The Clare Echo 04/03/21

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MAR 4 2021

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100 JOBS ON STREAM FOR SHANNON PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

S ENNIS resident Aoibhin Garrihy has teamed up with Facebook to raise money for Aware with their Positivity Parade campaign. The initiative is calling for people around Ireland to share an image or a short video of something that has helped them to stay positive this year; a moment of fun with a loving pet, an at home yoga class or a daily scenic walk.

For every image or video shared, Facebook Ireland will donate €1 to the Aware charity.Visit facebookpositivityparade.com to upload your photo or video and Facebook will donate €1 to Aware. Deadline for entries is 5pm Thursday 11th March.

HANNON has received a further jobs boost this week with confirmation of approximately 100 jobs coming on stream as an iconic employer in the town announced its closure.

Monday’s announcement that global investor services group IG-EQ has chosen to set up a new funds operation in Shannon creating 45 jobs over five years has been surpassed by the decision of Universal Display Corporation (UDC) and PPG to jointly establish a new manufacturing site at Shannon Industrial Estate.

In the region of 50-60 jobs will be created when UDC open their Shannon base, their operations are scheduled to commence in early 2022 in what Clare TD Joe Carey (FG) has hailed as “an incredible investment”.

There was negative news on the jobs front for the town as the Shannon Knights closed its doors for the final time on Sunday. Operating primarily as an off-licence since March, the Knights had been open for close to five decades as a bistro, off-licence, bar and nightclub.

The Knights is regarded as an institution within the town and is credited with helping to build the community in the early years of Shannon’s existence.

At its peak, more than 75 persons were employed at the Shannon Knights.

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

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

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

lSLEEPING ROUGH: A tent pitched under the De Valera Monument outside Ennis Courthouse

Now go there and back by bus KILRUS

Photo by John Mangan

EU help needed to sort water issues

A

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

H S ENNI

NBEG DO O HE LOOP

AD

TFI Local Link Limerick Clare are delighted to announce the introduction of new and expanded services in Co. Clare The launch of new Route 337 will provide regular public transport between Kilrush and Ennis with services running 3 times daily Monday – Saturday with a reduced service on Sundays.

Expanded services to Routes 335 and 339 will improve connectivity to Doonbeg and frequency to Loophead.

Pre - booking is required as bus services are currently operating at 25% capacity for essential journeys only.

For more information call 065 6719101 or visit locallinklc.ie Free Travel Pass accepted | Children under 5 travel free

Limerick Clare

WEST Clare councillor has said assistance will be needed from Europe to sort out wastewater infrastructure deficits in Carrigaholt.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) issued the call to go to Europe to solve deficiencies regarding the provision of wastewater treatment plants in areas such as Carrigaholt.

Members of the SPC were briefed by acting senior planner with the local authority, Helen Quinn on funding opportunities available to the local authority for climate action.

The European Investment Bank was referenced as one area that can be availed of for projects to do with community gain that come from philanthropic or corporate funding services.

This piqued the attention of Cllr Keating who asked, “are we making enough use of the European Investment Bank”. He referenced previous mention to wastewater earlier

in the meeting and the investment of €1.4bn in water services announced in the Department’s €3.1bn housing budget.

Over €1.3 billion is being provided to Irish Water in 2021.

“It mentions depopulation and you know rural Ireland and depopulation, I don’t want to be parochial but I did mention before the Carrigaholt Sewerage Scheme, there is opportunities there. I always say, borrow the money, put in the roads and infrastructure.

“We shouldn’t worrying going forward about balancing the books, borrow the money and do what has to be done, it is a great opportunity,” Keating who worked in the financial services industry before entering politics stated.

He recalled that as far back as 1952, Carrigaholt was waiting on Clare County Council to provide a wastewater treatment plant with funding allocated in the 2009 Budget. Absence of a public toilet and basic facilities in the area was lamented by Gabriel who noted it was the “gateway to Loop Head”.

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

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Bank of Ireland branches to close in three Clare towns PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HREE Clare Bank of Ireland branches are to close as part of a decision to shut 103 networks on the island of Ireland.

Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and Tulla will see their Bank of Ireland branches shut from the end of September. No compulsory redundancies will be issued as part of the move to shut branches nationwide.

An underlying loss of €374m has been disclosed by Bank of Ireland reflecting the hit it experienced on impaired loans during the pandemic.

A decline in the use of branches have been experienced, Bank of Ireland stated when publishing its annual results for 2020. "We will continue to operate 182 branches across the island of Ireland. The branches will be an integral part of the Group's strategy of blending physical and digital services to meet our customers' evolving needs". €12m will be invested in the remaining branch network by the end of 2022.

There has been a new partnership agreed with Bank of Ireland and An Post that will offer customers banking services at more than 900 locations across Ireland. This will include over the counter cash and cheque lodgements and cash withdrawals, with longer weekday opening hours than traditional bank branches as well as Saturday opening. Bank of Ireland said the closing branches all have a post office within, on average, less than 500 metres.

Last year, concern first emerged that the Bank of Ireland branches in Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and Tulla would become victims to the pandemic. They reopened in June but were among 101 branches that shut due to the pandemic.

Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) had recently flagged the matter in Dáil Éireann warning of the adverse affects the closures would bring to the three areas. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) at the time said new methods must be embraced. "We all need to acknowledge that the world has moved on in terms of banking.

The number of people who set foot in a bank branch now is a fraction of what it was ten or 20 years ago. We need to think about how we can use these iconic buildings, which are often in villages and main streets, for a new purpose that will involve footfall".

MICHAEL MCNAMARA TD (IND): "It is important that ATM facilities in Kilkee and Miltown Malbay are maintained to enable people to lodge and withdraw cash, while I would ask Bank of Ireland to review the provision of such a service in Tulla. In a recent Dáil reply to my question, the Tánaiste displayed a lack of understanding of the impact the closures will have on some sections of the community. The Government has a 15% stake in Bank of Ireland and a number of Government departments and state agencies have accounts with the Bank of Ireland and therefore, the Government can and should be doing more."

CLLR SHANE TALTY (FF): "The banks will piggyback on the State providing the bank infrastructure through the post office network, that is what the banks are playing at. They are abandoning these communities".

VIOLET-ANNE WYNNE TD (SF): “This knee-jerk reaction will leave vulnerable customers without access to essential services. How can Bank of Ireland engage with and prepare these customers for branch closures when public health restrictions are in place? Why was there no consultation and no stakeholder engagement? The only conclusion I can draw is that they have no regard for their customers. The taxpayer poured €4.7 billion into Bank of Ireland during the financial crisis, the least the Irish people deserve from the bank is respect".

CATHAL CROWE TD (FF): "I hope that Bank of Ireland will reconsider some of the planned closures and it's a point I hope to discuss with colleagues in Fianna Fáil and more widely in government.

It also must be highlighted that the proposal to have a Bank of Ireland service in post offices isn't a panacea because as we've seen in Clare, An Post is watery in terms of its commitment to rural Ireland too. A departure of both a post office and bank leaves communities at a total disadvantage."

CLLR CILLIAN MURPHY (FF): "The population of Loop Head and of West Clare generally, is an older one and has a lot of people who may need to physically go to a bank branch. To say that Kilrush is just eight miles aware really isn't good enough either. If you have to travel from Kilbaha to a bank, that's an extra 16-mile round trip on to your journey, and the time that takes out of your day is just another layer of awkwardness for doing business as a citizen or a company. Other impacts that will be felt are around the knock on effect of the loss of this service, if bank customers now have to bypass Kilkee for their banking needs, they will in all likelihood do all their shopping and leisure purchasing elsewhere too. It's hard not to think that increasingly, decisions about the very sustainability of rural communities across the country are being made by corporate entities and I have a huge concern about that, especially when the state is a major shareholder in those entities".

Leaving Cert 2021 online revision courses and weekly classes at Kilmartin Education AS SCHOOLS reopen in line with the recent government announcements, 6th Year students will have the immediate option to return to onsite classes at Kilmartin Educational Services or remain with the online classes.

According to Julie, the online hybrid classes are proving very popular. Students can tune into their weekly classes online from the comfort of their home. Furthermore, students have access to the recording of the class for up to 3 days after the class, to help them further revise the material.

Many students are opting for the Live online classes to access some of Ireland’s top teachers. These classes are Interactive and provide students with the opportunity to engage with the class teacher.

These weekly classes onsite and online will help students maximise their academic potential as they prepare for the SEC Accredited Grades or Leaving Cert. exams.

The popularity of the weekly classes is because students can avoid the hassle of commuting to Julie’s. This will save a lot of time that students can now use as study time.

Kilmartin Educational Services now of-

fer a Comprehensive Online & Onsite Easter Revision Course Package for Leaving Certificate student sitting exams in June 2021. Students will have full access to all recorded courses. Now students can access revision of vital exam topics at the click of a button with the ability to Revise – Rewind from the comfort of their home with the backup of revision notes for every course.

Julie Kilmartin is constantly evolving and responding to the needs of students.

Together in separation where we are physically distanced but digitally connected. Julie is bringing her amazing team of teachers to the homes of Irish students.

l OPTIONS: Class of 2020

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

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Asylum seekers warn of mental torture in Direct Provision CIAN O’BROIN

P

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

LANS to end Direct Provision by 2024 have been welcomed in Co Clare, while asylum seekers warn of mental torture associated with living conditions in the facilities.

As per The White Paper released on Friday, recommendations to end Direct Provision within the next three years have been issued. The plan also recommends a multi-strand approach to accommodation be delivered in a 'not for profit' system. It includes budget lines and financing for the accommodation.

The White Paper would see people living in purpose-built reception centres for up to four months after their initial arrival. After four months, having had their accommodation and health needs assessed, international protection applicants will be moved to accommodation in the community.

Sedik Hadad is a resident in Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre in Meelick. He is a family

man, who comes from a war-torn Saudi Arabia. He explained that many of his friends that escaped to Europe received asylum quickly but that since coming here, COVID-19 has made the process extremely difficult for him. "At this moment my case is under study even though I suffered from depression and I tried to end my life twice because of this routine that robs a person of his right to live a decent life."

Another resident of Knockalisheen, Bulelani Mfaco, is the spokesperson of the Movement of Ayslum Seekers in Ireland (MASI).

He pointed out some positives of the White Paper including income supports equal to those provided to Irish nationals and the ending of shared intimate living spaces for families. However, he stressed that the new proposals are also lacking in imagination.

"The International Protection Act must be amended to include a statutory limit on how long an asylum seeker is to await a decision on their asylum claim. Otherwise, we'll still be talking about backlogs and limbo in the asylum system in a few years' time."

He also added that the 'integration from day one' phrase alluded

Bishop apologises over priest's behaviour BISHOP Fintan Monahan has apologised for the “hurt” caused by the “highly unacceptable behaviour” of a Clare priest who has received a suspended jail sentence for committing a public sexual act in his car.

Barefield parish priest, Fr Jerry Carey pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature at a sitting of Galway District Court on Monday after the Tipperary native was seen performing a solo sex act in his car at Salthill on August 3 last year. He was handed a month in jail, suspended for 12 months by Judge Mary Fahy. Fr Carey has been a priest in the Diocese of Killaloe for the past 37 years. He has stood down from ministry, the Diocese of Killaloe has confirmed.

The Clare Echo understands that Fr Carey is no longer in his role as chaplain of all-girls secondary school Coláiste Muire in Ennis since the incident occurred and has also stood down from ministry.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Bishop Fintan Monahan outlined, “Fr. Carey has sincerely apologised for his behaviour and deeply regrets the damage caused by his actions. As bishop of Killaloe, I acknowledge the upset and distress caused to his parishioners, the priests and the many people to whom he ministered in the diocese”.

Bishop Monahan added, “On behalf of the diocese I wish to apologise for the hurt caused by this crime and what is highly unacceptable behaviour.”

to by the government is illusory if the State maintains restrictions on the right to work. He said that the White Paper remains mute on asylum seekers experiencing poverty in Direct Provision as not all asylum seekers are allowed to work.

The White Paper still maintains some element of congregated setting by having a group of asylum seekers (up to 10) share living spaces such as the kitchen, lounge and dining areas. He expressed that even if they have their own

bedroom, the shared living space with nine other strangers may well necessitate house rules and some sort of management which maintains an institutional setting.

"Ending institutionalisation, congregated and segregated living must mean asylum seekers have a home; even if the asylum seeker status is temporary. And it cannot be a home with imposed household rules as we have had in Direct Provision. Thus, more detail is required in how single asylum seek-

lCHANGE: Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre resident Bulelani Mfaco

Photo by MRN Photography

ers will be accommodated after the initial reception period," Bulelani stated.

Clare Immigrant Support Centre is among those in favour of an end to Direct Provision and has urged for immediate changes to the asylum process to improve the lives of applicants.

Co-ordinator Orla Ni Eili coordinator of Clare Immigrant Support Centre stressed the strain that COVID-19 has had on the residents of Direct Provision centres.

She believes that the integration process for many like Sedik in Knockalisheen is only a reality if the process is overhauled and cases are decided in a timely manner and the backlog of applications is resolved. Asylum process waiting times have increased and in turn, increased anxiety for International Protection applicants.

Sedik concluded with a plea to those presiding over the restructuring of the system "I am talking to you and I am all tears from my eyes. I feel pain. I wish a person who deserves asylum to help him sincerely and without delay and not refuse his asylum. Without anxiety and without depression so that they do not put his life at risk by suicide".

'Alt-right & fascist agenda' blamed for defacing of Ennis Russell memorial

by PÁRAIC McMAHON THE Chairman of the Clare International Brigades Commemorative Collective has said the vandalism of a memorial to an Ennis soldier was inspired by farright protests in Dublin on Saturday.

In May 2019, a memorial in honour of Michael Russell was erected in Simms Lane, Ennis. He joined the XV International Brigades to defend against fascism in the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939.

Comrade Russell was shot in action at

Pingarron Hill on the 27th February 1937 and died.

On Tuesday, the memorial to Russell was vandalised with the wording 'stop communism' sprayed on the wall below it with spray paint also put on the memorial. An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the incident.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Thomas Guilfoyle, Chairman of the Clare International Brigades Commemorative Collective expressed his belief that persons involved in the anti-lockdown protest in

Dublin on Saturday were to blame for the vandalism. Two men have already been charged in connection with the protests in the capital.

"It is a sad day that people would deface the plaque of Mchael Russell who fought for freedom, democracy and liberty, he led the fight during the Spanish Civil War. "It is a sad day for Ennis to see an altright fascist agenda doing this. Hopefully it will be wiped out," the Clarecastle man stated.

lVANDALISM: Graffiti was sprayed on the wall at Simm's Lane and (inset) Michael Russell's plaque was also sprayed

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COVID IN CLARE: ONE YEAR ON FROM OUR FIRST CASE MARCH 4 2020 – First cases of COVID-19 in Clare confirmed as a family of four all contract the virus after travelling from Northern Italy. 4 schools close in North Clare.

MARCH 6 2020 –Mr Murphy's Leaving cert maths class at Ennistymon CBS becomes the first to hold a virtual class in Clare.

MARCH 7 2020 – A former Garda station in Lahinch is converted into a testing centre. St. Patrick's Day parades in Fanore and Lisdoonvarna are cancelled.

MARCH 9 2020 - St. Patrick's Day parades are cancelled across Clare as Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) asks the people of Clare to "remain calm".

MARCH 11 2020 – The first death in the country is confirmed as an elderly patient in Naas General Hospital dies as a result of the virus. The WHO declare COVID-19 a pandemic.

MARCH 12 2020 – It is announced schools, colleges and childcare facilities would close. It is planned that they will reopen on March 29th.

MARCH 15 2020 – Pubs and bars across the country are advised to close.

MARCH 18 2020 – The national total of confirmed cases reaches 366. Meanwhile the first county by county breakdown is published showing Clare to have one of the smallest clusters with only 5 of 271 cases analysed linked to the county.

MARCH 24 2020 – Then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) announces the tightest restrictions yet with a 2km travel limit coming into effect on the 28th.

MARCH 27 2020 – The national total of confirmed cases passes 2,000 as the Clare total reaches 26.

APRIL 1 2020 – Cusack Park is to be used as a drive-thru testing facility.

APRIL 3 2020 – The number of confirmed cases in Clare reach 50 as Ireland records its biggest daily increase with 424 new cases reported. 120 people have now died of COVID-19 in Ireland.

APRIL 10 2020 – Varadkar and then Minister for Education Joe McHugh (FG) announce that the Leaving Cert will be postponed. The Junior Cert is cancelled. At the same time it is announced that lockdown restrictions that were scheduled to last until April 17th will be extended by 3 weeks.

APRIL 12 2020 – Buildings around Clare including Shannon Airport light up as a show of solidarity with frontline workers.

APRIL 13 2020 – National total of confirmed COVID-19 cases passes 10,000.

APRIL 14 2020 – The total number of cases in Clare passes 100.

APRIL 17 2020 - There are 17 new cases in Clare the biggest daily increase in the county since the pandemic began.

MAY 1 2020 – The government publishes their roadmap for reopening the country.

MAY 8 2020 – The Leaving Cert is officially cancelled.

MAY 9 2020 – The total number of cases in Clare passes 300 but the daily COVID-19 figures continue to decrease nationally.

MAY 18 2020 – Ireland enters into phase 1 of reopening allowing people from different households to meet outdoors among other easing of restrictions MAY 19 2020 – Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan says community transmission is 'effectively wiped out.'

JUNE 5 2020 – The government announce they will be accelerating the roadmap for reopening the country.

JUNE 29 2020 - Churches, gyms, salons, barbers, hotels and pubs that serve food across the county reopen.

JULY 12 2020 – Clare's 30 day streak of recording no new cases ends.

JULY 15 2020 – Plans to reopen all pubs deferred.

JULY 24 2020 – HSE confirms Clare is free of COVID-19 with no active coronavirus case in the county. The most recent case was confirmed to be an old diagnosis.

AUGUST 20 2020 – The Government tightens restrictions as cases rise. Indoor gatherings limited to 6, outdoor gatherings limited to 15 and employers must continue to facilitate remote working. On the same day, The Irish Examiner breaks the story on Golf Gate revealing that Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary (FF), European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan (FG), Supreme Court Judge Seamus Wolfe and 78 other guests attended an Oireachtas Golf Society meeting in breach of COVID-19 restrictions.

AUGUST 29 2020 – Schools across Clare open their doors as students return to school after a 5-month closure.

SEPTEMBER 21 2020 – 'Wet Pubs' in Clare and across the country reopen.

SEPTEMBER 22 2020 – The Government's Living with COVID framework comes into practice. Clare is at level 2.

OCTOBER 9 2020 – Data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that Clare has the third highest incidence rate in the country.

OCTOBER 12 2020 – Health officials confirm Clare has the highest test positivity rate in the last 7 days.

OCTOBER 19 2020 – Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) announces that the country will be moving to Level 5 for a 6-week period.

NOVEMBER 10 2020 – After weeks of lockdown the 14 day incidence rate per 100k in Clare returns to one of the lowest levels in the country.

NOVEMBER 16 2020 – A second testing centre in Ennis opens with a Ballymaley Business Park facility now operations.

DECEMBER 21 2020 – Health officials say the country is in a third wave after weeks of rising cases.

DECEMBER 22 2020 – Government announce new COVID-19 restrictions for Christmas as cases continue to rise.

DECEMBER 29 2020 – The first vaccine dose is given in the Republic of Ireland.

DECEMBER 30 2020 – Ireland enters into third lockdown. Reopening of schools after the Christmas break delayed until January 11th.

JANUARY 6 2021 – After record breaking case numbers it is announced that the country will return to severe lockdown restrictions as seen in the first wave. Schools will remain closed except for Leaving Cert students who will attend school 3 days a week.

JANUARY 7 2021 – After much controversy, the Government row back on their decision to allow Leavings Certs to go back to school.

JANUARY 8 2021 – Clare's 14-day incidence rate reaches an all-time high.

JANUARY 25TH 2021 – Level 5 lockdown restrictions are extended until March 5th JANUARY 26TH 2021 – The national death toll from COVID-19 passes 3,000.

FEBRUARY 11 2021 – As the rate of transmission remains high nationally 98-year-old Dun Purcell from Feakle beats the odds to be discharged from Ennis Hospital after recovering from the virus.

FEBRUARY 15 2021 – Two vaccination centres will open in Co Clare, it is confirmed.

FEBRUARY 23 2021 – Taoiseach Martin announces that Level 5 restrictions will be extend to April 5th.

lPPE: A COVID-19 test is carried out at Cusack Park in Ennis last May

Photo by John Mangan

CIAN O’BROIN

A

cian@clareecho.ie

VACCINE calculator for Ireland has been developed by physicist Steve Wooding based on a projected vaccination rate of 83,054 people per week and an uptake of 74 per cent.

It is estimated that it will take 1.73 years to vaccinate a population of 4,904,000 in the Republic. As of Wednesday March 3, the government has administered 439,782 doses.

297, 899 have received their first dose and 141,883 have received their second dose. Doses have been applied across Cohorts 1, 2 and 3. These comprise of Long-Term Residential Care Facilities, healthcare workers and those aged 70+, respectively.

These cohorts have received the Moderna (2%), AstraZeneca (15.3%) and Pfizer (82.8%) vaccines.

The vaccine queue calculator for Ireland will estimate how many people are ahead of you in the queue to get a COVID vaccine in Ireland. It also predicts how long you might have to wait to get your vaccine.

Calculations can be made by navigating through the following steps:

planning to be in the next three months? If the answer is yes, the vaccine makers are not currently recommending you have a COVID vaccine until more trial data is released. Nevertheless, the Irish government lists pregnant women in the last priority group for vaccination. l Are you a healthcare worker (e.g.,

nurse, doctor, etc.)? If so, are you at the front line? This group is likely to have a lot of exposure to the virus and need to be protected.

Do you live or work in a crowded setting? For instance, do you live in a multi-generational household where the burden of infection would be higher? l

Do you work in the education sector? Are you a key worker providing services essential to the vaccination programme (for example, logistical support)? Is your work key to the functioning of society? The specific sectors that fall under this category will be specified later on, although be sure to check the list in the above section. l

lHave you got one of these under-

lying health conditions that classify you as at very high risk or high risk?

l

For further details on the priority list published by the government and to use the vaccine calculator visit: www.omnicalculator.com/health/ ireland-vaccine-queue. Alternatively, scan the QR code below.

l

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE WHEN YOU WILL GET YOUR VACCINE

l Enter your age in years. General-

ly, the older you are, the sooner you'll be called up to have the vaccine.

Say whether you live or work in a long-term care facility. If everyone in a long-term care facility is vaccinated, that will allow relatives to visit with decreased risk to the residents.

Are you pregnant, or are you

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Five people arrested following University street party

by CIAN O’BROIN

A

NUMBER of arrests have been made following a public order incident which breached public health guidelines in the vicinity of the University of Limerick.

Reports of a large street party taking place on Carysfort Avenue, College Court, Castletroy, Co. Limerick prompted Garda intervention at 7.15pm on Tuesday night.

Several videos have been released online showing hundreds of students gathering on a single street, without masks and in possession of fireworks for the university’s RAG week.

Three persons were arrested at the scene.

Two men (20s) were arrested under the Public Order Legislation and one man (20s) was arrested under Misuse of Drugs Legislation.

Two further arrests were made on Wednesday and cocaine estimated to be worth €17,500 was seized in College Court on Tuesday night.

Gardaí have issued approximately 50 Fixed Payment Notices for Breaches of the Health Act, at this time.

Gardaí have commenced an investigation into identifying the organisers of this event, and as with all breaches of the Public Health Regulations a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A firm statement has been issued by the University.

“UL will take action with strong disciplinary measures against any student who has been found to have breached public health guidelines. Students at UL are subject to a Code of Conduct.”

Further action has been taken by UL President Professor Kerstin Mey, who met with senior An Garda Síochána representatives on Wednesday morning.

The University is conducting an investigation to identify any UL students who took part in the gathering, which represents a serious breach of both the public health restrictions and the institutional code of conduct.

Professor Mey stated, “Students found to have broken the UL Code of Conduct will face the full rigour of our disciplinary process including temporary suspension and possible expulsion”. She added, “UL deplores the behaviour of a small minority of students living in the off-campus estates in private rented accommodation”.

Gardaí have issued a statement to the public, promising to provide high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the University of Limerick campus and surrounding residential areas to check compliance to Covid-19 regulations and keep the community safe.

U.L Student Life, the elected body representing student welfare told The Clare Echo, “We may live and spend time with other students, but we share this community with individuals who are vulnerable, young, old and may come from many walks of life.

“Ultimately, we reside temporarily in the community they call home. This deserves respect, act now.”

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Pulled Pork Burger 13.50 beef burger topped with pulled pork, cheddar cheese & crispy fried onions with chips & garlic mayo double up your burger for 2.00 Hawaiian Chicken Burger 12.50 breaded chicken fillet burger with grilled pineapple, lettuce & red onion with chips & marie rose sauce Steak & Chips (G.F) 15.00 with mushrooms, onions, onion ring & pepper sauce served with chips & coleslaw ‘Market’ Chicken Curry (G.F) 13.50 served with basmati rice & chips Traditional Fish & Chips 13.50 battered fillet of Cod served with chips, tartar sauce & coleslaw

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Chicken, Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara 12.50 served with garlic bread

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Peppered Chicken 13.00 breaded fillet of chicken with mashed potatoes, vegetables & pepper sauce Chicken & Bacon Vol au Vent 12.50 served with chips & mashed potatoes

Sides Menu

For the Kids 6.50

Taco Fries 5.50 chilli minced beef, taco sauce & cheddar cheese

Chicken Gougons with mash, veg & gravy

Dirty Fries 4.50 crispy bacon, curry sauce & cheddar & mozzarella Garlic Wedges 4.50 spicy wedges with garlic mayo & cheddar cheese Homemade Onion Rings 3.50

Cheese burger & chips Sausage, chips & gravy Chicken Carbonara with garlic bread Mini pizza breads & chips

Garlic Bread with Cheese 3.50

­

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from Friday at 4pm , Saturday at 4pm & Sunday from 11am

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Shannon Knights closure marks the end of an era

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

n institution within the town, the closure of the Shannon Knights after 49 years marks the end of an

era.

On St Patrick's Day 1972, the Shannon Knights first opened its doors, for almost five decades it held a prominent role within the locality operating as a bistro, off-licence, bar and nightclub. The closure of the Evolution Nightclub due to COVID-19 was announced on March 12th 2020 while a planned reopening of the bar in July did not occur.

Doors closed in the off-licence for the last time on Sunday bringing the curtain down on the history on a distinct landmark in Shannon which served as one of the most prominent social venues in the

county.

At its peak more than 75 people were employed at the Shannon Knights, this figure reduced when it entered receivership in September 2016. A multi-million euro revamp was undertaken towards the end of the Celtic Tiger, accounts from 2015 detailed that bank loans of €3.3m had to be repaid.

Victor McSweeney spent 28 years

working in the Shannon Knights, serving as a General Manager and a Director of the company. The Crecora native noted the support given by the community to the Knights but also the financial backing the venue gave to local organisations.

"Aidan Quish was my employer, he owned the company fully, he was an incredible man within the community, he was from Kilmallock,

lVENUE: The Shannon Knights operated for nearly 50 years

Photo by Joe Buckley

the Knights was not only a great employer, a great place for people to meet, drink and have food but Aidan was fierce good to people".

Coming from an "easy background of hotels", Victor admitted he was awe-struck with the "rough and tumble vibrant pub business" when he began working there in 1987.

"The Knights was a centre for people to meet, you had so many diverse nationalities and people all over Ireland nearly every different county was represented there with a strong Northern influx that came down during the 1960s, it was very diverse, coming from a hospitality and hotel background, I was awestruck in the beginning because it was a totally different employment that I had been used to.

“As the years went on which happened fairly fast, you got to know fierce friendly people in the community and I grew into that, a lot of the staff would have met their husband or wives there". The Ballyvaughan resident acknowledged the

contribution of all staff including the long-serving Margaret Webb.

For close to a decade, Dave McKee was part of the bar staff at the Knights. His links go back even further with his late father Mike working as a DJ there with his uncle Steve serving as the original DJ of the Knights and his grandmother Theresa was the first ticket seller at the doors.

"I was pretty much raised in there in the entire building when my father was going to work years ago, when he was setting things up for the nightclub I would be going in with him and just waiting for him to get things done, I got to know loads of the old bar staff, some of whom I still worked with. It was a nice family orientated place," Dave recalled.

McKee said the Knights was "a great social hub" which is home to many memories for the people of Shannon and surrounding areas. "It was disappointing not overly saddening because we've been out of work for a year now," he noted.

Smoky coal ban will close some Ennis fuel merchants CLARE MOTOR TAX OFFICE - SERVICE UPDATE

by CIAN O’BROIN

Clare Motor Tax Office is continuing to provide services in line with the current Covid-19 Level 5 Government restrictions to keep us all safe. If you need to access Motor Tax services at this time, please do so by phone, email, post or online. An appointments-based service will be in operation in exceptional circumstances.

CLARE will benefit from a Government proposal to introduce a ban on the sale of smoky coal, an Ennis politician has said while one fuel merchant has revealed it will lead to the end of his business.

Abnormally high levels of air pollution have been recorded in Ennis and SouthEast Clare.

This is referred to by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) who also recalled witnessing firsthand the impact that air pollution has on heart and lung disease during his time as a porter at the hospital.

A spokesperson for Ennis Fuels which services the county has said that the introduction of the ban will undoubtedly bring about the end of their business.

"I have old age pensioners buying fuel off me and they

Renew your Motor Tax Online at www.motortax.ie •

You will need your PIN, the vehicle insurance details and your debit/credit card.

Your PIN is the last 6 digits of the serial number on the front page the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC). No PIN? Use the Pin Retrieval Service on www.motortax.ie

•

Contact the Department of Transport with any queries relating to online services: Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shannon, County Clare. Email: motortax@transport.gov.ie

•

A full list of vehicles not suitable for online taxing can be found at www.motortax.ie. If your vehicle is not suitable for taxing online, you can renew it by Post.

Renew your Motor Tax by Post •

Use form RF100A to renew your motor tax by post. Forms can be downloaded from www.motortax.ie or on www.clarecoco.ie/services/motor-tax. Alternatively telephone 065 684 4661 to request forms.

•

Pay via bank draft, cheque, postal order or money order or complete the credit card details section on the form. It is not recommended to send cash via post.

•

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Clare County Council’ or ‘Clare Motor Tax’. The completed form and payment should be posted to the address below or dropped into the post-box at Aras Contae an Chlair. Postal Address: Clare Motor Tax, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Applications will be processed without delay and the disc sent to you as soon as possible.

Forms must be completed in full, signed and have the correct fee included. Please include your telephone number so that you can be contacted with any queries.

have been for the last 60 years. How are they going to make the change? There is really not much thought put into this".

Cllr Flynn stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) attributed one third of all deaths from stroke, cancer and heart disease as a result of air pollution.

He also referenced a study conducted by the EPA and HSE, showing a direct link between a rise in hospitalisations on days when air pollution was at its highest in Dublin.

"This is not just a Dublin problem. Ennis one night measured over 30 times the WHO safe limit for micrograms in the air relating to pollution. You can feel it in the air over the town. It has a unique geography, which allows the pollution to lodge where there is no wind".

A ban on smoky coal in

Appointments – Exceptional Circumstances during Level 5 restrictions If for exceptional reasons you need to attend the Motor Tax Office in Ennis an appointment can be arranged by telephoning 065 684 4661 or email Motortax@clarecoco.ie

lAIR QUALITY: Abnormally high levels of air pollution have been recorded

Ennis and Clarecastle introduced over ten years ago has faltered due to people going outside of the area to purchase their fuel and the possibility of someone selling smoky coal by van under cover of darkness, Cllr Flynn commented.

He also stressed the dangers of wet wood, which is often the cause of chimney fires. Low moisture fuel is what is required.

It produces more heat, is easier to light, has a lower flue maintenance and there is less chance of a chimney fire.

Wet wood has also been linked with an increase in neurological diseases like dementia, depression and also has been found to affect fertility.

"The wetter the wood, the more moisture. This is the vector that allows it to enter people's bloodstreams.

What type of fuel is burned determines if you are putting your health, that of your neighbours or the community at risk," he explained.

Flynn believed increased fuel allowance and cheaper smokeless alternatives will help mitigate energy poverty and the economic challenges of shifting to more sustainable but costly alternatives.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Council taking legal action against Davy Fitzgerald PÁRAIC MCMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

EGAL action is being taken by Clare County Council against two-time All-Ireland winner Davy Fitzgerald.

As first reported by The Sunday Times, Clare County Council are mounting legal action against the current Wexford senior hurling manager to recover unpaid commercial rates and legal costs.

Money is owed to the County Council for commercial rates on The Bellsfort Inn, a pub in Newmarket-on-Fergus which he has owned since his time lining out in goals for the Clare senior hurlers. The debts amount to €53,520.

Records show the local authority originally got a judgment against Fitzgerald in February 2014 for €35,261, with €650 in legal costs. The County Council began a second set of proceedings in June 2015 over €17,609 in unpaid rates for 2013 and 2014 on the same pub, following a chief executive's order. A payment plan dated July 2016 was not released under the Freedom of Information Act. The most recent record in the Council's file is from last May. A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo that the local authority "does not comment on any individual Commercial Rates Customer. In the collection of commercial rates across all our customers, legal proceedings are initiated as the final step for the recovery of commercial rates outstanding where there

The Inn at Dromoland wedding fair goes virtual

has been little or no engagement from the customer and where there is no dispute in relation to the debt."

Commercial rates account for 32 percent of the County Council's income and is projected to bring in €42m to the local authority this year down down from €44.7m for 2020.

Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling previously confirmed 3,300 of 3,500 properties occupied (94%) qualified for a nine month commercial rates waiver from 27th March 2020 to 27th December 2020. "The value of the 2020 grant income as a consequence of the Commercial waiver scheme for nine months is €12.5m.

To provide an irrecoverable debt provision in the budget in 2021 to this value or even for a three-month period €4.1m would simply "close" the doors of this council as this impact on services would be catastrophic," he cautioned.

lRATES: Davy Fitzgerald Photo by Gerard O’Neill

THE Inn at Dromoland's annual Wedding Fair is going virtual for 2021!

Join their team of wedding experts led by their award winning wedding coordinator Claire Coughlan to discuss having your dream wedding day at the Inn. Also take the opportunity to meet and chat with some of county Clare's finest wedding suppliers online who will be providing advice on the services that they provide on the day.

The suppliers involved include: Gary Collins photography, Cakes

by Deborah, Philippe Photography, Pat Clarke Browne Wedding Celebrant, Traffic Wedding Band, Paudie Walsh DJ, SES Digital Marry Me Weddings, O’Donovan Productions, Lawless Flowers, Wedding Heaven Kayla McDonagh wedding singer, Wild Feather Event Styling, Baker Photography, Moss & Mushroom, Escapade, Beauty Atelier, Perfect Details, Mc Namara Printers, Bridal Emporium, Occasion Cars, Mrs Red Head The Inn at Dromoland have also lined up a number of live interviews and Q&As with a panel of wedding professionals including: Mandy Maher - Mandy Maher runs Catwalk Model Agency and has over 20 years experience in the modeling industry.

She is also a regular stylist on Virgin Media's Ireland AM as well as appearing on many other tv

shows and media platforms.

Mandy is also hugely respected in the wedding industry and is behind the renowned Dream Weddings Expo held in Galway every January!

Sara Kennedy - Irish Wedding Blog was established by Sara Kennedy in 2014.

Sara Kennedy is one of Ireland’s leading wedding bloggers and a wedding stylist for TV Shows Ireland Am and RTE Today.

A regular on regional and national radio, Sara is considered an expert in all things weddings!

Sinèad De Butlèìr - Sinead is a full time nurse manager and runs her Instagram page @sineaddeblogger on the side.

Recently Sinead has been running a series of bridal bootcamps on zoom to keep all Irish bridesto-be excited and motivated in the recent difficult restrictions and climate.

Having recently postponed her own wedding Sinead has plenty of advice for anyone planning their big day!

The Inn at Dromoland's first ever Virtual Wedding Fair is an unmissable event for any grooms and brides to be so don't miss out!

To register for your complimentary tickets visit www.theinnatdromoland.ie or visit any of the hotel’s social media profiles.

The Inn at Dromoland's Virtual Wedding Fair

~ Discuss your Dream Wedding Day at the Inn at Dromoland with our Award Winning Wedding Coordinator Claire Coughlan

Sunday March 7th from 1-4pm

~ Enjoy Virtual Showarounds of our Banqueting Rooms, Arrival Reception, Ceremony Locations & Bridal Suite ~ Chat with and get advice from over 20 Local Wedding Suppliers

Our Panel of Wedding Experts on the day include:

mandy maher catwalk modelling agency

sara kennedy irish wedding blog

sinead de blogger

For more info. and to secure your Complimentary Tickets visit www.theinnatdromoland.ie or any of the hotel's social media profiles.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Honesty the key to online dating CIAN O’BROIN

C

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

OVID-19 has presented many challenges to all aspects of our lives such as health, business and economy. One of the hardest hit and least talked about is the singles market and the changes wrought in how we socially configure our day to day lives.

Mountshannon resident and lecturer in Engineering Edel Chadwick sports a keen interest in psychology. When her first marriage ended in 2000, she took to the internet at a time when the online dating scene was "male heavy" and less "socially acceptable."

Having met her current husband online seven year ago, Edel is now a proponent of the positive impact that internet dating can have and the potential for individuals to meet their future partners.

"It's much more common place now.

Once you get past that young adult age where everyone is meeting one another,

it can be difficult. There is great happiness in online dating, where you can be introduced to people and you can select.

“It's a place where you can pre-suppose some commonalities. Both young people and those in their forties and fifties are missing out during the pandemic."

Speaking on the many pitfalls encountered in the online dating world, she stated that there is an illusion of internet choice, where one assumes that the next click will be the perfect person. The optimum time to meet someone is within a year to a year and a half, a study she referenced suggests. "We always have this idea that the perfect person is out there," she stated.

The second mistake many people make is staying online for too long with a particular person and not translating an interaction into the real world. "This is quite common and usually means one of two things. Either they are a scammer who is looking for money or they are already in a relationship and are looking to play the field".

Thirdly, Edel says don't lie. Men tend to lie about their height and women

about their age online. "The age or the height isn't the problem, it's the lying.

“It's impossible to build any confidence or trust on a lie," she stressed. This also applies to photos and the use of filters. Have a range of photos and don't make yourself out to be someone you are not, she adds.

Failing to fill out a profile is something men are particularly guilty of online. If there is nothing on your profile, then there is no possibility of opening up a conversation.

Simply messaging "hi", is closely related and doesn't provide a platform to work off. Adding to this, Edel admonishes that intimate imagery or salacious messages doesn't translate well online and should be avoided at all costs.

The final tip that Edel offered is to make the first meet up a quick 40-minute coffee break.

"Be safe when you first meet up. You don't want to be locked into a long dinner date. Online dating is the introduction, the coffee meet up is to establish if there is a spark and the first real date is after that then".

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NEWS 13

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

The National Framework for Living with COVID-19

Safe Reopening of Schools & Childcare Thanks to continued adherence to public health restrictions, we can now plan for reopening of schools and childcare on a phased basis.

Phased Reopening is planned as follows:

1

8

15

29

12 April

Special Schools at 100% capacity

Early Childhood Care and Education

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class at Primary Level

Early Learning & Care, and School-age Childcare

1st to 4th years post-primary

March

March

Junior & Senior Infants First and Second Class

March

March

5th year post-primary

Final Year Leaving Certificate Classes

COVID-19 is still a threat. A careful, gradual reopening of our society will protect our communities while we await supplies of COVID-19 vaccines.

In the meantime, financial supports for individuals and businesses will continue up to the end of June. Wellbeing and mental health supports also continue.

Current Level 5 restrictions will continue unchanged until Monday 5th April.

The following key factors will be reviewed weekly and will guide the lifting of restrictions after 5th April:

Controlling the Virus We must continue to reduce infection rates in our homes and communities.

Decreasing Hospitalisations We must continue to reduce the pressure on our health system and front line workers.

Securing Vaccine Supply Vaccine supplies are organised on an equitable, EU-wide basis. Once supplied, vaccines are delivered swiftly in accordance with a carefully planned schedule.

Managing New Variants New variants can have an impact on the course of the disease.

Surveillance and monitoring of emerging variants will continue during phased reopening.

We must continue to reduce the pressure on our health system and front line workers.

Remember, we are still at Level 5 which requires that we stay at home, with limited exceptions.

Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

More detailed information is available at gov.ie/COVID19 If you need to talk, free text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation

Wear a face-covering in indoor spaces, on public transport and outdoors wherever you see people gathered. Ensure that your facecovering is clean.

Always keep a distance of 2 metres from others.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Formal approval granted for Roche decommissioning The way you bank is changing.

We are too.

More of our customers are banking online. And many more are using our banking app than visiting branches.

That’s why we have been investing in 24/7 banking services. It’s also why we’re changing how we provide local services.

From September, we’ll be closing three branches in Clare – Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and Tulla.

While this means fewer branches, our new partnership with An Post will give our customers access to banking at more than 1,000 branch and post office locations combined.

Soon it will be possible to complete day-to-day Bank of Ireland transactions at your local post office, with longer business hours and Saturday opening.

Remember, nothing will change until September.

We’ll be in touch with all customers in advance of these changes.

For further information, visit bankofireland.com/servicechanges

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

ORMAL approval has been issued for the decommissioning of Roche's site in Clarecastle.

A formal final grant of planning permission for work to commence on the phased demolition of all existing buildings, structures and infrastructure, on, in, over and under the site of its existing Roche pharmaceutical plant at Clarehill in Clarecastle was granted in recent days.

Built by the Syntex Corporation in 1974, the site was acquired by Roche Group in 1994. In November 2015, the company announced its plans to exit the site with production ceasing in November 2019. Pharmaceutical operations ceased at the facility on 27th March 2020.

Decommissioning will comprise two activities: demolition and remediation. This work will be controlled and governed by the conditions set out in the planning approval received from Clare County Council and a new Industrial Emissions Licence (IEL) from the EPA. An application fee of €38,000 which is the maximum amount, was paid by the developers who say that up to 160 persons will be employed during the course of the decommissioning work at peak periods. Contributions which total over €1m have to be paid to the local authority by Roche for use of public infrastructure.

A timeline from June 2021 until May 2028 has been listed for the works on the 88 acre site. Daily water

usage is expected to be 35m3 per day with a peak of 9m3 per hour. Demolition and remediation will be undertaken from mid-2021 to mid-2024.

Groundwater remediation and monitoring will take a further four to five years subject to agreement with the EPA. The timeline may be impacted

by COVID-19.

Disposing of the waste will involve a peak of 18 heavy goods vehicles (HGV) an hour travelling from junction 11 of the M18 onto the R458, through Patrick St and Clarehill. All works on the site are to take place between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Friday inclusive and between 8am and 2pm on Saturday. Roche estimate that there will be a total of 63,000 HGV movements in Clarecastle throughout the lifetime of the project.

Explaining their reason to decommission, a spokesperson for Roche stated their belief that "existing landfills containing hazardous wastes with the potential to impact the environment should be addressed proactively, even if this entails applying solutions exceeding the individual country's legal framework. It was therefore deemed necessary to demolish buildings on-site that have no future use and excavate and remove any contaminated soil and material on-site".

Managing Director of Roche Ireland, Gerry Cahill described the outcome as "very positive". He said the "strategic project" will bring benefits to Clarecastle and Co Clare with regular updates to be furnished to the community as the project progresses.

Roche are confident that they will deliver a remediated brownfield site with the potential for employment creation into the future.

Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

l DEMOLITION: The Roche facility in Clarecastle

Photo by Martin Connolly

15

THURSDAY, FEB 4 2020

in association with

Council working to fast-track appointment of tender for Co Library PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

E

ARLY 2021 has been underlined as the target for the appointment of a tender for the County Library.

Originally, the end of this year has been the original timeframe for the completion of the library, however it is now hoped construction will resume by this stage.

Workers had been off site since July when the appointed tenders Keating Construction entered examinership leading to the termination of its contract with Clare County Council . It emerged that debts in excess of €30m have been uncovered at the company which was founded in 1987. Liquidation was granted for the company at the end of January.

As a result of this, a revised schedule for works on the County Library remains unknown. Costs of the projected are already close to €14m with €5m set aside by the local

P l Proposed drawings of new library

authority for the library building on Causeway Link in Ennis.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) sought an update on “where the new County Library is in terms of the recent unfortunate court decision with the original contractors” at a re-

Lost footballs down Lees Rd ravine leaving people in tears PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

HILDREN have been left in tears frequently over missing footballs at Lees Rd, an issue that fencing would prevent, the Mayor of Clare has stated.

No funds have been set aside for the installation of catch netting or fencing for Lees Rd under the annual budget of Clare County Council and the item is currently not included in the works plan, manager of sports and recreation with the local authority Tim Forde stated.

Forde added, “We will however, investigate costings for same and make an application under any relevant funding streams that become available”. l Photograph: John Mangan

Entrance to Gallows Hill ‘a health & safety risk’

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) had asked the Ennis Municipal District to provide the fencing at the back of goal posts at the open pitches at the popular Ennis amenity. “People are not stopping the balls or touching them because of COVID, I have seen so many young lads crying because of it” as footballs have gone missing down the ravine at John O’Sullivan Park.

She clarified that a ball net was not sought for and flagged that the ravine behind the goals was “full of thorns and nettles”. The first citizen of the county added, “It would make a difference to have a low fence there. It is mostly children getting caught, it can be prevented and make life easier for people”.

There would be little expense associated with adding a three foot chain link, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) outlined. “The land had been raised very high for the pitches,” he recalled.

cent sitting of Clare County Council.

“We are trying to fast-track the process to have a new tender for the County Library,” Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling stated.

He added, “We hope to have it in place as soon as possible in early 2021”.

OTHOLES on the entrance to the Gallows Hill in Ennis are posing a health and safety risk writes Páraic McMahon.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) tabled a request for the sections of the footpath on the Kilrush Rd at the Gallows Hill entrance to be examined for resurfacing “as there are serious gaps and holes that could pose a health and safety risk”.

Senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea confirmed that the footpaths would be inspected and included for consideration in this year’s roadworks programme.

“With all the walking I really did notice this particular section, there are potholes on the path, if this could be looked at it would be great,” Colleran Molloy told a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

In supporting the motion, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) commented, “hopefully it will be an issue that can be rectified going into the future”. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was also in favour of works taking place.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Aer Lingus place 129 Shannon Airport staff on unpaid leave for three months PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

ER Lingus have announced that its staff at Shannon Airport will be laid off over the next three months.

129 inflight service and ground operations staff working for Aer Lingus at Shannon Airport will be put on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for the three-month duration of the lay-offs. They had been on the temporary wage subsidy scheme and more recently on the employment wage subsidy.

Full year results of Aer Lingus were published on Friday which showed a record operating loss of

€361m for 2020. “This represents the largest ever loss in the airline’s history and demonstrates the profound impact of COVID-19,” a statement from the carrier outlined.

No Aer Lingus flights have operated to or from Shannon Airport since April 5th 2020. As part of a review of its operations at Shannon, the airline concluded “that it is not sustainable to continue to roster staff to the current levels when there is no work available” leading to the temporary unpaid lay-offs of all 129 Inflight Service and Ground Operations March 8th to June 7th of this year.

A spokesperson revealed, “This may also be subject to further extension or change based on work requirements in Shannon”. A “clear exit plan” from the current restrictions has been sought by Aer Lin-

gus.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said the decision was “majorly disappointing and a real blow for its Shannon workers, who have faced almost a year of stress and anxiety about their jobs”. He noted that Aer Lingus received a €150m state loan from Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund.

Crowe who is Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on aviation called for a pathway back to flights. “As people continue to be vaccinated on an accelerated basis, we need to examine the possibility of a Covid passport, so that those who have been immunised can take to the skies again. I would also question if Aer Lingus should still be continuing to advertise flights from Shannon.

“I’ve been made aware of a num-

ber of people who have booked flights for down the line under the illusion that they would be flying from Shannon, only to receive an automated email to say that they will in fact be flying from Dublin instead. This, at a time when aviation is at its lowest ebb, builds false hope in consumers and is misleading. If they’re flying from Dublin only – which, let me stress, nobody likes – then they need to be honest with customer base at this time,” the Meelick native added.

SIPTU’s Aviation Sectoral head Neil McGowan, who represents ground and ramp staff at Shannon, said it was devastating news for the staff. He stressed the need for further Government supports for the aviation sector and flagged that it will be the last sector to recover from this crisis.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) accused Aer Lingus of having “a very short-sighted approach” by failing to recognise the loyalty of its staff in what he termed “another body blow to the Mid-West aviation and tourism sector”.

Dooley stated, “It is really disappointing that Aer Lingus are treating their loyal staff in such a manner - they have remained loyal to the brand over the years and it’s a foolhardy move to force them onto social welfare for the next three months”.

New England Patriots plane touches down in Shannon

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A PLANE belonging to the New England Patriots garnered local attention over the weekend when it landed in Shannon Airport.

Based in Boston, the New England Patriots are a professional American football team. Under head coach, Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots enjoyed unprecedented dominance from 2001 to 2019.

The Brady–Belichick era, regarded as one of sports' greatest dynasties saw the Patriots claim the records for most Super Bowl appearances (9) and wins (6, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers). Other NFL records held by the franchise include the most wins in a ten-year period (126 from 2003–2012), the longest winning streak of regular season and playoff games (21 from October

2003 to October 2004), the most consecutive winning seasons (19 from 2001 to 2019), the most consecutive division titles (11 from 2009 to 2019), and the only undefeated 16-game regular season (2007).

In 2017 the Patriots purchased two Boeing 767-300ERs for use as team planes, this made them the first team in league history to own their own planes. The two jet airliners, N366AA and N39367, were previously operated by American Airlines from 1991 to 2016. The planes are known affectionately as "AirKrafts" after team owner Robert Kraft.

Over the weekend, the NFL's side aircraft was in Shannon Airport as it landed to collect cargo and return to the United States.

Its arrival piqued the interest of locals who speculated on the potential reasons for its presence in the county.

lNFL HEROES: The New England Patriots Boeing 767-300ER in Shannon Airport

Photo by Joe Buckley

Arts & Entertainment 17

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Jim goes viral for NBA contributions all the way from Ballynacally PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE reporter Jim Conlan continues to attract the attention of some of the biggest names in sport while going viral in the process.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, Conlan has been working ferociously hunting down interviews and speaking with some of the biggest names in sport across multiple disciplines. The pandemic has resulted in virtual press conferences becoming the norm with the contributions of the RCB Sport presenter catching the eyes and ears of some notable names.

Last month, The Clare Echo reported on how a clash between the West

Clare reporter and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola featured on Sky Sports and led to Conlan being called an "Irish leprechaun".

Now, the Ballynacally native is earning plaudits across the Atlantic for his accent by one of the rising stars of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Weeks after scoring a career high 28 points, including five 3-pointers, along with seven rebounds and fives in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards was struck by the tone of his Clare interviewer. "I like your accent, I want to learn how to talk like that, ask your question again, I was too much listening to your accent".

A clip of the exchange has been viewed over 4.8 million times and was described by Clare senior footballer

FRIDAY NIGHT IN WITH COLM ENNIS Book Club Festival presents Friday Night In with Colm O’Regan on Friday March 5, 2021 at 8PM. Ennis Book Club Festival presents a very special event as part of its 2021 online programme which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own couch!

Enjoy a night of comedy and story with Colm O’Regan as he reads from his best-selling critically acclaimed Ann Devine novels. Colm will entertain you in your homestead, dipping into the hilar-

lCOMEDIAN: Colm O’Regan

ious and brilliant world of Ann, the village of Kilsudgeon in which she lives and the stories that inspired it.

Colm O’Regan is an award-winning columnist, broadcaster, comedian and author.

He has published four books of non-fiction – the three bestselling books of Irish Mammies and Bolloxology – and two novels: Ann Devine: Ready for Her Close-Up, (2019) and Ann Devine: Handle with Care, (2020).

As a standup comedian, he has performed all over the world and has featured on RTÉ’s Late Late Show and on Comedy Central.

He has written and presents the multi-award winning RTÉ 1 Radio show Colm O’Regan Wants A Word since 2016. He is also the creator of the twitter phenomenon @irishmammies with over 200,000 followers.

He writes a weekly column for the Irish Examiner and has written regular radio and TV diaries for BBC World Service’s In The Balance and presented inserts for BBC World News’ Talking Business for three years.

This event is free of charge.

Keelan Sexton as the county's sporting moment of the year.

When he was posing questions to Dallas Mavericks head coach, Rick Carlisle, the former Clare minor football selector was stopped in his tracks.

"Is that a soccer jersey you have on, are you for real," the surprised NBA championship winning player and coach said.

As Jim spoke of his passion for different sports, Carlisle committed to sending a basketball shirt out to the RCB reporter.

Recent days have also seen the Clare based reporter jump in on press conferences of the Qatar Open where Jim has questioned Madison Keys while a smile came across the face of Guardiola when he saw Conlan preparing to put a question to him at another Man City press conference.

lPASSION: Sport reporter Jim Conlan

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Virgin Media News promotion for Richard Chambers

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

and they moved to the capital when he was beginning secondary school in Rush.

Although he has been living out of the county for almost two decades, Richard remains a vocal supporter online of all things Clare related particularly the county senior hurlers and the beautiful scenery that the Banner has to offer.

Head of News and Sport at Virgin Media Television, Mick McCaffrey admitted he was "delighted with the reaction" to Chambers' promotion. Close to

A CLARE native has been handed a promotion from Virgin Media News.

Richard Chambers has been announced as one of two news correspondents for the channel with his housemate Zara King also receiving some good news.

In August 2018, Richard joined Virgin Media bringing an end to his five year stint with Newstalk where he was to the fore reporting from the United Kingdom on the night that their decision to leave the European Union became known. He was also a regular reporter on The Pat Kenny Show and jumped in the presenters chair on occasion.

He is one of the founding members of the Team 33 podcast on Off The Ball.

Born in West Clare, Richard lANCHOR: Richard Chambers lived in Lahinch with his family Photo by Mark O'Sullivan

10,000 people have liked a tweet revealing details of Richard's new gig.

During his time with VMTV, Richard has become one of the most trusted Irish reporters online with his Twitter following exceeding 100,000. He has been a regular attendee at NPHET's COVID-19 press briefings and had to cut a holiday to Cork short in August to report on the impact of Storm Ellen.

Chambers' partner is the popular author Louise O'Neill. She is one of the guests of the virtual Ennis Book Club Festival this week. The Clonakilty woman will explore and discuss the themes in her novels for teenagers, Only Ever Yours and Asking For It with senior classes in Clare secondary schools. She will also talk about her latest, award-winning novel After the Silence in with Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Kearney Cooks

COMFORTING SODA BREAD

M

OST normal people tend to dive into munchies like chocolate and crisps when they are comfort

eating.

I am not normal, and I tend to seek comfort in savoury dishes such as bacon and cabbage or my personal favourite, white soda bread. In particular I love a good white soda bread.

The brown stuff is everywhere, but the white soda is sadly rarely seen these days. There’s only four ingredients, which would be readily found in most people’s kitchens. Flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk, but if you don’t have buttermilk you can just sour regular milk with a spoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

surface and shape into a ball, place it onto a floured baking tray, squish it slightly and cut a big cross in it. This will help the bread cook through (trust me).

Step 3 Fire the bread into a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 25 -30 minutes until its golden brown and you can hear a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf.

Step 4 Leave to cool on a wire rack. When it’s somewhat cooled, but still warm, slice that bad boy up, slather it in real Irish butter and mill into it.

Soda Bread, whether it’s white or brown, goes well with pretty much anything, from smoked salmon to Irish farmhouse cheeses. I love it with Branston Pickle and cheddar myself.

Loaves such as this should really be eaten within a day or so of being baked, however they do freeze really well so you can munch on half and freeze the rest for later in the week.

As usual if you have any queries about this recipe or others feel free to message me on insta, just search KearneyCooks. Also keep an eye to The Clare Echo social media channels for the video that goes with this recipe.

Enjoy

Steve K

YOU WILL NEED: • 350g plain flour • 250ml buttermilk/250ml of regular milk soured with a tsp of lemon juice or vinegar • 1tsp salt • 1 tsp baking soda/ bicarbonate of soda Step 1 Horse all your ingredients into your mixing bowl and mix until they come together.

Step 2 Turn your mixture out onto a floured

R

ebecca O’Neill

I

Fave make-up dupes In this week’s column, Rebecca O’Neill looks at affordable makeup which are nearly exact replicas of high end brands

WILL be providing a list of dupes for Mac, Nars etc. Sometimes you really don’t need to spend the big bucks to get flawless and effortless makeup. All you need are the right products for you that compliment your complexion. I use some of these affordable products on my own makeup clients and I always swear by them. These products can be purchased in your local pharmacy.

FOUNDATION: MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY 24H FOUNDATION The coverage of this foundation is amazing. I would always recommend this for nightwear or if you love a full coverage foundation that filters the face. A lot of people have said this foundation is very like the Fendi foundation with very similar coverage and texture. A little goes a long way with this product and can last you a long time depending on how much you want to wear it. This retails from €14.99.

CONCEALER: MAYBELLINE FIT ME CONCEALER This concealer has a lovely creamy texture and is very featherweight on the skin. I recommend purchasing a concealer that is slightly lighter than your current skin tone to brighten the inner areas of your face. This concealer brighten your under eyes and gives that fresh look. This

product is almost identical to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer. This can be bought for €8.99.

FACE POWDER: L’ORÉAL PARIS TRUE MATCH POWDER I find this powder gives you that airbrushed look. This pressed powder is so light on the skin and covers pores. I recommend patting your beauty blender into this powder and slowly pressing it under the eyes. This technique can really improve the placement of the powder and pushes it into the skin. This powder would be very similar to the Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder products. I personally think it gives the exact same effect. This retails from €10.49.

BRONZER: NOTE COSMETICS BRONZING POWDER As a makeup artist I absolutely love bronzer. It always give the face some definition and texture. You don’t need too much of this product to achieve a contoured look.

Use circular motions with your bronzing brush to achieve that blend. This product is very similar to Mac Mineralised bronzer. This Note Cosmetics bronzer can be purchased

for €15.95.

MATTE LIPSTICK: MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK I swear by this lipstick because it does not budge! If you want to go for a pop of colour on the lips, this product is perfect to ensure it doesn’t transfer anywhere. We can all relate to how annoying it is to have to re-apply your lipstick. If you don’t like the feeling of the matte lips, you can always apply some lip gloss over the matte lipstick when it is dry. You could compare this product to Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kits and there would be a very small difference. Maybelline Superstay Matte Liquid Lipstick retails for €11.50.

I would usually purchase all of these products in my local Lloyds pharmacy in Skycourt Shannon Town Centre. I always advise clients to reach for the more affordable products before spending money on high end brands. DUPE: Rebecca wears her go-to products

COLUMNIST 19

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Veganism is not the solution for climate change, farming columnist Joe Melody believes as he criticises the stance of Mary Robinson on the matter

I

LIKE many others watched the Late Late Show on Friday last astounded at Mary Robinsons ‘the dog ate my homework’ excuse as to her dealings with the Dubai royal family.

One trait our former President certainly does not possess is naivety so it makes her story of being “horribly tricked” by the Dubai royal family all the more implausible. All this coming from a politically savvy operator with a career spanning over four decades.

It’s only a few weeks since I last discussed former President Robinson with her call for more people to adopt a vegan diet and how she lacked the experience or competency to speak on food and agriculture.

The troubling thing about Mrs Robinson is that she is not ignorant, rather she just knows so much that isn’t so.

The underlying hypocrisy of her “concern” for our planet was highlighted when she explained the logistics of her intercontinental flying to meet princess Latifa.

As a former President of our country, you would have to question how well she embodies some of the fundamental rights enshrined in our constitution such as that pertain to the private sector and in rural Ireland.

The right to earn a living is protected by the Irish constitution and if Mary Robinson’s medicine on solving climate change were to be administered to get to net zero emissions in the private sector, this would hamper the ability of rural Ireland to survive as currently we are not allowed for the carbon that is sequestered through our grassland along with that we are being penalised for the fossil fuels that are being burned here but produced outside of the state.

Mrs. Robinson has done

great things in her life but a businesswoman or an economist she is not. She spoke lately of “the injustice to nature herself ” within Ireland.

Now this was aimed at our use of land in this country, and more veganism and reforestation was seen as the magic elixir to all our environmental maladies.

Land use and the environment is a complex area and what our former president doesn’t seem to realise is that if you take beef production out of Ireland where it is produced off of grass in an extensive land healing way, that same vacuum for beef will still be there but will end up being produced in South America where rainforests will be felled to make capacity to produce extra beef. This is the law of unintended consequences.

Next year we will celebrate the centenary of prising our sovereignty from British rule. Did our bygone heroes such as de Valera and Collins foresee a time

where we would be ceding that hard won autonomy to jet setting bureaucrats who set the narrative and course for our countries destiny.

We should be guided by science not sound bytes.

The fact is that veganism does not reduce carbon emissions.

In North America in fact where soy crops proliferate it is rather uncommon to see a honey bee and it has become an industry transporting beehives around the states to help with pollination.

Much of this is due to the heavy uses of pesticides on these crops that are so essential to a vegan diet. Areas that once were populated by buffalo herds were tilled to the point where today the world loses 24 billion tonnes of top soil a year.

This does not happen on grassland perennial pastures. Let’s talk about the health of our soils also.

Without that we cannot have a healthy planet.

GREEN Joe Melody on an area of biodiversity on their Bunratty farm

An Irish solution to an Irish problem

O

NE of these days, not long in our future, there will be an occasion where not one newspaper will carry a story relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. By the time you’re reading this, it will have been confirmed that Ireland has hit the milestone of 500,000 vaccine doses administered.

By the end of the month, we’ll be nearing, if not passed, one million doses dished out.

The EU’s early supply gaffs aside, we are now gathering pace with the vaccine administration and, with it, the end of the pandemic, at least in Europe and North America.

The rest of the world, however, will lag, as the western hemisphere has used its considerable financial weight to ensure its citizens have been prioritised in the fight against Covid.

Nevertheless, other countries, particularly those in South-East Asia, were much better prepared for this virus, owing to their previous experience with other outbreaks, such as the SARs epidemic of 2002 to 2004.

In the interim, some countries in the region had spent mindbogglingly massive sums of money on pandemic preparedness.

In certain countries, some economists have estimated when compared on a GDP equivalent to Ireland, this spend would equate to about €100 bn spent here over the past 16 years on pandemic preparedness measures. I’m not sure such spending levels would be tolerated by any western country over the past generation on an issue they’d not encountered in living memory.

No doubt, this will have to change going forward.

As humanity continues to cause ecological devastation around the globe, driven by goals of unsustainable endless growth, we will come across more and more dead-

ly pathogens. The very fact that this pandemic had its root cause in unsustainable farming and food policy in communist China, where species previously listed as endangered or protected were re-classed as okay to eat due to food shortages, should serve as warning to us all.

The single biggest thing the world can do to lessen the prevalence of future pandemics is to invest in more sustainable farming and food production.

Nevertheless, this itself will not be any guarantee of a future without such killer viruses. All countries will need to invest in rapid response preparedness for the future. This will mean different things in different countries.

For instance, New Zealand, who people mistakenly liken us to in terms of the pandemic response, have a natural advantage in being one of the most geographically isolated countries on earth.

Add to that fact that they have a low population density, roughly a quarter that of Ireland’s, a low dependency on international trade for a developed nation, its trade being load on/load off, as opposed to roll on/roll off here, and the fact it isn’t part of an economic and political union with other states, nor is it a major transport hub and you soon realise that, outside of having a similar population number, an overbearing neighbour, some beautiful scenery and a love of rugby, that Ireland and New Zealand are not very similar when it comes to economics and sociology.

Their ‘Zero Covid’ approach looks attractive, given their results.

But in truth, it’s an expensive policy of maximum suppression (which we’re currently in), followed by rolling localised lockdowns and extensive track and trace procedures, predicated on strict border controls.

All sounds good, but New

Zealand is one country on two major islands.

Ireland is an island with two countries, however.

North of the border, the DUP ardently refuse to disconnect themselves from Great Britain in any way, regardless of economics (as seen in Brexit), science (as seen in terms of climate change) or life (as we’re seeing now). It is that party’s entire reason for existence and any suggestion they would abandon that for any reason, even life and death, is foolhardy.

With a 500-mile porous border that was proven impossible to seal throughout the Troubles, and which the EU and UK failed to come to a solution over, suggestions of closing it are naïve at best. There are 300 public road crossing and an unknown number of private crossings, with some 13,000 trade vehicles a day crossing, as well as thousands of people who work cross border.

By comparison, the Sweden – Norway border is 1630km long and has just 6 highway crossings. Other countries that did well in suppressing the virus tend to have similar natural hard borders, like Cambodia, which is lauded for its low Covid numbers.

In total, on Cambodia’s borders with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, there are just 5 border crossings open to tourists. Pointing out these disparities to Zero Covid advocates, though, is not well received.

Zero Covid is a nice idea, but it just does not apply to a country such as ours given the geographic, economic, political and sociological make up of our shared island.

If we are to be serious on getting Ireland back to normal, and preparing for future pandemics, we need to figure out an Irish solution to an Irish problem. Simply cogging other people’s homework is not an option this time.

20 FEATURES

Tenderness prayer

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

A

S WE go further into the lockdown because of this dreadful Coronavirus, we continue to try and keep our resolutions to stay home and keep our loved one's safe.

I do not think there is a time in our history where we have not acknowledged the power of touch more than today in the middle of this Coronavirus crisis. Who among us now does not miss the touch of our loved ones, relatives and our friends?

Pray for each other

Also if we cannot touch one another with tenderness we can pray for one another everyday with tenderness. A prayer of tenderness and love takes just a matter of seconds to utter, but its influence on our lives can be permanent. 'A moment on our lips is a lifetime on our souls.' A simple prayer can change us; can lead us on the path to healing ourselves and our world. So pray. Pray for peace, pray for healing, pray for a cure to the virus, pray for love, pray for mercy, pray for forgiveness, pray for tenderness, pray for advances in science, pray for the strength to eradicate poverty and disease, pray to overcome injustice, pray for resolve, pray for others, pray for acceptance, pray for our poor, abandoned and homeless, pray for yourself.

Pray to God with all your heart and soul, and then gather up your might to meet the challenges that lie ahead and we all know at this present time in our wonderful county and country that we need that help and strength to make the lives of our children, our elderly and our loved ones brighter, so let's get doing it for our beautiful children and elderly parents and grandparents. Prayer is asking.

Prayer is pleading. Prayer is praising. Prayer is loving. Prayer is healing. Prayer is tenderness. Prayer is merciful. Prayer is hoping. Prayer is forgiving. Prayer is thanksgiving.

But the ultimate goal of prayer is personal intimacy with God. Millions of people pray every day for a variety of different reasons.

Whether you've found yourself in need of a listening ear or you want to praise a recent triumph, prayer has the ability to help people feel more grounded as they communicate with a higher power.

How and when you pray depends upon your religion. In some religions, prayer is spoken aloud in a chant, sometimes as a group and others as an individual. Group

prayer is believed to have more power because there are a greater number of people communicating at the same time for the same things.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. We grieve for those precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened because of the Coronavirus and many more types of illness. We ache for the touch of our loved ones, friends, neighbours and ourselves, facing an uncertain future. May we all be faithful to the behavioral and medical advice provided and may God inspire us to be generous in our proactive care and solidarity and may I offer up this comforting blessing for you, the reader on your life's journey that you may see the light in the darkness during these challenging times of this lockdown because of the Coronavirus! May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers!

May your spirit find what it needs to sustain you on this journey of life! May you discover your inner strength and face all difficulties with dignity and grace.

May you be filled with comfort, love, strength, grace and a lasting sense of peace! May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.

May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console and renew you. May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. May the blessing of God's soft rain be on you, Falling gently on

your head, refreshing your soul.

With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming. May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you, Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean. Sparkling after in the sunlight. May the blessing of God's earth be on you, And as you walk the roads, May you always have a kind word for those you meet.

May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore! May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love now and always.

I also pray for us all to have the power to be gentle, loving, kind and caring to one another and to ourselves; the strength to be forgiving and be forgiven; the patience to be understanding and compassionate and merciful; and the endurance to accept the consequences of holding to what we believe to be right and good and peaceful.

May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.

Pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from viruses, illnesses, violence, hatred and war, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men and women to commit injustice, nor selfishness and unkindness to make them bring suffering to others.

Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace and a better life for people and children in need in our world and country, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all people were created and that we will always look after the needy in our county, our country and in our world especially so many vulnerable and needy people in our country and world who are in serious need at this time of viruses and illnesses.

Much peace, love, protection and healing to everyone. Also some friends and family asked me to light a candle for them and some friends and family are in need of a prayer and candle lit especially any of you that are unwell or ill or in hospital or suffered an accident or a loss or some who are having worrying times with family and financial problems and for some who are lacking peace and mercy in their lives....for them and for all of us and especially for our amazing front line workers, I am going to thank God for the great gifts of their talents as they have helped and continue to help and save so many people and families in need.

Legends all. I offer up my prayers and candles and especially for peace, healing, a cure for the virus and real love in all our lives. Amen.

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

'Palpable upset' as iconic Quin tree is 'butchered' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

"P

paraic@clareecho.ie

ALPABLE upset" has been expressed in Quin over the "butchering" of an iconic tree nestled in the heart of the village.

On Friday, a tree situated in Quin across from Crowe's Stores that served as a landmark for locals en route to Ennis was cut down by the local authority who attributed their action to the decay and infection of the tree which posed a health and safety risk.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council said "significant additional decay" was uncovered by an independent arborist company from Cork in its most recent assessment of the tree "which required action".

The spokesperson detailed, "The tree was infected with Ganoderma, resulting in substantial rot and many hollow cavities within it. This put the tree at risk of catastrophic failure. Due to its position at the edge of a busy junction, the Killaloe Municipal District had no choice but to act upon this health and safety matter and remove this tree so as to prevent it from falling onto the public roads". The extent of the "severe rot" was visible on Friday. The tree is said to be over 300 years old.

Clarity on the tree's removal was sought at Tuesday's meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Quin native, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said "the most amazing tree framed the village" until its "demolition" by the Council.

A dismayed local contacted the former Mayor of Clare to flag that the "largest and most iconic tree in Quin was cut down and butchered by Clare County Council". Referring to

the age of the tree, Clare stated, "it should have been protected like a listed building".

After contacting Cllr Alan O'Callaghan (FF) on Saturday, Colleran Molloy revealed that he was unaware of the felling as were all elected representatives in the Killaloe MD. She rebuked remarks from Cllr O'Callaghan and Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) that the decision to cut the tree was made by the Ennis MD prior to the 2019 local elections.

Due diligence has been followed by the County Council when it comes to reporting dangerous trees in Ennis and Clarecastle, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) noted.

When trees are found to be towards the end of life cycle or at risk, they undergo annual assessments, senior executive officer with the Ennis MD, Leonore O'Neill explained. "This tree was listed at high risk in our last assessment, the reports were forwarded to the Killaloe MD," she confirmed.

"Advanced disease or safety are the only reasons for felling" by the local authority, O'Neill outlined.

Speaking on Tuesday, Colleran Molloy claimed that indication of the tree reaching end of life was supposed to be made known to East Clare councillors in September 2019 with a reminder issued 12 months later.

She continued, "That tree was a part of the heritage of Quin village, notice should have been given to the people so they could say their goodbyes to the tree. A five foot stump is left now, will it be removed, will a new tree be added. Some may say why am I going on about tree but there was palpable upset".

Trees are protected by the local authority, O'Neill responded. "The felling of a tree is a sad moment," she acknowledged.

Killaloe MD will liaise with Quin Tidy Towns in relation to replacement planting at this location.

lLANDMARK: The stump left behind following the felling of the iconic tree in Quin Photo by Joe Buckley

FEATURES 21

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

GREEN CLARE

Microgeneration can save you a fortune CIAN O’BROIN

L

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

AST Thursday the Clare community came together to learn about microgeneration and the possibility of producing your own electricity through solar panels.

A webinar chaired by Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) featured four expert panellists on the topic Microgeneration: Can Photovoltaics work for me.

They included Pat Stephens of the Limerick Clare Energy Agency, who alluded to solar panels as “an asset with a lifecycle of 20 years” and “an investment within most people’s pockets.”

Pat pointed out that one of the drivers of photovoltaics is the Climate Action Plan 2019, which provided a framework to facilitate microgeneration. Being a supplier of electricity puts you at a payback period of eight to nine years or six with a grant from the SEAI. “You may find it financially problematic,” he added.

The greatest return on micro-generation to the everyday person is achieved by using all or at least 70 to 80 per cent of the electricity by yourself. Try and plan your energy consumption. “In Clare County Council overall we are using about 10 million kilowatt hours, roughly 1.6 million is going to be used on buildings. There are 36 building and we have roughly 700,000m2 of roof space that we could possibly utilise for solar PV.

We are also considering the possibility of using car park spaces too.”

Alan Jackson of Tipperary Energy Agency spoke about the commercial, business and community sides of installing Solar PV. Extra electricity goes back to the grid, where the person is paid for micro generation, he stated.

“Installation comes to €1,000 per kilowatt installed. It is very low maintenance compared to wind turbines. You put it up and you forget about it and it keeps generating.

Planning permission at the moment are quite restrictive. You can put up seven panels on a house. Any more requires expensive planning permission.”

Commercial buildings can facilitate 29 panels and must undergo a glint and glare assessment to show that it does not disturb passing traffic.

There are no exemptions for schools or community buildings, this only applies to SME’s and commercial buildings. Local Authority can install PV to a value of €126,000 on its own buildings.

“PV is really good for businesses that have a load in the middle of the summer. Solar energy is produced during the middle of the day. Shift your loads and dishwashers to the middle of the day. The more you oversize at the wrong times, the more the electricity you will spill.”

Colm Garvey of the Clare Community Energy Agency spoke about grants for Solar PV installation. Colm explained that a 2.2kW system costs €5,500 but that price per kW drops as installations get bigger.

After SEAI grants a 2.2kW system comes to

lSUNSHINE: Grants are available from the SEAI for installing solar panels

€3,500. This grant can only be approved under the conditions that the house has a BER C rating or higher after installation and that the house must be built in 2011 or after.

Colm also spoke about the reasons why installing solar PV is worth it. They include the importance of creating clean renewable energy, taking control of where your energy comes from, improving the BER rating of your home and securing your electricity supply through the use of a battery.

For a 2.2 kW system, if you use 1500 kWh that saves you €320 per year. If you sell the rest to the grid, you earn €55 per year. All in all, you will earn €375 per year on a €3,500 investment.

The final speaker was Gloria Callinan SEC Community Mentor and part of a Clare Lo-

cal Development Company (CLDC) who also worked on the LEADER world development programme for 19 years.

“Being from the Burren, I am well aware of the issues up and down the county that communities are facing,” she stated.

What Gloria brings to the table is community development supports and links with the SEAI. There are 20 to 25 sustainable energy communities registered in Clare, she added.

Colm Garvey concluded “One outcome from the webinar is the beginning of the Solar Meitheal project.

The project aims to organise group-buying of PV systems to negotiate better prices and better project co-ordination through a grouped approach.”

22 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ONLINE TYPE 1 DIABETES

l THUMBS UP: Aoibhin Garrihy launches the Facebook Positivity Parade in aid of Aware. The campaign centres on “bringing people across Ireland together online to celebrate the moments that have kept people going throughout the pandemic,” she commented.

ENNIS ADVICE FROM MY MIRROR

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who is the skinniest of them all?

It doesn’t matter, the mirror replied, The idea that happiness can only be found in the answer I give is a lie.

Forget about me – I have not the answers you seek, You’ll only return to me day after day, week after week.

Don’t beat yourself up and be proud of who you are, Embrace every flaw, stretch mark and scar.

Ignore every ad that tells you to watch what you eat, You don’t have to look a certain way to warrant a treat.

Don’t compare yourself to others, no two people are the same, Comparing your worst to their best is not a fun game, Pointing out every dimple, blemish, and what makes you, ‘you,’ And wishing to look like the bodies you see on social media that are untrue.

Filters, angles, photoshop, and just-the-right-light, These days people will edit the sun into the dead of the night.

Unfollow celebrities promoting extreme diets and selling special weight loss teas, They don’t care about you, only their sizeable fee.

Give your thoughts to what you love, and less to your weight, No more should you worry about what’s on your plate.

Stop spending so much of your time with me, Cut the ties and you’ll be free.

And is it really worth all the hassle to get into a specific clothes size?

Just get the next one up, I would advise!

It’s not worth all the pain, tears and stress, And all the long days of hunger when you obsessively suppress.

Listen to your mother – never go a day without a hot dinner, Why miss out on essential nutrients just to be thinner?

And any time you hear the inner voice in your head saying you need to diet, Reject its words and tell it to keep quiet.

Forget about numbers and throw out the scale,

It’s time to break out from this self-imposed jail.

It’s going to be hard, but you’ll be okay, As long as you keep making small steps day after day.

So, leave my presence – go away and live your life And embrace more joyful days where laughter and smiles are rife.

You can do anything, trust me, you’re a fighter, And once you step away from me now, you’ll feel a whole lot lighter.

As I stepped away from the mirror, it was true, a huge weight had been lifted!

No more would I punish myself – my purpose had shifted.

As I walked out the door, I couldn’t help smile, An experience that had escaped me for the longest while.

My stomach rumbled, no longer would I neglect it, It was time to make amends and finally respect it.

“What should we have?” I asked my newest friend, “I promise the days I mistreat you are at an end.”

Pizza, ice cream, pancakes, or whatever it may be No longer would I hate myself for eating them, it was time to enjoy them guilt-free.

And if you’re reading this, please know that you can enjoy them too, Just let go of societal pressures and accept you for you.

Throw out the scales and be kind to your soul, Know that every fibre of your being plays an important role.

Find your true purpose and watch confidence exude, You’ll learn to love your body and have a wonderful relationship with food.

Ditch diet culture and all the toxicity it brings, And give your energy to more important things.

So good luck on your journey – I wish you every success, As you reach higher ground and escape all this mess.

And when you look back when all is said and done, You’ll be thankful you achieved it, both you and your body, as one.

Written by Michael Casey from Ennis, to mark National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

THE Clare Diabetes Support Group have moved their regular meetings online since early 2020 and are organising their next event for Tuesday March 9th at 8pm with guest speaker from Australia, Renza Scibilia. Renza Scibilia has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1998. She is a diabetes advocate and activist, and is the Program Manager for Type 1 Diabetes and Communities at Diabetes Australia. She has worked for diabetes organisations for the last 19 years, promoting a person-centred approach to the development, design and delivery of diabetes technologies, services, resources and education programs.

Renza has extensive experience as a facilitator, presenter and media spokesperson and is frequently invited to speak at conferences locally and around the world. She speaks about topics including peer support in diabetes management, diabetes technology, and why language matters in diabetes and healthcare.

Renza is well-known in the diabetes online community, and is well-versed in social media, its use and impact on people with chronic health conditions and application in peer support. She is the author of Diabetogenic, (www.diabetogenic.wordpress.com) and a regular contributor to many online and print health publications.

Since August 2017, Renza has been wearing a DIYAPS and is part of the #WeAreNotWaiting movement. Right now, she is probably wearing stripes, drinking coffee and planning her next trip to New York (postCOVID!!) with her musician husband and teenage daughter.

This event is free to attend and open to the general public. To get the join link email Grainne at ClareSupport@diabetes.ie or through Facebook/Instagram messenger at @BloodSugarTrampoline.

ONLINE ROTARY GOES PUBLIC

ROTARY is a community and humanitarian service organisation with clubs in every county in Ireland. It currently has 72 clubs with some 1,700 members. For the first time they are opening their district conference by live streaming free to anyone interested in the following speakers: Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery, Dr Ian Norton specialst emergency physician and former head of the WHO’s Emergency Medical Team on what the next couple of years of living with Covid will look like, author and academic Sarah Jane Cromwell on transgender diversity and inclusion, Dr Ide de Largy on mental health and developing resilience, Vice Admiral Mark Mellet Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces on his 40 years of service, RTÉ series producer Liam O’Brien on the melting Greenland ice sheet, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, chef Chris Sanford and author Gloria Barnett. To register just go to www.rotary.ie and click on the register for conference link. Details: Rotary Ireland Virtual Conference 2021. Virtual event streamed live from Youghal. Saturday, March 6, ‘doors’ open at 9am for showcase conference 10-12pm and 1-1.30pm. It’s free!

Maybe you will like what you see and consider joining your local Rotary club. Anyone in Co Clare can contact Ennis Club President Michael Shepherd at 087-4543619 or email paroshep@gmail.com.

BUSINESS 23

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

UDC & PPG to set up base in Shannon PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW manufacturing site is to open in Shannon creating between 50-60 jobs early next year.

Universal Display Corporation (UDC) and PPG have announced that they will jointly establish a new manufacturing site in Shannon for the production of materials used in solid-state lighting applications. The companies recently celebrated their 20 year partnership.

The new facility will be designed to double the production capacity and diversify the manufacturing base for UDC's phosphorescent emitters to meet growing organic light emitting diode (OLED) market demand and evolving industry requirements.

It will be located at what was the former Avara pharmaceuticals plant in the Shannon Industrial Estate. The site has been leased

by UDC with the right to purchase. Facility improvements and regulatory approvals are expected to be completed in the next 12 months, and operations are scheduled to commence in early 2022.

Between 50 to 60 persons will be employed as a result of the company's decision to set up an Irish base in Shannon, The Clare Echo understands.

Founded in 1994, UDC currently owns, exclusively licenses or has the sole right to sublicense more than 5,000 patents issued and pending worldwide.

The company is regarded as a leader in the research, development and commercialization of organic light emitting diode (OLED) technologies and materials for use in display, solid-state lighting applications with subsidiaries and offices around the world.

Sony, DuPont and Novaled are some of the companies that work with UDC. Their OLED screens currently feature on Samsung smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.

Michael H. McGarry, PPG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said the addition of the Irish facility will support "the tremendous demand and growth for energy-efficient displays and lighting devices and expands upon our established OLED production facilities, which are located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Barberton, Ohio."

UDC President and CEO, Steven V. Abramson expressed his excitement at expanding "the manufacturing footprint for our proprietary state-of-the-art phosphorescent OLED materials with PPG, our strong, long-term partner, as the next step in our globalization strategy".

He added, "We are continuing to enlarge our global presence, while also bolstering our localized on-the-ground capabilities. Following the recent openings of our PHOLED Application Centers in Korea and Hong Kong, our goal is to establish additional local operations to support our customers".

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) described the incoming arrival of the companies as "really significant" and an "incredible investment".

He outlined, "Good news in this environment is hard to come by so this is a very welcome development".

Carey paid tribute to the input of Tony Donlon and United Metals for their involvement and wished the new employers well prior to the impending arrival.

"There were some dark days for Avara but this is a shot in the arm for Shannon and the Mid-West region," Deputy Carey commented.

l TECH: Sony use OLED technology in their TVs

Global investor services group to create 45 jobs over five years

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

FORTY-FIVE jobs are to be created over the course of five years with the launch of a dedicated funds business in Shannon.

Global investor services group, IQ-EQ as part of its Irish expansion will hire new roles in Co Clare in fund accounting, transfer agency and support functions. IQ-EQ achieved authorisation as a fund administrator from the Central Bank of Ireland on 15 December 2020 and its new Irish Funds business will go live operationally on 18 March 2021.

IQ-EQ offer a range of compliance, administration, asset and advisory services to alternative funds, global companies, and private and institutional investors globally. This includes a 135-strong team in Northern Ireland, specialised in fund administration and depositary services, plus third-party alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) platforms in London as well as Luxembourg. IQ-EQ has been active in Ireland for over 30 years, providing a full range of corporate administration and structured finance solutions from its offices in Dublin and Shannon.

In expanding its funds service segment into Ireland, IQ-EQ will be transferring a number of experienced key personnel from

the group’s wider UK & Ireland cluster, including Belfast-based Eoghan Harney, who will hold the role of Director and Head of Fund Accounting.

Completing the senior leadership of the new business will be Gary Palmer, former Chief Executive of the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA), who will join the Irish operation as Chairman and Non-Executive Director. A new Head of Transfer Agency is also set to join the business in March 2021.

Joanne McEnteggart, IQ-EQ’s Managing Director for Ireland outlined that setting up a funds business in Ireland was the next “logical step” for the company. “Taking this step was very much a client led initiative with many of our clients and intermediaries looking to us to set up a funds operation in what is recognised as a key funds domicile.

“This is an important milestone not only for the Ireland team but for the Group as a whole as it takes us one step closer to achieving our strategic objective of becoming the most complete independent provider to alternative asset managers globally”.

CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan labelled the announcement as “a welcome addition to the region’s financial services cluster” in a bid to win jobs and investment for regional locations.

New website launched by Scattery Island Heritage Group

by CIAN O'BROIN

SCATTERY Island Heritage Group (SIHG) have launched their new website, a community archive designed to include public contributions of photos, stories and memories to expand the story of the island.

The website will document tales of monastic settlers, Viking invaders, salvaged ships, agriculture, river pilots, settlers and sea farers.

"This is a very exciting project for our dedicated group of volunteers. Together we have begun what we hope to be, a rich and sustainable platform for story telling and a sharing of knowledge in keeping this part of Irish history alive," Chair of SIHG Eve Brennan stated.

The group was established in 2012 with the aim of preserving tales and sharing them online with a wider audience. Through the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) and a partnership between the National Museum of Ireland and Clare County Council Heritage Office, SIHG developed the site, 'Scattery Island Heritage: Our Island Story.'

The project brings together a dedicated group of volunteers comprising of SIHG members, Kilrush Community Development Ltd. members, the wider community and descendants from Scattery Island folk.

These are direct relatives

of the people that lived on Scattery Island, otherwise known as Inis Cathaigh.

The island is located 2km from the town of Kilrush and historical records document

island occupation since the 5th century. The final inhabitants left the island in 1978.

Visit the brand-new website at: www.scatteryisland. clareheritage.org.

Spanish Point, West Clare

Join our Crew!

Please contact hr@armadahotel.com for more info! www.armadahotel.com

Sport Clare Echo THE

Considine & O’Dea in Team of Year PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO Clare ladies footballers were included on the intermediate team of the championship which was announced on Saturday night.

Liscannor’s Roisin Considine who starred at wingback for James Murrihy’s charges as they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals last year was named at number five on the team. She was joined by Kilfenora sharpshooter Niamh O’Dea. Apart from Clare’s comprehensive 7-18 0-02 win over Sligo in the third round of the All-Ireland series, Considine was ever-present in their outings and played

the full sixty minutes for each contest she was on the field for.

O’Dea finished the year with a tally of 4-05 to her name, all of which was scored from play. The dual-player also had an impressive year with the Clare senior camogie team lining out at centre-back while she held the same position for Kilmaley as they reached the last four. Niamh tasted club glory with The Banner but lost out in an agonising Munster quarter-final to Cahir.

Both Considine and O’Dea have returned to the county panel which is now managed by Evan Talty as they attempt to return to the senior ranks.

04-03-21

pg 24

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Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Bursary award for Kilmihil’s Micaela

Roisin Considine (top, photo

by Burren Eye Photography) and Niamh O’Dea (photo by Gerard O’Neill)

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

CLARE woman is among four students to be awarded a bursary in honour of late Tipperary ladies footballer Rachel Kenneally.

Last February, Mary Immaculate College (MIC) announced the Rachel Kenneally Memorial Award, a bursary scheme funded by Munster LGFA in honour of Rachel who sadly passed away in 2018 at the age of 26.

Kilmihil’s Micaela Glynn is one of the first cohort of students to receive a bursary under this scheme

with each bursary valued at €750 along with Sophie Hennessey (Carrigkerry, Limerick), Fiona Keating (Courcey Rovers, Cork) and Kate Hickey (Kilbrien, Waterford).

Goalkeeper on the Clare intermediate ladies football side, Micaela is in her first year studying to become a primary school teacher.

‘Bricks elect Considine

by SEAMUS HAYES

EX CLARE minor football boss Michael Considine has been elected Chairman of Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA. An executive committee for Kilmurry Ibrickane was appointed at Friday’s Annual General Meeting.

Outgoing vice chairman Michael Considine was elected chairman and he succeeds Martin Lynch while outgoing PRO, Paul Shanahan is the new club secretary, taking over from John Brew who

will continue as the club’s county board delegate.

Former club chairman Gerard Talty replaces Considine as the vice chairman. The club’s new public relations officer is Micheál Talty whose father Michael is the club’s development officer.

Team managements will be elected at the March meeting of the club but all the indications are that Aiden Moloney and his team will continue in charge of the senior side.

Joint Presidents: John Joe Ryan and Martin Hanrahan Vice President: Fr. Donagh O’Meara P.P. Chairman: Michael Considine Vice Chairman: Gerard Talty Secretary: Paul Shanahan Assistant Secretary & Co. Board delegate: John Brew Treasurer: Rebecca Sexton Assistant Treasurer: Stephen Cunningham Irish Officer: John Daly PRO: Micheál Talty Assist PRO: Sarah Cunningham Children’s Officer: Pat Sexton Registrar: Kevin Killeen Development officer: Michael Talty

pg 25

04-03-21

Clare Echo THE

instagram.com/ClareEcho twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho clareecho.ie

Committee will work as team for good of Clare soccer PÁRAIC MCMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

EWLY elected Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), Jason Ryan has outlined that the new County Committee will be working as a united front aiming to lead the resumption of games.

On Monday, the Kilrush man was elected Chairman at an emergency general meeting (EGM) of the CDSL. He thanked clubs for their attendance at the meeting and the assistance of the Munster FA in overseeing proceedings.

“We all want to get football back as soon as possible, hopefully we will get back on the field as soon as possible.

I would like to thank you for your support. We’re all in it for the good of the game and that is it,” Jason told delegates.

An annual general meeting (AGM) will be held “as soon as we’re able,” he stated. “As soon as we’re able, we will all meet inside in a

room and go through the Treasurer’s report, discuss our motions and go through any other business”.

He informed clubs that the County Committee will be keen to have regular engagement from clubs as they carry out their business.

“Our committee will work as a team for the good of Clare soccer and all clubs, we’re only a phone call away if ye ever need anything. If ye feel we are not doing something right, let us know”.

A two year term was requested by the new officers.

“The reason why, if we don’t play any 2021 season and go straight into new season in August we would like the same committee to go forward until June 2022. If soccer comes back in April or June, we would have to have an AGM in June or July for new season kicking off,” the Ennis man explained.

Former registrar Jason Ryan has been elevated to the top job with Pyne continuing as Vice Chairman. Denis Collins joins the Committee for the first time in the role of secretary with Tony Downey return-

THE CUTTING EDGE

ing as Treasurer following a mid-season resignation last year.

Newmarket Celtic’s Alan McCoy takes on the mantle as fixtures secretary with Jim Madden returning as PRO two years after losing his long-standing role on the Committee. Brendan Browne and Eddie Crowe join the Committee for the first time.

Chairman: Jason Ryan (Kilrush Rangers) Vice Chairman: Ronnie Pyne (Turnpike Rovers) Secretary: Denis Collins (Ennis Town) Treasurer: Tony Downey (Ennis Town) Fixtures Secretary: Alan McCoy (Newmarket Celtic) Registrar: Eddie Crowe (Sporting Ennistymon) PRO: Jim Madden (Shannon Olympic) Munster Delegate: Thomas Leahy (Corofin Harps) Youth Liaison Officer / COVID-19 Officer: Tommy Molloy (Avenue Utd) Women’s Football Officer: Frank Burke (Burren Utd Women’s Club) Committee Member: Gerard Kelly (Shannon Town Utd) Committee Member: Brendan Browne (Manus Celtic)

CDSL alteration likely AN ABILITY to play the 2020/21 season of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) will be “date dependent”.

Clare was one of the few leagues in the country to conclude its last season after games resumed in July 2020. This season has yet to commence.

“We don’t know if there will be soccer,” Vice Chairman Ronnie Pyne told clubs at Monday’s emergency general meeting (EGM) held remotely.

Munster FA administrator Barry Cotter detailed that work is ongoing between the Provincial Association and FAI boards with regards a return to play but noted that the

decision lies around Government guidelines. The Cork man stated, “We might not get back to August or September so there is no point giving false hope, you will hear it in the news before you hear it from us.”

Meanwhile, three additional clubs will compete in the CDSL when the return of sport is permitted.

Fern Celtic, St Pats AFC and Cooraclare Celtic will join the list of clubs competing in the CDSL, Monday’s meeting heard.

Pyne told the EGM that the clubs approached officers prior to a scheduled

annual general meeting (AGM) last year to express an interest in fielding adult teams.

Tiermaclane based Fern Celtic currently have teams from U6 to U16 for boys and U6 up to Junior level for women’s soccer.

St Pats AFC in Kilmihil first won silverware back in 1985 winning the Second Division Shield, last season their U13 boys tasted league glory. They competed at adult level in 2018. Cooraclare Celtic have been inactive in recent seasons and will be expected to ply their trade in the bottom tier.

It brings to 28 the amount of clubs that will line out in the CDSL.

David O’Grady & Ronan Lanigan in action

Photo by Joe Buckley

WITH MARK O’DONNELL

‘Drills rarely translate onto field of play’ - coaching has moved on

M

ark O’Donnell this week advocates for games based coaching.

I consider myself to be very fortunate, working in the domain of Games Development and Sport Science. As a GAA Tutor, I’m tasked with imparting knowledge onto volunteer coaches throughout our region. We live in a hyper-information era, and the demand for learning has never been so high. When delivering Coach Education Courses, I am regularly posed questions regarding new content; “Have you any new drills for us?”.

Of course I welcome this interaction because it highlights the best intentions of coaches, who are seeking improvement. However my response usually begins with, “May I suggest a game”.

In true Keeping Up with The Jones’ fashion, coaches nationwide love to mimic the practices of recent All-Ireland winners and other elite performers. At present we should admire the playing standards of the Dublin footballers and Limerick hurlers. Consequently, a host of buzzwords are circulating on social media and beyond; “GPS stats; underage academies; defensive screens” and in particular “games based coaching”. It can become a habit for coaches to references these terms to appear intelligent, or ahead of the posse, despite real understanding!

Paul Kinnerk and Mick Bohan are often

considered the founding fathers of Games Based Coaching (GBC) in the GAA – but what’s all the fuss about? At the outset, a game is an activity with an objective, players, constraints and skill requirements. There are several game modalities e.g. zonal, target, possession, invasion, overload – with each game type having a specific outcome goal.

The nature of this method facilitates free-flowing, unpredictable and sometimes chaotic game-play.

Its ethos centres around the athlete, whilst encouraging competition and cooperation within a team. Typically, the movement patterns of GBC are conducive to

match-specific events, or as Bill Belicheck, New England Patriots Head Coach, terms “situational football”.

By contrast, drill based coaching (DBC) is a more traditional, linear practice. In this environment, players are exposed to controlled, prescribed and very predictable activities. A classic example is the renowned “lines of three across the field”. Its ethos orientates around the coach maintaining law and order whilst training. Albeit this method has the potential to facilitate high repetition, its structured nature rarely translates onto the playing field. The continuous practice of skills in isolation, with a myriad of cones and poles, results in players becoming robotic or dependent on visual aids. Undoubtedly, scenarios when players appear “lost” on a pitch reflect the influ-

ence of a DBC environment.

Modern research indicates greater improvements in skill proficiency, decision making, physical fitness and teamplay patterns in a GBC setting. Over time and implemented appropriately, this practice elicits holistic player development and leads to long-term success in team sport.

By comparison those solely exposed to DBC develop in a more partial manner, often struggling to make use of learned isolated skills in game situations.

It’s noteworthy that the majority of readers were or are still being coached in this environment, due to the recency of the former.

Remember we train to play, not play to train so where possible try to GAMIFY (another buzzword for 2021) every activity. Our players and our coaching practices will reap the rewards!

04-03-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 26

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Ryan to lead Newmarket Photo by Burren Eye Photography

SEAMUS HAYES NEWMARKET-on-Fergus have assembled a new senior hurling management for 2021.

Tomás Ryan (right) who was in charge of the last Newmarket team to win a Minor A hurling title back in 2010 has been tasked with managing the side. It will not be his first involvement at this level having worked as a selector to both Tom McNamara (2014) and Colin Lynch (2016). He succeeds former Limerick camogie boss John Tuohy who stepped down from the role after one season.

A Harty Cup and Croke Cup winning captain with St Flannan’s College in 1998, Brian Clancy is on board as a selector with the side. Ex St Josephs Doora/Barefield coach David McCormack returns to his native club as does James Carrig whose three year tenure in charge of Crusheen

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concluded last season.

Senior B finalists last season, Newmarket-on-Fergus came up short against Clonlara in the decider having lost earlier to the same opposition in the first round of the championship. Inagh/Kilnamona ended their involvement in the championship but they used the Senior B campaign to blood new players while also recording wins over Wolfe Tones and Clarecastle.

Their roles were unveiled at the club’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) which saw Freddy McInerney returned as Chairman for a sixth year in succession. Ex

LIVE INTERACTIVE GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT

Clare Bord na nÓg secretary Concepta O’Connor continues as secretary for the club with Eamon Curley a new addition to the Executive.

Patron: Fr Tom Fitzpatrick Presidents: Buddy McMahon & Pat Halpin Chairman: Freddy McInerney Vice Chairman: Seanie McMahon Secretary: Concepta O’Connor Treasurer: James Clancy Asst Treasurer: Cathal Conway PRO: Colm Liddy Development Officer: Noel McInerney Games Development Officer: Eamon Curley County Board Delegate: Siobhán Marren Children’s Officer: Siobhán Conway Irish Language & Culture Officer: Siobhán Conway Camogie Chairperson: Pat Keogh Ladies Football Chairperson: Michael D’Arcy Bord na nÓg Chair: Damian Hogan Bord na nÓg Secretary: Darren Duggan Registrar: Ken Tucker Health & Well-being Officer: Ken Tucker

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Clare athletes in flying form in USA

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE athletes had reason to be cheerful in the US over the weekend with key wins and milestones celebrated.

Quin’s Alex O’Neill (pictured) celebrated her second win in a row on Thursday in the 800m. She was part of the Providence College women’s indoor track team that competed in Kingston, Rhode Island in a tri-meet comprising of Providence, Rhode Island College and Northeastern University.

A past pupil of Rice College, Alex led the 800m from the start and finished in first position in a time of 2:13:38 followed by her teammate Halle Atkinson.

Jo Keane impressed in the Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championship, on Friday night, in Lubbock, Texas. She was part of the winning DMR team, a race consisting of 1200m/400m/800m/1600m.

The Mountaineers earned a first-place finish in the women's distance medley relay with a time of 11:21.35 in what was a school-best DMR firstplace finish for West Virginia University.

Prior to the DMR success, Jo competed in the second heat of the 800m finishing in third position and qualified for the final.

However it was her win alongside Hayley Jackson,Tessa Constantine, and Ceili McCabe that saw them named as the college’s athletes of the week.

Clarecastle native Kevin Mulcaire had the best race of his Oklahoma State career finishing in sixth place in a time of 24:28 for the 8km at the meet day the OSU Winter Open with Isai Rodriquez first home in a time of 23.57 in what was t h e first Cross Country Spring Season race.

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A KILRUSH dog took the top spoils in the headline event of Friday’s twelve race programme at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

In the concluding A2 graded 525 Yards contest, Puck Out broke smartly towards the outside to lead on the run towards the opening bend where he was tracked round by the Patsy Fitzgerald of Tullabrack, Kilrush owned Flyers Iniesta who switched inside to join issue entering the back straight. Racing along the back straight the front pair were clear of their rivals and passing the halfway point Flyers Iniesta showed in front for the first time. Leaving the back straight Flyers Iniesta said goodbye to his rivals as the son of Droopys Jet and Newline Farrah drew right away to score by six and a half

lengths in 28.76.

The chief supporting contest on the card was the A3 graded ninth contest and this went to the John Whelan of Lisdoonvarna owned View Knockout trained by Declan McDonagh of Liscannor who railed superbly throughout as he outpointed the staying on Knockmeale Star by two and a half lengths in 29.10.

Owned by Thomas Keane of Kilmihil, Glynnscrossflora took the spoils in the newcomers 525 yards contest.

She led early in the back straight on her way to a three and a half length success over Solana Drive in 29.58.

The winner was headed on the run to the opening bend

by Ballylean Rogue on her inner but tracking well Glynnscrossflora edged to the front entering the back straight as Jumeirah Cesear and Rin-

nwood Own tried to close.

Out front though the winner gradually turned the score as Solan Drive and Rinnwood Own both stayed on well in the straight.

Having been narrowly denied earlier on the card, Inagh owners Niall Arthur and Bernard Farrell got their rewards in race 8 which was an A5 graded contest as their Wishful Blossom eased home three and three quarter lengths clear of Aulton Tiger in 29.32. The winner tracked well around the opening bend as Petticoat Pilot led the way early but entering the back straight Wishful Blossom led by a length. Striding out well the daughter of Ballymac Vic and Wishful Flyer gradually extended her advantage as Aulton Tiger stayed on for second place.

OBITUARIES 27

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2020

Obituaries THANKSGIVING

THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

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

MK

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First 100 words €40 + vat

Between 100-200 words €60 200 + words on request + vat

ANNIVERSARIES Up to 80 words + Photo 80 + words on request

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THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

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

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PLANNING

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKASKEHEEN, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE V95 A9D6 Take notice that Stella Whelan intends to apply for permission to RETAIN the installation of an upgraded waste water treatment unit, the renovations and extension to the original cottage and all 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 Further Information/ Revised Plans Planning Ref: P20/850 Development Description: To build a new dwelling house, install waste water system, new entrance to the public road and all associated site and ancillary works.

Location: Derreen East, Fanore, Co. Clare Take notice that Amy MCCormack has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20/850.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae and Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.

Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt pf the newspaper 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 Co. Council Kilvoydan, Corofin.

Take notice that George Edwards intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house and associated site works at the above address.

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

Clare County Council Waverley House’, Lemenaghbeg, Newmarket On Fergus, Co. Clare Retention permission is sought at ‘Waverley House’, Lemenaghbeg, Newmarket On Fergus, Co. Clare on behalf of Karl and Yvonne King for the following items: retention of a later edition extension to the rear of an existing original house, consisting of 1 additional bedroom

at ground floor level and additional bedrooms at first floor or attic level when the new roof was being constructed (Circa 15 years ago), including velux roof lights to the side and a minor modification to the site boundary to ensure the septic tank and its associated percolation area falls within the house lands, and all associated site works on and under land.

“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.”

Clare County Council Teermaclane, Ballyea, Co. Clare Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Michael & Susan O’Neill for permission to a) Retain sunroom, b) Retain conversion of former garage to accommodation, c) Retain detached garage together with all ancillary site development works, boundaries and services at the above address.

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

ROOFING

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fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Clare County Council Dehomad, Lissycasey, Co. Clare Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Brian & Maria Gilligan for permission to construct an entrance, dwelling house, garage and wastewater treatment system with soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

Clare County Council Kilcredaun, Bridgetown, Co. Clare Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Noel & Ann Meehan for permission to a) retain 1st floor conversion, dormer windows, rear extensions, alterations and fenestration changes b) retain detached garage c) retain installation of new wastewater treatment system and location of soil polishing filter, d) retain boundaries as constructed together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

Clare County Council Newtown, Doonbeg, Co. Clare Take notice that Diarmuid Griffin & Sarah McCarthy are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for alterations to an existing house, granted under P06-191 and planning permission to construct a new private garage and 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 Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: P20/ 112 Development Description: Permission to a) erect signage b) retain alterations & fenestration changes (c) permission to extend café / deli / wine bar (d) permission to change use of part of building to Bank/Financial institution, Chemist / Pharmacy, Doctor / Dentist Surgery, Hair dressing Salon, Health Centre / Clinic, Laundrette / Dry Cleaner, Licenced Premises, Offices, Shop, Take away together with all associated site development works and services.

Location: 29 Abbey Street & Abbey Arcade, Ennis, Co. Clare Take notice that Martina Haugh has lodged significant further information in respect of the planning application P20/112.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority 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 Coogyulla, Doolin, Co. Clare Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of T.J Kerin for permission to a) Retain fenestration changes and dormer windows to house No’s 7 & 8, b) Retain front extension to house No.9, c) Retain conversion and extension of former dairy to 2 bedroom selfcontained short term holiday rental unit together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RATHBAUN, LISDOONVARNA I Aiden Fitzgerald B.Eng. MIEI of AF Engineering, Doolin, Co. Clare, 087-9955689, intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of St. Breckans GAA club for outline planning permission at the above address, the development will consist the construction of a gym facility to the rear of the existing sports complex, with connection to existing services together with ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. 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 a 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

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, MAR 4 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS QUIZ

. In March 1854 about two miles 5 from the center of Newmarket-on-Fergus a huge amount of what natural resource was found?

• Diamonds

. In June 2004 the first summit 8 between the US and who was held at Dromoland Castle?

• North Korea • Iran • The enlarged EU 25 member states

. Which of the following people 9 did not stay at Dromoland Castle?

lQUESTION 1: Newmarket-on-Fergus lies close to the what river?

• Kim Jong-un • Muhammad Ali • Nelson Mandela

ANSWERS

. During his 16 hour stay at 10 Dromoland castle George W. Bush had approximately how many

military, police and private security force personel?

• 200 • 700 • 7,000

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. Michael D. Higgins

• Theobald Wolfe Tone • William Smith O’Brien • Robert Emmet

• 1999 • 2003 • 2004

1. The River Fergus

. What famous Irish nationalist 4 and MP was born in Newarket-on-Fergus in October 1803?

7. 2003

• Won a bet he made wagering Dromoland estate on a horse race in the town of Newmarket in England.

• Established a market in the town.

• Decided that Cora Chaitlín was an ugly name and then picked a new one at random.

.

The N-18 passed through 7 Newmarket-on-Fergus until the town was bypassed in what year?

8. The enlarged EU 25 member states

3

. A popular myth suggests that the name of Newmarket-on-Fergus comes from Lord Inchiquin changing the name of the town from Cora Caitlín after he did what?

• Michael D. Higgins • Mary McAleese • Patrick Hillery

2. Dromoland Castle

• Ashford Castle • Urlanmore Castle • Dromoland Castle

gus?

3. Won a bet he made wagering...

castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus that is now operated as a 5-star hotel?

9. Kim Jong-un

. What is the name of the famous

10 7,000

2

. What Irish president attended 6 primary school at Ballycar National School in Newmarket-on-Fer-

4. William Smith O’Brien

• The River Market • The River Fergus • The River Nile

• Gold • Oil

5. Gold

lies close 1 .toNewmarket-on-Fergus the what river?

Last weeks Answers . Statue missing (right) on alter . Cross on topof alter missing . Book different colour . Trocaire box on alter missing

. marble missing on the alter . Candles missing on ground . banister (left) missing

Pictured getting in some last-minute pre-season training during the announcement at Shannon Airport are Munster players Keith Earls, Dan Goggin and Conor Murray.

Photo: Diarmuid Greene / True Media