The Clare Echo 02/06/22

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

JUN 2 2022

MICHAEL D SAYS ‘YOLO’

Dublin’s misfortune is Shannon’s opportunity PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

President Michael D. Higgins has urged the people of Clare to make the most of their lives while being praised for creating life-lasting memories as he honoured the Ennis volunteers.

Inspired by the work of volunteers with Samaritans and Ennis Tidy Towns during his visit to the county over the weekend, President Higgins was struck the coming together of people from different ages and backgrounds working towards a common goal.

“It is great to see the inter-generational quality to it and also the heritage. People working together of all ages across this, that is a great base for the thinking and the kind of shift we all want, it isn’t all heavy there is a joy in it all, God we’re only around once we should be able to enjoy it,” he told The Clare Echo.

Addressing President Higgins and his wife Sabina from St Flannan’s College on Saturday, Chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cormac McCarthy commented, “you have created memories that will last a lifetime and for that we are eternally grateful”.

Photo by John O’Neill

S

HANNON Airport has been given a golden opportunity to capitalise on Dublin Airport’s inability to carry out its primary function of facilitating flights.

Terminal buildings inside and outside Dublin Airport were thronged with queues on Sunday as over 1,000 passengers missed their flights. The scenes were likened to the fall of Saigon by Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND).

Ennis travel advisor, Gearoid Mannion told The Clare Echo, “It’s a poor reflection

on the organisation at Dublin Airport to be honest, there’s no doubt it’s an opportunity for us to capitalise for Shannon”. He added, “We have to grow the hinterland for Shannon, this is a great opportunity to do it. Dublin are shooting themselves in the foot, their misfortune is our opportunity”.

TD Cathal Crowe (FF) said the solution to Dublin’s ongoing problems lies with airports like Shannon. “Pre-Covid Dublin airport enjoyed a 86% dominance in terms of all inbound and outbound flights - the only other national airport to exceed this was Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. In that context, the Dutch government saw fit to devise a brand new aviation policy to cap the number of flights landing and taking off from Schiphol Airport”.

2

NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

TULLA MINDFULNESS CARDS GO NATIONAL

2-13

ENTERTAINMENT

14

GREEN PAGE

17

RECRUITMENT

19-21

SPORT

22-24

MUNSTER FINAL

25-42

CLASSIFIEDS

44-45

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

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie paraic@clareecho.ie news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@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

lMENTAL HEALTH: Students from St Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla recently celebrated the national launch of their pandemicinspired mental health project: ‘I-Can - Mind My Mental Health’. I-Can is a pocket-sized tin can which contains daily mindfulness and coping strategy activities on cards that young people can do on their own, with family members or in a group. It also comes with a QR Code which when scanned, brings you to a bank of further mindfulness resources and activities hosted on the Tusla website.

Pictured are Aisling Mulhall, Senior CFSN Coordinator with Tusla’s Clare PPFS with students Eoin Donnellan, Vivienne O Sullivan, Ella Donovan, Noah Doherty, Laura Nolan, Darragh Leamy, Dillon Gunning, Ava Kennelly and Eimer Culloo Photo by Arthur Ellis

Lahinch pubs saying no to stag parties PÁRAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

UBS in Lahinch have began to turn away stag and hen parties.

It follows an incident in the past fortnight where a member of staff was reportedly injured by a drunken member of one visiting party.

Subsequent to this, a group of Lahinch publicans including the owners of The Nineteenth Bar and Frawley’s made an agreement not to let stag and hen parties into their premises with signs displayed on the entrances over the weekend advising that such groups would not be granted entry.

“To be honest I’m happy that we are starting to shake off the party central image, it has been damaging the resort for years,” one business person in the locality told The Clare Echo.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC), Bill Slattery of the Lahinch Development Association outlined that a pact had been reached among certain vintners in the coastal town to deny entry to stag and hen parties.

Slattery appealed to the Chief Superintendent, Seán Colleran to organise for two Gardaí to be actively on the beat in Lahinch. “Since COVID, we’ve had a different element of young drinkers, whatever has happened, they have come out with a bang, it doesn’t look good for the village”.

“I’m pleading with you, we need two Gardaí on duty, I know the barracks is closed and ye are stretched with resources but is very wrong to have a state of the art station closed.

"If any anti-social behaviour is happening, they have to be taken by van to Kilrush, we have a state of the art holding cell not being utilised. I know ye are stretched with resources,” the former county councillor stated.

HomeGallery-EnnisMoveSale-CC-FPG.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2022 14:52 Page 1

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

WAREHOUSE SALE WE WANT TO SELL IT NOT MOVE IT!!

50% OFF

VENICE ANGLE SOFA WAS €1,995 NOW €1,295

CARRARA CORNER SOFA WAS €2495 NOW €1249

50% OFF

BEATRIX WAS €1265 NOW €635

BENNET 3 SEATER SOFA WAS €2,095 NOW €795

BILLIE SOFA AND 2 X CHAIRS WAS €2495 NOW €1795

BENNETT CORNER SOFA WAS €2,095 NOW €1,295

50%

50%

OFF

OFF

QUEEN ANN CHAIR WAS €995 NOW €495

STUDIO THREE SEATER SOFA WAS €999 NOW €499

CLEARANCE SALE NOW ON!!

CHLOE TUB CHAIR WAS €495 NOW €279

Kilrush Rd, Ennis Ph: 065 6797040

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9.30 - 6.00PM SUNDAY & BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 1PM - 5PM

3

4

NEWS

Dublin's misfortune is our opportunity

Politicians hosted by bookies

change or the destination not being available from other airports, he did run into some difficulties. Use of terminal two as opposed to terminal one, travelling later in the day rather than early morning were among the recommendations from Gearoid for passengers who had to use Dublin.

“It’s a poor reflection on the organisation at Dublin Airport to be honest, there’s no doubt it’s an opportunity for us to capitalise for Shannon Airport, all you have to do in Shannon is from your car and you have passed the check-in desk and security in minutes, there couldn’t be a greater contrast between the experiences,” Gearoid told The Clare Echo.

Management at Shannon Airport have secured new routes such as Corfu and Malta while also adding additional services to existing routes, he noted. “It greater flexibility to travel for nine to 11 days rather than a fortnight, it is hugely advantageous for people buying and selling holidays”.

Key to Shannon benefitting is the support of hinterland counties such as Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Offaly and the entire Midlands, he maintained. “We have to grow the hinterland for Shannon, this is a great opportunity to do it, Dublin are shoot-

CLARE’s two Fine Gael Oireachtas members were among the Government TDs and Senators to receive the VIP treatment hosted by the gambling industry at the Punchestown Festival, writes Páraic McMahon.

As first reported by The Irish Daily Mail, TDs and Senators were treated to a twocourse meal and free bar for final day of the Punchestown Festival on April 28th, courtesy of the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA). Representatives from a major gambling company were also in attendance.

Lobbying rules state that communications with a designated public official, such as a TD or senator, regarding proposed changes to legislation should be recorded on the register. However, the Punchestown event was not logged on the register.

Deputy Joe Carey (FG) and Senator Martin Conway (FG) were part of the group hosted by Sharon Byrne, chairperson of the IBA. The Gambling Regulation Bill was not discussed at the event. When contacted by The Clare Echo, Deputy Carey said he did not wish to comment on the matter. Senator Conway also declined to comment when speaking to The Clare Echo.

The Gambling Regulation Bill proposes to regulate the gambling industry for the first time and to establish a gambling regulator.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

UBLIN Airport’s inability to carry out its primary function of facilitating flights has once again opened the door for Shannon Airport to capitalise.

Over 1,000 passengers missed their flights at Dublin Airport on Sunday with lengthy tailbacks outside terminal buildings in what were scenes akin to Kabul Airport or the fall of Saigon according to Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND). Over 50,000 passengers were scheduled to depart on Sunday.

Forecasts for passenger levels have been inaccurate, daa's Media Relations Manager Graeme McQueen said while outlining that 5,000 job applications have been received since the delays over the weekend. Queuing issues first became apparent at Dublin two months ago.

Ennis based travel advisor, Gearoid Mannion received “a significant number of enquiries” from passengers attempting to change their flights from Dublin Airport as a result. Due to airlines not allowing a

ing themselves in the foot, their misfortune is our opportunity”.

Government need to introduce a cap on the proportion of flights airlines have going into Dublin, Deputy McNamara flagged.

“Dublin has a dominance in the market which it has used to squeeze Shannon, Cork and its competitors, that dominance needs to be tackled for the benefit of the State and aviation across the whole State," he added. daa Chief Executive Officer, Dalton Philips and members of his Executive Management Team met with Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan (GP) and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton (FG) and their officials on Tuesday morning. At the meeting, daa outlined plans to manage the passenger experience this June Bank Holiday weekend and into the busy summer holiday period.

A spokesperson for Dublin Airport said that passengers who missed flights can claim for any out-of-pocket expenses they subsequently had to pay. This will include any costs incurred in changing flights, any overnight accommodation needed if flights were missed, and related taxi or other transport costs to and from hotels. Officials from daa will seek receipts and evidence of flight bookings to substantiate claims.

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

CHARTING THEIR SUCCESS Jacqueline O’Brien DENTAL Providing dental care for the whole family New patients welcome Nervous or anxious dental patients welcome Emergency appointments available

119 O'Connell Street, Limerick City Centre 061 413263 - info@obdental.ie

www.obdental.ie

lA HARTY CELEBRATION: The St Josephs Secondary School Tulla Harty Cup winning Captain Ronan O'Connor with Juliet Coman (left), School Principal and Lorraine McInerney, Teacher, launching their book at the school on Wednesday evening

Photo by Arthur Ellis

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

President marks 40 years of listening

by Samaritans of Ennis and Clare PRESIDENT of Ireland Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to volunteers at Samaritans of Ennis and Clare as they celebrate 40 years of listening.

The President and his wife Sabina were welcomed to the branch on Kilrush Road Ennis on Saturday May 28th by current and past volunteers, including two active volunteers who have 79 years of volunteering between them.

Theresa Nagle is a founding member of the branch with 40 years of service, and Mary Griffin who has been a volunteer since 1983 with 39 years of service.

President Higgins spoke about his admiration of the work of the Samaritans in being there 24/7 for those in need.

On June 7th 1982 Samaritans of Ennis and Clare opened its doors to provide emotional support to those experiencing distress, despair or suicidal ideation. Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

The 120 volunteers in Ennis support the 24 hour freephone helpline 116 123, answering approximately 19,000 calls for help each year. They also respond to approximately 300 emails per year at jo@samaritans.ie. Face to face contact has been available at the Kilrush road although this has been suspended temporarily due to Covid-19.

Margaret MacMahon, Branch Director and volunteer in Ennis, said: “A visit by the President and Mrs Higgins to our branch was a wonderful acknowledgement of the work and vision of our founding members, the generosity of the people of Clare in supporting our existence, the compassion and selfless-

New Samaritan signs to raise awareness

l VISIT: President Higgins and his wife Sabina on their visit to Ennis at the weekend

ness of our volunteers and the fundamental value of caring for others” “Our 40th anniversary is particularly special to us as two of our earliest volunteers now approaching their 90th year will celebrate 40 and 39 years of volunteering respectively. While neither of these volunteers would expect any special recognition, they embody the commitment to caring for others which is at the heart of our service and which we wish to celebrate. A commitment which has continued to be fulfilled

throughout the pandemic.

“I want to thank all the Samaritans volunteers in Ennis who have supported people over the last 40 years, and especially those who have supported those in need during the last two years during the coronavirus pandemic.”

The branch is urging anyone who needs support to reach out for help, if not to family or friends to an organisation like Samaritans.

NEW signs with Samaritans contact details have been installed throughout Clare including at the premier tourist attraction, the Cliffs of Moher, which is visited by over 1.5 million people a year.

It’s hoped that the signs will increase awareness of the Samaritans and will lead to an increased level of engagement with the service.

Director of the Clare branch, Margaret MacMahon who has volunteered with the organisation for many years says the branch has invested in the new signs in an attempt to raise awareness among people who may be at risk.

“We feel it is important that we get our message out to the public and we are particularly grateful to the Cliffs of Moher for their assistance in this. The Samaritans vision is for a society where fewer people die by suicide. “ Signs have also been installed at waterways in Clare in consultation with Clare County Council.

A new initiative this year was the installation of Samaritan awareness signs at GAA clubs throughout Clare.

Volunteer with the Samaritans Ennis and Clare

C

AN you give some time to volunteer with Samaritans Ennis and Clare?

As a listening volunteer you get the chance to make a real difference to someone’s future.

What's it like being a Samaritan volunteer?

It’s always different and always interesting – no two conversations are the same.

It feels like a privilege to have people confiding in you.

You’re never on your own, and there’s a fun, supportive atmosphere in our branches.

You can offer support on the phone and by email You can take a break between conversations whenever you need to.

Spending a few hours helping other people can make you feel good about yourself.

How much time do I need to give?

Listening volunteers typically do one shift of about 3 hours a week - Our Ennis branch is open 7 days a week.

You don’t need to have been through a particular life experience or be from a certain walk of life. Anyone who wants to help others, is tolerant and open-minded is welcome to apply.

What you get out of being a volunteer; Above all you’ll have the incredible satisfaction of knowing you’re helping people who are in despair. In addition, you’ll learn valuable new skills, make new friendships, and be part of an amazing group of people.

If anyone would like to be a Samaritans volunteer, which is extremely rewarding, details are available at https://www. samaritans.org/ireland/support-us/volunteer/become-samaritans-listening-volunteer/

5

6

NEWS

Concern for refugee safety

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

N EMERGENCY response is needed to protect Ukrainian refugees in Lisdoonvarna amid growing road safety concerns.

Concern was raised at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) by Bill Slattery on traffic management in Lisdoonvarna particularly relating to the speed at which vehicles are travelling between Benn’s Cross and the Hydro Hotel. The road is also used by buses go-

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

ing to the Cliffs of Moher.

He appealed for an extra speed check to be introduced at the location. The representative of the Lahinch Development Association flagged that this road plus the route from Doolin Cross to Tom Cosgrave’s house on Upper Rd is now being used by Ukrainian refugees. “The refugees are not familiar with the roads, women are walking the road with their children on a tricycle and teenagers coming after them with donated bicycles, people are afraid that someone will get hurt or killed, can more speed checks be done on

those roads to avoid a tragedy happening”.

Superintendent John Ryan said that hivis vest were provided to the refugees but flagged that the absence of footpaths and streetlights in the areas mentioned were an issue. He stated that the matter could be raised with the Chief Superintendent in the National Traffic Bureau to look at reducing the speed limit from 80km/h and suggested a multi-agency approach was the best option, “It is quite dark coming out of Lisdoonvarna, it is an issue, we will certainly broach it and get traffic corps out there”.

Slattery highlighted that the concerns also exist during the day when the refugees

are wearing their hi-vis vest. He requested that Clare County Council engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to bring in “emergency legislation while there is an influx of refugees in Lisdoonvarna” and noted such an approach is necessary as the last speed review took three years to complete.

Officials in the West Clare Municipal District will this week be asked to complete a risk assessment, Director of Service, Leonard Cleary confirmed. “We will see if interim measures can be put in place. Pedestrian safety of our Ukrainian guests is very important to us, it is a large increasing population,” he added.

lDANGEROUS ROAD: The Hydro Hotel

Your dreams start

A

PERFECT home involves a number of aspects, furniture is one of them. Our furniture takes up the majority of space and helps make our homes feel welcome and complete so it is important that we select pieces that fit our budget, space and needs. Home Trends is located on Parnell Street, a great shopping destination in the heart of Ennis town. The spacious shop stocks everything from 3-piece suites, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture flooring, rugs, beds, mattresses, consoles to smaller items like lockers. There is also a range of accessories such as pictures, lamps, mirrors and cushions. The store has developed a reputation for providing quality pieces at affordable prices and making a purchase in store means that the new addition will not only complement but, in many cases, transform your home for the better and stand the test of time.

The main ethos behind Home Trends is to support as many Irish manufacturers as possible and therefore secure Irish jobs. One of their main suppliers is Aurora Bedding based in Cavan who provide top quality mat-

tresses and beds throughout Ireland. Home Trends are currently offering their customers fantastic value on all stock right across the store. All size mattresses, divans, bedframes and bedroom furniture are on SALE with up to 50% OFF. If you are looking for a particular size mattress or headboard the store can also accommodate you. The 4’ & 4’6 stylish Chelsea deep panel headboard & base with chrome legs will compliment any room NOW ONLY €279, HALF PRICE. 3ft Single Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattresses NOW ONLY €99, 4’6 Double Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattress NOW ONLY €179.

If you are looking for a higher quality and more luxurious mattress, the 4’6 Royal Coil Pillow Top mattress is a great choice. It features a 5 zoned pocket sprung support system providing excellent support for spine, lower back and hip alignment, retailing at just €499, HALF PRICE with all sizes available. Love a firm Mattress, Home Trends’ very own back master Mattress is one of the leading Orthopaedic mattresses on the market. It provides exceptional support and spreads the body weight evenly to prevent the build-up of pressure points particularly

Here…

in neck, back and hips with prices starting from only €249.

This Irish handmade Errigal range is everybody’s favourite in store and customers come from near and far to get their handmade suites and armchairs. At the moment you can avail of a 25% discount from this range. Home Trend’s offer an invaluable service, whereby your three-piece suite, corner or armchair can be designed to your specific measurements. These stylish pieces are made in Co Monaghan by Martin McKenna and his team. These well established and trusted names have supplied sofas throughout Ireland for decades. They continue to offer affordable top-quality products in reasonably short lead times and give the customer the flexibility to choose their own colour and fabric. Also available in store are the elegant Patchwork armchairs, also made in Ireland. They are a unique piece of furniture and are extremely popular with our customers as no two are the same. They will transform or enhance any room and prices start from €699, saving you €500 in our Sale.

On the second floor there is a fantastic selection of rugs, dining room furniture,

wood flooring, sliding wardrobes, bunk beds, and occasional pieces. A must see is the stunning Shauna 3+2 sofa now retailing at €1,299, HALF PRICE and available for immediate delivery.

The experienced staff at Home Trends will ensure you have a very positive shopping experience and will go the extra mile to ensure your needs and requirements are catered for.

The Delivery Team do nationwide delivery.

They will take away your old piece of furniture or mattress for a nominal fee and all packaging will be recycled free of charge.

Also, for the customer who is unable to come into our store, Home Trends have an ecommerce website they launched earlier in the year so the customer can browse and buy online from the comfort of their home / www.hometrendsfurniture.ie

Sale must end soon. Home Trends Parnell Street, Ennis, Open Bank Holiday Monday 12:30pm-5:30pm. Call (065)6797853 / website address - www.hometrendsfurniture.ie or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

NEWS

7

8

NEWS

Scariff Community College need €400k for Astro-Turf

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

S lDEVELOPMENT: Sarah Lavin fresh from winning European Gold at the Iberoamericano meeting in Spain last showing her support for the fundraiser alongside Noelle Morrissey (coach), Scariff students Mary Ann Murray and Oisin Hayes with deputy principal Angela Russell

CARIFF Community College have launched fundraising plans to raise €400,000 to build a multi-purpose astro-turf sports facility.

Planning permission for the facility was granted by Clare County Council in April 2021, to date approximately 40 percent of the finance needed to carry out the works has been raised. Funds secured to date include the Christmas Draw which brought in €18,790, a Sports Capital Programme Grant to the tune of €133,268 while Limerick and Clare ETB have committed to matching 10 per cent of the grant.

On Tuesday night, the school officially launched its new fundraising drive. Donations from the public ranging from €50 to €500 will be accepted while business sponsorships have also been offered varying from €250 to €25,000.

Development of the astro-turf includes a 80x40m playing pitch and a four lane athletics track, both of

which will be floodlit.

410 students are currently enrolled at Scariff Community College. Principal of the co-education post-primary school, Angela McNamara explained, “Despite our large school site, we are limited in terms of usable outdoor space for sport and physical recreation with our pitch areas being unplayable for much of the school year”.

This has led the drive to build an astro-turf on school grounds which staff are confident will enhance the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

PE teacher, Sinead Mortell outlined, “The need for development of our outdoor facilities has been foremost on our mind for many years”.

A committee member of Clare Water Safety, Sinead added, “We feel the students here deserve the very best of facilities, although we’ve had many sporting successes over the years, we feel an all-weather astro turf will be a fantastic benefit to our students”.

Fellow PE teacher, Geraldine O’Brien said that the need for the ad-

ditional space is very clear when the sports hall has been used for other school and community events. “The new emphasis on wellbeing for junior cycle and the need to provide senior cycle PE classes for all students means these facilities are now a necessity and not a luxury,” she stated.

Retired principal of Scariiff Community College, John S. Kelly was hopeful additional facilities would strengthen the school’s standing.

“Having enjoyed over thirty years as principal of Scariff Community College, I have witnessed first hand this school’s rich sporting history and tradition”.

“This facility will support the health and well-being of our whole community, as someone who is enjoying retirement I and my friends look forward to staying well and healthy and active while using this multi-purpose facility,” Lortetta Brody of Scariff Active Ageing Group commented.

For information on how to donate towards the development, visit scariffcommunitycollege.ie

Weddings tailored to you at the Bellbridge

lThe Bellbridge House Hotel THE Bellbridge House Hotel, prides themselves in the ability to tailor and adjust their wedding packages to suit the individual needs of every wedding couple.

Overlooking the ocean at Spanish Point the hotel offers an enviable location for those seeking to find the perfect wedding venue. As their saying goes “nothing is overlooked except the sea”.

Family owned and operated the team at the Bellbridge House Hotel are dedicated to extending a warm welcome and high standard of service to all their guests.

Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships can also be held; onsite at the Bellbridge House Hotel. Following the ceremony their

elegant Crystal Suite can cater for up to 200 wedding guests, whilst their more intimate suites can host wedding parties for those wishing to have a smaller number of guests in attendance on the day.

To find out what they can do to make your wedding day a special and memorable occasion; why not contact the team today.

Simply ask for David McManus or John O’Sullivan and let them guide you through their wedding offerings and devote time to providing you with a wedding show-around at a time and date suited to you.

www.bellbridgehotelclare.com Telephone: 065 7084038

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

NEWS

9

NEWS

'We're only around once, we need to enjoy life' 10

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

V

paraic@clareecho.ie

OLUNTEERISM is the model to follow for a more fulfilled and enriched life, President Michael D. Higgins has said.

President Higgins and his wife Sabina were in Co Clare on Saturday visiting the Samaritans branch on the Kilrush Rd as they celebrated their 40th anniversary and also unveiling a plaque to honour Ennis Tidy Towns on its recognition as Ireland’s tidiest town.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the past pupil of Ballycar NS and St Flannan’s College was in jovial form recalling his youth spent in the Banner County. He admitted that his love of animals and dogs’ dates back to his time living in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Importance of volunteerism was stressed by the President. “The Tidy Towns is inter-generational, there may have been dedicated people more interested in the environment who got it going but they have been replaced over the years and the great thing is the younger people know about science and they know how this impacts our lives, it is great to see the inter-generational quality to it and also the heritage.

"People working together of all ages across this, that is a great base for the thinking and the kind of shift we all want, it isn’t all heavy there is a joy in it all, God we’re only around once we should be able to enjoy it. There is something sensory which is very important”.

Of his time at St Flannan’s College, President Higgins remarked, “The big aim they had was winning the Harty Cup in hurling, every Wednesday afternoon whatever your state of health you had to go out, it was compulsory hurling as well as Irish, I did all the subjects through Irish, Greek was perhaps my favourite, winning the Harty Cup and the gold medal in Greek was the big aim in life.

"When the inter-colleges games were coming up, they had a great belief in glucose, they would lash the glucose into the porridge, this was supposed to create strength, I’m not sure it worked always but it was very well meant. I was a dayboy for the final three years, they felt their reliance on the gold medal was suddenly at risk because they would pick four or five people at the inter-cert that were likely contenders, the fact they had someone cycling in and out

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

from Newmarket-on-Fergus who was playing handball was taking a great risk with the medal”.

His affection for Newmarket is still evident while memories of cycling up Dromoland Hill by the Turret rival the arduous training undertaken by Michael Arthur, a member of the Blues side Michael D. had great affection for and it’s why during his address on Saturday he namechecked Jim ‘Puddin’ Cullinan, Liam Danagher and Paddy McNamara.

For his own sporting career, Michael D. was more often found in the handball alley with a humbling encounter with Tuamgraney born world champion, Pat Kirby still fresh in the memory.

“I was drawn against Pat Kirby in the Gael Linn Championship in the first round in Newmarket-on-Fergus in my home alley, it was half an hour of torture and humiliation but I did to my recollection break his service once.

"He went onto the United States where he became a world champion. Sean Fawl and I represented Newmarket, we went to Tuamgraney in the county championships but I don’t claim to have any real skills at all. When you go into America and you have the roof, the side-walls, if the fitness was going you could last a bit longer”.

Handball was more than just a sport for him, the former Minister for Arts revealed. “One of the things that was hard between the period from 1955 to 1960, I think I was nine years old, I needed the company, I played the handball for the company and for friends, I needed to be going in to meet people. !Why is it that I’m here at 81 years of age and I mention names like Puddin Cullinan, Liam Danagher or Paddy McNamara, it was very important to me and it’s why I’m in favour of the Samaritans, there’s a great loneliness, in fact there’s an epidemic of loneliness I often feel and it particularly strikes many young people.

"Having been able to be in company with people who respect each other, we’re not all required to be the same but not everyone is going to win a county medal, these things are very important.

"I remember the very first time I went to Croke Park when I was in Newmarket-on-Fergus, we got permission and hired a car, the Collins’ and Donie McMahon, Donie was probably my closest friend in Newmarket during that period. That’s why the friendship and the company is very important”.

lPRESIDENTIAL VISIT: (clockwise from above)President Higgins is introduced to a young admirer by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG); Margaret O’Rourke in conversation with President Higgins; Gerard McInerney and Kayla Rietveld present Sabina Higgins with a bouquet of flowers made from recycled materials; President Higgins shows off the new Tidy Towns plaque Photos by John O'Neill

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

Cruinniú na nÓg

Clare Saturday 11th June

Free Events for Children & Young People

Local Events include

Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world with a national day of free creativity for young people.

Join Laura Lahdensuo and TechSteps in Shannon Library for this workshop on how to create a video game using simple coding techniques. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/clare

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme.

Create and Publish Your Own Video Game

Foraging & Nature Connection Walk Come along on a wild walk! Join Oonagh O’Dwyer of the Wild Kitchen to explore the wonderful biodiversity of the area, while learning how to identify seasonal wild food and make naturebased utensils. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/clare

Flutterby 2 500+ free events cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie #CreativeIreland

Make, walk, and watch! This engaging event from Fidget Feet circus company includes hands-on arts and crafts and an aweinspiring butterfly hunt, all leading up to a performance of their “Flutterby 2” street show. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/clare

National Events include Garageland Galaxyz Showcasing Ireland’s young musicians like never before, Garageland Galaxyz will feature hundreds of artists on eight live stages all across Ireland, with special guests, workshops, and a huge online multicast. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie

ISACS Circus Explored Ever dreamed of running away with the circus? You don’t have to! You can master the art of juggling from home with this fun programme presented by Ireland’s youth circus artists. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie

Nenagh Children’s Film Festival Get inspired at the Nenagh Children’s Film Festival! With in-person and online events, the festival will showcase films and animations created by children from across Ireland and around the globe. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie

Cruinniú na nÓg is a partnership of

11

12

COLUMNIST

Exam prayers

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

A

college professor handed out an exam that had 20 difficult questions. The instructions said to read the entire exam before beginning to write. Most students, seeing the number of questions, despaired of answering them all in the time allotted.

They ignored the instructions and started right in on the first question. A few students wrote nothing at all. They just looked at the paper for a while, and then stared glumly into space as though they were trying to remember something.

One student completed the exam in a matter of minutes, submitted the paper, and walked out of the room, smiling. The others looked up for a moment, incredulous, then returned to their scribbling.

That student was the only one who passed. That student was the only one who followed the instructions fully, reading through all 20 questions before reaching the final one. The final question went like this: “Congratulations! You have followed the instructions perfectly. There is no need to answer any of the other 19 questions.

Just answer this one. This question is very simple, and it is the only one that counts. Write the name of the janitor who cleans this classroom.”

Exam Time

I have a daughter doing her Junior Cert. I remember well the stress and tension, the constant reminders from teachers that ‘these are the most important exams you’ll ever take’ and the feeling that you are going to do nothing but spend the next two or three weeks of your life getting the right answers down on paper to the questions you have been asked to answer on the examinations leaflet.

But in doing these exams whether it is your Junior Cert or Leaving Cert and which is a time of stress and tension for you and your parents, I want you to hear some positive messages that are not based upon whether you have achieved A’s, B’s or C’s or whatever

in your exams.

This isn’t about taking away from the importance of exams, or going against what your teachers are saying! These exams are very important, revision and study is vital, but what I’m trying to say is that there is more to life than just these exams, although you might not see that now as it is hard to see the wood from the trees when you are in the middle of the forest.

My good and great friend’s Dick and David have mentioned this in our weekly conversations to me at various times about this journey through life.

Firstly, before you take your exams each morning, remember this simple fact, you are a truly amazing, unique and genuine young person and you are so loved and adored by your family and friends no matter what may befall you. They adore you in all respects and no doubt you love and adore them too.

You have great gifts, savvy, skills, intelligence, knowledge, flair, know-how, talents and abilities that are unique just to you and only you.

You have something to offer our community, our city, our county, our country and our world, something that cannot be taken away, or added to, by these exams. Please always remember that. Your worth, your value, your youth, your personhood, your life in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the people who love you and adore you is not affected by your performance over these next few weeks. He and we and your loved ones already think you are amazing and one of a kind. Also please don’t give up on your faith or whatever and wherever it is that you connect with God, please don’t give up on it.

Right now, in this intense period of your life you need God more than ever, and you need the support of those around you, especially your family, your friends and your community, to pray for you, to light a candle for you, to offer up a petition for you and to support you.

I promise you that they are already doing those things

in their own unique ways because they love and care for you so much.

You also need times of fun, times of laughter, times of complete relaxation to not only enjoy yourself but also to help your brain process what you’ve been revising and also helping it to rest and to get you ready for the next upcoming exam. It is natural to pray before difficult situations, and many people have found comfort in prayer before an exam or test.

Thought for the week

Parents, Grandparents, loved ones and friends say this prayer written by Bill Turnball each morning for your loved one before they head off to the exams hall as my Nana Scully use to say for me - ‘Dear Lord, You have given wisdom to those who seek knowledge and you have blessed us with strong, healthy minds that hunger to learn. Bless my children this day, and this week, as they see the fruits of their labours culminate in the writing of exams that are designed to test their knowledge.

I pray that you would guide them to study those areas most important.

Help them to discern wisely what time they spend on each subject and when it is necessary to put the books away and just rest. I pray that as they sit at their desks, with pen in hand, that you would give them pause to breathe, to concentrate and to recall all that they have learned.

Help them to not be flustered or panicked. Give them sharp minds and clear focus. Sharpen their memories and give them the right words to lay out on that paper to answer the questions before them. I pray that you would bless the work of their minds over this past year and that all of their late nights, long projects, marathon reading and difficult questioning would not be in vain but that you would multiply what they already know into good marks for solid effort. Give them peace about finishing and handing in their completed exams , knowing that they did what they were asked to the best of their abilities.

And help them to shake off any concerns or worry so they can focus on the next.

Amen’.

Eoin Neylon

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Profiteering needs to stop

I

T’S safe to say that failure to prepare for the mass societal opening post Covid, disruption to the supply line because of the ongoing lockdowns in China, and Russia’s war in Ukraine are all major factors in the cost-of-living crisis that has hit large portions of the globe in recent months.

Few could have predicted this exact set of circumstances all hitting at once in the manner they did, but now that we are here, there is far too much ducking, diving and dodging going on from all and sundry in positions of authority.

Government have enacted far too few measures to mitigate the vast external pressures driving inflation in our economy, but likewise, the opposition merely like to castigate without offering tangible solutions of their own, favouring political point scoring and acting like it’s a uniquely Irish phenomenon instead.

Neither is helpful.

What is also entirely unhelpful is the undoubted profiteering and price gazumping that is going on within our economy too.

Yes, there are a multitude of external pressures, but there is a large share of greed coming in to play too in all aspects of our economy.

We do live in an economy that is driven by supply and demand, and this is very evident in our tourism sector as of late, most notably in Irish hotel prices.

Recently, I was aiming to bring a sports team from Dublin down to Clare for an end of season friendly game and night out.

Despite beginning the search weeks in advance, there simply was not affordable accommodation of any type to house the full panel of players on any of

three weekends tried.

Fair enough, I thought, some hotels are occupied with the worthy cause of housing refugees, and a sports team having a post season weekend away can wait.

So, I decided to look at prices for the June Bank Holiday weekend.

To my surprise a room for two for two nights in the greater Ennis area starts at €268 and rises rapidly from there to €440 up to 30 minutes’ drive from the town.

B&B options only start at €88 a night.

The kicker? These are the current prices for the June Bank Holiday NEXT YEAR. A full year out and prices are already ridiculously expensive.

Similarly, prices around the Ennis Book Festival next March already range from just under €200, to a mouth wateringly expensive €621 for a two night stay for two in Ennis town hotels.

Shannon and hotels on the west coast are no better.

All prices were according to Booking.com, sourced earlier this week.

All this really does leave a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth.

After two years of intermittent lockdowns, it seems that hotels all over the country are keen to make up for lost revenue and with demand far outstripping supply, they can name their price.

The knock-on effect, however, will be a lack of return business in the medium to long term as the term “Rip off Republic” comes back to the fore.

These businesses got huge supports from Government subsidies and reduced taxation, and from the public showing great solidarity and choosing to

holiday at home as soon as Covid restrictions allowed.

That solidarity evidently isn’t a two-way stream and although costs of running their businesses have increased, there is no way to justify the scale of the price increases we’re seeing.

It’s certainly not down to inflated wages anyway, as a cursory glance of job advertisements online would suggest. Of those that do advertise any wages, being the minority of cases, the typical pay rate is between €10.50 and €12 an hour.

When you consider the Irish Living Wage in 2022 is estimated at €12.90 an hour for a full-time role, you can see why some of these positions might struggle to attract many candidates outside of students looking for part-time work.

After a stressful couple of years, these businesses do need to undo the financial damage they suffered and to keep themselves viable.

They are businesses after all, not charities.

But there is a limit to everything and naked profiteering during a shortage of supply to this extent, on the back of the taxpayer having effectively bailed out your business, is going to breed contempt.

There are many other businesses which are dependent on people coming to stay in these hotels and guesthouses, be they pubs, shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions.

If word gets out that there is no value for money in Clare hotels, we will all suffer as a result.

It’s time for the hotel industry in Ireland to decide if short term profits are worth long term economic effects not just to them, but the communities they’re located in.

Otherwise Government will simply have to act.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Illaunmanagh rejig Boreen not fully to be carried out pedestrianised

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

INTERIM improvements are to be carried out at the entrance to Illaunmanagh Graveyard while a decision is made on a proposal for Active Travel funding.

An update of the existing entrance to Illaunmanagh Graveyard was requested by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).

“The increased volume of traffic entering and exiting the public facilities is having an impact on safety concerns due in some parts to limited sight lines at the entrance,” he flagged.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett confirmed

that a design proposal for Active Travel funding has been submitted to cover footpath upgrades at the location.

“The sight distance’s as you emerge from the graveyard road will be included in these works.

“An interim improvement will be carried out in the meantime”.

Speaking at the May meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Flynn referenced the level of traffic in the vicinity with the crematorium, sporting facilities and walkways.

“There’s a hell of a lot of people accessing this way,” he noted.

He was pleased the appeal “got a bit of traction this time” having previously raised the matter on a number of occasions.

“There is a lot of movement especially with the crematorium, the entrance to the graveyard and sports field, that entrance needs to be rejigged, it was never designed for traffic,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) commented.

lROAD SAFETY: The Boreen or Slí na Mara as it is also known

O

by PÁRAIC McMAHON FFICIALS in the Shannon Municipal District are to begin the process of declassifying the Boreen in Shannon.

Predominantly used by walkers and cyclists, the Boreen or Slí na Mara as it is also known had its status as a pedestrian route reinforced in the Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan 2013.

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett said its office would now

begin collaborating with colleagues in the transportation department of Clare County Council to “begin the process of declassifying this road”.

He explained that Section 12 of the Roads Act 1993 can be used to abandon a public road without affecting the public right of way over the road, “there is a requirement to allow for objections and submissions as part of this process”.

A proposal had been lodged by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) asking that the Boreen be designated

Photo by Joe Buckley

for pedestrian and cycle use only with exception for emergency or official vehicles. “I didn’t realise Slí na Mara or Boreen as it is known wasn’t fully pedestrianised,” she admitted at the May meeting of the Shannon MD. Using the road in case of emergencies is important, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented when seconding the motion. He acknowledged the “sensible” response from the senior engineer. “From a safety point of view, some houses are located in the area that the fire services would need access via the road”.

14

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

Burren Slow Food Festival makes welcome return

H

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

UNDREDS of people gathered at the Pavilion theatre in Lisdoonvarna last weekend to mark the return of the Burren Slow Food Festival returned after a gap of three years with confidence expressed that the area can benefit from the GEOfood banner.

Organised by Slow Food Clare, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and the Burren Ecotourism Network, the event has been a highlight of the Irish food calendar since 2005, regularly attracting high profile chefs and speakers.

As well as food tastings, cookery demonstrations, and a Burren producers’ market, this year’s event included a seafood buffet in Inis Oir and a Burren slow food buffet at the Storehouse in Lisdoonvarna. The event was sponsored by Calor Gas Ireland and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Food producers from the Burren Ecotourism Network took to the Calor Gas Kitchen for a variety of food tastings and demonstrations on the Saturday. These included Burren Smokehouse, Burren Gold, Burren Free Range Pork, Burren Beef, St Tola Irish Goat Cheese, Linalla Ice Cream, Burren Fine Wine and Food, Flaggy Shore Oysters and

lDEMONSTRATION: John McKenna from McKenna Guides and Eva Hegarty from Burren Free Range Pork

Wild Kitchen.

Cookery demonstrations by chef Jess Murphy of Kai restaurant and local chef Niamh Fox paid tribute to Ukraine with a showcase of Ukrainian food.

One of the highlights of the event was the launch of GEOfood in Ireland, by Sara Gentilini, who developed the concept of GEOfood at the MAGMA UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway. Speaking via video link

from Norway, Sara explained that GEOfood is a global brand that promotes local food produced in UNESCO Global Geoparks and aims to connect people with the local traditions, geology and heritage of the place through local food.

Nine producers in the Burren meet the GEOfood brand values, Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark confirmed. “The plan is to build on these to create a wide network of producers, local restaurants and retail outlets providing sustainably produced food from our unique Geopark,” she added.

Birgitta Curtin of the Burren Smokehouse and Slow Food Clare noted that the festival featured several members of the Burren Ecotourism Network “and has given us all a platform to showcase our food to the public”.

Acting Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, Deirdre O’Shea believed there was huge potential for GEOfood in the Burren and indeed in Ireland.

“GEOfood reminds me of the Wild Atlantic way, all marketed together under one banner. I am confident that with the support of everyone in the region and with an appropriate and effective marketing strategy, we can and will deliver significant benefits to the local tourism sector and visitor alike and I look forward to playing my role in all of this”.

Mural brings a blast of colour to Clonmoney NS CLONMONEY NS has received a BLAST with the addition of a new mural to its play area, writes Páraic McMahon.

As part of the Department of Education’s 2022 Arts-in-Education BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) Residency Programme, up to 425 new Arts-in-Education residencies in schools each year have been enabled.

The aim of this scheme is to give students in schools all over the country the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects to be planned and developed between the artist, the teacher and the school under the co-ordination of the Education Support Centres Ireland ESCI network of 21 full-time education centres.

Through the BLAST project, Clonmoney NS applied for an artist to help us paint a mural on a wall in their school.

Funded by the Clare Education Centre, the students had the opportunity of working with Rachel McManus.

Sixth class pupils in consultation with Rachel and their teacher, Marion Crimmins decided to paint a mural on a wall in the infant yard to bring colour to the area.

Initial sessions in February were spent planning the mural with ideas floated about for the design.

Drawing commenced hereafter with a period of weeks spent outlining and painting the mural.

Sixth class pupils Ailish, Margaret, Eilís, Ali and Sophie reflected, “It took a while but eventually the mural started to take shape. We had a few challenges height wise but eventually we secured scaffolding thanks to Flan O Neill with the help of James Moroney and Mikey Jones.

“Finally the mural was finished and it looked great. We really enjoyed the experience. It was fun to

get out every day and paint and it was amazing to see the mural de-

velop and reach completion. We loved every single minute of it. It

now brings a smile to all our faces and lifts our spirits every day”.

lPROJECT: Artist Rachel McManus with sixth class pupils and their teacher, Marion Crimmins

Photo by Joe Buckley

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

NEWS

15

16

COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

MARINATED BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS

Curragh Club celebrate 10 years on the water lROW YOUR BOAT: Maeve Shanahan, Susan Hogan-Meaney and Rian Tully enjoy a tour of Gortaglass lake at Kildysart Curragh Club's anniversary celebration

K

by ELAINE TUBRIDY

Kearney Cooks

I

T’S bbq season baby. That’s right, the sun is out, the smell of cut grass is in the air, Clare are flying in the hurling and you finally get to do some outdoor cooking.

Burgers and sausages are a staple in most houses, but down my way I like to do a few different things on the bbq such as chicken thighs, pork belly, polish kielbasa and anything at all that I can put on a skewer.

I was making bbq honey mustard chicken skewers for the family this week so I thought I would share the recipe here as well.

It’s very handy to do and most of it can be done the night before the bbq. It’s also a very safe recipe for a crowd as most people like a bit of chicken, and this recipe can really pack a flavour punch.

I will fire the instructional video up onto my Instagram @kearneycooks at the weekend if you fancy having a look Anyways, enough of my nonsense, onto the recipe.

YOU WILL NEED • 1 chicken breast per person For the marinade: • 1 chopped onion • 4 crushed garlic cloves • 50g cherry tomatoes • 100ml chicken stock • 100 ml bbq sauce • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard • 1 tsp soy sauce • 50 ml honey

• • •

1 tsp of smoked paprika 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper

Step One Fry off your onions, garlic and tomato in a little oil until they soften. Then bung all the rest of the marinade ingredients into the pot and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for three minutes. Next blitz everything up in a blender or with a stick blender. Split the sauce in two and allow to cool. Put one half of the sauce in the fridge for when you need it.

Step Two Cut your chicken into cubes and throw them into a Ziploc bag with the other half of the sauce. Allow to marinade for a couple of hours in the fridge (or overnight if possible). When the chicken is done marinating thread the chunks through a skewer.

Step Three Have your barbie at a medium to high heat. Place your skewers on the grill and turn them every few minutes. Between 12 to 15 minutes should cook them but make sure to check they are cooked through before serving. Over 75 degrees internal temperature means your chook is cooked.

Step Four Serve up those bad boys with your favourite sides, the other half of the honey mustard bbq sauce to use as a dip and a nice cold one.

Enjoy

Steve K

ILDYSART Currach Club celebrated their 10 year anniversary at Gortaglass lake over the weekend with an abundance of food, music, craic and even some rowing.

The lake was a hive of activity, with SUPs, kayaks and Kildysart Currach Club’s fleet bringing its many guests out for a tour of the lake.

It all started in autumn 2010, when a group of friends from Kildysart stumbled across boat builder James Madigan displaying one of his latest builds, a West Clare Currach. The friends got talking to James and decided that they too would like to turn their hands to boat building. So over the winter of 2010/11, two West Clare Currachs were built by friends Pat Casey, Fintan Guinnane, Frank Ranalow, Donal Moloney, Terrence Corry, Peter Ranalow and

Noel Sheehan, all under the able tutelage of James Madigan.

The two boats were launched the following spring. In order to make use of the new community asset it was decided to form a club, and so in the summer of 2011 Kildysart Currach Club was formed by Pat Casey, Frank Ranalow, Fintan Guinnane and Peter Ranalow.

"Since then, the club has gone on to great success. It has increased its numbers substantially and its fleet now stands at six boats. In the summer in Kildysart you will often see Currachs going between Gortglass lake and the Shannon Estuary. The club has competed regularly at regattas around the country and has entered the prestigious ocean to city endurance race in Cork on a number of occasions," said a club spokesperson.

Anyone interested in trying out rowing can contact Kildysart Currach Club on Facebook and Instagram.

O'Neill Industrial raise €2,345 for homeless

by PÁRAIC McMAHON THE O’Neill Industrial 2nd Annual Charity Cycle in aid Mid West Simon Community homeless services was held on the 23rd April in Ardnacrusha and covered 80k in total outbound to Mountshannon via Broadford with the return leg via Killaloe.

A total of €2,345 was raised from the 75 cyclists partaking in the Cycle as well as a bucket collection which was run by volunteers on the day.

Michael O’Neill, Sales Director at O’Neill Industrial said ‘We hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did hosting it and we look forward to seeing even more people taking part in and raising much needed funds for Mid West Simon homeless services in 2023. We will be accepting more entrants next year. So keep an eye out for next years Charity Cycle which we hope to hold in April again.

Maura McMahon, Events & Donor Relationship Manager, Mid West Simon Community said “We are thrilled that O’Neill Industrial selected Mid West Simon Community as their charity of choice for their 2nd Annual Charity Cycle. We would like

l CHARITY CYCLE: Michael O'Neill, Maura McMahon and Michael O'Neill

to thank Michael and all the team at O’Neill Industrial as well as all the cyclists and volunteers, making the Cycle a huge success."

You can donate online at www.midwestsimon.ie/donate or over the phone on 061608980.

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

GREEN CLARE

Food waste can become useful resource in bio-economy STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE people of Clare are being encouraged to recycle their food waste.

National Food Waste Recycling Week which runs from the 30th May until the 6th June 2022 is a new national campaign from MyWaste.ie.

A previous study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that approximately 50% of household organic waste was being disposed of in the wrong bins. By segregating food waste correctly, it can be transformed into renewable energy and bio-fertilisers for horticulture and agricultural use.

Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy said: “National Food Waste Recycling Week is a wonderful opportunity to create awareness of how important it is that we recycle our food waste, so that it can be put to further crucial use as fuel and bio-fertiliser for example.

Food waste is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, adding to climate change. The best

way to address this is to try to cut down on food waste in the first place. But it is inevitable that there will almost always be food matter left over in homes and businesses so recycling it means that it does not just go to landfills, it becomes a useful resource instead, contributing positively to the growth of Ireland’s bio-economy.”

The campaign is based on research into why there may be some barriers to recycling food waste and will provide useful tips and advice on how people can start to recycle more of their food waste, thereby increasing understanding and awareness of the role that people can play in Ireland’s broader circular and green economy.

It is being managed by Ireland’s three regional waste management planning offices. The campaign is funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Throughout the week, events will be held nationwide, supported by local authorities, the Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland (Cré) and the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA).

One of the highlight events will be an exhibition at this year’s Bloom Festival, which takes place

l Studies have shown that up to half or organic household ends up in the wrong bin

over the extended June Bank Holiday weekend.

The National Food Waste Recycling Week Exhibition tent hosted

by My Waste.ie will give people the chance to see first-hand how food waste recycling works, with a number of interactive exhibits.

Experts will be on hand to demonstrate how easily food can be recycled and to answer questions people might have. Special guests include: Anja Murray, ecologist and presenter of RTE’s Eco Eye; Marie Staunton, Gardener and Conor Spacey, Culinary Director @FoodSpace who is also involved

in the Chefs Manifesto working towards Strategic Development Goal 2 (Sustainable Solutions to End Hunger) with the UN and World Food Programme.

Pauline McDonogh, Waste Prevention Coordinator, Southern Waste Region said: “We would like to thank the people that are currently recycling their food waste.

We hope this new national campaign will encourage more people to recycle food waste.

“We have undertaken research into the barriers against food waste recycling and these learnings have underpinned this campaign. By

providing practical tools and understanding we want to show people what can be put into their food waste recycling bin, the importance of separating waste food from its packaging, and the reasons why doing so is good for the Irish environment.” she continued.

People are encouraged to check locally for information on one of the many events happenings nationwide and receive one of 15,000 food waste caddies, each with a starter pack of caddy liners and an information leaflet which are being distributed throughout the week-long campaign.

18

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY NOTES GAA PLAYERS NEEDED FOR SERIES LÉIRITHE le Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín are producing a new series for TG4 recounting the history of depictions of Gaelic on film.

We are seeking contributors to the series – including past players, contributors to relevant productions, and followers of Gaelic games who may recall the screening of Gaelic games on film. We'd be eternally grateful anyone with memories to share and contributions to make if they'd contact us at lmdocdub@gmail.com.

FREE BURREN SHUTTLE BUS THE National Parks and Wildlife Service is delighted to announce the return of the free shuttle bus service for the Burren National Park. From June to August, the service will operate from the Burren National Park Information Point in Corofin to the trailhead at Gortlecka Cross near Kilnaboy in the National Park. The bus runs 14 times a day, seven days a week, with the first bus leaving Corofin at 9.30am and the last bus returning from the park at 5.15pm. Call 065 6827693 or email burrennationalpark@housing.gov.ie FREE HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES THOUSANDS of free and subsidised higher education places will be available to people in Clare, as part of the 2022 Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives. The courses are open to people who are unemployed, or those who are in employment and are looking to upskill or change career. A total of 11,600 places are being made available nationwide.

Courses are available across a number of sectors, with a particular focus on ICT; highlevel manufacturing; financial services; medical devices; biopharma; entrepreneurship; and green skills.For those in employment, the Government will fund 90% of the cost.

Helpline – 1800 303 523. Full details on www. springboardcourses.ie.

Relay for Life fights back against cancer

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

T

by ELAINE TUBRIDY

HE Clare Echo have been announced as the media partner for this year’s Relay for Life.

The two-day event, taking place on June 18 and 19 in Ennis, is a unique and beautiful opportunity to celebrate those that have survived cancer, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with those battling cancer.

Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly commented: “The Clare Echo is delighted to partner with this local fundraiser which raises funds for such vital services. Almost every family in Clare has been touched by cancer and the Relay for Life is a wonderful way to fight back.”

Chair of Relay for Life Ennis Auriol Considine said: “We are thrilled to have The Clare Echo on board for this event. The Clare Echo and so many other businesses around Ennis have been extremely generous with their support of this event.”

All cancer survivors are invited to attend the Cancer Survivors’ Reception and the Survivors’ Lap of Honour which opens Relay for Life Ennis on 18th June at 2pm in Tim Smythe Park, Ennis.

lSurvivors attending a past Relay for Life Ennis event

While teams and people from the community walk the track over a 24 hour period, a festival of fun and entertainment takes place. Funds raised at Relay enables the Irish Cancer Society to continue its life saving work. A feature of every Relay For Life is the Candle of Hope ceremony which takes place at dusk. Before the event, everyone in the community is invited to

dedicate a Candle of Hope bag to someone they know who has been touched by cancer. Hundreds of candle bags that have been personalised with messages of hope and remembrance are lit during a moving ceremony involving music and speeches.

See the Relay for Life Ennis Facebook page for the list of Ennis shops selling candle bags.

RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

19

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

LEO host return of Women in Business networking events

by ELAINE TUBRIDY

L

OCAL Enterprise Office Clare recently hosted the first in-person Women in Business networking event since COVID 19.

Facilitated by Theresa Mulvihil, the event took place in the Templegate Hotel, Ennis featuring a panel discussion with successful female entrepreneurs: Niamh Hogan of Agile Digital Strategy, Rowena Sheen of Rowena Sheen Jewellery, Claire Bannon of Indigo Signs & Avokado & Co and Patricia Farrell of Wilde Irish Chocolates. The four panelists gave excellent tips

on networking and importance of networking for the female entrepreneurs in the room.

The event saw an attendance from businesses across all sectors from food, craft and services to technology and manufacturing. Attendants have businesses from various stages from idea generation and start-up to established and growth stage.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Clare said “These events are an ideal opportunity for female entrepreneurs to gain valuable tips for business and make new contacts.

Networking is a substantial part of the events, as all the attendees have the opportunity to interact with

other businesses and share their views and business experience. It’s also refreshing to see everyone back in the room and networking face to face.”

The Women in Business Event, organised by Local Enterprise Office Clare, provides an opportunity for women to network. It is ideal for those already in business and for those planning to join the business world in the near future.

For more information on these events visit LocalEnterprise.ie/ Clare or email Sinéad Dixon-Slat- lENTREPRENEURS: Patricia Farrell, Sinead Dixon Slattery, tery on localenterprise@leo.clare- Rowena Sheen, Niamh Hogan, Claire Bannon and Michelle Guthrie coco.ie Photo by Arthur Ellis

20

RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

LEO and Áine Kerr to help businesses go global INSTRUCTOR – ELECTRICAL (x 1 POST)

OVER the past two years businesses have been challenged to pivot and change how they look at business. Lots of local businesses took to the world of online retailing and some realised the potential of international markets. For businesses that had operated internationally prior to the pandemic and Brexit, the importance of re-establishing and expanding export markets is paramount. Navigating how to

and who to talk to can be overwhelming.

On Thursday June 16th from 4-8pm at the Inn at Dromoland, the Mid-West Local Enterprise Offices are inviting businesses to come to find out all you need to know to start your journey from local to global.

The evening will be hosted by wellknown RTÉ Journalist, Technology and Digital Entrepreneur Áine Kerr and promises to provide all the information, con-

Specific Purpose Contract to January 2024 College of Further Education and Training, Raheen Campus, Limerick A Panel of Cover Instructors may be formed.

Ref. No. 011561 Online application form and further details are available on www.lcetb.ie/recruitment Closing time and date for receipt of online applications is 12 noon Monday 20th June 2022.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Có-mhaoinithe ag an

nections and resources needed to execute a successful export strategy. Hear from a panel of successful LEO & Enterprise Ireland clients from Clare, Tipperary and Limerick who will share their experience of growth and exporting and discover common small businesses export challenges and how to overcome them from an expert panel. Take advantage of FREE 1-2-1 mentoring clinics with export mentors and get some clarity on your exporting obstacles.

The event also offers businesses key networking opportunities with export support organisations like Irish Exporters Association, InterTrade Ireland, Enterprise Europe Network and many more to learn how they can help your business with global expansion.

Whether your business is considering, planning or looking to increase international clients, this event is a priority. To book your place, scan the QR code or head to www.localenterprise. ie/clare.

AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the

EUROPEAN UNION

learning works

Be Part of our Electrician Team Permanent Full-time Contract Overview

Key Areas of Responsibility

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Shannon Airport Authority is seeking Electricians to work on our day team at Shannon Airport. We welcome applications from persons who have completed a recognised electrical qualification and who are open to the challenge of working in a team-oriented environment. The full-time day role, with the opportunity to work with our shift team when required, is responsible for ensuring the effective monitoring and maintenance of all electrical infrastructure across the airport campus.

• Completion of planned, reactive, and emergency maintenance on electrical infrastructural assets to include Airfield lighting, Aerodrome compliance, Planned Maintenance programme, Building Services, Fire Alarm systems, Emergency Lighting systems, Car Park systems, Street lighting, Lifts/ escalators, HVAC, HBS Maintenance, Heating and Water systems and other specific minor projects

The candidate should have:

Role Purpose To always ensure optimum service, it is vital that the complex landside and airfield electrical infrastructure and communications systems at Shannon Airport are maintained to the highest standards.

The role encompasses planned, reactive, and emergency maintenance in a diverse range of landside and airfield electrical infrastructural assets. As aspects of this work are aviation specific on the job training shall be provided.

• Responsible for ensuring a high standard of work on all elements of monitoring, reporting and maintenance of electrical assets to NSAI and EASA standards • Carry out critical asset repairs, inspections, and health checks of systems • Use, promote and monitor the asset management CMMS • Regular monitoring of Electrical Scada Systems • Support the airport maintenance management team

• Hold electrical trade apprenticeship and appropriate trade certificates • Minimum 2-3 years experience working as a fully qualified electrician • Good working knowledge of electrical systems design, operations, and maintenance of high voltages systems (ideally airfield based) • Experience of working in a highly regulated and/or safety critical working environment • Familiar with and understand the NSAI regulation and how they affect the maintenance works of major electrical systems • Understand the safety regulations and have a strong concern for the health and safety of self and others • Competent IT skills with Windows based software experience • Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively, with team members and airport engineering team and wider stakeholder • Strong problem-solving skills accepting ownership for delivery and accountability for results • Strong work ethic and high attention to detail and quality of work • Full Clean Class B Licence

How to Apply: Applications in the form of a cover letter and current CV (MS Word or pdf) should be sent to: recruitment@shannonairport.ie not later than 17:00 hours on Monday, 13th June 2022.

THURSDAY, JUN 2 2022

RECRUITMENT

21

02-06-22

pg 22

Magill represents Munster

by SEAMUS HAYES

Avenue Utd show their delight at the final whistle Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Captain Casey soaks up Avenue’s breakthrough

by SEAMUS HAYES

A

N ELEVEN year wait to add a second Clare Cup medal was gladly ended for Dylan Casey on Saturday evening.

He was a fresh-faced teenager as part of the David Russell captained Avenue Utd squad to have defeated Bridge Utd B in the 2011 Clare Cup final, over a decade later he was wearing the captain’s armband and in the heart of their defence while Russell held the manager’s role guiding them to victory over Newmarket Celtic.

Painful lessons of the past where they let games slip out of their grasp were referenced at half-time as they held a 2-0 advantage. “I’m absolutely delighted, as I said to you at the start of the week the hard work that we’ve put in finally showed off for once.

A couple of years we were 2-0 up in a Cup final against them and lost, I said at half-time it doesn’t happen again and we do not let it slip, they got a free at the end which I didn’t think was a free, it was very soft, they scored from it but we got over the finish line and we’re absolutely delighted”.

Newmarket struggled to create scoring chances from play which is testament to the rock solid pairing on the day of Casey and Conor Mullen. Their focus never dropped as he stressed the Celtic attack were capable of punishing them at any moment. “All they need is one chance, if David (McCarthy) gets the ball then it’s straight to Hayzo (Eoin Hayes) or (Stephen) Kelly up top and they’ll flick it on, they’re always going to be a threat no matter what, they might not create much for the whole game but they’re still dangerous, they’ve Kelly, (Paddy) Purcell, Colin Smyth, they’re big lads but we dealt with them very well and they won very little headers today”.

Captaining the side brought an extra bit of satisfaction, the Ennis native admitted while pointing out that they are keen to “get over the finish line” when the sides meet in the league decider on Wednesday evening.

His father, Ray a former captain of the club and a manager of the many successful schoolboys teams Dylan played on in the underage ranks was a vocal figure in Frank Healy Park issuing words of advice particularly to the back four.

Dylan was expecting to hear further analysis when he landed home following the celebrations. “We’ll have war when we go home, he’ll be telling me where I should have been and doing this or that, it’s easier looking from the line but I’m playing the game so I’m doing what I think I should be doing but obviously knows best, I try listen to him, some-

times he does get on my nerves, he is like a parrot on the line but look isn’t that what fathers are for”.

Meanwhile, no complaints were voiced by Mark O’Malley as Newmarket Celtic’s bid for a historic tenth Clare Cup title in a row came undone.

Going 2-0 down inside the opening twenty minutes was an ideal start for Avenue and it put Newmarket on the backfoot from the getgo. “We weren’t happy with the two goals we conceded, defensively we got it wrong, we could have been better in midfield for it as well. I thought for the second one there was a touch of handball in it but the linesman didn’t see it and he was probably the only one that didn’t but at the same time you’ve got to give credit to Avenue, they deserved their victory today, they got a 2-0 lead at half time, they didn’t really trouble us in the second half, if we got one back it could have been a different story but we didn’t and we’ve to regroup and go again”.

“It’s disappointing but credit to the club and the lads that have been involved, they’ve done nine Clare Cups in a row, this is hard to take but we will bounce back again next year and that is all we can do,” O’Malley added.

Their inability to pull a goal back earlier was crucial, he felt. “What we said at half time was the next goal would decide this game, there’s the old saying in football that 2-0 is a dangerous lead, even if we got one with ten minutes to go it would have put pressure on a young Avenue team but with the 2-0 cushion the whole time they had a bit of comfort, if we got one with twenty minutes to go who knows what would have happened but it didn’t happen so Avenue deserved their victory, they won the game 2-1, they’ve a good management team that probably deserved to win a Cup because of the effort they’ve put in, I know the two Davys a long time and I said congratulations to them and they’ve done a fantastic job as a management team and ye deserve it. We’ll dust ourselves down and go again Wednesday night”.

Visit www.clareecho.ie for a full update on the Cup final.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: East Clare’s Eoin Magill (above) has qualified for this year’s U18 Munster Boys Inter Provincial team by winning the 36 hole qualifying event at Ballykisteen.

The Munster team will travel to Belfast in July to take part in the All Ireland championships.

Kathleen O’Brien was the overall winner in the ladies golfer of the year medal competition last week with a nett 69 The category 1 winner was Brid Hayes with 73 while Mary Hogan won category 2 and she also had a nett 73.

Brid McCarthy won caegory 4 with a nett 74.

Brid Hayes, Evelyn Skehan and Eileen Donnellan will represent East Clare in the Munster Cup on August 17 in Lee Valley golf club in Cork.

In the Wednesday ladies competition the winners were Joan Kinsella, Margaret Egan and Helen Conway with second spot filled by Connnie McKenna, Marie A. Kelly and Maureen Clune.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Seamus Mason and Martin Kelly from Kieran Gibbons and Jack Manley with third spot filled by Tony Mc Nulty and Ted Harrington.

In the men’s golfer of the year competition, a strokeplay event played off the white tees, the winner was Tony Stuart with a nett 66 from John Duffy with 68 and Val Donnellan with 69. Ronan Hayes won the gross with 71.

East Clare Ladies Club will host an open day 18 hole stableford competition on this Thursday, June 2.

The men’s open day competition continues every Thursday and tee times can be secured by telephoning 061-921322.

The Friday evening scramble takes place every Friday from 5 30pm-6 30pm.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Ennis hosted a golfer of the year competition, sponsored by ESB Moneypoint, at the weekend when the winner was John McCarthy(20) with 38 points.

In second place with a similar score was David Cassidy (36) followed by Mchael Byrt (20), also wth 38 points with fourth spot filled by Steve Burns (15) with 37 points.

Sean Myatt (+1) won the gross with 32 points while the category winners were Andrew McGloin (9) with 36 points Padraig Sutton (14) with 37 points and Eamon Kelly (22) with 36 points.

The Friday singles sponsored by Martin Ward golf was won vy James counihan (27) with 38 points from Paul Mockler Junior (17) with 35 points with Eamonn Corry (16) inthird spot, also with 36 points. Sean Myatt (+1) won the gxross with 30 points.

OUR NEW CUSTOM FITTING

ROOM IS NOW OPEN

Evan Lewis and Donagh Stack won the Tuesday fourball with 32 points from Paul Higgins and Steve Burns who had a similar score while third spot was filled by Tom Woulfe and Neil Cremin with 31 points.

The competition this Saturday and Sunday will be the lady captain’s (Ann White) prize to the men and the captain’s (Frankie Gormley) prize to the ladies.

Last week’s ladies 18 hole competsition in aid of the Bli9nd of Clare, was won by Kathleen Frehill (38) with 38 points from Ann Kelly (29) who had a similar tally. Flor Coffey (24) was third with 37 points followed by Ann Pyne Gallery (28) with 36 points.

Mary Woulfe (15) won the 9 hole stableford competition with 17 points from Rose Enright (13) with 16 points while Eileen T. Corry (19) was third with 15 points.

In the senior ladies outing last week the winners were Mary Glynn, Jean Moloney and Patricia Kirwan with second place filled by Phil Butler, Liz Kelly and Ann Casey.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Donagh Murphy won the 18 hole stroke competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 70 from Brian Hickey with a similar score. Killian Howard won the gross with 72.

The 18 hole stroke competition off the white tees was won by van O’Mara wwith 66 nett with second p lace filled by Gerry McInerney on 67. Niall Cannon was third with 68.

In the ladies competition Siobhan Dyar was the winner with 70 nett from Mairead Twomey with 73 and Lisa McKnight with 78. Mairead Bergin won the gross with 90. The 9 hole competition was won by Kelly Maclean Colleran with 20 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: David Keane (13) won the Kilrush Laundry prize at Kilrush on Sunday with 39 points. Declan Kearns (14) won category 1 with 37 points from Pat Brennan (7) with 36 points. Category 2 was won by Darragh Bolton (18) with 38 points from Michael Miniter (16) who also scored 38 points.

The winner of category 3 was Paul McGibney (21) with 38 points from Dominic Enright (20) with 37 points while the nines were won by Denis Nagle (14) with 20 points and James Collins (18) with 22 points The ladies competition, sponsored by Wild Atlantic Opticians was win by Anne Brennan (13) with 68 from Mary Bolton (20) with 70 with the gross won by Anne Gallagher with 80. The 12 hole winner was Anne McMahon with 24 points WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: There was mixed luck for Woodstock club teams last week. The Jimmy Bruen team progressed to the net round when they defeated Kilrush at Woodstock while the ladies Challenge cup team were also successful, defeating Shannon. There was disappointment for the senior cup tseam which lost out to Lahinch in Lahinch.

In the ladies May medal competition, category 1 was won by Niamh O;Regan with 79 nett while Mary Gleeson won category 2 with 83 nett. This week’s ladies competition will be an 18 hole v par event.

GORT GOLF CLUB: The competition at Gort last weekend was a singles stableford which was won vby Bob Mulqueen (27) with 43 points. The category winners were Bernard Byrne (14) with 40 points, Shane Byrne (17) with 40 points and David Hennessy (28) with 40 points while the gross was won by Robert McDonagh (3) with 36 points.

The winner of the Friday open singles was Aiden Helebert (18) with 42 points In the ladies competsition the winners were Roisin Walsh (20) with 38 points (category 1), Anne Connolly (24) with 37 points (category 2), Travey Brennan (34) with 34 points (category 3) and Regina Malone (44) with 45 points (category 4).

pg 23

02-06-22

THE ALL-NEW ŠKODA FABIA. FOLLOW YOUR DIFFERENT. With sculpted lines and sporty proportions, the all-new Fabia is designed to make an impact. From its sharply cut LED headlights which extend into its wide ŠKODA grille, to its elongated roof spoiler and sizeable wheels, no detail has been spared.

Starting from only €19,150, contact us today to find out more.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for FABIA in l/100km range from 6.1 to 5.0. WLTP combined CO2 emissions in g/km range from 138 to 113.

02-06-22

pg 24

Sexton & O’Connor to see action vs Meath

Fixture clash forcing young girls to pick sides since March with rumblings of a potential fixture clash emerging three weeks ago.

Manager of the Newmarket community games side, Diarmuid O’Leary said they notified the Community Games Board of the matter three weeks ago and offered an alternative date and venue to host the finals to accommodate their dual players. “It’s disappointing, we thought we gave enough notice to be fair from way out. It’s disappointing that not enough parties came together to find an alternative date, we’re coming out of COVID and we should be doing everything possible to be inclusive with our games”.

Speaking to The Clare

Echo, O’Leary voiced his frustration that girls aged 12 and 13 will be forced to choose a sport this weekend, “To be putting this pressure on to choose a sport is very unfair when we’re trying to encourage them to play sports”.

Chairperson of Clare Community Games, Paula Byrne O’Connell in a statement to The Clare Echo said challenges posed by COVID have resulted in the committee trying “to arrange county competitions for over 40 different events catering for up to 27 areas in a restricted time frame prior to provincial and national competitions”.

She added, “Our organisation is dependent upon the countless volunteers

who so generously give of their time to arrange and support these events at local and county level. While our calendar of events is set in good faith, unfortunately it is inevitable our events may clash with events organised by other organisations and due to events being dependent upon volunteer coordinators and the availability of volunteers, facilities and officials it’s difficult to facilitate everyone”.

Glory for Kate’s Princess never in doubt in Galway

by MICHAEL MAHER

Pinnacle Rio claimed a fourteenth career success for Michael Costelloe while the John Maher owned Kate’s Princess routed her rivals in Galway.

The outcome of race three at the Galway Track on Friday Night last which was a Novice 350 yards contest was never in doubt from an early stage as the John Maher of Kilmaley owned Kate’s Princess (Kinloch Brae-Baby Sugar) routed her rivals by upwards of six and a half lengths in 19.40. Very smartly away from her trap three berth the winner quickly opened up a three length advantage over Bumblebee Mojo and Erril Sue approaching the opening bend. With the latter running very wide around the bend Kates Princess was home for all money early in the home straight.

Well beaten on debut over the sprint trip, the Margaret Ruane and Marie O’Donoghue of North Clare owned Treanmanagh Lad relished the step up in trip in race four for this A8 graded contest as he led on the crown of the home bend on his way to a four and three quarter length success over Jumeirah Talent in 29.29. From traps Jumeirah Talent showed pace to lead from Sports Sunday and Treanmanagh Lad. Racing down the back the order remained the same until the winner moved through along the inner at the third bend and once on front the son

of Belles Direction and Jaytee Jade eased clear of his rivals in the straight.

The football season may be over cross channel but the name Ronaldo is still in focus. Race five, an S4 graded sprint contest went in fine style to the Michael and Alana Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Ronaldo who left his rivals toiling in his wake by upwards of four and a half lengths in 19.20.

Probably last to emerge from traps as Croaghill Blake was first to break rank, the son of Watchman and Burnpark Grainne made rapid progress outside approaching the opening bend. Striking the front at the turn Burnpark Ronaldo quickly asserted as he strode right away from his rivals in the home straight.

Having endured a few troubled passages in recent outings, the Michael Costello of Kilfenora owned Pinnacle Rio gained career success number fourteen in this A4 graded contest as he proved three parts of a length too good for Honkwhenyourhome and Larchill Pop in 29.44. The son of Rio Quattro and Fawn Samantha timed his exit to perfection and racing towards the opening bend he led Larchill Pop by over a length.

Racing down the back, the lead increased to three lengths before the pack began to close approaching the home bend but Rio is as game as they come and he saw them all off in determined fashion close home.

T H U R S D AY NIGHTS ARE THE

NIGHT OF THE

HOTTEST

EIGHT young girls will be forced to choose between lining out in the Regional Féile and appearing in a county final this weekend, writes Páraic McMahon.

Fixture clashes involving dual players for the Cork senior camogie and ladies football teams provided immense frustration last weekend and now the regular issue has reared its head in Clare but this time affecting young girls.

Newmarket-on-Fergus will represent Clare in the Regional Féile Ladies Football competition in Kildare this Saturday and on the same day they will also be involved in the Community Games camogie final at 09:30.

A date for the regional competition had been set

KEELAN Sexton and Cathal O’Connor - who missed Clare’s first round Munster football championship loss to Limerick - are both in the running to play against Meath in Saturday’s opening game in the qualifiers, writes Seamus Hayes.

Manus Doherty and Cillian Brennan, both of whom were forced out of that contest during the extra time period, have both recovered and are also in contention for inclusion in the team for Saturday’s game which throws in at 6p.m at Cusack Park.

However long term injuries, Stephen Ryan and Darragh Bohannon won’t be ready for this contest against the beaten Leinster semi-finalists while it also appears that the game has come too soon for long serving defender Kevin Harnett who hasn’t got any game time this year due to injury.

Sean Collins missed the league campaign due to injury but he has returned to action and the experienced Cratloe man will be pressing for inclusion on Saturday but his brother Podge remains doubtful because of a hamstring injury.

When the sides last met, Meath managed a one point win, 0-10 to 0-9 at Clare’s headquarters back in March in round 6 of the Allianz League.

Their form has been mixed all season and their most recent outing saw them suffer a heavy defeat in the Leinster championship semi-final. They have had the upperhand on Clare in recent clashes albeit that the winning margin has been small, just a single point on a few occasions.

Two of their panel have strong Clare connections and both are members of the Rathoath club. Bryan McMahon’s father John is from Coolmeen and he was a key member of the mid Clare club in his playing days and his form earned him a call up to Clare duty.

Jack Flynn whose mother Olive McInerney hails from Sixmilebridge got a call up to the Meath panel following impressive form with his club in 2020.

SUMMER

THURSDAY NIGHT SUMMER SPECIAL

€20.00

FOR ONLY

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST

PER PERSON

w Admission to racing & your race programme w A Main Course Meal in our glass-fronted restaurant w Reserved table for your group with Tote & Bar service direct to your table

Book online on www.LimerickGreyhoundStadium.ie T&C’S APPLY. ADDITIONAL COURSES AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON THE NIGHT.

pg 25

02-06-22

02-06-22

pg 26

Hurler of the Year Lynch ‘definitely out’ for Munster Final PÁRAIC MCMAHON

H

paraic@clareecho.ie

URLER OF THE YEAR, Cian Lynch will not line out in Sunday’s Munster SHC final.

Limerick manager, John Kiely has confirmed that the twotime Hurler of the Year will miss the provincial decider. The Patrickswell man sustained a hamstring injury in the first half of their opening round win over Waterford in April and has missed the remainder of the Munster campaign.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Aaron Gillane and Darragh O’Donovan have returned to action for the Treaty County, Cathal O’Neill is also back to full fitness having done minor ankle ligament damage in their clash with Tipperary.

According to Kiely, Lynch is “definitely out” for the Munster final. “There was no original timeline given, all we said was that he wouldn’t partake in the Munster Championship, that’s all”.

He added, “I’m not a great believer in hope, so really with a hamstring injury everything hinges on how that injury rehabs and how the healing process partakes for Cian. Every athlete is different, so thankfully Cian’s healing powers are strong and he is healing really really well.

He is rehabbing really well. But I’m not going to put Cian on the pitch until I know he is 130 per cent and that he’s unbreakable, because he has to be spot on the money when he’s on the pitch. So we’ll keep rehabbing and building and strengthening him until we are satisfied this man is 110 per cent”.

Both Peter Casey and Barry Murphy are edging closer to a return, they both underwent cruciate ligament operations last Autumn. “Both Barry Murphy and Peter Casey are still making very significant progress in their recoveries and are getting nearer to a full recovery, but again that’s just a little bit off yet,” Kiely stated.

Cian Lynch will miss Sunday’s Munster final

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

pg 27

02-06-22

02-06-22

pg 28

Getting to know the Clare hurlers behind the helmets 1: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle)

Broke a 37 year wait for a Feakle man to line between the posts for the county seniors when making his debut in 2020. Not as vocal as Seamus Durack and was nominated for an All Star award following his breakthrough season. Well placed with local suppliers to have a high intake of fruit and veg. Started for the county minors in 2012, played for Cu Chulainn in Chicago and wouldn’t be afraid of staring down Setanta.

2: Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones)

3: Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown)

4: Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)

5: Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe)

6: John Conlon (Clonlara)

7: David McInerney (Tulla)

A typo in the match programme for Clare’s League meeting with Limerick referred to him as Rory Rayes this year, a gentle nod to the fact that he’s provided a ray of sunshine to the Banner defence or else José Antonio Reyes was on the mind of then PRO, Michael O’Connor, we’re not sure. Has strong Ballybrown connections, unconfirmed that he honed his skills of the dark arts since taking up employment at Beckman Coulter in East Clare.

Made his senior championship debut in 2019 in the forward line but has always appeared destined to make his way to the Clare half-back line. He has had the same helmet since the age of ten, a sign if any of his coolness and composure with life as an inter-county hurler failing to swell his head.

At 6’5, he is the tallest member of the Clare panel. Claims to be fluent in small talk, one of the many gentlemen on the panel. His twin brother Eoin captains the Clare senior footballers with their cousin Enda Coughlan a selector. Attended Rockmount National School

The elder statesman of the team, when Conlon first joined the Clare panel, Shane Meehan was still in infants.

First trialled as a centre back under Sean Stack with Clonlara in 2015 but has only appeared there at county level for Brian Lohan. Set to make his fiftieth championship appearance for the seniors this weekend. According to his own gospel, he is quite handy in the kitchen but the fact that he admitted to blending the majority of his food during the 2018 championship may suggest otherwise.

Faces off against his cousin Seamus in the Munster Final. Completed a masters degree in mental health, mental skills and performance psychology at UL. Regularly seen and heard on TG4 analysing hurling rather than appearing on Sé Mo Laoch but he wouldn’t be out of place there seeing as he holds a handful of All-Ireland medals from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

David McInerney (Tulla) – On the eve of the All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick in 2013, he milked 100 cows, whether his workload on the farm is reduced prior to the Munster decider is as of yet unclear.

Interestingly, he and fellow wing-back Diarmuid have siblings living in the United States of America. It was also in the States where his father, Jim was once nicknamed ‘Machine Gun McInerney’ after getting so many scores in one game in the States.

9: Ryan Taylor (Clooney/Quin)

8: Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)

One of the big golf fans on the panel, hones his golfing skills at Lahinch. Also into his Formula1 but doesn’t use the highroads and byroads of Clare to try put what he watches into practice. He completed a Masters in Architectural Technology and Design last year. Cathal’s uncle Micheál is one of the county’s most popular barbers and is based across from the Friary on Francis St in Ennis.

A past pupil of Ennis National School which now counts David McInerney as one of its teaching staff. Ryan’s family run the popular Taylor’s Bar in the Market, the long and consuming hours associated with the business may be the reason to blame for him not being a morning person. Described by Brian Lohan as the right prototype of a modern day hurler.

10: David Fitzgerald (Inagh/Kilnamona)

11: Tony Kelly (Ballyea)

Became the first person to be named Hurler of the Year and Young Hurler of the Year in the same year for his exploits in 2013. Scored a goal in his first senior championship appearance for Clare in Cusack Park. Appointed captain this season. Known to receive a major collection of Easter Eggs annually. Unlike Fitzgerald, he is nervous when it comes to aeroplanes.

Scales to new heights with his magic on the field.

Arguably the most intelligent man to wear the saffron and blue. Was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard in September 2018, graduated with a degree in genetics from UCC where he later undertook a PhD. The only member of the Clare panel to appear as a guest on The Late Late Show.

13: Ian Galvin (Clonlara)

14: Peter Duggan (Clooney/Quin)

15: Shane Meehan (Banner)

Widely classed as the joker of the panel, the Clonlara man is hard bet when it comes to a slagging match and indeed a hurling contest. Once forgot to put on his shorts during an early morning January training session in LIT, the sun had yet to rise so the blunder was only noticed by a few. Attended secondary school in Ard Scoil Rís, starred on the 2014 Harty Cup winning team which also included Mike Casey and Cian Lynch.

Didn’t get any casting opportunities with Home and Away or Neighbours during his two year stint in Australia.

Once had aspirations of setting up a garden maintenance business. The Spancilhill native has been open on his struggles with dyslexia, something which has helped to make him even more endearing to the Banner’s young fanbase.

Shares more than one similarity with Tony Kelly. They both had to contend with major hype when reaching minor level but the expectation didn’t weigh them down. They also have worked at Patrick Bourke’s Menswear in Ennis, Meehan is currently employed at the popular store with Kelly a frequent visitor to collect various vouchers.

Shane remarkably made his first senior championship appearance, weeks after doing likewise with the U20s.

At 6’4, he is a towering member of the Clare side. Heights are of no fear to Fitzy who works in aviation as a lease manager with Stratos Aero. His hairstyles have been tamed after he drifted away from the Lifford FC schoolboy setup. One of the quick-witted Clare hurlers, he is said to be a big fan of the playlist at the Ramblers Rest.

12: Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg)

pg 29

02-06-22

Hassett conditioned for Clare cause 02-06-22

The Clare senior hurling management: Ken Ralph, James Moran, Brian Lohan, Sean Treacy and Shane Hassett

by EOIN BRENNAN

S

HANE HASSETT will be a honorary Clare man when traveling back to his native soil on Sunday for the much-anticipated Munster Senior Hurling showdown in Semple Sta-

dium.

The current Drom & Inch player may only have been involved with the Banner over the past two seasons as a Strength and Conditioning coach but the assimilation process is already in full swing as he outlined when asked about the difficulty of facing Tipperary twice in the Munster Championship in the space of twelve months.

“I would have hurled with a good few of the Tipp lads at underage and in college as well while obviously Seamie [Callanan] is my own clubman. But at the end of the day, when you invest so much of your time and effort into something, there’s no real question when it comes to matchday where your head is, namely getting a win for Clare. I remember when we played Tipp in the Gaelic Grounds in the Munster Semi-Final last year, I was doing hurleys for that game and

I don’t think I ever jumped as high in all my life when we got a goal. Again this year there was only one thing on my mind, us winning the game and that was all that mattered to me from a Clare perspective”.

Acclimatising wasn’t an issue from the outset either as having already played under Brian Lohan, James Moran and Ken Ralph for UL at Fitzgibbon Cup level and subsequently coached a chunk of the Clare players at college level under the stewardship of Gary Kirby, Hassett quickly got his feet under the table.

“It just made that whole transition so much easier and I just seemed to fit in straight away without any real hassle. The first thing that really struck me when I got involved was the dedication of the players. I suppose I didn’t know what to expect really but it’s unbelievable as from the start everyone was all in and they still are. They’re just a really close group and they all buy in so again that makes my job very easy. A lot of them would be asking me questions as well and trying to pick your brain and see what more they could do so they’re excellent like that.

“In addition, the management fully recognise the importance of the sports science and strength and conditioning so they allow me to do my thing. And because I play as well, I can see things from the hurling side as well, that there has to be a nice balance and a nice mix as that’s when you’re going to get the best results.”

What arguably accelerated Shane Hassett’s appointment was the visible chasm in physicality and conditioning between the Shannonside neighbours in Brian Lohan’s first derby championship showdown in 2020 when Limerick simply blew away the Banner in a devastating second half masterclass.

Since then, Clare have been playing catchup but while their recent championship draw in Cusack Park was extremely encouraging, Sunday’s provincial decider will provide the ultimate barometer of where the Banner current stand against the back-toback All-Ireland champions.

“When you’re looking at all the teams out there, Limerick are obviously on top at the minute and therefore you’re always trying to judge where you are against them. A couple of weeks ago, we kind of got a glimpse that we could put it up to them for 70 odd minutes but that’s no good unless you can go out and do it again this Sunday. They’ll have a few players back that they didn’t have the last day so it is going to be a different challenge but it’s a really, really good test for us to see where we are and see can we match them again.

“And that’s no easy task because they are a very good team, are well conditioned and are experienced at winning finals these past few years so if anything we are going to have to go a level above that again if we are to win the game. At the end of the day, there’s no real magic formula to Strength and Conditioning and getting lads fit, it’s really about consistency over time. So I’m not going to say that everything changed in year one, maybe we’re more seeing it now that we have had a couple of years with the lads. But there are a few lads in particular who have improved massively over the last two years,” he told The Clare Echo.

pg 30

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

“Limerick meanwhile had probably been doing it three or four years before everyone else and had their underage structures in place since setting up their academy. We’re seeing that in Clare now too so there’s great work going on in the county that hopefully we’ll see that over the next few years.”

From what you have witnessed and been involved with so far, would you be optimistic for the future of Clare hurling in general?

“First and foremost, it’s exciting to see where and how far we can go with it at senior level.

Obviously at the end of the day, you’re in a game where winning is really the end result but from my side of it, it’s about player development and the bottom line is that if I can develop these players to be better than they were when they came in, that’s a big part of my job done as well.

“So as much as winning and being fit is nearly everything, you also have to look at the players and see if they’re developing too.

It is very exciting and hopefully we’ll see results at the end of it as well.

“Overall in terms of optimism for Clare hurling, definitely I would be very hopeful.

I don’t have any direct involvement on the underage but I’ve been keeping a close eye on the minors and obviously we also have a number of guys that are still at that Under 20 age group so we would have been monitoring them over the past few years.

“There’s a lot of talent coming through.

I know they didn’t get any victories in the Munster Under 20 Championship this year but they have two impressive performances and there’s a good group there and from a S&C point of view, with another couple of years at Under 20 or senior under their belts, they can seamlessly transition onto the senior team.

“There’s no doubt that the hurling is there. Clare is a good strong hurling county and we’ve already seen the talent coming through so if we could just the other side of it consistently up to speed, get them strong enough and physical enough and fit enough, that if they ever come onto a senior squad, then there’s a lot of scope for optimism”.

pg 31

02-06-22

Lowering concession of frees essential for Clare to prevail says Stack

by SEAMUS HAYES

FREEDOM has been key to Clare’s progress to date according to Sean Stack who believes a low concession of frees is vital to the Banner sealing a first senior provincial title in over two decades.

Sean Stack knows only too well what it is like to play against Limerick in a Munster senior hurling final having faced the Shannonsiders in the Provincial deciders of 1974 and 1981 when Limerick were victorious on both occasions Speaking to The Clare Echo this week ahead of the eagerly awaited 2022 final between the neighbouring counties he said, “this one is a little bit different. We were classed as the favourites going into the 1981 final but I believe they beat us tactically that day.

“They were a bit ahead tactically that time, their half back line dominated and they isolated Joe McKenna inside. They will be trying something like that this time.

Don’t be surprised if Kyle Hayes will be in half back line at some stage linking up with Byrnes who is scoring out of his skin and Hannon who sits deep. They did that in 81,” said the man who filled the centre back position for over a decade for Clare.

According to the current Sixmilebridge senior manager “Limerick are raging hot favourites. Everyone reckons it will make a difference if they have players back. Look, this will be very tight, they are the two form

teams, it will depend on the day and the freetakers. If we nullify our free count, we have a real chance, they have Gillane and then Byrnes on frees. That threat will have be to nullified”, warns Stack.

Mike Casey’s return to the Limerick defence has been a massive boost. “I know him since he was 16 years old, he is an awesome player. When I gave him his debut in adult hurling in a county semi-final, he was barely 17, he delivered a man of the match performance”, said Stack who managed Casey’s Na Piarsaigh club for five years winning two provincial titles and the club’s first ever senior championship.

“He asked after the game how did I think he played, I said you were the pick of the 30.

I asked did he realise who he was marking and he just said it was number 13. Graeme Mulcahy was at the peak of his powers at the time That said everything about the man,” Stack added.

According to the former secondary school teacher, the duo of Declan Hannon and Gearóid Hegarty need to be quietened.

“Hegarty is off loading so many balls. His number of assists is outrageous. Our half back line is playing well. We have a threat from open play that they don’t have but they have clinical finishers. You can’t stop them all. This Clare team plays with a freedom and they are not worried about matchups, you can’t as their forward line is rotating all the time, you take who is coming”.

“The game I played you would be gear-

Sean Stack Photo by Joe Buckley

ing up two weeks out from the game as to who you were on. Now you pick up whoever comes your way. That’s what I like about this team, they pick up whoever comes their direction. Let the opposition move their forwards and deal with what comes your way. Match ups might only last two or three minutes. The game is different now,” the two-time National League winner commented.

Stack believes that “frees provide 50% of scores. Gillane and Hegarty will be central to that while Morrissey will get his couple of points. Results will come from Byrnes and Gillane mainly”.

The former Clare captain says he doesn’t “see goals in this game as both defences are playing well. It will be important not to

concede frees as they will be nailed. Tony Kelly will get his points from play no matter what. If you go man to man on Tony who is going to stop him. He is like a phantom, he will appear anywhere. He will get his points from play but points from play might not dictate this result. It’s important not to concede frees inside 90 yards and it’s the same for both”.

Stack is hoping and praying for a calm day. “I pray that there won’t be a wind as that has a fierce bearing on every game playing with it or against it. Playing on a calm day, you get a true result. Look, there will be a fantastic atmosphere for this game between two evenly matched teams and there will be a full house”.

02-06-22

pg 32

Bennis believes form of Gillane & Kelly will decide Munster champions

by SEAMUS HAYES

W

HETHER AARON GILLANE OR TONY KELLY strikes form will be crucial to determining who wins the Munster senior hurling championship, Richie Bennis has predicted.

A Munster and All-Ireland winner with Limerick in 1973, he went on to manage his county to the All-Ireland final in 2007 where they lost to Kilkenny.

The Patrickswell man played many games against Clare during a stellar career and like all Clare and Limerick hurling followers he is eagerly looking forward to the meeting of the sides in Sunday’s Munster final at Semple stadium in Thurles (throw in at 4p.m.).

The Bennis name is synonymous with Limerick hurling and Ritchie’s brother Phil, also a member of the ‘73 All-Ireland winning team, also managed the Limerick senior side.

While accepting that the favourites tag for Sunday’s game rests with Limerick, Richie believes that “this will be a tight contest and it will come down to whoever strikes form on the day”.

Accepting that “Limerick are strong everywhere”, he was quick to point out, “Clare played very well against Waterford”.

Continuing, he said “Clare were the outsiders in Munster, the only one that tipped them was Daly, They all blew up Waterford out of all proportions.

What did they do to get that rating. They got two goals against us against the run of play, Tipperary were unlucky in Walsh Park. The All-Ireland final against Cork was the only time we buried a team.

We only beat Clare by four points last year. We have only beaten Galway by a point in the All-Ireland in 2018”.

Bennis pointed out “we will be short Cian Lynch and Peter Casey but we have Cathal O’Neill, a good young lad, a great prospect and there is a great future for him. Clare have shown up very well this year. When they played Waterford they showed that they weren’t relying on Tony Kelly. He is a lovely hurler to watch”, he said before adding “I hope I don’t see too much of him on Sunday”.

“Limerick will be favourites but there is nothing between the teams. We all try to cod each other ahead of our games but when we meet form goes out the door. We bring the best out of each other.

Thurles will be full, which is great. Isn’t it great to see Clare and Limerick jerseys all over the place and not Man United or Liverpool jerseys”.

Of disappointment to the two-time Munster SHC was the spotlight on the 2020 Hurler of the Year, Gearóid Hegarty. “The press are giving Gearoid Hegarty. “They are giving him an awful doing. He is branded a dirty hurler which is not the case. He is a pure gentleman and it’s crazy the way they are treating him”. He acknowledged, “it’s a hard job refereeing games at this level”.

Bennis outlined where he thinks the key battle grounds will be on Sunday. “Clare’s centre back John Conlon is playing very well, the full forward line is dangerous as is O’Donnell while TK himself, if he strikes form could destroy a team but it won’t be easy to maintain that form”.

“Declan Hannon and Mike Casey are the two unsung heroes. Declan Hannon minds the house big time. As I said it will be whoever strikes form on the day. Will it be Aaron Gillane or Tony Kelly. It will be a hurling match. Limerick are the favourites and they are entitled to that tag but this will be tight”, he concluded.

Lohan keen to end Limerick’s winning streak

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

C Brian Lohan Photo by Joe Buckley

LARE HEAD to Semple Stadium on Thurles this Sunday determined to end the county’s twenty four year drought for a Munster senior championship.

Sunday’s fixture looks to have come too soon for both Aidan McCarthy and Mark Rodgers who continue their recoveries from a broken bone and knee injuries respectively. It is hoped that the duo will be back in the mix for the All-Ireland series.

Having made his first championship start of the year two weeks ago, Éire Óg’s David Reidy is available for selection.

No major changes are expected to the Clare side with the exception of the Clare attack where the quartet of Ian Galvin, Shane Meehan, David Reidy and Robin Mounsey are battling for two positions.

A three-time Munster SHC winner, Clare boss Brian Lohan started at full-back on the last

occasion the Banner County were crowned provincial winners. He’s now towing the sideline as manager with Ken Ralph, James Moran, Sean Treacy and Shane Hassett part of his management team.

Reaching the Munster final is just reward for the efforts extended by all involved, Lohan said.

“Guys are working hard. They have made an awful lot of commitments, they have put in a tremendous effort for the last couple of months and it’s great for those guys that it has been rewarded but we all know the challenge we are facing next”.

Indeed they face a powerful Limerick side this weekend, their physicality has always been an aspect referenced by Lohan. “Everyone knows what Limerick do, the big problem is they are such a powerful team and they have got such quality all over the field. Everyone has known that for the last couple of years and the winning streak they have been on is testament to that.

We are under no illusions as to what is facing us”.

pg 33

02-06-22

02-06-22

pg 34

Kiely priming Limerick to produce best performance of the year

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

ACING Clare in this year’s Munster SHC final is of “no surprise” to Limerick manager, John Kiely.

That said, the principal of Abbey CBS secondary school in Tipperary was quick to point out that there was a level of unhappiness within their camp on their showing against Clare when the sides drew on May 15th.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Munster Final, the counties first clash at this stage since the 1995 decider, Kiely remarked, “We’re just focused on the next game and the fact that it is Clare doesn’t make any difference to us as such. We are just focused on ourselves because we weren’t altogether happy with our own performance the last day”.

Kiely revealed that they are going to target Eibhear Quilligan’s puckout in Semple Stadium. “We felt that we didn’t hit a level of performance that we would have set out to put in - in many respects in terms of our scoring was low, our work-rate wasn’t as high as we would have liked it to be. It was good, very good but we know there is still room for improvement there, and particularly on the Clare puckout - we were weak on that and that is something that we will have to go after.

“Of course you’re going to learn from the previous games - you are always going to spot pieces of patterns to plays, patterns to set pieces and you got to learn from those

and share that learning with the group and discuss it and decide how you are going to deal with it. Are there major structural changes required?

No. But there are particular points of emphasis. They have class players all over pitch and they are working really really hard and put in huge shifts out on the pitch. Any team that is doing that gives themselves a chance and they have quality forwards who can take scores,” he added.

Very few pundits gave Clare a chance of emerging past the province but the Limerick boss said he was “not in the slightest bit surprised” to be facing Brian Lohan’s side in the decider. “We’ve full respect for them as a side who have put themselves in this position where they topped the group. They have been the best team in Munster to-date this year and that is just the facts of the matter. The challenge is there for us to go and take them on and see if we can find a better performance and see if we can challenge them more”.

He continued, “In the round robin you are going to have dips, you will have challenges brought to you, you will lose certain players, you can’t look at it in the same light as last year’s championship because it is a different championship. I would hope that we can bring what we had in the round robin series in terms of performance and continue our trajectory in terms of performance levels upwards towards the Munster final. That’s

the challenge and goal now: to produce a performance that is even better than the last four performances - that is well within their capacity but you have to go after it and really focus, and as a group we are are very focused on our work in order to produce that type of performance”.

Another alteration between this year and the last two seasons is the quick turnover between games. “Last year we had two weeks between each game so you had time to do your analysis and balance the load over two weeks, whereas in a six- or seven-day turnaround, as we were this year with both our pairings, you have to get everything done really quickly. Our analysis team under Seanie O’Donnell had a busy time trying to turn over the game. Even having to name your team on Wednesday for the match on Sunday, you’re almost naming it in the dark because you could have some players who had been unable to train on Tuesday but you are hoping they will be able to train on Friday to be ok for the game on Sunday”.

John Kiely Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Monumental: Tony Kelly scored 16 points when Clare took on Limerick in the round robbing in Cusack Park

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

pg 35

02-06-22

‘I’m happy to keep putting on the Clare jersey for as long as I can’ - Conlon

by EOIN BRENNAN

J

OHN CONLON will line out in Sunday’s Munster Senior Hurling Final as part of an elite band of hurlers to have played 50 championship matches for their county.

As well as being in the auspicious company of the likes of fellow half centurions Eddie Keher (Kilkenny), Joe Deane (Cork) and even current Limerick captain Declan Hannon, from a Clare perspective alone only Seanie McMahon (51), Brian Lohan (54), Niall Gilligan (56), Frank Lohan (58) and Davy Fitzgerald (60) have played in more championship ties for the Banner County.

It’s a landmark achievement that has spanned 14 seasons, reaped over 100 points and garnered All-Ireland and National League honours as well as that long-awaited prestigious All-Star in 2018.

“I had no idea. Somebody mentioned to me recently that they thought that I might have already passed it so it’s good to see that it’s actually on Sunday and no better time than a Munster Final to reach such a nice milestone,” began the Clonlara star upon hearing the news.

“To have now played 50 times for the county in the championship is a dream come true really from a very young age and I’m happy to keep putting on the Clare jersey for as long as I can”.

Mike McNamara recruited him into the senior panel in the 2008 season, following a campaign where Clare reached the Munster final.

“It was a surreal experience at the time and I managed to make my debut in that first year thankfully so anytime I see one of the newer players making their debuts like Robin Mounsey this year, I always look back on that first day and say to them that ‘yes you are a bit nervous and you had the butterflies but the minute you hit that first tackle, there’s no better feeling’,” he told The Clare Echo.

2009 saw him make his senior debut and was when Clare won U21 Munster and All-Ireland titles for the first time. “It was the first step of such a great run of success at minor and under 21 lev-

els culminating of course in that 2013 All-Ireland senior win,” Conlon recalled.

It wasn’t all medals and merits though as the turn of the decade was more transitional than anything else as the 2009 U21 side were immediately blooded at senior level. “The first three years were barren and tough years really. We were playing in Division 2 of the National League and were regulars in places such as Carlow and Antrim and I often mentioned to Tony Kelly and others that they were lucky that they never experienced any of that.

“Sparrow [Ger O’Loughlin] had done a lot of work in bringing my age group that had won that initial All-Ireland Under 21 in 2009 through and then added to the new influx of Munster and All-Ireland winners from that three-in-a-row Under 21 sides, it was a combination of both under Davy [Fitzgerald] that came together and later went onto win the 2013 All-Ireland”.

Despite the hugely encouraging age profile, the feats of 2013 wouldn’t be replicated or even remotely emulated until five years later when the Banner, now under Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor, were only the width of a post away from contesting another All-Ireland Final, incidentally against Limerick, having already lost the Munster decider.

“2018 was a year that we left one behind. I remember the night we lost the All-Ireland semi-final replay to Galway, one player saying to me that we’ll be back next year and I immediately turned and said that it takes a lot of hurling to get back there again. We had the winning of the Munster Final against Cork and then the Galway game in the semi-final, we kind of let it through our fingers.

“I do look back fondly on 2018 though as it was a great year but ultimately disappointing whereas in 2013, halfway through the year, we didn’t think we were going to go anywhere and suddenly we went on this run and all of a sudden you were All-Ireland champions. So overall, I’ve had great times including the 2016 National League win and there’a a good feeling building again currently with Brian Lohan”.

Could you sense a big championship campaign coming for Clare this year?

“At the start of the year, we would have talked about this year’s team as having a lot of maturity there between the likes of Cathal Malone and David McInerney and I’m kind of ahead of the pack as a 33 year old. Then you have Tony [Kelly], Conor Cleary and them that are in their late 20’s and hitting their prime really over the next two or three years. So subconsciously I think we all realised that we had to push on and make the most of this experienced group.

“In fairness to Brian over the last three years, he brought a huge amount of young lads into the panel that bring great energy and a carefree attitude to the panel. We’ve seen them mature no end in the last two years, players like Mark Rodgers and Shane Meehan, so the great thing at the moment is that there’s great balance to the panel and it’s testament to what Brian has developed”.

The litmus test of that development, both physically and mentally, will come on Sunday against an all-conquering Limerick side that have mopped up three Munster and All-Irelands crowns in just four seasons.

“We all know what Limerick have done in the last few years since 2018. They are the best team out there at the moment while everyone else is trying to battle for second. So every time you play Limerick you know you’re going to get a tough game as they tackle so hard, they’re so well coached and drilled and almost everything is done to a tee “Every day you go out you think you can win the game, I mean I wouldn’t still be playing if I didn’t think I could beat every team I come up against and no better benchmark then than against Limerick in a Munster Final.

Of course no-one needs to tell anyone in Clonlara or indeed anywhere along the hard border about the rivalry between Clare and Limerick. There are a lot of Limerick flags and jerseys out around Clonlara at the moment and there seems to be a lot of divid-

ed loyalties and families. That goes for even my own family as my wife’s sister is married to a really big Limerick fan so to

counteract that, we’ve the children trained to say ‘boo Limerick’ to him. The rivalry and banter is great, that’s what a derby is all about really”.

For the first time in 27 years, t h i s Shannonside derby is for pro-

vincial silverware as Conlon and Co. look to b r i n g back the

Mackey Cup to the Banner for the first time since 1998.

“24 years is a huge amount of time, I was actually at the last final we won, both games in fact against Waterford, and they were fantastic experiences. That’s what inspired me and we’re now aspiring to win games and medals and championships for Clare.

“All we can do is do our b est, that’s what we have been doing all y e a r, worki n g hard a n d work ing for each other and I think that has come across in the games we’ve played. Everyone’s in it for each other, both the management and players and now we’ve got the supporters fully behind us as well so hopefully we can all come together on Sunday, give it one hell of a go and hope for the best”.

02-06-22

pg 36

This Munster Final means more to Clare DARACH HONAN

T

HIS WEEK, many of us are casting our minds back just over a fortnight to a cracker of a game and the best contest Clare have been involved in some years.

With the 11,000 allocation of terrace tickets for the Munster final sold out within 11 minutes, there is massive anticipation for the replay amongst the public.

Limerick supporters will have supreme confidence in their side and Clare are rank outsiders amongst the bookies again. However, there is a sense in Clare that our lads have a great shot at winning this.

Limerick have been the dominant side in the country for the last four years.

Like all great teams, they have brought the game to a new level. The physicality and athleticism within their team is awesome and they play the game with massive intensity. Before tactics or hurling is discussed, Clare

will need to match this to have any chance. There were times during the game in Ennis, where Clare looked out on their feet, and if they game had gone on a little longer it looked as though Limerick had more in the tank. However, that game will have brought on Clare hugely.

Coming into this season, most pundits predicted Clare would be dead and buried at this stage of the competition. Clare were written off as an afterthought in analysis of the competition and given no chance of progressing from Munster, not to mind topping the table. That is no cause for celebration though: now that Clare are where we are, there is a great opportunity to go on and win. In order to achieve that against this Limerick side, a near perfect performance is required.

While the Waterford game was a good opportunity for Clare to give fringe players a chance to impress, the dropoff in standard was huge. The pace and intensity of that game was well below where Clare need to be. Despite the compre-

hensive nature of the win, Clare will have a lot to improve on. Most notably, Clare had 11 wides in the first half. This sort of wastefulness can suck the life out of a team in a close contest.

When you hit your purple patch in a game you need to take your chances. Limerick played poorly for 55 minutes against Tipperary and still went on to win by seven points, such is the level of their scoring efficiency.

Brian Lohan will also be targeting an improvement in our defending, an area where he has a lot of expertise and the highest standards. Despite Waterford hurling at a very poor level, they still managed to come away with 2-22. Dessie Hutchinson, who would have been earmarked as their best attacker, was afforded 1-6 from play. Clare were casual in their approach at times and allowed Waterford in for some easy scores. I would expect that Clare management will have stern words with some of the backs to ensure that there is full focus and aggression for the entirety of the game this weekend.

Shane O’Donnell clashes with Diarmaid Byrnes Photo by Gerard O’Neill

The addition of Aaron Gillane, the top inside forward of recent years, back into the team has the potential to give Limerick an extra dimension in attack. He is picked out consistently by his clubmate Diarmuid Byrnes. Generally, Aaron makes his runs to either wing and can score over his shoulder from either side. The space here will have to be closed off by our half backline. One of the most dangerous plays Limerick use is the high ball to the edge of the square.

Gillane is very effective at catching and scoring after ghosting in from behind the full back line. While Conor Cleary is very strong in the air but this will be a challenge for him this weekend.

The return of Aaron Gillane will also free up Kyle Hayes to return to his best position at centre forward. I’m always amazed that the Limerick management moved Hayes out of this position. When he wins clean possession, turns and runs at goal from 6070 yards out, there is no one in the country who can keep pace with him. He is a constant goal threat and can wear down the chasing defenders. Limerick lose this threat when playing him on the inside line, as his hurling is not suited to it.

So with the return of Aaron Gillane and Cathal O’Neill, do Clare have any chance? I believe we do, and key to that will be Peter Duggan and Shane O’Donnell. Both missed long periods prior to this season, and neither fully matched the pace required of the first clash. But as was noted here, that game would have brought them both on hugely.

This was borne out in their display against Waterford with both being candidates for MOTM. If those two can bring that same level of performance to Thurles it gives Clare an edge.

On another note, it was interesting to

see the reaction to the refereeing from the Limerick camp after the last clash. Shane Dowling and The Sunday Game put together a package which tried to portray that Limerick are very harshly refereed.

John Kiely came out with comments to the same effect. Either there is a genuine inability to see what they have gotten away with over the last few years, or this is an attempt to co-opt the media to serve Limerick’s domineering style of play. Hopefully the ref will not cave to pressure from the Limerick camp this weekend.

Waterford had been billed as Limerick’s only genuine competitors this year. This was stated as fact on many broadcasts, podcasts and columns since January. Limerick will have heard this noise and probably had been gearing up for a showdown with the Déise as well. However, as the old saying goes, “the sheep spends its lifetime being scared of the wolf, only to be eaten by the shepherd”. Clare have come in under the radar this year and the players will be hugely motivated by that narrative. This game will mean more to Clare than Limerick and I think that will result in a first Munster championship for Clare in 24 years.

pg 37

02-06-22

02-06-22

pg 38

Shot at history for Clare & Limerick

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

Brian Lohan pictured bringing the Munster SHC trophy back to Shannon in 1995 Photo by Joe Buckley

UNDAY’s winners of the Munster SHC final will become the first county to lift the new Mick Mackey Cup. Munster GAA formally passed a motion to name the Munster Senior Hurling Cup after former Ahane, Limerick and Munster hurler Mick Mackey at a Council meeting in March 2021. Either Tony Kelly or Declan Hannon will become the first victorious captain to raise it aloft this coming weekend.

An attendance of 18,129 attended the draw between the sides a fortnight ago in Cusack Park and 45,775 supporters will embrace a sold-out Semple Stadium this weekend, the encounter will also be broadcast live on RTÉ.

In the last Munster Final meeting between the counties, Clare were victorious over Limerick in 1995, Sunday’s clash will be their seventh time contesting a senior provincial final with the Treaty County victorious in 1918, 1955, 1974, 1981 and 1994, Five of the six previous finals took place in Thurles, with the 1955 final in the Gaelic Grounds.

John Kiely’s Limerick are the reigning Munster champions and will compete in their fiftieth Munster SHC final while Clare last held the title in 1998 and line out in the decider for the twenty ninth time.

Wicklow’s John Keenan has been appointed as the referee for the contest which throws in at 4pm.

Tony Kelly and Declan Hannon at the launch of the Mick Mackey Cup

pg 39

02-06-22

From the dynamite factory to the volcano

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

B

ANK HOLIDAY weekends have a universal trait of lifting the mood, just like a Munster senior hurling final so we’ve double the delight when the two combine.

Throw into the mix the fact that it’s two neighbourly tribes going to war, rising temperatures, unbridled anticipation and the meeting of Clare versus Limerick has the makings of a classic. It took only eleven minutes for terrace tickets to sell out for this game, a strong a signal as you will find that Semple Stadium in Thurles on this Bank Holiday Sunday in June is the place to be.

So regardless of its June or July, the hurlers, their mentors and supporters will soak up this occasion regardless of the supposed debate ‘rumbling on’ about club versus county as perceived by The Sunday Game.

It wouldn’t be the first time RTÉ’s coverage got it wrong this year with Derek McGrath predicting any team that defeated Waterford in this year’s championship would be “climbing the steps”. Seeing as both of the provincial finalists and Cork recorded facile victories over the League champions, one has to wonder if McGrath was referring to the steps of their respective team buses rather than the Hogan Stand.

Championship intensity was demonstrated perfectly in the Cusack Park meeting between Clare and Limerick on May 15th.

If you blinked, you missed something, such was the ferocity. Keith Duggan aptly described it in The Irish Times as akin to an “explosion in a dynamite factory”. Needless to say, with silverware to play for, the stakes are higher, so we move from the factory to the volcano with the lava set to erupt at 4pm on Sunday.

Supporters in Ennis three weeks ago drank the town dry with several pubs running out of Cider and Vodka, it’s the shot in the arm local economies have been crying out for and indeed serves as one of the greatest success of the provincial round-robin series.

Reports that Thurles publicans have been doing cartwheels every since the venue was decided have not been verified!

Spirit and commitment are the buzz words from the dozens of post-match interviews given by Brian Lohan since he became Clare manager. The traits have come to the fore under his watch with the hurlers in Saffron and Blue hitting a tune as sweet and varied as Sharon Shannon’s ‘Blackbird’. Without question, they’ll match Limerick for spirit in this clash.

On each occasion Lohan has been asked about Limerick, the word physicality is mentioned. The Green Machine have been a different beast, that’s why they’re chasing a fourth provincial title on the trot and a fourth All-Ireland since 2018. Bar a major blip in 2019, the experienced cohort of Clare players have never retreated from the frontline when meeting the Treaty County. That’s why they can approach this battlefield with confidence, there is an extra pep in their step giv-

en that it has been a happy hunting ground with two commanding victories already in the Munster championship.

Further lifting the Clare mood is the absence of Cian Lynch. The Patrickswell man is the conductor of this Limerick orchestra, he makes them tick and leaves a gaping hole in the fifteen. By no means are they a one man team but it is worth pointing out that John Kiely’s men have not won a title of note without Lynch pulling the strings.

Tony Kelly was unmarkable when the sides clashed in May, he justified the tag of the greatest hurler in the country on that occasion but must reproduce that form, should he do this with both Shane O’Donnell and Peter Duggan bringing their A-game then Clare will be right in the hunt approaching the final furlong.

At the other end, it is imperative an inch is

not given to Aaron Gillane, Kyle Hayes, Tom Morrissey and Gearoid Hegarty and based on their displays David McInerney, Rory Hayes and their colleagues in defence have shown they are up for the task. David Fitzgerald around the middle third has indicated he can match Limerick for pace and physicality, serving as a launchpad throughout.

With every machine comes a manual on how to assemble and dismantle it, through actions like John Conlon getting between Paul Kinnerk issuing an instruction to David Reidy in Ennis they loosened some screws, Munster Final day is Clare’s greatest opportunity to put a serious body blow on the Green Machine, they are well capable of doing just that and ending a twenty four year drought for a provincial senior crown.

VERDICT: Clare to win by two points

Best Wishes to all at Clare GAA for the Munster Final from your Local Credit Union!

Local, Loyal & Lending

clarecreditunions.ie Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

02-06-22

pg 40

Clare men leading the Limerick line

Aonghus O’Brien Photo byGerard O’Neill

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE MEN WILL be part of the Limerick management plotting their native county’s downfall for this year’s Munster final.

Limerick have been the recent kingpins of hurling history, claiming three All-Ireland SHC titles in the space of four years while this weekend they aspire to collect their fourth provincial title in a row.

Their physicality and exceptional skill with players of the calibre of Cian Lynch, Sean Finn, Diarmaid Byrnes, Gearoid Hegarty, the Morrissey brothers, Kyle Hayes, Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan to name but a few.

Central to their success has also been the strong management team put in place by John Kiely and it is heavily comprised of Clare men.

Shannons’s Alan Cunningham has been involved with the Limerick senior hurlers since Kiely was appointed manager for the 2017 season. Principal of St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon, Alan was previously coach of the Na Piarsaigh side that won the Caherdavin outfit’s first and only All-Ireland club title in 2016.

Cunningham was previously selector and coach to both Anthony Daly and Mike McNamara during their respective tenures in charge of Clare, while he served as coach to the Offaly senior hurlers in 2012 and 2013 under two-time All-Ireland winner Ollie Baker. He first lined out for the Clare minor hurlers in 1981 and made his last appearance for the county seniors in 1989. Alan’s sons Aaron and Jack also represented the county with Aaron winning an All-Ireland SHC and National League in 2013 and 2016 along with three All-Ireland U21 and Munster titles from 2012 to 2014.

Aonghus O’Brien of Broadford is also

part of the coaching ticket. He coached the Limerick minors in 2013 when they were crowned provincial champions and exited the All-Ireland semi-finals in controversial circumstances, losing to Galway after extra time, Hawk-Eye had showed an early Barry Nash effort had gone over the crossbar for Limerick, but the graphic indicated that it was a miss. Referee Fergal Horgan didn’t allow the score, with the GAA confirming later that the system would be stood down for the remainder of the afternoon. Cian Lynch, Sean Finn, Seamus Flanagan, Darragh O’Donovan, Mike Casey, Barry Nash, Tom Morrissey, Pat Ryan were among the current panellists to feature on that day.

Currently the principal of Broadford and Kilbane National School, Aonghus was part of the Clare management for Davy Fitzgerald’s final season in 2016 which saw National League success achieved. O’Brien made his championship debut for the Clare minors in 1999 scoring 0-01 from midfield, they went on to contest the provincial final that year losing to Tipperary 1-13 2-07. He also lined out at U21 and intermediate level for his county and made an appearance for the seniors during the Allianz National Hurling League.

Highly regarded as one of the top hurling coaches of this era is Paul Kinnerk. A native of the Treaty County, Paul was coach to the Clare senior hurlers that tasted All-Ireland glory in 2013, he was also to the fore for the sides that won three Munster and All-Ireland U21 titles from 2012 to 2014. He was absent from the Banner senior management in 2015 before returning in 2016 to assist in their National League glory.

A former Limerick footballer, Kinnerk’s mother hails from Kilkee and his father from Doonbeg, in recent years they have lived in Cratloe and the former St Caimin’s secondary school teacher has been the chief architect of Limerick’s dominance in recent seasons.

pg 41

02-06-22

Supporting your training needs

Career and Business Advancement

Find a course that suits you and your company at

shannonchamberskillnet.com

The Voice of Business

Join and Engage Today T: 061 475854 @SNNChamber 004465 Shannon Chamber Clare Echo Advert.indd 1

E: admin@shannonchamber.ie www.shannonchamber.ie @ShannonChamber

Shannon Chamber of Commerce 27/05/2022 15:32

02-06-22

Sell-out Semple Stadium awaits for Munster Final

pg 42

PATHS TO FINAL Limerick Round 1: Limerick 2-25 Cork 1-17 on April 17th in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Referee: John Keenan Round 2: Limerick 0-30 Waterford 2-21 on April 23rd in TUS Gaelic Grounds. Referee: Sean Stack (Dublin).

Round 3: Limerick 3-21 Tipperary 0-23 on May 8th in TUS Gaelic Grounds. Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway).

Round 4: Limerick 1-21 Clare 0-24 on May 15th in Cusack Park.

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork) Round 5: Bye

Clare PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

PACKED TO CAPACITY SEMPLE STADIUM is set to host this year’s Munster senior hurling final.

An allocation of 11,000 terrace tickets sold out in the space of eleven minutes on Thursday morning following their distribution online and in participating Centra and SuperValu outlets.

In a statement on Thursday morning,

Munster GAA outlined, “All remaining tickets are with the participating county boards (Clare and Limerick) and Season Ticket holders. It is not expected that any tickets will be returned from the County Boards and in that event, the Munster Hurling Final will be a sell-out event on Sunday week June 5th at FBD Semple Stadium”.

Semple Stadium’s capacity for the final will be 45,775 having been reduced in recent years due to health and safety regulations.

The meeting of Tipperary and Cork in 2006 was the last time the attendance surpassed 50,000 at the venue for a provincial final.

Round 1: Bye Round 2: Clare 3-21 Tipperary 2-16 on April 24th at FBD Semple Stadium. Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

Round 3: Clare 0-28 Cork 2-20 on May 1st at FBD Semple Stadium.

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow).

Round 4: Clare 0-24 Limerick 1-21 on May 15th at Cusack Park.

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork).

Round 5: Clare 3-31 Waterford 2-22 on May 22nd at Cusack Park.

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow).

OBITUARIES 43

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

Recent Deaths Fitzgerald, Francie Boston, Clare Date of Death: Monday 30th May 2022 Murray (née O’Loughlin), Angela Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 31st May 2022 Cullinan, James P. Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022 Hayes, Baby Kyana Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 29th May 2022 Martin (née Bennis), Maureen Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Monday 30th May 2022 Kelly, Donal Lissycasey, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 28th May 2022 Nugent, Emmet Quin, Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022

Woods, Thomas (Tommy) Caher, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 29th May 2022

Lynch (née Looney), Rena Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Thursday 26th May 2022

Brosnan, Sr. Frances Ennistymon, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 28th May 2022

McMahon, Peadar Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022

Jones (née McInerney), Eileen Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022

Shinnors, Tom Parteen, Clare Date of Death: Thursday 26th May 2022

Somers (née Culligan), Mary Galway & Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022 Hynes (née Considine), Anne Lisdoonvarna, Clare Date of Death: Thursday 26th May 2022 Kiely, Seán O’Callaghans Mills, Clare Date of Death: Friday 27th May 2022

Blake, Mary Doonbeg, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 24th May 2022 Considine (née Donovan), Grace Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 24th May 2022 Frawley, Thomas Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 7th May 2022

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLEHAUN, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that B. Cooney intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, foul sewer system, percolation area and new site entrance at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONADRUM,

MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that G. Egan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission demolish part of existing dwelling, to extend existing dwelling and connect to existing septic tank at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL STATION ROAD, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that NIAMH

MEANEY intends to apply for permission to retain the new timber fence on the existing block wall along the south/south eastern perimeter of the property & 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 KNOCKNARAHA, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Reference P21/1351; Permission to build a New Dwelling House, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at Knocknaraha,

Liscannor, Co Clare. Take notice that Ben Lucas has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P21/1351. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not late than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOOMULLIN, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Reference

P22/179; Permission to build a New Dwelling House, install a wastewater treatment system & all associated site and ancillary works at Toomullin, Doolin, Co Clare. Take notice that Lorcan Shannon and Nydia Shahjahan have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/179. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not late than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 50 MOUNTEIVERS, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take Notice that We, Eduard Shemyakin & Natalie Tretinnikova intend to apply to Clare County Council for Retention Permission for the Construction of a Domestic Garage to side of existing dwelling and also retention permission for the construction of a concrete block boundary wall including ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 594 GLENAIFREANN,

NEWMARKET-ONFERGUS, CO. CLARE, V95 V8P3 Take Notice that We, Chandima & Aroshima Ga1nage intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the construction of an extension to existing dwelling house to co1nprise of Kitchen/Dining, two bedrooms and Bathroom.

We are also applying for permission to demolish existing extension to rear of dwelling including ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Continues on p45

44

CLASSIFIEDS

ACCOUNTANTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

CARPENTRY

CHIMNEY CLEANING Miltown Chimney Cleaning Open Fires, Stoves & Ranges All areas covered Fully Vaccinated and boostered Call Pearse on 085 1187811

DRIVING LESSONS

CAR REPAIRS

LOST Men’s gold wedding ring lost in the Ennis area. Treasured possession for 56 years.

If found please call 086 3614830

PAINTING

CLEANING

FOR SALE ENNIS WINDOW CLEANING & POWER WASHING SERVICES

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

FULLY INSURED

Power Washing

For Sale Fitted Kitchen with electric cooker, hood & dishwasher.

Contact Margaret 083 4777423

GARDENING

Soft Washing  Window Cleaning

1800 303 406 087 914 0225

Roof Cleaning Specialists

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Gutter Cleaning Service

If you are needing to paint your house or a commercial site, call or text Wender Painter & Decorator to get a quotation today.

Excellent work with fair pricing.

No job is too big or too small 089 4159009

Contact Kevin Cosgrove Tel: 087 1385904 Web: www.enniswindowcleaning.ie

The Clare Echo Classifieds

. TAR & CHIP DRIVEWAYS . GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS

Call 065 671 9021 or email sales@clareecho.ie

. NEW DRIVEWAYS . INDIAN SANDSTONE PATIOS . GARDEN SERVICES . GARDEN PATHWAYS . BRICKLAYING AND WALLING

Has your car FAILED its NCT? WE CARRY OUT ALL TYPES OF NCT REPAIRS

. WOODEN FENCING . NEW LAWNS . PATIO PAVING . NATURAL STONE PATIOS . BLOCK PAVING . DRIVEWAY RESTORATION ...

SERVICES & REPAIRS

Kellys Garage

For appointment or free quotation call us on

065 682 8915

086 402 5664

Telephone: 061 574163 Mobile: 083 1049148 Email: info@allseasonsdriveways.ie

Fully insured

references available

www.allseasonsdriveways.ie

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

ROOFING

45

PRINTING

ALPINE ROOFING SERVICES

RealPrint ’s or’s nnor Conn Co ly Holy rst Ho Firs Fi ion unio Commun Co

My First Comm

union

Co07/nnor 05/2022

Selfie Frames & Personalised Banners for your special Communion or Confirmation Day!

info@realprint.ie

065 684 4545

www.realprint.ie

STORAGE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING

TYRES RUBBISH REMOVAL

TILER EXPERIENCED TILER AVAILABLE FOR Kitchen walls Bathrooms Flooring Contact Sean on 087-2884312

087 9830736 065 671 0124 087 983 0736

PLANNING Continued from p43 CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERCONNELL, CARRON, CO. CLARE Permission for the construction of an extension to the existing visitor center and tea rooms is being sought by Burren Forts Limited. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERINA, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michelle Clohessy & David Williams are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TONLEGEE, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Damien McSweeney & Donna Noonan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling

house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DANGANANELLA EAST, COORACLARE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Lindsey & Stephen Guilfoyle are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the

authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKLOSKERAUN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that M. Marrinan and D. Ainsworth intend to apply to the Planning Authority for outline permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable

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

46

QUIZ

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

The Clare Echo Quiz MARTIN HAYES QUIZ

2

7

3

8

How many fiddle competitions did he win in the Fleadh before turning 19?

Four Six Eight

4

Hayes is one of only three fiddlers to be named an All-Ireland champion in the senior fiddle division in two consecutive years. In what successive years did Martin claim All-Ireland glory?

1970 and 1971 1977 and 1978 1981 and 1982

5

His father P Joe Hayes and uncle Paddy Canny were founders of which musical group?

Kilfenora Céili Band Tulla Céilí Band Shaskeen Céilí Band

6

He moved to Chicago in 1985 and began to collaborate with guitarist Dennis Cahill. Which US President did they perform in front of at the White

What is the name of the contemporary Irish/American music supergroup formed by Hayes, Cahill, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett in 2011?

The Gleaning The Gloaming The Glistening In 1991, he released an album with his father P Joe Hayes, what was it called?

The Shores by Dromaan Harbour The Shores of Lough Derg The Shores of Lough Graney

9

He became the first musician to win the BBC Instrumentalist of the Year in 2001 and received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil award in 2008 but which university gave him an honorary doctorate in 2019?

NUIG UL UCD

10

Martin’s brother is a Fianna Fáil representative sitting in which house of Government?

Arás Chontae an Chláir Dáil Éireann Seanad Éireann

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

l How many fiddle competitions did Martin Hayes win in the Fleadh before turning 19?

6. Barack Obama 7. The Gloaming 8. The Shores of Lough Graney 9. NUIG 10.Arás Chontae an Chláir

He started playing the fiddle at the age of seven. How old was Martin when he won his first fiddle competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann?

7 10 13

ANSWERS

Last weeks Answers . GAA missing on Clare support (centre) . Munster crest missing on Limerick supporter hat . GAA missing on Limerick supporter (right) . Number 4 Missing on Clare supporter (right)

Maghera 13 Six 1981 and 1982 Tulla Céilí Band

Moylussa

House?

Ronald Reagan Bill Clinton Barack Obama

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Martin Hayes is from where in Clare?

1Moyasta Maghera

. POD symbol missing on arm of Clare supporter (front) . POD missing on Clare supporter (middle back) . Stripe missing on Limerick supporter (right)

Clare Cup champions, Avenue Utd Photo by Gerard O’Neill

PUZZLE

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2022

47

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JUNE 2nd

WORD SEARCH

10/15/21, 11:46 AM

8 8

cyclone

4

7

6

8 5

3

easterly

8

foehn

7

5 4

doldrums

9

3

2

4

5 6

9

9

5

hurricane

How to play

monsson

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

ANSWERS 8

6

4

5

6

8

9

9

3

7

2

5

4

1

5

8

3

6

1

7

2

7 3 1

7

9

6

4

2 4

5 1 3 4 8 2 7

2

9

8

1

5

3

6

7 8 9 1 5 3 6 4 2

6

2 4

3

1

5 2

7

4

1/1

6

8

9

1

3

7

5

9

8

10/15/21, 11:46 AM

typhoon

9

trades

4

squal

6

sirocco

8

simoom

7

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

1

HOW TO PLAY

2

mistral

9

harmattan

7

5

2

gust

1

3

gale

How to play

chinook

zephyr

9

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

cal

3

westerly

1/1

breeze

SUDOKU

The Clare Echo Crossword

1/1

Daily Quick Crossword: 15 October 2021, 10/15/2021 Michael Curl

A N N O Y

18

on show re

20

P

D A N G E R

12

E

of fasting for Muslims rcibly tions

13

M A T

10

U

8

t frican country 1

S

C I

W

A

H

9

O

A L G E R 3

E

E

I

4

D

O T

14

15

N

11

I

16

I I

T R E I

S P

M

L A Y

R 5

M

T A W A

O

N A

21

U

R

T O R M 2

17

N E E

S

S

B

R A M A D A N

19

U

23

U

I

A D M 6

H I

7

T

Michael Curl

Daily Quick Crossword: 15 October 2021, 10/15/2021

Supporting Journalism in Clare

AM

Visit clareecho.ie/subscribe to find out more

of Canada

O

25

Help support us by subscribing

cider

N

24

23

M

22

22

21

T

20

I

19

N K S

18

nd

I

17

L

16

E

15

E

14

N

13

I

12

CROSSWORD ANSWERS B R E A K

11

1 Taken for granted 2 Phantom 3 Love affair 4 Patron saint of Scotland 5 Fire-raising 6 Citizen army 7 Aromatic herb 13 Convent 15 Glass 16 General pardon 17 Dried plums 18 Brownish yellow 19 Country bumpkin 21 Material for jeans

or granted m fair saint of Scotland sing army ic herb t

10

uslims

1 North African country 5 Let in 8 Tempest 9 Exhibit 10 Afternoon show 11 Saltpetre 12 Peril 14 Capital of Canada 18 Irritate 20 Month of fasting for Muslims 22 Enter forcibly 23 Connections 24 Regal 25 Rough cider

DOWN

S C R U M P Y

9

ACROSS

25

7

E

6

R

5

E

8

4

R O Y A L

3

24

2

l pardon lums sh yellow bumpkin l for jeans

1