The Clare Echo 02/05/24

PILING ON THE SILVERWARE Doonbeg candidate slams ‘fake news’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DOONBEG politician has called out “fake news” over an alleged smear campaign in the local election campaign.

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) has told The Clare Echo that a smear campaign has been launched in the western section of the Kilrush LEA suggesting that she is being critical of the farming community and against the spreading of slurry.

“It seems the political slurry spreading has started before the first blade of sweet grass has been

cut,” she stated. She told The Clare Echo, “Politics is a dirty game but you have to get involved. I want to encourage more people to get involved, more women and people from different backgrounds but you won’t get people involved if things are murky and if there’s fake news which is what this was”.

Former US Preisident, Donald Trump known locally as the West Clare hotelier and who owns the five star Trump Doonbeg property was the first politician in Doonbeg to coin the ‘fake news’ term.

WEST CLARE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Continue your preference for Cllr. Joe Garrihy, Seán Kelly MEP and John Mullins

l Clare’s minor footballers celebrate winning the Daryl Darcy Cup

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

PICTURED: Rita McInerney and (inset) Donald Trump who first coined the phrase ‘fake news’

Four projects to share

€1.1m funding injection

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOUR Clare projects have been allocated a combined €1.1m in funding under the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Call: 065 - 6719021

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or NEWSDESK CONTACT US news@clareecho.ie

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

kieran@clareecho.ie

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

Ennistymon (€495,000), Killaloe (€225,000), Querrin (€221,400) and Labasheeda (€193,881) will share in the total funding of €1,135,281 announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

will allow for the creation of an outdoor public square which will be “inclusive, attractive and vibrant”.

In what is a continuation of the works along the Main Street in Ennistymon, the funding

Enhancement works to Tobermurragh Park will provide Killaloe with a central public green space which is “steeped in history and rich in biodiversity”.

A permanent venue for the Cottage Market will be established in Querrin plus the historic Farnham Street railings will also be repaired and restored.

What was a former church in Labasheeda will serve as a multi-functional community space with essential works to conserve the character of the building to enable this.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Martin Conway (FG) was confident his native Ennistymon would be strengthened as a tourism destination as a result of the allocation.

“The square in Ennistymon which is a traditional market town is going to get a complete revamp with a €495,000 injection, this will compliment a lot of positive work done in recent

years in Ennistymon town and environs, it will help to enhance it to a top quality tourism destination which it has the potential to be”.

Senator Conway said essential maintenance work will now allow for the old church in Labasheeda to remain as a community facility. “The community of Labasheeda have put enormous work into developing their community and this church is the centre point of the village, it will be a major benefit to the community and surrounding areas”.

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) welcomed the confirmation that both Querrin and Labasheeda got over the line with their funding applications. “Both of these communities have been an absolute pleasure to work with, forward thinking, proactive and focussed.

“They have done all the work themselves, and while some communities need a big push, these two only needed a small directional nudge every now and again. It is a testament to what small communities can achieve”.

Top retail excellence nod for three Clare stores

THREE MACE stores in Clare were honoured for achieving exceptional standards in retailing, writes Páraic McMahon

At the recent MACE Excellence Awards held at Lawlor’s Hotel, in Naas, Co Kildare, and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the MACE brand in Ireland, three Clare stores were among those singled out for praise.

Talty’s in Lissycasey, Greensmith and Keyes on the Lahinch Rd in Ennis and Whelan’s in Kilrush received the plaudits.

Cathal Talty and the Talty family recently celebrated fifty years since the opening of the store in Lissycasey, Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes run the Lahinch Rd store while Thomas and Karen Whelan operate the Kilrush outlet.

This year’s MACE Excellence Awards, held in association with Solution Management Associates (SMA) are only awarded to MACE stores that pass an intensive year-long inspection, including three unannounced audits, visits from mystery shoppers and a BWG-led compliance audit for every

store as part of the qualifying criteria.

Keith Crawford, MACE Sales Director explained that the awards recognize “those who, through their commitment to outstanding retail standards and customer service, continue to set the benchmark for the brand and marketplace overall. Increasingly high standards are undoubtedly contributing to the continued success of MACE. I want to congratulate Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes, Thomas and

Karen Whelan and Cathal Talty and the Talty family and their teams. Their efforts have been truly outstanding and their recognition is very well-deserved”. MACE is the longest serving convenience brand in Ireland, serving local communities for more than 60 years. Operated by independent retailers, the network includes local community stores as well as forecourt shopping, with over 160 stores located around the country.

lREVAMP: Senator Martin Conway

lWINNERS: Tom Fleming, Anne Keyes and Grainne and TJ Talty

Rita calls out ‘fake news’

A SITTING councillor has said a political slurry spreading has tried to smear her name in advance of the local elections.

Doonbeg based Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) has said “fake news” has been circulated among WhatsApp groups in West Clare attributing comments to her over which are critical to the farming community regarding the West Clare Greenway.

Shannon Airport gearing up for busy Bank Holiday

SHANNON Airport is gearing up for a busy May bank holiday as over 46,000 people are expected to travel through the popular Midwest airport over the bank holiday period, writes Elaine Tubridy

As the summer holiday travel period gets underway, the airport is expecting this weekend to be one of the busiest of the year to date.

Commenting, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “We are expecting a very busy bank holiday ahead at Shannon Airport as people take advantage of the long weekend with a well-deserved city break or much-needed sunshine escape.

“Despite the expected increase in passenger traffic over the coming days, it is still easier than ever to travel through Shannon, with our teams on hand to ensure a seamless journey for our customers through the airport.”

This year, Shannon Airport will operate 33 routes to 11 countries across the EU, UK and US. A new daily service to New York-JFK with Delta will commence on the 25th May, providing a boost to the airport’s transatlantic service offering through the busy holiday period.

“To meet additional holiday travel demand, the airport will also have increased frequency on nine services this summer, providing an additional 130,000 seats to popular European and UK destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Malaga, Lanzarote and London.

Further commenting, Ms Considine said, “We are experiencing an influx of passengers from all over Ireland jetting off this weekend, including families, groups of friends and couples.

“We are also seeing a consistent increase in tourists arriving at our airport to explore the vibrant tourism offering along the Wild Atlantic Way, which will provide a welcome boost to the regional economy through the summer season

ahead.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers for their continued support and would encourage people to think Shannon first when planning their holidays this summer.”

Passengers are advised to pre-book their parking online. Best rates are always available at shannonairport.ie

Messages have been sent with quotes alongside an image of the businesswoman styled in such a way to suggest Rita made the remarks that the Greenway needed to be rail-roaded through. The latest instance was a message suggesting she was against the spreading of slurry.

She said, “With the first cuts of grass due in a number of weeks, please God if the weather holds, the slurry spreading will begin as it always has. Unfortunately, life in politics can be similar, it seems the political slurry spreading has started before the first blade of sweet grass has been cut, so I have to address an issue that was brought to my attention. It is not the first issue of fake news being scurrilous passed around in WhatsApp groups in recent weeks, so I feel I have to pull the ragwort rumours from life and social media’s meadows”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr McInerney explained that she had an inclination three weeks ago “that something was going on” but a message that was forwarded to a friend on Monday prompted her to call out the “fake news”. She said, “It was sent to a friend of mine in order to alert me to the situation, it was an image of me with quotation marks of a statement I made purporting to be something I said, it was circulated in private WhatsApp groups in West Clare predominantly at the farming community”.

Cllr McInerney admitted she had an idea as to who is behind the

smear campaign but is unable to prove it as of yet. “I’ve some ideas in my head but I wouldn’t say because I can’t prove it and I’d only be adding fuel to the fire by adding unsubstantiated statements. With the nature of WhatsApp groups things can be forwarded and we live in a small community so it generally comes out of the wash who initiated it or who started it. I take a positive from it in that I’m running a good campaign and that people see me as a threat”.

From what she can gather, Rita said the campaign has originated in her locality and the western section of the Kilrush local electoral area.

Rita is currently discussing whether she needs to seek legal advice or contact An Garda Síochána on the matter.

“I have spoken to a few people about it but I haven’t done anything official about it, I’m extremely busy, I’m trying to run my own business and canvassing every day, my priority is addressing the issues constituents present, it is on my agenda but I’d be working hard on dealing with issues rather than focusing on it. An Garda Síochána have a lot to do if, if it escalates I will escalate things but I’m well able to handle myself”.

McInerney felt the slurs were “very undemocratic” and such

stunts put people off entering politics. “Friends do say to me that I’m a mad, politics is a dirty game but you have to get involved, I want to encourage more people to get involved, more women and people from different backgrounds but you won’t get people involved if things are murky and if there’s fake news which is what this was”.

She added, “it circulated within private groups, they don’t know where it is coming from, that is the danger of social media and this technology. It shows how important good journalism is, we used to say don’t believe everything you read, now you can’t believe everything you see with AI that is why local radio and newspapers are so important because they are reputable sources”.

Indeed it was a fellow business person with strong Doonbeg connections that coined the ‘fake news’ term, little did we think it would be applied in the sense of the local elections for the Kilrush local electoral area. “When you think about it, what happens on a political level globally tends to filter down, this is another way that people use a political campaign or operate within a political campaign, unfortunately. We have to be smarter and get our correct message out there better”.

lLOMG WEEKEND: It’s all systems go at Shannon Airport for the May bank holiday as the airport prepares to welcome over 46,00 passengers during the bank holiday period

Photo by Arthur Ellis

lSLURRY: Rita McInerney (FF) Photo by Arthur Ellis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Gerry bids farewell to Ei Electronics

Mick Guinee, Founder and CEO of Ei Electronics paying tribute to Gerry Murphy, at his retirement function after 52 years’ service with Ei in Shannon

'We will never forget Aoife' - Johnston family call for action to improve health services in Mid-West

AOIFE Johnston’s family have spoke of the “devastating” loss they have experienced since her death, writes Páraic McMahon.

Members of the Johnston family wept outside Kilmallock Courthouse following an emotional four-day inquest by Limerick Coroner John McNamara into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Shannon teenager. A verdict of death by medical misadventure was returned by McNamara. Aoife had waited over 15 hours for the antibiotics that would have saved her life. She died on 19th December 2022.

The Johnstons expressed their shock at the description of the University Hospital Limerick (UHL)’s emergency department as a “death-trap” by emergency consultant Dr James Gray on the weekend that Aoife sought life-saving treatment.

l Meaghan, Carol, James and Kate Johnston

"It is terrifying [to hear that]. I would be terrified myself,” Aoife’s mother Carol said. "We brought Aoife where we told her she would be looked after but she was not. We told her she was in the best place. We told her to get some rest and that the doctors would be here soon. But the doctors never came”.

Meagan Johnston, Aoife’s eldest sister said her absence from their life has been “devastating”. She said, "I will never forget Aoifeshe was just the best sister ever. It kills me all the time that I never got to say goodbye to her. When I got back

[to UHL] Aoife was already gone - I will never forget that drive into the Intensive Care Unit,” she said.

Kate Johnston said she wanted everyone to know the person her younger sister Aoife was. "She was such a nice and kind person," she

said through tears outside the court.

Both James and Carol pleaded for action to tackle the overcrowding crisis at UHL and warned they don't want any other family to endure the nightmare they have suffered. "Aoife at the minute is remembered as being the girl that died on a trolley," Carol said. “That is how Aoife is known. In time, when me and James can talk to people properly, they will get to know the real Aoife and the lovely 16-year-old girl she was. (...) From our experience, this should not happen to another child. Aoife is gone now so all the apologies and everything that they put in place is… the rest of our lives, it is not going to change that. It breaks out hearts - it was a horrible death. She suffered the whole night,” she added.

Carol said she welcomed the verdict from the coroner and his recommendations

about UHL. "We welcome the verdict and the apology but that is not going to change anything. Aoife is gone now. That is what we have to live with."

James said they went to UHL desperately looking for help for Aoife but did not receive it in time. Her parents stayed with her at UHL and pleaded in vain for Aoife to be seen earlier than she was. "We went to the hospital to get help but we didn't receive it. That is it, really? It is clear as day what happened," James said. Carol said she hoped that the promised investments and improvements at UHL are delivered as quickly as possible. James stressed that the people of the Mid-West now needed action, not words, about healthcare improvements. "Let's hope that is it not all talk. They need to get on with it and sort it out. No more people should die in that hospital,” he said.

Inquest into Aoife’s death returns verdict of medical misadventure

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A VERDICT of medical misadventure was returned following the four-day inquest into the death of Clare teenager Aoife Johnston.

Aoife died at the age of 16 from meningitis at 16 Hospital Limerick on December 19th 2022. She had presented at UHL two days previous with suspected sepsis. In the hospital, she faced a lengthy wait for treatment despite displaying severe symptoms. The teenager ultimately waited more than 15 hours to receive antibiotics, which would likely have saved her, the inquest heard.

The inquest into Johnston’s death took place over four days at Kilmallock Courthouse in Co Limerick. Aoife’s parents, James and Carol, and sisters, Meagan and Kate, fought back tears as the verdict was returned by Limerick Coroner John McNamara, whose bench had framed photos of Aoife on either side at the request of the Johnston family. The family had asked for a verdict of death by medical misadventure, with both the UHL and the HSE raising no objection.

Mr McNamara said Aoife’s death was “truly tragic” – and cited overcrowding at UHL as an issue of major concern. “I am concerned about the overcrowding as a native of Limerick. I accept that changes have been implemented. However, for the formality of the record, I want to endorse wholeheartedly the recommendations of the Hamilton Report (into UHL’s emergency department),” he said.

He said the verdict of death by medical misadventure was the only one that could be recorded. “There were systemic failures, there were missed opportunities and there were communication breakdowns throughout. Aoife should have been treated in a timely manner,” he said.

“Time was of the essence and there was a window to treat her and give her the vital antibiotics she needed until the following

morning...it was too late. Having heard the evidence – very difficult and very emotive evidence – I know how difficult it was for (UHL) staff who were deeply upset and emotional. It has affected some staff who have resigned or left the UHLG. You (Johnston family) have been living a nightmare since Aoife’s death and this week has been revisiting everything.

“This inquest might end the involvement of a lot of us in Aoife’s case but I know you will be living with this for the rest of your lives. There are no words that can convey the scale of the tragedy you sustained. You bore witness (in UHL) as to everything that happened.”

The inquest issued recommendations including that all Hamilton Report measures on UHL’s emergency department be adopted, all sepsis patients should have their chart specially noted for the infection, there should be a formal plan to deal with overcrowding and all emergency department escalation contacts be made by email and telephone with all to be properly followed up. Solicitor for the Johnston family, Damien Tansey SC, said they had shown “great dignity and courage” in enduring every parent’s worst nightmare.

He said Aoife had received treatment one would not expect in a third world country.

“They find the circumstances of what happened (in UHL) to be incomprehensible. It was an intolerable situation for both doctors and nurses – but it was a dangerous, dangerous situation for this dangerously ill girl,” Mr Tansey said.

“They (James and Carol) were roaring for help for Aoife. They were pleading for help. Aoife was screaming in pain. One doctor (Dr Leandri Card) was moved and took Aoife out of turn. She acted extremely competently in dealing with Aoife and treated her as if she had meningitis.”

An independent inquiry remains ongoing into the circumstances of Aoife’s death as she went over 12 hours unseen by a doctor in the emergency department despite having a letter from a ShannonDoc GP saying that she potentially had sepsis. The inquest was told

by emergency consultant Dr James Gray –who declined to attend UHL on the evening of December 17, 2022 despite a request from a nurse manager concerned about a spiralling overcrowding crisis – that overcrowding had left the emergency department resembling “a death trap” that weekend.

Dr Gray said that he was asked to attend the emergency department on the night of December 17, the night Johnston’s parents brought her to the hospital after being referred by a GP, due to the immense pressure on staff. He said that he was not made aware of any specific cases and that he worked in the hospital’s clinical decision unit throughout the day on Sunday, December 18. He told the court that the system “failed” Johnston.

“Had I known there was a 16-year-old child in septic shock, a Category 2 patient, who couldn’t get into the resus room, the system failed her, the ED failed her, but if I had known there was a patient like that in the department, I would have come in,” Dr. Gray told the inquest. “The problem is I wasn’t asked about a specific case”. Dr. Gray said the ED at UHL is “consistently the worst in the country” and that Johnston received care without dignity or privacy. “It’s an abuse of human rights,” Dr. Gray told the inquest.

Mr and Ms Johnston told the inquest they had to watch their daughter dying despite their pleas for her to be helped. Aoife had been placed in what they described as a storeroom in the emergency department –and as there were no trolleys available they created a make-shift bed for her from two chairs.

Mr Johnston said he repeatedly begged staff on duty to help his daughter as her skin developed a blotchy-type rash and another mark developed near her eye. She was getting violently sick and her vomit was green in colour. “I was up and down to the nurses all night pleading with them to help my daughter,” James said.

“Aoife was screaming in agony with pain to her right leg and head. I heard people outside

on the trolleys asking the nurses and doctors to help Aoife. At one point a man said: ‘Is someone not going to go into that girl?’. I continually begged for help.”

Ms Johnston said that at one point they were told Aoife would be treated as if she had meningitis. But they were then asked to help medical staff by holding her down for an intravenous treatment as Aoife’s limbs were by now involuntarily jerking. Ms Johnston said some staff at UHL were “very mean” to Aoife because she could not stand up by herself for a test. “At 6am my daughter was finally reviewed by a doctor. She was in agony with pain in her head, her right leg, she was vomiting and she had blotchiness on her skin,” she said.

“The doctor told us that she would treat Aoife as if she had meningitis. After the doctor left, Aoife started to deteriorate even more. James went to the nurses station for help. Aoife was taken to resuscitation. By this point, Aoife’s limbs were moving involuntarily. I was asked to hold down my daughter’s arms so they could administer treatment.

“We were subsequently advised that Aoife would be put into an induced coma as there was swelling on her brain and that the coma would allow her body to relax.

“Aoife was moved to ICU. Following a number of scans we were advised that there was nothing that could be done to save Aoife.”

The inquest heard that consultants will attend the UHL emergency department for major emergency cases but not for patient volume matters. Just one senior house officer, Dr Leandri Card, was left dealing with over 160 patients on December 17/18 as a flood of patients attended the emergency department. But the two senior registrars, Dr Mohamed Hassan and Dr Muneeb Shahid, spent most of their time in the resuscitation room dealing with just over 14 patients, most having suffered fractures due to a cold snap. Dr Card said medical staff faced “an impossible situation” that weekend.

HO TEL & SPA, CORK

Cameras banned at public consultation for Post Office Field development

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

UNDER 100 people attended the two public consultation drop-in events held last Wednesday and Friday for the plans to develop the Post Office Field in Ennis.

Public consultation on the plans which are part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy continue until May 9th and are on display at the reception area of Clare County Council’s offices. The plans are also available to view online 24/7 on Clare County Councils Have Your Say Portal.

An investment of €5m is required for the development which will deliver a boardwalk across the Post Office Field, a focal point for Ennis town centre plus connectivity north and south of the River Fergus to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists. The town centre riverside looped walk will also improve leisure and playground facilities.

As per the slides on show at the public consultation events, the scheme benefits listed by Ennis 2040 DAC are a return on investment for Ennis over the next thirty years. This calculation comprises of €7m in health benefits, €2.2m in journey time savings, €600,000 n mode shift benefits in line with the Climate Action Plan and €200,000 in recreational benefits and enhanced biodiversity exposure.

Creation of the boardwalk will reduce the walk time from Harmony Row to O’Connell Square by one minute, from Harmony Row to Parnell Street and Market Square by three minutes, from Ennis Community College to O’Connell

Square by three minutes and the Mill Rd to O’Connell Square by two minutes.

Site development will use low impact methods and working areas will be strictly controlled to keep the construction footprint as small

as possible, Ennis 2040 DAC have said.

Notably signs were erected in Waterpark House were the public consultation was held advising attendees that photographs and videos could not be taken. A spokesper-

son for Ennis 2040 DAC told The Clare Echo said this request was issued “for GDPR purposes and to avoid misrepresentation or degrading of the images on display”.

When asked what GDPR issues could arise in a public consultation event, the spokeswoman said, “If someone can be recognised from a photograph it’s usually considered their personal data. We wish to respect the privacy of individuals attending public consultation dropin events and avoid photographs of them being published on social media without permission”.

Ian Douglas, Ecologist & Agri-Environmental Consultant, ID Environmental Consultants has led the concept proposals for the development. He declined to do an interview with The Clare Echo but issued a comment via Ennis 2040 DAC’s communications advisor, “This is a fantastic project that promotes connection to nature. Here, we can bring people into Post Office Field without impacting on it and create new biodiversity habitats. The project has a very small footprint and the raised boardwalk won’t impact on the site underneath. We have conducted comprehensive surveys on bats, habitats, flora and mammals to ensure this can be developed with absolute minimum impact”.

Election hopefuls criticise consultation process

TWO election hopefuls in the Ennis Municipal District have criticised the manner in which the public consultation was handled for the proposed Post Office Field with one insisting they would try to disband Ennis 2040 DAC if elected, writes Páraic McMahon

A cost benefit analysis was undertaken by AECOM on behalf of Ennis 2040 to assess the impact of the Active Travel Benefits of the elevated boardwalk over the Post Office Field. This analysis detailed that the development of the boardwalk would cost €5.6m and result in benefits of €11.6m over a thirty year period. Hilary Tonge (SD) attended the consultation event on Thursday evening in Waterpark House. She told The Clare Echo, “A consultation is extending info and opinions about something, what we saw in Waterpark House was a lot of photos about an imaginary boardwalk and a case study from a town in Canada”.

Questions surround the financial aspect of the project, she flagged. “They said it will pay for itself in 30 years, we’ve no idea how much money has been put into this, we don’t know the investment”.

Outlining that she is firmly opposed to building on the Post Office Field, Hilary said clearer detail is needed on how Ennis 2040 DAC will not disrupt the eco-system by building the boardwalk.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) said, “I think like a lot of 2040 DAC consultation processes they have very high glossy pictures of their ambitions but there isn’t much consultation”.

“The public should be able to go in and take back out of it what they see before

them so that they can discuss it further and talk to their friends about it, whether they are pro it or against it that they can have a conversation around the kitchen table about it, I can’t see why you would censor what is the DAC’s great plan,” Guilfoyle added. He engaged with officials during the public consultation. “Of course you are being listened to but are you really being listened to, that is the difference. I’ve been involved with the 2040 DAC on their consultation for Abbey Street, when you did ask questions in a normal everyday manner there was rebuttal answers given and there wasn’t a conversation or a talk about what they were trying to do, it was nearly how dare you ask those questions and they looked around for back-up to help their stance, when people started to agree with you then they changed the subject. For public consultation you should be allowed to go in, in a respectable manner and way and say whatever you think is on your mind, be listened to and that be brought back to the process”. When asked by The Clare Echo if he was opposed to all aspects of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, the Clarecastle man replied, “I’m not opposed to the future development of Ennis or our county at all, I’m opposed to the privatisation of the development of our town, we elect county councillors, they come from the people by the people to go on the Council to make decisions to better the town and the county. The Council itself has department after department that has built this county from the ground up so why would you go to the DAC model to further benefit the town, I’m opposed to the privatisation of public services”.

Greens add Griffin and Flynn to election ticket in West & East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE new Green Party candidates have been declared in Clare for the upcoming local elections.

It means the party will be running candidates in each electoral area for the first time in the one election.

Cllr Liam Grant (GP) and Brigid Ginnity (GP) had previously been declared as candidates in the Ennistymon local electoral area and Ennis Municipal District respectively.

They will now be joined by Susan Griffin (GP) in the Kilrush local electoral area, Audrey Flynn (GP) in the Killaloe Municipal District and Fursa Kavanagh (GP) in the Shannon Municipal District.

There was a Green gathering at the Daniel O’Connell Monument in Ennis on Wednesday morning to officially announce the new candidates.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and MEP Grace O’Sullivan (GP) joined four of the candidates with Kavanagh absent due to work commitments.

Ballyea native Susan is a sister of former Clare hurler Tony Griffin. The secondary school teacher is a co-founder of Fracking Free Clare.

Mountshannon based Audrey, a social entrepreneur is a long-standing community activist in East Clare and is a daughter of Theresa Flynn a founder of the Burren Chernobyl Project.

Running in the Shannon MD is twenty six year old Fursa, an officer with security services at Shannon Airport.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Susan said, “the message is finally getting through and the penny is dropping” on climate change. “We grew up in a world where things were unthreatened but climate is threatened now but it can be a great opportunity for communities to come together and help the environment and communities. Some of the best things I’ve been involved were community led and Green Party activities where we did group cycles, bike fixing repair workshops, I was involved in Ennis transition town, with the threat of climate change is also great opportunity”.

With five sitting male councillors in the Killaloe MD, Audrey said there is a poor representation for all the women of East Clare. “Five men are not representing women because they are men, I think definitely it is time for a women in East Clare and for

women in East Clare, I definitely think it is going to play a part, women are very aware of what it is that women can bring to a political situation and I think women also appreciate a woman that puts themselves in a situation like this, women really appreciate that another woman would do that so I do expect that there will be an appreciation for any of the women running”.

Subscribe to The Clare Echo for more indepth interviews with Susan and Audrey via clareecho.ie/subscribe.

l Audrey Flynn (right) & Susan Griffin (below)

Newmarket on Fergus Agricultural Show

The Newmarket on Fergus Show committee are ready to welcome you all to their Show this Sunday, May 5

Friends of Ennis Hospital express ‘shock & dismay’

interview with the Ennis representative.

FRIENDS of Ennis Hospital have expressed shock with a suggestion from a county councillor that a Barrington’s Hospital be acquired for use as a second emergency department in the Mid-West region.

Established in 1829, the 53 bed facility in Limerick City has a guide price of €12.5m. In an interview with Clare FM on Wednesday morning, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said acquiring Barrington’s Hospital is an open goal for the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) to allieviate pressure in the Mid-West.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Friends of Ennis Hospital said they were “shocked and dismayed” to listen to the

Presently, Barrington’s functions as a facility for day procedures.

A spokesperson for Friends of Ennis Hospital stated, “If the HSE think there is a need for another day procedure facility in limerick city that would be a clinical decision but we are adamantly opposed to the idea of investing €12.5m in purchasing a building that would require a complete refit to function as an ED. We believe that Ennis needs and deserves that investment”.

Another Limerick City centre has little benefit to the people living in Loop Head or Lisdoovarna, Friends of Ennis Hosptial stated.

Parking of ambulances, patient visitors and accessing the emergency

department during rush hour were also flagged by the group which includes Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), ex Kilrush Town councillor Deirdre Culligan (IND) and Angela Coll, an active member of Fianna Fáil locally and a party colleague of Colleran Molloy.

Local election candidates and Oireachtas members need to clarify if they support the idea of acquiring Barrington’s to provide a second emergency department for the Mid-West, Friends of Ennis Hospital stated.

“It is our belief and worry that if this plan goes ahead the HSE will not invest further millions in to the facility in Ennis to upgrade it to the Model 3 we need leaving the people of Clare at a disadvantage once more”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lPRIVATE: Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick

Council ‘pandering to stereotypes’

CLARE Traveller Development Project have expressed their shock and disappointment at an emergency motion passed by Clare councillors last month, writes Páraic McMahon.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, coordinator of the Clare Traveller CDP, Bridgie Casey criticised councillors for “pandering to stereotypes and discrimination to gain votes in forthcoming local elections”. She said comments made in the Council Chamber were “in breach of Anti Racism Election Protocols supported by all the political parties. Our elected representatives are there to represent all their constituents, and not just some of them”. Bridgie added, “In speaking to the motion councillors attribute a list of anti-social behaviour to our community and also potentially slander Traveller individuals. Any illegal behaviour should not be tolerated and should be properly investigated by the Gardaí and people should be held accountable but, councillors should know better than to blame and demonise a whole community for the actions of any individual”.

She continued, “The question of so called ‘illegal encampments’ is a complicated one with a long history that includes oppression and marginalisation of Travellers by the State and a failure by local authorities to provide Traveller accommodation, despite having the funds and powers to do so. The vast majority

of Travellers on the side of the road are there because they don’t have anywhere else to go. Travellers want a decent place to live where they can feel safe. Moving families from pillar to post does nothing to resolve the issue”.

A report from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the comments of Chief Commissioner Sinead Gibney in 2020 that “The State’s provision of Traveller accommodation has drawn widespread international condemnation including from the UN, the Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU and the Council of Europe,” were referenced by Bridgie.

“As a result of inequalities experienced by Travellers across education, accommodation and health - Travellers live in severely overcrowded living conditions with a homelessness rate of 39%. Travellers die at least 10 years younger than their counterparts in the majority population and Travellers experience a suicide rate that is seven times the suicide rate in the majority population. If Traveller accommodation had been provided as laid out in the 1992 Traveller Accommodation Act, Travellers would not be experiencing many of the injustices they experience today. It is time that politicians stop sowing the seeds of hate and instead lead out in supporting people’s rights to a decent place to live and respect for their cultures and identities”.

Tá sé in am do vacsaín teanndáileoige earraigh COVID-19 a fháil

It’s time to get your COVID-19 spring booster vaccine

Má tá tú 80 bliain d’aois nó níos sine, nó má tá córas imdhíonachta lag agat, tá sé in am dod’ theanndáileog earraigh molta.

Labhair le dochtúir teaghlaigh nó cógaiseoir rannpháirteach inniu nó cuir glaoch ar ár bhfoireann HSELive ar 1800 700 700.

Tabhair cuairt ar HSE.ie chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil.

Cars seized in Clancy Park

TWO vehicles were seized in Clancy Park as part of ongoing investigations by Gardaí in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon

On Saturday, members of An Garda Síochána attached to Ennis Garda Station conducted an operation that resulted in the seizure of two vehicles and the issuing of fixed penalty notices to a number of others in Clancy Park.

Issues at Clancy Park have

come to light in recent weeks following the emergence of an illegal encampment in the Ennis estate. At the time of the tabling of an emergency motion at the April meeting of Clare County Council, there was three caravans at different locations in Clancy Park, one of which is understood to be occupied by an individual who was in Limerick Prison but was released due to capacity issues.

Threats of arson, harassment, intimidation of the elderly, uncontrolled dogs, degradation of a beloved neighbourhood and “a sense of abandonment by the State, the Council and the Gardaí” are some of the feelings experienced by residents of Clancy Park since the arrival of an illegal encampment in the estate, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) highlighted.

If you’re aged 80 years or over, or have a weak immune system, it’s time for your recommended spring booster.

Talk to a participating GP or pharmacist or call our team in HSELive on 1800 700 700.

Visit HSE.ie for more information.

l Two vehicles were seized

Air traffic controllers share in €4.1m pay out for Covid-19 cuts

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AIR traffic controllers based at Shannon and other staff tasked with keeping our skies safe, who sustained wage cuts during Covid-19, shared a €4.1 million once off compensation payout for the cuts last year.

That is according to the 2023 annual report for commercial semi-state agency, AirNav Ireland which shows AirNav Ireland ceo, Peter Kearney was one of those staff members to benefit from the €4.1 million pay-out where he received €19,340.

The report shows that pre-tax profits at AirNav Ireland increased by 71pc to €20.44 million as it benefited from the continued recovery of air travel.

AirNav Ireland provides air traffic management services in the 451,000 km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland and the airspace forms a crucial gateway for air traffic between Europe and North America.

Last year, AirNav Ireland was hived off from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) where the company acquired assets from the IAA with a value of €310.4 million.

AirNav Ireland employs air traffic controllers in Shannon, Cork and Dublin and radio officers in Ballygirreen, Co Clare to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.

The agency’s 2023 annual report shows that revenues increased by 5.2 per cent to €194.5 million where ‘en route’ revenues accounted for €135.14 million or 69pc of overall revenues.

The annual report disclosed that AirNav Ireland at its April board on April 11th meeting declared a dividend of €4.5 million to the Government.

The accounts disclose that the once off payment of €4.1 million last year to staff affected by wage cuts brought overall staff costs to €100.19 million.

A note states that the pay was made after the IAA’s Industrial Disputes Resolution Board (IDRB) in

May 2023 recommended that a payment should be made to staff who were the subject of a pay reduction, implemented as a cost containment measure in 2021 in response to COVID-19.

The note states that the payment was made in October 2023 and when employer’s PRSI is included, the cost of the payment was €4.5 million.

Wage and salary costs at AirNav Ireland last year totalled €73.69m and numbers employed increased from 595 to 626 that include 297 air traffic controllers.

The accounts show that the number of staff between May 1st and December 31st last earning over €175,000 was two with three earning between €150,000 and €175,000.

A further 23 earned between €125,000 and €150,000 with 107 earning between €100,000 and €125,000.

The accounts state that on 30 April 2023, Peter Kearney was appointed as ceo of AirNav Ireland on a salary of Mr Kearney is €225,000 per annum. Peter Kearney previously served as ceo of the IAA.

Last year, Mr Kearney’s total pay, including pension payments of €54,000 and the €19,340 once-off payment, amounted to €221,000. Staff welfare and hospitality costs amounted to €300,000.

Chairman, Bryan Bourke stated that in 2023, air traffic exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and overall, air traffic grew by 14.3% in 2023 compared to 2022.

During the year, 368,700 overflights were managed in Irish-controlled airspace, an increase of 14.6% on 2022 levels while commercial air traffic at the State airports, Cork, Dublin and Shannon, taken together, increased by 15.7% to just under 275,000 movements.

Shareholder funds at AirNav Ireland totalled €324.03 million while cash funds totalled €42.89 million.

Ukrainians in informed they

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DISPLACED Ukrainians living in what was formerly the Rowan Tree Hostel have been informed their short-term emergency accommodation is to expire by the end of May.

Residents of The Abbey Hostel this week received correspondence from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth informing them that they must relocate on or before May 24th. This follows negotiations between the Department and the accommodation provider.

In correspondence from the Department issued to residents which has been obtained by The Clare Echo, it outlined, “arrangements for your next accommodation are being finalised. You will receive a letter through the manager of your current accommodation shortly that will include details of your new accommodation. Please note

transfers take place usually within days of this letter issuing so please prepare yourself for this.

“Unfortunately due to the challenges we are facing in Ireland as a result of the very significant numbers of people who have come to Ireland seeking temporary protection and accommodation we cannot respond to requests for accommodation of a certain type or location,” the correspondence added.

Persons that refuse an offer of relocation to alternative suitable accommodation will not receive further offers of accommodation. Up to 48 hours notice will be provided to residents prior to their transfer to new accommodation, they were advised. “Transport will be provided to you on the day. You can either take this transport or make your own way. If you choose to make your own way you must be at your new accommodation on the date given to you by the Department, if you are not present

l The air traffic control tower at Shannon Airport

old Rowan Tree will be moved

on this date this will be deemed as a refusal of accommodation”.

Department officials reminded the Ukrainian residents that all accommodation provided is temporary and further moves may occur.

“Sometimes we have to move people into shared accommodation, this is only where we have no other option available”. Accommodation will also no longer be provided for pets, the Department stated.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Hilary Tonge (SD) who is contesting the local elections in the Ennis Municipal District and has worked extensively with Ukrainians in the county town calculated that an

approximate 200 Ukrainians who don’t want to leave Ennis will be impacted.

She commented, “My question from the beginning is why are being moved. It is now closing. It has been there for two years”. Fifty of the residents were in the Mná ag Gaire shed on Ennis and were reeling with the correspondence from the Department.

“It is horrible, we shouldn’t be doing this in this day or age,” she said. “It was the darkest moment that I’ve ever had in the shed to have people sitting around like that, they were sad, despondent and begging for help, grown adults begging for help is just horrible”.

Abbey Hostel residents have integrated into the Ennis community, she said. “They have totally integrated with us, a little boy I gave him a pen and paper, he kept writing ‘me CBS’ and next week he won’t be able to do that. They want to stay in Ennis, they could accept being moved to another hotel in Ennis but they have not been promised that”.

Hilary added, “These are people with names and families who have integrated totally in Ennis, Ennis has taken them under their wing, we’ve had loads of different events, they feel safe here”.

Ex parliamentary assistant of Wynne joins FASD Ireland

A FORMER parliamentary assistant of Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) has been appointed as the Director of Policy and Public Affairs with FASD Ireland, writes Páraic McMahon

FASD Ireland this week confirmed that Kilkee native Mike Taylor had been appointed to the role following an 18 month stint working as the PA of Deputy Wynne. A former President of the Law Society at the University of Galway, he is currently undertaking a Diploma in PR & Communications from UCD.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said; "I am delighted to join the fantastic team here at FASD Ireland. Having spent the last number of months on their Advisory Board, I am looking very much forward to the exciting challenge of working on our core aims with the team here.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is Ireland's most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. We have the third highest prevalence of FASD in the world, and the HSE estimate that up to 7.4% of the population are living with FASD in the Republic of Ireland - whether they are aware of it or not”.

He continued, "Despite all of these facts, there is no statutory diagnostic criteria and no diagnostic pathway, and most crucially no support provided by the State for people living with FASD. This significant gap in service provision is where we come in. FASD Ireland provides education, awareness and support, we also deliver advocacy on behalf of the FASD communi-

ty in Ireland to key decision makers in areas of Government and public policy”.

In his new role, Mike will lead efforts to shape policy agendas, engage with policymakers, and advocate for evidence based whole-of-Government solutions to address the challenges faced by individuals living with FASD. He will also oversee public affairs strategies to raise awareness and promote education about FASD, and work with the FASD Ireland team to drive systemic policy change for people living with FASD”.

Speaking about Mike’s appointment, Tristan Casson-Rennie, CEO of FASD Ireland said; “I'm thrilled to welcome Mike Taylor to the FASD Ireland Team in Ennis. Mike brings his expertise and political insight to our organisation. With his dedication and skills, we look forward to advancing our work in advocating for and supporting people living with FASD”.

As well as his role in FASD Ireland, Mike also sits as a Director on the Board of Clare Local Development Company and serves as a Peace Commissioner for County Clare. On a local level, he also sits on the Board of Raidío Corca Baiscinn and is a member of the Enabling Team of Loop Head Together.

A Fine Gael candidate during the 2019 local elections in the Kilrush local electoral area, Mike has invited Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) to meet the FASD Ireland team at their office at 51 O’Connell Street in Ennis.

Labour's Seamus predicts Ennis will have 'seismic change'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONTESTING a local election for the third time, Seamus Ryan (LAB) (inset) is hoping it is a case of third time lucky.

Labour had been expected to hold a selection convention to choose their candidate in the Ennis Municipal District after two other prospective candidates had declared an interest but “their personal circumstances mitigated against that” meaning former librarian Seamus was the only nominee, he said, “it was their decision not to go forward”.

Aged 40, Seamus admitted it is “very disappointing that at 40 I’m one of the youngest candidates in the Ennis Municipal District”. He outlined, “life is a spectrum for all of us, people with young families and children, they are not always represented in their attitudes by councillors who are in the second half of their careers and that is no disrespect to them”.

Currently working with Forsa as a trade union organiser, he is primarily working with SNA’s, school secretaries and caretakers on a national level but predominantly in Connacht.

On his decision to enter the election race, Seamus told The Clare Echo, “there was a couple of factors, I looked at it and said to myself there is a need

for people running for the Council of a newer generation to what is there”.

Ennis 2040 is a big issue among the electorate in the Ennis MD and Seamus admitted this was also a factor for throwing his name into the ring. “I don’t like the lack of democracy around Ennis 2040 and the issues around the Post Office Field, it is a nature preserve that is being peace meal destroyed”.

Another talking point among the electorate is housing, he said. “Housing is a big issue, we need people that will hold the Government parties to account, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael continue to represent the majority of councillors and they have been the Government of the day for 10 years plus and nothing has changed”.

In 2019, he polled 495 first preference votes, up 266 on his showing in 2014. Though it was an improvement, it was not enough to see him survive past the fourth count, falling behind the seven elected councillors and three Independents but doing enough to stay in front of Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats.

Arguably his profile since his last run for office has not been as prominent as when he was based in the county from 2014 to 2019. “Since 2019 I started my new job which took me away from Clare during COVID”. On returning to the county, he said,

“I felt it was time to refocus on the concerns of the people of Clare and the Ennis MD”. During the pandemic, he also stepped down as Chairperson of Labour’s branch in Clare.

Political retirements of both Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND) will lead to “seismic change” on the make-up of the elected representatives “It is a case of everytime I’ve put myself forward there has been an increase in my first preference vote. There’s seismic change with the retirement of two prominent councillors which opens up the space for somebody new to come forward and be elected”.

Following the 2019 local elections, Ryan called for “significant change” within the Labour ranks, at the time they were led by Brendan Howlin TD (LAB), in the interval Alan Kelly TD (LAB) who canvassed for Seamus had a brief stint as leader with Ivana Bacik (LAB) now leading the Labour party.

“Labour is still a party that has a very deep tradition of social democracy, we have a consistent set of principles on housing and the right of minorities, no matter who has been leader, they have been core elements of what we stand for”.

He said he has “high

regard” for both Deputy Kelly and Deputy Bacik, “they are two very different personalities and I’ve great respect for them”. There has been no Labour representative on Clare County Council for a decade. On how strong a campaign the party can launch in Clare, he said, “We’re running two candidates in Clare, people will canvass for Denis (Vaughan) and for me, people will canvass between the two, we’re not a one man operation, we do have the people on the ground to try bring about credible change”.

This week, Seamus had started circulating his election literature across the Ennis MD. There had been a slight distraction with the recent wedding of his sister who returned from Australia to tie the knot.

Call to end to house rental scheme for Ukrainians (ARP)

MICHAEL Leahy, a candidate in the European Election for Ireland South, has called for the scrappage of a scheme that offers rental accommodation to Ukrainians tax-free.

The Ennis based architect, Chairman of the Irish Freedom Party said the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) measure is discriminatory.

“It leaves Irish people and everyone else in a vul-

nerable position because if a landlord can rent a house tax-free, of course the landlord will choose that option,” Mr Leahy said.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a monthly rate of €800 per property and is tax free to landlords.

‘Those fleeing Ukraine’ are entitled to the payment whether they are working or not and regardless of their salary.

“I believe the tax incentives for landlords that rent property to ‘those fleeing Ukraine’ are unjust and discriminatory against Irish people. If a landlord has a choice to rent a property to a Ukrainian family or an Irish family, the landlord is rewarded by government for choosing the Ukrainian family, because the rental income for a Ukrainian family will be tax free.

“I believe this is an

example of active discrimination against Irish people. It is unjust and unfair. We have a housing crisis and circumstances are particularly difficult for people trying to find rental accommodation. We need to respectfully re-think our priorities on this issue.”

“When it comes to the allocation of social housing, the Irish Freedom Party will prioritise Irish national,” Mr Leahy said.

lMike Taylor

Punch joins Independent Ireland in European election campaign

CRATLOE’s Eddie Punch (II) (inset) who had previously declared as an Independent candidate for the European elections in Ireland South will now fly under the banner of Independent Ireland, writes Páraic McMahon.

Punch stepped down as General secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) in March to focus on his election campaign, he had been involved with the ICSA for 25 years. He is married with one son and three daughters in Cratloe where he runs a suckler and beef farm.

There are 23 declared candidates in Ireland South bidding to win the five seats on offer. He will be competing alongside two Clare men, sitting TD, Michael McNamara (IND) from Scariff and architect Michael Leahy (IFP) who resides in Corofin.

Eddie had initially been an

Independent candidate but declared for Independent Ireland when submitting his nomination papers. “Joining Independent Ireland is a crucial step in strengthening our collective voice in Brussels, ensuring our diverse needs are addressed effectively,” he stated.

He added, “We want to provide a voice for communities which have been forgotten about by decision makers both in Dublin and in Brussels. Many of the people I have spoken to since I began campaigning feel let down by the political status quo”.

Founders of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD (II), Richard O’Donoghue TD (II) and Michael Fitzmaurice (II) all welcomed the addition of Eddie to the party. “His

extensive experience and profound understanding of both local and European issues are exactly what Ireland South needs for effective representation in the European Parliament,” party leader Collins said.

Limerick County TD O’Donoghue remarked, "Eddie’s candidacy is a significant addition to our party’s ticket. His advocacy and commitment to regional development align perfectly with our objectives”.

Deputy Fitzmaurice, a long-time acquaintance of the Cratloe man commented, "Eddie has always been a champion for the rural community, from farmers and fishermen to local shop-keepers and teachers. His candidacy ensures a comprehensive representation for everyone in Ireland South, weaving the entire social fabric into the heart of our European engagement”.

Currently a Director on the Board of Sixmilebridge Co-operative Mart, Eddie is also a Member of Council at the Irish Management Institute. Apart from working for ICSA and represented farmers in Brussels for a quar-

Hourigan signals alarm over Government plans for Irish neutrality ‘in name only’

NIAMH Hourigan (LAB) who is contesting the European elections in Ireland South has expressed alarm at the Government’s plans to abandon Ireland’s triple lock legislation, writes Páraic McMahon

The current triple lock mechanism ensures that for more than 12 Irish troops to be deployed overseas, there needs to be approval from the Irish government and Dáil alongside a UN mandate, either from the Security Council or General Assembly.

Speaking after plans to change the mechanism were approved by Cabinet this week, Hourigan says removal of the triple lock would be de-facto removal of Irish neutrality. “The Government’s plan to abandon the triple lock mechanism is a concerning move towards an Irish neutrality in name only.

“Ireland’s neutrality is a hugely important foreign policy stance and that’s why I have made it one of the priorities for my campaign. The Government has failed to give a legitimate reason for a move away from this long-standing position.

“If this legislation is introduced to the Dáil in June, as expected, it will happen after the Irish people decide who they want to represent them in Europe and people need to know that Fine Gael, Fianna

Party cannot be trusted to safeguard Irish neutrality in Europe. As long as neutrality is Ireland’s official position – which can only be changed by referendum – then

the triple lock has to be central to that policy and I’m calling for an immediate freeze to Government efforts to undermine it,” she added.

ter of a century, the 55 year old also worked in Botswana as a consultant to farm organisations. He has previously served as a member of the National Economic and Social Council.He has also been a regular speaker for the past few years at the Global Food Forum in Brussels and Milan, organised by Farm Europe. Prior to ICSA, he worked in rural development with Laois LEADER and West Limerick Resources. He was educated at Ard Scoil Ris secondary school in Limerick and is an honours graduate In European Studies (Economics and Politics) from the University of Limerick (UL) where he also served as postgraduate students’ union president, and acted as a tutorial assistant.

In recent years, he has obtained professional diplomas in Strategy and Innovation and Business Finance from the IMI (Irish Management Institute) and is now in the final stages of completing a masters in business via the Advanced Strategic Performance Programme (UCC/IMI).

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT and LOCAL ELECTIONS

Friday 7th June 2024

Polling stations open: 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.

To vote you must be:

• At least 18 years of age on polling day.

• Ordinarily resident at the address at which you wish to be registered.

• Your name must be on the Register of Electors.

Irish Citizens and EU citizens can vote at the European Parliament and local elections. Non-EU citizens can vote at the local elections.

You can check online at www.checktheregister.ie to see if you are on the register of electors.

If your name is not on the register of electors, or you need to update your details, you can submit an online application at www.checktheregister.ie

Hard copy forms (ERF1) are available to download at: Register of Electors | Council | Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)

Completed applications must be submitted to Clare County Council on or before Monday 20th May 2024.

Postal and Special Voters

Completed applications to be on the Postal Voters or Special Voters lists must be received on or before Saturday 11th May 2024 by either email to register@clarecoco.ie or by post to Clare County Council, Franchise Section, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. For any enquires please email register@clarecoco.ie or phone (065) 6821616

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN COUNTY CLARE –EXTENSION OF DEADLINE

Clare County Council is extending the deadline for expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments by Housing Developers and Building Contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Clare.

Further details of this scheme and a guide to making a submission are available on the Clare County Council’s website under www.clarecoco.ie or by emailing affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie

The latest date and time for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Friday 28th June 2024.

Please note that Clare County Council is not obliged to enter into any agreement with a developer as part of this process.

Dated 02nd May 2024.

Signed: Adrian Headd, A/Senior Engineer, Housing Department.

Fail and the Green

lALARM: Niamh Hourigan (LAB)

Voter drive underway

TWELVE of Clare’s community organisations have come together with the support of Clare County Council to help under-represented communities get registered to vote in advance of the local and European elections, writes Páraic McMahon

In an effort that began over the last fortnight and which will continue into early May, people from these groups are already out and about helping various communities to register to vote ahead of the elections on June 7th.

This voluntary initiative will include visits to emergency accommodation, Direct Provision centres and day services in Co Clare.

People who have migrated to Clare from other countries including those from Ukraine, those seeking international protection, disabled people, the Traveller community, and people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness will be among those the initiative hopes to help register and have their voices heard.

Clare Immigrant Support Centre, Clare Leader Forum, Clare Local Development Company, Clare PPN, Clare Solidarity Network, Quare Clare LGBTQ+, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare Traveller CDP, Clare Volunteer Centre and Clare County Council are the organisations involved in the initiative.

To mark National Voter Registration Day, public stalls were set up in Ennis and Shannon on Tuesday to assist members of the public registering to vote.

National Voter Registration Day is a new migrant-led initiative founded by Liliana Fernandez, Programme Manager at Common Purpose Ireland, Leon Diop, Co-Founder of Black and Irish, and Brian Hearne, Policy and Communications Manager at the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), in Clare it is being coordinated by Clare Public Participation Network (PPN).

Clare PPN Coordinator Sarah Clancy said, “Along with all our community worker

colleagues we’re reaching out in particular to people who might not know they’re entitled to vote in the Local Elections on June 7th. Anybody over 18 and living in Ireland is entitled to vote in local elections, regardless of their citizenship status.”.

Individuals can also just register themselves to vote online by going to www.checktheregister.ie and providing their date of birth, PPS number and Eircode.

They need to do this before Monday, 20th May, in order to be able to vote in the local and European elections on 7th June.

Citizens of other EU countries resident in Ireland can vote in the election for the European Parliament which will also on take place on 7th June but although they can register online for the local elections they will have to download and submit a hard copy form from www.checktheregister.ie in order to be eligible to vote in the EU Parliament elections from Ireland.

Cars & cash seized

TWO cars valued at €60,000 each and a sum of cash were seized by Gardaí while five bank accounts were frozen as part of search operations in Clare and Tipperary, writes Páraic McMahon

Gardaí attached to Clonmel Garda Station conducted search operations in Clare and Tipperary on March 27th and April 30th as part of investigations targeting a Munster based organised criminal group.

During the searches, two cars each valued at €60,000 were seized, along with a sum of cash €2,950. Additionally, five separate bank accounts with deposits totalling €17,000 were frozen under money laundering legislation.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána stated, “While no arrests were planned in this phase, today’s operation marks a significant development in this ongoing investigation”.

Summer bedding plants

SUMMER bedding plants are those colorful, vibrant flowers and foliage that thrive during the warm summer months, adding beauty and charm to gardens, balconies, and outdoor spaces.

Popular summer bedding plants include petunias, marigolds, geraniums, impatiens, begonias, and lobelias. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to create stunning displays and arrangements. These plants generally prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for enhancing outdoor areas during the sunny season.

If you’re looking for something a bit longer-lasting, there is a large collection of perennials that come back each year, with some flowering over the summer period. Nepeta plants are beautiful, lavender-blue flowering perennials, and you have a few varieties to choose

from. There is a low one, which is Walker Low, and then a tall variety, Nepeta Six Hills Giant. This perennial is commonly known as catmint; the flowers are small and tubular, arranged in spikes or clusters. Nepeta flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to gardens aiming to support local wildlife.

Another perennial plant that attracts pollinators is Echinacea, commonly known as the cone flower. Echinacea plants are valued for their colorful, daisy-like flowers and their ability to attract bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden. They come in lovely shades of white, pink, purple, and orange. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from early to late summer.

So, the selection of bedding plants and perennial plants grows each week, and it’s only by seeing them that you can really enjoy their beauty. Happy gardening!

lMarigold

lCars were seized in the operation

Ten years in bloom at Clare Garden Festival

lTHYME TO GROW: Pictured enjoying the 10th Clare Garden Festival were (Clockwise from top left): Michael Kelly of GIY, Healthy Clare coordinator Samantha McCarthy, festival manager Carmen Cronin and Jo Newton; Young Garden designers Grace Hurley, Ava Sanders and Sarah O’Leary; Visitors explore the indoor arena of Ennis Showgrounds; Carl Wright and Orla Woods in deep conversation; Happy Gardeners don’t mind a bit of weather; TV Gardener Kitty Scully with Wobbly Circus Entertainer

Go-ahead given for Loop Head

PLANNING approval has been granted to for the development of new visitor experience facilities at Loop Head Lighthouse, writes Páraic McMahon

New visitor centre facilities, a looped walking trail network, the construction of a new visitors carpark, the conservation of two keeper’s cottages, the installation of wayfin-

ding signage, and the upgrade of the existing wastewater system are included in the proposed development.

Steeped in history and rich in heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s, Loop Head Lighthouse is one of two Signature Discovery Points in the county along the Wild Atlantic Way at the mouth of Shannon Estuary.

Wildlife club to host Ronayne

WEST Clare Wildlife Club is hosting Seán Ronayne, Ornithologist and wildlife sound recorder on Saturday 11th May in Cultúrlann Sweeney Kilkee at 8pm.

Seán has captured the imagination of many wildlife enthusiasts with his mission to record the vocalisations

of every bird species in Ireland.

To date he has recorded nearly 200 bird species including those on the cusp of extinction.

Admission is free but a donation is appreciated to help West Clare Wildlife Club complete its walks and talks throughout the year.

Contribution of Chambers acknowledged by Fianna Fáil

RETIRED councillor Bill Chambers (FF) was honoured with a presentation by Fianna Fáil members in West Clare over the weekend.

In a campaign event for Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) who was co-opted to take Chambers’ seat on the County Council in January, the contribution of the Cooraclare man to West Clare was acknowledged in Doonbeg Community Hall.

Last November, Chambers announced his resignation from politics. He was first elected to Clare County Council in 1985, the father of five became the first Cooraclare representative to serve as the county’s first citizen in 2016.

Speaking in Doonbeg, Cllr McInerney thanked Bill for the opportunity to fill his seat for the final six months of his term. She prevailed in a selection convention over Michael Shannon (FF) and Martin Dooley (FF). Both Shannon and McInerney are part of the four-person Fianna Fáil ticket

for the Kilrush LEA alongside Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) and Alan Troy (FF).

MEP Billy Kelleher (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) voiced tributes to the service of Chambers to the area. The importance of local representa-

tion was echoed by Kelleher with Senator Dooley noting Bill’s strength as a a vote getter in elections due to his hard work on delivering for his constituents.

Following an introduction by Chairperson of Clare Fian-

na Fail, Michael Enright, Cllr McInerney emphasised the importance of unity in tackling the challenges facing the community. She highlighted the vital role of connection and collaboration in addressing issues and shaping a brighter future for Clare. "As public representatives, the onus is on us to listen to what is happening in every corner of the county and do whatever we can to make the living experience in Clare, a fair and inclusive one for everyone”.

Strengthening community bonds, preserving local identity and addressing issues like housing, healthcare access, and infrastructure development were flagged by the Doonbeg woman. MEP Kelleher encouraged the people of West Clare to support Rita while Senator Dooley referenced her involvement in local development and representation, paying tribute to the example set by her father Murt and family's participation in sport.

Systemic change comes from Brussels

The European Elections will take place on June 7th, at the same time as the Local Elections, but what does that really mean?

What, if any, impact do the 13 Irish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) over in Brussels have on your life at home in Ireland?

The European Parliament, elected every five years, is the legislative body of the European Union and its sole democratically elected body. MEPs in the European Parliament hold significant authority in shaping EU laws, policies, and budgets. This is done through debating proposed legislation, amending draft laws, and scrutinising the actions of the EU institutions.

Despite many challenges in the last term

(Brexit and Covid-19 to name just two), the Parliament has made some immense achievements in Europe over the past five years. We have boosted renewable energy targets up to 45% by 2030, which will help cut energy bills for consumers and reduce our dependence on Putin and other foreign autocrats; we passed the Nature Restoration Law, ensuring that 20% of EU land and sea will be under restoration by 2030; we introduced a €750 billion Covid Recovery Fund to stimulate the economy post-pandemic and we introduced a new Right to Repair to ensure easy and affordable access to spare parts so that you don’t have to throw away devices every time they’re broken. There is a law for al-

most every policy area made in Europe which trickle down to affect our day-to-day life in so many ways, not to mention the billions of euros in funding Ireland receives from the EU every year. That is why it is so important to use your vote and make sure you have a say in the people who are representing you. In Ireland, all EU citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in the European elections. If you are not yet registered to vote, you must do so by Monday 20th May. Registration is now quick and easy and can be done with just a PPSN and Eircode at checktheregister.ie Europe Matters. Make sure your voice is heard by turning up on June 7th.

lHONOURED: Bill Chambers receives a piece of crystal from Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) flanked by Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) & Billy Kelleher (FF)

Students set out vision for Ennis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TRANSITION

year students from Rice College have put forward their vision on what Ennis in 2040 should look like as part of an Ennis 2040 DAC education programme.

Following months of research and action planning, Kelly McMahon, Sanjida Rahman, Ania Rog and Isabelle Keane delivered a presentation on behalf of their classmates to a panel of judges as part of the Ennis 2040 DAC education

programme.

Students were tasked with developing a vision for Ennis in 2040 while considering sustainable practices, energy sources, accessibility and transport. Over several months, the students worked in class groups investigating how bus routes could be maximised, conducting surveys, monitoring traffic congestion and developing their final presentation.

According to their survey, 73% of students attending Rice College don’t have access to a bus route to

St Flannan’s charity climb

TRANSITION year students from St Flannan’s College climbed Croagh Patrick on Thursday in aid of three local charities, Milford Hospice, Cancer Care West and Cahercalla Community Care. Upon reaching the summit, there was emotional highs and feelings of accomplishment among the group. The clouded views of Clew Bay was matched by a sense of euphoria among the St Flannan’s contingent. Other fundraising initiatives have taken place in the school including a Bake Sale. Sponsorship cards have been given to students and a flag day took place across Ennis town on Friday. There will be a bag packing session in Dunnes Stores on May 11th. A ‘Go Fund Me Page’, was set up by the organiser Claire Wehrley. A mega draw will take place in May with amazing jerseys on offer.The students and teachers would like to acknowledge all the generous donations thus far and a special thanks to Tom Haugh of HM Travel for sponsoring the busses to and from Westport. 100% of monies collected will go directly to the three charities.

take them to school which prompted the group to devise two new potential bus routes to consolidate the transportation of 700 plus students, thereby minimising the number of cars on the road, leading to decreased traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.

They also investigated traffic volumes and active travel infrastructure within a 500m radius of their school. Of the eight key junctions they monitored, just one was deemed pedestrian friendly and none were safe for bikes or scoot-

ers. Finally, they requested ‘living roof’ bus shelters that would promote bio-diversity, absorb carbon and bring more greenery into the town.

During their presentation the students said, “Integrating sustainability practices such as the Bus Route and Sustainable Bus shelters into the

ARKANA

school's operations promotes a culture of awareness, responsibility, and forward-thinking.”

East Clare musicians line up for Gaza

AS IRISH people in cities and towns throughout the country protest Israel’s offensive in Gaza, East Clare’s musicians are coming together to show solidarity and to raise much needed funds for humanitarian aid.

East Clare Seisiún Mór for Gaza will take pleace at the renowned Peppers of Feakle on Bank Holiday Sunday 5th May starting at 8pm.

Speakers at the event include Tayeb Awwad, a young law student who recently escaped Gaza with his family and found refuge in Scariff, and the esteemed Clare historian and academic, Dr Tomás Mac Conmara who, having spent time in Palestine, is a passionate advocate for Palestinian rights.

The line-up for An Seisiún Mór reads like a roll call of East Clare’s finest musicians - Mary MacNamara, Mark Donnellan, Sorcha Costello, Andrew MacNamara, Pat and Erica O’Connor, Paula and Eva Carroll. They will be joined by folk singer and activist Jimi Cullen. Brendan Hearty and

friends will be rounding up the evening with music for dancing, joined by former member of the Waterboys and the Saw Doctors, Anthony Thistlethwaite.

The event is being coordinated by local politician and veteran of the Feakle Festival, Cllr Pat Hayes, activist Claire ni Grianna of Clare IPSC and Elaine Bradley, co-founder of Academics for Palestine.

Cllr Hayes says “There were many more wellknown musicians keen to play, but who were just not available on the date. We were overwhelmed by the good will and generosity of those asked, and we hope this will be the first of a number of such events.”

Bradley who lived in Gaza and worked with both Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights says: “Israel’s offensive against Gaza is now in its 7th month and has killed over 34,000 Palestinians including more than 13,000 children. Most of Gaza has been laid waste to – homes and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The

majority of the displaced population - more than 1.7 million people (including over 610,000 children) are trapped in the Southern city of Rafah, an area of just 62 sq km. They have nowhere safe to go while Israel is once again defying the international community and international law as they prepare for a ground offensive in Rafah.”

Ni Grianna added “Where governments have failed, civil society has a vital role to play in keeping up the call for a ceasefire. Apart from the vital funds we will raise, this event is a reminder to the people of Gaza that they are not forgotten, we stand in solidarity with them. It is a reminder too, to our government and the EU that we demand action, the implementation of international law and accountability for the crimes committed.” Tickets for East Clare Seisiún Mór for Gaza are €20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. There will be limited tickets available at the door on the night. All proceeds are being donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

‘A generation is unable to get on the property ladder’

A GENERATION is facing the choice between a lifetime of exorbitant rents or emigration.

Our rural communities are feeling the effects of emigration over the last few years especially.

Australia has extended the working holiday visa to three years, which appears to be a clear attempt to retain desirable graduates.

Fiona Levie, the Social Democrats local election candidate for Killaloe, has spent several years throughout her career living and working in both Italy and Spain, so understands that while broadening horizons and experiencing life abroad is a wonderful experience, she also strongly believes that we need to do more to attract young professionals back to rural Ireland. Meanwhile, due to the ongoing the cost-of-living crisis, lower to middle income earners are finding it increasingly difficult to save for a deposit on a home. Add this to the

lack of affordable homes being built to enable first-time buyers to buy their own home; renters unable to save for a deposit due to sky-high rents; and families and those who live alone unable to get onto the property ladder.

Fiona says she is noticing an increase in the number of vacant, derelict or abandoned houses throughout the local electoral area in East Clare. Grants of €50,000 have been made available to bring vacant houses back to use, with a possible extra €20,000 if the property is deemed to be derelict. While this is a welcome step in the right direction, applicants still have to wait for the work to be inspected by the local authority before the grant is paid out.

In reality, this grant favours those who have large savings and the luxury of time on their hands. At the same time, villages and towns are witnessing an increasing number

of once thriving shops and houses now boarded up and left to decay –a very visible indication of the need to address this crisis effectively, especially in rural Ireland.

If elected as a councillor in the Local Elections on June 7, Fiona will advocate for the local authority to proactively identify and register vacant homes, so that relevant sites can be taken over by the council and turned into homes.

She believes there needs to be more choice for middle income earners who are stuck between private rental and saving for their first home. We must also build more houses that the State and councils will own, shifting from an over-reliance on private developers.

Fiona says we need to ban vulture funds from bulk-buying homes for a quick profit, disincentivise property speculation, protect renters from no-fault evictions and bring vacant homes back into use.

lSEISIÚN MÓR: Anthony Thistlethwaite, formerly of the Waterboys and the Saw Doctors

Burren businesses committed to Global Geopark Code of Practice

SIXTY businesses from across North Clare and South Galway have been given official recognition for their participation in an environmental initiative that is transforming the development of sustainable tourism across the Burren region.

Developed with EU LIFE funding and launched by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark Code of Practice in 2016, the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism is the only sustainable initiative of its kind in Ireland and in the network of 169 Geoparks spread across 44 countries.

From a hotel harnessing all its electricity needs through hydropower to an artisan food producer embracing sustainable practices, the code involves members of the Burren Ecotourism Network measuring and making

lSUSTAINABILITY: Sixty businesses are involved in the scheme

reductions in environmental output as well as promoting local produce, conservation and taking part in community outreach and advocacy initiatives, networking events

and green purchasing.

Speaking at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on Tuesday night, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Joe Cooney (FG) praised the

businesses in receipt of Certificates of Achievement for “committing to environmentally sustainable practices to help build thriving communities and secure future

growth potential”.

“Local tourism operators have a proud and lengthy track record of adopting a sustainable approach to tourism development in

the Burren,” he added. “No more is this evident than in the Burren where all types of businesses are raising the standard of sustainable practices across the entire destination of the Geopark”.

Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, commented, “The Code’s success has not been achieved overnight, but instead is the result of years of careful planning and building a consensus in the Burren that more can be achieved by businesses and organisations working together”.

She continued, “The businesses in receipt of certificates are a shining example for the rest of the country and are instrumental in ongoing efforts by the Clare Green Team to achieve Ireland’s first Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Certification”.

You will need

n 4 duck eggs

n 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar

Asparagus

n 16 asparagus spears

n salt

n black pepper

Grain mustard dressing

n 25g of grain mustard

n 50ml of olive oil

n 10ml of white wine vinegar

n 1 1/2 tbsp of honey

To plate

n 4 slices of Parma ham

n 1 tbsp of chives, finely chopped

n salt

n black pepper

1) Combine the mustard, olive oil, honey and vinegar and mix well to create the vinaigrette. Set aside.

2) Prepare the asparagus by removing the woody bases and peeling.

3) Bring 2 large pans of water to the boil and heavily season one of them with salt. Add 2 tbsp of vinegar to the other one.

4) Crack the eggs into 4 individual cups and, using a whisk, stir the vinegar water vigorously to create a whirlpool. Working quickly, gently place the eggs one by one into the centre of the whirlpool and allow the water to simmer.

5) Poach the eggs for approximately 3 minutes until still runny inside. Lift from the water with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

6) In the last minute of egg poaching time, place the asparagus in the salted water and boil for 1 minute until tender. Remove, season with salt and pepper and keep warm.

7) On four warm serving plates divide the asparagus spears and place a slice of ham over them. Top with a warm egg and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Season the top of the eggs with salt and pepper and sprinkle with some chopped chives.

Festival of Finn set for Bank Holiday weekend with fun planned for all

YOU won’t want to miss a minute of this year’s Festival of Finn, held in the beautiful village of Corofin on the May bank holiday weekend. There will be tons of music, plenty of children’s activities, the ever-popular stone-throwing competition, even a superhero parade!

And that’s just the beginning. Events get underway on Thursday, May 2, with a very special history talk by Kevin Callinan, Forsa General Secretary and former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Kevin, whose father Patrick hailed from Corofin, will be discussing ‘The Irish Experience of Immigration.’ This promises to be a very special evening, sponsored by Cumann Staire is Duchais Chora Finne. The free talk begins at 8:30 p.m., and is preceded by a cheese and wine reception starting at 7:45 p.m. at the Corofin Community Hall.

Music abounds throughout the weekend, starting on Friday, May 3, when the ska band Skazz performs their up-tempo, danceable music

at Bofey Quinn’s beer garden starting at 6 p.m. Later on that evening at 9 p.m., Micheal Sexton will have folks kicking up their heels at a social dance set for the Corofin Community Hall. The music continues on Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m., at the beer garden in O’Riain’s Bar, where one of the best young area bands, Cahercalla Rebellion, will perform. Free, and weather permitting. The music continues on Sunday when folk duo Trevor Sexton

and Ger O’Donnell perform at Teach Ceoil at 8 p.m. This promises to be a wonderful concert. Tickets are €20 and available on Eventbrite.

Children and families will be entertained throughout the weekend, with a number of events just for them. On Saturday, May 4, at noon, the ever-popular car treasure hunt will kick off at the Corofin Community Hall at noon, with prizes for the first three winners! Children can tap into their creativity with

a free paper puppet-making workshop at the Morning Dew Café starting at 2 p.m. that day.

Tony Baloney and Leroy will entertain children with magic, comedy and more on Sunday, May 5, at 12 noon at the GAA Club. At 2 p.m., help Nada at the Morning Dew Café build ‘Cinnaman and his sidekick Decaf’ for the annual parade the following day.

Speaking of that parade, get ready to dress up as your favorite superhero or supervillain and strut your stuff through the village. The annual Fancy Dress Parade begins from the community hall at 12:30p.m. sharp on Monday, May 6, and you don’t want to miss it! Of course, the Lark at the Lake is back Monday afternoon at 2 p.m., with games galore, the animal roadshow, open air music, the popular dog show, horseshoe throwing competition and bbq. So head down to Lake Inchiquin and have a wonderful afternoon. €5 entry

But wait, there’s even more:

l A free presentation

on the flora and fauna of the Burren takes place at the Morning Dew Café on Friday May 3 at 3 p.m. with Phoebe Larkin of the Burren National Park

l A Burren ramble with guide Marie McGauran takes place Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Corofin Community Hall. €10 per personCalling all trivia fans to the annual and much-anticipated Salmon of Knowledge Table Quiz, which gets underway on Saturday, May 4, at 9 p.m. at Mike Hogan’s Bar. €40 for a team of four, and guaranteed craic! Part of the proceeds to benefit James Organ’s Meningitis Foundation fundraiser.

l The popular Festival Village Market begins the day on Sunday, May 5. There will be something for everyone, so head to the Corofin Community Hall at 10 a.m.

l What better way for family and friends to enjoy Sunday afternoon than with a game of Frisbee Golf. Head to the community hall field at 1 p.m. and enjoy!

l The 23rd annual World Stone Throwing Champion-

ships tests the mettle of all comers at the Bofey Quinn beer garden starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday. You won’t want to miss this one. This year the ‘hang tough’ competition takes place at O’Riain’s beer garden starting at 3 p.m.

l A guided walk is set for Monday, May 6 at 9:45 a.m. along the shores of Lake Inchiquin, taking in the grounds of Clifden House and Baunkyle House. Meet walk leader Brendan McGrath at the grotto. Cost €10 per person

l Ann Marie Flanagan will present a reading from the book she edited, ‘We are Human Too’, which celebrates disability activists. It will take place at the Corofin Community Hall at 1:30 p.m. on May 6. Co-produced by the Clare Leadership Forum. T-shirts and even red Finn MacCool beards will be available before and during the festival at The Morning Dew Café and other locations. Become a fashion statement!

For full details, visit our Facebook page, Visit Corofin and the Festival of Finn.

lFAMILY FUN: Face painting at last year’s festival

Corofin Tidy Towns celebrate 50 years of giving back to the community

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

COROFIN Tidy Towns are celebrating 50 years of entering the national competition this year.

Established in 1959, Corofin Tidy Towns entered the national competition two years later and have been a regular fixture ever since with the exception of a hiatus in the early 2000s.

Most recently, Corofin Tidy Towns won a Climate Action Award in 2019, its committee members sharing a bus to the Helix in Dublin with Ennis Tidy Towns who won Tidiest Large Urban Centre that same year.

Corofin were presented the award for their work with the local school’s walking bus, an initiative which continues to this day.

Headed up by Joe O’Connell, the Shannon Airport security worker has been actively involved in Corofin Tidy Towns since 2011 when the group resurfaced. They have been active ever since in enhancing the local area through improving biodiversity, streetscapes, and working with a number of local community groups including Corofin Youth Club, GAA Club, North West Clare Agricultural Show Society and the local school to name a few.

Joe O’Connell was inspired to get involved with Corofin Tidy Towns after returning from London, where he lived for 13 years. Today there are upwards of 25 people involved in the group.

“I’m born and reared in Corofin. Sometimes when you come back to where you came from it’s nice to give back something,” Joe told The Clare Echo. “Personally, I do it for love of place, love of your own village and observing things that needed to be done. But it’s a group effort and we’re very lucky to have a

wide range of volunteers.”

Corofin Tidy Towns are currently working on their 50th entry which must be submitted by May 8. The group puts a strong focus on perennial plants that are pollinator friendly, with Joe noting, “A lot of our planted areas are bee-friendly.”

Last year the group unveiled a wooden sculpture which was created by Galway artist Tommy Kerrigan, which is dedicated to volunteerism, biodiversity and marking Corofin’s twinning agreement with Tonquédec in France, which has seen visits between the

two areas over the years.

Joe notes that Corofin is setting an example of how a village can remain vibrant by restoring derelict and vacant premises. “We’re very much into biodiversity, pollinator friendly activity, but we’re also big into the built environment and the streetscape of the village that we live in - how buildings are presented, recognising the protected structures we have, we love to see derelict properties being bought and done up.”

Corofin Tidy Towns works closely with neighbouring parishes such as Kilnaboy, Kil-

fenora and Ennistymon, while Joe says that Ennis Tidy Towns “have always been a great help with us”.

He says that litter management and litter picks “are nearly a continuous thing to keep this litter issue under control”, adding that he hopes the bottle return scheme will lead to a decrease in litter on the roads. “It might even help our own finances because if we keep collecting these cans and bottles we can buy a few plants with the vouchers.”

Looking ahead to this year’s competition, Joe admits, “Any Tidy Towns group will always try to strive to win a bronze, a silver or a gold medal, and it would be great if we did that, but to us it’s not just about the competition. It’s about the area we live in, looking after the area we live in, having it presentable or nice for the people to either visit or reside in. If you won an award at the national competition it would be a bonus.”

Corofin Tidy Towns are currently in the process of trying to introduce a water station adjacent to the community centre, while they’re also working on turning old black & white photographs of Corofin into a heritage sign, a nod to the past which Joe stresses is all-important. “We’ll always remember the people who are no longer with us that have contributed so much over the years.”

He says that the group is in safe hands for the future with young members such as local hurler James Organ, who recently won an Irish Wildlife Trust photo competition, adding that it’s a rewarding experience for all their members. “It’s been very rewarding for me personally and a number of people because we’ve seen the improvements that have been made, the people give us positive feedback and I think we have good support overall.”

lSIGN ME UP: Corofin Tidy Towns leader Joe O’Connell

€750,000 funding boost for Gort, Dunmore and Maree

GORT, Dunmore and Maree have received a major funding boost after Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD (FG) announced an allocation of €750,000 to Galway County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, writes Páraic McMahon.

Separate funding allocations of €250,000 have been granted to the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for Gort Town Centre, for essential renovations to Maree Community Centre, and the upgrade and renewal of Dunmore Hall in the historic north Galway village. The Gort scheme allocation has been warmly welcomed by the local community and follows an application by the Gort Town Team with the support of Galway County Council’s Town Regeneration Officer.

Working with the Gort Town Team, the local authority says it will shortly launch a grant incentive scheme for property owners and tenants in the town centre to assist in the restoration of traditional shopfronts, paint the façade of properties, upgrade lighting in a sensitive manner and declutter premises. Individual Property Owners and Tenants in the designated streets will be able to apply for funding to directly upgrade their shopfronts.

Actions set out in the Gort Town Centre First Plan have resulted in the funding, Cllr Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Coun-

cil explained. He said this is “a short-term proposal which could have a huge beneficial impact on the local economy and will facilitate business and residents to work together to improve the overall appearance of the town centre”.

Cllr Carroll continued, “I am delighted to see direct investment from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for projects that have come from local communities and the volunteers and local leaders who have tirelessly managed local facilities. Maree community centre provides much needed service for older people in the community to socialise and take part in community activity as well as indoor sporting and meeting facilities, and this investment will allow the Group to procure needed repairs and upgrades to continue their work.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “These projects are all about making our rural towns and villages great places to live, work and raise a family. I want to thank the local communities who brought forward these proposals and worked with our staff in Town Regeneration and in Rural and Community Schemes to develop applications to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I look forward to seeing work move now to direct grant offers to the communities and project move to procurement stage for capital works”.

Funding opportunities from Just Transition Fund

NEW funding opportunities for community and tourism led community groups and SMEs across Ballinasloe Municipal District (MD) will be outlined at a series of public information evenings taking place in Ballinasloe and Glenamaddy next week, writes Páraic McMahon

The events are being hosted by Loretta Raftery, the recently appointed EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF)

Tourism Activator for County Galway and will feature information on how funding may be secured to deliver regenerative tourism led projects.

The Ballinasloe MD is included in the EU JTF territory and SMEs in the region can avail of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026, which is being co-funded by the Government under the EU JTF. The programme is investing in projects that promote the sustainable development of tourism in the region with the aim of diversifying the regional economy by creating jobs, supporting habitats and biodiversity and sustaining communities.

Local community groups and tourism SMEs are invited to attend the upcoming information evenings on Wednesday, May 8th, from 6.30 to 8.30pm in the Shearwater, Ballinasloe and on Friday, May 10th from 6.30 to 8.30pm at the old Technical School in Glenamaddy.

Ms. Raftery, who has over 20 years’ local authority experience in the fields of tourism, community and economic development said, “The EU JTF has the

potential to regenerate and transform communities by sustaining and creating employment in rural and smaller towns in the Ballinasloe MD”.

She explained, “The information evenings are about creating awareness of this scheme and to discuss what the communities and need and responding to that need,” she added. “Supported by Galway’s County Council’s Tourism Officer John Neary, Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, I look forward to assisting eligible entities in accessing funding to deliver regenerative tourism led projects and, ultimately, supporting tourism ideas that are sustainable, enduring, cost effective and visitor driven”.

Ms. Raftery noted that the EU JFT programme is also designed to build business skills and know-how to advance the professional development of eligible businesses. She said it will also help transform tourism across

the Ballinasloe MD, which is part of Failte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand. Eligible projects under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme currently fall into four categories, namely Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences, Development of Sustainable/ Low Carbon Tourist Accommodation, Capital Project Planning & Design and Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 30th June next and once deemed eligible, groups will have the opportunity to make an application to the fund up to 30th December 2024. year. For further information on EU Just Transition funding opportunities or to speak to the Tourism Activator, please email lraftery@galwaycoco.ie or call Loretta at 087 3532827 or www.failteireland.ie/justtransition.

lDEVELOPMENT: Gort

lTRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES: Pictured at the Ballinasloe MD Area Office l-r Cllr Dermot Connolly, Cllr Michael Connolly, Loretta Raftery EU Just Transition Fund Activator, John Neary, Tourism Officer, Cllr Evelyn Parsons, Cllr Peter Keavney, Cllr Tim Broderick Photo by Gerry Stronge

€3.1m airbridge enhancement programme completed at Airport

A€3.1M upgrade of six airbridges at Shannon Airport has been completed, writes Páraic McMahon

Completion of the final phase of the Shannon Airport Group’s multi-million euro airbridge enhancement programme has resulted in the replacement of six airbridges at Shannon Airport.

Passengers will be able to board aircraft directly from the airport terminal building on the new airbridges without exposing them and airline crews to the elements that the West of Ireland international airport is noted for.

One airbridge was replaced between July 2022 and early 2023, with phase two of the project completed in recent weeks as the handover of the final five new airbridges took place.

All six airbridges are fully with the latest passenger and

Ballycasey Park 'a swamp'

CONDITIONS in Ballycasey Park have been labelled as “a swamp” and “a safety hazard”, writes Páraic McMahon Keith McNamara (IND) who is contesting the local elections in the Shannon Municipal District has voiced concern with the condition of Ballycasey Park. When launching his campaign a month ago, Keith visited Ballycasey Park. “Nearly five weeks later nothing has changed, and the state of the area and the large pool of stagnant water has deteriorated. This is a safety hazard to young children, animals and a blight on the area, and highlights another blight on the community of Shannon,” he said.

Last year, an allocation of €549,000 under the Active Travel scheme was set aside for footpaths on the Ballycasey Close green area in Shannon. The area near Ballycasey Park was recently

enhanced with in the region of €200,000 worth of footpath upgrades, widening and community amenity upgrades.

McNamara flagged, “This work has had an unintended impacted on drainage and the natural water course of the area leading to a large swap like area. The swamp like area at Ballycasey Park is littered, a breeding ground of water born bacteria, and a water safety hazard to all. Local residents of the area have made contact with the local authority since March this year. Senior members of the Shannon Municipal Office have been made aware of the issues, as have some of the current elected members”.

He said, “Promises and commitments were made, but to no work has been done, no measures to alleviate the area have started. This lack of urgency to resolve serious matters is wide-

spread throughout the whole Shannon Municipal District. Footpaths are disappearing under overgrown vegetation, kerbs are being dislodged, moss and weeds are encroaching and reducing the accessibly on footpaths for all members of the community.

“Playing areas are left with broken equipment for prolonged periods and public lighting been left for weeks without repair. Shannon was built and designed as an accessible town with many linking footpaths which are becoming less accessible from years of neglect,” he continued.

Clare County Council need to take action and plan for repairs and regeneration with a focus on long-term maintenance with the resources needed, McNamara stressed. “I see rot in community amenities from my youth and it's clear we need regeneration”.

aircraft safety technology, and capable of accommodating over 22 types of large aircraft, excluding some smaller regional jets.

CIMC-Tianda Airport

Support in China manufactured the airbridges, they are one of the largest global suppliers of Passenger Boarding Bridges. The bridges have a lifespan of at least twenty years.

Each bridge weighs 30 tonnes, with the installation of individual bridges taking approximately two weeks to complete. The combined weight of the six airbridges (180 tonnes) is the equivalent to 180,000 1kg bags of sugar.

The airbridge enhancement programme is part of a series of infrastructure upgrades completed by The Shannon Airport Group in recent years as the airport rebuilds its operations post-Covid. Projects completed with support from

the Department of Transport under the Regional Airports Programme include Shannon’s €2.5 million hi-tech security screening system and a €5.3 million airfield rehabilitation project.

Commenting on the completion of the airbridge enhancement programme, Niall Kearns, Airport Director, Shannon Airport said, “we remain focused on future proofing our airport infrastructure in line with our commitment to ensuring the most efficient and seamless experience for our passengers.

“We are delighted to be heading into the busy summer travel season with six new airbridges in operation. We are very grateful for the funding support we have received from the Department of Transport, under the Regional Airports Programme, which made it possible for us to complete these significant upgrades”.

Big Busk raises €400

lDON’T LOOK DOWN: Pictured are Niall Kearns (right), Airport Director, Shannon Airport and John O’Leary, Capital & Engineering Projects Manager, Shannon Airport

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Shannon musicians were among those to participate in Focus Ireland’s Big Busk. Damian O’Rourke of Cuppa Tea TV together with local buskers raised €400 for Focus Ireland’s Big Busk in Shannon Town Centre. They performed in the shopping centre on April 12th. Pictured are: Kacper Zybert, Manager Shannon Town Centre; Paul O’Halloran; Maura McMahon, Focus Ireland; Damian O’Rourke, Cuppa Tea TV; Amy Houlihan, St. Caimin’s Community School and Ray Fean

Clare Echo teams up with Ennis Tidy Towns to get people recycling

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Echo has partnered with Ennis Tidy Towns on a campaign to help readers identify what can go into their recycling bin.

This week, we have joined forces with the award-winning Ennis Tidy Towns to deliver a message on the importance of recycling your waste correctly.

Ennis Tidy Towns are encouraging readers to cut out the image on the opposite page and place it on their recycling bin or on their fridge to serve as an educational tool.

Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cllr Mary Howard (FG), told The Clare Echo, “This is an updated list of products for recycling and how you recycle them.

“What wasn’t on the list before were things like soft plastics, which are new. Previously you had to put them in a general bin, so we’re making people aware that you can now include

them in the recycling bin.”

She continued, “The idea is to refresh people’s memory as to what can go into their bins. Put them in clean, loose and dry because somebody has to go through them when they come into the processing plant to separate all the recycling material, so that’s really important that you’re being considerate of other people.”

Born and raised in Ennis, Cllr Howard has been a passionate member of Ennis Tidy Towns for 15 years and moved to stress the importance of recycling.

“We’re all familiar with landfill and we know that some of these products take 100 years to break down, so they can be reused. If you look around the town you’ll see some of the park benches and outdoor furniture are made from recycled plastics, so that’s just a way of explaining to people that these things have another life and can go on and be used for something else.”

Denise O’Brien nominated for two Business awards

DENISE O’Brien of O’Brien Learning Solutions has been listed as a finalist for two prestigious awards, writes Stuart Holly

The Managing director of O’Brien Learning Solutions is among three women competing to win the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year 2024 (Midwest), while she has also been shortlisted for the Networker of the Year category in the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024.

O’Brien Learning Solutions was established eight years ago and supports corporate businesses in creating an award-winning culture through supports including audits, workshops, and coaching to support them on that journey.

Denise has played a key role in helping her clients on their awards journey such as UL Student life, the student’s Union at the University of Limerick, which was this year named as Best Company to work for in Ireland. The Shannon woman admits, “It’s a bit unusual for me myself to be nominated because my history is normally trying to help my clients to go for awards. I decided to enter this year be-

cause I feel I put a lot of work into it over the last two years.” Denise has clients from Shannon to Dublin across various industries including aviation, helping SMEs up to companies of 200 staff. She works with companies that want to give their management team a skillset to set them apart from their competitors, along with companies aiming to improve staff retention and internal performance. She adds that since Covid, there has been “a huge surge” in the need for management training. There has been a record number of entrants to this year’s awards and Denise told The Clare Echo there is a great sense of achievement to be selected amongst the finalists. She hopes that her success will inspire other women to follow their dreams in business, “I have a daughter in her 20s who is in awe of my success over the last year. You don’t know who is watching and to have other women come out of their comfort zone and go for that idea they have in their heart, I hope I can inspire women to do the same.”

lUPDATES: Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly with Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

lINSPIRING: O’Brien Learning Solutions Managing Director Denise O’Brien

Bealtaine Voices at the Courthouse

CLARE Arts Office has invited members of the public to a family-friendly Bealtaine Festival event with singer, musician, producer and proud Ennis man Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing.

With local choirs Mike will be hosting this free community event for all generations to join in and sing along. This event is one of a number of events, from Clare Arts Office, happening as part of the Bealtaine Festival, Celebrating Creativity in Older Age.

The Lismorahaun Singers, the St Michael’s Villas Choir, Ennis Gospel Choir, Ballyea Choir and the

Forever Young Choir, will all join forces to perform songs and a singalong with Mike Hanrahan at the end of the concert.

Mike Hanrahan is a 2024 Bealtaine Festival Ambassador as well as being the Clare Age Friendly Ambassador working with Age Friendly Ireland in ensuring that Ireland is a place where people can be proud to age in.

Well-known as the Stockton’s Wing frontman, Ballymaloe-trained chef and songwriter, Mike Hanrahan has worked with a who’s who of the Irish music scene since the 1970s.

His memoir, Beautiful Affair: A Journey with Music, Food and Friendship, was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for The An Post Irish Book Awards. In recent times he has been exploring links between creativity, music and dementia as part of his role as Senior Fellow at The Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College, as well as presenting a music show on RTÉ.

Please note there is no booking; this is a walk-up event. No seating is provided but audience members are welcome to bring folding chairs, cushions, blankets, etc. to sit on.

Clare County Council is commencing the preparation of its 4th Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030.

The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan sets out the vision and direction for biodiversity management for the next six years and when complete will represent an agreed plan for the future of Biodiversity in County Clare. The plan will provide a framework for biodiversity action with the aim of halting biodiversity loss in County Clare. The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan will be underpinned by the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030.

Public participation at this early stage of the plan-making process is important to ensure that the new Biodiversity Action Plan both reflects and responds to public concerns and aspirations, as well as addressing the ‘biodiversity emergency’ and national and regional biodiversity strategies and guidelines.

Clare County Council is seeking your input in order to establish the priority issues for biodiversity in County Clare. We look forward to your valued participation at this stage of the new Plan preparation and at future public consultation stages.

Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023, biodiversity is defined as including living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Why start the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024–2030 now?

The current Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2023 was adopted in December 2017. The new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 will take into account details from Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 (published January 2024), Clare Heritage Plan 2024-2030 (came into effect in March 2024) and the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 (came into effect in April 2023). The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 will have regard to the aforementioned documents and will build upon goals and objectives for Biodiversity across County Clare.

This initial stage of pre-draft consultation will run until the 4th of June 2024. Following this, a draft Biodiversity Action Plan will be produced and will be available for further public consultation and consideration. Clare County Council encourages public participation during the preparation of the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030.

Have Your Say

Clare County Council wishes to draw attention to the broad areas which the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan covers. Community Groups, individuals, stakeholders or groups/associations representing the interests of children, are all encouraged to make observations in forming our new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030.

We want to hear your views or on any other issues that you may consider important to be included in the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030. The information gathered will feed into Clare County Council’s new Biodiversity Action Plan, which will guide the implementation of priority biodiversity actions in the county over the next six years with the aim to halting biodiversity loss and protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity for future generations.

How can you get involved?

You can take part in the pre-draft consultation process by:

• Completing the online survey at: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/clare-biodiversity-action-plan-24-30 during the period from 3rd May 2024 to 4th June 2024 inclusive.

• Making a submission/observation on the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 during the period 3rd May 2024 to 4th June 2024 inclusive.

Public Consultation

A copy of the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 Issues Paper will be on public display from 3rd May 2024 to 4th June 2024 inclusive and will be available to view online at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/clare-biodiversity-action-plan-24-30 and the council website www.clarecoco.ie. The issues paper may also be inspected during normal opening hours at the following locations:

• Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.

• Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon.

• West Clare Municipal District Office, Town Hall, The Square, Kilrush.

• Ennistymon Area Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon.

• Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff and

• At all public libraries in County Clare during opening hours.

Public consultation events will take place throughout the County as follows:

14th of May 2024 An Teach Cheoil, St. Andrew’s Church of Ireland, Church Street, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, V95 WKV2 11:30am –2:30pm Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 In Person/ Walk In Consultation

14th of May 2024 Kilrush Public Library, O’Gorman Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 W577 4pm – 8pm Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 In Person/ Walk In Consultation

16th of May 2024 Scarriff Public Library, Mountshannon Road, Scariff Co. Clare, V94 NY33 4pm – 8pm Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 In Person Consultation

27th of May 2024 Clare County Council (Reception area/Main Foyer), New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95DXP2 11:00am –5pm Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 In Person/ Walk In Consultation

29th May 2024 Shannon Town Centre (unit next to Holland and Barrett), Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 K239 3pm –7:30pm

Submission/Observations

Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030 In Person/ Walk In Consultation

A submission/observation can be submitted by one of the following methods: - In writing to: Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030, Planning Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. V95 DXP2

- By email to: biodiversity@clarecoco.ie. Subject headline should read “ Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030”

All submissions should include your name and address, and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent.

Note: As this is a public consultation process, submissions may be made available for public viewing and consequently personal details such as address, email address, and phone number should be submitted on a separate sheet accompanying the submission or observation.

We would welcome your views on these or indeed any other issues that you may consider important for inclusion in the new Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030. Please note that events and talks have been organised by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer during National Biodiversity Week which runs from 17th to the 26th of May 2024 and you can find out more details on how to make a submission at these events (events to be circulated on Clare County Council’s Social Media Account ‘Greener Clare’ (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X)).

The deadline for completion of the online survey and receipt of submissions/observations is Tuesday, 4th June 2024.

If you have any queries or require more detail, please contact the Forward Planning Section by email at: biodiversity@clarecoco.ie or by phone at 065 6846408. Clare County Council wish to acknowledge the role of the Heritage Council in funding the Local Biodiversity Officer Programme.

Carmel Kirby, Director of

Services, Economic Development Directorate. 2nd May 2024.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL – PREPARATION OF CLARE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 2024-2030

lMike Hanrahan

Fund launched to support community led health and wellbeing projects

CLARE’S Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Healthy Clare Micro Fund for 2024, aimed at recognising the importance of supporting initiatives around the county that promote health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

The micro fund is dedicated to supporting community-led, grassroots projects that promote the themes of Healthy Ireland Round 4.

The purpose of the LCDC’s Healthy Clare Micro Fund is to encourage and support community and voluntary groups to take an active part in improving and protecting health and wellbeing at all stages of life, reducing health inequalities, and creating an environment where everyone can play their part in a healthier Clare.

The fund will support targeted actions in response to the identified two priority outcomes for a healthier Clare:

1. Healthy weight

2. Positive mental health promotion.

These priority outcomes align with the Healthy Clare Action Plan, the Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing, and the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). Community and voluntary groups promoting health and wellbeing in County Clare are encouraged to apply. Public sector organisations are not eligible to make applications. Groups are encouraged to register with the Clare Public Participation Network (PPN) and to be actively involved in the PPN.

The types of proposals considered for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024 are the following:

1. Support fund for promoting a healthy weight under the following four pillars (max grant €2,000): healthy eating; physical activity; stress management; and sleep hygiene

2. Support fund for promoting positive mental health (max grant €2,000).

Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, said: “I am grateful for the unwavering commitment of the community and voluntary sector in collaborating with and supporting communities. Their tireless efforts make a significant difference. I see the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024 as an opportunity for our communities to come together and champion the health and wellbeing of all individuals. By focusing on initiatives

that address both mental health and healthy weight, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, added: “Clare County Council acknowledges the significance of advancing health and wellbeing through its continued commitment to the work of Clare’s Local Community Development Committee and its initiatives in this area. I believe the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024 is an opportunity for groups working in the health and wellbeing space throughout Clare to apply for funding that can assist them in the delivery of their important actions. This is a resource that can enable communities to respond to the health and wellbeing needs of the people living in their areas. I would encourage groups to make use of this micro fund, supporting the vision of a healthier Clare for all.”

Cllr Gerry Flynn, Chairperson, LCDC, said: “I am pleased to see a portion of the Healthy Ireland funding for Clare being set aside to enhance the implementation of community-led health and wellbeing initiatives. Clare’s LCDC is fully committed to supporting the health and wellbeing needs of everyone in Clare. This commitment is reflected in the new LECP. The micro fund supports Clare County Council’s commitment towards fostering a culture of holistic wellbeing within the community, by empowering organisations, community groups and individuals to develop initiatives that address the diverse health needs of Clare’s population.”

Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Clare Co-ordinator, said: “The Healthy Clare Micro Fund is an important aspect of Healthy Ireland Round 4 funding for Clare. The micro fund places a special emphasis on two of the key themes within the Healthy Ireland programme, healthy weight and mental health. Healthy Clare recognises the interconnectedness between the pillars of healthy weight and positive mental health. I thank the Department of Health, Pobal, Clare County Council, Clare LCDC and members of the Healthy Clare Working Group for their support in the delivery of this programme to date. I acknowledge the work of Clare’s community and voluntary sectors in promoting health and wellbeing and I look forward to seeing the actions come to life all over again in 2024”.

Applications for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024 are open to groups and organisations based in County Clare. Projects eligible for funding may include, but are not limited to:

• Initiatives that promote healthy eating habits, nutrition, sleep and stress management education, and access to nutritious food options

• Community-led fitness programmes and sports initiatives

aimed at promoting healthy weight management

• Mental health awareness campaigns, workshops, and supports for individuals of all ages.

To apply for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024, please visit: https://clarecoco.submit.com/

Before completing the online application form, please read the grant guidelines carefully.

Closing Date for receipt of appli-

cation forms is Friday, 31st May at 5:00 pm.

For more information on the Healthy Clare Micro Fund please contact the Healthy Clare Co-ordinator, Samantha McCarthy, at healthyclare@clarecoco.ie or 087 987 8785. The Healthy Clare Micro Fund is supported by the Clare LCDC, Healthy Ireland, the Department of Health, and Pobal.

l Pictured (left to right): Bernadette Haugh, Senior Executive Officer, Rural and Community Development, Clare County Council; Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator (Clare); Cllr Gerry Flynn, Chairperson, Local Community Development Committee; and Mary McMahon, Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE, and Chairperson, Healthy Clare Working Group

Spanish Point students claim top award in compass competition

by Páraic

STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point claimed the top prize and a €2000 cheque for the school at the fourth Shannon Foynes Port Company ‘Compass’ competition for schools across Clare, Kerry and Limerick

Hosted at the newly renovated Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum at the weekend, the competition, themed ‘Shooting the Breeze’, saw five schools shortlisted for the grand final set out their vision for a future

entirely powered from renewable energy by harvesting our infinite wind supply off the west coast through floating wind energy.

Some 250 plus attendees, including students and teachers, poured into the venue as four finalists from Limerick – two from Salesian College Pallaskenry and one each from Ardscoil Ris and Laurel Hill Secondary School - battled it out with the sole Clare finalist, St. Joseph’s Secondary School Spanish Point.

Clare’s representatives claimed the top prize and a €2,000 cheque for the school.

The winning team members each received an iPad for their efforts and a Gold Commemorative Medal. Each of the runners up also received a silver medal and a days’ sailing on the Shannon Estuary sponsored by Foynes Yacht Club. TY students in the three counties were tasked to envisage through a short film and presentation, what realising the unprecedented renewable energy opportunity on the Shannon Estuary can do for the region and nation’s future.

Captain of the winning team Róisín Molohan said that the school was both delighted and surprised by the win and the experience had certainly heightened understanding of the immense offshore wind resource that the school looks out onto every day. “We’re all very shocked. We saw the other teams’ presentations and they were all amazing so we’re just so happy and we’re so shocked that we won it. But it’s great and we’re so happy because we worked really hard on it”.

“We weren’t aware at all of the offshore wind opportunity. But this competition really opened our eyes. It’s our kids and our grandchildren’s world that is going to be affected by this. So, we’re just trying to make the world the best we possibly can. Whoever out there is responsible for making this happen, as young people, we want this to happen, and we need it to happen”. Roisin was joined on the team by Lucy O’Keeffe, Alysha Sexton, Eve Barry and Ava Harrison.

Members of the judging panel including Shannon Foynes Port Harbour Master Michael Kennelly, CEO of Shannon Chamber Helen Downes, Assistant Engineer at Shannon Foynes Port Tom Treacy, CEO of Tralee Chamber Colette O’Connor, Skillnet Manag-

Commenting following the announcement of the winner, Shannon Foynes Port CEO Pat Keating said that the participation rate amongst schools and students and the standard of presentations suggest that the competition objective of raising the awareness of the immense opportunities the Shannon Estuary is being achieved.

Minister Foley said, “I think the Shannon Estuary is a magnificent backdrop for today’s competition. The competition is very much focused on an opportunity for young people to appreciate the potential of the ports here. These young people are beacons if you like. Not just for today, but for tomorrow and generations to come. So, as we hear their voice today, I urge people to listen to their voice. It is a voice of truth and honesty and investment into the future”.

According to Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Niall Collins “the younger generation absolutely want to see the Shannon Estuary turning green. They want the West Coast offshore energy projects. This is exactly what the younger generations want”.

In addition to the schools’ presentations the attendance was also treated to a motivational questions and answers session, compered by MC Seamus Hennessy, with Irish hockey star Róisín Upton, Performance Psychologist with Limerick Hurling Academy and Lecturer on Psychology of Exam Preparation & Performance Pat McCarthy, and Kerry footballer Jason Foley.

er at Limerick Chamber Michael MacCurtain and Theatre Producer, Film/TV Co-Ordinator and Arts Consultant Marketa Dowling.

McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l SHOOTING THE BREEZE: Pictured are the overall winning team from St. Joseph’s Spanish Point. Captain Roisin Molohan (left) with her team mates Lucy O’Keeffe, Alysha Sexton, Eve Barry and Ava Harrison

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Clare start-up completes Bord na Móna Accelerate Green START programme

IFF Plastics, a rising green start-up based in Cree, has successfully completed Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green START programme, writes Elaine Tubridy The programme, delivered in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is dedicated to supporting companies who are leading the response to climate action and sustainability.

IFF Plastics washes, shreds, and recycles plastic collected from industrial factories, farms and recovered from the ocean, and reuses it to create eco-friendly plastic fencing posts. The Cree based company was one of nine participants in a six-week programme covering key areas including customer discovery, market mapping, network development, the funding eco-

system, preparation for investment and pitching.

The programme was delivered through a blend of online and in-person workshops as well as individual mentoring at Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green Hub, in Boora, Co. Offaly.

The START programme was established as a sister programme to Bord na Móna’s annual Accelerate Green Programme in order to support earlier stage businesses to scale their sustainable solutions.

It enables participants to meet customers, mentors and guest speakers who provide practical industry insights and help guide the business and investable proposition of their companies.

Sharon Barrington, General

Manager of IFF Plastics said “Accelerate Green was just what I needed and by joining the programme I felt I would meet like-minded people with the same circular mind-set as me.

“You don’t feel like once the programme has finished that you’re on your own - we have developed great friendships. The mentors and speakers are brilliant, and I’ve been given tools to help me to develop new thinking around expansion which I did not think was possible given our location.

“The best piece of advice I received since joining the programme was to just go for it, anything is possible. We have made such fantastic contacts through the programme - it is unbelievable the support you receive.”

l STARTING STRONG: Sharon Barrington, IFF Plastics pictured at Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green START event in Newbridge, Co. Kildare

How to choose the right equipment

IN THE modern world, surveillance cameras are an integral part of security systems.

They are used in various fields, ranging from home use to commercial enterprises. However, before selecting the appropriate equipment, it is important to understand the diversity of types and varieties of surveillance cameras.

ANALOG CAMERAS

Analog cameras are classic and the most common. They work by converting the video signal into an analog format and transmitting it through coaxial cable to a monitor or recorder. However, their resolution and functional capabilities are limited.

IP CAMERAS

IP cameras operate over the internet protocol and provide higher image quality and a greater func-

Conán

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Btional range. They allow video to be transmitted over an Ethernet network, providing remote access and control capabilities.

PTZ CAMERAS

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras have the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom. They can automatically track moving objects and allow operators to zoom in for more detailed information.

HIDDEN CAMERAS

Hidden cameras, also known as covert or camouflaged cameras, are designed to be discreet. They can be integrated into household items, furniture, or even clothing, providing covert surveillance.

OUTDOOR AND INDOOR CAMERAS

Surveillance cameras can be designed for both indoor and outdoor

“Rua”

a é scéal mór Gaeilge na seachtaine ná go raibh páirt bheag ag an réalt mhór teilifíse as Meiriceá, Conan O’Brien, ar Ros na Rún san oíche Dé Máirt seo caite.

Agus m’anam ná raibh a chuid Gailge ró-dhona ar chor ar bith. Is fiú go mór breathnú ar an gcómhrá a bhí idir é fhéin agus Tadhg Ó Direáin (Macdara Ó

use. Indoor cameras are typically compact and discreet, while outdoor cameras have weatherproof and vandal-resistant features.

FIXED AND VARIFOCAL LENSES

Cameras with fixed lenses have a constant focal length, while cameras with varifocal lenses allow the user to adjust the focal length to achieve the desired level of zoom.

It is important to note that choosing the right type and variety of surveillance camera depends on specific needs and conditions of use. For example, a small IP camera with remote access capabilities may be sufficient for home use, while commercial properties may require a comprehensive system with PTZ cameras and analytical functions. Finally, it is important to emphasize that the selection and in-

stallation of surveillance camera equipment should be handled by professionals. Experienced specialists can accurately assess security requirements, assist in selecting the appropriate equipment, and ensure its quality installation and configuration.

In conclusion, the diversity of

types and varieties of surveillance cameras provides ample opportunities to ensure security and control in various fields. The right choice of equipment, coordinated with professionals, will help create an effective surveillance system that meets specific security needs and requirements.

Ó Briain ar Ros na Rún

Fátharta) san oíche Dé Domhnaigh, 5ú Bealtaine, nuair a chraolfar an clár aríst (Ollchlár Ros na Rún) ag 7.30pm.

An bhfuil scéal agaibh le roinnt? Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair

R-phost: macallaanchlair@ gmail.com

l ‘’Balloons!’’ Tadhg Ó Direáin (Macdara Ó Fátharta) agus an ‘’seachadóir’’ (Conan O’Brien) ar Ros na Rún san oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 19:30

Imeachtaí/Events:

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

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

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

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

Thought for the week: Living with hope

Spreading the word of positivity

TO LIVE with hope strengthens us during the difficult seasons of life.

Hope does not magically remove pain, anxiety or grief, but it gives us the confidence to know that someone accompanies us.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, pray for hope for the people in your life and know that hope never abandons us. We abandon hope. Consult not your fears especially during these worrying times but consult your hopes and your dreams.

Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern

yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. Hope is the basis of existence and we should never give up hope. Hope should be our true companion of all times. I want to encourage you to stay focused on the hope that is Jesus. Pray for endurance. Know the Lord has a plan.

Be a reflection of hope to the world. Let them know

where your hope, faith, and trust lies, sharing the light and hope of Jesus with them. Finally, hope sanctifies waiting. There is nothing passive about hope. It is not a state of inaction or wishful thinking. Hope, rooted in faith, is actively anticipating the Lord and trusting in His promises for us.

Hope in the Lord is never wasted. As our summer season begins, we pray for an

increase in the virtue of hope as we place our trust in the Lord.

A prayer of Hope I like to say to keep me going each day goes as follows - Dear Lord, I try so hard to be your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope, courage and strength. There are times when I feel helpless and lost. There are times when I feel weak and addicted.

I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love, care, shelter and kindness. Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems very dark in my life at times. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory.

Conan O’Brien on Ros na Rún

OUR gut plays a crucial role in keeping our immune system strong. Picture it as a gatekeeper: it lets good stuff in, like nutrients from our food, while keeping out the bad stuff, like harmful germs or toxins.

But when this gatekeeper isn’t working properly, it can let in things that trigger our immune system, leading to inflammation. This inflammation doesn’t just stay in the gut – it can spread throughout the body, causing issues like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and has even been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

One key to a healthy gut is its barrier. Think of it as a sturdy wall lining our intestines. When this wall gets weak or damaged, it’s like having holes in a fence – stuff can sneak through where it shouldn’t, setting off alarms in our immune system and causing problems. This is why conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis can have such a big impact on our health and quality of life.

But there’s hope! Hyperbaric Ox-

ygenation (HBOT) continues to assist people in managing symptoms and avoiding invasive surgeries for these conditions. It’s a simple and well-tolerated treatment where you relax in a pressurised environment while breathing in high levels of oxygen. This allows the lungs gather more oxygen than normal which is then delivered deeper into body tissues. This promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

Scientific studies have backed up the effectiveness of HBOT for gut conditions.

For example, one study published in the journal of Gastroenterology found that HBOT significantly reduced inflammation in the intestines of patients with Crohn’s disease, leading to fewer symptoms and less need for medications. Another study, published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, showed that HBOT improved the healing of intestinal ulcers in patients with ulcerative colitis, sometimes even avoiding the need for surgery.

One inspiring story comes from OxyGeneration, where a young girl

named Alannah faced the possibility of bowel removal surgery due to Crohn’s disease.

But instead of going straight to surgery, she tried HBOT as an alternative. After sessions at OxyGeneration, Alannah saw amazing improvements. She said: “I came in with an open mind because I was not sure how well it would work because I was very unwell. I wasn’t sure if I needed to go into a hospital but luckily from hyperbaric oxygenation, I have avoided the hospital and surgery. After a bout of sessions my energy levels have been hugely increased, I am back to eating three meals a day and I have gained my weight back.”

With its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing, HBOT has the potential to change lives for people like Alannah. It’s not just about avoiding surgeries – it’s about reclaiming quality of life and feeling better overall.

So, if you’re struggling with gut issues, HBOT might be worth exploring. It could be the key to a healthier gut and a happier you.

WHEN you hear the term “hypnobirthing”, you may have an image of hypnosis in the way that Hollywood portrays it. Swinging pendulums, being out of control of your body, or someone casting a spell over you. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

If I asked you if you have ever been in a state of hypnosis before, your answer would probably be no. Again, not true. Everyone will be in a state of hypnosis at least once a day, right before they fall asleep. Being in a state of hypnosis is simply when you slip into the unconscious mind. It happens when you are daydreaming, meditating, or being absorbed in a task you enjoy and losing track of time.

Hypnosis can be an extremely helpful tool when you are labouring and giving birth, because it allows you to go into your unconscious mind, which aids your body in doing what it already knows how to do; birthing your baby. In my hypnobirthing course, I teach you and your birthing partner

techniques for self-hypnosis and powerful relaxation techniques. But a hypnobirthing course is also so much more than that.

It is a positive birth preparation course arming you with tools and techniques that will allow you to have

the best possible birth experience for you. Hypnobirthing is for all births; natural births, cesareans, medicated, unmedicated, hospital births, home births and everything in between. All the techniques taught in a hypnobirthing course will

prepare you for every eventuality.

The premise of a hypnobirthing course is to prepare you in every way. To empower you to know your options and to help you understand you have choices and can ask questions. The course also

goes into the anatomy and physiology of what is happening in your body towards the end of your pregnancy, and throughout your labour and birth. What we will be focusing on most during this course is the “Fear-TensionPain” cycle. This theory is that when we are fearful it creates tension in our bodies, and tension leads to increased pain. Tension is also extremely unhelpful during labour because if our muscles are tense it is very hard for them to birth our baby. This is just an example of what we will be learning about during my course.

Most people don’t know what happens in our bodies during labour and birth, it’s something we are never taught and that we must go looking for for ourselves. So, signing up for this course will help you understand the process better, and therefore trust it more. You can be sure it is a very safe, inclusive and unbiased environment. We will also be doing lots of relaxing and practicing these powerful techniques!

Another very important

part of the course is discussing your birth preferences. I don’t like the term “birth plan” as anyone who has given birth before will know its something that cannot be perfectly planned. And if something changes, you don’t want to feel like your plan has changed. However, having preferences, and visualising those scenarios can be very helpful during your labour, and it also makes sure that you feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire process.

Overall, my course aims to empower you, make you feel more at ease and relaxed, and show you just how incredible your birth experience can be. Through hypnobirthing you can see how much influence you have over the process and how you can stack the odds in your favour of having the birth you dream of. It is a life-changing investment in yourself and your baby. My next hypnobirthing course is on the 18th & 26th of May. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to join us in learning about the magic of hypnobirthing.

WHAT do you think of when you hear the word ‘networking’? For some, it might be a wonderful opportunity to make new business friends and connections. For others, it suggests the daunting task of walking into a busy room and attempting to join conversations with people unknown to them. As the managing director of my own business, I have firsthand experience of the transformative power of networking. I’ve recently been shortlisted with the Network Ireland Limerick branch in the category of ‘Networker of the Year’, a nomination which I am very proud of. This week I share some insights and tips on how to build your networking skills.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Every interaction I have had through networking has been invaluable. I have learned something new from every person I have met.As a solo entrepreneur, the ability to connect with mentors and bounce ideas off experienced individuals has been hugely important in the growth and development of

my business. All of this is possible, when we step outside of our comfort zone.

THE POWER OF REFERRALS

Referrals have been the backbone of my business. By building a strong network and fostering genuine connections, I have been able to tap into a wealth of opportunities and support. It’s not always easy to put myself out there and ask for a coffee or Zoom meeting, but the results have always been worthwhile.

CHALLENGES AND REWARDS

Running a business by myself has been a series of lessons learned each year as my company has grown and developed. Navigating the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur has been made easier by the support and guidance I have received from my network. While it can be daunting to step out of my comfort zone, I have found that the rewards of networking far outweigh the initial discomfort. When you feel nervous or anxious about attending an event or meeting a new group of people, rest assured that you are not the only one. I myself have had those moments, and I have spoken to people at events also, who confirmed that they too felt the very same. It helps to know that everyone there is in the same boat, and some just have more practice than others in this area. Know that it is inevitable that you will build your confidence and skills the more practice you get. That has certainly been my experience.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout County Clare.

Cliffs of Moher Experience are now hiring for

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying, or want to know more about the individual position, contact careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications Friday, 17th of May 2024 at 5pm.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

• Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic (4 Year Programme)

Closing date: 12 Noon Monday 20th May 2024.

• Communications Officer (Grade VII)

Closing date: 12 Noon Tuesday 21st May 2024.

• Retained Fire-Fighter Panels (Part-time)

Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations:

• Shannon • Killaloe

• Kilrush • Kilkee Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made.

Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 30th May 2024.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

As a member of various networking groups, I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to communities. Whether it’s offering advice, sharing learnings, providing cross-referrals or providing support and insights, I believe in the power of paying it forward. By helping others in my network, I am not only contributing to their success but also strengthening the overall ecosystem. As the saying goes, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’.

Here top 3 tips for creating a strong business network:

1. Be prepared and have a clear networking strategy. Before attending networking events, identify your goals and who you want to connect with. Prepare an elevator pitch and have conversation starters ready to make a good impression. A smile goes a long way, and most people are open to telling you what they do, it’s always a great starting point!

2. Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with professionals in your industry, particularly prior to attending events. Use these platforms to engage with others, open conversations, share your expertise, and maintain relationships with your existing contacts.

3. Attend networking events regularly and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t just stick to people you already know - make an effort to meet new individuals and build genuine connections. Follow up with new contacts and offer value to your network.

I find it helps to have a ‘networking buddy’ to go along to events with, which can make it easier to walk into a crowded room.

4. Most importantly, remember to breathe! Try to relax and imagine that you are making ‘new business friends’. Take the pressure off to ‘make a sale’ or ‘get business’ from the event.

Of course, that is always a fantastic outcome but most often, going to these events is about raising your profile in your industry and making new connections. There will come a time when you will walk into a room and people will recognise you, and maybe there will be someone there who comes towards you, to make conversation because they recognise you from previous events. Then you know your efforts are being rewarded!

CONCLUSION

The power of networking has been instrumental in the growth and success of my business. By stepping out of my comfort zone, making genuine connections, and giving back to my network, I have been able to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve remarkable results. I encourage all business owners, especially women and solo entrepreneurs, to embrace the power of networking.

OUR previous article focused on attracting the right candidates while navigating recruitment legislation.

Post-Covid-19, businesses face challenges in talent acquisition and retention. Skillnet Ireland highlights skill shortages, prompting a re-evaluation of talent strategies. Investing in workforce development is key; over 67% of businesses engage in upskilling to retain talent. Key factors attracting candidates include positive culture, remote work, and competitive compensation. Transparent communication and recognition are vital. ERA Ltd offers comprehensive recruitment & onboarding services as part of their packages. If interested, we're here to help.

In this issue, we shift our focus to the critical role of correct onboarding practices in retaining successful candidates. We will analyse common onboarding mistakes and explore strategies for effective onboarding.

THREE STAGES OF ONBOARDING

The onboarding process typically comprises three stages: prior to Day 1, Day 1 itself, and activities following Day 1. A structured onboarding plan should be in place, encompassing various steps tailored to each stage. Remember hiring is an investment of time and money, we want to ensure we eliminate any issues.

Prior to Day 1

Before a new employee’s first day, meticulous planning and preparation are essential. Let’s recap on the steps we discussed previously on the recruitment process which included these key steps:

l Conducting a gap analysis to identify staffing needs

l Reviewing and updating or creating a job and role specification

l Completing hiring approval forms and obtaining necessary approvals

l Advertising positions and shortlisting candidates based on predefined criteria

l Setting up interviews and preparing interview questions and scoring matrices

l Conducting reference checks and issuing letters of offer

l Arranging logistics such as workspace setup, access permissions, and training schedules

Day One

The first day sets the tone for a new employee's experience and should focus on making them feel welcome and informed. Remember you obviously did a great job promoting your business to them in the interview as they have chosen to work in your company. Ensure the experience of day one represents what you sold them in the interview.

Key activities include:

l Greeting the new employees upon arrival and providing a tour of the premises

l Introducing them to the team and explaining the training plan

l Clarifying expectations, including communication channels and review processes

l Completing necessary paperwork such as personal information forms and payroll setup

l Initiating training and ensuring the employees’ comfort and integration into the team

Following from Day 1

The onboarding process extends beyond the first day and involves ongoing support and integration.

Key activities include:

l Providing essential documentation such as contracts, job specifications, and employee handbooks and any other supporting documents i.e. SOPs

l Conducting HR induction and relevant training sessions

l Regular check-ins to assess

progress, provide feedback, and address any concerns

l Formal reviews at predefined intervals to evaluate performance and set development goals

THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE ONBOARDING

A well-executed onboarding process is critical for employee engagement, retention, and productivity. It fosters a sense of belonging and alignment with company goals. Employees who undergo a streamlined onboarding experience are more likely to feel valued and committed to their roles. I have seen when people were sold one impression of the role and environment in the interview and that was not the reality which led to them leaving the new post.

CONSIDER USING

ONBOARDING SOFTWARE

Employers can streamline the onboarding process by leveraging onboarding software. Benefits include reduced administrative burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced new-hire experience.

CONSEQUENCES OF INCORRECT ONBOARDING

A flawed onboarding process can lead to high turnover rates, wasted resources, and disengaged employees. According to Ibec, businesses in Ireland experienced an average staff turnover rate of 9.7% in 2023, emphasizing the importance of effective onboarding practices.

BEST PRACTICES

Effective onboarding practices involve recognising employees' potential, facilitating their integration into the team, and offering career development opportunities. Utilising mentorship programmes and leveraging technology for data management are also beneficial.

GENERAL ONBOARDING STATISTICS

Research indicates that a robust onboarding process significantly impacts employee retention and job satisfaction. Employees who undergo effective onboarding are more likely to stay with the company and contribute to its success.

According to the latest Irish Senior Management Business Sentiment Survey conducted by BDO and Ibec, more than 80% of Irish SMEs, with employees ranging from 10 to 250, find retaining staff a significant challenge, with eight out of ten now spending more time on recruitment versus 2019.

A report from a survey carried out by CIPD in 2023, states that 90% of respondents were facing a talent deficit. The onboarding process can be overwhelming for new hires, with 81% reporting feeling inundated with information. On average, they are tasked with completing between 10 and 40 tasks

within a two-week onboarding timeline. These tasks include meeting immediate and wider teams, familiarising themselves with tools and processes, and understanding their job role. Such a workload can understandably leave new hires feeling overwhelmed.

Employers recognise the critical role onboarding plays in retaining talent, with more than 93% acknowledging its significance.

A streamlined onboarding experience correlates with job satisfaction, with 70% of employees who excel at their jobs attributing their success to a well-executed onboarding process. Additionally, companies that invest in effective onboarding programmes see a significant improvement in retention rates, up to 82% according to a Glassdoor survey.

Despite its importance, only a minority of employees feel their organisation provides a good onboarding programme. Merely 12% of employees believe their company delivers onboarding effectively, highlighting the need for improvement in this area.

According to SHRM, statistically, a great onboarding experience ensures 69% of employees stick with a company for three years.

For companies, effective onboarding saves time and money by reducing employee turnover, increases business stability and solidifies workplace culture. It also saves time and money, as, according to Forbes, research has shown that the average cost of replacing a new employee is around 20% of their annual salary.

REMOTE ONBOARDING

With the rise of remote work, remote onboarding has become in-

creasingly prevalent. While it presents challenges, investing in comprehensive remote onboarding can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

In conclusion, mastering the onboarding process is essential for organisations seeking to attract and retain top talent. By implementing structured onboarding practices and leveraging technology, businesses can create positive experiences for new hires and set the stage for long-term success.

SUMMARY

First impressions matter for a reason. They shape a new employee's initial experience and relationship with their manager and company. The impact of the first impression resonates throughout their tenure, influencing whether they thrive or merely survive. Ensuring a positive first impression is essential; it sets the tone for success from day one. Therefore, prioritise helping your new hire settle in effectively from their very first day. The significance of this initial experience cannot be overstated. Connect with Elaine and her team for more info and support.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Mulgrave Street Campus

Limerick City

Category XVII

Ref. No. 015172

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon property seminar

l At the Sherry FitzGerald McMahon & Ennis Chamber property seminar on Tuesday at the Old Ground Hotel were (clockwise from above): Sheila Lynch, President of Ennis Chamber, Sharon Cahir, Diarmuid McMahon and Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber; Tom McNamara with Diarmuid McMahon and Max Kraus of HLF Architects; Orla O’Connell and Noel Crowe of Bank of Ireland; Cllr Mary Howard with Brian Foudy of Brian Foudy Engineers; Edwina and Gerry Donnellan of Donnellan’s Centra; Jane Dunne-Terry of Sherry FitzGerald; Diarmuid McMahon with Carmel Kirby of Clare County Council; and Síle Lynch speaks with members of Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Danielle O’Connor and Jason Pyne

Photos by Tom Micks

Anne-Marie Daly of DNG O’Sullivan Hurley wins national award

ENNIS estate agency administrator

Anne-Marie Daly of DNG O’Sullivan Hurley has been awarded the DNG Going Above and Beyond 2024 accolade at the DNG National Conference and Awards ceremony which took place at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in County Kildare on Friday, 19th April.The Conference and Awards ceremony was attended by more than 280 delegates from 82 DNG offices located across Ireland, with Pieta House as this year’s Charity Partner. A range of topics were discussed from the outlook on Ireland’s Property Market to the newly launched DNG Country Homes and DNG Financial Services divisions. The DNG franchise business is celebrating its 20 year anniversary which complemented the events theme of ‘Building on Success’. Attendees were treated to a special guest appearance from County Cork’s Anna Geary, an All Ireland Winning Captain, Radio & TV Broadcaster and now author of her recently released first book ‘Anna’s Game Plan’.

The judging panel included industry experts, Adrian Bushnell of Pan Research, Niamh Griffin of PTSB and world renowned estate agency trainer Richard Rawlings. Niamh Comber, Head of DNG Nationwide

praised Anne-Marie Daly saying, “During her employment of a decade, Anne-Marie has showcased remarkable dedication, exceptional performance, and a strong commitment to team success. We extend our best wishes for her continued success.”

Speaking after receiving her award, Anne-Marie Daly said: “Being nominated for this award was an absolute surprise and being named a finalist was a great honour! Winning the award today fills me with satisfaction, knowing that my dedication and contributions to the team have been acknowledged at this level.”

Cormac O’Sullivan, Partner, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, said: “Anne-Marie is truly exceptional. Weekly, our clients praise her efficiency, professionalism, and overall handling of tasks. Celebrating her 10-year tenure, Anne-Marie is a credit to herself, her family, and the DNG brand, and integral to our success. As business owners, we’re privileged to have such a committed and respected team member.”

Established in 2002 by owners Cormac O’Sullivan and Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley was also awarded a Special Recognition award. Cormac O’Sullivan added,

“It’s a privilege to be recognised a second time today. As one of the pioneering firms to join DNG Nationwide, we’ve always believed in its potential for success. The brand’s strength has been instrumental to our prosperity in County Clare. We eagerly anticipate many more years of achievement and celebrations as we continue to thrive and grow.”

The awards ceremony serves as a platform to showcase the achievements of individuals and offices who have consistently demonstrated excellence in their respective roles, driving innovation and success throughout the company’s franchise business. From exceptional customer service to exemplary leadership, each award category celebrates the diverse talents and contributions of individuals across the DNG Network.

‘Supply

needed to fix property market in Clare’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A SHERRY FITZGERALD economist has said the property market in Clare is in urgent need of an injection of supply.

Speaking at the Sherry FitzGerald McMahon and Ennis Chamber of Commerce property seminar at the Old Ground Hotel on Tuesday morning, economist Jane Dunne-Terry and local agent Diarmuid McMahon delivered a review of the local property market.

Diarmuid, a fourth generation owner of the Ennis estate agents, told the audience that restrictions in Clare around the First Home Scheme are a major contributor to the slow pace of new-builds in the county.

In County Clare, buyers can only avail of the scheme on new-builds coming in at a cost of under €350,000, a factor which Diarmuid believes is dictating the slow pace of new homes being delivered in the county. Just one third of new homes being built are coming to the private market while in 2023, only 400 new homes were delivered in the county which is 80 per cent less than in 2006 at the peak of the market.

Ms Dunne-Terry also revealed that the number of second hand homes for sale in Clare is down 59 per cent compared to 2020. Over the last year, County Clare has experienced an almost seven per cent increase in price growth in the second-hand market, with Jane noting, “supply is the only way to fix the problems”.

McMahon stressed that the environmental agenda will be one of the biggest factors in the property market in the next 20 years, while being critical of planning restrictions in Ireland which are “unable to keep up with the potential demands” of the market.

A successful urban centre is required in

Ennis for the county to thrive, he added. Acknowledging the “spirited debate” brought on by Ennis 2040 projects, the Ennis native noted, “If we listen to each other we have a very bright future in the town.”

In attendance at the seminar included President of Ennis Chamber, Shiela Clancy of Cashin Clancy Solicitors, who introduced the speakers; Cllrs Mary Howard (FG) and Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Director of Ennis 2040 Kevin Corrigan and Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development at Clare County Council, along with a number of local business people.

Diarmuid McMahon of SherryFitzGerald

McMahon

(Left to right) Jason Howley, Anne-Marie Daly of DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, Anna Geary

Murray making the most of unusual path to the Munster Senior Football final

by Séamus Hayes

NEVER in his wildest dreams did Gavin Murray expect to be representing Clare in a Munster senior football final.

Appearances for Clare on the biggest day of the provincial football calendar have not been overly plentiful, having won the Munster senior football championship on two occasions and lost out in thirteen finals.

For Westmeath native, Gavin Murray the prospect of lining out in a Munster final was never on the radar for the air traffic controller. “I was only talking to my Mam and Dad about that the other day, I never expected to be playing for Clare in a Munster final, it’s been brilliant all along, it’s something we’ve never targeted or really spoken about it’s been training session to training session and especially for a new guy like myself it was getting to know the lads and try get embedded in the group, Mark and the lads have been very good leading that, the lads have been very good inside in the dressing room there’s no egos and everyone is very welcoming, we’re all in it together and driving forward together, it has led to a Munster final so far and it’s really exciting to be looking forward to it”.

Although Clare appeared in last year’s Munster final, the high amount of turnover within the squad means there are many panellists getting their first taste of a provincial decider. While Gavin is a new addition to the squad, he has experience of a senior provincial final having been part of the

Westmeath panel which lost out to Dublin in 2016. “I was on the panel the last time Westmeath were in a Leinster final in 2016, we faced Dublin that day and got well beaten in the end, it was a great experience, getting to line out in Croke Park for a Leinster Final, I never expected eight years later to be playing in a Munster Final with Clare, it’s an unusual path but one I’m grateful for and looking forward to”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Gavin reflected, “In some ways it is a very similar scenario as the underdog facing Dublin then and Kerry now, back then we focused on ourselves and had the belief, possibly not enough and I know that is what the lads have been speaking about in the last few weeks, we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves, we’re very grounded that way, it is really just to focus on ourselves and we’ll see what comes then after that”.

Another unique aspect that he brings to the table for this weekend is that he will face off against Kerry for the first time, his teammates had prior experience of battles with the Kingdom at underage and senior level. “I’m under no illusions as to the experience they have, All-Ireland finalists last year, All-Ireland champions the year before, even in the video analysis in the last few days and in training it has been very much focused on ourselves, Mark, James and the lads are well knowledgeable in that sense in terms of what Kerry will bring. We’re just trying to look at ourselves and we’re really excited for Sunday, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in a Munster Final in Cusack Park, we’re really going to enjoy it”.

In February, Gavin was one of eighteen graduates to join AirNav Ireland the Irish Air Navigation Service Provider. He works out of Ballycasey in Shannon and has said his first few months in the job are “going well. The guys are very good in there and are very understanding in terms of trying to work around shift work, matches and training, they’ve all been very supportive, particularly John Joyce and Peter Cavanagh who is actually a Kerry man”.

Career paths for inter county players are becoming a bit predictable but Murray is bucking the trend. He said on balancing work with inter-county commitments, “I’m lucky in that I’ve only myself to look after, it’s a mixture of you have to be willing to put in that commitment and realise there are going to be sacrifices in some way, I don’t see them as sacrifices because for me all my friends are in this group and it is a privilege to be able to come training four or five times a week and weekends away, it’s been all go but it has been very enjoyable, the fruits of that will come hopefully in the Munster final”.

Arguably the most difficult hour for Maura and Pat was the second round of the Allianz National Football League when Clare played Westmeath. “In Cusack Park in Mullingar they were definitely on the Clare side. I’m delighted to be down here and for myself it has been a great way to get to know people, being involved with Éire Óg and Clare, that was possibly the motive behind the move as well. They are looking forward to coming down on Sunday to Cusack Park in

Ennis”.

For the National League, he formed a midfield partnership with Brian McNamara, the duo both playing their first season for Clare’s seniors. The return of Darragh Bohannon saw Murray move to wing forward but the difference between the positions is “very minimal,” he maintained. “Each player has a specific role in a way regardless of position, you fill that role and try repay the trust the management put in you, I’ve been doing that and hopefuly if I’m playing that role will be different again. It is about using the guys around you to support you and

play to your strengths, go out on the pitch and enjoy it”.

Taking to the field in the Munster final will be the highlight so far for Gavin in a Clare jersey. “A lot of people might say it is pressure playing in a Munster Final but this is a once in a lifetime thing and you have to go out there, soak it up and enjoy it, I’m thinking of Jack McCaffrey walking around in the parade smiling and that has to be the mantra, that is what we will bring to Sunday week, we just have to go out there and make the most of it, come what may on the scoreboard.

news@clareecho.ie

l Gavin Murray.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare need to have a cut against Kerry in Munster Final - Quinlan

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

A Clare midfielder for over a decade Ger Quinlan is well versed on what is required facing into championship action.

While he didn’t get the opportunity to play in a Munster senior final, he did face Kerry in championship on a numbers of occasions.

Acknowledging that Kerry will carry the favourites tag he says, “Clare have nothing to lose. They are at home and it is an advantage for them to be playing in Cusack Park. They shouldn’t fear Kerry. No one is giving Clare a chance so, if anything, this should make them more motivated”.

O’Currys clubman Quinlan is currently manager of the Ennistymon senior footballers, having coached them to win the Cusack

Cup last year and reaching the Clare SFC final in 2022.

Quinlan expects more than 15,000 will attend Sunday’s final in Ennis. “There was an attendance of 11,000 in Limerick last year and with home advantage this year that figure should increase. The team deserves such support.

He is strong in the view that “Clare shouldn’t fear Kerry. If they do it will be game over before they start. There is always a chance. Kerry seemed to be a little off form last time out and this is unusual for this team. They might be looking ahead and they might be coming off a hard block of training. Our fitness levels are good, we are a young team”.

Quinlan accepts that many predicted that Clare might struggle this year given the number of changes to the panel. “Mark Fitzgerald (manager), Seanie Buckley

(coach) put their shoulders to the wheel and they have given confidence to the squad and that will have boosted the players”.

“Anything can happen on a given day, we will all be behind them. People will travel from neighbouring counties to see players like the Cliffords and Seanie O’Shea but Clare people will travel from all over to support their team. It’s been a long time since there was a Munster football final in Cusack Park,” he added.

Ger believes that “kickouts will be hugely important the way the game has gone. We will need to break even at midfield. Brian McNamara will have confidence from his display against them at under 20 level last year when he delivered a man of the match performance and this will also boost the lads around him”.

“Clare have nothing to lose, we have nothing to fear. Let’s go and have a cut. It can be done, it’s all about belief. Don’t stand back, let’s

get stuck in. Playing Kerry is always a game players look forward to”, he concluded.

l Ger Quinlan.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Walsh returns to training as Clare near full-strength for the Kingdom

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WING BACK, Daniel Walsh has returned to training for Clare ahead of Sunday’s Munster senior football final.

Both Walsh and corner back Micheál Garry missed out on Clare’s fourteen point semi-final win over Waterford.

Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman Walsh is pressing strongly for inclusion in the starting fifteen for the provincial decider against Jack O’Connor’s Kerry, he is further ahead than Garry in his recovery from injury.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare manager, Mark Fitzgerald confirmed that Walsh completed half a session on Friday evening in Clareabbey. “Micheál may make

it as well and I’d be delighted if he did because he had a great league for us and he has been one of our best players in the league, it would be nice for Micheál himself to be available for selection”.

Éire Óg’s Ikem Ugwueru started in place of Daniel for the semi-final, the Ennis man had been a starter in all of Clare’s league outings and was a surprise omission from the named fifteen which had included Walsh. His physicality and pace will be needed by Clare when they welcome Kerry to Ennis.

Ugwueru’s clubmate Éinne O’Connor is also understood to be available for selection having recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the League. Cian Burke made his championship debut in the Waterford win, captain of the St Breckan’s side which reached last

year’s county final he was unavailable for the entire league due to injury.

Brendy Rouine who has not played competitively since last year’s U20 championship tie with

Kerry continues his recovery from a long-standing groin injury but is making progress.

Alongside Burke, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Tom McDonald also made their championship debuts from the bench.

Fitzgerald maintained the competition for places in the Clare team is greater now than during the height of their bid for promotion. “Lads that were getting up to speed in the league such as Éinne (O’Connor) and Cian (Burke) are that bit fitter now, Micheál is that bitter, the other lads are getting healthier, Jamie Stack is pushing a good bit to be fair, Diarmuid O’Donnell came on the last day and did well, they are getting fitter and more used to the system and what is required at this level, it bodes well for Clare football, it makes it a healthier panel”.

l Daniel Walsh has returned to training.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Fitzgerald trying to plot downfall of native Kerry in Munster Final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AS OVERWHELMING

underdogs, Mark Fitzgerald has a tricky task in guiding Clare’s attempted takedown of Kerry in the Munster senior football championship final. Fitzgerald is in his first season as Clare manager where his selectors include fellow Kerry man James Costello. Costello was manager of the Kerry minors for four years from 2019 to 2022 with Fitzgerald part of his minor management. He doesn’t expect either himself or James to receive much abuse from Kerry supporters this weekend. “I think probably Kerry just go about their business themselves, that is the way they do things and we just have to look af ter ourselves in Clare and try prepare the best we can and get a performance from the lads and see where that takes us”.

Initial slagging has mainly been from his friends. “I presume it will ramp up this week a little bit, in one way it will probably help us".

Their time in charge

of the Kerry minors offer invaluable intel in trying to plot the Kingdom’s takedown. “James was there for four years, I was there for three of the four years with him, we’d know a good few of those U20s coming through now, James had a good lot of those lads coming through but knowing them and stopping them is a different thing. Everyone knows what David Clifford is going to do but stopping him is a different ordeal, we’re looking forward to it”.

Reaching a Munster Final was “not really” part of Fitzgerald’s overall plan when he took charge of the Clare senior footballers. “We’re delighted to be there and be competing for a chance to see can we do better than we did last year,” he told The Clare Echo. There is no complaints from the Kerins O’Rahillys clubman on a two week build-up from the semi-final win to their final clash.

“At that stage you are trying to judge your run in and get

challenge matches, there’s a whole other thing whereas I think the two weeks is okay, the season is condensed absolutely and everyone knows that but that is for another day, a two week break is fine”.

Explaining what benefits there are with home advantage, he said, “There’s that bit of familiarity with the routine, with we do, it will help us, we don’t have to get on a bus and go to Killarney and with the home crowd you’d be trying to get a good start and take it from there”.

Plotting the downfall of Kerry, one of the top teams in the country for Sunday’s Munster Final stands out as among one of the most enjoyable aspects of inter-county management, he admitted.

“It is really. Clare were in the last sixteen last year, back in the last sixteen again this year, we want to do ourselves justice and prove that we deserve to be there, I keep saying that we’re well aware of the challenge but we want to test ourselves against the best, we’re fully aware of what that entails too, Kerry are an awesome side”.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare & Kerry's most recent Munster Final meetings

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

2023 Munster SFC Final in TUS Gaelic Grounds

Kerry 5-14 Clare 0-15

Referee: Jerome Henry (Mayo)

2000 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds

Kerry 3-15 Clare 0-8

Referee: J.Barron (Longford)

1997 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds

Kerry 1-13 Clare 0-11

Referee: N.Barrett (Cork)

1992 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds

Clare 2-10 Kerry 0-12

Referee: AP. Russell (Tipperary)

1941 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds Kerry 2-9 Clare 0-6

1937 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds

Kerry 4-9 Clare 1-1

1936 Munster SFC Final in Gaelic Grounds Kerry 1-11 Clare 2-2

1929 Munster SFC Final in Killarney Kerry 1-14 Clare 1-2

'You don't ever have it won till the game is over' says Lohan

MUNSTER SHC ROUND 2

Clare 3-26 Cork 3-24

Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Compiled by Séamus Hayes & Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 12 (8/4)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Scores from play: 3-14

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-10, 8f's)

Bookings: Conor Cleary (24), Adam Hogan (65), David Reidy (68), Peter Duggan (72)

Own puckouts won: 21 out of 32 (66%)

CORK Frees for: 19 (9/10) Wides: 6 (4/2)

Scores from play: 2-12

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Patrick Horgan (2-10, 1-7f's, 2'65's)

Bookings: Seán O'Donoghue x2, Tim O'Mahony (35), Declan Dalton (47), Patrick Horgan (64), Mark Coleman (68)

Red Card: Seán O'Donoghue (52)

Own puckouts won: 21 out of 37 (56%)

REFEREE: James Owens (Wexford)

“ MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Lohan, Clare manager

“It was crucial for us that we responded and responded well. Look we did it last year as well.. there is good grit amongst this group”.

“We really appreciate the support we got from our own supporters. You could understand if they didn’t want to come down here today. We really appreciated that they came in such great numbers”.

“Clare are right back in it now, it was so disappointing to lose last week, moreso the manner in which we lost. Fair play to our lads, they showed grit today”.

“In these games you don’t ever have it won till the game is over. It was an up and down game, the scores were coming thick and fast right the way through the game”.

“We were going to play on till the referee blew the whistle and hope you will be ahead then and today we were”.

Pat Ryan, Cork manager

“We were playing a lot of very good hurling, we probably left a few

PLAYER WATCH

ADAM HOGAN (CORNER-BACK)

Minutes played: All

Possessions: 2 (1/1)

Passess: 1 (1/0)

Long Pass: 0

Short Pass: 1 (1/0)

Hurley Pass: 1 (1/0)

Hand Pass:0

Tackles: 4 (2/2)

Turnover For: 3 (2/1)

Turnovers Against: (1/1)

Frees For: 2 (1/1)

Frees Against: 1 (0/1)

scores behind us in the first half. We knew Clare would come back at us and they did. It was always going to be a nip and tuc game, we are very disappointed we didn’t get over the line”.

“Unfortunately you are not going to win games if you have only 14 men against 15 especially against a top class side. Our discipline probably left us down a bit. We have to look forward now to the Limerick game. We have two games left and we have to win those games. We have backed ourselves into a tight corner”.

“We didn’t win, that’s the bottom line. We were more up for it. We took the game to Clare, last week in Walsh Park we let Waterford dictate the game. We were dictating an awful lot of today’s game but we were up against a quality side. Our discipline left us down a small bit, we conceded too many frees to a top class freetaker in Aidan McCarthy, that was disappointing for us”.

“They are a good team and weren’t going to lie down when seven points down. Our lads chased the game really well, they played well for the jersey. It’s up to us to get the lads up for the next game, they know they were well in the game”.

Leaders guided Clare to bounce back from opening round loss - Rodgers

CLARE’s leaders in the dressing room guided their recovery from the opening round defeat to Limerick to bounce back and overcome Cork by two points, forward Mark Rodgers revealed.

Travelling to Cork on Sunday, Clare knew they were “going to face a stiff challenge. Our first priority after the previous week’s loss was to get the bodies right. We are delighted to come out the right side of the result,” Mark said following Clare’s 3-26 3-24 win against Cork.

Even though Cork built up a seven point lead in the second half, Clare remained focused on the task at hand, the UL student outlined. “We like to think we are a resilient bunch, we just kept plugging away we kept doing all the things we have been training to do all year. We got a bit of luck, with a couple of goals”.

As the game swung Clare’s way they led by five points with goals from Rodgers, Shane O’Donnell and David Fitzgerald. He knew Cork were not going to roll over though, “all credit to Cork, they are a seriously competitive outfit. They were never out of it and we never died, it was a great game for the neutral. It’s back to the drawing board on Tuesday when we will look at the areas we feel didn’t go right”.

Puckouts from both Eibhear Quilligan

and Patrick Collins were impacted by the wind in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh but Rodgers paid little notice to the conditions. “The game was moving so fast I didn’t pay much heed to it. It probably took a bit off the puckouts at either side”.

Approaching the second round, Clare did not treat it as knockout but knew they had to win, the Scariff attacker said. “We never thought of it as a knockout, every game is so competitive. We have a win on the board now but at the end of the day a win won’t be enough to get out of the group and we know that. We probably came down here knowing we had to win and like every game, you want to win. I

think we set out a good plan and we stuck to it and got the result”.

Influence of senior members of the squad came to the fore to bounce back from the disappointment of losing to Limerick, he explained. “Losing is never fun, we got back today. We have some great leaders in the dressing room and they guided us through the week. We were probably in a similar situation last year when we lost to Tipperary in the first round. We are just delighted to have the win on the board today”.

Getting a big crowd back in Ennis for the visit of Waterford to Cusack Park in three weeks is already whetting the appetite, he admitted. “We have a big came coming up next, it will be brilliant to be back in Ennis. We can’t wait to go and hopefully there will be a big crowd in Ennis, it was amazing to have the big support today, seven days after losing. Our supporters are brilliant and the roar today really drove us on when we needed it”.

He praised the squad’s S&C coach and nutritionist when asked on the impact to their bodies of two tough championship games. “We have trained all year for this. We knew we had these games six days apart. Obviously we never looked past the Limerick game. We are in really good shape, maybe there will be a physical toll for the next few days but we can’t wait to get back on the road again”.

Injury setback for Tony Kelly

TONY Kelly sustained a setback in Clare training prior to Sunday’s win over Cork which ruled him out of the matchday squad.

Prior to Christmas, Kelly underwent an operation on his ankle, missing out on the entire Allianz National Hurling League. He was introduced as a substitute when Clare were leading Limerick 1-15 0-11 but they ended up losing to the All-Ireland champions by three points. He was expected to fight his way into the starting fifteen for the second round with Cork but these plans were dealt a blow when the Ballyea man did damage to his ankle in training.

A break until Clare’s next outing on May 19th at home to Waterford will help the four-time All Star who did not do major damage to his recovery last week. The 2013 Hurler of the Year is expected to be fit enough to make the panel for the visit of the Déise.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare selector Ken Ralph admitted that the losses of Tony Kelly and midfielder Darragh Lohan both of whom had been named in the matchday panel were blows. “We really missed Darragh Lohan last week when he had to go off, he has been playing really really well this year. Of course the injuries were a worry.

“Obviously when Tony (Kelly) is out it’s always a worry, it was a bit of a downer when he got a bit of a setback in training during the week. Again that was for the whole panel to absorb and deal with. After last week you might be thinking, mentally fragile, but they dealt with everything, and really met it head on this week. You have to be proud of them. Tony was almost there and hopefully he will be back shortly,” he said.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Mark Rodgers (Scariff) scored 1-5 against the Cats on Sunday

l Tony Kelly

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Peter Duggan holds off Tim O'Mahony as possession spills.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Carmody 'really pleased' as Clare cut the gap with All-Ireland champions Cork

MS CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Clare 1-8 Cork 1-17

Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

CLARE bowed out of the Munster senior camogie championship with an eight point loss to Cork but manager John Carmody remained “really pleased” with his side as they turn their attention to the All-Ireland series.

Speaking following Sunday’s loss in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Carmody explained, “Clare aren’t happy with moral victories but anyone that knows the camogie scene will know we played the best team in the country today and we gave them plenty of problems”.

He added, “We are really pleased. We have a great group of players and we started from ground zero with young players. I am disappointed the gap is eight points. We had three or four wides in a row in the second half when the game was in the melting pot. If we had converted those maybe that would have put Cork under real pressure”.

A drop in concentration for the second half was costly, the Kilmaley man felt. “They beat us 24 or 25 points in the first round of the championship last year. Cork came here today as All-Ireland champions and in front of their own crowd they wanted to win. We caused them all kinds of problems. We lapsed for seven or eight minutes before half time and they got four or five points in a row and that was the difference”.

“We have a group of players and we can’t ask any more of them for what they are giving this project. We are building towards the All-Ireland. We have another four weeks preparation now. We play Cork again in the All-Ireland series and we look over the next month to see if we can cut that eight point gap further. Our goal is to get to the All-Ireland quarter final. We feel we are moving in the right direction,” Carmody outlined.

Carmody feels that “Clare need to put more on the score board. We hit 1-9 today and there were three or four wides and one or two goal chances not taken, we will be working

on that over the next few weeks”.

Attention now turns to the All-Ireland series and Clare’s clash with Down in the opening game. “Down has been our focus since we started back in January, that first round and the second round v Dublin a week later. Those two games are the making or breaking of our year. We are focused on that week and we will prepare the best we can for that”, the manager said.

He continued, “Today’s performance gives us great encouragement. We had knuckled down since the league, as a management we take responsibility for the Tipperary performance we said we would go man for man that day and we left ourselves wide open at the back and paid the price. The players had been very competitive for most of the league and the last game wasn’t reflective of that. You saw today this team is making huge progress, lots of pace, lots of youth, and they will learn from a big game like to-

day. Clare supporters will be happy I hope with some of the hurling today in the second half”.

As the focus turns to the All-Ireland championship the manager is happy that the team will be strengthened by the full availability of Laura Foley and Roisin Begley who have been busy in recent times playing hockey with Catholic Institute. “They have a cup final next weekend and after that they will be fully available to us. Laura Foley, player of the match in last year’s county final and Roisin Begley, one of the best forwards in the game, see the impact they made when they came on today. Their availability adds to the competition for places, young players going really well.

“Caoimhe Cahill was outstanding today, Grace Carmody, Labhaoise O Donnell, Aoife Anderson, Cliodhna Queally at 18 years of age was outstanding at wing back. We decided to go with youth, a lot of these players have played at Croke Park and won an All-Ireland. We are disappointed with some of the players that didn’t come back this year but equally these young players had to get an opportunity. There is a bright future for Clare camogie if we can keep this group together”, he concluded.

ENNISTYMON LEADS THE WAY WITH UNBEATEN RUNS IN CUSACK CUP

'As good a performance I've seen from a Clare underage side' - Coughlan lauds Daryl Darcy success

MUNSTER MINOR FC PHASE 1 FINAL

Clare 2-12

Tipperary 0-10

Venue: Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Clare minor football manager Dermot Coughlan was a happy man at Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale on Tuesday night and he was entitled to be.

Speaking moments after the final whistle sounded on Clare’s eight point victory, he said, “I couldn’t be prouder. To be a Clareman tonight on the line, the way they performed was absolutely unreal. We are so proud to be involved with them We keep telling them at training we are only facilitators, we are lucky to be involved with them”.

The win has earned Clare a place in the Munster semi-final against Cork on Tuesday evening next while they are also guaranteed at least one more game whether it be in the Munster final or in the Tier 2 championship.

“After the game in Quilty (which Clare lost by five points), they were supposed to have made nine changes, we had three or four. The lads came down here with a point to prove. That was an awesome performance, as good as I have ever seen from a Clare underage team and I am involved a long time”, the Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman stated.

Commenting on the improvement the squad had shown since the start of the campaign he said, “it’s down to my management team, that’s what it is down to. Without a backroom team like that, the quality that is in it, what you saw tonight is what they are putting together on the train-

ing field. I am only the figure head, it’s basically down to every guy in the backroom team”.

Looking ahead to next week’s Munster semi-final against Cork when Clare will have home advantage he said, “I keep saying it’s a development squad at the end of the day. We are guaranteed at least six championship matches and with the help of God we will get more. If we can get six, seven or eight championship matches won’t it improve every player in that squad. Full steam ahead for next week”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

PICTURED: Diarmuid Boyle lifts the Daryl Darcy Cup. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Niamh Mulqueen in action for Clare.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Gort Owners win Ann Cheevers Memorial Stake at Galway Stadium

by

The final of the Ann Cheevers Memorial A4 525 Yards Stake was the feature event on Saturday night's card at Galway Greyhound Stadium .

As the traps rose for the feature event worth €18,000 to the winner, Brickhill Fayla who came in as a reserve showed the best early toe to lead by a length at the turn as Fortune Sydney tracked the leader through to move second entering the back straight.

Racing along the back Fortune Sydney continued to give chase, but it was the Cyril Collins and Kate Comerford of Gort-owned Brickhill Fayla that was in command turning for home as she stayed on powerfully to score by three & a half lengths in 29.22.

Clare natives Albert Long & John Collins have an extremely promising litter in the Good News-Twentylittletoes litter (including Brickhill Fayla) and in the Novice 525 their Brickhill Andy made all the running to readily defeat Crokers Fluffy by five lengths in 29.10.

The A2 graded ninth contest developed into a match from the opening bend as Cloneyogan Sydney and Drombeg Spark disputed

the lead with the former holding a narrow advantage as they negotiated the opening bend. Approaching the home bend the Siobhan Garraghy of Lahinch-owned Cloneyogan Sydney (Droopys Sydney-Tiermana Rum) began to assert with the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner prevailing by three lengths

at the line in 29.13.

The opening contest was a Novice sprint contest and from traps Ballygraigue May was away smartly out wide in company with Ard Molly in the centre of the track but as they raced towards the opening bend the red jacketed Flyers Effect swooped through to lead at the

Ennis RFC host Munster v Ulster this weekend

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS RFC is the location this weekend as Munster host Ulster in the Junior Interprovincial series, with two Ennis RFC men in contention to feature.

Ennis scrum-half Oisín earned his first cap off the bench last weekend in an entertaining draw against Leinster in Kilkenny. He will be hoping to play a role again on Saturday in Ennis along with Ennis captain Cian Guilfoyle who was unable to take part last week due to injury.

Brian Farrell, President of Ennis RFC, told The Clare Echo that it’s a significant day for the club, whose undefeated senior team were this year crowned champions of Division J3. It also marks the closing of the club’s successful centenary celebrations. “The last time we hosted a junior interprovincial game was in 1999 or 2000 when we hosted Leinster. It’s a big honour for the club and as well this year, we were very lucky that two of our players are in the squad,” he said.

“It would be great if one of them were involved on the day, the last time we had a player involved at this level was Michael McInerney back in 2011. It’s a great competition that showcases the best of club players at the junior level, and it’s a great chance to play for Munster.”

Off the pitch, there will be entertainment and family fun on the sideline, along with live music, a number of food trucks and an outside bar. “We’re hoping to draw a good crowd and with good weather, a great evening after the game.” They are also hopeful the Six Nations trophy will be showcased at the event while the U16 Munster Champions will have their medal presentation on the day.

It’s been a very successful season for Ennis

RFC noted Brian, at underage and adult level with the Ladies team winning Munster Division 1 and taking part in the Munster Cup final this Friday. The Men’s team gained promotion to Division 2 while two former Ennis RFC men, Ethan Coughlan and Tony Butler, have accepted Munster senior contracts.

The club’s centenary year “exceeded expectations” added Brian, which he says invigorated members. “The positive feedback around the centenary year has really fed into our next stage of development as we look to develop a new facility. It ignited a fire among members in the club and got some past members back involved so it was great.”

Munster take on Ulster at Ennis RFC this Saturday at 2:30pm. Adults €10 | OAP & students €5.

turn. Despite running wide on the crown of the home bend Flyers Effect held the lead turning for home and the Fitzgerald Syndicate of Kilrush-owned daughter of Newinn Wonder & Burnpark Lexi scored by a length and a half from Ard Molly at the line in 18.36.

A winner last time in lower

grade, the Brendan Browne of Kilkee owned Glasheen Magic took the slight step up in grade in her stride as she ran out a comfortable four & a half length winner over Cushcallow Flyer in 18.25. All six runners were away on terms for the A6 graded contest. Rounding the bend the John Quinn of Gort owned Fast Fit Rex (Malachi-Fast Fit Maeve) held a narrow advantage which gradually extended as the race progressed to score by five & a half lengths from Five Alley Patch in 29.82.

The A3 graded ninth contest over 525 yards was the feature contest on Friday night at Collage Road. The opening contest was an S9 graded sprint in which the Martin Griffin of Lissycasey-owned Universally fought hard to score by two & a half lengths in 18.28.

Griffin completed a double in the A8 graded third contest as his Uphill Climb made it a litter double as he led off the home bend to defeat Croaghill Amy by four & a half lengths in 29.99.

The Michael Costello & Brian McMahon of North Clare owned Pinnacle Venture doubled her career tally with an all-the-way three & a half length success over Peteles Joy in this A7 contest in a time of 30.12.

Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

l Oisín Mangan. Photo by Joe Buckley

Kilkee Golf Club - The Wild Atlantic Way Golf Club

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

Kilkee Golf Club is set along the Wild Atlantic Way with stunning clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean. The golf course's origination date is uncertain; however, records show that it is somewhere between 1886 - 1891 the course had been initially played as a nine-hole golf course. History mentions it was members from Limerick Golf Club initially helped to setup the site for golf during the summer months when the Limerick population would travel to Kilkee and stay at their holiday homes for the summer months. The course itself runs alongside the stunning clifftop views of Kilkee as you head towards George's Head, where the cliff reaches its highest point. The course is not your typical natural sand-based links golf course like you would usually find beside the ocean, due to its high location positioned high above the cliff tops. One of the defining features of Kilkee Golf Club is its breathtaking setting. Surrounded by the majestic

Cliffs of Moher to the north and the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, golfers are treated to panoramic views that are as awe-inspiring as they are distracting. The ever-changing coastal weather adds an extra layer of complexity to the game, ensuring that no two rounds are ever the same.

My favourite stretch of holes is the initial first four holes that meanders along the cliff edge to the west and then drifts inland where you experience more of a parkland feel. These early holes have one of the biggest water hazards in the world alongside them in the Atlantic Ocean. You are literally feet away from the cliff edge and the scenery is breathtaking. The wind direction plays a vital role in how difficult these holes play and when it blows hard choosing the right club and ball flight is of vital importance if you are to keep the ball on these greens. Even putting can be extremely challenging on a windy day but it adds to the fun and difficulty of playing from a course sitting on top of a cliff edge.

Kilkee Golf Club's warm and welcoming atmosphere,

coupled with its strong sense of community, sets it apart as a place where friendships are forged and memories are made. Whether enjoying a post-round pint in the clubhouse or participating in one of the club's many social events, members and visitors alike are made to feel like part of the Kilkee family. The views from the clubhouse are just stunning and I highly recommend sitting on the veranda looking out at the Atlantic on a sunny day.

When reading the reviews about the club, a common theme is mentioned and that is how friendly the members are at the club.

In addition to its recreational offerings, Kilkee Golf Club is also committed to fostering the next generation of golfing talent. The club's junior program provides young enthusiasts with full access to the course, ensuring that the tradition of excellence continues for years to come.

What not add Kilkee Golf Club to your list of courses to play in 2024, at an embarrassing low price of €45 for over four hours of fun with breathtaking views it's well worth the visit to Kilkee.

Aine qualifies for a second successive US wonen’s open

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

For the second year in-a-row, Áine Donegan has qualified for the US Women's golf open.

A student at Louisiana State University, she finished in first with a 36-hole total of 135 (9-under) at Rockwell Golf and Athletic Club, Texas to secure her place in the 2024 championship.

The US Women's Open takes place between May 28 and June 2 at the Lancaster Country Club, Pennsylvania. Áine is one of two Irish players in the field, alongside Leona Maguire.

From Woodstock, Shanaway road in Ennis, Aine is a member of both Lahinch and Woodstock.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Margaret MacNamara (26.1) won the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at East Clare last week with 34 points. She won by two from Brid Hayes (18.5).

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

Brian Arthur (8) won the first golfer of the year stableford competition with 39 points

from Frank Melody (24) with a similar score. Edward Egan (14) was third with 38 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Woodstock junior boys defeated Dromoland in Woodstock in the Irish boys junior foursomes in two close matches.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

The ladies 18-hole stableford competition last week was won by Attracta Williams (33) with 44 points. She had one to spare over Geraldine O’Rourke (33) with third spot filled by Rose Sharkey (41), also with 43 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

The weekend singles stableford competition at Kilrush was won by Barry Coleman (14) with 32 points from Pat Mulcahy (16) with 30, Terry O’Hare (7) with 30 and David Abbott (9) with 29. Jean-Luc Bellevergue (12) and John Robinson (18) also had 29. GORT GOLF CLUB

Last weekend’s ladies competition at Gort was the annual subscription stakes outing which was an 18 hole stroke event. The winner was Bernadette Burke (45) with 70 from Shauna Burke (14) with 71 with third spot filled by Petra O Connor (17) with 72. The gross was won by Hannah McInerney(4).

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

COOGA, COROFIN, CO.CLARE

We, Inland Fisheries Ireland, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to (a) construct a new single storey extension to the front of the existing building, (b) modifications to the existing building, (c) construct a new detached boat shed, (d) modifications to the existing site entrance, (e) demolition of an existing shed and all associated site works at Cooga, Corofin, Co.Clare

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

30 CONNOLLY VILLAS, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Stephen Kelleher intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a single story extension to the rear of his dwelling and to create off street parking to the front of his dwelling 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

BALLINY NORTH, FANORE, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sarah McMahon intends 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 prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWNTEDAUN, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Elizabeth and Damien Mason intend to apply for permission to build a new dwelling and garage, 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 prescribed fee of €20.00, within the

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CORLEA BEG, FLAGMOUNT, CAHER, CO CLARE

Take notice that Nora Brady intends to apply for retention permission for the extension, renovation and site works carried out to the existing dwelling, and permission to complete the building works which will include changes to the existing fenestration, 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 prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SCARIFF, CO CLARE

Take notice that Michael Long Construction Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for planning permission to alter grant-

ed planning permission reference P19/415 by subdividing the two storey detached house into two apartments along with all associated works. The planning authority may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority”

Recent Deaths

Deane (née Sheehan), Aedeen Ennis

DOWNES (née Hehir), MARY Kilrush

Foley, Mikey Tulla

Hannon, Ben Ennis

Keenan, Isabella Shannon

Keenan, Isabella Ennistymon

Marrinan, Michael Ennistymon

McLoughlin (née Metcalfe), Joan Doolin

Meere, Willie Kildysart

Murphy (née Coughlan), Mary Kilfenora

Daniels (née Cronin), Mary Inagh

MacNamara, John Quin

Barry, Anthony Francis Xavier (Tony) Newmarket-on-Fergus

McMahon, Enid Ennis

Normoyle, Martin Clarecastle

Normoyle, Martin Ballynacally

CARROLL, Max Newmarket-on-Fergus

Malone, Gerry Ennis

WHITE (JNR.), James Tulla

MADIGAN, Tomjoe Kilmurry McMahon

MULQUEEN, PATRICK JOSEPH (JOE) Newmarket-on-Fergus

O’Connell, Frank (Francis) Lisdoonvarna

ANNIVERSARY

CATHY SEXTON

1ST ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Cathy, late of Church Street, Miltown Malbay, who died aged 60 on the 5th May 2023. A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and musician/singer. Loved and missed always by Pearse and our two boys, Fionn and Oisín. REST IN PEACE CATHY.

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication. AOB

The Clare Echo Quiz

FAMOUS FIGURES IN CLARE’S HISTORY

1

Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

Lord of the Shannon King of Munster High King of Ireland

2 Brian Boru was slain in 1014 at which battle?

Battle of the Boyne Battle of Clontarf Battle of Dysert O’ Dea

3 John Phillip Holland of Liscannor is know for his invention of? The Fling Dance of Clare The bodhrán The Submarine

4 Michael Cusack founded the GAA in which year? 1884 1886 1882

5 Eamon De Valera was elected for which Clare Constituency in 1919?

West Clare East Clare North Clare

6 The Clare election of 1828 was a turning point in which political figure’s career?

Daniel O’ Connell

Stuart Parnell

Michael Cusack

7 Clare Schoolmaster Peter O’ Connell is most noted for? His maps of the Burren region His Irish-English dictionary His poetry of 19th c. Ireland

8 Bishop Michael Harty created which Parish in 1967?

Scariff Shannon Kildysart

9 Sharon Shannon is renowned for her mastery of which instrument?

Accordion Fiddle Tin-Whistle

10 Harriet Smithson was a famous _ from Ennis?

Women’s Rights Activist Actress Novelist

Can you spot the 7 differences

Photo

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 2nd

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

Aldrin

Anders Bean

Borman Carr

Conrad

Cooper

Gagarin Gibson Glenn

Gordon

Irwin Leonov

Lovell Popov

Ride Scott

Shepard

Church song (4)

Enormous (8)

Fly south in winter (7)

Cabs (5)

Happen again (5)

Beast of burden (6)

Sustain (6)

Rupture (6)

North American country (6)

Artificial gems (5)

Join together (5)

U.S. state (7)

Bedtime drink (8)

Smart (4)

Titov White Young

Die (6)