’s Brian Culligan and Stephen McGuinness from Ennis who both feature in this video alongside Galway native Francis Fallon. Indeed the group’s name is after an old coffee shop in Barrack

St, ‘Cairde’ which has since closed and was where the lads used to meet

This was Cairde’s third year in a row producing a video to ‘Fairytale of New York’ from Ennis. Brian told The Clare Echo, “Two of us are from Clare but spend such little time here because of the international tours we do that we’ve made it a tradition to bring a bit of Cairde to Ennis every Christmas”.

He added, “This year we were down to three members in the video as we had to call off filming on the date we had originally planned due to the rain but I think the buzz of Christmas Eve definitely comes across in the video so it was probably a blessing in disguise to not film until then”.

How Ennis looks has added to the success of the video, Brian believed. “Our Fairytale videos have performed well all three years but this year has been really exceptional. It’s been seen by over 15 million people across our platforms so far in the couple of days since it’s been posted. Ennis looks like something straight

out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. The video just screams ‘Irish Christmas’ and I really think that’s what has led to it performing so well”.

Officially formed in Ennis during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2017, Cairde began to take flight during the pandemic when the group joined TikTok and their dancing videos really began to take flight. They are the most popular Irish dancing group on TikTok and have gained a strong following outside of Ireland including the United States of America, the United Kingdrom, France, Russia and the Phillippines.

They have performed on many shows including The Late Late Show on RTÉ, ABC’s Good Morning America and ITV’s This Morning while their exploits have also been visible from Times Square in New York City. They have also performed for US President, Joe Biden in The White House.

Scan for video

Ennis Hospital

Two charged in connection with €1.28m drugs Shannon seizure to seek bail in the High Court

By Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A MOTHER and daughter accused of possessing €1.28m worth of cannabis at Shannon Airport two days before Christmas Day are to seek bail in the High Court, a court has heard.

At a special New Year’s Eve sitting of Ennis District Court today, Dovil Reifonaite, (40), and Migle Kurieniute, (20), both with an address at Newlands, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared via video link from the women’s prison at Limerick prison.

The two first appeared in court before a special sitting of Limerick District Court on Christmas Eve and spent their Christmas in prison when Judge Alec Gabbett refused bail following Garda objections.

Each accused is charged with one count of possession of cannabis for sale or supply, as well as one count of possession of cannabis.

Solicitor for the two, John Casey told the court, “I am just waiting for the Christmas break to end for the High Court offices to re-open to bring an application for bail to the High Court”.

Sgt John Burke told the court that a small sample of the suspected drugs was brought to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) and the tests confirmed that the substance is cannabis.

Judge Gabbett asked would the two need to be produced in court on January 8th for additional charges and Sgt Burke replied “no”.

Judge Gabbett asked, “Do we want to order a Lithuanian interpreter for the next court date”.

Mr Casey said that Migle has very good English and her mother, Dovil

“not so much”. He said, “I believe that we are grand for the moment”.

Migle confirmed to the court that she was happy to explain things to her mother.

At the Christmas Eve court sitting, Gardaí told the bail hearing that, at 11:16am on December 23rd last, the two accused disembarked from a flight at Shannon Airport from Boston.

Gardaí alleged that officers attached to Revenue discovered 64kgs vacuum-packed packages of cannabis with a street value of €1.28 million, in four suitcases belonging to the two accused. It was a “significant quantity” of drugs, Gardaí added.

Mr Casey told the Christmas Eve court that Ms Reifonaite and Ms Kurieniute had lived in Mullingar for the past eight years and that they would

abide by any bail conditions.

“Ms Kurieniute has been here since she was twelve. They have set up home here, and if granted bail they will sign on daily or even twice daily at a Garda station, this is where their life is,” said Mr Casey.

Judge Gabbett further remanded the two in custody to appear, via video-link, at Ennis District Court on January 8th.

Bishop Fintan launches online hub for Jubilee Year

by Páraic McMahon

BISHOP FINTAN Monahan has launched a dedicated online page in preparation for Jubilee Year 2025. With the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, the Jubilee Year 2025 officially began on Christmas Eve with the opening of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The Catholic Bishops of Ireland have launched an official Jubilee page on CatholicBishops. ie.

This dedicated page will serve as a central hub for all Jubilee-related updates, ensuring the faithful remain informed about events and activities taking place both in Ireland and around the world.

Welcoming this new resource, Bishop Fintan Monahan, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference designate for Jubilee 2025, said, “It is a comprehensive hub for all things Jubilee - of-

fering downloadable resources, an event calendar for the year to promote and feature activities across Ireland and Rome, as well as hosting inspiring videos highlighting people and events from across the island”.

He added, “As we embark on this Jubilee Year of Hope, I encourage everyone to take part in Jubilee 2025 celebrations in whatever way possible - whether locally on the island or in Rome. The first of these events will be the celebration of Mass this weekend by Bishops in cathedrals across Ireland”.

The Jubilee has its origins in an ancient biblical tradition (Leviticus). Every 50th year was celebrated as a time for setting slaves free, for forgiving debts, and for allowing the land to rest. In our Christian tradition the Jubilee has a strong focus on reconciliation and renewal, includ-

ing reaching out to people on the margins. It is normally celebrated every 25 years, so that more people can celebrate it at least once in a lifetime. Already in Ireland, many different groups: clergy, religious

various ministries and lay apostolates, are preparing to celebrate specific jubilee occasions locally and in Rome over the year ahead. At the same time, during Jubilee 2025, the Irish Synodal Pathway will also

Woman (80s) dies following West Clare crash

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A WOMAN in her eighties died in a fatal road traffic collision in Kilcarroll outside Kilrush. Two cars were involved in the collision which occurred on the R473 at approximately 2pm on Sunday (December 29th) at Kilcarroll. The scene was attended to by An Garda Síochána and emergency services.

At the scene, the driver of one of the vehicles, a woman in her eighties was pronounced dead, her body was later removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick.

She has been named since as Mary McMahon nee O’Donnell of Summer Lodge in Knock, Co Clare and formerly of Foynes in Co Limerick. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Sonny, sister Christina, brothers Pat, Mike and Jim.

Mary will be deeply missed by her sons Gerry, Pat, Paul and her daughter Maria, sister Eileen, brother Leo, son-in-law Dermot, daughter-in-law Mary, sister-in-law Mary. And her adored grandchildren Adam, Darragh, Ronan, Colín, Emily, Séan, Laurren and Lily. She will also be missed by Lauren and Lily’s mother Anna, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Her funeral took place in St Mary’s Church, Kilmurry McMahon on Wednesday.

No other injuries were reported.

The road remains closed at this time pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kilrush Garda Station on 065 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

journey with the theme of ‘Hope’ at its many meetings and prayerful discernment gatherings which will lead to a national assembly in Ireland in 2025.

paraic@clareecho.ie

Bishop Fintan Monahan

Photo by John O’Neill

Leonora Carey added to the ballot for Seanad election

EONORA CAREY (FG) has secured a nomination to contest the Seanad Elections.

Her run for the Dáil in November was Leonora’s first bid for public office and she will back on the ballot at the end of this month for the Seanad elections on the Labour panel. Clarecastle native Leonora spent four terms on the Fine Gael Executive Council and served as a campaign manager for Paschal Donohoe (FG).

Speaking to The Clare Echo following the General Election bid, she said of the experience, “I loved every minute of it” and “I don’t think it’s the end of Leonora Carey” which fuelled speculation that she would seek a Seanad nomination.

Carey remained tight-lipped over the last month when working to secure this nomination which brings to four the amount of Clare candidates in the race. Ennistymon duo, Senator Martin Conway (FG) and Ann Marie Flanagan (IND) are both in the running on the Administrative Panel where seven Senators will be elected, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) was the first candidate to receive a nomination for the Industrial and Commercial Panel which will have nine Senators elected.

Nominations for the Seanad from external bodies closed on December 19th with Leonora receiving the nod from members of the Oireachtas. Eleven Senators will be

l Leonora Carey

elected from this panel. The Returning Officer published the entire list of nominated candidates across the five panels on Tuesday (December 31st).

On January 8th, the Returning Officer will complete the panels of candidates. Ballot papers for the election of the vocational panels will be issued on January 15th and polling for these panels will close at 11am on January 30th.

In the recent General Election, Carey polled 5,251 first preference votes. Her father Donal (FG) was first elected to the Dáil in 1982, he retained the seat for five subsequent campaigns until he lost out in 2002. Five years later, his son and Leonora’s brother Joe (FG) was elected and was a TD for four terms until announcing his retirement from politics on medical grounds in August.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) had attempted to secure a nomination for the Industrial and Commercial Panel but was unsuccessful in his efforts. Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) considered making a run for the Agricultural Panel but opted against doing so.

‘Criminal gangs cannot turn Clare into a lawless Wild West’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s Gardaí need more support from Garda Headquarters and the county’s public in tackling ongoing feuding a TD has said.

Online footage has emerged from Ennis over the festive period showing violent scenes on the Mill Rd on Christmas Day. This is understood to be linked to an ongoing feud and saw cars damaged when weapons were brandished and a death threat was also issued with reference also made to a prison sentence issued to a family member.

A fight also occurred on the aisles of Dunnes Stores prior to Christmas. It is unclear if either incident is linked.

Contact has been made with the Garda Commissioner by Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) TD. He said, “I am pretty sick of feuds in Clare holding our county to ransom and putting innocent lives at risk. I have, again, seen footage of far too many acts of thuggery, violence and criminality over the Christmas period”.

Deputy Crowe contacted the Garda

Commissioner Drew Harris when he penned a letter on St Stephen’s Day “urging him to fully utilise the Armed Response Unit, manpower from beyond our local Garda division and the Criminal Assets Bureau to take to task those who make up their own laws. Criminal gangs cannot turn County Clare into a lawless ‘Wild West’ and law and order must prevail.

He added, “I have every confidence in our county’s Gardaí to robustly carry out their duties but they will need additional support from Garda HQ and they will also need greater support from the public - don’t let anyone ‘off the hook’, report everything you see”. He said, “everyone in this country should live by the same set of laws”.

Meelick native Crowe commented, “A decade ago the Special Criminal Court put manners on Limerick’s feuding gangland figures. The same robust response needs to be taken with the feuding families of Clare that have been waging war on each other for some time now. Lock up their ringleaders, seize their cars, jeeps and vans. Our guards need to be supported to be on their backs all of them time and to ‘book’ them for all offences small and large”.

Killaloe Bypass has opened to traffic

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILLALOE’s Bypass has opened to traffic in the first major step of the biggest regional road project currently underway in the country.

On December 18th at 12pm, the Killaloe Bypass section of the Shannon Bridge Crossing opened to traffic. This leads from the Scariff Rd up to the Shantraud Roundabout.

For the festive period, all traffic lights at the Roulagh Roundabout were removed. Threeway lights will be back in place at the beginning of 2025.

Elected members of Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council visited the site where they received a tour of the project.

A mid-2025 opening is expected for the new R494 regional Ballina to Birdhill road. The new Shannon Bridge Crossing is substantially completed but its operation is dependent on the new regional road.

There is a total budget of €88m for the scheme, the figures including land acquisition, design, planning and advance works contract. The tender cost for construction was €44m. A contract for the project was signed in February 2022.

Engineers working on the project have said it is the biggest regional road project currently under construction in Ireland.

As part of the proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme, a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill will all be provided. The entire scheme is approximately

6.2km and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River (a tributary of the River Shannon and part of the Lower River Shannon SAC) on the R494.

Ahead of the targeted opening of the Shannon Bridge Crossing in the first quarter of the year, a public consultation process has commenced regarding the potential pedestrianisation of the 18th century bridge in Ballina.

lENNIS FEUD: violent scenes on the Mill Road occuring over the festive period

lKillaloe Bypass

Temporary traffic management plan sought for Ennis as public realm works recommence

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ public realm works recommence on Monday with appeals made for a temporary traffic management plan to be introduced to ease congestion while capacity issues at the Maid of Erin roundabout has been labelled as a contributory factor.

To facilitate Christmas trading in the county town, a moratorium on works for the €11.5m project was in place from November 28th until January 6th. Late 2025 is the target for the completion of the works which are attached to one of the largest infrastructural projects in the town but have also impacted on business for retailers in the town centre.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) called for the introduction of temporary traffic management measures “to alleviate the traffic congestion in Ennis whilst the town works are underway”. She highlighted, “The increasing difficulty of driving around Ennis town, particularly in the mornings and afternoons during school times, is leading to frequent gridlock. As an example, traffic from both the Abbey Street and Parnell St./Woodquay car parks, feeding onto Bindon Street and then onto Harmony Row, is causing significant congestion. At the end of Bindon Street, drivers are dependent on the flow of traffic to enable them turn right onto Harmony Row, but during peak times, this results in long delays and the build-up

of traffic”.

Interim measures will be examined for Bindon St and Harmony Row with conversations to take place between the Ennis MD, the transportation department of Clare County Council and elected representatives.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan cautioned, “There are very limited options available and it would be a concern that a solution for this location may push the problem to another part of Ennis. Initial but unverified assessments suggest that capacity issues at the Maid of Erin roundabout is the major contributing factor to the issues as raised within this Notice of Motion. Whilst we acknowledge the public realm works is contributing to the traffic issues being experienced, we believe the actual impact of these closures isn’t the primary cause as outlined above”.

He outlined, “Ennis, like most other large towns, experiences traffic congestion issues, most notably at school drop off and pick up times, particularly in the Harmony Row and New Road areas due to the large number of pupils (in excess of 2000) attending the various schools located there. This results in a significantly large number of traffic movements and by extension, traffic congestion”.

Long-term solutions to resolving congestion “will involve a number of factors,” Tiernan advised. “These include a modal shift to walking and cycling, greater update of existing public transport and possible the reconfiguration of existing roads, junctions, and roundabouts. The Ennis Town Bus Service which is expected

to come on-line in 2025 will certainly provide huge benefit to the town and will result in less vehicles on our town centre roads. Members will also be aware that an Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) is also being prepared as part of the Local Area Plan (LAP) for Ennis. The ABTA will also play an important role in offering targeted long-term solutions to traffic issues within Ennis”.

Struggles to get a parking space in Ennis Town have been flagged by “several people countywide,” Cllr Baker Bashua stated. She admitted she was stuck in traffic for forty minutes on one occasion in the town when trying to post a letter in Bank Place and she travelled up through the Fair Green after finishing work and didn’t use Paddy’s name once “with my colourful language”. She added, “There’s no short-term solution because I finish school at 3:10 or 3:20, I can understand that it is not always like that, it is bottleneck on Bindon St on Saturday mornings, if we could come up with a solution of going left only at Bank Place, all of Bindon St is parked car to car, two car parks at Abbey St and Parnell St are trying to feed into Bindon St”.

Comments from the senior engineer that the public realm works have not impacted on traffic congestion were rejected by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF). He stated, “When you go far into the town, the only option to get out is Bindon St and the Club Bridge. We are pushing out of the town when you go so far one way, it is causing congestion and for people to leave the town”.

Highlighting capacity issues at the Maid of Erin roundabout were welcomed by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). He said, “There is congestion and there is works going on”. Traffic needs to move fast in the town, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) maintained.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) admitted, “I don’t know what the solution would be”. She said the Department of Transport referenced bus services in the Budget “but that isn’t for the short-term”. She added, “This is the problem within a medieval town is you have this really small compact town centre. The Gort to Tulla Rd is a hugely important part of infrastructure to avoid this. I don’t know what the solution is but I’d like to see what Paddy can come up with”.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby said the Budget was the “first announcement from the Government that funding for Ennis Town Bus Service will be provided for in the coming budget, we’re confident we can have a town bus service in 2025. We’ve been progressing with NTA, Seán (Lenihan) is leading the charge with Eamon (O’Dea) on identifying a depot for a fully electric bus service for the town”. The town bus will operate eighteen hours a day with services every half hour “from all directions of Ennis,” she explained. This will “be a fantastic asset to the town, it is wonderful news and something which is very important,” Cllr O’Callaghan responded.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan remarked, “it is a bit of a chicken and egg”. He said, “We do take every opportunity when we meet schools

and businesses to remind them of bike to work scheme. We’re looking at ways of better informing people of where spaces are available, if they just want to get around the town, you can’t get away from the fact that you have Coláiste, Gaelscoil and Community College beside each other, Rice College and the CBS are not too far away, in excess of 2000 students, most of them are being delivered one by one by car. We’ve to encourage parents and students to see if there is something they can do to alleviate the problem”.

Attempts to source a date on the potential start of the Ennis Town Bus Scheme were made by Cllr Daly, “it was tried years ago but it didn’t progress because we hadn’t the population. Can you see eventually what date it will start, will it be mid-2025”. Kirby replied, “I won’t commit to a date but I’m very confident it will be delivered in 2025 and we’ll deliver it as early in 2025 as we can”.

Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua

80% of patients satisfied with acute hospital experience in the Mid West

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE and Mid-West hospitals have seen a significant improvement to their patient satisfaction rating according to the National Inpatient Experience Survey 2024 (NIES) with Clare’s Ennis hospital and Nenagh hospital receiving the highest ratings for overall hospital experience.

More than 1,150 patients across Clare and the rest of the Mid West have provided rich and detailed feedback on their experience in hospital which is already being used to drive improvements in quality.

The results of the sixth National Inpatient Experience Survey (NIES) have found that 80% of respondents, across the six acute hospitals in HSE Mid West described their overall experience as good or very good.

Patients were asked, in 52 detailed questions, about their experiences of the care they received from admission through to care on the ward, care during examinations, diagnosis and treatment, discharge / transfer and perceived patient safety. This year was the first time patients were asked about patient safety, and the responses to these questions were amongst the highest scoring with most participants feeling confident in the safety and treatment of their care.

The survey also assigned an overall rating of hospital experience, with a national average of 8.3 out of 10 in 2024. Clare’s Ennis Hospital scored 9.1 out of 10 overall. The other hospitals in the region also achieved

welcome high ratings; University Hospital

Limerick 7.7 out of 10; Ennis 9 out of 10, St John’s 8.3 out of 10, Nenagh Hospital 9.1 out of 10, and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital 8.9 out of 10.

Across all six acute sites in in the Mid West, there were high levels of patient satisfaction relating to areas such as patients being treated with dignity and respect (8.8), cleanliness of the environment and wards (8.8) and pain management (8.5)

There were also areas where the facilities have to improve, including; how the staff communicate with their patients on discharge (7), opportunities for patients to talk to a doctor on the ward (6.8) and patients able to find someone to talk to about their worries and their fears (6.1)

A number of initiatives are under way to address communications and discharge planning across the six sites, including updating the patient information booklets to incorporate patients’ medication plans and reviewing current discharge documentation to ensure it takes account of the health literacy needs of patients.

In addition, two further areas in particular have been highlighted in the 2024 results as areas for staff to develop improvement plans; providing feedback or making a complaint and the care experience for patients with a disability or long-term condition

To respond to these two areas, the hospitals are in the process of increasing the numbers and the visibility of feedback boxes and also

ensuring that ‘Your Service Your Say’ feedback forms and information leaflets are readily available on all sites.

Initiatives to support patients with a disability or long-term condition include staff awareness days and communications training, personalised care plans and increased levels of accessibility on all sites including ensuring sufficient availability of parking spaces and appropriate wheelchair access.

Joseph Cassidy, Director of Nursing, Ennis Hospital commented: “We were pleased that our overall satisfaction rate was so high

at 9 which is above national average of 8.3. We had high levels of satisfaction in relation to our cleanliness and hygiene, catering, and levels of trust and confidence in our care which is extremely encouraging for all of our staff in Ennis.

“Similar to colleagues in other hospitals, quality improvement plans arising from the survey results this year will focus on continued improvements to our discharge planning processes, where we are making progress, and ensuring that patients know how they can provide feedback to us.”

January is a time for reflection and planning

Happy New Year to one and all for this coming year.

January in the garden can be a quiet time but I like to use this month as a month to plan for the future. The seasons can come and go so quickly and sometimes it’s better to do a seasonal planner to stayon top of things.

For the last few weeks of winter have a look through the beds in the garden are you happy with the amount of colour could you do with adding a little bit more colour, like having a perennial bed with Helleborus or would the garden benefit from some more heathers as ground cover.

These are just a few question to be asking as the seasons change. I find it useful to do a monthly diary and keep ideas and notes in for the different months of the year.

If you were thinking of adding a hedge to your site, bare root hedging is still available and it’s an ideal time to plant.

The birds I am sure are keeping you busy

filling their container with food to help them over winter and keep some fresh water available in the bird baths .

If you are planning on starting seeds in the springtime get the trays ready and tools you need .

January is a lovely time of reflection. I enjoy the crisp days. The bulbs are starting to come up in the gardens and the pots. If you want to add some bulbs to your pots we have some available ready to bloom and would make a great addition to your pots and help keep the colour going into spring .

The snowdrops are a sure sign of spring the bluebells and the crocus are another lovely addition. Full range available in store.

Spend time reflecting this week and planning the year in the garden ahead and if you need help with upcoming spring colour call in and see the selection available .

l INPATIENT SURVEY: Ennis General Hospital

Revisiting Droichead na Gabhair plans will pause project warn Council as Cllr says ‘stop go is not the answer’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INTRODUCING a stop go system at Droichead na Gabahir / Drehidnagower Bridge is “not the answer” to solve safety issues along the Ennis bridge.

Elected representatives in the Ennis Municipal District, particularly Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) and Cllr Mary Howard (FG) have been vocal in advocating for improved road safety standards at the bridge which links the Gort Rd to Drumcliffe and the Lahinch Rd.

A motion was recently tabled on the matter by Cllr Guilfoyle who subsequently raised the issue after little progress was made.

Senior executive engineer in the road design office of Clare County Council Anne O’Sullivan advised that NTA Active Travel funding was provided to carry out a transportation assessment which included a feasibility and option selection report to examine pedestrian and cyclist permeability. She said,As Active Travel funding for a separate structural solution would not be available in the near or intermediate future, the preferred option to improve safety that has emerged is to install a 3.0m wide shared pedestrian/cyclist path with a 3.4m wide carriageway across the existing bridge, controlled by a signalised yield system”.

She said, “This solution of optimising and improving existing infrastructure is in line with the National Investment Frameworks for Transportation in Ireland (NIFTI) which is a guiding policy document for Active Travel Funding. The preliminary design for the bridge crossing is currently underway”.

In a renewed appeal, Cllr Guilfoyle called on the Director of Service in the Ennis MD, Carmel Kirby “to go back to the Executive and push for funding”. He stated, “a stop go system is not the answer, the NTA have it wrtong, the housing in the area requires it to be a two-way passing bridge. What is our plan to go back and get funding and to not accept a defeatist attitude”.

Examples have been set in Quin, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) flagged “on what could have been done” and remarked, “Droichead na Gabhair is much busier to Quin, it is near to Lees Rd and a huge amount of houses”. He recalled, “I’d a motion many years ago to be able to walk on one side of the bridge”. Residents have expressed their concerns, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) acknowledged. “Given the high volume of pedestrians in the locality, I’m in support of the request,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated.

“I live in the locality, I would have preferred a footpath to the side of it when the bridge was being upgrad-

ed,” outlined Cllr Howard. “We really need to think outside the box, there are sixty homes in the new housing scheme, they all have smallies who are heading towards Lees Rd, we need to put footpaths and cycle lanes there because they are using Lees Rd which is great”. She said she is “a scratched record” from raising the matter. “I’ve had a couple of frights particularly at

winter time with young people coming home from study along the bridge and they are in their school uniforms which is dark clothing. It is an accident waiting to happen, at winter time it gives me the chills driving over it. We need to do everything in our power to identify a funding stream to make it safe

and we need to make this a priority for this Council term”.

Traffic needs to be made slow down on the bridge, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) maintained. “We use that bridge a lot as a go-to to get to the other side of town, in evening time it is getting quite dark, a number of children on the bridge during the past week wearing dark clothing, we need to slow down the traffic”. She commented, “we have used it during the school hours when bringing senior students with additional needs over the bridge and it was not pleasant, in fact it was quite scary”.

Responding to councillors, Director Kirby said, “I hear what your request is, the tricky bit for all of us is that the NTA are willing to move ahead with the current proposal which gives a safety solution, if you all ask us to revisit it I’m willing to do that, it will pause the plans”. She said a meeting needs to be arranged with councillors and road design. “I hear what you’re saying to try have a more permanent sustainable solution, we’re very close to Lees Rd and the future LIHAF road so in the context of the future development I’m happy to pause this and have a look at this”.

Seán Lenihan who has since become Acting Director of Serice said, “I don’t know what they didn’t widen it back in the day, we did

look at bringing in a pedestrian bridge independent of the LIHAF project, we all accept it needs to be improved greatly and the optimum would be a pedestrian bridge”.

Cllr Guilfoyle replied, “Everyone wants pedestrian safety but this is the capital town of Co Clare, the people living in the town and working there feel that the town is held up on every road with roadworks, we have money for everything else except Droichead na Gabhair Bridge, that has to stop”. He warned “the loss of life which I believe is imminent if we don’t do something”. He later retracted remarks for saying €10m was spent on “a white elephant” in the Market.

Speaking on the matter previously, senior engineer Eamon O’Dea said money has been sought from both Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council for “resolutions from this bridge which have been going on for some time, the present form that we can try secure some funding from is Active Travel”. Under Active Travel, a reuse of the existing infrastructure is what makes a successful application, he explained. “The funding application will be made to make footpaths up to the bridge and away from the bridge, that is what we are told by people who approve the funding, that would be the way I see it happening at the present”.

Kenneth Daly campaigning for safer conditions on Droichead na Gabhair

Raheen Tractor Run; Keep’er lit

The annual Raheen Tractor Run has another successful year this festive season. The decorated fleet paraded through the village on December 27.The event raised money for Raheen Hospital.

Thought for the week: A Prayer for a Peaceful 2025

Spreading the word

EVERY new year is a time of new beginnings. We look behind us and remember the many shoulders we stand upon that have brought us to this point in our lives and we look forward to the surprises time will offer us as we move into the future.

New Year’s Day always seems awkward to celebrate. Doubly awkward, if we remember that it is also the World Day of Peace. It is hard to be enthusiastic about New Year’s Day because of a conflict within ourselves and within our world. We imagine it as a day for new beginnings but our mind tells us that the world, and we ourselves as

of positivity

part of it, will continue mostly unchanged. Most of us have at some time made New Year resolutions to live a changed and better life, only to find that three or four weeks later we carry on living as before. Similarly the World Day of Peace holds before us an ideal world where conflicts will stop, nasty social media postings will turn to encouragement, bombs and guns will be allowed to rust away, and family fights will be resolved. Yet we have seen each year that wars continue and that peace remains an impossible ideal.

When we pray and work hard for peace, for peace in our hearts, in our families and in our broken world, we realise how valuable peace is, how sought after it really is. But we’re also aware of how rare and fragile true peace is. Peace is a gift to which one must attend. As a gift, it is not unlike a plant one might

receive: it cannot be left there, it must be watered, it must be nourished, it demands attention, loving care and very hard work. Peace demands constant hard work, constant vigilance. Building peace is a reality into which we must insert ourselves as we go forward into this new year of 2025. Peace is a gift, but the hard work of achieving peace is ours. Making and creating peace is not some job, something on which we can close the door at the end of our working day. Peacemakers can never rest on their laurels, not even in times of peace. Peace demands our ceaseless hardworking efforts, courage, endurance and our constant prayer. So as we begin this new year of 2025 we pray that the Peace of God, which is a peace built upon welcome, upon dignity, upon mercy, upon hard work and prayer, upon forgiveness and upon justice, must take flesh in us, before it can

take root in the world.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week and for this coming New Year of 2025, don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us Are. My Hope for you is that you will celebrate the good things in life in 2025. Life is not meant to be a burden. Life is not a problem to be solved. It is a blessing to be celebrated. Learning to celebrate joy is one of the great practices of spiritual life. It confirms our trust in God. It affirms the greatness of creation. It seals our dependence on God. It attests to the beauty of the present and asserts our confidence in the beauty of the future. It recognizes the mercy and love of God. When we celebrate the good things in life, we trace them to God who gives without merit, open handedly, out of the very goodness of community,

love, and support that are by nature at the base of the human condition. So in these first days of 2025 keep in mind those 18th century words: “I shall pass through this world but once. Therefore any kind act that I can perform for any fellow-creature, let me do it now. For I shall not pass this way again.” 2024 was tough. For me, for many. But I hope and pray that 2025 is a year filled with love, growth, and the presence of the Spirit, for me, for you, for all of us. As you reflect on your own year, what’s stirring in your heart? What do you want to do differently in 2025? Let’s make it a year of intentional prayerful living with action and meaningful growth, together. ‘Le Cúnamh Dé’, may 2025 be a good peaceful year in our lives. The blessings of God and a happy New Year of 2025 to one and all.

RONAN SCULLY

Double All-Star Business award win for Sixmilebridge business woman

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

SIXMILEBRIDGE business owner wins two Business All-Star Awards.

All-Ireland Business Federation evaluates a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance to award All-Star awards to outstanding businesses, which fit their criteria every year.

Cara O’ Malley is the founder of TCM Schoolwear and Tomorrow’s Child Montessori School in Sixmilebridge. Cara has recently been honoured with a 2025 Business All-Star Awards for each business, awarded by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.

Tomorrow’s Child Montessori School is a trusted educational institution dedicated to delivering quality Montessori education.

Through innovative teaching practices and a warm, inclusive environment, the school fosters the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of every child in its care.

Business All-Star Accreditation highlights the school’s continued efforts to deliver an outstanding educational experience tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Reacting to the news of her company’s achievement, Cara said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Business All-Star Accreditation. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the steadfast support of their families and

the wider community. Together, we’ve created an environment that celebrates the power of education and its transformative potential.”

Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, Kapil Khanna, said: “Tomorrow’s Child Montessori stands out as a beacon of educational

excellence and innovation. By nurturing young minds with compassion and creativity, they’ve demonstrated the incredible impact of a quality Montessori education. This accreditation is a recognition of their commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow and supporting the community through exemplary educational standards.”

The Sixmilebridge company, TMC Schoolwear designs and manufactures high-quality uniforms that combine durability, comfort and style for schools and families across Ireland.

Business All-Star Accreditation reflects TCM Schoolwear’s dedication to

Clonlara Community Centre to host first blood transfusion clinic

THE IRISH Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has announced that for the first time ever, a blood donation clinic will be held in Clonlara, County Clare, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand the availability of donation locations across the county. The clinic will take place at Clonlara Community Centre on Sunday, 5th January 2025, from 11.50am to 3.10pm.

Additionally, IBTS will be holding blood donation clinics at the West County Hotel Ennis on Thursday 2nd January from 4.50pm to 8.10pm & Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, on Monday, 6th January and Tuesday, 8th January, from 4.50pm to 8.10pm.

New donors are welcome at all clinics, and the IBTS encourages members of the local community

to consider giving blood during this vital time. To make a booking, please call 1800 222 111.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Clare community for their continued support throughout

2024. Their generous blood donations help save lives every day, and we are excited to see Clonlara join the growing number of locations offering blood donation clinics,” said Alex O’Connor, Donor Recruitment Executive for IBTS.

This initiative comes as part of IBTS’s ongoing work to ensure that blood donations are accessible to all, especially following the holiday period, when the IBTS has a shortfall of 45 clinics nationally. IBTS also thanks all donors for their life-saving contributions and urges people to continue their invaluable support in 2025.

For to make an appointment, please contact IBTS at 1800 222 111.

serving its customers with the highest standards of professionalism and care.

As a customer-focused business, the company takes pride in understanding the needs of schools and families, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience.

This honour also recognises TCM Schoolwear’s unwavering commitment to excellence in quality, customer service, and innovation.

Reacting to the news of her company’s achievement, Cara said: “Receiving the Business All-Star Accreditation is a proud moment for our team. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality schoolwear solutions and exceptional service to our customers. We would like to thank our dedicated team, valued customers, and the AIBF for this honour. It motivates us to continue to set the standard in the schoolwear industry.”

Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, Kapil Khanna, said: “TCM Schoolwear’s achievement of the Business All-Star Accreditation highlights their outstanding contributions to the schoolwear sector. Their dedication to quality, customer service, and innovative practices has established them as a trusted leader in their industry. Congratulations to the TCM Schoolwear team on this well-deserved recognition.”

Water supply restored in O’Briensbridge

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WATER supply has been restored to households and businesses in O’Briensbridge. Mechnical issues experienced at the water treatment plant in O’Briensbridge led to a loss of supply for customers over a 48 hour period.

Short-term discolouration has been cautioned by Uisce Éireann who said the customers on higher ground may experience intermittent disruption or low water pressure as the network refills and supplies return. Uisce Éireann’s Darragh Conneely said “We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by interruptions to the water supply and very much appreciate the community’s co-operation while our crews worked to carry out the repairs and restore supply.”

Customers are urged to report loss of ser- vice or visible leaks to assist Uisce Éireann to identify bursts. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

l DOUBLE ALL-STAR: Cara O’Malley, Founder, Tomorrow’s Child Montessori School pictured celebrating being honoured as Business All-Star 2025 by the All Ireland Business Foundation

IBTS: Clonlara to host Blood Transfusion Clinic

Department circular hindering Toonagh improvements

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

OMISSION FROM a Department of Transport circular is likely to hinder a Toonagh road which has cars travelling at an “unbelievable” speed from sourcing funding.

An appeal was made by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) before the Ennis Municipal District “to try and straighten out the bad bends on the road from Toonagh Stores to Ruan Cross” in close proximity to Ryan’s Quarry.

In August, the Department of Transport provided a circular to all local authorities across the

country with regard to ‘Locations of Interest’ (LoI) for regional and local roads.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan explained, “This circular identified particular roads where a high number of collisions have occurred. The purpose of this report was to assist and prompt local authorities to consider implementing schemes to rectify road safety issues at Locations of Interest.

The R476 between Toonagh and the Ruan Cross was not identified as such a location nor were there any locations within Ennis MD which fit the criteria”.

He acknowledged, “Whilst it

is positive that there have been no reports of a history of accidents at this location the circular from the Department limits the options available to fund any realignment of this section of road. Ennis MD will work with the Road Design Department of Clare County Council to assess the current condition of the road and determine what funding avenues are available should a scheme be warranted”.

With “so many bad bends” it is currently “a terrible situation” according to Cllr Daly. “Toonagh is on the gateway to North Clare, to Corofin, to Lisdoonvarna and the Burren,” he stated. “I hope they can secure funding because the residents can’t put up with it much longer, the speed of cars is unbelievable”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) noted that Toonagh had been “classed as a bad area with bad bends”. He added, “it is a worthy one and funding is what is required”.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said she was “very familiar with this section of road. Cars come around the quarry side very fast, there is an awful lot of traffic coming from the school side where there is a fine little school with 100 plus students”.

Mattie spreads Banner Fever in Bangkok

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH DJ Mattie Kinch was left in awe after spotting a young Thailand man sporting a Clare jersey while roaming the streets of Bangkok.

Mattie who has been touring Asia over the last two months received a surprise on a recent Saturday when his eyes were drawn to a young man on the streets of Bangkok wearing a Clare jersey from the dawn of the millennium.

Clare Echo, Mattie explained, “I was travelling through Japan, South Korea, and Thailand over the last two months and on my last night in Bangkok, I stepped out of my hotel and spotted a

man wearing a Clare jersey. Surprised, I went over to ask where he got it and if I could take a picture with him.

“He told me with very limited English that he bought it in a market in Bangkok. I offered him the last bit of my cash 500 baht, about €13 to buy the jersey, but he politely declined”.

Kinch is one half of Pama, the multigenre DJs and producers located in North and West Clare. He has formerly represented Ennistymon’s senior footballers and has also lined out with Moher Celtic and is a star basketballer with Clare Cascaders. He has since returned

In what was one of the most lucractive GAA sponsorship deals of the time, Eircell became sponsors of Clare GAA in March 2000 replacing Pat O’Donnell Martin Donnelly. The company later became Vodafone and remained as the main jersey sponsor in the county until the end of 2005 when Crusheen native O’Donnell returned.

Make road safety a priority in your New Years Resolutions

2025 has begun and the holiday season has ended, that means everyone will be back out on the road commuting to work or school.

To avoid sitting in heavy traffic, a lot of commuters will opt for using public transport to travel to and fro work or school. Even when using public transport it’s important to remember road safety practices this January Martin Daly Autos is bringing you some New Years safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during your commute this January.

Try to plan your route in advance

Free travel apps are great for telling you everything you need to know about your journey. It can be necessary to look at your phone to track your journey, if you do this please take your phone out somewhere where it is harder for an opportunistic thief to take it. When planning your journey check the last train and bus times.

Know your exits

When on any form of public transport, check where the nearest exits, fire exists and alarms are in case you need to get off for whatever reason.

Stay where the people are

If you travelling by train try to avoid sitting in

an empty carriage. If you are travelling by bus late at night it is always best to sit near the driver.

Keep your valuables secure in your bag It can get very busy on trains and buses which would provide a thief with an easier opportunity to take something if your valuables are on show.

Trust your instincts

If you are sat somewhere and feel uncomfortable move away if you can. An example might be if you see someone behaving in a loud, aggressive or intoxicated manner. If you are on the train you could exit at the next stop and find another carriage where you feel safer or you can alert a member of staff at the station if you feel someone needs to intervene.

Spotted something suspicious?

If you see anything which seems out of place on public transport, for example, a bag which does not appear to belong to anyone, please let a member of staff at the station know. It may be nothing, but it is better to be cautious. You will not be wasting anyone’s time by raising the concerns you have.

l DEPT CIRCULAR: Toonagh Stores

Speed van for Ballybeg may be solution for speeding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED representatives are to consider making an application to have a speed van located in Ballybeg to tackle ongoing speeding in the locality.

Representations “regarding excessive speeding” in Ballybeg have been made continuously to Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), most notably along the stretch from the entrance to Ballybeg Woods to the Water Tower and on the straight stretch to Ballybeg Rd. He called for the addition of traffic calming measures and for An Garda Síochána to be alerted to the matter.

Recently installed footpaths at the upper end of Ballybeg “were expected to result in reduced vehicular speeds due to the narrowing of the carriageway. We also note that the posted speed limit on this road is 50kph,” acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis Municipal District, Paddy Tiernan stated.

Tiernan confirmed a speed survey would be completed, the results of which “will determine our next course of action. We also wish to advise that a Section 38 was recently

submitted for the lower end of Ballybeg Road and we expect this process will conclude shortly following additional non statutory consultation with nearby residents. This scheme involves traffic calming measures on the approach to Ballybeg Bridge and will result in a speed reduction of vehicular traffic on this section of Ballybeg Road. Ennis MD will also forward this Notice of Motion to An Garda Síochána and request a response”.

Speaking at a sitting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Murphy admitted, “I wasn’t expecting that speed would still be an issue after the upgrade of the footpaths. When I drove along it recently, I was shocked to see one car overtaking another at a fairly considerable speed which is frightening because it is a built up area from the Kilrush Rd to the Kildysart Rd”.

Murphy maintained, “I do think a Garda presence if it could be put on the road no more than any other road, a Garda presence is the best way of getting the speed down”.

Seconding the request, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “I know the area very well, I walk it regularly, the speed is quite shocking especially

that there’s many hills. It is quite obvious that we’re constantly talking about speed and traffic calming. We can put in signage and traffic calming but the only way to slow people down is new technology, if we had vehicle recognition on number plates and they got three penalty points it would reduce the speed”.

Upgrades in Ballybeg have been “fantastic,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) acknowledged. He said the

situation is similar in Droichead na Gabhair in that “people run it and walk it”. He said, “I’ve watched my speed using the road, the hill gives you the opportunity to speed up accidentally but you have to keep an eye on your brakes”.

According to Cllr Pat Daly (FF), “Ballybeg has a tradition of fast cars for many years”. He suggested the installation of a pedestrian bridge. “It is important to have a two way sys-

tem in the future”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented, “It’s where I live, I want to fully support. It is unfortunate that after all the improvements which we thought would calm the traffic down but I’ve witnessed the speeding. I know we will do our best to alleviate the speeding”.

Roslevan road to Avenue Utd grounds made public

A ROSLEVAN road leading to the grounds of Avenue United FC has been declared as public.

Clare County Council’s planning department have declared the road as public, this followed a recommendation from the Ennis Municipal District.

Administrative officer in the planning department of Clare County Council, Kieran O’Donnell explained that the relevant map was made available for public inspection until January 5 2024 with January 19 set as the closing date for submissions. He confirmed that no submissions were received by the public during this two-week window.

All of the section from the junction with the public road (L4649-0) to all terminal points within the estate serving the houses and apartments 1 to 25 in Cluain Ros Leamhan in Roslevan are now part of the public road.

O’Donnell outlined, “this development was subject to a self-lay agree- ment with Uisce Éireann and therefore there was no requirement to consult with Uisce Éireann on the proposed taking in charge of same, as part of the statutory process. It should be noted that in this instance with the commencement of Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), a Declaration under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) declaring the roads to be public roads, has the effect of taking in charge of sewers, watermains, service connections, car parking areas and other public space within the attendant grounds”.

He said, “the Council is satisfied that the roads are of general public utility and have considered the financial implications for the road’s authority of the proposed declaration”. by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Existing accessible spaces in Ennis to be reviewed following difficulties for Credit Union mobility van

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A REVIEW of all existing accessible car parking spaces in the Ennis Municipal District is ongoing.

An addition of a slope from the existing footpath height to ground road level was requested by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) for the disabled parking space outside St Francis Credit Union in Ennis. He said such a move would ensure “easier mobility for the public concerned”. He also sought a review of all “disabled spaces” in the Ennis MD “ensuring easy access is provided”.

Staff in the Ennis MD recently inspected “the issue at the universally accessible car parking spaces” outside the Credit Union, acting senior execu-

tive engineer Paddy Tiernan confirmed. Such issued had been due to be rectified before Christmas but were impacted by a lack of resources.

Tiernan stated, “Ennis MD can also confirm that, where required, existing accessible car parking spaces will be upgraded over the next few months. The majority of this upgrade work will involve the re-painting of existing accessible spaces. Where necessary additional dropped kerbs will be installed to ensure ease of access from vehicles to footpaths for those with mobility issues.

Accessible parking “is essential,” Cllr O’Callaghan stressed. “It was brought to my attention, it is no harm for all of us to get feedback, the Credit Union had a mobility vehicle which couldn’t get onto the footpath. I

welcome the reply and the fact you will review all disability spaces”.

Clare County Council treat

accessible parking and mobility for people with disabilities “very seriously,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) acknowledged.

lSPEED VAN: Ballybeg

One Shannon Hub progress ‘dragging’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PROGRESS of the One Shannon Hub is “dragging” which is leading to rising frustration among local elected representatives but senior officials in Clare County Council say they remain “one hundred percent committed” to the project.

In July 2023, contracts were signed between Clare County Council and BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’.

BDP in 2022 were tasked by the Council with creating a Shannon Town Centre Masterplan which saw the Hub emerge as a key element.

However no planning application has yet been lodged for the development of the multi-purpose civic, performance and community space. The building is due to include a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces. Public realm improvements to the town square adjacent to the site will also be undertaken pending a successful funding application. The site on which the Hub will be located is in the ownership of Shannon Commercial Properties but they agreed a 999 year lease with Clare County Council from

August 2022.

Raising the matter at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) noted that councillors at a behind-closeddoors briefing expressed the “wish for that to go to planning. We were getting some advice on what to do. Cllr Crowe proposed spending the GMA money which wasn’t the way to do it, it was the wish that we go for planning on this because of the timeline on it”.

Figures on the expenditure to date were sought by Cllr Mulcahy who questioned the “ongoing sustainability of the project”. He added, “If we ask for something, we would like to get it and that we don’t keep dragging”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) admitted, “You’d be frightened coming out of the meeting on whether it would ever happen”. He commented, “We’re not interested in the cost of it, we want to get it up and running”. The Cratloe man said, “We’re here meeting in the Park inn because we haven’t the room for all of us to meet in the Town Hall. Every councillor is 100% behind the One Shannon Hub to get up and running, we have to get it up for planning because the timelines aren’t too favourable”.

Shannon needs to get its fair share, Cllr John Crowe (FG) maintained, “We haven’t looked for too much in the Shannon MD if you

Council need ‘to

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

BROKEN EQUIPMENT in Inis Ealga’s playground is “dangerous”, Shannon councillors have warned.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) asked “that the broken equipment in the Inis Ealga playground be repaired, replaced or upgraded as soon as possible”.

Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Suzie Clifford stated that Clare County Council’s rural and community development officer for the Shannon MD would “work proactively with the local residents in the area to establish a playground committee who will in turn seek appropriate funding through various grant schemes to improve and enhance the existing playground offering at this location”. She added, “playgrounds offer many benefits including a unique, safe and secure environment for children to build many essential skills as is the case at the Tir na nÓg and Town Park playgrounds, both of which are located in the heart of Shannon Town.

take ownership’ of dangerous

In March 2011, it emerged that safety standard inspection reports hadn’t been submitted for Inis Ealga’s playground since May 2009, which prompted the Council to issue a warning that playground equipment could be removed and that if a reconstituted playground committee wasn’t established that the local authority would have to restore the ground for use as a green area.

Back in 2007, the Inis Ealga residents playground development group received an offer of grant assistance for a playground on the main green area of the estate. Over the almost two decades since, the group is no longer as active.

Speaking at a sitting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) was able to recall “when this beautiful playground was put in”. He stated, “the housing problem is part of Clare County Council’s remit, it’s not like there is another agency living out in some other part of the world, we can’t have unsafe equipment there”. He added, “There is dangerous equipment there which has been highlighted, can we get away from this of bringing something in to give away to another part of the Council, we need to take ownership and send

compare us to the rest of the county as regards projects like this, this is a massive project for the whole Municipal District, there’s 10,000 people living in Shannon, it is the second biggest town in the county, it is something that is needed to enhance what we have already there”. He said, “I don’t think it is a big ask when you look at the whole county and what we are looking for. We are looking for something to drive this Municipal District”.

Director of Service, Alan Farrell stressed Clare County Council were “one hundred percent committed that we need to make this happen for multiple uses”. He reminded councillors their briefing was with the Council’s Head of Finance who highlighted “the overall financial package for Clare County Council and the concerns, we’ll be pushing it from my side”. He added, “Rest assured, I’m as committed as yourselves, I do hear that you want to get to planning, you don’t have to wait for a Council meeting, you can talk to us at any stage for an update”. He said he would revert back to Cllr Mulcahy “to get figures on expenditure”.

Inis Ealga equipment

the bill to the housing department”.

During her last Shannon MD meeting as a councillor, Donna McGettigan TD (SF) recalled, “there was nearly a playground in every estate in Shannon when we were growing up, now it is very hard to find them and we need to protect what we have”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “It is not just dangerous but an eyesore when you drive into an estate”.

l DRAGGING: Artist rendering of One Shannon Hub

l PLAYGROUND: Cronan junction Inis Ealga

Sexton’s have the best selection of fresh fish in Co. Clare

Operating profits double at Trump Doonbeg to €2m in record year for the business

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

OPERATING profits at the Co Clare luxury golf resort owned by US President-elect, Donald Trump last year more than doubled to €2.06m in a record year for the business.

New accounts for the company, TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd that operates Trump Doonbeg golf resort show that the resort’s operating profits increased by 120pc to €2.06m after revenues rose by 12pc from €14.36m to €16.12m.

Commenting on the 2023 performance, General Manager, Joe Russell said on Thursday: “Trump Ireland, Doonbeg continued on its upward trajectory of business growth and profitability, having its most successful year in 2023, since opening in 2002, and since the Trump Organisation acquired the resort in 2014.”

Mr Russell said that “average rates for rooms and golf performed at record levels, where the lead price for an Ocean View suite during high season in 2024 set one back €2,720 per night and green fee rates peaking at €450 per person, which are now rising to €525 per person in 2025, testament to the ongoing demand for our hotel and golf course, the product and service levels provided at Trump Doonbeg”.

On the 2023 performance, Mr

Russell said that the primary revenue drivers of membership, green fees, and accommodation rentals led to increased sales in all outlets throughout the year”.

Mr Russell said: “In 2024, the resort was highlighted and awarded by The Great Places to Work in Ireland and recognised by Failte Ireland for its Employer Excellence. Most recently, Conde Nast placed Trump Ireland, Doonbeg, in the top five resorts in Europe. All indicators are that 2024 will surpass 2023 performance and at this stage, 2025 is looking very promising with advance reservations very strong currently.”

He said that “the golf course continues to receive rave reviews for its condition, playability, and enjoyment by members and visiting guests, with the IGTOA (Irish Golf Tour Operators Association), highlighting the fact that Trump Ireland, Doonbeg is the most visited property for room nights by its member businesses”.

The company recorded a pre-tax profit of €488,624 after non-cash depreciation charges of €1.55m and interest payments of €16,495 are taken into account.

The pre-tax profit of €488,624 follows a pre-tax loss of €736,186 in 2022 - a positive swing of €1.22m.

The profits take into account a profit of €112,798 from the disposal of an asset.

The US President Elect’s sons, Donald Trump Jnr and Eric Trump remain on the board of TIGL and they state in their directors’ report that they are in the process of upgrading various facilities at the Trump International Hotel and Golf Club.

They state that “it is expected that this will enhance the customer experience and have a positive impact on the group’s and company’s trading results”.

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

The new accounts show that a further €404,850 was invested into the resort last year and this followed €450,000 invested into the business by way of a capital contribution in 2022.

The accounts show that €1.89m was paid out to acquire tangible assets and this followed an outlay of €1.7m under the same heading in 2022.

The resort at peak season employs 300 and staff costs last year increased from €7.17m to €7.56m that included €7m in wages and salaries.

The accounts - signed off by Eric Trump and Mr Russell on December 6th - show that shareholder funds at the end of last year totalled

€17.58m where ‘other reserves’ of €34.63m are offset by accumulated losses of €17m.

Cash funds at the group last year decreased from €2.39m to €2.22m.

The owner of the Trump Doonbeg firm is named as the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust in the accounts.

Since the Trump Organisation purchase, US President Elect Trump has visited the resort seven times.

The most high profile visit was in June 2019 which was the businessman’s only visit to Ireland while President of the United States.

Kilrush mourns loss of legendary Tommy Mangan

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE DEATH took place at the weekend of one of Clare’s best known footballers, Tommy Mangan from Kilrush.

Captain of the Clare team which won the Munster minor football championship title when defeating Cork in 1953, before losing out to Mayo in the All-Ireland final, he starred for his beloved Kilrush shamrocks for many years.

He helped Kilrush to four Clare senior championship titles in 1957, 1958, 1960 and 1962.

A regular on the Clare senior team throughout that time he represented Munster in the Railway cup in 1959 and 1960.

In an online tribute, Kilrush Shamrocks described Tommy as “one of our most legendary club members and was very successful on the field. A player who was teak tough with a no nonsense attitude that allowed him to thrive in the era he graced, he accompanied this with a classy style that would have allowed him to dominate in the faster paced

modern game. It’s no wonder one of his nicknames was ‘Mr. Football’”.

He went on to devote many years to coaching underage teams in his beloved Kilrush club.

Tommy, who was 90, was a very successful publican running his own business in Kilrush for many years until his retirement.

Members of Kilrush Shamrocks formed a guard of honour as his remains arrived at St Senan’s church in Kilrush last evening (Wednesday).

Following requiem mass on this Thursday at 11am he will be laid to rest in New Shanakyle cemetery.

lTRUMP IRELAND DOONBEG: Prseident Donald Trump

l LOSS OF A LEGEND: Tommy Mnagan, Kilrush

Record number of 502 new housing tenants for Galway County Council in 2024

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RECORD 502 keys were issued to tenants of Local Authority, Approved Housing Bodies, Rental Accommodation, and Mortgage to Rent schemes during 2024, according to the Housing Department of Galway County Council.

Over the past twelve months, the number of local authority-owned properties have also exceeded the 3000 mark for the first time ever.

Under the Government’s Housing for All plan, Galway County Council is on track to support the delivery of over 600 new social housing units over the next two years, including local authority construction projects in Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Tuam and Ardrahan in 2025.

Two such local authority social housing projects completed during 2024 were at Pairc na Cille, Weir Rd, Tuam (31 units) and Darach, Ballymoe (8 units).

projects and schemes, aimed at addressing housing shortages, promoting affordable and cost rental options, regenerating communities by bringing vacant properties back into use and investing in existing social housing. The borrowing approval will enable Galway County Council to deliver the first affordable cost rental homes and advance three affordable housing schemes in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Athenry”.

Michael Owens, Director of Housing, Galway County Council stated, “Considerable progress has been made in utilising all housing stock available to Galway County Council. For example, there are currently no vacant available to let properties in our stock with 56 units under offer, repair, derelict or approved for sale”.

Galway County Council’s Croí Cónaithe grant scheme is continuing to transform vacant and derelict properties into vibrant homes. In 2024, 465 applications have been received of which 283 have subsequently been approved to enter the Vacancy/Dereliction Activation Programme in Athenry / Oranmore (31), Ballinasloe (60), Connemara (61), Loughrea (71) and Tuam (60) representing a €16 million investment in the local communities.

tainable communities across the county,” explained Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

“Galway County Council is focused on providing security of tenure while addressing homelessness, increasing supply, and making efficient use of existing stock to build sus-

“I very much welcome the recent approval by the Elected Members of the Local Authority’s housing borrowing requirements,” he added. “Approval of loans totalling €66.5 million is required to fund critical housing

“Elsewhere, the first affordable homes to be developed in County Galway since 2013 are nearing completion in Baile Chláir and have been made available for sale, he added. “The highly anticipated Garraí Na Gaoithe development will provide 61 affordable housing units, 17 in early 2025 and 44 additional units later in the year. This is the first turnkey housing scheme to include affordable housing in County Galway under the Government’s Housing for All policy”.

Gort farmer walks free over ‘cow-dung’ assault on ex Junior Minister

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A GORT farmer who threw a bag on cow dung in the direction of then Junior Minister, Anne Rabbitte (FF) at a public meeting has escaped a jail term for the assault.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett convicted Joseph Baldwin and ordered him to complete 60 hours of community service in lieu of a three month prison term for the assault on Ms Rabbitte at a public meeting at O’Sullivan’s hotel in Gort on January 3rd, 2023.

At the time, Ms Rabbitte who lost her seat in the General Election was a Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Ms Rabbitte did not attend the sentencing hearing in Ennis and Judge Gabbett imposed the sanction after describing Mr Baldwin in court as “a community spirited individual”.

Judge Gabbett made his comment after a Probation Report concluded that Mr Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort is at very low risk of reoffending and reading the contents of three testimonials handed into court including one from Anne Rabbitte’s Fianna Fail party colleague, Cllr Gerry Finnerty (FF).

Commenting on the incident at the public meeting, Judge Gabbett told the court that “the footage doesn’t lie”.

He said, “It just can’t happen again, simple as that. That kind of behaviour is not acceptable at a public meeting and not acceptable for public representatives to endure that type of behaviour no matter who they are or what they are”.

Judge Gabbett said that public representatives “must be able to go along to such meetings and feel safe, that is my concern”.

Judge Gabbett said that the Section 2 assault was “at the lower end”.

Solicitor for Mr Baldwin, Daragh Hassett said his client co-operated fully with the Probation Officer who concluded that he was at low risk of reoffending.

Referring to the Probation Report, Mr Hassett said that “Mr Baldwin said that he was sorry for what he had done, had never set out to harm anyone and it was his way of protesting”.

Mr Hassett commented, “He might not be everyone’s cup of tea but perhaps every community needs a Joe Baldwin”.

Judge Gabbett said that the sense he got from the testimonials and Probation Report is that “he is a community spirited man”.

Judge Gabbett said, “He was

speaking very well on the video footage until the incident occurred and that is in keeping with the letters and testimonials”.

Mr Hassett said that along with the testimonial from Cllr Finnerty, a local GP, Dr Richard Joyce and a local pharmacist, a Mr Quinn had also provided letters for the court.

Mr Hassett said, “There is a very good comment from Mr Quinn when he says that Joe might be seen to be argumentative and political but that might be seen to cover up his decency”.

In reply, Judge Gabbett said, “I did notice that and I underlined it myself”.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Baldwin is back working now in a factory.

Judge Gabbett said, “The remorse aspect is a concern but that is simply because M Baldwin was so agitated about the whole thing. At a human level you have a concern that his blood pressure is up and he would want to be careful of his own health because he gets so stressed about things like this and it leads him to doing these things which is concerning”.

Mr Baldwin was attending the public meeting in Gort in January 2023 against a planned biogas plant for the town and Mr Hassett said with the case, “the whole issue of biogas plants has got traction and they will not be an easy sell

for the new Government, there is huge opposition to them around the country”.

In evidence in the case in September, Ms Rabbitte wept in the witness box as she recalled the incident.

She said that before Mr Baldwin threw the bag towards her he said to her “’I am not forgetting about you, there is one for you Rabbitte’ and then he flung a bag as well”.

After the bag fell on the ground beside her, Ms Rabbitte said, “I didn’t know if the two legs were going to go from under me”.

She said, “Someone picked it up and said that it was a bag of shit”.

Ms Rabbitte said, “I wanted to scream my head off because no one said that what was happening was wrong”.

Ms Rabbitte said that she distracted herself at the meeting by taking out her phone and sending out a tweet “I can’t believe a bag of sh1t has been thrown at me”.

Speaking to reporters after the court today, when asked if the case was a factor in Anne Rabbitte losing her Dáil seat in the recent General Election, Mr Baldwin said, “I know my community didn’t support her anyways, the community of Gort and south Galway and they had good reason. She voted along with Ciaran Cannon for a Climate Action Bill that sees all these (biogas)

plants being rolled out”.

After Mr Baldwin was convicted of the assault in October, the then Minister Rabbitte told reporters “Being a politician, one expects the rough and tumble of debate at all times, and what we have seen today is that the line was crossed (that night) and the judge acknowledged that the line was crossed and I am glad that this has been brought to a conclusion”.

lHOUSING FOR ALL: Clare/ Galway Housing

Feel Real Good with Slimming World’s New Kilrush Group

AFTER six successful years helping members achieve their weight loss dreams, Slimming World consultant Louise is bringing her expertise to Kilrush. Starting Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM, Louise will launch a brand-new group, ready to inspire and support both new and returning members on their journey to health and confidence.

One of the many success stories Louise is proud to share is Michelle Lernihan, who has lost an incredible 6 stone since beginning her Slimming World journey in September 2015. For Michelle, the decision to make a change came after seeing a holiday photo that motivated her to take action.

“I joined a group in Ennis and achieved my first half-stone award in just two weeks,” Michelle recalls. “I quickly realised that staying to Image Therapy every week was the key to my success. Hearing others share their recipes, tips, and struggles

gave me the tools and motivation I needed to keep going.”

As Michelle progressed, she became an integral part of her group’s social team, supporting fellow members while staying committed to her own goals. She embraced Slimming World’s approach to real food, enjoying satisfying meals like hearty fry-ups and roast dinners—all prepared the Slimming World way.

“It’s not about giving up the foods you love,” Michelle explains. “It’s about making simple changes to how you shop, cook, and eat. That’s what made it sustainable for me.”

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Michelle reflects on the difficulties she faced during lockdown but credits her consultant for helping her stay on track.

“Having a consultant who understands your journey and offers constant support makes all the difference,” Michelle says. “Louise helped me lose 5½ stone, and when Tarah took over as my consultant,

she helped me reach my ultimate goal of 6 stone. Now, I feel confident in maintaining my weight loss for life.”

Louise is thrilled to bring this level of support and inspiration to her new Kilrush group.

“I’m so excited to welcome members to the new group,” Louise says. “Slimming World isn’t just about weight loss— it’s about gaining confidence, building new habits, and creating a healthier, happier you.”

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to rejoin, Louise invites you to come along and discover how Slimming World can help you achieve your dreams.

Join Louise every Wednesday at 5:30 PM from January 8, 2025, and make 2025 the year you feel real good.

Michelle Lernihan’s befora and after pics

Sustainable angling tourism in rural areas the focus of IFI funding in 2025

by

INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced details of its €30k Sponsorship Programme for 2025.

This is one of IFI’s main funding mechanisms to promote sustainable angling in Ireland. IFI invested in 83 angling events and initiatives across Ireland in 2024, including national or international competitions and festivals, coaching and juvenile outreach events, public awareness events, supporting international teams competing overseas, and other angling-related initiatives.

The IFI grant aid aims to promote angling tourism in rural areas in 2025, with a particular focus on activities for novice and young anglers.

Launching the 2025 call for submissions, Suzanne Campion Head of Finance and Corporate Services at IFI said: “Anyone seeking a New Year hobby would be encouraged to try angling. Recreational fishing is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds right across Ireland, and brings a significant economic contribution to rural Ireland. IFI is

proud to sponsor sustainable angling events and teams in 2025”.

Angling clubs, groups and associations nationwide are now invited to apply for sponsorship funding before the deadline of January 24th, 2025. Requests for equipment, staff support, and biosecurity assistance can be made throughout the year.

Examples of teams, competitions and events that were awarded sponsorship by IFI in 2024 include, Novice coaching sessions held by Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub on the Shannon river; World Shore Angling Championships for U16s and U21s, which hosted over 150 anglers for a week in Wexford; King of the Lake 2024 International Pike Festival on Lough Ree; Beginner’s fishing event at Barfinnihy Lake, run by the Killarney Salmon and Trout Angling Club; Irish Youths fly fishing team, sponsored by IFI, that won gold at the 2024 Youth International Fly Fishing Championships in England; World Boat Championships (U21) in Donegal.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME: Children attending an IFI-sponsored event run by Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub on the Shannon river [second image: fisherman at the River Fergus]

Ennis Town Bus scheme may result in addition of pedestrian crossing on Clon Road

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DELIVERY of the Ennis Town Bus in 2025 is hoped to result in the addition of a pedestrian crossing on the Clon Road.

Installation of a pedestrian crossing on the Clon Road between the New Rd and Lifford Rd roundabouts in Ennis was requested by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF).

In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, he stated, “The Clon Road is a heavily trafficked thoroughfare, and the existing safe crossing zones are located at a considerable distance from the aforementioned area. Consequently, many pedestrians are forced to cross the road in an unsafe manner, posing a significant safety hazard”.

He said he previously flagged the matter with the Ennis MD. “The installation of a pedestrian crossing at this location would greatly enhance road safety measures within our capital town”.

Acting senior executive engineer in the En-

nis MD, Paddy Tiernan said they “recognise the need for a pedestrian crossing at this location due to the long distance between existing pedestrian crossings on the Clon Road.

We are also cognisant that increased pedestrian activity will occur in this area once the Ennis Town Bus Service is operational and note that a bus stop is planned between the two roundabouts near the entrance to the Fergus Lawn housing estate.

“As such we have expressed our desire to the NTA to deliver a pedestrian crossing at this location during the delivery of the Ennis Town Bus Service. We remain in very regular contact with the NTA in relation to the Bus Service and will reinforce the request for this pedestrian crossing at every opportunity”.

Residents have alerted county councillors to the distance “they have to travel to get to a safe crossing point,” Cllr Guilfoyle stated.

“There is a bus stop currently there and there is going to be an upgraded bus stop in the area,” he added.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Antoinette Bak-

er Bashua (FF) outlined that she uses the route daily with school children. “I work in the special needs school, I’ve always said that we need more, we talk long walks with the kids, every time I’ve mentioned it you have

said there is a plan in place”. Support was also voiced by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who remarked, “There is no doubt a pedestrian crossing is required”.

l ENNIS TOWN BUS: Clon Road

Clare Wellness Clinic brings good energy into the New Year

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

OVERLOOKING a beautiful valley from a hilltop in West Clare sits Clare Wellness Clinic, an idyllic hideaway where people come to replenish and restore their body and mind.

Based in Kilmaley, Clare Wellness Clinic is run by Frances Darcy who creates a caring, professional environment and gives her clients the tools to make important changes to start living life to the full.

Through her energy work and natural solutions Frances encapsulates a holistic approach, offering a range of services including kinesiology, reiki, reflexology, bio magnetic pair therapy, EFT, acupressure, and mindfulness & positive psychology. The end result for clients can be transformational.

In the calm environment of Clare Wellness Clinic, Frances builds a four-week programme specific to each client’s needs with the ultimate goal of improving their physical and emotional health.

“I have quite a holistic array of therapies. A couple of years ago, I started seeing people in the house and so I created a business called the Clare Wellness Clinic,” explains Frances. Among those who have benefitted from visiting Clare Wellness Clinic are women who have just had babies, children and adults with anxiety, stress or depression, people struggling with study, people with fibromyalgia, aches and fatigue, and cancer clients.

“When somebody comes to me I build a four-week programme individually for each person. I look at the person’s physical health, emotional health, the way the person is thinking, and depending on what I feel is most relevant, over the four weeks we build a programme on getting the person back to optimum health, looking at all those areas. I also use homeopathy and I work

with vitamins and supplements, there are so many ways that I help people.”

Former Montessori owner Frances is a Galway native who relocated to Kilmaley after having the fortune of marrying a Clare man. Having worked in a facto ry in Ennis for 23 years, she took a leap of faith a year ago by leaving her employment to focus fully on her energy work.

It was a personal journey of self-improvement which led Frances to kinesiology. So in spired by the results which it had on her, Frances started on her path of education which led her

TESTIMONIALS

“I was looking to do a course for some time as I had been struggling with life and it’s stresses being a busy mam working full time and taking care of my family. When I had spotted Frances was doing this mindfulness course I was very interested and it did not disappoint .

“It has thought me so much over the 6 weeks about myself really and how we are on a journey all the time. I see the world differently now and I am happy and content. I know I still have lots of changes to make but all will come full circle. I can’t thank you enough Frances for a safe and calm place to come every Wednesday for 6 weeks and all the new people I met

along my journey. I am excited for the future and what life has to offer. Thanks you again Frances for all you have thought me I really can’t thank you enough. Kind regards, Michelle Healy

“Thanks so much Frances for such an amazing course. This was my first wellness course that I had ever done and didn’t know what to expect but my word what i have got out of the 6 weeks is just incredible. Great tips on how to look at situations better. Not alone did I learn so much but have gains some great friendships from the course. Thanks again Rachel.”

to establishing Clare Wellness Clinic. “When people come to me it resonates with me because I was there. I’ve seen a lot of things that people come with because I’ve seen them in my own life,” she re-

“When I became unwell in myself, I went to the doctor, I went to physio, I went to a lot of places to get better but I found it was doing kinesiology that really helped me.

“I couldn’t believe that after 2-3 sessions with this guy

“Frances is a very special lady. I have had the privilege of seeing her over the past few months and honestly I can say she is absolutely magical. From the minute you walk into her home you will instantly feel so calm and safe. You can hand over your worries at the door because she manages to take them away. If you want to feel better, lighter more grounded and energized book a session with Frances.

“Every time may look different because she has so many incredible diverse tools she uses but it’s her ability to be so intune with your energy and pick up on what your body needs before you even do! It’s her superpower. I think everyone could

that I was different and I didn’t know what he had done. It just seemed very simple yet I had changed so much so I now was very excited and wanted to learn more about that. It’s very much based on the Chinese way of looking at the body. It really works and it changes people’s lives. I could write a book on the changes I’ve seen in people.”

Mother of two Frances says that Clare Wellness Clinic offers a supportive, non-judgemental space where people can recover and improve their lives – at their own pace.

“Some people come because they’re in pain, some come because they’re dealing with emotions they can’t deal with or relationship difficulties. Sometimes people come to me and they are not able to talk and that’s okay too because people don’t have to talk to me. Sometimes people come to me and just want the energy. Some people aren’t able to

do with a bit of Frances in their lives. She is an absolute gift.”

“I found Frances after a Google search in desperation last year whilst experiencing huge back pain that left me unable to function properly for weeks.Her support & empathy & guidance via phone made all the difference at the time. Ive been to Frances several times over the last year especially when Ive been overwhelmed or struggling with something. She is an amazing listener , hugely compassionate & I always know & trust that whatever she does from her array of magic will send me back out stronger & rejuvenated than before. Frances does much

go there because they are traumatised, and that is okay. The first layer is to remove the trauma through the energy work so that’s the start of the process.”

She adds that mindfulness is “life-changing” and that her therapies have produced very exciting results for her clients. “When you look at the fact that we can change our whole life by changing our thoughts, I think that’s very empowering and I know when I studied it and I changed how I thought about things, everything changed. The way I looked at money, the way I looked at myself, the way I looked at my husband, my children, everything changes when we change how we look at things.”

Frances is this year expanding her services to offer group courses. Starting on January 15 at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, Clare Wellness Clinic will run a 6-week course in mindfulness and positive psychology. Frances says it’s a transformative process in a safe space where men and women will “go on a journey and make friends”.

On January 19, Frances will run a one-day women’s retreat focussing on self-love in conjunction with her sister Áine McDermott, a nutritional health and fertility expert.

Courses: I’m teaching energy, mindfulness and positive psychology. It’s a 6-week course, I’ve ran one already that was a great success, I’ve another one starting on January 15 at Woodstock Hotel, it’s a group session and it’s a safe space. People go on a journey and make friends, open to men and women, it’s transformative.

Clare Wellness Clinic treatments are covered by VHI Healthcare, Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare according to your health insurance plan. For more visit clare-wellnessclinic.ie or call Frances on 086 376 4817.

more than reflexology/reiki/ kinesiology etc .. just know if you need support or are stuck with any issue that you are in safe & magical hands with Frances.”

“I attended a mindfully course with Frances. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. Frances made a space that was open, warm and safe where myself and all the other people in the group opened up and shared. She gave us hints and tips on how to become happier people. Each week we were given new meditation from this meditation came a new theme. I would totally recommend Frances and this course. Sinead Mc Ternan.”

l COMMENT: Frances Darcy (below) runs Clare Wellness Clinic in Kilmaley; (above) Frances in action

The Power of Pause: Reflecting on 2024 and Setting Intentions for 2025

WE ARE just at the beginning of a brand new year, there is a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign.

This is more than just setting resolutions or creating to-do lists—it’s about stepping back and asking thoughtful questions that help you make sense of where you’ve been and where you’re going. Coaching and reflection are powerful tools in this process, offering a chance to uncover insights, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate intentional growth.

A Moment to Pause and Reflect

If you have not done so already I would encourage you at this time of year to hit the pause button. It’s not about rushing to fix or change but instead approaching the moment with gentle curiosity.

What have you learned over the past year? What served you well? What moments or experiences have shaped you the most? Reflection is like gathering pearls of wisdom from the tide of your experiences— choosing which to carry into 2025 and which to leave behind.

This isn’t a process of judgment but one of honouring your journey and setting a mindful foundation for what’s ahead.

At Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd, with over 20 years of experience in NLP Coaching at Executive, Business, and personal levels, we believe in the power of seeing yourself as a whole person—24/7. This isn’t just about separating career from personal life or compartmentalising your growth. It’s about integrating all parts of you to gain a clearer, more authentic perspective.

One useful framework for this process is the Johari Window, which helps you explore the known and unknown aspects of yourself— those you see, those others see, and even the blind spots that remain hidden. By reflecting on all sides of yourself, you give yourself the opportunity to embrace new insights and unlock untapped potential. By taking the time to reflect, you give yourself the gift of clarity and purpose. Let this time of stillness empower you to begin the new year with confidence, focus, and the wisdom of your experiences.

We provide 16 powerful questions that will stimulate your thinking

1. What was the best decision you made in 2024?

2. What was your biggest triumph in 2024?

3. Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life in 2024?

4. With the benefit of hindsight what would you have done differently in 2024?

5. What one word best sums up and describe the last 12 months for you?

6. What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2024?

7. What is your biggest piece of unfinished business in 2024?

8. What are you most happy about completing in 2024?

9. What was the biggest risk you took in 2024?

10. What was the biggest surprise for you in 2024?

11. What important relationship improved the most in 2024?

12. What compliment did you most enjoy receiving in 2024?

13. What compliment did you enjoy giving in 2024?

14. What brought you the most joy in 2024?

15. What do you need to do or say to complete 2024?

16. What dreams or aspirations are calling to you for 2025?

The Power of NLP Coaching

and Journaling – setting you up for success

Our internal dialogue is constant—what we say to ourselves shapes how we perceive the world and our place in it. NLP coaching offers a powerful way to understand and reframe your inner critic, helping you identify the thoughts that serve you well and those that hold you back. By becoming more aware of your internal language, you can transform limiting beliefs into empowering ones, unlocking your true potential.

Journaling is a valuable tool in this process. Putting your thoughts on paper allows you to see them clearly, reflect on patterns, and uncover insights you might otherwise miss. It’s a way to bring hidden thoughts into the light, creating space for self-awareness and growth.

We at Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd are Practitioners in Classic & New Code Neurolinguistic Programming. We combine the power of NLP coaching and blended techniques to guide you on a journey of discovery. Together, we help you maxi-

mise your potential, embrace your strengths, and create meaningful change in every aspect of your life.

Embrace the Courage to Step Forward

It takes courage to pause, reflect, and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead. It’s a brave act to look inward, acknowledge your desires, and commit to stepping into all you know you can be. As we enter into the beginning of 2025, consider the power of writing a future letter to yourself—a letter written as if it’s already the end of next year.

In this letter, imagine yourself at Christmas 2025 opening this letter and looking back on all you’ve achieved across the many aspects of your life: travel, work, personal growth, finances, fun, and recreation. What does your life look like? What mile stones have you reached? Writing with vivid detail and

positive intention allows you to future-pace your success, aligning your present actions with the vision of the future you want to create. By giving yourself permission to dream boldly and act courageously, you set the stage for a year filled with purpose, growth, and fulfilment. Start 2025 with confidence and the belief that you can become all you’re meant to be.

Embrace the power of reflection. Embrace the lessons of the past year. Embrace the opportunity to discover more about yourself— your strengths, your potential, and the wisdom you carry forward. With the right tools and support, 2025 can be the year you step into a more intentional, authentic, and fulfilled version of yourself.

As we begin another year we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has connected with us through our articles and shared such wonderful feedback. It’s been a privilege to offer insights, information and tools to support your growth and success.

As you set yourself up for success in 2025, we encourage you to take the first step toward achieving your goals and living your best life. At Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd, we are here to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Connect with us today, and let’s make 2025 a year of growth, achievement, and fulfilment—together.

From the team at ERA Ltd, we pray a blessing over your year ahead that your 2025 is truly blessed.

l NEW YEAR: Johari Window

All-Ireland champs Clare face Tipp in 2025 season opener

by Páraic McMahon

CLARE’s senior hurlers have their first outing of 2025 on Saturday.

Reigning All-Ireland and League champions, Clare will take on Tipperary in a challenge match which is open to the public.

Páirc Shilean in Templemore is the venue for the charity game which is raising funds for Mary’s Meals charity which provides life-changing school meals to children living in some of the world's poorest communities.

Throw-in is at 6pm on Saturday (January 4) with an entry fee of €10 which can be paid by cash or card. It will be one of the only occasions for supporters to see both counties in action before the Hurling League commences at the end of the month.

Brian Lohan and his Clare management are expected to field several members of last year’s extended panel

in this outing.

Tipperary manager Liam Cahill has recently announced his senior panel for 2025 which sees Noel McGrath return for a seventeenth season with The Premier County. Defenders Cathal Barrett and Barry Heffernan have not been called back to the county panel while Mark Kehoe has opted to spend time travelling,

Some due to decisions by management, such as Cathal Barrett and Barry Heffernan, while others like Mark Kehoe have decided to spend time travelling. Three-time All-Ireland SHC winner, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher and two-time Celtic Cross holder Dan McCormack announced their retirements in October.

Cahill confirmed that Seamus Kennedy has returned to full training with the panel, he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in March.

by Seamus Hayes

Captain James Hegarty (Inagh-Kilnamona) is battling to be fit to lead St Flannans into next Wednesday’s Dr. Harty Cup quarter final against Midleton CBS.

The defender is receiving treatment for a knee injury ahead of the tie which throws in at 13:30 at Ballyagran.

Definitely ruled out are Hegarty’s club team-mates Jack Mescall and Gearoid Barry, both sidelined with long term injuries.

St. Flannan’s won a quarter final place when topping their group with victory over Tralee CBS having drawn their opening tie against Thurles CBS. In a preliminary quarter

League kicks off this month

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WITH the dawning of a New Year comes a new season where Clare supporters will be hoping to experience the highs of 2024 once again.

League action begins on January 26th when the Clare hurlers will begin the defence of the title

with a home game against Kilkenny. On the same day the footballers begin life under Kerry’s Peter Keane at Corrigan Park in Belfast when they face Antrim

As they chase promotion back to Division 2, the footballers will have home advantage for four of their seven league games in 2025. The hurlers will have three league

Fact File

games at home and three at away venues.

The under 20 footballers will be the first team from the county into championship action when they open their Munster campaign with a home tie against Waterford.

Confirmed fixtures for Clare in 2025 are below.

CLARE'S CALANDER OF FIXTURES FOR 2025

January 26th: Allianz hurling league, division 1A v Kilkenny at Cusack Park; Allianz football league, division 3 v Antrim at Corrigan Park

February 2nd: Allianz football league v Leitrim at Cusack Park

February 8th: Allianz hurling league v Galway at Salthill

February 15th: Allianz football league v Fermanagh at Cusack Park

February 23rd: Allianz hurling league v Wexford at Cusack Park; Allianz football league v Sligo at Markievicz

May

March

Flannan's captain Hegarty a doubt

final they beat John the Baptist, Hospital. Joe Casey (Kilmaley) Sean McNamara (Clooney/Quin), James Cullinan (Ruan) and Robert Loftus (Éire Óg) have been regulars in defence in front of goalkeeper Micheal O’Coilean (Doora/Barefield). Dara Kennedy (Ballyea) is expected to be at midfield while likely to be in the forwards are Ronan Kilroy (Banner) plus Clarecastle duo Harry Doherty and Conor Ralph.

Midleton won this title in 2019, a year before St. Flannan’s won the last of their 22 titles.

On their way to the quarter final the Cork school came through a group which included last year’s winners Nenagh CBS and De

La Salle from Waterford.

Jamesie O’Connor, Tony Kelly and Michael Donnellan, all teachers in St. Flannan’s are in charge of the side.

Ard Scoil Rís

There is also huge Clare interest in the quarter final meeting of Ard Scoil Rís, Limerick and Thurles CBS as the Limerick school includes a number of players from Clare. These include Sean Arthur (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Michael Collins, Eoin Begley and Jack Hickey (Clonlara) and Ian O’Brien (Cratloe) to mention some.

Scariff CC face a stern test:

On the same afternoon Scariff Community school will take on Carrick on Suir in a quarter final

tie in the Munster senior B hurling championship, a game that will throw in at 12.30pm at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Coached by Whitegate’s Andrew Fahey, the East Clare school draws its players from surrounding clubs, Scariff, Broadford, Whitegate, Ogonnelloe and Bodyke.

Beaten semi-finalists last year, Scariff defeated Youghal and Borris-Ileigh on the way to Wednesday’s quarter final.

The team is captained by Eoghan Gunning from Broadford and the starting line-up is also expected to include Michael Bogenberger (Whitegate), Michael Vaughan (Scariff) and Sean Óg Kilkenny from Bodyke.

Seven new officers for Roseingrave led Clare LGFA administration

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

Theresa Roseingrave’s new Clare LGFA administration commenced in earnest on Thursday evening when all but two out of the 2025 Executive Committee were appointed at a special EGM in Clare GAA HQ in Clareabbey.

A fortnight on from seeing their annual convention cut short due to a lack of appointed officers, new chairperson Roseingrave, secretary Monica Callinan, assistant secretary Caoimhe McMahon and PRO Rachel Healy were joined by seven new elected committee members.

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s Diane Hassett was confirmed as the new treasurer; Edel Conway returned as assistant treasurer alongside Edel Keavey (Cúil Gaels).

PRO Healy will be aided by Kilrush’s Sarah Cunningham; Deirdre O’Dwyer became the new Culture & Language Officer while Oisin Duggan (Parteen-Meelick) and Stephanie O’Brien (Newmarket-on-Fergus) will accompany player delegate Louise Henchy (Banner Ladies) as Munster LGFA delegates for 2025.

The positions of Vice-Chair and Registrar are yet to be filled, with Chairperson Roseingrave seeking a succession plan for Vice-Chairperson and not just someone to fill the role for the sake of it without having ambition to succeed her at the helm of Clare Ladies Football.

Changes to competition rules included the provision from the Clare Ladies Football Ex-

ecutive that ‘where a home club is hosting a fee paying game, that club has the responsibility to collect the entry fee from supporters entering the match [minimum of one member from the home team and one from the visiting team]. Failure to comply will result in a fine of €200 per game.

An increase of €2 will also be added to LGFA registrations that would be exclusively ringfenced to help fund the county’s PDP (Player Development Programme) teams.

CLARE LADIES FOOTBALL EXECUTIVE 2025

President: Michael Fitzpatrick

Vice-Presidents: James Costello, James Lafferty, Anne Hayes

Chairperson: Theresa Roseingrave (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)

Vice-Chairperson: To be Filled

Secretary: Monica Callinan (Kilmihil)

Assistant Secretary: Caoimhe McMahon (Miltown Malbay)

Treasurer: Diane Hassett (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)

Joint-Assistant Treasurers: Edel Conway (Doonbeg), Edel Keavey (Cúil Gaels)

PRO: Rachel Healy (Miltown Malbay)

Assistant PRO: Sarah Cunningham (Kilrush)

Registrar: To be Filled

Culture & Language Officer: Deirdre O’Dwyer (Burren Gaels)

Development Committee Chairman: Board Appointed Position Fixtures Secretary: Board Appointed Position Children’s Officer: Board Appointed Position Munster Delegates

news@clareecho.ie

(Miltown Malbay)

l Clare in action in the 2024 All Ireland hurling final

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Reflect on 2024 & prepare for New Year

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

IT IS the perfect time to sit down and to reflect on your golf game from 2024 and go through all the aspects of the game.

Break them down into the following sections: Driving, Fairway woods, Hybrids, Long Irons, Mid-irons, Wedge Game, Pitching, Chipping, Putting and your Course Management.

Rate each category honestly one to 10; this is a great starting tool to help you to set your goals for the 2025 season. If you improve the weaker categories of your game only by one or two levels, that alone will make a huge difference to your overall scoring in 2025.

Focus initially on the two weakest areas of your golf game and maybe make a plan to meet your local PGA Golf Professional to get help with understanding your current technique and they can show you a more effective consistent technique that

will improve this area of your game.

This is exactly what I did this time last year myself, I decided I was going to focus on rating every department of my own golf game. My main strength is I hit the ball a long way and my straightest club in my bag is my driver when I am playing well so I always generally end up leaving myself a lot of half or three-quarter wedge shots into greens and also a lot of chip shots which was the weakest part of my own game. I started to think about my technique and look at videos of myself and this is what I discovered.

With my chipping and my wedge game, I always took a big deep divot because I had quite a steep angle of attack. After a lot of thinking I decided to reduce the amount of wrist hinge I used in my wedge game. For all full and three-quarter wedge shots I roughly halved the amount of wrist hinge I used to use and with my chipping around the green I completely removed my wrist hinge. What did this do?

Well, if you remove your wrist hinge then you simply can't use your hands as much in the swing so you end up hitting the ball from rotating your body. This technique also shallows out your angle of attack and gives you a much more consistent strike, all while reducing the speed of your swing which is per-

Winter league concludes in Woodstock

by Seamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK

GOLF CLUB:

The final round (round 8) In the Ozone Health and Fitness Winter league took place at Woodstock over the weekend when the format was scotch foursomes.

Winners on the day were Noel Casey and Michael Lynch with 43 points two more than Ollie McNamara and Dermot Thornton with third place filled by Jonathan Clohessy and Brendan Neylon with 40 points.

The previous round was a modified fourball when the winners were Liam O'Connor and Tony Neville with 49 points and they won on a countback from Aidan Mulcahy and Sean Howard who had a similar score.

The overall league winners are Pat O'Brien and Kieran Quinn with 234 points, one more than Aaron Lavery and John Baker.

Joint third on 230 points were Cathal and Mike Kelly, Brian Kilker and Paddy Meehan. They were followed on 229 points by Aidan Mulcahy and Sean Howard with sixth spot filled by Noel Casey

and Michael Lynch with 228 points.

It is hoped to present the winners with their prizes at the Captain's Drive-In in March.

The Ozone Health & Fitness Spring will commence on the weekend of January 17 and will run for 7 weeks. Again, it will be for 2 player teams playing different formats.

The St Stephen's Day team of 4 ‘Reversed Waltz’ competition was won by Rob Cantwell, Chris McGrath, Paul Coote and Kenny O'Shaughnessy with 79 points.

Last week’s club singles was won by Tony Coote (13) with 36 points from Pat O'Brien (12) with a similar score. Frank McEnery (15) with 35 points was third.

The previous week’s club singles was won by Pat Barry (14) with 38 points. There will be a 15 hole club singles this week-end.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

The week 6 winner (December 22) in the Christmas Turkey competition at Kilrush was Eoin Fitzgerald (9) with 26 points. Last weekend’s singles

winner was Bernard Coleman (8) with 31 points from Brian Scanlan (6) with 29 points. In joint third place with 27 points were Patrick Coleman (8) and Gavin Duffy (12).

The winner of the par 3 league was Bernard Coleman (8) with 50 points

John Stapleton with 36 points was the winner in the Exlectic stableford competition while the gross winner was Patrick Coleman with 41 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

The winner of the Christmas week ladies 9 hole festive competition at Dromoland was Joan Ryan with 20 points from Mairea Toomey with 18 and Siobhan Fitzpatrick with 17 points.

The men’s competition winner was Daragh McCoy (15) with 41 points and he had one to spare over David McNamara (15) with third spot filled by Sam Kaghazchi (35) with 35 points.

The December 28/29 festive 9 hole competition for men was won by Gordon Daffy with 24 points from Brian Maloney with 19 with third spot filled by Pat Keogh who also scored 19 points.

fect for shorter chip shots. I brought my chipping from a three out of ten to about an eight out of ten now. In fact, now I look forward to hitting a chip shot and my confidence has gone through the roof.

I played a PGA tournament only last Tuesday in Lahinch and finished second place with a 67 in severe 45-50km

winds mainly because of my chipping and putting. On a windy day you will hit less greens so you are going to have to rely on your short game. So, focus on your weakness and turn them into your strengths in 2025.

My second weakness this time last year was my putting mainly because I felt I could see too much of face rotation on my putter in my stroke. I played a tournament earlier this year and I left it so frustrated because I had played so well tee to green, but I had my usual 35 putts. On my long drive home, I spent the time thinking what could I do to reduce the amount of face rotation I had in my putting stroke. I had an eureka moment when I thought about what if I turned my top left hand facing in the opposite direction with my palm now facing forward. Surely then the face couldn't move as much. I couldn't wait to get into the shop and test my theory that evening and sure enough it seems to work.

Now initially it felt alien and terrible, like any change

does however from experience I knew I would get used to it especially if it proved to work. I did also find moving to a thicker grip and longer 38inch putter also helped further with this new method of gripping my putter. Again, roll on a year later I have just had the best season of putting I have possibly ever had. What I have noticed from making the changes to my technique is, better results follow when you move to a more consistent technique. You can go to a driving range and practice for months and get slightly better, however if you go to your local PGA Golf Professional and find a better more consistent technique for the weak areas in your golf game, even with less practice you will see improvements.

So, I highly recommend using this Christmas period to evaluate your own game and rate every aspect. Then sets your goals for 2025 and work on improving your technique in these areas and the world is your oyster to what you can achieve in 2025.

Mirabel wins Christmas cracker

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THE FINAL of the W.G.O.B.A. Paddy O’Gorman A1 525 was the feature of five stake finals down for decision on the final card of 2024 at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Racing towards the opening bend in the Christmas Cracker A5 Stake Final Killaspic Queen, French Fearless and Jayden’s Lady were all prominent with Mirable close up on the outside. Racing down the back Killaspic Queen continued to show the way but the Harper Ward of Spancilhill-owned Mirabel (pictured) was closing on the wide outside. Exiting the back straight Mirabel was now in command and the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Cactus Sapphire drew clear to score by three lengths at the line in 29.17.

The outcome of the A7 graded stake Final was in little doubt from an early stage as the Frank Casey of Newmarket on Fergus-owned Pronto Bucks set sail for home early on. The son of Burgess Bucks and Churchtown Minee trapped really smartly and bagging the inside rail racing towards the opening bend led by two lengths from Aulton Joxer rounding the bend. Turning down the back the lead gradually became six lengths as Aulton Joxer and Ballyhale Evan continued to give vain chase but the winner was home and hosed exiting the back straight as he scored by five and a half lengths from Aulton Joxer in 29.38.

The opening contest of the night was the re-run of last weeks voided A3 Stake Semi Final and from traps Gob Smacked showed pace towards the outside to lead from Eastern Express with Guideys Bullet in third place as they negotiated the opening two bends. Racing down the back the Mary Flynn and

every

In the S7 graded sixth contest the Donal Malone of Ennistymon owned Drombeg Star left her rivals strung out behind as she recorded her seventh career success by three lengths over Tippanyaki in 19.45. The daughter of Skywalker Logan and Drombeg Dancer really hit the ground running and approaching the opening bend she led Tippanyaki by three lengths and that became five rounding the crown of the home turn and although the leader ran quite wide around the home bend she was in control all the way to the line.

Irene O’Sullivan owned Gob Smacked led her rivals by three lengths and although Eastern Express closed with

stride from the home bend the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained Gob Smacked (Broadstrand Bono & Blacklabel Magic) prevailed by a length at the line in 29.09.

l Pictured; my older wedge technique vs my new technique

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/60465

Development Description: to extend existing dwelling house

Location: Cahermaclanchy, Doolin

Take notice that l. Mantoan has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application

P24/60465. 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, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SANDFIELD HOUSE, SANDFIELD PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Janet Lynch intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a single-story extension to the rear and side of her dwelling house 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the

period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Marc De Courcy, are applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Mount Catherine, Clonlara, Co Clare, V94 2N26

Retention Permission for the as constructed detached domestic garage, retention of minor amendments to dwelling as previously granted (Planning Permission 16/681 refers) and all associated ancillary and incidental works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority 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 TIERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE

Take notice that Eoin Mc Grath and Sinead O Donovan intend to apply for permission to build a new dwelling , install a wastewater 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 pre-

scribed 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 SEAPARK, LAHINCH, CO CLARE, V95 P840.

Take notice that Micheal Glynn intends to apply for permission to extend the existing Dwelling House, build a Garage, relocate the entrance & 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.

Guerin, Mary Liscannor

Guerin, Mary Ennis

MANGAN, Tommy Kilrush

Bane, Patrick (Paddy) Feakle

Bennis, Gerard Ennis

DOWNING (née Creedon), Nodlaig Lahinch

Lydon (née Considine), Maura

Cree

Recent Deaths

Malone (née O’Brien), Ann Ogonnelloe

McCarthy (née Gilligan), Philomena (Phil) Kilnaboy

Byrne, Philomena Clare

Kelleher, Edel Clarecastle

McNamara (née Moloney), Eithne Tulla

Normoyle, Paddy Coolmeen

Talty (née Mullins), Marian Clare

Linnane, Michael Ennistymon

O’Kelly, Dr Paddy Mullagh

Rynne, Michael Inagh

BLEACH, TOMMY (Tomás) Scariff

Bourke, Laura Ennis

Bradley (née O’ Loughlin), Eileen Ennis

Hehir, Martin Connolly

Keane, Tom Kilmaley

Keane, Tom Ennis

The Clare Echo Quiz

What stone is found in the Burren? -Sandstone -Slate -Limestone

What formation does the stone make? -Pavement -Stepping Stones -Promontory

What is the name of the famous wave at the Cliffs of Moher? -Eilidh’s -Aileen’s -Orla’s

Which Family lived in Bunratty Castle after 1475? -The O’Briens -The McNamaras -The Thomands

Which castle did the family build after being forced out of Bunratty -Leamenh -Knappogue -Dromoland

In what year was glór theatre built? -1998 -2001 -2000

What will be in the extension to glór which is currently underway? - Art studio/Dance hall -Library/Gallery -Art studio/Gallery

Clare musician Sharon Shannon made her debut with which band? -The Waterboys -The Riverboys -Horslips

What was the name of Sharon Shannon’s first solo album? -Shannon -Out the Gap -Sharon Shannon

In what year did Scarriff musician Sarah McTernan represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest? -2019 -2018 -2022

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Last

weeks Answers

Santa drops into the Clare Echo

l QUESTION 1: What stone is found in the Burren?

SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

(5)

appear only once

each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

The Town Hall Bistro

The Poets Corner Bar