The Clare Echo 04/04/19

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4 Apr 2019

Daylight attacks in Ennis town PÁRAIC MCMAHON

O

news@clareecho.ie

NE man has been arrested following a “totally unprovoked” alleged attack of three people in Ennis on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, Gardaí arrested a 25-year-old Czech national in connection with the daylight incidents. On Monday, a woman in her fifties was attacked at a fast food outlet at O’Connell St between 6-6:30pm. Shortly after, two man aged in their fifties and seventies were getting out of their cars when they were violently attacked. Both men were subsequently taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment where they stayed overnight having sustained non life threatening injuries.

Superintendent Brendan McDonagh told

The Clare Echo after the attack, “It’s not the usual of what you’d expect to happen in Ennis, it was totally unprovoked.”

Any members of the public that may have information of benefit are asked to contact the Ennis Garda Station 065 6848 100.

Full story PAGE 4

SEE INSIDE FOR #LE19 GUIDE

lREADY FOR ROAD: Dermot Cosgrove with Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy and her dog Ben yesterday afternoon. Dermot is preparing for a 600km walk in Iceland to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Disabled. Duffy’s Air Freight have sponsored Dermot’s travel, and matched the cost of travel with a donation while Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran and her Ennis Municipal District colleagues are also contributing to the charity

Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Index 2-13

NEWS

AOIBHIN GARRIHY

13-14

ENTERTAINMENT

15

#LE19 SUPPLEMENT INSIDE BUSINESS

22-23

MOTORING

25

BECKY O’DONNELL

35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or paul.mccarthy@clareecho.ie

lFOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD: Cllr Clare Colleran-Molloy, Mayor of Ennis, with Greg Domek and Julie Keenan at The Junction where she supported the Clare Youth Service’s Cook-It Programme from her mayoral allowance. Cook-It supports healthy meal-making for young people

OPEN DAY Lahinch Coast Hotel Midday - 4pm, Sunday, 7 April

www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com

Maoin Cheoil an Chláir set to close doors STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

M

AOIN Cheoil an Chláir, the school that has been bringing the gift of music to students of all ages in Ennis and County Clare since 1994, is closing its doors at the end of May. Located in Erasmus Smith House on College Road, it was the first music school in Ireland to teach both in the classical and Irish cultural tradition and was based on the community education led values of its founder, the late Dr. Micheál O’Súilleabháin.

Unique as a model of community-based education, it was linked to the celebration of the cultural richness of Clare.

According to the school, despite a growing interest in music in the intervening years and the significant contribution made by the school, headed up most recently by Hans Boller, the trends and models in music education have been changing particularly in the last five years. The teaching of music in primary and post-primary schools is at an all new level, the number and range of pri-

vate teachers has increased, stage and performance schools are offering new choices and music students are learning through the digital world.

“There is no joy in seeing any school or facility close its doors in the modern age but it is a time of transformation.

Music student numbers at Maoin Cheoil an Chláir, that typically had been steady for a number of years had dropped more recently to an unsustainable level. Having explored many options to continue its vision and ensure viability, the Board of the school has reluctantly arrived at the decision to close,” said Chair of the Board, Dr. Seán Conlan.

Dr. Conlan went on to say, “We are very conscious that the school closure may discommode students and their families, teachers and their families, staff and the wider school community and we are endeavouring to make this transition as smooth as possible in so far as possible. We acknowledge the vision of its founders, the work of School Directors, administrators and staff past and present for their committed efforts and goodwill in bringing music education to the community.”

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NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Assault 'not what you expect in Ennis'

PÁRAIC McMAHON

O

paraic@clareecho.ie

NE man has been arrested following the “totally unprovoked” attack of three people in Ennis on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, Gardaí arrested twenty five year old Czech national Pavel Kratochvil (25) following an alleged assault of three innocent people the day before. A woman in her fifties was attacked at a fast food outlet at O’Connell St between 6 and 6:30pm on Monday.

Shortly after, as two man aged in their fifties and seventies were getting out of their cars and found themselves being attacked. Both men were subsequently taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment where they stayed overnight having sustained non life threatening injuries.

A source informed The Clare Echo that the male in his seventies was knocked to the ground and kicked in the head where he sustained a cut to his head, a bruised arm and minor damage to his teeth.

An investigation has been put together at Ennis Garda Station, following the examination of CCTV footage, they identified the man and arrested him at lunchtime on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old male who was arrested is known to Gardaí.

Superintendent Brendan McDonagh confirmed that the man has been charged with three counts

of serious assault under Section 3. He appeared in Ennis yesterday where gardai objected to bail.

Mr Kratochvil is being remanded at Limerick Prison and will reappear in Ennis District Court at a later date.

“It’s not the usual of what you’d expect to happen in Ennis, it was totally unprovoked,” McDonagh told The Clare Echo.

Any members of the public that may have information of benefit are asked to contact the Ennis Garda Station 065 6848 100. “If anyone that was in the O’Connell St area between 6pm and 6:30pm and then at the Temple Gate car park between 6:30pm and 7pm who witnessed anything we would like to hear from them”.

Sinn Féin local election candidate, Donna Deirdre McGettigan stated that the feedback from canvassers is that a lack of a Garda presence exists in the town. “We have listened to people at the doors and out on the street and all have mentioned the lack of Garda presence in Ennis. We have a beautiful town but not everyone is law abiding and to conteract this we need on the ground police presence. We would call for Garda in pairs to be on the beat in Ennis to protect the public and tourists as they go about their day”.

Responding to McGettigan’s comments, Supt McDonagh said, “There is no question about if we had guards available they will be on the beat, as to whether guards need to be in pairs I would say no”.

Treesy does it

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park took part in ‘Plant for our Planet’ this week with tree planting to celebrate National Tree Week. Pictured are 2nd Class pupils from Sixmilebridge Primary School, Morgan Barrett, Rebecca Loughrane, Orla O’Neill and Nathan O’Brien with Shannon Heritage Gardening Team memebers Elaine Hiney Wall, Andrew McNamara, Neilus Geaney and Sinead Moloney Photo by Arthur Ellis

Ennis Chamber rings in changes

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l HANDING OVER THE CHAIN: Gwen Culligan, co-owner of County Boutique, has been elected President of Ennis Chamber. She's pictured at the Old Ground Hotel with owner Allen Flynn, who takes over as Vice President, and Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald, who is handing over the presidency Photo by Arthur Ellis

WEN Culligan, co-owner of ‘County Boutique’, Ennis has been elected President of Ennis Chamber. She takes over this month from Diarmuid McMahon, MD of Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

Allen Flynn, owner of the Old Ground Hotel and director of the Flynn Group will support Gwen in his elected role as Vice President.

Gwen Culligan commented, “It’s a great honour to be elected President of Ennis Chamber. There’s a renewed energy and positivity emanating from the Chamber in recent years. It’s a good time to take on the role of President.”

Gwen Culligan has been in business in Ennis for almost thirty years, taking over from her late mother Merty Culligan, who started the family business over 50 years ago, Gwen said her key aim for Ennis Chamber during her tenure will be, ‘To help Ennis grow’.

“From generating more consumer footfall, to working with tourism and hospitality businesses to attract more visitors, to aligning with industry and professional services through

our Policy Group, our desire at Ennis Chamber is to create growth for the town across all sectors.”

Gwen said, “Diarmuid McMahon focussed on issues that are critical to driving the local economy, including housing and development – areas in which he has expertise. The Policy Group, which Diarmuid will continue to Chair forged strong communication and working links with our local authority. Two members of Ennis Chamber Executive sat on the working group for the development of the new spatial and economic plan for Ennis 2040, while Diarmuid McMahon sat on the steering committee for that project.

“I am delighted that Diarmuid will continue his involvement with these very important issues, it further strengthens the offer from Ennis Chamber to its members.”

She added, “For my part I will focus on the future of the town centre, specifically on ways to ensure its continued vibrancy and attractiveness.”

Gwen Culligan will be supported in her role by Allen Flynn as Vice-President and by the staff at Ennis Chamber.

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Irish Open host public info day STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

A

HEAD of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club in July, an Open Day for members of the public will take place at the Lahinch Coast Hotel this coming Sunday (April 7th) from midday to 4:00pm.

Representatives from The European Tour, Lahinch Golf Club, Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána, HSE, Dubai Duty Free and Fáilte Ireland will be present to outline their preparations for the most prestigious event on the Irish golfing calendar from July 3-7.

Organisers will be available to answer queries on a range of topics, including traffic management arrangements, the Site Plan, and how Lahinch and the wider county will benefit from the event.

Meanwhile, a new website dedicated to promoting Lahinch and surrounding areas in the lead up to, during and after the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will also be launched.

Among the golfers already confirmed as joining the field for this year’s European Tour Rolex Series event, hosted by Paul McGinley, are Louis Oosthuizen, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Danny Willett and Lee Westwood.

For more see dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com.

North Clare poster ban?

LOCAL election candidate Róisín Garvey is leading calls for election posters to be banned across North Clare. The Green Party nominee has reached out to all aspiring councillors in the hope of building consensus against the wasteful process.

“The climate has changed and so must our politics. Putting up hundreds of posters all over North Clare that everyone thinks is a waste of money and resources, but for a fair election all candidates would have to agree to this ban,” she said in a statement to The Clare Echo.

She continued, “Each election cycle is accompanied by a plague of posters across lampposts and ditches around the county. Yet the rise of social media means they have less relevance than ever before.

“I’d prefer people to look at my policies, what I’ve achieved and read about my plans for North Clare, than vote for me because they recognise my picture from a giant poster.”

All local candidates in North Clare have been approached and asked directly to commit to a prohibition on the erection of election posters in any public areas. Garvey is hopeful they will agree.

The move follows similar movements in the West Clare and Ennis Municipal Districs, while calls by sitting councillors in East Clare has led to a clash of opinions on the matter. * Read more about it in our Local Election 2019 supplement, only inside this edition of The Clare Echo.

l UP, UP AND AWAY: Shannon Airport passenger’s options have widened again this week with the launch of two new twice-weekly flights, bolstering both sun options and services into its biggest market, the UK. In what is a major boost for sun-worshipers, Shannon passengers can from this week enjoy direct flights to Ibiza – a sun kissed Balearic Island that offers volumes more than its wider reputation as a party-island.

Ryanair will operate the service every Wednesday and Sunday, departing mid-afternoon, from now to end of October, increasing sun holiday capacity at Shannon by another 21,000 seats.

The timing and days of week allow for great flexibility for a short or long stay option. Ryanair has also launched a twice-weekly service to East Midlands and will operate the service until the end of October 2019. The flights will depart at 8.20am on Mondays and 9.10pm on Fridays, strengthening its regional connectivity by another 22,000 seats.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

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NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

McDonagh is awarded for work with prisoners' families STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

IT student & Enniswoman Bridget McDonagh wins National Social Care Ireland 2019.

Ennis woman Bridget McDonagh has won the National Social Care Ireland Student Award 2019 for her ground breaking work with prisoners’ families in Clare.

The LIT student beat off strong competition from students from all over Ireland to be awarded the accolade on Wednesday night last, March 27, at the Social Care Ireland Annual Conference and Gala Dinner .

By receiving the award Ms McDonagh was recognised for her original and significant contribution to contemporary Irish professional social care practice.

While her award winning work was part of her studies at LIT Ennis Campus, its effects on the community went far beyond her course work and the award.

The third year Social Care Work

BA student was nominated for the award after she secured funding for a newly developed organisation which supports the families and relatives of prisoners.

This newly funded project was specifically targeted at ethnic minority inclusion and developing supports and access for the travelling community affected by imprisonment.

Ms McDonagh, who is a member of the Travelling Community, played a pivotal role in advocating and championing inclusion for the traveller community through this particular initiative.

Speaking about her work Ms McDonagh said, “This is the first time that such an initiative was developed in County Clare and an application for funding prepared and forwarded to the HSE. “This funding will provide initial support to Traveller families in County Clare by engaging in oneto-one consultations and peer support meetings to build trust with the traveller families.”

Bridget began her studies in LIT by completing the level 6 Special

Purpose Award in ‘Health Advocacy and Community Development’ a joint initiative between LIT, Ennis CDP and the HSE. On receipt of her Certificate, the ambitious and talented mother of four then began studying for her degree in Social Care Work. Now in her third year, her undergraduate work continues to impress both on and off campus.

Applied Social Sciences Lecturer Aoife Prendergast nominated Ms McDonagh for the Social Care Ireland Student Award 2019.

Ms Prendergast said she was proud to nominate the Enniswoman for the award.

“Bridget demonstrated advocacy, a strong pursuit of social justice, fairness and equality in her professional social care practice placement. Additionally, she has demonstrated a strong fundamental understanding and appreciation for genuine and core social care practice principles of empathy, advocacy and integrity in action.

"She ensured that the voice of the marginalised Travelling com-

Housing news across county CONTRACTS have been signed for the delivery of housing schemes in Quilty and Roslevan, while 18 new homes have been approved for Newmarket on Fergus.

Clare Co Council has signed a contract with Martin’s Construction Ltd. for the delivery of a new social housing development in Quilty. Construction work on 18 residential units, the upgrade of the existing access road and landscaping to the adjoining Seaview Park Housing development will commence in late April following lodgment of the commencement notice to Building Control.

Funded by the Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme, the development comprises a mix of 2-bed, 3-bed and 4-bed units in a range of single and two storey houses. The development, which has a contract duration of 16 months, is a high quality, low energy design providing quality housing for sustainable communities.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Michael Begley, said the contract signing “will be welcome news for social housing applicants in the wider West Clare area.”

The design team for the Quilty scheme was led by Healy Partners (Architect), P.

Coleman & Associates (Civil Structural Engineers) and also included Moloney Fox (M&E Engineers) and Tom McNamara & Ptnrs (Quantity Surveyor).

Work on a new social housing development comprising eight residential units, site development works and services will also commence in Roslevan in late April.

The development comprises a mix of 2-bed, 3-bed and 4-bed units in a range of single and two storey houses with a contract duration of 12 months.

Clare County Council signed a contract with K & D Whelan Construction Ltd. with the main works commencing in late April following lodgment of the commencement notice to Building Control.

The design team for the Roslevan scheme was led by Hassett Leyden & Associates (Architect), P. Coleman & Associates (Civil Structural Engineers) and also included Matt O’Mahony & Associates Ltd. (M&E Engineers) and Tom McNamara & Ptnrs (Quantity Surveyor).

Meanwhile, Minister of State Pat Breen said that a budget of more than €3.85 million has been approved for 18 new homes in Newmarket on Fergus. The homes will be built as part of the Local Authority Housing Construction Programme.

l WELL DESERVED: Ennis woman Bridget McDonagh has been recognised for her work with prisoners' families Photo by Eamon Ward

munity in County Clare was heard and amplified in the funding application. It is a testament to Bridget’s skill, competency and knowledge that this project was a success and generated exceptional feedback from staff members in LIT Ennis and wider stakeholders,” said the

Applied Social Sciences Lecturer.

Head of Dept Applied Social Science, Cathy Jones said, “Bridget’s fantastic achievement clearly highlights her commitment to social care practice and it underscores the high quality and calibre of education delivered at LIT - Ennis."

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

An Post had 'no notice' of Ardnacrusha closure

PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OLLOWING the post office closure at Ardnacrusha, local residents have been left with no choice or notice but to utilise Bridge St post office in Limerick instead which is an eleven minute drive away. However many of the parishoners using the post office do not have access to a car and would now have to travel the 33 minute bus route which operates five times a day or else source alternative travel.

A spokesperson for An Post told The Clare Echo, “The post office at Ardnacrusha has closed on a temporary basis due to circumstances beyond our control. We have been able to transfer customers to Bridge St (Limerick) post office in the interim. We regret any disruption caused to our customers. At this stage it is impossible to speculate on when the office might reopen. We had no prior notice of the circumstances that led to the temporary closure”.

Eugene Long who is running as a Fine Gael candidate in the Shannon Municipal District for the local elections was in contact with An Post in recent days. “I raised concerns that customers of Ardnacrusha post office are fac-

lCONCERNS: Local election candidate Eugene Long contacted An Post

ing long delays at Bridge St post office having to collect payments from there due to the closure. I explained that this is a small post office and is not able to cater for the extra customers from Ardnacrusha. I was informed that customers have the option of collecting their payments at any post office provided they contact the Social Welfare office and let them know which post office suits them best, this will only take a

day or two to change”.

Cllr Cathal Crowe explained the background to the development this week.

“Like many locals I was aware, for some time, that Angela Nash (Postmistress at Ardnacrusha Post Office) wanted to cease running the post office and intends to sell her house which adjoins the post office. I expected that this would result in the post office closing at some point in the future but was surprised to see the sign affixed to its front window this week.

"The closure of Ardnacrusha Post Office must be seen in a different light to other post offices. Many rural post offices have been closed because they are perceived to be unviable from a financial point of view.

Ardnacrusha is closing because Angela wants to pursue different things in her life," he continued.

“I understand that An Post are anxious to see a post office returned to the area and will shortly commence a tendering process to enable this."

At present, there are 32 post offices in Clare, six closed under the national consolidation project as postmasters sought to retire from the business. Collections from the post box at Ardnacrusha’s Post Office will continue.

NEWS 7 ADVERTORIAL

New service from BBnet rolled out SHANNON based broadband provider, BBnet, has made great strides over the past 12 months delivering the fastest broadband speeds to their growing customer base across the Mid-West region. Headquartered in Smithstown, BBnet has provided homes and businesses with internet connections and related services since 2005. They have become recognised for providing innovative, resilient internet services to locations that other providers cannot, be that to homes, multinational corporations, government institutions or small business customers.

As part of their continued expansion, BBnet, this week announce that their JET+ wireless service is now available in Ennis and surrounding areas and is the perfect solution for homes that cannot get fibre or those who are struggling with lower speed products.

BBnet provides their JET service across Limerick, Kerry and Clare, but Ennis is the first area where their JET+ service will be available, with a download speed of up to 100Mb, and upload speed up to 30Mb. With delays to the rollout of the National Broadband Plan, many are either not able to get fibre connections, or struggle with lower speeds through the old copper infrastructure. BBnet’s JET+ 100Mb service meets the needs of even the busiest homes and offices.

For details on BBnet’s Jet+ package, or any other BBnet products, visit the website bbnet.ie or call their Shannon office on (061) 512000.

8 NEWS

Tributes to Clareman and TD John Browne

STUART HOLLY

M

editor@clareecho.ie

INISTER of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen has paid tribute to the late Carlow-Kilkenny TD and fellow Clareman John Browne.

The former Fine Gael TD, Senator and Carlow County Councillor was born in Kilmhill, and died peacefully at home on Wednesday morning last week in the care of his family. He was 82 years old.

Paying tribute to the late Clareman Minister Pat Breen said, “John may have represented Carlow in Dáil Éireann, but he never forgot his Clare roots. He was one of the happiest men in Croke Park in 1995 when Clare won the All Ireland Hurling Final and was proud to shout for the saffron and blue.

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to John’s wife Nancy and family at this sad

time, and acknowledge his service to the country as a member of Dáil Éireann.”

Minister Breen added, “John was born in Kilmihil in 1936 and attended St Flannan’s College Ennis before training to be a teacher in St Patrick’s Teacher Training College, Drumcondra.

He married Nancy Looney and they had four children - three daughters and one son.

“While his son Fergal took up his political mantle when John retired from political life in 2002, it was his daughter Carmel who followed in his teaching footsteps and also came to live in his home parish of Kilmihil.

Carmel married local man Flan Coughlan and is currently the principal in Kilmihil National School.”

Although he was born and grew up in County Clare, John Browne lived in Carlow throughout his political career.

He was appointed to Seanad Éireann in 1983 by then Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald.

He was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1989 general

lCLARE NATIVE: John Browne was born and raised in Clare before moving to Carlow where her persued a political career

election and retained his seat in 1992 and again in 1997, before retiring at the 2002 general election.

John is survived by his wife Nancy, three daughters, one son, two sisters - Maura Cotter, Kilmihil and Josie, Kilkeel, Co.

Down, - relatives, family and friends.

The funeral of John Browne will took place last Thursday and Friday. His body reposed at Bennekerry Church, Co. Carlow.

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019 ADVERTORIAL

Hartjes exclusive to R Carmody

PRESTIGIOUS shoe brand Hartjes have teamed up with R Carmody Shoes exclusively to offer Clare shoppers a very unique and exciting product.

Hartjes is the largest family-owned shoe manufacturer that actually produces in Austria. With a value creation of 80%, the manufacturing process and the product development up to the assembly take place at the company location in Pramet, Upper Austria. The company works with responsibility for the people and the environment, resource-friendly, and sustainably.

For more than 6 decades, Hartjes has stood for comfortable and functional shoe fashion of the highest quality – well-grounded on traditional Austrian shoe making craftsmanship.

Innovations and new developments have always been part of the company history of Hartjes. The integrated climate management, the removable light cork footbeds, and the linings made of natural materials like lambskin and loden are some of the numerous innovative details representing the constant pursuit of continual optimization of our shoes through inhouse developments and state-of-the-art technology.

A Hartjes spokesperson said, "We are delighted that Maria Carmody is our exclusive agent in Co Clare. Maria joined us here in Austria for in-house training."

They added, "Maria is very dedicated towards her customers, requiring the in-depth knowledge of our product for their style and comfort."

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

20,000 in Clare join libraries...

PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LOSE to 20,000 people are members of libraries in Clare.

A total of 19,711 members were registered in libraries across the county in 2018 which is a 5.7 percent increase on the previous year with more loans (1.4 percent) and less internet sessions (8.7 percent) recorded. 605,549 items were loaned out during the year. Currently 10 branches are opened full-time and 5 part-time.

30,203 books were added to the county’s stock in 2018.

Ennis (6,421) boasts the most amount of members followed by Shannon (2,585), Sixmilebridge (1,524), Ennistymon (1,495) and Scariff (1,443). Kilkee (1,259), Kilrush (1,259) and Killaloe (1,024) all have in excess of one thousand people signed up to their local library.

Completing the tally are the members at Miltown Malbay (684), Tulla (643), Newmarket-on-Fergus (382), Lisdoonvarna (279), Corofin (273),

Kildysart (246), Kilmihil (176) and the Local Studies centre (18). Clare members borrowed 26,807 items from other counties.

These statistics were presented from Council Director of Service, Anne Haugh at the February meeting of the local authority following a motion from Cllr Christy Curtin. The Independent representative asked that “as acknowledgement of their contribution to national and local community life in the county that a concert under the “Riches of Clare” series be organised in each branch area.”

Haugh confirmed that 16 concerts would take place in 2019 but that funding prohibited their extension to all branches.

Regarding the amount of members, Cllr Curtin stated “this is a good news story” which “reflect the reading potential of this county.

“The library evolution in Clare has been fantastic, it has surpassed everything. Clare is a county of heritage and culture”. He recalled a conversation with a librarian in UCD who told him “Clare County Library has the best mapping service” and Curtin applauded the “fantastic” local studies centre in the county town.”

l FLYING FORM: Ailish Considine in action

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Photo: Adelaide Football Club

AILISH SCORES IN AFL FINAL

KILMIHIL’S Ailish Considine was part of the Adelaide Crows side that won the AFL Women’s league on Sunday morning.

Ailish scored Adelaide’s second goal in the first quarter to put them 12-8 ahead and they never looked back from there overcoming Carlton Blues 63-18 played in front of 53,034. It is the second time in three years that the Crows have won the Grand Final and have lost one game this season.

Considine signed for the club in September and has previously represented her county at senior level in both ladies football and camogie. The move came off the back of a CrossCoders camp where eleven Irish athletes trialled for AFLW deals.

Joining Ailish at the Adelaide Oval were her mother Kay, brother Keith and sister Eimear who got the share the special moment with the 26 year old. Kay and Keith began their journey from Shannon Airport and spent the weekend in Australia ahead of the Grand Final. She is the first Clare woman to win a AFLW medal.

SEED & GARDEN SHARE ON SUNDAY 7th April from 3pm-5pm the annual Seed & Garden Share will take place at the Ennis Showgrounds in the run-up to the big Clare Garden Festival later in the month.

This event gives opportunities to gardeners and novices to bring, share and take home seeds, seedlings and to swap left-over garden gear with each other. Every year the annual Seed Share doubles up as a fundraiser to support the efforts of the Clare environmental charity Irish Seed Savers Association (www.irishseedsavers.ie). Entry is free of charge but participants are invited to make donations to support this worthy cause.

“We are delighted to be part of the Seed Share and Clare Garden Festival. This time of year is when gardeners plan their gardens and what they want to grow so the Seed Share is a great way to bring everyone together to exchange seeds, gain advice on growing food in your own back garden and gives us the opportunity to further promote our work and also to share seeds from our heritage food seed collection.” says Jennifer McConnell, General Manager of Irish Seed Savers Association.

Anything that’s garden-related goes - Share your Seed & Seedlings, Barter your Garden Books or Trade your Garden Tools. The event is open to everyone. People with large items to share can contact the organisers to arrange by emailing info@claregardenfestival.com .

Looking ahead to the big festival on April 28, Clare Garden Festival will again feature over 70 quality garden, plant and food stalls and all day garden expert talks; the festival is a treat for Gardeners and provides a wonderful day out for all the family with great entertainment and sumptuous food. Clare Garden Festival is proudly supported by Blossoms on the Go Garden Centre, Clare County Council Environment Section, Clare Topsoil, Colourful Creations Garden Centre, Ennis Municipal District, Future Forests, Ennis Tidy Towns and Gee-Up Soil Enricher. For further details visit the festival website www.claregardenfestival. com and regular updates from www.facebook.com/claregardenfestival.

Clare Garden Festival Festival Date: Sunday, 28th April 2019

Presents

SEED & GARDEN SHARE Sunday, 7th April, 3-5pm At Ennis Showgrounds

ALL WELCOME

Gardeners of all levels are invited to bring saved or share left-over vegetable, flower & herb seed packets to share.

Share your Seed/Seedlings Barter your Garden Books Trade in your Garden Tools Beginner Gardeners are invited to participate even without seed.

FREE ENTRY TO ALL ALL DONATIONS TO IRISH SEED SAVERS For more information please see www.claregardenfestival.com

Facebook Clare Garden Festival

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019 l NEW KIT: Éire Óg football boss Paul Madden, with Liam Corry, Aiden McGrath, David Reidy, Eoin Doohan of DFP Pension & Investment Consultants, Shane O'Donnell, Matthew Shannon, Éire Óg hurling manager, and Jim Cooney, Chairman as the new kit is presented; (right) O'Donnell in action for Éire Óg at the weekend

Photos by John Mangan

O'Donnell back in fold

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

C DFP are delighted to be the current club sponsor of Eire Og Ennis

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DFP - The team you can Trust!

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LARE’S senior hurlers have received a timely boost just one month ahead of the start of their Munster championship campaign.

2013 hat-trick hero Shane O’Donnell returned to county training on Friday evening as Joint Managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor ramp up preparations to their May 12 trip to Walsh Park, Waterford.

Since September, the Éire Óg clubman has been studying at the famed Harvard University in the United States of America on a Fulbright Scholarship. He is pursuing a PhD in microbiology at University College Cork and previously received a BSc in Genetics at the Cork college. His current research focuses on the effect the genus Lactobacillus has on human health through its impact on the gut microbiota. At Harvard, he conducted a trial analyzing the impact Lactobacillus casei has on the microbiome On the hurling field, his addition to the Banner fold gives Moloney and O’Connor more options as they look to improve on their recent Allianz National League campaign that concluded with a fourteen point quarter-final defeat to Waterford.

Shane was one of five Clare hurlers nominated for an All Star last season on the back of their run to the All-Ireland semi-final. He joined Colm Galvin and David McInerney as nomineess while John Conlon and Peter Duggan collected All Star awards.

On Sunday, O'Donnell featured for Éire Óg as they defeated Doora/Barefield in the Clare Cup 1-23 to 2-14 chipping in with two points. The Townies are joint top of Division 1B alongside Ballyea and Clarecastle while Seanie McMahon’s Doora/Barefield have lost both of their opening games.

It’s further good news for the club as they received a new set of jerseys from sponsor Eoin Doohan of Doohan Financial Planning which they sported for the first time this weekend.

Consairtín on way

C

ONSAIRTÍN 2019, the sixth national concertina convention, will take place in Ennis, Co Clare from April 25-28.

Consairtín is a celebration of the concertina in traditional Irish music. The past few years has witnessed an exponential rise in the popularity of the instrument among traditional players in Ireland and the establishment of a national convention now provides a platform for enthusiasts of all ages to gather in an environment

that encourages learning, discussion, performance and fun.

Performers and teachers already confirmed for the convention include Aogán Lynch, Michelle O’Brien & Gavin Ralston; Florence Fahy & Gary Ó Briain and many more.

The principal events of the weekend will include classes, workshops, talks, concerts amongst other events.

Further information on all happenings taking place over the weekend available at www.consairtin.ie.

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

HURLERS TEAM UP WITH BACKBALLER

lON A ROLL: Backballer inventor and MD Noel Marshall helps the Clare Senior Hurling panel get to grips with their all-new Backballers at their training facility in Caherlohan

Photos by Martin Connolly

For First Holy Communion gifts

with a difference, visit your local

Veritas store on O’Connell Street, Ennis

NEWS 11

12 FESTIVAL FEATURE

(061) 927 477

THE HALF BARREL

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

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Cllr. Pat Burke Killaloe Electorial Area I would like to wish the very best of luck to the Clare Ploughing Championships

The Clare Ploughing Championships 2019 will take place at my farm in Whitegate (V94 F9P4)

T: 086-8257229 E: burkedromaan@gmail.com

Cut loose in East Clare Whitegate set to host annual Clare Ploughing STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

N RECENT years, a bevvy of outdoor events have fallen to the mercy of the weather gods - whether it be the Clare Ploughing Championships, the Clarecastle Agricultural Show, or even the biggest outdoor show of the year. Day Two of the National Ploughing Championships were last year cancelled due to Storm Ali the first time the show had to close its gates unexpectedly since 1931 (in 1965, the championships in Enniskerry were cancelled due to snowfall, if you’re wondering).

The Clare Echo this week spoke to organisers of The Clare Ploughing Championships who are hopeful that no such fate will befall them this weekend in Whitegate, an area which hasn’t hosted the event in a long, long time.

Secretary of the club and ploughing enthusiast Paul Browne, of Cratloe, explains, “It was in Joe Melody’s in Bunratty last year. We cancelled the Spring match because of the weather and ran it in late August.”

Paul, for his part, has been involved in the ploughing club since 1994 and says the dispite that setback, the Clare Ploughing Association is going strong, eight years on from their 50th anniversary celebrations. Paul sits on the committee alongside six others while the Association has almost 40 members.

With planning for the Whitegate event - on of thier biggest events of the year having started in earnest in February, Paul stresses, “Hopefully the weather will go in our favour.”

A sizeable crowd is expected to descend on Cllr Pat Burke’s farm in Whitegate ahead of the 12 noon start.

“We should get a good turnout from spectators, the fact that it hasn’t been up that side of the world for quite a while, so we’re expecting people to come from as far up as Portumna.”

With between 25 and 30 competitors expected, Paul continues, “There’ll be ploughing obviously, vintage ploughing, horse ploughing, then we have conventional which is the standard two-furrow ploughs. There’ll also be loy digging at it - ploughing done by hand with a slawn, that’s pretty much the ploughing aspect of it.

“We have a number signed up already and you’ll always get a couple of stragglers who will turn up on the day. Between 25 and 30 we’re expecting to take part.”

The Cratloe native says there’s more to the local ploughing event than competition and a spectacle that worth the trip for something a bit different on your weekend.

“It’s something you don’t see every day of the week so people will come and see it. Also for families and stuff on the day, we’ll have a bouncy castle so the kids can play away for a few hours so there’s something there for everyone.

“There will be a food van for people looking to get refreshments.

“There’ll be a vintage display as well. The IVTEA (Irish ) will have a stand and they’ll have vintage machinery on display. We’re hoping to get some farm machinery traders to bring a few tractors and machinery to display.”

Early Met Eireann reports for this Sunday says, “Early indications suggest it will turn drier and somewhat less cold over the weekend as the air-flow becomes easterly. However, there are likely to be some showers, these mainly in the east and south of the country.”

Hopefully a good omen for Paul and co come this weekend in Whitegate.

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THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

FESTIVAL FEATURE 13

lFANTASTIC DISPLAY: The Clare Ploughing Championships will include horse ploughing, vintage ploughing, a vintage display along with entertainment for the kids

14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE Ready to run for mini marathon THE NOTEBOOK

T

RAINING has kicked into full swing for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday 2nd of June and this week while shooting some promo videos with the other VHI Mini Marathon ambassadors I discovered some of the top tips for ensuring progress! Here’s a few that may help you too!

1. Running with friends keeps you motivated.

2. Nominate someone to vary your group’a route.

3. Healthy competition is good to spur you on.

4. Stick to the same group time every week.

5. Set up a running group chat

I’m delighted to be nominated for a VIP Style Award for Most Stylish group.

Woman this year. It’s always such a On Sunfun and glamday I celeourous night brated my and you can first Mothvote for your er’s Day at favourites BEO in Kells on pmvipalongside styleawards.ie. my own I’m also Mom and thrilled to a room full be involved, of incredialong side a ble women. whole host of It was a real VHI: The Mini Marathon Ambassadors inspirational celebration people, in this of womanhood and it was a wonderful day. I year’s Midwest Empowerment and also featured on Georgie Crawford’s Equality Conference in UL which is very popular The Good Glow pod- designed to empower, educate and cast that same day and felt very hon- encourage men and women both ored to be one of her guests. You can young and old to take better care of listen on Spotify, iTunes and Cast- themselves and will take place on box now.

Wednesday, May 1.

6. Celebrate the little wins together 7. invite new people to join your

HAPPENINGS AOIFE SCOTT AT GLÓR:

An award winning folk singer and songwriter born into the legendary Black family, Aoife is steadily rising to the top of the traditional and folk music scene, and has long enjoyed success as an established artist in her own right.

Friday 5th April, tickets €15

COVET IN

CLARE

CROWN JEWELS Nobody does hair accessories quite like Claire’s and these gems are bang on trend this season. What are you waiting for... its time to bling up those bangs!

CLIFFS OF MOHER CYCLE CHALLENGE 2019:

A favorite amongst naturists and cycling enthusiasts hosted by Ennistymon Riverside Cycling Club this breathtaking challenges is a wonderful day out. Taking place this Sat, 6 April 2019. For more see Eventbrite link.

WIBBLE WOBBLE Free and Open ended play has never been such fun with this wobble board from Little Ones. A slide, a yoga mat, a balance board, a seat, a seesaw...it’s really whatever you want it to be!

See littleones.ie

THE GOOD GLOW: (top) Aoibhín featuring on Georgia Crawford’s podcast ‘The Good Glow’. (bottom) VIP Style Award for Most Stylish Woman of the year.

MOTIVATION TO MOVE These white mesh, lace up, sock style trainers are bang on trend and will have you bouncing into Spring/Summer in style. At just €20 they are a serious steal available in Shoe Rack, Ennis.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Penney’s have just launched their new bridal lingerie and lounge wear collection so this bridesmaid (to my sis Ailbhe in a few months) will be stocking up on these cute bits for that all important upcoming hen. PJs just €7 SAY IT WITH A STATEMENT This is the ultimate statement in bright bold boardroom dressing and it’s sure to make an impression. All new Lennon Courtney for Dunnes Stores (€99)

COLUMNIST 15

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Top 5

Swimming Spots in Clare

Inspired by Vitamin Sea on RTÉ One on Monday night I am fascinated by water therapy and how great that fresh dip really is for us.

Here are some of Clare’s best swimming locations.

1

POLLOCK HOLES, KILKEE

These tidal pools offer crystal clear waters in a stunning setting. Located near Kilkee Beach, the pools are popular among locals and tourists alike. They are at their best within two hours of low tide when all that remains are the pools themselves.

2

KERINS HOLE, WHITE STRAND, MILTOWN MALBAY

A renowned swimming location for locals and visitors to White Strand, Kerins Hole is easily accessible with constructed steps down the cliff face, leading you down to the waters edge. It is at its best at full tide when you are straight into the refreshing waters from the ladder. Another magical place, particularly when the suns shines!

3

CLAHANE, LISCANNOR

Once a hidden gem, this famous little swimming hole is becoming more and more popular. Swimming amongst the rocks, one feels very safe here and it’s not unusual to spot dolphins and porpoises here and it’s also a great place for snorkelling.

Tuck yourself in behind a rock afterwards and it’s the perfect place to relax and read a book.

4

LOUGH DERG, KILLALOE

Located approx 5 km outside Killaloe, this swimming spot on one of Ireland’s most picturesque lakes is a well kept grassy area with sandy beach. The water is quite shallow on entry (ideal for children) and so swimmers must wade out for depth. Alternatively there is a slipway for deeper water.

5

FANORE BEACH, FANORE

While the beach is long, sandy and open there are rocks to shelter from the wind which makes it attractive for swimmers and indeed visitors. It can be a kids playground with lots of pools dotted around with the Burren as a backdrop and the renowned Fanore dunes, there is no denying this is a truly special place.

Entertainment

DRAW TAKES PLACE TO DECIDE LINE-UP FOR ALL-IRELAND CONFINED DRAMA FINALS 2019

T

HE results of the last 5 qualifying Festivals in the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland Circuit saw a number of changes to the top 9 Confined Drama Groups to make it to West Clare for this year’s All-Ireland Finals. Drama groups, their followers and enthusiasts watched the changes take place online as final decisions by adjudicators on Saturday night were announced. Once all results were known, representatives of the 9 groups from all around the country made their way in glorious sunshine on Sunday afternoon to Doonbeg Community Hall.

The 9 groups and their plays are The Knocks Drama Group, Fermanagh with the “The Quare Land”; Mullingar Theatre Lab, Westmeath with “The Lonesome West”; Glenamaddy Payers, Galway with “Rabbit Hole”; Holycross/Ballycahill Drama Group, Tipperary with “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”; Skibbereen Drama Group, Cork also with “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”; Kilworth Drama Society “Unforgiven”; Sliabh Aughty Drama Group, Clare with “Sive”; Kilmuckridge Drama Group “The Righteous are Bold”; and Newtownstewart Theatre Company “Sive”. Chairperson of the West Clare Drama Festival Rita Mc Inerney welcomed everyone to Doonbeg

by congratulating the groups on their success in qualifying for the All-Ireland. Ms. McInerney spoke about the importance of amateur drama to communities around Ireland through the creativity, expression, story-telling and enjoyment it brings to the groups. She also spoke about the uniqueness of live theatre in giving audiences an experience that is real and up-close in an age of technology and detachment.

Ms McInerney went on to say “Drama has a long tradition in Doonbeg with the West Clare Drama Festival commencing in 1962 and we are blessed that 4 of the founding members remain active in the Committee to this day, namely Cissie McMahon, Marie Shanahan, John Igoe and Murt McInerney.” The preparations for hosting the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals would not have been possible without the hard work of a large committee along with the support of Doonbeg Community Development’s Hall Committee and Community Employment Scheme.

Ms McInerney also thanked Bostik Adhesives for their national sponsorship of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals as well as Creative Ireland through Clare County Council and LEADER funding from Clare Local Development Company for their tremendous support. The Chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of

Ireland Aidan Reidy and National Secretary Mairead Broderick then conducted the Draw to determine what night each group will perform during the festival from Friday the 5th to Saturday the 13th of April. Some changes to the line-up were made through negotiations between the drama groups prior to the programme being finalised.

The 9 qualifying groups were greeted by members of the West Clare Drama Festival and each drama group was assigned a “Buddy” to take them on a tour of the facilities on the day and will assist them on their return to Doonbeg for their performance on their night. “The West Clare Drama Festival would like to wish all of the 9 finalists all the best - we look forward to welcoming them back to Doonbeg next weekend for opening night and the start of the Festival.” Ms McInerney concluded.

Tickets for all other nights are now on sale for €15 per seat and an 8 night Season Ticket for all of the other nights is available at a discounted rate of €85. Purchases can be made by card online at http://www. westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com or by cash, cheque or card by calling to the Doonbeg Development Office at the Community Hall between 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday.

TAKE A HIKE

P

l: Rita McInerny, chairperson, Murt McInerny, festival director, Helen Cunningham, patron’s secretary, John Igoe, PRO, Noilin Hayes, secretary, at the All Ireland Confined Drama Festival line-up last Sunday

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

ART Two of RTE’s series featuring Marty Morrissey and Bernard O’Shea is Clare-bound, with popular businessman John Burke joining the double act for a hike in the Burren.

Episode 2 sees the two lads taking on a number of outdoor challenges as part of the show. The Burren will feature heavily in this part of the show as they both go sea cliff rock climbing on the sea cliffs at Ailladie, north of Doolin, under the watchful eye of Brian Bateson. Brian lives near Ennistymon and runs a climbing and hiking business based mainly in the Burren, and Brian told The Clare Echo he is “passionate about promoting adventure tourism in the area”.

This segment is to feature heavily in the show, before the pair go on a hike across the famous Mullagh Mor in The Burren with John Burke.

The episode is to air at 9.30 pm on Sunday, April 7

Tickets

€15 per night / €85 for 8-night Season Ticket

Book Online

westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com

Friday, 5th April: Kilworth Drama Society, Cork present “Unforgiven” by John McDwyer Saturday, 6th April: Mullingar Theatre Lab, Westmeath presents “The Lonesome West” by McDonagh Sunday, 7th April: Sliabh Aughty Drama Group, Clare present “Sive” by John B Keane Monday, 8th April: Glenamaddy Players, Galway present “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abair Tuesday, 9th April: Kilmuckridge Drama Group, Wexford present “The Righteous are Bold” by Frank Carney Wednesday, 10th April: The Knocks Drama Group, Fermanagh present “The Quare Land” by John McManus Thursday, 11th April: Holycross/Ballycahill Drama Group, Tipperary present “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh Friday, 12th April: Skibbereen Theatre Society, Cork present “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh Saturday, 13th April: Newtownstewart Theatre Company, Tyrone present “Sive” by John B Keane

18 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT IS IMPORTANT

A

LL of us, with different dreams, different goals and different perspectives, wake up each morning with a purpose or new goal or idea and continue on our different journey’s of life. All of us are unique and distinctive from one another, yet there are similar things which brings us all together irrespective of all the differences and contrasts we have. If personalities or being make us different and unique, emotions make us alike.

If beliefs, religion and none divide us, humanity brings us together. If choices and goals make us different, love makes us alike. If countries, Brexits and boundaries divide us, the world brings us together. The focus of everything that we seek is the same. The road we journey on may be different but our destinations are the same. We all strive for love, care and mercy alike, we are all afraid of being left out or turned away, we all want a life worth living, we all want unconditional love, we all want genuine trusting, caring, loving friendships and relationships. We all want real love, care and mercy. The recipe for love, care and mercy in fact, is simply there in our hearts, waiting to be brought out in each one of us through our eyes, face and actions, to be shared, to be given, to be felt and to be expressed, without greed, without selfishness, without judgement, without jealousy, without hate and without negativity. All we need is just a little love, all we need is just a little care, all we need is a little mercy, all we need is just a little encouragement, all we need is just a little kindness, all we need is just a little respect, all we need is just a little faith, and the world is a place of love, care and mercy! Today, as we look round the world and see how much unnecessary suffering and death there is, the many ways in which human beings are been destroyed, perhaps we could pause and take stock of our own lives. We may protest that we do

not perpetrate the kind of horrors we have seen in many parts of our world or indeed at times in our country, but every time we fail to accord others their dignity, every time we close our hearts to others’ needs, everytime we disrespect others, everytime we do not show love, care and mercy, we chip away at something important. That the most beautiful of all the beauties God created, is the human person. May we never forget that, although it can be that sometimes we do lose sight of what’s really important in life. We get wrapped up in our work and let everything else suffer. As we allow our work to take over our life, it might be our workout routine at the GAA grounds that gets forgotten or a sport or health hobby that fades away. And if you can handle the extra 10lbs or you weren’t all too passionate about the hobby, well, life goes on. But more often than not, when we get really busy at work and we let it take over our lives, it’s the people we care about most who pay the price. There’s nothing wrong with work. It can be incredibly rewarding. Often, it allows us to use our talents to support a greater good. And it’s certainly financially necessary for most of us. But if we lose our perspective and get too wrapped up in our work, it’s our relationships that suffer. The people we care about most are the ones who are forgotten when we can’t let go of our work.

Friends, family, loved ones—the relationships in our lives are what give us true purpose, joy, and satisfaction. Sure, work can provide some of that as well, but it’s the people we care about who really make life worth living.

It’s sad that we lose sight of the importance of our relationships and what is important in a good sense to us in life, and it’s something we all need to guard against vigilantly.

A Face of Love There is a wonderful, old story about the great Leonardo Da Vinci that I love. When Leonardo was painting the Last Supper it took him several years to complete it.

He had decided to use live models for Christ and each of the twelve Apostles. He chose the model for Jesus first when he found a man whose face radiated both beauty and unconditional love. As the years went on Leonardo completed each of the Apostles except for Judas Iscariot. Finally, he found a man whose face seemed full of avarice, viciousness, deceit, and hypocrisy. After he finished painting the man as Judas, the man asked if Leonardo knew who he was.

When Leonardo said no, the man replied, “I am the same man you painted years ago as the figure of Christ.” This story reveal’s a spiritual truth and that is, no matter how old or young we are, the appearance of our faces can often show the condition of our souls. I have seen rugged, scarred, weather beaten faces that when they smiled stilled showed the beauty of angels and eyes full of love. I have also seen young, wrinkle free faces with eyes as cold as ice and bitter smiles full of both fear and hate. The good news, however, is that it is never too late to change your face, your heart, and your life. It is never too late to fill your soul with love and care and mer-

cy and let it shine through your eyes and actions. I only hope that my own face no matter how old or wrinkled it gets and it is getting older as I write this thought for the week, is always a face of love. I hope each and every face is a face of kindness, goodness, gentleness, helpfulness, hopefulness, and joyfulness. I hope it is a reflection of God’s love for us all.

May your own life always sparkle with goodness and God. May your eyes always shine with the light of joy. And may everyone who looks at you always see a face full of love.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, don’t lose sight of what’s important. Don’t lose hope when life gets tough. Don’t give up on your dreams for the future. Don’t sell yourself short in life. Don’t forget how to hug, to laugh, to smile.

Don’t be too proud to cry. Don’t be hateful or hurtful. Don’t forget to say, “thank you”, “I am sorry” and “I love you” each and every day. Don’t expect there will always be a tomorrow. Don’t forget that one small kindness pays you back two fold. Everybody has something to offer. Indeed, most of us have many things to offer and, in a lot of cases, special expertise is not required. A face of love cures all ill’s. We are all capable of giving that which people need most of all: Love. Love translates into time, service and the sharing of oneself. Don’t give up. Share the love, share your love. Be a face of love.

And remember that there is no better thing that you can do in life than to love someone or care for some one or be there for someone. Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

I pray that each of you that have read this thought for the week today and on other occasions, may be blessed

always and in all ways. This week when you look at your partner, your children, your parents, your friends, your colleagues see them with the eyes of love. Remember that we are all just doing the very best we can at any given time, warts and all, but beneath it all, the current which runs within all of us is Love. That is the greatest gift we can receive and it is a gift we can re-gift! We are equipped with a never ending supply of love.

When we look at those we care about with The Look of Love, we are dismissing that they left their towel lying on the floor (my wife forgives me regularly for this), we are ignoring that they left the fridge door open, we are looking at them with the eyes of love, we are remembering and connecting to the blessing we feel that they are in our lives. The gratitude that they are sharing this journey with us right now! That they are here now! This is not something to take for granted, and yet we do so every single day, again and again.

So, let’s make our country a better place, one look at a time this week and well into the future. Take a moment to look at and appreciate the ones we love, the ones who are walking beside us, who are working beside us, who are living beside us and who are sharing this journey with us during these difficult economic, faithless and hard times. We all need to be seen with the eyes of love, to be reminded of our greatness and to be empowered by it. It is powerful soul food.

Do one more thing for me, when you look in the mirror this week, look at yourself with the eyes of love. Don’t look at the wrinkles, or slight imperfections, look, really look into your eyes, and love yourself. You are here now for a reason, and I for one am profoundly grateful that you are here, and that you are aware enough that you are willing to take the next opportunity that comes your way. If we can only remember to do this once this week, we are improving the world around us.

Make your time on earth count.

NEWS 19

Ben riding crest of a wave in Lahinch

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

STUART HOLLY

"M editor@clareecho.ie

Y PROPER name is Cathal Bennet but everybody calls me Ben,” says Ben, as he prepares for his fifth summer at his impressive premises on Lahinch prom.

The man behind Ben’s Surf Clinic has operated as a surf and climbing instructor in Lahinch for 15 years, with the last five seeing significant development at the building which many moons ago was home to McDonald’s Arcade and the bumper cars. Phoning Ben, one might be forgiven to expect crashing waves and seagulls in the background, however it was drills from construction work which sparked our first talking point.

“We try and upgrade every winter, so we’re currently upgrading the surf school area. We installed new showers and toilets last year so we’re finishing that and extending the surf shop – we’re opening a new section at Easter,” explains the Kildare native.

It’s all part of his strategy to maximise all-year round business potential at Ben’s Surf Clinic, which is vital to the continued improvement of the visitor experience.

“We wanted to develop so we could keep staff on all year round.

All centres and surf schools are based on the quality of staff, so the fact we can keep the same guys all year round, they’re experienced, they know what they’re doing so that helps the experience."

For typical Irish days when it's too rough on the coast to surf, Ben's Surf Clinic boasts a 30ft climbing tower and a bouldering area, archery, kayaking on the river from

Ennistymon, and SUPping. For the kids (and big kids) they also have tag archery, which is akin to paintballing except with big foam arrow heads, alog with nurf gun parties.

Ben's ability to conduct an allyear round business is helped by the fact that Lahinch is developing as more than a summer village. Just last month, Lahinch Coast Hotel opened its doors under new ownership and plans to remain open almost all year round.

Ben says, “It’s great to see that development. They have an ethos towards family activities. There’s a big drive around Clare to get people to stay in the region longer and we can help out on that because besides the surfing, we have all the indoor activities...if we have a group they need accommodation, so one definitely helps the other."

For more info on Ben's Surf Clinic, call Ben on 086 844 8622 or email info@benssurfclinic.com.

Clooney National is Blue-ming brilliant

IN CONJUNCTION with Accenture in Dublin, Clooney National School paved the way for a big fundraising effort in Clare to raise money for Autism services.

Lisa Coote, who works for Accenture and has a child with autism attending Clooney NS, spearheaded the fundraiser for World Autism Day on Tuesday. Another 12 schools across Clare including Ennis NS and the Holy Family followed suit by organising their own fundraisers, with children, teachers and parents wearing blue to mark the occassion.

Lisa told The Clare Echo that the work done by EVA (Ennis Voices for Autism) inspired her set up the fundraiser, which was also run across Accenture's three offices in Dublin.

l GREAT CAUSE: Pictured left (L-R) Declan O'Reilly, Gearóid Mannion, Carol Ann O'Reilly, Ann Slattery, Deirdre O'Hanlon and (below) students from Clooney National School who all wore blue to raise funds for Ennis Voices for Autism Photos by Martin Connolly

20 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

WEST & NORTH CLARE ARTS WEEK ENNISTYMON CBS The CBS, Ennistymon will hold it’s first Arts Week from Monday 8th - Friday 12th April. All welcome to the Launch on Monday 8th at 2.30pm in Ennistymon Library. Discover Lifelines exhibition from the National Library of Ireland will be on display all week in the library as part of Arts Week.

NORTH CLARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY The final talk in the North Clare Historical Society’s current series Post famine Irish vernacular architecture by Dr Marion McGarry will be held at The Courthouse, Ennistymon, on Tuesday 9th April 2019 at 8pm. Admission: €5 All are welcome.

This talk discusses Irish vernacular rural houses from the post Famine era until the early twentieth century. Some of the typical architectural features that emerged at that time will be explored alongside some regional variations, examples of Irish vernacular furniture and the culture and rituals in the home.

OLD KILFARBOY SOCIETY The Old Kilfarboy Society has two upcoming events.

1. Tuesday April 9th, 8PM at the Malbay, Miltown Malbay Monastic Ireland-A Gift of the Nile! with Alf Monaghan This illustrated talk will be given from a fascinating perspective of the Eastern Mediterranean and North African influences on early Irish Christianity.

2. Tuesday April 16th, 8PM at the Malbay, MIltown Malbay Traditional Farming Practices and Structures in the Burren with Brendan Dunford This rescheduled talk will outline some of the unusual management practices, and associated structures, devised by Burren farmers to enable them to survive in their unique landscape.

KILRUSH CHORAL SOCIETY

It is that time again with Kilrush Choral Society Bringing Local Talent from West Clare, with the Love/Comedy Musical” OKLAHOMA” For five nights starting on Tuesday 23rd April to Saturday 27th @8pm in Kilrush Community School .See Posters for Details Please support the Musical, and Pass on to Friends and Relations.

EAST & SOUTH CLARE CRATLOE CÉILI A Fundraising Ceili will be held on this Sunday 7th April in the Community Hall in Cratloe. Three deserving Charities will be supported by this very popular event. The charities this time around are The Alzheimer’s Society, Adapt Domestic Abuse Services and Cratloe Benevolent Fund. Come along and enjoy the evening while supporting these very worthwhile charities. Music is by the fantastic Star of Munster ceili band. A great evening of dancing, Craic and refreshments guaranteed. Dancing 3 – 6pm with admission €10.

MACRA REARRANGE BBQ The postponed Macra 75th Anniversary Celebrations will now take place on Saturday 6th of April.

To mark the celebrations the Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra club will be hosting a BBQ in The Pumphouse Bar, Kilmurry at 8pm.

Photos of events attended and trophies won by the club will be on display with a brief recap of the history of the club by former Chairmen John Crowe & Sean Fitzgerald. We are also delighted to welcome Tarbert Macra & Mitchelstown Macra as part of our club exchanges. Live music by Ocean View. Raffle to fundraise for upcoming competition costs. All welcome with a special invite to former members of Macra. Further details can be found on the Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra Facebook page or by contacting Club Chairman Patrick McNamara on 086-8779329.

ENNIS DARKNESS INTO LIGHT ENNIS On May 11 at 4.15 am Darkness into Light 2019 will take place.

In Co Clare the walk will also take place in Doolin, Sixmilebridge, Shannon, Killaloe, Miltown Malbay as well as Ennis. There will be walks in 202 venues in 19 countries over five continents. Ennis woman Irene Hehir launched the event this week, where she told her story about how Pieta House helped her over the past.

MUNSTER GLORY FOR ENNIS TENNIS & BADMINTON

CLARE are U13 Munster Badminton Intercounty champions after a nail-biting Round 2 competition in UL on 24th March. With Kerry slightly ahead in the overall standings heading into the final match, the Clare v Kerry match took on huge significance as both counties went all out to take home the gold.

The Clare players were outstanding as they battled hard to get ahead of Kerry and showed that they had strength and depth to match Kerry and, when Clare won their second doubles on a score of 21-20, they hoped they had done enough to be crowned winners. A quick check of the score sheets with match control confirmed the result and the Clare players and their parents could celebrate an exciting win.

Clare team: Boys Liam Heffernan (Mountshannon), Cillian Foley (Ennis), Jack Lovett (Broadford), John Moran (Broadford), Cillian Marron (Ardnacrusha). Girls Drew Hickey (Ardnacrusha), Izzy Healy (Annaghneal), Moya Healy (Annaghneal), Kate Bogenberger (Mountshannon), Siun Counihan (Annaghneal).

Team managers: Damien Healy (Annaghneal) and Katie Browne (Ennis).

Meanwhile, last Sunday 24th March saw Ennis Tennis club well represented at the finals of the Munster Tennis winter league. Finals day took place at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club, one of the few clubs in Munster large enough to host such an event. Clubs travelled from all over Munster to compete for titles in grades 1 to 6 and there was competitive action from 9.30 right through to 8pm.

Ennis did extremely well to get 3 of their 5 teams entered in the league to the finals - a Grade 2 Mixed team, a Grade 5 Ladies team and a Grade 6 Mixed team. Each team comprised of four players who each played two matches on the day. Ennis completed the hat-trick and took home 3 trophies. This is a great achievement for a relatively small club. Ennis Tennis club has had a great year and is always open to new members who would like to give it a go. Follow us on facebook to see upcoming events such as open days, .

Our Grade 2 Mixed team winners were: Sarah McSwiney, Emily Lester, Ciaran O’Brien and Yahya Elfatih.

Our Grade 5 Ladies team winners were: Liz Tuohy, Aine Jones, Sarah Hoey and Roisin Brehony.

Our Grade 6 Mixed team winners were: Dhanya Pillai, Shauna Woods, Brian Arthurs and Eamonn McGuinness.

COLUMNISTS 21

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

1977

CONCORD IN SHANNON As we make our way through the seventies, we take a closer look at a busy year in the town of Shannon.

With industrialisation taking the sweep stakes, the growth of the airport continued to play its finest hand. In 1977, Shannon welcomed an Air France Concorde for a week’s training. The idea of supersonic transatlantic travel was second to none at the time.

Teams of scientists and engineers collaborated tirelessly to construct an aircraft that could service the needs of the people. An ocean liner bedecking the skies at merciless speeds. Concorde engineered just that. For a just short while.

Unfortunately for onlookers, Concorde was not participating in any supersonic travel while in Ireland. Instead a team of nine pilots practiced landing and taking off. The trial period proved quite lucrative for Shannon, the windfall for hosting the training around two hundred thousand pounds at the time.

There was great talk of seeing the splendorous aircraft on a more regular basis at Shannon, however the benefit of hindsight and tales of old leave little room for further explanation.

The Concorde was enjoying a degree of success worldwide and in Ireland during 1977, with RTE’s Mike Murphy invited on board at the Oxfordshire training camp for Concorde.

Mike described the plane as “a very smooth, very precise aircraft”. In total, six foreign airlines were training at Shannon Airport in 1977. Swissair, the national airline charter for Switzerland was among the six.

EARLIEST SHANNON ESTUARY SETTLERS

Diving back deeper in time, we see evidence of settlement at the Shannon Estuary Loop around 4,500 years ago.

In 1977, a stone age Neolithic axe was found at Tullyglass Point.

Archaeologists have concluded that this discovery indicates very early settlement on the west coast of Ireland.

The team has traced back the origins of the axe to County Antrim, postulating that it arrived at the embankment via water. This indicates contact between Clare and Antrim 4,500 years ago. The axe was originally discovered by Mr. Donal Murphy.

In the year 843, Vikings settled in the area of Tullyglass. The earliest embankments to Bunratty were constructed at this time also.

In addition to this ancient artefact, the area of Hastings Farmhouse is connected to a piece of history relating to the War of Independence.

Brigadier Lucas from the British Army was held hostage here for some time. His capture bolstered the strength of the IRA in the eyes of the public at the time. A month later Brigadier Lucas managed to escape.

CRASH LANDING AND A CLOSE CALL Staying on course with aircraft in Shannon during 1977, a Royal Air Force Fleet crash landed at the airport. The fleet was sold to the intercontinental meat company and repurposed as ‘Deirdre’. This turn in fortune was short-lived and on 30 September 1977 the aircraft crash landed on its way to collect livestock.

The aircraft caught fire after experiencing severe turbulence and vibrations. The crew attempted to regain altitude after conducting a short goaround but the ace in the sleeve failed to materialise as Deirdre made her way down to her imminent demise. Fortunately, everyone on board made it out of the aircraft unscathed. A close call indeed.

A month later the aircraft was broken up and scrapped. Deirdre was originally constructed at Belfast and first took to the skies in 1959. Her career totalled twenty thousand hours of flight time and over eight thousand landings in total. A true veteran of the skies was laid to rest.

Be sure to pick up next weeks edition of the Clare Echo as we tackle ‘Reeling in the Years 1978’ and close in on the eighties. Till next time…

Darach Honan

Trusted independent financial advisor with IPS Financial Advice

Take control with self-directed pensions

W

HEN we think about a pension, most of us think in terms of regularly locking away money with a life assurance company and leaving the investment and administrative detail completely to professionals.

For most of us this is a very sensible approach, as our knowledge of investment markets tend to be cursory at best. But for those with a greater savvy of financial markets, and the wish to exert greater control over how their money is invested, self-directed pensions (SDP) have become a favoured product choice with high net worth individuals and self-employed professionals.

People used to running their own businesses and taking charge of their own finances like the appeal of control that these pensions give them. Company directors and professionals at partner level or who have risen to the senior ranks also fit the bill.

Self-directed pensions are, in effect, a middle ground between traditional occupational and personal pensions and self-administered schemes. Essentially the key difference is the level of investment control and options that are available to the investor.

The widest options are available through self-administered schemes, but they are not for just anybody since they have to be administered by a recognised administration provider and the scheme must also file accounts annually. Whereas money invested in traditional occupational and personal plans is pooled with that of lots of other savers and managed by professional fund managers, the self-directed route offers the individual control over what assets his or her money is invested in.

Savers who choose the SDP approach – which is also a life insurance product – can do the investment management themselves or they have the option of opening a stockbroker account. Typically, they might start out by putting their money into a standard managed fund until there is a fund of sufficient scale to go into more specialised funds or individual stocks. SDP typically appeal to individuals who want more control over their own pension.

They are sophisticated and, invariably, have been buying and selling shares outside of their pension fund investments. They now fancy that they can do better than mainstream fund managers either on their own or through their stockbroker. But self-directed pensions are not really suitable for risk-averse people who are best advised to leave it to the fund managers.

Friends First’s range of Conductor pension plans are an example of the new breed of SDP plans that are now available in the market. It offers savers the choice of investing through pooled funds managed by traditional fund managers such as F&C or KBI Asset Management or a partnership

arrangement with Dolmen Stockbrokers, which enables investors to construct their own individual investment portfolios to suit their personal investment needs.

Another perceived advantage of SDS over traditional pension plans that appeals to more active investors is the greater transparency this product offers. You have constant visibility of the assets your SDP money is invested in, whereas clients of traditional schemes only get sight of this information once a year, while the information is invariably out of date.

But the big difference is the investment choice. SDP customers can invest in a range of asset classes that includes listed company shares; unit trusts and UCITS quoted on a recognised stock exchange, Government stocks and listed Exchange Traded Funds.

The good news is that when you invest these shares in your SDP as a new contribution, you will receive tax relief on the investment at your marginal rate of income tax, assuming the contribution is within your allowable limit. For personal pensions, there is no limit to the amount that you can contribute to a personal pension plan, but tax relief is only available on amounts invested up to a certain level.

At pension age, everyone has the option of taking some tax-free cash and of using the balance of the pension fund to buy an annuity that will guarantee an income for life. However, an increasing number of individuals have the additional option of using the balance of the pension fund to buy an approved retirement fund (ARF).

This is a bond that allows you decide your own investment strategy, and from which you can draw an income if and as you wish.

You should speak to your pension adviser regarding your options.

And, as with all pension schemes, the full tax savings on contributions also apply to SDPs. People who have existing share portfolios cannot simply transfer their shares into the SDP. However, they can replicate the shareholding by making a new contribution to their pension and instructing their SDP provider to use that contribution to buy the appropriate shares.

For anyone interested in knowing more, I am here to answer all your questions. If there is something I can help you with, please get in touch.

Darach@ipsfa.ie 087-1277155

Where an opinion is expressed, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of the paper.

22 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

BUSINESS

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

Care to Make a Difference?

Clare’s Keating expand offices

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We’re looking for compassionate and caring people to light up the lives of local seniors Join Ireland’s largest non-medical home care provider and work across County Clare

We Offer: • Competitive pay • CAREGiver support • Smart scheduling

EATING, formerly L&M Keating, has opened its new Dublin office at Park West Business Park. The Clare-based company specialises in Marine, Civil and Building Engineering working on significant infrastructure projects in Ireland and UK. Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business and EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD, officially opened the Dublin office, which also coincides with a company rebrand, marking an exciting investment phase for Keating.

Gordon O’Regan, CEO of Keating is confident in the future for Keating. “Because of our technical and niche marine engineering expertise, we have been attracting more projects from markets outside of Ireland, particularly across the UK. Our new office in Dublin allows us to engage more easily with international clients.

“Over the past 30 years we have built a reputation for being one of the leading engineering contractors. In recent times, we have expanded our portfolio to include complex and difficult projects in civil engineering, building, marine and heritage, which have helped highlight our expertise in delivering significant work. So, Keating is in a very strong position for the future.”

Speaking at the opening, Minister Breen said: “It is very heartening and exciting to see a company from Clare competing and winning on national and global stages. It has been providing highly skilled jobs in Kilmihil and the surrounding region for over three decades.”

As well as its offices in Dublin and Kilmihil, Keating also has offices in Cork and recently opened an office in Winchester, in the South of England.

Put your heart into working at Home Instead

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PRINT DEADLINE

S IRELAND’S population continues to age, demand for home care services is reaching an alltime high. Home Instead Senior Care in Clare is seeking CAREGivers to work all over the county and help provide clients with the excellent level of service that the company is renowned for.

If you are a caring and compassionate person, you might be wondering what’s involved in the job - If you’ve ever cared for an elderly relative or neighbour, you’ll already have some idea, or you may already have experience working within community care.

Working with Home Instead Senior Care will enable you to play a vital role in your local community, and light up the lives of local seniors every day.

Home Instead CAREGivers provide a range of non-medical services that help seniors and people with disabilities to remain in their homes, among their friends and in their communities.

They provide companionship services that assist an individual, and offer additional services, including light housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation and medication prompting.

Copy will not be accepted after Tuesday at noon.

Email sales@clareecho.ie for enquiries

So, if you’re looking for a job that you can truly put your heart into, why not join our team? Visit our Website – www.

HomeInstead.ie/Become-a-Caregiver, email clarejobs@homeinstead.ie or call 065 679 7507 today.

Come to our Recruitment Open Day at our Clare Office from 10am-4pm on Thursday April 4, 2019 at Unit 16 First Floor, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Ennis or contact us directly:

HomeInstead.ie/Become-a-CAREGiver 065 679 7507

emer.oconnor@homeinstead.ie

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

BUSINESS

BUSINESS 23

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

l TOP CLASS COMFORT: The SnuzPod Luna 3 in 1 which is now available at Madden’s in Ennis

TAKE A SNUZ AT MADDENS AVAILABLE exclusively in Madden’s Furniture in Ennis, the team at Snüz are delighted to unveil two exclusive styles for its iconic SnüzPod3 Bedside Crib.

Introducing Luna and Urban, two striking designs, which are sure to be on the wish list of every interior savvy parent.

Known for creating the most stylish and contemporary sleep products for today’s modern parent, Snüz prove they still have their finger on the pulse with the launch of these exclusive new colour ways for the SnüzPod3 Bedside Crib.

In celebration of the monochrome trend, the Exclusive SnüzPod Luna 3 in 1 Crib is made in a luxurious black beech wood and features gold detailing and white fabric. The opulent Luna is certainly a standout piece of furniture that will never go out of fashion!

With the grey craze still going strong the new SnüzPod Urban Limited Edition 3 in 1 Crib is bang on trend! The two-tone grey design creates a truly striking look, which is sure to become a bestseller and will ensure parents can ensure their baby’s first bed will match their interior perfectly.

The much-loved SnüzPod3 bedside crib is the ideal first bed from newborn to six months. The latest version boasts a stunning new look and brand-new features, including a reflux incline, wider and lighter liftoff bassinet for use around the home and dual-view breathable mesh sides, making it the perfect solution to easily comfort and feed baby during the night.

Commenting on the arrival of the Luna and Urban SnüzPod3 Bedside Crib, Marketing Director at Snüz Mark Nicholls said: “I am delighted to unveil our latest fashion focussed colours to our SnüzPod range.

Luna is sure to be a standout design for us thanks to the gold accents and Urban will allow us to offer our customers another grey option, which is still very much in demand. As the SnüzPod will stay in a parent’s bedroom for six months, we want to ensure we offer attractive, quality pieces of furniture that will appeal to all tastes.”

RRP: €239 | Stockist: Madden’s Furniture Ennis

PRINT DEADLINE Copy will not be accepted after Tuesday at noon.

Email sales@clareecho.ie for enquiries

24

PROPERTY

14 WILLOW PARK ENNIS CO. CLARE

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

V95 V9K5

“ATLANTIC”, 2 SCHOOL ROAD LAHINCH CO. CLARE V95 K4A9

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY APRIL 6TH: 10.00AM TO 10.30AM SHARP

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY APRIL 6TH: 11.30AM TO 12.30PM SHARP

4

4

1

€185,000

4 Willow Park is a superb 4 bed semi-detached home located in a quiet mature area between the main Gort and Lahinch Roads.

This fine home is at the front of Willow Park facing onto the road.

The property is only minutes walk from Ennis Swimming & Leisure Centre and is convenient to the many other amenities Ennis offers. There is also a garage and a generous rear garden which is not overlooked.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, two bedrooms, living room, bathroom and an open-plan kitchen/dining area. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms and a shower room.

Viewing of this fine home is recommended.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Phone: 065 6867866

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€260,000

O. 2 School Road is a 4 bedroomed, detached bungalow situated on a well maintained site, in a quiet residential enclave just off School Road. A prime location, only 5 minutes walk from all local amenities such as the beach, championship golf course, shops, bars, restaurants and Church. While the property is in need of modernisation, it has excellent potential as a great family home or holiday home.

Accommodation is spacious and comprises 105 sq.m. (1,130 sq.ft. approx) and includes an open plan kitchen/living and dining room, bathroom and 4 bedrooms. Externally the gardens are mainly in lawn and there is ample parking space.

Early viewings are advisable.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Phone: 065 6867866

26 VICTORIA COURT KILKEE CO. CLARE V15 YY49 OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY APRIL 6TH: 3.00PM TO 3.30PM SHARP

3

€165,000

2

6 Victoria Court is a superb 3 bedroom end of terrace property ideally located within walking distance of the beach and all amenities.

The property is situated in an established development and is offered for sale in turn key condition. Accommodation is spacious and comprises an entrance hall, living room, open-plan kitchen/dining area, walk-in storage closet, bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

Due to the size and location of the property it would make an ideal holiday home or investment property.

Viewing is highly recommended.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Phone: 065 6867866

26 CROI NA MBAILE KILMIHIL CO. CLARE V15 H765

5

T

€179,000

HIS is a fantastic 5 bedroom semi-detached family home situated in Croi na mBaile development in the village of Kilmihil in West Clare.

No. 26, which was extended to substantially in recent years has been finished to an exceptional standard throughout and is within walking distance of all local village amenities.

This beautiful home is extremely energy efficient having a B3 energy rating, with a zoned, dual heating system (oil and solid-fuel).

Accommodation comprises an entrance hall, reception room, downstairs WC, open-plan kitchen/dining area, sunroom, utility room, shower-room and a living room.

Viewing of this fantastic property is highly recommended.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Phone: 065 6867866

8 CARMODY STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE €340,000

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WARD`S XL STOP & SHOP, PATRICK STREET CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 D923 €380,000

E

XCELLENT opportunity to acquire a well established business with 5 Bed Semi-Detached residential Premises, currently trading as a Convenience Store with Wine Licence.

Being sold as a going concern, fully equipped, boasting impressive TO figures.

Unique and rare opportunity to acquire a thriving business.

The Business: Established by the Ward family, this very profitable business has been trading for over 30 years and is widely recognised as one of the best convenience stores in the region, enjoying custom from generations of Clarecastle families. The business provides a wide selection of services, and is renowned for supplying a superb customer service. The unit itself is approx. 1652 sq. ft. / 153.49 sq. m. and features a well-appointed retail area with large store to rear & large dis-

Contact: Location Location, Unit 2, Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis Tel: 065 68 23718

play window to the front. The property also has the added benefit of a spacious site with yard to rear, ideal for hardware, fuel, agricultural supplies, deliveries and offers ample customer parking.

Location: The subject property is set within the village of Clarecastle & only 1km to the Ennis Bypass & attracts a large customer base, 7 days a week.

There is extensive customer surface parking to the front & rear of the premises. Ward’s XL Stop & Shop commands a prominent high profile position witin a large residential population including a number of significant well established residential developments.There are also a number of other recently completed developments nearby and further developments are in the pipeline which in turn will increase the customer base.

ocated in Carmody Street approximately 350 metres North West of O’Connell Street. This location offers an unrivalled level of amenities with well established neighbouring occupiers ie. Solicitors, Accountants, Clare People Newspaters etc.

Substantial passing vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Certificates of compliance (fire & building) are all present.

Full Planning Permission has been granted for change of use to 2 x 1 Bedroom Apartments in rear building.

AMV €340,000 + VAT @ 13.5% Fully fitted takeaway/retail/offices/ apartments For Sale Shop Front Takeaway/Retail - 32sq m approx.

Fully fitted stainless steel takeaway and prep area. Stainless steel wall panelling/extractor hood.

Gas connections in situ. Industrial grade vinyl flooring throughout, tiled walls. Fluorescent lighting.

Emergency lighting, fire alarms in situ. Preparation kitchen to the rear with industrial grade vinyl flooring, with stainless steel wall panelling and tiling. Double glazed Contact: Location Location, Unit 2, Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis Tel: 065 68 23718

door to fully enclosed rear concrete yard which accommodates bins & gas connections.

1st/2nd floor (tenant in situ) 30 sq m approx Interior consists of reception, one treatment room, canteen, toilet facilities with loft room on 2nd floor suitable for storage, etc.

Unit 8 Carmody Street - Rear Building Located to rear of Carmody Street with ease of access to all town amenities. This modern building is an ideal investment opportunity doe to its location & modern layout.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

DACIA TAKES ON RUGBY, AND ANNOUNCES SPECIAL DEALS

ROMANIAN BRAND IS THE OFFICIAL CAR OF PRO14 RUGBY, AND YOU CAN NOW HAVE AN EVEN CHEAPER SANDERO

D

ACIA, one of the biggest success stories in Irish motoring, has signed up to offer its unrivalled commitment to the Guinness Pro14 Final Series as the Official Car Partner of this season’s knock-out stages and the Final at Glasgow’s Celtic Park.

With the Guinness Pro14 Final taking place at the iconic home of Celtic FC, Dacia will be there throughout all six games of the Final Series, including the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and the showpiece decider itself on May 25 in Scotland.

Dacia will be a prominent supporter of the Guinness Pro14 with their branding placed at pitch side throughout the Final Series while rugby fans will get the chance to win prizes and take part in bespoke activations at every game.

Dacia’s range of no-nonsense cars offers

exceptional value for money and includes the All-New Duster, Logan MCV, Sandero and Sandero Stepway. In 2018 Dacia reported record sales in Europe and maintained its placing on the Irish market which mirrors the great success of the Guinness Pro14 in recent seasons.

On the field of play the Guinness Pro14 has set new try records and ranked highly in a number of positive play categories recorded by World Rugby while both European Cup titles are currently held by teams in the Championship – Leinster Rugby and Cardiff Blues.

The Guinness Pro14 has also been one of the most talked about rugby tournaments of the past two years after expanding into South Africa and agreeing record-setting TV deals at home and abroad, including Premier Sports and eir sport in the UK and

Ireland and ESPN in the United States.

Dermot Rigley, Commercial Director, Pro14 Rugby said: “We’re always thrilled to welcome a new member into our sponsorship family and ourselves and Dacia are coming together at a time of great success and growth for both organisations.

“The Guinness Pro14 is in a great place on and off the pitch which is why Dacia are so keen to be a part of the Final Series when the competition reaches white-hot intensity and captures the attention of rugby rans right across the world.

“Last year we saw a record attendance for the third year in a row at the Guinness Pro14 Final and with our new world-wide broadcast deals we know Dacia and all our other partners will get to be a part of one our biggest audiences yet.”

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Di-

rector, Dacia Ireland said: “Dacia is the best new car brand ever to launch in Ireland and so, we are delighted that we can align the brand with the success of the Pro14 Rugby for the Final Series which will crown this year’s champion team.

“Dacia has, from the start, been a no-nonsense brand offering affordable cars to all, and from the robust muscular styling of the All-New Duster SUV to the spacious Logan MCV and the compact Sandero, there is a car in the range for everyone.

“We look forward to the partnership with Pro14 Rugby and to the excitement of the upcoming Final Series.

Meanwhile, Dacia, one of the biggest success stories in Irish motoring, has announced unmissable offers on the popular Sandero Stepway, providing shockingly affordable motoring to customers.

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EchoSport

‘I shouldn’t have trained but I wanted it so badly’ with PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

T’S been one year and six months since Becky O’Donnell last attempted a comeback at the sport she loves, it didn’t go according to plan and for her nothing compares to gymnastics.

Becky was five years old when she took up the sport, going on to win 22 All-Ireland medals in the space of her career that was brought to an abrupt end due to injury. Her sister Rachel had been the first to enter the world of gymnastics, she would regularly travel with her mother to collect Rachel and from here she was hooked.

“Rachel my older sister started it first, she wasn’t very good so I started then and we were in the same class, Rachel started faking back pains because I was passing her out so after that Rachel called it a day and I continued on.”

Less than a decade after taking up the sport, the Kildysart native would secure a top ten finish in the 2007 Junior World Championships in Poland. Becky also represented her country in tournaments at Portugal, Lithuania and England.

In order to train with the Irish team, she and her coach Elaine Ryan from Newmarket-on-Fergus spent many a weekend at B&Bs throughout Cavan. “We used to go up to Cavan a lot, I was never part of that gymnastic club but we used to go up for the weekend training so I used to leave school early on Friday and Elaine would drive up.

We would train for the whole weekend and come back down again,” she recalled.

Not alone was Elaine her coach she also stood as Becky’s sponsor for her confirmation and their relationship would develop into a strong friendship as the years have passed. Having juggled both artistic gymnastics and tumbling, Becky decided to focus solely on tumbling when Elaine started a club in Shannon having previously trained both here and Ennis.

Preparations for the 2008 World Championships in Russia would ultimately change her career forever more. “I had done two trials and they were grand, I hit the runs I needed to for the competition. Usually on a typical run you’d have six elements, a starting element which would be a roundoff which brings you into the somersault and a final element, so when I was doing my final skill at the end I shorted my ankle so I came down really hard on it and bent forward, I

In the fourth of our series focusing on figures in female sport, we speak to All Ireland sensation gymnast Becky O’Donnell, who discusses coming to terms with an injury which put an abrupt end to her career l PASSION: Becky and (inset) an earlier picture of her competition days

knew there was something wrong, but you pick up injuries all the time in gymnastics because it’s fairly physical, it does a lot of damage to your body and then I had to go to Galway for an MRI.” The MRI showed up a chipped ankle which contained fluid. Becky continues, “I was doing physio and trying to train but it wasn’t really working. I went back to the consultant and he told me that I would never be able to compete properly again. After that, there was a lot of tears, I was fourteen, nearly fifteen so I was in school and a typical gymnast gets to their peak at sixteen, I knew it was the end”.

She continued, “Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I kept training but there is no point in thinking like that anymore. I did try to go back a few times, when I was in Leaving Cert I went back training with Elaine in Ennis, I wasn’t doing that much because I couldn’t. On the first day I went back I pulled a load of muscles in my stomach. I hadn’t trained in years and there was me thinking I’d be fine.

“I did compete in the nationals in that November so I got first in that but I knew I was

too old to be doing it so it wasn’t going to last long. I stopped again because of the Leaving Cert and I went back again in one of the summers I was in college training and I hurt my knee. Mam and Dad were like ‘are you ever going to stop, you’re going to hurt yourself ’. They were in favour of me stopping so I haven’t given it another go anytime soon but maybe if I get the knee sorted...”

Before meeting the consultant to discuss the damage of the chipped bone and subsequent fluid, the former St John Bosco Community College student knew in her own mind her days as a gymnast were numbered.

“Realistically I shouldn’t have been trying to train after that but I wanted it so badly, I was so young that you couldn’t have stopped me even if you wanted to. I remember having to strap up my ankle in all sorts of tape and it wasn’t working, it was never going to work, Elaine did tell me I was going to damage it even more if I didn’t stop but eventually I came to terms that it wasn’t going to work”.

In the 2016 Olympics, the members of the USA gymnastics team were aged between 16 and 22, in the sport 22 is deemed to be

quite old and for Becky who is now 23 filling the void post her sporting career has been a struggle.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s a sport that you’re so young, you really do take it for granted, I had been going to summer camps since I was eight in England, I got to go to Poland, Lithuania, Greece all these countries that at the time I didn’t think anything of. I didn’t appreciate any of it at the time and I feel like if I was older or if it was now I definitely would have taken more time to appreciate how lucky I was.

“I don’t think I have filled the void and I don’t think I ever will at this stage, I tried other sports but nothing compared to gymnastics, I loved gymnastics - it was my entire life as a kid.”

Her first comeback attempt was in 2012 with the most recent one being October 2017 where she damaged her knee pulling her lateral collateral ligament. A conversation with her parents followed and it was agreed that the time had come to say goodbye to tumbling. However the medical scientist has got some solace from coaching stints and starting the career of Cillian Kelly who has gone on to represent his country a particular highlight.

While Becky is the only one of the O’Donnell clan to be rewarded with All-Ireland titles, she is grateful to her family for making it all possible. “Mam took so much time off with me and Dad with the weekends, driving me here and there, I was always going to competitions. When it was Dublin we’d all have to go up and stay the night, Mam would be up early to get my hair ready and I would be so nervous, I have no doubt that they sacrificed so much for me when I was a kid. When I was training the whole time, I’m sure Rachel and Ellen were put on the backburner but they were always so good”.

With all the emotional and physical pain gymnastics has caused, the question is posed to the GMIT graduate would she do it all over again if she had the choice.

A definite answer follows, “Yes, I would have done things so differently but it’s very easy to say that looking back and say I should have done this or that but as a kid that’s the last thing you’re thinking of. Yes 100 percent I would do it all over again and hopefully if I ever have kids they’ll go into the sport and make me proud”.

SPORT

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

27

2019: Football league review it and stick it in the net. It showed character.

Martin Daly

Disappointment INCONSISTENCY

GAA ANALYSIS

Moments of the league SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN

WITH Clare destined for Division 3 at half time in their do or die match against Tipperary, word has it that manager Colm Collins had an uncharacteristic loss of temper. Unhappy with what unfolded in Thurles, he let his men have it and rightly so. The first half performance was of a very poor standard.

That team-talk gave them the spark and a hungry, clinical Clare side emerged from the Semple tunnel to play no less than seven and a half minutes of fantastic football. From No 15 back, they worked hard, overturned the ball, and critically, showed accuracy. Their pace and attitude had shifted from the first half and that would be the catalyst to saving their league. Trailing by five points at half time, it took Clare seven minutes to wipe out the lead before a David Tubridy goal put Clare three points ahead.

SEXTON MAGIC

The other moment of the league came from Keelan Sexton. Dropped to the bench after a couple of stale outings, Keelan came on at half time and brought with him a point to prove, as if to say ‘I belong in the First 15’.

Three points down with the clock ticking, Clare needed a goal. Cian O’Dea excellently kept the ball alive and Keelan’s attitude and hard work enabled him to get on the end of

Clare’s inconsistency is one thing that’s been very consistent again. Following up our seven and a half minutes of brilliance was a 22-minute baron spell. Against Meath, a great first half was followed by 28 minutes without a score. We couldn’t back up a good first half against Donegal either. With a very settled team at our disposal, a Plan B needs to be established to deal with these difficult spells.

Player of campaign

GORDON KELLY I questioned myself because I’m friendly with Gordon so I rang two friends who - without putting words in their mouth - both singled out Gordon Kelly as their player of the league campaign, confirming my thoughts. Gordon’s leadership skills are second to none and at his age, his performance levels on the field are incredible, a mirror of his dedication off it.

His diligent approach to excercise, nutrition and organisation has to be perfect and it is still paying dividends. Every time Clare were under pressure, he was leading from defence. An example to every young player across not just Clare, but the country.

Breakout player

AARON FITZGERALD Funny to say a breakout player because this was his second full season as a starter but he’s still so young. This year Aaron (pictured right) made the centre back position his own and has performed at a higher level with each

Ladies march on Littlewoods Irl Div 3 League Roscommon 2-4 Clare 3-12

C

LARE Premier Junior Camogie Team played their final Division three group game away to Roscommon in Oran in ideal playing conditions. It was the case of third time lucky for the sides to take to the field even though Clare had already secured their semi-final position going into the match.

However, it was the home team that opened the scoring with a fine point from play by their centre forward Susan Spillane, with Roscommon’s full forward Sinead O’ Brien quickly adding to their opening score to lead by two points on the third minute.

Clare started to settle and Regan Conway burst forward from mind field to throw over a superb point, which she followed up with a pointed free. Roscommon soon regained the lead when, from a high ball in, Sinead O’Brien doubled on the sliotar to rattle the back of the Clare net.

Though the Clare girls dominated in terms of possession, scores were proving difficult to come by. Mid way through the half came the next score of the game when Anna-Lee Marsh with a driving run finished over the bar with a hand pass. Niamh O’ Gorman followed swiftly with Clare’s next point. Clare were now piling on the pressure on the Roscommon backs but it would be another five minutes

before Clare would register another score with Marsh raising the green flag to give Clare a two-point advantage. The Rossies rallied with Susan Spillane who narrowed the deficit to a point and Shauna Fallon goaled to give the home side a two point advantage at half time.

On the resumption, Clare dominated proceedings. Conway started the scoring with three points (1f) and a goal to put Clare four ahead, and bringing her tally to 1-6. Niamh O’ Gorman then hand passed to the back of the net to give Clare breathing space. The home side pulled a point back when Susan Spillane won a free and converted from the forty-meter line. This would be the home side’s only score of the second half.

Clare however, continued to dominate in winning the puck outs with Louise Browne driving forward and firing over on the run. Her club mate Alisha Malone followed suit. Clare dominated to the finish with further scores from Niamh O’ Gorman and Regan Conway to leave Clare comfortable winners.

Clare: Edel McNamara Kilkishen; Kate Dillon St. Josephs Doora Barefield, Rebecca Cahill Kilmaley, Jane Fitzgerald Inagh Kilnamona; Niamh Mulqueen Braodford, Sinead Power Inagh Kilnamona, Orla Cotter Inagh Kilnamona; Regan Conway Feakle 1-6, Ciara Halpin Clooney-Quin; Corina McMahon Corofin, Niamh O’ Gorman Kilkishen 1-2, Sinead O’ Keeffe Kilmaley; Louise Browne Corofin, Anna Lee Marsh Broadford 1-1, Louise McDonnell Ruan 0-1.

Subs: Alisha Malone Corofin 0-1 for O’ Keeffe, Niamh Lyons Ruan for McNamara, Kate McCarthy Clooney-Quin for Marsh, Claire McDonnell Ruan for Cahill, Dawn Ryan for Browne.

game. He does the simple things well and for such a young man, he’s advanced from a footballing apprentice to nailed-on starter.

Up or down?

CLARE TAKE BABY STEPS It looks on paper that we may be standing still but there’s clear signs that Clare are still climbing the ladder. Yes we lost a few games but with five minutes left in those defeats, we were well in the melting pot. And that’s in the most difficult Division 2 in terms of standard since Clare were promoted. Donegal are a top six side, Kildare had a huge Championship last year, Fermanagh were a surprise package and Meath have been stepping up year after year. Yes, it took a few late scores to secure survival but we are now performing at a higher level. Not only that, Colm Collins will be satisfied with player growth with the likes of Aaron Fitz and Gavin Cooney gaining valuable experience this campaign. Only a small step, but we’ve moved up the ladder compared to last year.

What we learned

CLARE CAN COMPETE Clare have developed a very strong, efficient game plan tailored to suit our panel and when executed well, it’s hard to stop. That, coupled with our high level of fitness, meant we put it up to the likes of Donegal in the league. That will put us in good stead for the championship and now we know it’s there for us against the bigger teams if we want it enough.

Need to fix

GOALIE WOES After giving everyone a

fair crack in the league, many positions that were haunted by uncertainty last year are now filled. Jamie Malone has been left at wing forward after being shuffled around last season, while David Tubridy has been left in a deep position where he can grab scores. The aforementioned Aaron Fitz has solved any centre back uncertainty.But there’s a huge question mark with a capital Q hanging over the man to mind the net.

Pierce DeLoughrey, Rob Eyres, and Eamon Tubridy have all been given minutes but we still don’t know our No1. It’s so important for backs and midfield to know who their goalie is - all have different kickout height and distance level, while calls will be different. Maybe deep down Colm knows, but if you asked one of our defenders who their starting goalie is they wouldn’t know, and that’s concerning.

It could come down distribution - Clare play a short ball which gameplan (being implemented by the Kerryman Declan O’Keefe). However, short kickouts must go to hand and they didn’t the last day. With Sean O’Donoghue, Cathal O’Connor and Gary Brennan in the middle it’s still a mystery to me we don’t play more long balls.

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies Scramble Mar 26 1. Marie Bartlett, Mary Collins, Carmel Lillis, 39 2. Imy Kerrigan, Kathleen Haugh, Loretta Maher, Loretta Browne 39.11 3. Margaret Hehir, Margaret Griffin, Mary McCarthy, 39.44 Senior Men’s Team Competition Mar 27 1. Michael Ryan, Matt Fitzpatrick, Murt Collins, Maurice Roche 72 pts 2. Denis Nagle, Michael Hogan, Tom O’Dea, Fred Kirk 63 pts 3. Tom Coffey, John McNelis, Jim Kelly, Peter Glynn 60.5 pts Ladies Noel Ryan Singles Mar 28 1. Clair Pyne 26 pts 2. Muriel Kiely 25 pts (Back 9) 3. Imy Kerrigan 25 pts 4. Joan O’Malley 24 pts (Back 6) 5. Margaret Clancy 24 pts KGC 12 Holes Weekly Singles 1. Tony McMahon 29 pts 2. Ger Brennan 28 pts (Back 6) Spring League 2019 Team 1ST. Team 10: Tommy Downes, Bernard Coleman, Brendan Carey, Maura McSwiggan 308 2ND. Team 16: Declan O’Dono-

van, Michael Ryan, Pat Shannon (Cappa), Jim Kelly, Ailish Lorigan 295 3RD. Team 03: Pat Brennan, Sean Lyons, Cyril Kelly, A M Donnellan, Joan O’Malley 293 (Best Discarded Score 22) 4TH. Team 14: John Hehir, Shane Carey, John Stapleton, Pat Mulcahy, Mary Collins 293 WOODSTOCK Club Modified 4Ball 1ST Brian Kilker(16) & Eugene Conroy (20) 54 pts 2ND Niall Reynolds (9) & Tyrone Kearse (12) 53 pts EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Singles 1ST Brendan Moloney (16) 42p 2ND Kieran Kennedy (13) 41p Ladies Singles Winner Theresa Bradley 35 pts Men’s Seniors 1ST Donal Salmon, Joe Moloney, Michael Drew 2ND Batt Skehan, Steve Symes, Aileen McDonald, 3rd Dominic Stuart, Ger Shortt, John Torpey, Ladies Wednesday 1ST Theresa Bradley, Breda O Loughlin, Maureen Clune

2ND Marie A Kelly, Noreen Skeehan, Breda McCarthy ENNIS GOLF CLUB DR RODGERS SHIELD 1ST Mick Hally, Gerry O’Connor, Sean Rynne, Peter Lyons 100pts 2ND Kieran Fox, Cathal O’Neill, Padraig Cusack, Tom Fox 97p 3RD Sean Ryan, Matt Flynn, Tom Greene, Flan Sheedy 96p 4TH Mark Geraghty, John Byrne, Tom Glynn, John O’Connor 94p LIONS & CUBS March 27 1ST Mary McMahon, Kathleen O’Connor, Attracta Williams 55 1/6 2ND Kitty Morris, Anna Marie Darmody, Nuala D’Auria 55 5/6 3RD Maura Ryan, Monica Finnerty, Helen Brooks 56 4TH Ann O’Loughlin, Margaret Flanagan, Eileen Daly 56 1/3 ENNIS GOLF CLUB SENIOR MENS SOCIAL GROUP MAR 28 1ST MICHAEL SULLIVAN PASCHAL RUSSELL PIERCE CAHILL 52.2 2ND BRENDAN PYNE SEAN FITZPATRICK JOHN CULLINAN 54.2 3RD MIKE BUTLER JIM SCULLY WILLIE DONNELLAN 54.4

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, APR 4 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

studying in Boston?

Now for current affairs...

John Conlon, Shane O’Donnell, Podge Collins

is the current Mayor of 4 Who Clare?

Clare hurler will be sus9 Which pended for the first Champi-

is hosting the Irish Open in 6 Who Lahinch this July?

Paul McGinley, Pádraig Harrington , JP McManus

week with the Adelaide Crows?

ANSWERS

Conor Cleary, Pat O’Connor, Ian Galvin

Clare athlete won an 10 Which AFL Women’s League last week with the Adelaide Crows?

Emer Considine, Leona O’Shea, Ailish Considine

6. Paul McGinley

April 24, May 24, June 24

lQUESTION 10: Which Clare athlete won an AFL Women’s League last

1.Lough Graney

5

What date is the local election taking place?

onship game after his appeal was rejected last week?

7. East Midlands and Ibiza

Cllr Michael Begley Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy Mayor Quimby

2. Lisdoonvarna

Bunratty, Kilrush, Shannon

8. Shane O’Donnell

is furthest south on the 3 Which map of Clare?

Clare hurler returned to 8 Which training this week after a stint

3. Kilrush

Kilfenora, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna

And finally, a bit of sport...

9.Conor Cleary

of the following is furthest 2 Which north?

4. Cllr Michael Begley

Lough Graney, Lough Atorick, Lake Inchiquin

week?

Cape Town and Jamaica Boston and Norwich East Midlands and Ibiza

10. Ailish Considine

1

Lough Derg is the largest lake in Clare, but which of the following covers the largest area?

two new routes were an7 Which nounced for Shannon Airport this

5. May 24

Starting off with a bit of Geography...

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Clare Abbey, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection