The Clare Echo 04/04/24

SEE YOU ON THE PLANE

Dying at UHL ‘with no dignity’

l Clare man died at UHL ‘with no dignity’ l Daughter says family still have questions

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SHANNON man died “with no dignity” at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) after he was found on the floor by hospital staff.

Martin Abbott (65) may have been dead for an hour before he was discovered by hospital staff in December 2019.

A verdict of death by medical misadventure was recorded at the man’s inquest and speaking this week, Martin’s daughter

League finals beckon for Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE are chasing league double on the glory this Saturday.

A chance to collect national silverware is on offer for both the county’s senior hurlers and intermediate ladies football sides.

Brian Lohan’s hurlers face Kilkenny in Semple Stadium at 7:15pm bidding to win the county’s first NHL title since 2016. They face Derek Lyng’s Cats

in what will be their last outing before taking to the field in the Munster SHC against All-Ireland champions Limerick on April 21st.

Wayne Freeman’s ladies footballers are up against Roscommon in St Brendan’s Park, Birr at 4pm in the Division 3 final.

Clare have already secured promotion to Division 2 for next season but are looking to atone for last year’s defeats in the league and All-Ireland final.

Anne Marie Abbott said, “My father wasn’t close to death but for him to have to die with no dignity is something that I don’t know if I’ll ever get over”. According to Anne Marie, she first heard about an investigation into her father’s death via local media. She said, “They (UHL) did apologise for not contacting us, but I do feel that the communication should have been instant”. She maintained there was a need for reviews and examinations of how hospitals “do things and how they communicate”.

l Pictured at the launch of Shannon Airport’s summer schedule are, Hugo Donoghue (3), Sofia Mullally (2), Louis Donoghue (4) and Sienna Mullally (5) Photo by Arthur Ellis

Howard hits out at stance of colleague Flynn on Ennis 2040

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BOARD member of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) has hit out at the criticism of the economic and spatial strategy by her party colleague, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG).

Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District saw Cllr Howard take aim at Cllr Flynn who has previously announced he is to retire from local politics this June.

While voicing his support to a proposal from Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) to put renewed emphasis on the climate adaptive aspects of the Ennis 2040 strategy, Cllr Flynn admitted he was “so disappointed that the guiding principles” of the Ennis 2040 strategy

were not taken on board.

He stated, “Since I resigned, I stated the first thing that should have been done was to develop wetlands and Ennis as first climate adaptive town, I’ve looked at the plan and the timelines were pushed out way too far”. Flynn who resigned from the Board of the DAC in September 2022 added, “I am very disappointed that these guidelines and principles were not implemented”.

Responding to this, Cllr Howard who has been on the Board of Ennis 2040 DAC since its establishment pointed out, “this is the document launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, you were very much front and centre at the time of the launch and you were Mayor of the Ennis MD following the local elections in 2019”.

Clarification was sought by Cllr Flynn on whether his party colleague was talking to him or through the chair. Standing orders only allow for a second contribution from a councillor if they have not proposed the motion when they are spoken directly to.

Confirming that she was speaking directly to her Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Howard reminded Cllr Flynn that he was Mayor in 2019 “and I remember you talking about this, you were involved with Liam Conneally and you were part of the steering group, you filled me in when I came in as Mayor of Clare in 2020, then Ann (Norton) came in as Mayor of the Ennis MD and the document was officially launched, it hasn’t changed”. She continued, “What is happening with Ennis 2040 isn’t news to you, you were involved with the project,

I find it very confusing that you know have a difficulty with it, I find it very confusing, you left because of the issue with the Data Centre but all of a sudden I find it very confusing that you were involved from the get-go, you drew up the document”.

Flynn corrected his colleague, “I didn’t draw up the document. It was a guidance document drawn up by Avison Young for a cost of €600,000”. He said, “I engaged fully as Mayor and as a councillor, it is a 250 page document and I agree with a lot of it. I can’t because of having signed business confidentiality agreements discuss what was said at the board meetings. I left because the twelve guiding principles were not followed”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) told the meeting, “everyone in this room wants Ennis to drive forward”. He added, “There’s no point shouting across the room, there will be another day for that” to which Cllr

Howard pointed out that she was not shouting.

Once again, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) aired her view that the media have been negative with their portrayal of the county town.

“I questioned Ennis 2040 at the beginning and asked Liam Conneally to give more detail on the project. I think it was appreciated that he gave us clarification, I just wonder over the last number of months and years as a town we are trying to progress Ennis, we are very lucky to have the capital of the county in our MD but unfortunately there has been a lot of negative publicity around Ennis over the last number of months and year or so which is not doing Ennis any favours in the media and across the country, we need to start focusing on the positive of what Ennis is about and what we can achieve for Ennis, there is so many different DACs within Clare County Council and within Ireland”. Barefield based

Norton who also sits on the board of the Ennis 2040 DAC added, “We’re doing an injustice to the people in Ennis and Clare by the negative publicity going on”. She stated, “We now have children that are young adults that need jobs into the future, if we don’t have jobs for them here they will have to emigrate and we’re doing an injustice to the youth of today, they must start to look positively on Ennis and what it can do”.

Comments from Cllr Norton were “disrespectful,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) felt.

He pointed out that councillors had gone well away from discussing Cllr Murphy’s motion and entered “a political minefield. I’m on the road canvassing and on every third door it (Ennis 2040) is an issue, stick to the sentiment of the motion. I take disrespect to the comment that people are damaging things, if there’s solutions and issues to address deal with them in a mannerly manner”.

Man ‘died with no dignity’ at UHL

A SHANNON man died “with no dignity” at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) after he was found on the floor by hospital staff.

Martin Abbott was aged 65 years when he

died in December 2019. He may have been dead for over an hour before he was discovered by hospital staff.

An inquest into the death of the man who lived in Delginis in Shannon heard he died after falling from a trolley in the emergency department of UHL. A verdict of death by

medical misadventure was recorded at the inquest.

Speaking this week, Martin’s daughter Anne Marie Abbott said, “My father wasn’t close to death but for him to have to die with no dignity is something that I don’t know if I’ll ever get over”.

Anne Marie described her father as “very strong” and “an absolute gentleman in every sense of the word”. He and his wife Mary had intended on travelling the world following retirement.

On the evening he died, Ann Marie said she raised concerns about her father’s condition with hospital staff. “I felt his breathing was a bit laboured and I wanted something to be done. I was met with a bit of rudeness and they told me that it was nothing to do with them that he was under the care of the medic team... I was told that the doctor would be down within the hour to see dad. It was there at 6am and we got a phone call from my mother just stating that the guards were at the door, that UL Hospital was trying to contact us”.

She said that the family went straight to the hospital and were told in a phone call that Mr Abbott had “a turn”. She added, “The nurse in charge and the registrar on call told us he was dead, that he was found in a collapsed state by the sink and they suspected it was a heart attack. That was all the information that they gave us. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing”.

According to Anne Marie, she first heard about an investigation into her father’s death via local media. She said, “They (UHL) did apologise for not contacting us, but I do feel

that the communication should have been instant”. She maintained there was a need for reviews and examinations of how hospitals “do things and how they communicate”.

“Communication with families and also with other medical professionals, it’s breaking down everywhere. This is not just within UL Hospital Group, it’s nationwide.”

Ms Abbott said that her family still have a lot of unanswered questions but that “with the help of UL Hospital Group, hopefully, hopefully, I’ll get those”. She continued, “It could all be prevented if they look and see how they’re doing things. Accidents do happen, but it’s how they manage these accidents and these tragedies and being honest and trustworthy, instead of prolonging heartache and grief for families”.

“I will work tirelessly to try and help this and fix this myself. But it’s down to them at the end of the day,” she said.

At the inquest last Wednesday, legal counsel for UHL said the hospital was taking steps to resolve issues raised and repeated apologies for deficits in care to Mr Abbot’s widow and daughter.

In a separate statement, UL Hospitals Group said it wishes to express its sincere sympathy to the family on their loss, adding that in this case, standards in relation to patient safety fell short of what was expected. “We strive to uphold the highest standards of patient care and safety, and it’s clear in this case, these standards fell short of what was expected,” it said. It added, “We apologise for the deficiencies and shortcomings in Mr Abbott’s care and for the distress and trauma this has caused his family”.

Martin Abbott’s death by medical misadventure must be catalyst for change at Limerick hospital

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick need to take immediate action following the inquest into the death of Shannon man Martin Abbott, a Sinn Féin Senator has said, writes Páraic McMahon

On Wednesday last, a verdict of death by medical misadventure was recorded in the inquest into the death of 65 year old Martin.

Senator Paul Gavan (SF) has said the events described by the family from Clare are “harrowing”. He stated, “I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Martin Abbott on the devastating loss of a much-loved husband and father. Mr Abbott and his family deserved to have known that he would be safe in University Hospital Limerick and would receive timely, appropriate care. The events described at the inquest are nothing short of harrowing. This is every family’s worst nightmare and can never be allowed to happen again”. Martin may have been dead for over an hour before staff found him after he fell off a trolley at the emergency department in UHL, the inquest heard.

According to Sinn Féin’s candidate in the upcoming European elections, “This gentleman it appears had fallen from a hospital

trolley in a busy hospital ward. This tragedy occurred in 2019 and unfortunately the trolley numbers have got considerably worse since then. In 2023 there was an incredible 21,409 patients treated on trolleys and in hospital corridors. In March 2024 to date 1,834 people have been treated in this manner. These are people who have been deemed in need of a bed and yet no bed was available to them”.

“It has been clear for many, many years now that the crisis at University Hospital Limerick is severe and is worsening. There are no more excuses for government’s inaction. I and my colleague, Maurice Quinlivan, have consistently called for the Minister for Health and this government to take urgent action to protect patients and protect staff. The steps they have taken are paltry and much, much more must be done.

“The scheduled 96-bed unit will only deliver 48 new beds, with the other 48 replacing beds in the Nightingale ward. This new ward will only become operational in mid-2025. While the creation of additional bed spaces is welcome, they must be delivered much more quickly,” he added.

There is no excuse for allowing

repeat nightmares to occur, Senator Gavan insisted. “The people of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary

deserve better. They can’t wait any longer. Government must finally get to grips with this appalling cri-

sis and ensure no more patients and families are subjected to a nightmare like this”.

lHARROWING: University Hospital Limerick Photo by Brian Arthur

l Martin Abbott by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Shoulder to shoulder at Thomond Park

Supermac's to transform Tuamgraney site into Plaza

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A SHANNON man charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to two men via social media is to face two additional charges, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Sgt John Burke said that DPP directions have been received in the case and the case against Mar-

tin Hannon is to go forward to the circuit court.

Sgt Burke said that the accused is to also face two additional charges to be brought to court in two weeks time.

In the case, Martin Hannon (41) with an address of an apartment at Boheraroan, Newmarket-on-Fergus is already charged with a threat to kill or cause serious harm to two

males on dates between November 6th and November 16th last.

In the case, Mr Hannon is charged without lawful excuse, making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Devipyemaan Devipyemaan and Michael Hillard.

The two charges are contrary to Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Those convicted of such offences in the District Court face a prison term up to 12 months while more serious penalties apply in the circuit court where those convicted can face prison terms up to 10 years.

Mr Hannon was excused from attending Wednesday’s brief court hearing but Judge Alec Gabbett asked that he attend court in two weeks time on April 17th where the two new charges will be brought against the accused.

As part of his bail conditions, Mr Hannon is to stay off all social media platforms and not make broadcasts from any social media platform.

In court previously, Det Sgt Noelle Bergin gave evidence of arresting Mr Hannon on Limerick’s Dock Rd at 2.50pm on November 16th last.

Mr Hannon was charged with the two offences at Shannon Garda Station on November 17th and made no reply when charged.

Judge Gabbett has previously granted legal aid to solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent the accused.

The bail conditions also require Mr Hannon to lodge €500 cash, sign on once a week at his local Garda station and have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged injured parties.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Hannon on continuing bail to appear in court on April 17th.

lHEALTHCARE: Midwest Hospital Campaign

The ‘Drive to save lives’ to canvass HSE

AMID ongoing frustration with the health system in the MidWest, a ‘drive to save lives’ has been organised by a local activist group, writes Páraic McMahon

Next Saturday (April 13th), the Mid-West Hospital Group will attempt to drive home the message to the powers that be that one emergency department for the entire region is not sufficient.

A convoy of vehicles will leave from the Clare Mart complex and head via the Clonroadmore to Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon before converging with representatives from Limerick and Tipperary to make their way to the HSE offices at Hueston Hall.

Spokeswomen for the MidWest Hospital Group explained, “The protest is seen as an escalation in action from the group following persistent high levels of overcrowding at the hospital. It

coincides with the 15th anniversary of the downgrading of Ennis Nenagh and St Johns hospitals and the closure of A&E services. The campaign group have tried to address the issue through the Oireachtas public petitions committee but have failed to get cooperation from witnesses called to come before it.

“The Midwest hospital campaign is calling on the people of Clare to make a big effort on Saturday 13th of April to join the convoy all modes of transport welcome. The convoy will assemble at the Clare marts complex from 10:45 and leave at 11am sharp it will take the old road to Limerick. The drive to save lives is hoped to bring national attention on the very serious situation ongoing at UHL and we appeal to the people of Clare to get behind it and join us on Sat April 13th at the Clare mart complex at 11am or at any point along the route”.

Padraig Hannon, Fionnan Fitzgerald, Sam Crean, Jasper Badenhorst, Orin Egan from Ennis Rugby Club at the Munster V Cardiff BKT United Rugby Championship game in Thomond Park on Saturday

l Martin Hannon

Airport launches summer schedule

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport has launched its summer schedule for 2024 with 33 services to eleven countries across Europe, the United Kingdom and the USA.

A new daily service to New YorkJFK with Delta will commence on May 24th, providing a boost to the airport’s transatlantic service offering through the busy holiday period. This is in addition to the airport’s existing daily Boston and New York services with Aer Lingus and its Chicago and Newark services with United.

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

In recent weeks, services to holiday favourites, including Marseille, Malta, Mallorca and Reus have returned to the skies from Shannon for the summer holiday season, while a number of other popular routes, including Béziers, Girona, Naples and Porto, will resume from the International Airport in the

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY CAPPA PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENT WORKS

Location: Cappa Road (R473 regional road), playground & beach area, Cappa, Kilrush, County Clare. Nature and Extent of Proposed Development:

In accordance with Part XI, Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act (As Amended) and Part VIII, Articles 80 & 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (As Amended), notice is hereby given that Clare County Council proposed to carry out the following development:

1. Public realm enhancement works to include upgrades to and creation of new continuous footpaths, provision of a pedestrian friendly raised table with new courtesy crossings, road realignment, formalising of on street car parking and provision of age friendly parking, relocation of existing and provision of new street lighting and street furniture.

2. Creation of new pedestrian footpath to the playground and beach and a new civic space adjacent to the existing playground, including alterations to the existing stone wall to facilitate the new access and viewing points.

3. All associated services, site development and landscaping works. In accordance with the Habitats Directive, Appropriate Assessment Screening has been carried out on the project.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment and an EIA is not required.

The subject works are partially located within the Cappa Architectural Conservation Area and would materially affect the character of the area concerned.

Plans and particulars of the above development will be available for will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during normal working days from 9.00am to 4.00pm for a period not less than four weeks beginning on the date of publication of this notice at the following locations:

• The Planning Department of Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; and

• The West Clare Municipal District Kilrush Office, Town Hall, Kilrush, County Clare, Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated, may be made in writing to the Senior Planner, Planning & Enterprise Development, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare up to and including the 20th May 2024 and should be clearly marked “Cappa Public Realm Improvement Works”.

Signed: John O’Malley, Senior Executive Officer, West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council Date of Notice: 4th April 2024.

coming weeks.

Ryanair’s popular Corfu service will also return to Shannon on the 4th June, just in time for the school holidays. For the first time since 2016, Shannon Airport will operate a Paris service through the peak summer holiday season, with Aer Lingus’ service to the international hub of Charles De Gaulle. Ryanair’s Gran Canaria service will also operate through the summer season for the first time, providing passengers with even more sunshine destination options.

Commenting on the launch of the summer schedule, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said, “We are expecting a busy summer ahead with 150 weekly flights and 33 services including our new daily New York-JFK service with Delta. This year, we will also have increased frequency on nine of our services, providing an additional 130,000 extra seats to firm holiday favourites like Alicante, Faro, Malaga and

Lanzarote. This reflects the growing popularity of Shannon Airport as a vital gateway for European, UK and transatlantic travel”.

An increase in passengers from across Ireland is currently evident at Shannon, according to management. “We are experiencing an influx of customers from every corner of the country, which is testament to our commitment to providing a seamless experience from the moment passengers arrive in our car parks, to when they depart on one of our services. It truly has never been easier to fly Shannon, with our hi-tech security screening measures, US Preclearance facility, age-friendly measures and airport sensory room, customers can look forward to an easy and enjoyable experience as they prepare to jet off on those well-deserved breaks”.

Last year’s summer schedule from Shannon Airport featured six new route services and thirty three destinations in total, providing 370,000 extra seats.

Protestors arrested at Shannon Airport

GARDAÍ arrested three pro-Palestine activists who tried to block US military planes at Shannon Airport on Saturday, writes Páraic McMahon

Three individuals were arrested by An Garda Síochána at Shannon Airport for public order offences, they include two women in their thirties and a man aged in his twenties. They carried a banner reading ‘US military out of Shannon’.

They were later detained at Shannon Garda Station before appearing at Nenagh District Court on Saturday evening where they posted bail and are due back before the court on April 24th.

Two of the individuals, Áine Treanor and Aindriú de Buitléir serve as co-chair and co-treasurer respectively of the Galway Palestine Solidarity Campaign (GPSC). The third individual, Eimear Walsh is not a member of the GPSC.

Members of the GPSC have two US military planes were on the runway at Shannon Airport on Saturday morning and that their group attempted

to block the planes to mark Land Day.

Land Day is an annual commemoration of a protest held against Israeli plans to expropriate Palestinian land in 1976, during which six people were killed and more than 100 were injured.

A spokesperson for GPSC claimed, “For over two decades, Ireland has allowed its civilian airport at Shannon to be used by the US military. In 2023, Ireland allowed 258 US planes carrying weap-

ons to land at or take off from Shannon Airport, with an increase in flights from Shannon since the start of Israel’s genocide.

“At least four US warplanes travelling from Lydd airport have landed at Shannon in recent months.

“The Irish anti-war movement has long opposed the US military’s use of Shannon Airport and has called for inspections of US aircrafts, demands ignored by the Irish government”.

lREADY TO ROLL: Hugo Donoghue (3), Sofia Mullally (2), Louis Donoghue (4) and Sienna Mullally (5) Photo by Arthur Ellis

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Inagh mourns death of two sisters

by Tony Mulvey news@clareecho.ie

THE recent deaths of sisters Ita O’Looney and Ann Murphy were mourned in their native Soilshaune, Inagh, in Dublin and Canada where they lived and worked.

Ita O’Looney who resided in Clareville Court Glasnevin, Dublin, was attached to the civil service for many years until her retirement in 2009. In total she spent 38 years of her life with the body of civil servants, 33 years of which were with Houses of the Oireachtas.

Many tributes were paid to her on her retirement when she was senior clerk with the secretariat of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Leading the tributes was the chairman of the committee who spoke of Ita’s loyal service. He said that having worked in various sections in the Houses of the Oireachtas, Ita spent her final years working with the committee secretariat, in particular the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Personally, he wanted to thank her for her diligence, respect and commitment during the years and particularly for all the hard work she did for the committee. She was efficient, effec-

tive and always on the ball. They could rely on her all the time. Her contribution to the committee would be missed and they wished her a long and happy retirement.

Since her retirement Ita enjoyed a number of past times which included playing bridge and she was also a member of the Clare Association in Dublin-Muintir an Chláir-of which her brother Liam has been a long standing officer and one of its stalwarts.

Ann Murphy who died in Quebec on October 10 last was born in Inagh in 1944 and trained as a nurse and midwife in Dublin. After meeting her husband to be, Desmond Murphy from Dalkey, Dublin at a music festival they moved to Canada in 1967 and got married shortly afterwards.

Spending their time between, Ireland, Canada and New York, they settled in Montreal. Ann went on to pursue a degree in psychology and worked as a psychiatric nurse in Montreal General and Allan Memorial Institute.

She was recognised as a person with many talents and interests and had a great passion for creative arts in knitting, weaving and ceramics. She was also fond of cooking and will be remembered for her adventurous spirit.

Her late husband of 50 years, Desmond, died in 2017. He was attached to management of Air Canada. Ann’s funeral took place in Montreal on October 22.

Ita’s death took place at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin on February 28th. Reposal was at Kirwans Funeral Home, Fairview, Dublin on March 5th, arriving at St. Colman’s church, Iona Road, Dublin for funeral mass. There was a large and representative attendance at the mass including representatives of The Clare Association Dublin. Members of Ita’s bridge club paid their tribute with a guard of honour.

People who assisted Ita during her life were also remembered at the mass, including Dr. John Garvey, respiratory consultant, who is a native of Barefield near Ennis.

Ita’s remains arrived at the Church of the Immaculate conception, Inagh for funeral mass on Thursday, March

7. It was a particularly sad occasion for the O’ Looney family with the cremated remains of Ita’s sister, Ann, also before the altar.

The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Martin Shanahan who also officiated at the graveside for the burial of the two sisters.

Predeceased by parents

Ann and Patrick O’ Looney, brothers John and Frank, sister Ann, brothers-in-law Thomas Cahill and Desmond Murphy, and sisterin-law Margaret O’ Looney, Ita is sadly missed by her sister Mary Cahill, Kilmaley, brothers Liam (Dublin) and Christy (Inagh), sistersin- law Pat and Josie, nieces

Petrouschka, Emer, Mairead, Giselle, Aileen and Natalie, nephews Colm, Fidel, Brian, Donnacha, Adrian, Ronan, Fintan, Paul, Christopher and Mary, grandnieces and grandnephews, and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.

Ann is also survived by her three children Petrouschka (Norway) Fidel (Vancouver), Giselle (Kevin) Montreal and grandchildren.

Ita’s month’s mind mass will be celebrated in St. Colman’s Church, Iona Road, Dublin on Monday April 8 at 10.30a.m. and in Inagh church on Friday, April 12 at 7.30p.m. Ann will also be remembered at both masses.

l Ita O’Looney and (right) Ann Murphy

McNamara & Wynne to vote against Harris’ nomination for Taoiseach

TWO CLARE TDs have confirmed they will vote against Simon Harris’ (FG) nomination as Taoiseach.

Wicklow TD is to be nominated as Taoiseach on April 7th having assumed the leadership of Fine Gael following Leo Varadkar’s (FG) shock resignation in the past fortnight.

Harris faced no contest for the leadership after forming a strong campaign which saw several Oireachtas members move quickly to declare their support including Clare Senator, Martin Conway (FG).

There is set to be no such support for the former Health Minister from Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) or Michael McNamara (IND) with the duo confirming they will not be backing him in next week’s vote.

Cathal Crowe TD (FF) will be voting in favour of Harris while the county’s remaining TD, Joe Carey (FG) has remained out of office since taking ill in March 2023.

Outlining his reasons for voting against Harris, Deputy McNamara pointed to the Fine Gael’s leader record in Health and Justice. He also hit out at claims from Matt Carthy (SF) that Independents had been “propping up” the Government since February 2020.

He stated, “Sinn Féin supported the government’s referenda proposals, supported the government’s Hate Speech Bill, supported the government’s immigration policies they now call ‘open borders’ without any real criticism, supported the government’s Covid response and suggested holed budgets. Instead of opposing government policy, Sinn Féin just sniped at personalities to waste time and try to hide their lack of policy and leadership on issues that matter to people. I’m happy to stand over every vote for and against the government, which Sinn Féin ignores. The only opposition provided to the government in the current Dáil has come from within the three Independent groups. Sinn Féin’s failure to provide alternatives or leadership in

opposition has been of huge support to this government.

“I have confirmed that I will not be voting for Simon Harris to become Taoiseach because of his record as Minister for Health and Minister for Justice, immigration during this Dáil term. But, if elected, I will wish him well as leader of our country,” Deputy McNamara said.

Deputy Wynne did not believe a new lead er was the right move for the country. “The idea of changing the face will be in effect changing the party, I just feel that is not sta bility and so that is why I won’t be supporting the incoming Taoiseach”.

She had previously the decision of Varadkar to step down and commented, “the more that steps down, the better. I have to say, after working with them all in Leinster House, I can’t see his successor being much better. It’s not Leo’s ethics or morals, I question. It’s the whole lot of them”.

Sinn Féin “will not be much bet-

ter” than Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, she maintained, “considering the backroom boys override everything the TDs say”.

From Analog to Digital: The Evolution of Video Surveillance Technology

THE landscape of security and surveillance has undergone a dramatic transformation with the transition from analog to digital technology.

Over the years, digital advancements have reshaped how we monitor and safeguard our homes, businesses, and public spaces. This shift has not only enhanced the efficiency and efficacy of video surveillance systems but has also introduced a plethora of possibilities in terms of data analysis, integration, and remote access. In this article, we will delve into the evolution of video surveillance technology, shedding light on the shortcomings of analog systems and the advantages ushered in by their digital counterparts.

The Limitations of Analog Surveillance Systems

Analog surveillance systems, the stalwarts of security for much of the 20th century, relied on conventional methods of recording and monitoring video footage. These systems typically entailed cameras connected to a central recording device via coaxial cables. While analog systems served their purpose for decades, they grappled with inherent limitations that undermined their efficacy in modern security applications.

One of the primary drawbacks of analog surveillance systems lies in

the susceptibility of the transmitted analog signal to distortion, which could be influenced by various factors. The transmission quality could degrade due to factors such as interference or signal attenuation, leading to image artifacts and distortion. Even a minor fluctuation in power supply could result in signal interference, commonly known as “picture noise,” which could compromise the clarity and reliability of the footage.

Moreover, analog surveillance systems faced challenges in terms of scalability. Expanding the system to accommodate additional cameras often necessitated extensive rewiring and infrastructure upgrades, rendering it a costly and labor-intensive endeavor. This inherent lack of scalability hindered the adaptability of analog systems to evolving security needs, constraining their effectiveness in dynamic environments.

Another significant limitation of analog surveillance systems was their constrained video quality. Analog cameras captured footage in standard definition, yielding grainy and pixelated images that impeded the identification of individuals or critical details in the footage. This low resolution not only undermined the efficacy of surveillance efforts but also hindered the utility of the footage as evidence in investigations or legal proceedings. Furthermore, analog surveillance

systems lacked the advanced features and functionalities inherent in digital systems. Features such as motion detection and video analytics were either rudimentary or absent in analog systems, curtailing their ability to detect and respond to security threats proactively.

The Advantages of Digital Surveillance Systems

The advent of digital technology has heralded a new era in video surveillance, addressing the shortcomings of analog systems while introducing a myriad of capabilities and functionalities.

One of the most significant advantages of digital surveillance systems is their superior image quality. Digital cameras capture footage in high definition, producing clear, crisp images that facilitate the ac-

curate identification of individuals and details. This enhanced image quality not only enhances the effectiveness of surveillance efforts but also provides valuable evidence for investigations and legal proceedings.

Digital surveillance systems also offer greater flexibility and scalability compared to their analog counterparts. With digital cameras connected to a network or recording device via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, adding new cameras to a digital system is seamless, requiring minimal infrastructure adjustments. This scalability empowers businesses and organizations to expand their surveillance systems effortlessly, accommodating evolving security needs and dynamic environments.

Additionally, digital surveillance systems come equipped with a range of advanced features and functionalities that augment their effectiveness and utility. Motion detection technology enables cameras to automatically detect and alert users to suspicious activity, minimizing the need for constant monitoring and facilitating swifter responses to security threats. Moreover, remote access capabilities empower users to view live or recorded footage from anywhere with an internet connection, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of surveillance management. Furthermore, digital surveillance

systems often incorporate advanced video analytics capabilities, such as facial recognition and object tracking, enabling more sophisticated security measures. These analytics can help identify potential security risks, track the movement of individuals or objects, and provide valuable insights for enhancing overall security operations.

Conclusion

The transition from analog to digital technology has revolutionized video surveillance, ushering in a paradigm shift in how we monitor and safeguard our surroundings. Digital surveillance systems offer numerous advantages over their analog predecessors, including superior image quality, scalability, flexibility, and advanced features and functionalities.

By addressing the limitations of analog systems and harnessing the power of digital technology, modern video surveillance systems have become indispensable tools for enhancing security and safety in diverse settings. As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate digital surveillance systems evolving further, enabling even more sophisticated and effective security solutions to address the challenges of an ever-changing world.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Gillane answers the call from Fine Gael to run

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FINE GAEL have added wellknown businessman Val Gillane (FG) to their election ticket in the Shannon Municipal District.

Party officials had been working to add a candidate in South-East Clare with Clonlara based Val now joining Cllr John Crowe (FG) and former Senator Tony Mulcahy (FG) as their candidates in the Shannon MD.

Gillane’s addition was announced on The Clare Echo’s political podcast, The Electoral Chair by the party’s Chairperson in Clare, Madeline Taylor Quinn (FG). She described Val as “an extraordinary person” with a strong profile that would see them challenge in the Shannon MD.

A native of Patrickswell, Val has lived in Clonlara for 44 years He is married to Newmarket-on-Fergus native Catherine Gillane (nee Freeman) with five children, all of whom lined out for Clonlara and Truagh/Clonlara on the hurling and camogie field, and is an uncle of Aaron Gillane.

Two and a half years ago, he retired from running Clancy’s Foodstore in Parteen. For the past ten years, he has had multiple sclerosis, this condition is what prompted his decision to retire from business. He had been running the family business for 36 years which strengthens his profile in the Shannon MD. “My daughter has a saying, ‘it is part of me but it doesn’t define me’,” he stated of living with MS.

“When I was in the shop in the latter stages, I had 70 to 80 people who had different forms of MS coming in,

people had it that I didn’t realise had it for 60 years and that man is still alive and in his 90s”.

Having grown tired of “promises,” Val decided to enter the election race. “I’m not in it for the photo opportunities, I’m in to try and deliver for the people. We’re based so far away from Ennis and there is a lot of issues down here. We’ve UL on our doorstep and access to UL is a big thing, we were promised a new walkway and footpaths but none of it has been delivered”.

When asked who was making the false promises, Val responded, “I don’t think that is fair to go onto that, I’m not going to put down anyone.

“I’m in this to be genuinely helping people with their day to day problems, issues and simple things that can be rectified simply.”

A lifelong member of Fine Gael, Val believed the party was in transition rather than turmoil at present and said he was very impressed with new leader Simon Harris (FG) when he met him in 2014.

Pam to contest for Farmers’ Alliance

ENNISTYMON native, Pam O’Loughlin (FA) will be the first candidate for the Farmers Alliance to contest an election in Clare.

Pam has been declared as a candidate in the Ennistymon local electoral area where she is vying to win one of the four seats on offer in the constituency to become an elected member of Clare County Council. Having lived in the UK for 34 years, Pam returned home to Clare in 2020.

happiness and uncertainty for people...I’m seeing that with ordinary families they are struggling and getting electricity bills through the door that they can’t cope with at all”.

During her time in England, she worked as a trauma and orthopaedic nurse and as a project manager with Nestle. She is now doing milk recording and farm relief work.

McNamara eyes

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD, Michael McNamara (IND) is weighing up throwing his name into the ring for the European elections.

Ahead of the June 7 European and local elections, Deputy McNamara is said to be very close to allowing his name on the ballot paper to try become one of the five MEPS for the Ireland South constituency.

Since becoming a TD for the second time in February 2020, the national profile of the Scariff native has increased considerably, aided by his stint as Chairperson of the Oireachtas’ COVID-19 committee. Last month, Deputy McNamara was nominated to chair a special Oireachtas committee on drug use.

This coupled with his performance in opposition had him as a leading contender to top the poll in Clare for the next General Election.

Sources close to the barrister and farmer have said he has been contemplating enter the race for the European elections for a number of weeks. The decision of Leo Varadkar (FG) to step down as Taoiseach which is likely to delay a General Election is a potential factor in swaying the Scariff man towards Brussels.

When contacted by TheClare Echo on the prospect of running for Europe, McNamara said, “I was approached both within the constituency and in Leinster House about contesting the upcoming European Election. I am consulting with supporters and Independent Oireachtas colleagues”.

In 2009, McNamara was an unsuccessful candidate in the European elections for

Shannon in need of a strong voice, says candidate McNamara

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

She initially left at the age of 16, “there was no work here, it was 1986 and there was no future or prospect in the town at the time, the opportunity arose and I went to England”.

When she returned, it was to a different Ireland, Pam felt. “I came back to an Ireland that I wasn’t expecting at all, I wasn’t expecting 1980s Ireland but I wasn’t exepcting the un-

Keeping adult themes out of the SPHE curriculum in primary schools is among the priorities of the Farmers Alliance. On the local matters, the Kilcornan woman said, “I’d be looking to influence the pollution into the river and ending up in Lahinch, housing which has been delayed being built in Ennistymon due to the infrastructure, parking in town, facilities in town, that sort of thing, the lack of an A&E in Ennis, we are looking at headlines from UHL on a weekly basis”.

SHANNON NATIVE, Keith McNamara (IND) has thrown his name into the race for the local elections. Keith will be running as an Independent candidate and is of the view that the voice of Shannon Town has been neglected within Clare County Council. A father of three children all under the age of eight, Keith works with Air Nav Ireland based in Ballycasey. He has previously attended St Conaire’s NS where he is now part of the Parents Council, St Patrick’s Comprehensive and IT Sligo where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure. On his decision

to contest the local elections in the Shannon Municipal District on June 7th, Keith said, “I’ve been threatening this since I was in secondary school, I’ve never been a member of a political party but I have a lot of views”.

“I’m very passionate about where I come from, the way the town is not maintained, the state of the road and the park, I decided I’d run now and rather do something when my children are young instead of when they’re a bit older and they could be all over the world. The time has come for change and not change for the sake of change, some of the issues need to be brought to the forefront, accessibility and road maintenance, these are the things we

speak about on the sidelines at matches and in the town centre but they need to be acted on”.

Wolfe Tones GAA Club, Shannon Athletics Club, Shannon Community Games and Limerick Lawn Tennis Club are among the groups Keith is currently involved with while he previously volunteered teaching English classes to Ukrainians up until twelve months ago.

Initial reaction from his close friends and family on his decision to run has been “very positive”. He told

European election

the North-West constituency. He polled 12,744 first preference votes which worked out as 2.6 percent of the valid votes, Marian Harkin (IND), Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher (FF) and Jim Higgins (FG) were the successful candidates for that election.

A much stronger showing is likely for the Clare TD in Ireland South where there are five MEP seats. Mick Wallace (IND), Billy Kelleher (FF), Sean Kelly (FG), Deirdre Clune (FG) and Grace O’Sullivan (GP) are the outgoing MEPs in the constituency with Clune having previously announced her retirement.

If McNamara were to enter the race, he would be the third Clare man running with Corofin’s Michael Leahy (IFP) and Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch (IND) already on the ballot paper.

The Clare Echo that people are “very vocal to me about the state of the town and what it is like on their door step like Aidan Park and Finian Park”.

With sitting representatives, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) plus challengers Tony Mulcahy (IND), Pat Barry (IND) and Keith, there is the potential that five Shannon Town candidates will be vying for election.

McNamara acknowledged the prospect of all five getting elected was very slim, “it’s very difficult the way the Municipal District is laid out it would be very hard, in the last few years we’ve struggled to get two

elected from Shannon Town, it would be great to have three Shannon Town residents elected to the Council”. On what he needs to do to be one of the successful candidates, Keith said, “It is about bringing the issues that matter to people, local elections are about local issues, people I’ve spoken to feel Shannon is neglected, there are some wonderful things done by the Council and councillors in the last five years but in general people feel Shannon’s voice is neglected. They feel the voice is less represented within the County Council”. He believed former Senator Mulcahy who

is now contesting the local election was an example of a strong voice that Shannon previously had on the local authority. “Sean Lemass is one person I always looked up to and Brendan O’Regan for what they did for the region. I might not agree with her views but Patricia McCarthy was a strong voice for Shannon, Tony Mulcahy represented Shannon well before and is back again, it is more about the political voice than the views”.

l TD, Michael McNamara

Photo by Eamon Ward

*Photo by Nev Bedford

in association with

Council official optimistic Hub will secure financial backing in URDF SHANNON NEWS

FUNDING is to be sought next month for the development of the One Shannon Hub, writes Páraic McMahon

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

This building is to include a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces in the heart of Shannon.

Under the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan which was part-funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, Project Ireland 2040, under the Department of Housing, Local

Government and Heritage with match funding by Clare County Council, the One Shannon Hub was marked as a key element of this plan.

Public realm improvements to the town square adjacent to the site will also be undertaken pending a successful funding application.

The site on which the Hub will be located is in the ownership of Shannon Commercial Properties but they agreed a 999 year lease with Clare County Council from August 2022.

Previously, the site had been earmarked for The Venue which had been hoped to become a civic and cultural space within the town of

Shannon. Plans to develop the Shannon Venue were scrapped in 2018 when a voluntary group established six years earlier failed to secure necessary Government funding and instead funds were granted for a masterplan.

Providing an update on the One Shannon Hub, Director of Services with Clare County Council, Alan Farrell said “targeted stakeholder engagement” took place during the month of February in addition meeting the design and project delivery team.

He stated, “it is anticipated the preferred concept will be identified in the coming months”.

Farrell confirmed that the local authority will seek financial support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund in May. “We expect and look forward to get it through the planning process and get it shovel ready”.

Responding to this note of optimism, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented, “We know the backlash when the URDF funding didn’t come the last time, we were blamed for the Minister’s decision not to give the €11m”. Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said he was “delighted to see it is moving forward even though it is going at a slow pace”.

More discussion needed on naming benches

SUGGESTIONS to honour shopkeepers in the Drumgeely area of Shannon are to be considered by the memorial committee of Clare County Council, writes Páraic McMahon

Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme announced in February 2022, an allocation of €225,000 was made for Drumgeely in Shannon with works recently completed.

At a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) proposed that one of the recently installed benches be named in honour of Mick O’Neill “as one of the old shopkeepers in Drumgeely.

This will tie the old with the new. Residents approached me on this matter and all would love to see this happening”.

Administrative officer in the Council’s transportation department, Liam O’Connor explained, “An application for a memorial bench can be considered by the Memorial Committee on receipt of the relevant details. In order to bring the proposal to the committee, a site location map and dimensional drawing and wording of the proposed plaque are required.

If the proposal is approved by the memorial committee, it will be brought to a monthly meeting of Clare County

Council for formal approval”. Pointing out that each Municipal District was represented on the memorial committee, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stated, “I support what you’re saying but I’d like to include Terry and Carmel Neylon who provide shops in the area”. He added, “the memorial committees don’t provide the bench, they provide a badge and normally a request goes to the residents to nominate someone and we have to be very careful when nominating. The reason the memorial committee was put in place was on road safety concerns”.

Procedure should be followed, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) believed. “I agree with Donna in principle but could this come before memorial committee, we’re dealing with them every day, there is templates out there for all these things”.

A precedent had been set “with a similar type of thing” at the entrance to Carraig Midhe, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) noted. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr McGettigan agreed to let the proposal go before the memorial committee for further discussion. l

MEMORIAL: Drumgeely Photo by Joe Buckley

l DEVELOPMENT: Artist’s impression of the Hub

You will need

n 600ml of chicken stock, or vegetable stock (use a good-quality, preferably homemade stock for best results)

n 150g of wild garlic

n 50g of spinach

n 50ml of double cream

n 20g of butter

n salt

n lemon juice

n olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Method

1) To begin, add the chicken (or vegetable) stock to a pan and place over a medium-high heat. Allow to reduce by half –this will give you a richer flavour

2) Add the wild garlic and spinach and cook for a few minutes. You want to cook the garlic through to eliminate the raw punchy flavour but not so much that it loses its bright

green colour

3) Stir in the double cream, cook for a minute more and then transfer to a blender. Blitz until very smooth

4)

For an extra rich and glossy finish, return the velouté to the pan and whisk in the cold butter

5) Taste and season with salt, a squeeze of lemon juice and (if desired) a drizzle of olive oil

Doolin Pier delays causing frustration

DELIVERY of the Doolin Pier visitor building “has gone on too long,” frustrated representatives in North Clare have said of the ongoing delays.

Clare County Council are currently liaising with the Department of Rural and Community Development to try secure additional funding to progress the Doolin Pier Visitor Services Building to statutory consent stage. An environmental evaluation of land use options and re-engagements with a design team appointed in 2023 has been completed.

Planning permission had been granted in 2019 for the visitor centre but little progress has been recorded in the intervening years. In 2022, the Council had signalled their intent to submit a planning application for the visitor centre with An Bord Pleánala at the end of 2022 with the hope of gaining approval by the second quarter of 2023. The handover of the site had previously been earmarked for 2024.

In a proposal before this month’s sitting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) (inset image by Eamon Ward) asked that the development of the visitor centre at Doolin Pier include a high quality mobility and master plan to incorporate pedestrian and cycle access back to Fisher Street and Doolin village. A priority design objective must be to ensure “maximum access and facilitation of the local community to the amenities, shore areas and the ocean along with immediate upgrade of areas around the old pier,” he said.

Scoping and investigation of the piers to “identify where possible the development of high quality and fully accessible bathing areas and areas for leisure activity”, the installation of EV charging points

and linkages for service food and beverage provision to existing local business and producers also formed part of his request.

Senior engineer in the Project Management Office of the Council, John Leahy outlined that “significant design development has already been undertaken in respect of the provision of a purpose-designed facility at Doolin pier to serve the needs of ferry operators and passengers. The provision would include points of contact/desks for ferry operators, toilets, information point and a small retail outlet serving a limited range of food and beverage and consumable essentials. Additional carparking and linkages to Doolin pier will be incorporated to facilitate embarking and passenger movement. The facility will be designed to accommodate muti-modal use by making provision for cyclists, and mixed ability users”.

According to Leahy the project allows for “the best standards in accessible travel, parking, and footpath design, where required for the facility. This would include footpaths and pavements close to the foreshore/pier area where these are required for passengers and the public using the facility whilst maintaining existing access to foreshore amenities”.

Existing access to the leisure amenities for recre ational use at Doolin Pier will be maintained but enhanced bathing areas will not be provided, Leahy outlined. A proportion of carparking spaces will be dedicated to EV

charging, he said. “The facility will include a small retail outlet for food and beverage, and retail goods. It is important to note that this would be a ‘Grab & Go’ retail model, the intention for which would be to provide visitors with light refreshments and basic necessities. This offering would complement rather than replace the hospitality of local businesses and producers,” Leahy added.

Acting senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John Corry advised that “the Doolin Enhancement Strategy ,2019 can help inform pedestrian and cycle access between Doolin Pier and Fisher St and the wider Doolin village. The West Clare MD will also arrange to review any necessary upkeep works at the Old Pier”.

Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy told the meeting that €465,000 in project development funding was granted to Doolin Pier in 2019, “the greatest progress was made when our Municipal District got involved locally”. Where scope doesn’t presently exist, it needs to be brought in or expanded, Cllr Garrihy stressed.

Garrihy continued, “when it was left to the project management office I felt it was not pushed”. He noted the “massive” investment of multi-million euros by a ferry company operating out of Doolin Pier, “when something is working you keep investing in it, keep people in Doolin”. A refocus is needed “at the bigger picture to benefit the entire area,” he stated.

Happy Days for Ennistymon Choral Society

IT’S almost showtime in Ennistymon with tickets on sale for a new musical comedy, writes Páraic McMahon

Ennistymon Choral Society are taking to the stage once again, this time with a brand new show, Happy Days - the New Musical Comedy.

Beginning on Wednesday April 10th, the show will run right through to Sunday April 14th, each show begins at 8pm except on Sunday when the curtains will be drawn at 6pm.

Tickets go on sale from Thursday (April 4th) at The Red Shop on the main street in Ennistymon, they will be available from 11am to 2pm or alternatively you can phone 0892065822 to book tickets.

Emma-Jane Browne, secretary of Ennistymon Choral Society explained, “This is a show for everybody, a classic family musical with fantastic music by Paul Williams and a script based on the American TV classic, Happy Days. With returning characters such as the Fonz,

Richie Cunningham and Pinky Tuscadero, this show will have you dancing and moving all night long”.

Recently the group held its last rehearsal in the CBS building. “The relationship between the society and the school has been decades long, with rehearsals taking place there for nearly 40 years and before that in the Convent junior school and CBS primary school.

“We would like to thank all CBS principals and caretakers down through the years for their kindness. A special thanks to M. Lyons and Stephen Shepard for the most recent years.

“There is so much history and legacy tied to the building, and we are so lucky to have founding members of the society still with us, as we forge new relationships and history with Ennistymon Community School. Thank you to everyone involved over the last 51 years, and here is to many more”.

l Ennistymon Choral Society

Ennis Players promise 90 minutes of sassy women in Steel Magnolias production

ENNIS Players is thrilled to present ‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harling, with rehearsals well underway for this four-night production.

Featuring Gillian Davis Dunphy as Truvy, Tara Monaghan as Shelby, Noreen O'Loughlin as Annelle, Sinéad Clancy as M'Lynn, Laura O'Brien as Clairee and Geraldine Greene as Ouiser, the story takes place in small-town Louisiana, in Truvy’s beauty salon.

This is where anyone who’s anyone goes to have her hair done but it’s also the place where gossip is exchanged, problems are resolved, and lifelong friendships are formed.

While Shelby 'would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special', Ennis Players promise ninety minutes of sharp, funny dialogue and strong, sassy women, while the story builds towards a deeply moving conclusion.

The production is generously sponsored by the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship, the first nationally recognised hairdressing qualification in Ireland. This apprenticeship was developed and is co-ordinated nationally by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board which, along with other collaborating ETBs, offer training for this award at three of its College

of FET campuses in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the ETB, Alan Hogan, FET Manager – Innovation, Development and Quality, said: “Given the setting of the play in a Louisiana hairdressing salon,

we are delighted to lend our support to this production through training workshops and advice to create a true salon experience on stage.”

Director, Bernie Harten says she

is delighted to work with such a committed cast on this wonderful script and is having great fun with the witty dialogue & strong characters. Speaking about the production, Bernie says “The cast, not only

have to create characters, but have also had to learn how to ‘do’ hair. Thankfully we could draw on the expertise of the Instructors from the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship to tutor Truvy & her own apprentice.

“We look forward to bringing this heart-warming story of true friendship through good times and bad, to our Ennis audience.”

Speaking about the event, Eddie McCourt, Chairperson of Ennis Players said “We are delighted to perform our full-length production of 'Steel Magnolias' and look forward to welcoming our Patrons, Friends and supporters to glór, where they will be treated to a wonderful night of high quality theatre”.

Over the years Ennis Players has helped raise over €90,000 for local and national charities through initiatives on opening night performances. This tradition will continue this year, the chosen beneficiary being Cahercalla Hospital.

Steel Magnolias will be staged in glór from Monday, April 15 to Thursday, April 18, nightly at 8pm. Tickets are €18 and €20, exclusive of booking fee, and are on sale now from glór box office (065-6843103) and www.glor.ie.

Early booking is advised, as this event is always very popular in the diary of Clare’s theatre audience.

Running for a cause: Volunteers bring hope to Uganda

THIS Summer, John Conroy will be joined on a volunteering mission to Uganda with seven Clare based volunteers – Michelle McNamara, Josephine Ryan, Fiona Gilligan, Lucy Galvin, Joanne Perill, Johnnie Tynan and Eugene Moroney.

The volunteers have a busy schedule this Summer where they will be supporting Hospice Jinja in providing therapies, exercises and supporting the staff in the day-to-day running of the Hospice.

Hospice Jinja is a beacon of hope for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. However like many charitable organisations, it relies heavily on donations.

A community united by compassion and a shared commitment to making a difference is gearing up for a special event – a 5Km run to support Hospice Jinja. This event not only serves as a powerful testament to the extraordinary impact that volunteers can have on global communities in need. The 5Km

run/walk isn’t just about the physical challenge, it’s about running with purpose, knowing that every step taken will contribute to the betterment of lives thousands of mile away. It’s a celebration of community and camaraderie.

After crossing the finish line, participants will gather for tea, coffee and hearfelt conversations – a chance to reflect on their collective impact and the lives they are touching through their generosity.

Through their efforts the volunteers, and participants of this event are not only embodying the values of compassion, empathy and community spirit. In a world where divisions often seem insurmountable, events like these remind us of the profound impact, we can have when we come together for a common cause.

This Summer in Uganda a new GAA Club will be founded named Nile Og Cusacks, where the Clare volunteers will be delivering coaching sessions to children from seven years

up. The volunteers will also be introducing Irish Dancing lessons to groups of children in the Jinja area of Uganda.

Since 2017 over 200,000 has been raised by Clare volunteers with all fundraising going directly to local based charities within Uganda, all flights and expenses are paid by the volunteers.

Frank and Siobhain Landy of SweetnGreen Ennis are sponsoring and organizing Friday weeks Family 5km Run/Walk.

The run/walk takes place on Friday 12th from Barefield Village with registration at Clare Crusaders Clinic at 7.30 pm with the Laura Minogue School of Dancers performing a dance exhibition prior to the race commencement.

Frank and Siobhain Landy of SweetnGreen Café Ennis are sponsoring the event with lots of nice treats being provided on the evening. Online Donation link https://www.gofundme. com/f/ugandan-charities.

Notes

FLEADH CHEOIL AN CHLAIR

Fleadh Cheoil an Chlair 2024 will take place in Ennis on June 8th, 15th and 16th. Entries close on Friday April 12th. Entry forms and further information can be found on www.clarecomhaltas. com or from Anne at 0872663718. There is also a Cairde Cheoil Music Inclusion competition for people for additional needs. This competition is confined to Clare residents and the age groups are under 12, under 18 and Adult. Competitors can sing a song, play a tune or tell a story. The Munster Fleadh takes place in Thurles with the All Ireland being held in Wexford in August.

ENNIS ALZHEIMER INFORMATION CAFÉ

BRIAN Mangan from Hidden Hearing will be the guest speaker at this month’s Ennis Alzheimer information café.

Continuing on the third Wednesday of each month in Cuan an Chlair, Cahercalla, the Ennis Alzheimer information and café promises tea and a chat while the guest speaker for this month is Brian Mangan of Hidden Hearing who will discuss hearing health and concerns.

For more information contact Linda Murphy 0879152151 or e-mail: linda. murphy@alzheimer.ie.

Communities across Galway scrub up for National Spring Clean

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HOUSEHOLDERS, schools, businesses and communities across Co

Galway are being encouraged to support the National Spring Clean campaign this April.

The annual initiative, spearheaded by An Taisce and supported by Galway County Council, is now in its 25th year and has seen an estimated 47,500 tonnes of litter removed from Irish streets, parks, and other areas by volunteers over the years.

Galway County Council is encouraging individuals and communities to register at www.nationalspringclean. org to ensure that this year’s campaign will be the most successful to date.

Cllr. Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “The

local volunteers who participate in National Spring Clean are invaluable to our county. The work done by volunteers demonstrates a fantastic community spirit and over the years the campaign has been hugely successful in combating litter and helping to keep our communities clean”.

“Supporting the National Spring Clean Campaign is part of our ongoing Anti-Litter Programme and Litter Management Plan to encourage everybody to be part of the drive to make our county litter-free,” explained Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

He continued, “We recognise the important role volunteers play in delivering our anti-litter programmes, and I want to thank all who take part in our many environmental initiatives

l CLEAN TEAM: At the launch of the National Spring Clean programme are (L-R) Rosanna McCamley of Oranmore Tidy Towns, Cathaoirleach County Galway Cllr. Liam Carroll; Rose Mary Finlay, Oranmore Tidy Towns; Laura Mullins and Mark Molloy Galway Co Co

Dr Greally wins global award for lifetime clinical excellence

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Dr Helen Greally, Director of Psychology and Support Services, Cancer Care West, has been awarded the Noemi Fisman Award for Lifetime Clinical Excellence by the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS).

Dr. Greally, originally from Clare but now living in Galway, is the first Irish person to be acknowledged by IPOS in their annual awards, inaugurated in 2003.

This honour will be presented to Dr. Greally at the 25th Annual IPOS World Congress in Maastricht, The Netherlands, September 2427 2024.

In her 40-year career to date, Dr. Greally has created and delivered psychological and psychosocial support services for hundreds of patients and their families and

influenced national policy to ensure excellent clinical services across Ireland.

She has also played a key role in developing an integrated patient pathway, so that when cancer patients complete active medical treatment they can access further help if they need it at their local cancer support centre.

Cancer Care West support centres in Galway and Letterkenny are very good examples of this model in action, where there are close links between the charity and the local hospitals.

Throughout her career, she has advocated strenuously for psychological services to be included in a holistic approach to cancer care, believing that this is critical to a patient’s ability to survive and thrive.

She has also consistently

sought to extend counselling and support services to the families of those with cancer, witnessing first-hand the trauma the diagnosis and treatment brings into each family it touches.

Dr. Greally is also the National Clinical Programme Lead for Psycho-Oncology at

the National Cancer Control Program.

This is a Directorate within the Health Service Executive (HSE) that works with health service providers and other partners to prevent and treat cancer as well as increase survival and quality of life for those who develop cancer. In particular, the NCCP is responsible for the implementation of the majority of the recommendations of the National Cancer Strategies.

Through her role in the NCCP, Dr. Greally was instrumental in securing funding for 44 psycho-oncology posts in psychology, psychiatry, social work, and nursing, hence building up the psycho-oncology workforce and capacity throughout the country.

throughout the year”.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services commented, “We look forward to supporting National Spring Clean again this year and we would encourage participation from across the county. The initiative enables litter picking campaigns, but it also highlights the litter problem and the benefits of eliminating litter to create cleaner and healthier communities”.

Registrations are being accepted on www.nationalspringclean.org and www. galway.ie.

Further information is available from the Environment Section of Galway County Council on 091509510 / environment@galwaycoco.ie.

Time for an interlude at Burren Art College

THE opening reception for the 2024 student exhibition at Burren College of Art takes place on Saturday, April 13, from 6-8pm in the Galleries and studios.

Interlude navigates the nuances of experience, interaction, memory, and materiality of place within the Burren. The exhibition serves as a testament to the transient nature of these interludes, inviting viewers to engage with the Burren’s essence through multifaceted layers of meaning and sensory immersion.

Exploring the concept of a ‘sense of place’, Erin Besch’s paintings depict an interplay of physical and emotional terrain. Each work signifies an engagement with the landscape, emphasizing liminal spaces characterized by perpetual change while echoing the fluidity of memory, encapsulating one’s experiences.

Phoebe Tohl’s installation invites the audience to come and take a seat at the table to ponder the existing relationships in the space while making time to be present, engaging and experiencing the place in unconventional ways. The relational sculptures are created in collaboration with the every-day, often non-art materials, offer a space for connection, conversation, and community building.

lSUSTAINABLE TRAVEL : Green Party Representative Bridget Ginnity

On yer bike to work

THE Cycle to Work scheme is 15 years old this year.

If you have never taken advantage of it, or it is more than 4 years since you did, it’s worth a fresh look at it to see if it can save you money. The scheme allows you to claim tax back at the top rate of tax up to certain limits, and these have been increased in recent years.

The limit is €3,000 for cargo/e-cargo bikes, €1,500 for pedelecs/e-bikes and €1,250 for standard bicycles. You can include a range of accessories such as helmets, hi-vis clothing, locks and lights in your purchase.

If you are taxed in the 40% tax band, you save between €500 and €1200, and half that if you pay 20% on your top

earnings.

It’s a relatively simple scheme to claim on but it is not just a question of handing in the receipt. Before you buy, ask your employer if they are signed up for the scheme and check how they operate it. Some have specific suppliers. Then you choose the bike and the bits and pieces you want and the employer pays the supplier directly.

Your employer sets up salary deductions over an agreed period of up to 12 months so that you repay the cost less your tax saving. Some employers even buy the bike for you and if they do, you are not taxed on benefit in kind.

The savings can be significant if you reduce your car usage, both financially and

with respect to you carbon emissions - and of course it makes sure you get a bit of exercise in the day. Cycling instead of driving even one day a week reduces your commuting fuel bill and emissions by 20% or about 150g CO2 for every km. Electric bikes can make a huge difference in the distance that is feasible. At present about 1% of commuters in Clare cycle to work, 2% go by public transport, 7% on foot and 88% by car or van. Perhaps a new bike would encourage you to cycle now and then.

See www.revenue.ie for more details on the Cycle to Work Scheme. Any questions, contact Bridget Ginnity.

Carrigaholt Castle sold for over €650k

CARRIGAHOLT Castle has been sold following an auction in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon

Managing Director of Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, Diarmuid McMahon confirmed that Carrigaholt Castle sold “considerably in excess of our guide price of €650,000”. He reported “active bidding from home and abroad” for the historic landmark along with the cottage, both of which are situated on seventeen acres in the Loop Head Peninsula. It had been privately owned but is under the protection of the Office of Public Works and National Monuments.

Built around 1480 by the MacMahons who were the last of the Gaelic chieftains to rule West Corca Baiscinn which is known today as Loop Head Peninsula. Fortunes of two families, the MacMahons and the O’Briens during the political and religious turbulence of Ireland, England and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries are reflected in the castle’s story. Both families descended from the High King of Ireland, Brian Ború Tadhg 'Caoch' was the last of the MacMahons, he was known for being rebellious against English colonisation and was eventually banished

from the castle at the end of the Tudor period. The MacMahons were succeeded by the O'Briens, who had a recent history of loyalty to the Crown.

The power struggle of the English Civil War between Parliament and the king led to the execution of King Charles I and the rise to power of Oliver Cromwell. He landed in Ireland in 1651 to quell widespread rebellion. Cromwell's forces took Carrigaholt Castle, but the O'Briens were reinstated after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.

In 1688, James II was deposed and fled to Ireland

where he had widespread support because of his pro-Catholic policies. In the ensuing military campaigns, William of Orange defeated James' army in Ireland. As a result, the O'Briens of Carrigaholt left for France in what is known as the Flight of the Wild Geese. The MacMahons and the O'Briens continued to fight with the French against the English, many having illustrious military careers. In 1697, the estate was granted to the Earl of Albermarle and quickly sold. The Burton Family acquired the castle and lived here until the end of the 19th century.

Tower houses like Carrigaholt Castle were very popular among the Irish gentry, they dot the landscape of rural Ireland. These small castles became common among the Gaelic chieftains. Over 3,000 were built, and there are the remains of 217 Gaelic tower houses in Co Clare. The tower house, a small portion of a much larger complex, has a steep base batter and is constructed of local flagstone in rough courses with limestone windows and doors.

The castle went through many architectural changes over the centuries. The main doorway to the east is under a pointed arch with a wide murder hole inside and a double sloping chute above the door-

way fed from the first floor. The ground floor contains a small vaulted chamber with two narrow loops on the E and N walls. The N and W walls have been built up with a brick shelving to serve as a wine store

To the south of the entrance hall is another vaulted chamber containing a wide circular stairwell and a narrow chamber to the east lit by a narrow loop. The spiral stairs were built of local flagstone.

The tower house contains two vaults, one over the ground floor and the second over the third floor. All the other floors were supported on beams resting on corbels.

One original beam remains in situ over the second floor.

Above the ground floor the tower house is lit by double light windows, but all the central mullions are missing. The wall over each window is supported on wooden lintels now badly rotten. These

Notes

IBTS CLINIC

may have been inserted in the 18th century to modernise the old tower. Much refurbishment in brick is evident throughout.

In recent years the fourth floor was repaired, it contains a fine limestone fireplace with the initials "DIB, 1603" carved on it (Daniel O'Brien). To the N.W. of this room, protruding from the castle wall, is a corner machicoulis, or bartizan, defending the north and west walls.

A sketch drawn in 1675 showed a large mansion attached to the western side of the tower at Carrigaholt. Tradition says that Lord Clare trained his dragoons in front of the castle, on a lawn, long since eroded by the water of the Shannon. The ghosts of that Lord, and those of his Dragoons, were supposed to traverse the west, in the stormy nights of winter and to disappear at dawn, into the surges, off Carrigaholt.

AN UPCOMING blood donation clinic will be held in Kilrush. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be holding a donation clinic on Wednesday April 10th in Kilrush Community School from 5pm to 8:20pm. New and existing donors are welcome. Appointments may be made by phoning 1800 222 111.

lCarrigaholt Castle

‘Hurling was his life’ - fundraiser in memory of Michael Hynes takes place in Whitegate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AFUNDRAISER

in memory of the late Michael Hynes takes place in Whitegate this Sunday.

On the third anniversary of Michael’s death, Whitegate GAA club will host two hurling matches, the four teams involved, Whitegate, Clare, Scariff Community College and the University of Limerick were all represented with distinction by Mikey during his promising hurling career. With his native Whitegate, Mikey was the freetaker for the side’s senior team, his absence has been keenly felt with the club since dropping down to intermediate. He captained Scariff Community College to All-Ireland C glory in 2018 and was joint captain for UL in 2022 when they tasted All-Ireland success in 2022, he was named man of the match in the college’s final win. Hynes played from Clare from U13 to minor level.

Hurlers from across the country will travel to Whitegate for the games with many of his UL teammates based in different parts of Ireland.

There will be an open draw to determine the pairings for the two games, the first commences at 4pm and the second at 5pm. Refreshments will be served after the matches in the clubhouse. His anniversary mass takes place on Sunday morning in Whitegate at 11am.

An online donation link is live with over €2,000 raised for Limerick Suicide Watch, all funds raised on the day will also go towards the volunteer group who patrol the River Shannon at night in Limerick City to identify and provide support to those in distress and who may be contemplating suicide. They also visit schools, colleges and communities to promote positive mental health and encourage conversation around mental health and suicide.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Michael’s father De-

clan expressed his hope that there would be a strong turnout on Sunday. He acknowledged Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating, Sean Mc-

Namara of Scariff Community College, Alan Murphy of UL, Tommy Guilfoyle and Fiachra Donnellan for their assistance in organising the

teams.

Cathy Kelleher who is on the backroom team of the Clare U20 hurlers is an active volunteer with Limerick Suicide Watch, her contribution was highlighted by Declan.

“We want to remember Michael, hurling was his life, we are grateful to all the people who have supported us over the last three years and we’re thankful to all the people that will come out and help us out on Sunday,” Declan added. “We wanted to remember Michael in all the different jerseys he got to play in and that was it really”.

Within the handball alley, Mikey also tasted success winning All-Irelands on strong Clare teams from U14 where his teammates included Mark Rodgers, Gary Cooney, Cian Minogue and Sean Murphy.

Declan noted, “The two greatest things in his life were hurling and handball, he also won two All-Irelands playing handball”.

Mikey’s sister Katie is currently based in Austra-

lia, while she will not be in Whitegate this weekend, Declan said she will be kept updated by his wife Annette and daughters Alison and Corinna with plenty of videos.

He confirmed that the for the third year, a Darkness into Light event will be held in Whitegate on May 11th.

Clare U20 hurling manager, Terence Fahy who was Mikey’s manager when he played senior hurling for Whitegate told The Clare Echo, “It will be a lovely way to remember a special fella who had a big impact on our club and on all our lives, it is lovely to see Mikey being remembered for this great cause”.

To make a donation to the fundraiser, scan this QR code with your camera phone.

The high price of remote working – are Digital Hubs in Clare accessible to all?

PROVIDING support for remote workers is key to regenerating our rural areas. Digiclare was set up in 2018 by Clare County Council as part of its Rural Development Strategy and runs digital hubs throughout Clare that support rural communities by providing flexible office facilities with highspeed broadband.

The digital hubs are based in eleven rural locations throughout Co. Clare in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Miltown Malbay, Feakle, Corofin, Cross, Kilkee, Sixmilebridge, Flagmount and Inagh, with plans to locate a Digihub at the Merriman Tavern in Scariff. The aim of the digital hubs is to support rural enterprises and the wider community by providing hot-desks, co-working spaces, and conference facilities – ideal for the remote worker or local resident who needs office space. Likewise,

they are a great facility for meeting rooms and for visitors who need connectivity.

Fumbally Exchange is a highly successful, community-led work space in Waterford. It is a beautiful space to work in, tastefully decorated with a warm and friendly atmosphere, which lends itself to collaborating and connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and business people.

A key difference between Fumbally Exchange in Waterford and the digital hubs in Clare is the price. You can hire a hot desk in Fumbally Exchange with a membership of €15 a month (€180 a year). In Digiclare’s digital hubs, it will cost you €10 a day, or a ‘discounted’ €40 a week. If we estimate usage of just 48 weeks, that’s over €1,900 per year. There is an annual pass for the Cliffs of Moher and other attractions in Clare; can we

not have a similar annual pass for digital hubs?

Given the current cost of living crisis, these County Council run digital hubs will become white elephants if the cost of using them is prohibitive to remote workers. Likewise, we need to focus on establishing them as community-focussed hubs, linking up with social enterprises like Grow Remote who lead local chapters of remote workers, connect people socially and create employment locally.

Initiatives like Digiclare’s digital hubs are a wonderful addition to our communities, but we must not make their use prohibitive on price, and we need to be creative in ensuring they are used effectively.

PICTURED: Fiona Levie at the Feakle Hub

l The late Michael Hynes in action for Whitegate Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Stronger focus needed on making Ennis first climate adaptive town

by Páraic McMahon

STRONGER focus needs to be placed on making Ennis the first climate adaptive town in the country, as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy.

Greater priority needs to be given to the goal of the Ennis 2040 strategy which aspires for the county town to become Ireland’s first climate adaptive town, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) maintained.

In a proposal before Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, he cited six guiding principles from the economic and spatial strategy which Clare County Council has drawn down a €10m loan for to establish the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company.

Development of a distinctive Ennis, the promotion of a high quality of life, health and well-being, maximising the opportunities offered by Clare’s scenic landscape, building a resilient and adaptable economy, establishing Ennis as a climate adaptive leader and the completion of an appropriate assessment, strategic environmental assessment and strategic flood risk assessment were all referenced by Cllr Murphy. He asked Ennis MD to request that “priority is given to developing ‘Ireland’s First Climate Adaptive Town’ by working with the natural environmental assets of Ennis. This can be achieved by prioritising development at the Post Office Field, Clareabbey Wetlands and Enterprise Area and the Roche Opportu-

nity Site”.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan in his response reminded elected members that the recently adopted Clare Climate Action Plan 20242029 “supports Ennis’s ambition to become ‘Ireland’s First Climate Adaptive Town’ and includes several actions that will over the lifetime of the plan directly and indirectly contribute towards this ambition”.

Such actions include supporting the wetland project in Ennis, increasing resilience to flooding in Ennis, advancing sustainable transportation in Ennis through EV Charging Infrastructure, Active Travel and Public Transport, Lenihan advised. “Regarding the Post Office Field proposal, the motion is timely in that the public consul-

tation relating to same is currently being planned with the precise details to be advertised later in the week”. A behind-closed-doors briefing for Ennis MD members on plans for the Post Office Field is to be arranged.

Support and focus to make Ennis a “climate leader” needs to become visible, Cllr Murphy told the meeting. “This notice of motion is aimed at bringing us together to support the theme of Ennis 2040 which shouldn’t prove to be as divisive, this is one we can win on and bring us together”.

Public consultation for the Post Office Field is “imminent,” the Clarecastle representative noted and he predicted that the development of the Roche site in his native parish would be “a big help for jobs”. He added, “we have an opportunity to lead as a wellbeing team and give Ennis town a kickstart”.

Belief in “the climate approach and that there is an awful lot of opportunity that can be brought in,” was voiced by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “It is an opportunity and one that I’m excited about it, health and well-being is very much part of the high quality of life”.

“We have to have a vision for how Ennis is going to look into the future, we’ve spoke with the schools

and the young people, they don’t want to be dependent on the car so lifestyle and how we live our lives is central to that,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) commented.

Current Ennis MD representatives may not be around in years to come “but it is important to leave a legacy,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked. “What is proposed is a raised boardwalk which will allow more enjoyment of the field, we know that is just the beginning,” she said of the Post Office Field which she labelled as “the lungs of Ennis”. Plans from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan (GP) to clamp down on city-centre parking were referenced by the Quin native, “let’s hope this is a carrot to encourage people to park further away and walk through the town”. She added, “We’re ahead of the posse so we won’t have to use sticks, we’ll have carrots thanks to the special purpose vehicle which is Ennis 2040”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said he had been listening to potential plans for the Post Office Field for the last forty five years “and nothing has happened. I’d love to see seating there, more walking and a lake”.

Support for the motion was also voiced by both Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND).

Paul Murphy

Photo by Eamon Ward

paraic@clareecho.ie

‘Like the lost mile between Ennis & Inagh’

EFFORTS are underway to provide a bus stop at Kilnamona Cross, writes Páraic McMahon

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) tried to get the wheels moving in getting a bus stop for Kilnamona Cross by encouraging the local authority to communicate with Local Link bus service. Senior engineer, Séan Lenihan said he would also flag the matter with the National Transport Authority (NTA). “Members will be aware that the existing 331 Bus Service operates to and from Ennis, through Inagh and onto the North Clare towns of Ennistymon and Ballyvaughan. Currently, there isn’t any official Bus Stop provided for at Kilnamona but I am happy to raise this request with both Local Link and the National Transport Authority (NTA)”.

Having began her canvass for the 2024 local elections in Kilnamona, Cllr Colleran Molloy said she met three young mothers at different locations who have teenage children working in Lahinch and Ennis during the summer months “and they would

love to be able to walk down to a bus stop”.

She continued, “Nothing is happening, it is like there is a lost mile between Ennis and Inagh for the next stop”. The Ballybeg resident

felt a stop at Kilnamona Cross would be of assistance to persons going in to do their shopping or those looking to have a drink in town.

Local Link are “doing a great job in providing a taster for the town

bus service,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) maintained. She said she is meeting an increasing amount of people who approach her in Ennis to say they got into town for €1 thanks to the bus. “It is great to see the change

in mindset, they are doing a super job, the more people on buses to get into the town centre the better,” she added.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) told the meeting he made a quick call to Cillian Griffey, Local Link’s transport co-ordinator for Clare “who is known to me, he said they are open to it but there are health and safety concerns at Kilnamona Cross, they are open to exploring it further”.

Improvements in connectivity are to be welcomed, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said but flagged, “I’m also conscious of the taxi industry and the element we need to protect, there is a balance to be got”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented, “It is obvious they should stop in Kilnamona, when it comes to hurling Inagh and Kilnamona are amalgamated, maybe former Cllr James Breen might have a bit of land to provide”.

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Colleran Molloy said, “The more people that use it the better. I’d imagine the safety issues can be overcome”.

l TRANSPORT: Local Link

Thought for the week: A hug does wonders

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY ‘H

UGGIE’ is the nickname I often call one of my best friends. Every time I meet them, before ever a word is spoken, I know they are glad to see me and that they care about me. Why? Because of the warmth of their hug! For me, one of the ways I sense God or become aware of His presence in my life is through other people.

Hugging is part of that awareness. To me genuine hugs spell love, compassion, friendship, generosity, kindness, warmth, reliability, patience and real-love, Gods-Love. ‘God’s love’ is not just romantic love, it’s much more than that, it is a never-ending series of positive, creative, affirming, loving, caring, challenging, forgiving, healing and protecting feelings and actions whose purposes are to promote our sense of well-being for ourselves and others and helps us to be aware of how God feels lovingly and warmly towards us.

GOD’S HUG

Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son who left his father, taking his half of the inheritance prematurely. He squandered all he had and came back in humiliation, desperate, hoping that his father would allow him to live as a servant in the house. How did his father greet him? He hugged him hard. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15.20).

That was a hug that was wonderful and probably the best hug in all of the gospels. He expected he might be allowed back as a servant and the hug told him he was accepted as a son. That was a hug that brought comfort and an assurance of being loved. That was a hug from God.

HUGS

A hug is a part of that purpose of being loved and is a powerful means of communication. It is made up, not only of parted arms, but also of eyes, which sparkle or weep,

eyes, which are full of tenderness, acceptance, humour, forgiveness, love, caring, kindness and compassion. Many people speak the language of hugs, especially children.

I remember the hugs from orphaned and abandoned children in Africa recently and also the many I worked for and with in many parts of Africa and Asia and Eastern Europe over the years and the unspoken words of love and appreciation in their hugs is a memory I will never forget. Hugs transform the faces of all people, giving them charm, grace and a beautiful radiance. Such hugs portray the presence of love. They pour into others a portion of that love.

Love changes people and it encourages them.

So let us remember that love comes from God and that ‘Gods Love’, similarly, pours courage and strength into us. I want to share these powerful words of this beautiful plaque I copied that really touched my heart. I saw this hanging on the wall of a coffee shop recently. “Take care of each other, Be kind with your words, Don’t hold grudges, Laugh each day, Be yourself, Have a sense of humor, Take responsibility, Have direction , Embrace differences, Learn from your mistakes, Hug a lot, Respect each other, Be grateful, Show compassion, But above all love each other! Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith.”

A WONDERFUL THING

There is a saying that goes, ‘A hug costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive it, without making those who give poorer. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a hug. Give them one of yours, as no one needs a hug so much as he or she who has no more to give.’

A hug is a wonderful thing. It’s a marvelous gift to share. It’s a grand way to say; I care. I love you. I need you. A hug communicates support, security, affection, unity, friendship and belonging.

A hug shows compassion, brings delight, charms the senses and touches the soul. A genuine hug gives friendship, eases pain, reduces stress, cures depression, induces sleep and rejuvenates the heart. Another prayer that my Nana Scully kept in her prayerbook when she was alive reads, ‘Hugging is infectious, you catch it like the flu, when someone hugged me today, I started hugging too. A single hug, just like mine, could travel around the earth. So if you feel a hug is needed, give it, don’t leave it undetected. Let’s start an epidemic quickly, and get the world infected!’

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for this week, see what your hug does for you. You might find that you should hug more often and that the power of a hug will do wonders for you and for others. No matter whether you’re the sender or receiver, hugs touch your inner being and soul. From friends, to family, to loved ones, to neighbours to those in need; a hug warms the cockles of the heart and soul. A hug is truly amazing. It brings blessings to those who give and joy to those who receive. Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms.

So, stretch out your arms to someone this week, especially to those in need. Reach out to those you love. It will warm the heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient. Reach out to your neighbor. It will show that you

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,

Clare's transport links are part of the national infrastructure and closure of Clare's arterial railway between Ennis and Limerick is unacceptable, especially as this breakdown comes at the start of our new holiday season. It is not good enough for the authorities to be passing the blame from one to the other. This must be seen as a national issue. If we accept the reality of climate change the need for a reliable Limerick-Ennis railway is obvious.

The flooding at Ballycar was predicted. This is the second prolonged stoppage in four years. We cannot allow another stoppage as people will lose confidence in the service. That must not happen if we are to keep Clare's transport more sustainable.

What we see at Ballycar would make Percy French rise up from his grave and write another comic song. The fastest growing railway service in the country is being made to look like the West Clare railway of old where it was wet turf that caused the problems. We cannot accept this failure because we won't allow Clare to be left behind.

Denis Vaughan, Ennistymon

care. Reach out to someone in need. It will show that you are responsible. Reach out to the world. It will show God that you care for His creation. A genuine hug is a light in the window of the soul, indicating that the heart is at home.

God gave us arms to hug so that we would see that the world needs that aura to lighten the darkness of iniquity and inequality that we live in today. A day without a hug is a day wasted. It can penetrate the soul and release good into the world. It can make friends of strangers. It can bring friends closer together. It can bridge the generation gap. It can fill the heart with love.

Give someone a genuine hug this week and if you see me, my arms are always open for one, for God knows we all need one!! Let’s start a hugging epidemic!! I’m giving you a spiritual hug today through my thoughts for this week, because I know we could all use more hugs these days. I ask that you please share this thought for the week with anyone you believe needs some extra love or a spiritual hug today. Let them know that you care about them by sharing this with them. We are the hands and mouth of God. When we show love and support for one another we are doing the work of our Creator. The love that has been shown to you, you are sharing with others. Go ahead. Give a spiritual hug or a real hug of love to someone today. Have an amazing week! Consider yourself hugged!

Beidh Oirthear an Chláir ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh

Slí na mBeaglaoich, TG4, 21:30, Dé Domhnaigh, 7ú Aibreán

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

LEANAIGÍ Breanndán agus Cormac Ó Beaglaoich ar a dturas ceoil ina gcampervan, ''Beauty'', ó Iarthar Chiarraí, go Luimneach agus as sin go hOirthear an Chláir / Follow Breanndán and Cormac Begley on a musical journey in their beloved campervan, ''Beauty''. In this episode they leave West Kerry and travel to Limerick, and into East Clare.

LAOCH AR LÁR

Tá ár gcara ildánach as Leitir Mealláin i gConamara, Maidhc Phoppy Mac Donnacha, imithe ar shlí na fírinne. Céad slán leat a chomrádaí!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter

Imeachtaí/Events:

muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@ gmail.com

l Go ndeána

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

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

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

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

Dia grásta ar anam Mhaidhc Phoppy Mac Donnacha

lHugs

10th Clare Garden Festival brings Food from the Garden Gardening

THE popular Clare Garden Festival - which takes place annually since 2013 at Ennis Showgrounds - celebrates its 10th anniversary this year (minus Covid years) and invites visitors to join into the celebration as usual on the last Sunday of this month, April 28.

“I am very pleased to congratulate Clare Garden Festival and its organisers Carmen Cronin and Clare Agricultural Show society on their 10th anniversary on behalf of both myself and Ennis Municipal District,” said Deputy Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Johnny Flynn.

He continued, “I have fond memories of attending the launch of the first Garden Festival in 2013 and the excitement of the first festival filling up the Showgrounds then like it does now and being ever relevant, important and fun both then, now and into the future.”

The big celebration will see the festival blossom with more gardening and en-

tertainment, much of it to be revealed in the coming weeks. Clare Garden Festival wants to inspire the people of Clare and beyond to grow their own healthy food and to enjoy gardening for their health and wellbeing.

“At this year’s 10th anniversary festival, we are offering a exciting, educational Food from the Garden trail supported by Healthy Ireland and presented by inspirational expert speakers – including TV gardeners Kitty Scully and Michael Kelly of GIY – as well as talks, masterclasses and demonstrations by exciting local and national Expert gardeners,” said festival manager Carmen Cronin.

“We want to showcase and communicate that growing our own vegetables and fruit means knowing exactly where our food is coming from and saving resources for ourselves and our planet.”

This message is at the core of the Healthy Clare ‘Community Food and Health’

initiative to improve health and wellbeing by building capacity in Clare for growing, cooking and eating well.

“Gardening is such a wonderful hobby for body and mind. Think of all the wondering Health and Wellbeing benefits to be had when spending time out in the

garden in the fresh air and enjoying the fruit of your efforts when sitting at the dining table sharing food.”

Said Healthy Clare Coordinator Sam McCarthy. She continued by saying: “Why not take up the challenge this year to grow your own summer salad. Growing our own

vegetables is something that everyone can do if you have some space, time and gentle patience to watch seedlings turning into meals.”

The festival taking place on the last Sunday in April will returned with its huge Garden, Plant, Craft & Food Fair this year with over 75 stalls

from all over Ireland. It will be featuring an impressive range of local, national and international Garden Experts speaking on its main stage all-day. There will be 3 Masterclasses this year, 4 Demonstrations and 2 Workshops for young and old. The full programme and booking for the Masterclasses is now available on the festival website.

Clare Garden Festival is running in partnership with Co Clare Agricultural Show Society and is held annually at Ennis Showgrounds this year on Sunday, 28th April. The festival is proudly supported by Fruithill Farm, Bord Bia, Clare County Council, Healthy Clare, Visit Caherhurley Nursery, Clare Echo, Ennis Municipal District, Pobal and LCDC. For more information see our website www.claregardenfestival.com and for regular update join us on Facebook or Instagram @ claregardenfestival.

Tips for 1st week in April

We are now in a bask of fantastic colour I thinks it just wonderful to see all the different shrubs, perennials blooming.

The Aquilegia flower is just one example it is tall and thin with a bell like shape flower. Its commonly known as grannies bonnet - it’s the flower that keeps giving and comes in a few shades of pink and blues mostly, and it can self-seed.

Armeria, commonly known as sea thrift, is another example of a perennial that can self-seed. It’s a lovely pink/white flower, not too tall with flowers like mini balls good rockery and its evergreen.

Primula come in many forms - we have low growing ones and ones with a tall stem and a cluster of flowers these are primula elatior commonly known as cowslips and have a lovely scent and very pleasing to the eye.

So if you want a pop of colour and like the idea of them coming

back next year above are only just a taste of what available in the perennial line call in to see the full range. The ground is still a bit wet so many have started their vegetable garden in the tunnel and have transplanted into containers and these can be transfer out in another few weeks. If this sounds like something you would like to try here are some vegetables that are very successful in grown in con tainers. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Onions, Strawberries Tomatoes Peppers.

Most vegetable can be grown in container these are just some to name if you are unsure pop in and we help you choose.

Have a fantastic week.

l The Aquilegia flower, commonly known as grannies bonnet; (above inset) Armera, a perennial that can self-seed and (inset left) the Primula which have a lovely scent

Lifestyle

In February, a lovely lady contacted me because she was looking for solutions to support her teenage daughter in navigating the effects of digestive discomfort that started to cause trouble for the 17 year old, who was becoming more and more isolated and anxious.

My enthusiast and passionate self said yes with no hesitation. Of course, I can help anyone who is willing to change their eating habits to feel better and enjoy life.

But what I didn’t see coming was the commitment and determination in that young lady that blew my mind away. And the amount of other teenagers and teens that followed suit.

This young lady was suffering lately, from what is called IBS symptoms but very directly related to certain foods and creating the vicious cycle of digestive issues – anxiety – digestive issues that create the fear of leaving the house because you don’t feel the world safe enough for you. It is probably rooted in the first lockdown and now we see the effects of what moving on a 90% digital version of our model of the world and our hybrid lifestyle really did to us.

After my first talk with both, herself and her mom, we decided to proceed with coaching around food and doing an elimination diet to help us to realise what are the triggers that cause the digestive discomfort. A very important element in this was for me to ensure that the mom was on board, and we can team up in supporting the young lady. The

teaming up element in the coaching practice is vital when it comes to these situations. To make sure that you are supported as a parent is essential, because there are moments when only tough love and unconditional support are the only magic pills that moves the needle. When I say tough love, this means that you show compassion to your teenager without translating that into losing authority or showing love and compassion without translating that into buying and storing sweet

lady was very lucky to have one of those amazing mothers who understood that, and her healing journey began very soon after they left my practice.

Two months later, on a Thursday afternoon I got a message from the young lady who was by no means heavily overweight: “I fitted into a pair of pants that would not go over my bum 2 years ago when I got them for Christmas, and I am super proud of that”. Let’s make it clear that this lady didn’t come to me with a

treats in the house at a time when your teen goes to implementing new healthy eating habits. It takes more than buying treats to be a supportive parent, and I know that deeply inside you, you know that. This lovely young

weight issue, the issues were 100% digestive symptoms dismissed by her GP or attempted to be treated with anxiety medication by the medical care provider without any attempt of addressing food choices, vaping, or any other

lifestyle factors.

Was it easy? Only the young lady and I know how many messages in between us to make sure that she gets the support and the motivation she needed to stick with her goal and to implement the healthy habits. That is what a coach does. Sticks by when things are getting harder, and you are ready to give up.

But after a week of sticking to a clean meal plan and stopping using the food as an emotional crutch to support your nervous system and replace that with mindfulness, the results started to show up. No cramps after you eat “anything at all” or diarrhoea “out of the blue” when you leave the house. In two-three weeks, her facial skin started to clear, and the effects of a cleaner diet and reduced sugar intake paid off. Things got much easier.

Another thing that I didn’t see coming were the rest of the teenagers that followed her because they noticed the changes. I started to realise that there is a beautiful category of people around us that need my support: parents of teenagers. I am here happy to walk you through and walk with you and your teenager towards a brighter, happier, and calmer life. It takes a team. And I am here to create one with you.

You have the unconditional love, I have the scientific evidence and the expertise of successful parenting and coaching and your teenager has the youth as the biggest advantage that makes a perfect recipe for success: info@authentichealth.ie for booking your for discovery call.

REFLEXOLOGY is a safe and natural therapy that can restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. The body has an amazing natural ability to heal itself and for me this is the main reason behind my passion for reflexology. By inducing relaxation in the body reflexology can aid with sleep issues.

Reflexology activates a bundle of nerves called the vagus nerve system which induces a relaxation response in the body leading to a combination of powerful health benefits. Anything that connects with the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a dynamic state of balance and encourages it to heal itself naturally. Consistent quality sleep is possible when the body is encouraged to relax,

rest and digest. Working on the pineal gland reflex point on the feet, found on the big toe, helps to balance the release of the hormone melatonin which enhances sleep. The solar plexus and spine reflex points also aid with sleep issues as they focus on deep relaxation and tension release. Sleep is made up of sleep cycles and within each cycle there are four distinct sleep stages. A sleep cycle lasts on average about 90 minutes but some can be as long as 120 minutes. A good night’s sleep is made up of about four to six sleep cycles. The four sleep stages start with the ‘dozing off’ stage one, which is the light sleep at the beginning where you are easily woken up.

This is followed by stage two, where the quality of

sleep deepens as the body temperature drops and breathing and heart rate slow down. The length of this stage fluctuates throughout the night. Stage three is referred to as deep sleep as the body relaxes even further and the brain activity is characterized by delta waves (or short-waves). This stage is a significant restorative time as the body heals tissues and grows new cells. It also has a chance to enhance cardio health, boost the immune system, balance blood pressure rates and give the brain a chance to re-charge.

After the body reverses like a pendulum through the first three stages of sleep, the body enters stage four known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or dream sleep. This is the stage for dreaming but it’s also involved in

essential cognitive functions which support brain health, memory and creative think ing. As the night goes on, the REM stage gets longer and generally takes up one quarter of your night’s sleep usually deep ening in the mid dle or later sleep cycles.

Along with reflexology, other factors that will improve sleep are atmosphere and environment so things to consider are light ing, sound and temperature.

To book a reflexology treatment contact Lorraine at 087 6595417 or check out www.glenina-reflexology.ie for more details and a full price-list.

WHEN it comes to arthritis management, the pursuit of effective and holistic treatments is an ongoing journey.

Among the many options available, hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT) stands out as a promising avenue for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, offering a natural approach that addresses inflammation and pain at their core.

Arthritis, characterised by joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain, can significantly impair one's quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. However, the emergence of HBOT as a complementary therapy has opened new doors for those seeking relief from the relentless grip of arthritis.

In simple terms, HBOT works by giving your body extra oxygen in a pressurised environment. Under these conditions oxygen is delivered to areas that would generally be deprived of oxygen due to the chronic inflammation that arthritic conditions cause. This helps your body heal itself better. By flooding

tissues with high concentrations of oxygen, HBOT helps modulate inflammation, mitigating the swelling and pain associated with arthritis. This natural anti-inflammatory action provides patients with a holistic alternative to conventional medications, minimising the risk of adverse side effects.

Testimonials from individuals like Loretta, a client of OxyGeneration, underscore the transformative potential of HBOT in managing arthritis. Loretta's journey towards improved health and vitality serves as a testament to the efficacy of this treatment. Following her sessions at OxyGeneration, Loretta experienced significant pain relief and increased energy levels, enabling her to reclaim aspects of her life that were once overshadowed by arthritis.

“As a patient of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, I find the winters in the West of Ireland to be particularly difficult. The wet and damp climate plays havoc with my joints, causing more pain and less mobility. After starting my treatment with OxyGeneration, I am happy to report

a big improvement in my health. I suppose at first, I was a little apprehensive and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But even after my first session, I knew my breathing had improved. Normally climbing stairs was a big effort for me, puffing and panting with one step at a time. Now I can walk up with ease. My sleeping pattern has also improved. I’m now having pain-free nights. After five sessions, I was delighted to have a long walk on the promenade in Salthill - my first walk in months. I am now able to walk 1 mile every day. It’s a super facility on our doorstep. I can highly recommend it for young and old.”

Loretta's account echoes the sentiments of many others who have benefited from HBOT. Enhanced mobility, reduced pain, and improved sleep quality are just some of the tangible outcomes reported by clients of OxyGeneration and similar facilities offering HBOT services. The ability to engage in activities once hindered by arthritis represents a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment for individuals seeking relief.

To begin on your own journey towards arthritis relief and enhanced well-being, reach out to Jennifer at

OxyGeneration to schedule a consultation. Call 091-394444 or email info@oxygeneration.com.

IN MODERN times, most of us are living in a constant state of stress.

Our bodies and nervous systems have been taught by society to exist and move through the world in a state of fight or flight. Unfortunately, our nervous system doesn't know the difference between real danger, when fight or flight is necessary in order to keep us alive, and the danger we think we are in when we get a strongly worded email.

We produce adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormones) in order to fight for our survival, and there are long lasting effects when those stress hormones are produced unnecessarily on a continuous basis.

Over time this can cause inflammation in the body and have negative effects on us both physically and emotionally. So, how can we avoid becoming sick and run down because of our busy, stressful lives? Well, it is almost impossible to completely avoid stress, but there are things we

can do to recover from it. To counteract the inflammatory effects the stress hormones have had on our bodies. An amazing way to do this is by going for energy healing, and Reiki is a beautiful and

gentle kind of energy healing with powerful results.

I now work as a holistic practitioner, but I fell in love with energy healing and complimentary therapies in my early twenties. I suffered

massively with anxiety and panic attacks.

I did a lot of talk therapy which definitely helped, but I couldn't shake the feeling of the heaviness in my chest and the physical reaction my

body would have every time I got anxious or stressed, and just talking about it wasn’t ridding me of that feeling.

I will never forget the first time I received Reiki. I was 21, and not really that interested in going. But my anxiety and panic attacks were at their peak.

I wasn’t paying much attention to what the therapist did, but I knew she was working with my body.

At the end of the session when I sat up off the table, I felt a weight had been lifted off me. I couldn't believe how different I felt. When I sat back into the car, my Mam told me I looked different. It was like someone finally understood what I meant when I described how I said I had anxiety. It wasn't just thoughts or something in my head, it was deep down in my body. And she had helped me relieve some of that.

Fast forward 8 years, and a long and winding road to get to where I am now, I now try to help other people relieve stress and anxiety by using

Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing technique. Reiki is used to promote overall healing and wellbeing by clearing your energy and removing any blocks or congestion you may be holding in your energy system. Reiki is for everybody. Whether you are stressed, ill, having mental health issues, or simply want to relax and let go. It helps you to move stuck energy that may be preventing your inner peace. It helps you find what might be the cause of physical and emotional symptoms and work through them to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

I have seen incredible results with this healing technique. Most of the time after a session, my clients will say that they can’t describe or understand why, but they feel lighter and like a weight has been lifted. And to hear that is so rewarding for me, because I remember that exact feeling when I had my first session all those years ago, and how it was the first step in my healing.

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John Gavin leads charge as Energywise expands in Clare and Midwest

CELEBRATING fifteen years in business, Energywise Ireland has established itself as a frontrunner in the renewable energy sector.

With a renowned reputation for high quality renewable energy solutions, Energywise Ireland provides an extensive suite of services that include comprehensive grant assistance, heat pump installations, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and advanced ventilation systems.

Their state-of-the-art showroom, featuring the latest in renewable energy technology, is open for exploration, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable living solutions.

The innovative company are thrilled to welcome John Gavin as the new Business Development Executive based in Co Clare.

John Gavin, with a robust 20-year tenure in business development, particularly in the agricultural sector, brings to the table a deep understanding of the nuances of rural business dynamics.

His impressive career includes a significant stint as General Manager at Forcefield Active Technology Ltd, where he was integral in the national distribution of electric fence energisers and accessories.

Moreover, his tenure as Sales Liaison Manager at Kerry Agribusiness underpins his expertise in advising on animal nutrition, soil fertility, and sustainable farming practices — a testament to his commitment to environmental stewardship, further solidified by a certification in sustainable agriculture from MTU Tralee.

John's appointment marks a pivotal moment for Energywise Ireland as it continues to expand its footprint across Clare, Limerick, and Galway, reinforcing the myriad benefits of renewable energy solutions to a diverse clientele, including homeowners, commercial entities, and the farming community.

John is particularly passionate about empowering farmers to significantly diminish their carbon emissions and achieve notable energy cost reductions. Highlighting the lucrative TAMs grant, John underscores the opportunity for farmers to secure a 60 per cent grant on solar PV systems.

Furthermore, homeowners stand to benefit from 0 per cent VAT on solar panels and a grant up to €2,100, complemented by a €300 grant for electric charger installation, enhancing the accessibility and appeal of sustainable energy solutions.

Commercial properties are not left behind, with attractive grant opportunities and free site surveys aimed at uncovering potential for substantial energy savings through solar PV technology.

Energywise Ireland, with a legacy of excellence in solar PV system installations and a dedication to superior service, invites you to explore the transformative power of renewable energy solutions. John Gavin is on hand to discuss these opportunities, promising unparalleled service and expertise.

For a future where sustainability and innovation converge, contact John Gavin at 087 4503721 or via email at jgavin@ewil.ie.

Burren businesses triumph in Munster at Irish Restaurant Awards

SIX businesses from the Burren Ecotourism Network brought home titles at the Munster final of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The event which is in its 15th year, had over 160,000 nominations submitted to the Irish Times website.

The winners from the Burren included Russells, part of the Fiddle + Bow Collection, won two awards; Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine and Employee Excellence Award; Homestead Cottage Doolin secured the Best Newcomer award and Chef Robbie McCauley was acknowledged with the Best Chef award; St. Tola Irish Goat Cheese was honoured as the Local Food Hero; Glas Restaurant Doolin at Hotel Doolin clinched the Innovator of the Year award; Vaughans

Anchor Inn won the Best Gastro Pub award; and Linnane's Lobster Bar was Awarded Best Casual Dining.

Regional and All Ireland Winners will be revealed at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin 4 in May.

Wider range of grants.

Grant values deducted from the cost of works upfront.

THIS is the first part in series of articles where Elaine Ryan shares her insights into HR Management & employment legislation.

Human resources management and trends have come into considerable scrutiny over the last few decades and is ever changing making being an employer stressful and expensive at times. Today, we find ourselves in a world where it is no longer an option to be unaware or not take into consideration the many implications and ramifications it entails.

Once you decide to be an employer, or are an employer, you have to take into consideration compliance. There is a lot of legislation that one needs to navigate around in regard to this matter. This is where we, Elaine Ryan and Associates Ltd, come in. From a HR consultancy point of view, we have worked with companies that have just one employee up to over

500 employees. Whether you have one or five hundred, your obligations under employment law is to ensure compliance. This means if you are taking someone on, within 5 days you have the 5 Day Statements that you have to give out if you are not issuing the contract straight away. You have to ensure that you issue the contract within 2 months of an employee starting. Having said that, contracts can be tricky but easily navigated by an experienced eye. There are various criteria that has to be met on the contract. What I notice and what people say to me is, “Ah sure, I’m grand. I only have 2 or 3 employees.” I don’t need to give a contract. That is the norm and a common feedback that I get a lot. This brings home my point that whether you have 1 or a hundred employees, compliance must be met. A number of businesses in the last few weeks reached out because

they are becoming an employer for the first time and hiring their first employee.

My role as consultant is to tailor services to suit our client’s business needs and budgets. There are many areas we can assist you with. Let’s dive in a little into new legislations and the ever changing employment law. From the onset, you need to decide what kind of employer/ manager you want to be. Know how you intend to handle matters such as psychological safety, conflict, bullying and harassment, sexual harassment in the workplace, to name a few. The best way to do this is to have a staff handbook that provides you, the employer, with policies and procedures to handle such matters.

Many businesses that I work with, are innocently enough found to be non-compliant. Employment contracts, job specifications, a handbook with your company

policies and procedures are a must if you have employees. This is to protect your business and to ensure your employee(s) know & understand what their entitlements and rights are. We will draft and provide you with the required documentation to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

At Elaine Ryan and Associates Ltd, as we predominantly work onsite we find this serves our clients and their teams very well. We cross train and bring the skills in-house. We will tailor packages to suit your business needs; do a budget analysis, outline intentions and action plans, do a gap analysis. We are about people, culture and making change a great experience. There are many areas we will touch on in the coming weeks, but for now I want you thinking about (1) Do I know what I need to know on my compliance as an employer? If you are in any way doubtful

on that, connect with us to do a free audit. (2) How do I become compliant? (3) Am I thinking of hiring and do I even know how to go about it? If you are, then that is when you pick up the phone and we’ll talk you through it. Our methodology as I mentioned is to work on site, so we will come to you, meet the team and work in partnership based on your business needs. We are just a phone call away. If you are considering starting a business, we can scope out what that looks like together with all the practicalities that go with it. As an experienced NLP Executive, Business & Life coach, I will be able to help you formulate your ideas and bring you on the coaching journey that will enable you to make design how you want to go forward.

We look forward to hearing from you, to arrange your free HR audit contact elaine@eraltd.ie

I MAY be biased but this week I will discuss, in my opinion why A.I. in the world of learning and development, cannot replace the human element of the process.

Fresh in my mind is the wonderful group of mid-level management that I began working with last week. Together we are embarking on a three-month programme and we got off to an exceptional start during our first session. The atmosphere in the room, the participation and the feedback afterwards all provide me with a strong sense of knowing that the entire learning experience is not yet ready to be replaced by robot intelligence!

When I am asked to partner with organisations like this, there is usually a strong reason behind the request. In this case, the senior leaders want to develop their management team, so that they can elevate key skills within this group. This will ultimately build the confi-

dence of this group to make decisions which ultimately will help grow the bottom line now and into the future.

What is it that A.I. can do for me and my participants?

When considering the preparation of a programme such as this, A.I. or artificial intelligence as we all now know it, has the capacity to write my workshop content, if I so choose. It is a fantastic tool, and for me can act as a collaborator on my course content. If I ask the A.I. app of my choosing, the right questions, it will provide me with the right answers. Of course, we need to be sure to fact-check information that the A.I. tools present to us, but for the most part, it has provided me with the glad assurance that never again will I have to stare at a blank page when creating workshops for current and future clients.

Apps such as Chat GPT or Perplexity A.I. among many, act like a design assistant,

bringing my creative ideas to life and adding ‘meat to the bones’ of ideas that otherwise may take much longer to explore.

A.I. can create video content, imagery and graphics to accompany the theory used within my presentations, and this is all hugely helpful for someone like me, running a small business. What is it that A.I. cannot do for me, or my participants?

In the ‘classroom’ setting,

I get to know the attendees and more importantly, they get to know each other, perhaps more than they thought already. The relationships blossom among the group, particularly as we explore ‘personality styles’ in great detail on day one. Over the course of the next two modules, they will continue to deepen their insights into the ways in which the others go about their day, and they reason why some relationships will

take more work than others.

You might say that this sounds a bit trite. I would say however, that the foundation upon which successful businesses are built are strong professional relationships where trust has to be present.

The requirement that we have for human connection, bonding and a need to feel valued come to life in a more amplified way within the workplace. An experienced facilitator who is skilled at generating rich discussion among team members that they wouldn’t otherwise have, adds a nuance that A.I. simply cannot do.

Part of the role of the facilitator is to understand the potential that each and every member of the group possesses. Seeing untapped potential is a trait of a good coach and mentor. Usually, I will spot different personality styles and encourage each individual to contribute and share their ideas in a way that aims to make them

feel valued and respected.

Typically, what follows is healthy debate, facilitated by asking a series of open-ended questions. This has the effect of eliciting in opinions from other group members, who perhaps, may see the world differently to their peers. It is the richness of these discussions that creates the professional patchwork quilt of personality styles and creative thought, that in my experience, can only come from real-life, human conversations.

A.I. already has taken on an established role within my business, acting as co-creator, and collaborator on what has otherwise been a lonely and sometimes tiresome road of content design and creation. Thankfully, in my experience of the magic that happens when a group of strong and dynamic managers come together to expand their ways of working together, I can safely say that the role of the human facilitator lives on.

Contractors will be asked to work later to speed up Ennis public realm works

BUSINESSES in Ennis have experienced a drop in income of up to 50 per cent due to ongoing roadworks in the county town, writes Páraic McMahon

Ongoing works to the public realm as part of a €11.5m upgrade to the streetscape of the county town are hitting businesses hard and contractors are to be asked to consider working into the evening to accelerate the project’s delivery. Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) tabled a request at this week’s sitting asking the Chief Executive of Clare County Council “to advise how best to postpone the inordinate burden on Ennis rate payers arising from the recent increase on valuation of properties, pending the completion of the current works taking place in the town”.

Financial accountant, Trina Rynne who works in the finance and support services section of the Council explained that the National Revaluation Programme was completed in Clare in 2023 to reflect “the current business environment”. She stated, “The outcome of this process resulted in no increase in Commercial Rates year on year for this Council”.

Trina stated, “There is no mechanism in the absence of Ministerial approval for the waiving of all or part of the annual Rates in any part of County Clare for upgrade and or development works. The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 was passed by the Oireachtas in 2019”.

According to Trina, six out of every ten rate payers in the Ennis MD have seen a reduction, two of every ten have an average increase of €220 per annum and a further two in every ten see an increase above €500 per annum.

She added, “The exercise did result in increases for some properties, but it should be noted that all business owners were afforded the opportunity to query and or appeal the valuation during the process. Appeals for County Clare are 214 appeals out of 4135 – which is 5.17% of all commercial properties under revaluation”.

Commercial rate customers who have indicated a difficulty in meeting their commercial rates liability and should therefore “engage with their account manager to agree a payment arrangement,” the Kilnamona woman said.

“It is noteworthy that in 2023, where there was no pandemic waiver of commercial rates for any period, over 88% of commercial rates were paid in the year. Several businesses in the Ennis Municipal District have indicated some of their best years trading despite the post pandemic environment. Company Office Returns of trading data for several businesses substantiates this position”.

Commercial rates “are the main funding source for the general provision of services by the Council,” she explained. This was cited as one avenue for funding the €3m in match funding from the local authority for the public realm works. Traders are finding it “difficult particularly the way things are at the moment with the streets closed,” Cllr Daly flagged. Current conditions are “very difficult” for those in business, the Mayor of the Ennis MD emphasised. “It seems a lot of them didn’t use the appeals system, I asked the County Manager to intervene because some of them are finding it very difficult”.

Difficulties for Ennis traders must be brought to the highest level, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) insisted. “A lot of businesses are really suffering, some of their income has dropped by 50%, people are just not going into their stores,” he warned. The Kildysart native asked if consideration could be given to get the contractors working on the public realm to work later in the evenings to accelerate the works, “it would make a considerable difference and reduce the timeframe, many businesses would favour if that approach could be taken”. He added, “It is very difficult to put this additional burden on top of people”.

Facts provided by the Council’s financial office were “very helpful,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) observed. “It is true and my heart does go out to the traders, my husband Tony Molloy was a trader,” she said of the difficulties. “I’ve spoken to some of the traders, they are happy the work is ongoing, they are working with rate managers in the Council, they are very accommodating to work with the traders,” she added.

Rates is “in the hands of the Minister,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) outlined, adding “We probably need to promote the cost of the business grant.”

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan said the matter would be referred to the Chief Executive and also flagged with the county’s Oireachtas members “so they can speak to the Minister”. He said he would ask Shareridge who are the contractors for the public realm works to see if they can accelerate the works.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED)

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY CAPPA PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENT WORKS

Location:

Cappa Road (R473 regional road), playground & beach area, Cappa, Kilrush, County Clare.

Nature and Extent of Proposed Development:

In accordance with Part XI, Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act (As Amended) and Part VIII, Articles 80 & 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (As Amended), notice is hereby given that Clare County Council proposed to carry out the following development:

1. Public realm enhancement works to include upgrades to and creation of new continuous footpaths, provision of a pedestrian friendly raised table with new courtesy crossings, road realignment, formalising of on street car parking and provision of age friendly parking, relocation of existing and provision of new street lighting and street furniture.

2. Creation of new pedestrian footpath to the playground and beach and a new civic space adjacent to the existing playground, including alterations to the existing stone wall to facilitate the new access and viewing points.

3. All associated services, site development and landscaping works.

In accordance with the Habitats Directive, Appropriate Assessment Screening has been carried out on the project.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment and an EIA is not required.

The subject works are partially located within the Cappa Architectural Conservation Area and would materially affect the character of the area concerned.

Plans and particulars of the above development will be available for will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during normal working days from 9.00am to 4.00pm for a period not less than four weeks beginning on the date of publication of this notice at the following locations:

• The Planning Department of Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; and

• The West Clare Municipal District Kilrush Office, Town Hall, Kilrush, County Clare, Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated, may be made in writing to the Senior Planner, Planning & Enterprise Development, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare up to and including the 20th May 2024 and should be clearly marked “Cappa Public Realm Improvement Works”.

Signed: John O’Malley, Senior Executive Officer, West Clare Municipal District, Clare County Council . Date of Notice: 4th April 2024.

Clare's shot for league glory edges closer

by

CLARE’S senior hurlers are bidding to win a first National Hurling League title since 2016 when they take on Kilkenny this Saturday.

It is the chance for Brian Lohan to win his first piece of silverware since becoming Banner boss in October 2019. Clare did reach the National League final in 2020, the fixture also doubled up as the Munster SHC quarter-final and saw Limerick take the spoils on a score of 0-36 1-23.

Of the starting team which featured on that occasion, ten are available for selection (Eibhear Quilligan, Conor Cleary, Rory Hayes, Seadna Morey, David McInerney, Cathal Malone, Diarmuid Ryan, David Reidy, David Fitzgerald and Shane O’Donnell).

O’Donnell has in recent weeks returned to the Clare squad and could well receive his first bit of game time this weekend in advance of the opening round of the Munster SHC against Limerick in Cusack Park which is well on its way to being a sellout.

FBD Semple Stadium is not expected to be at full capacity for Saturday’s league final which throws-in at 7:15pm.

Johnny Murphy has been appointed as the referee for the game. The Limerick native has previously officiated the 2018 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final, the 2021 All-Ireland U20 Final, and the 2023 AllIreland Senior Club Hurling Championship Final.

This year’s league has been a fruitful one for Cian Galvin and the Clarecastle man is expected to maintain his spot at half-back alongside John Conlon and Diarmuid Ryan. Feakle’s Adam Hogan and Conor Cleary are likely to form part of the fullback line with Conor Leen, Rory Hayes and Paul Flanagan battling for the number four jersey.

Further up the field is where management have been more fluid in terms of their personnel chosen. Mark Rodgers sustained a knock in the convincing semi-final win over Tipperary which paved the way for Aidan McCarthy’s introduction.

McCarthy’s Inagh/Kilnamona clubmate David Fitzgerald has been Clare’s star performer in the league and will form a key part this weekend.

Four Clare hurlers on Rising Stars team of the year with Hogan scooping top accolade

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOUR CLARE hurlers have been included in the 2024 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year.

Adam Hogan, Diarmuid Ryan, Shane Meehan and Mark Rodgers made the third-level team of the year with Feakle’s Hogan named the Electric Ireland Hurler of the Year.

On the team, Hogan was named at corner back, Ryan at wing back, Meehan at corner forward with Rodgers selected at full forward.

Speaking in Dublin, Mary Immaculate College student Adam expressed his surprise at getting the top accolade. “I’m really shocked, it was a great honour when I heard my name in front of the group of players, like of the fifteen lads it could have been any of them, I was really in shock but it was a great honour for my club and my family especially my family for all the work they have done and it has all paid off I suppose”.

Mary Immaculate College managed by Ja-

mie Wall and coached by Cratloe’s Podge Collins won the Fitzgibbon Cup for the third time, defeating the University of Limerick in the decider.

Hogan’s performance in this game where he managed to curb the influence of UL’s marquee forward, Mark Rodgers

from Scariff was central to the win. Indeed Adam’s father, Michael won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with NIHE Limerick while his grandfather, the late Phelim Murphy was a long-time Galway hurling secretary and selector to Cyril Farrell during their All-Ireland successes.

l Adam Hogan collects the Electric Ireland Hurler of the Year award

Hogan hopeful successful start to 2024 continues in Thurles for NHL final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE are treating Saturday’s Allianz National Hurling League final as their sixth game rather than a final.

FBD Semple Stadium will host the meeting of Clare and Kilkenny on Saturday evening. Clare are chasing their first league title since 2016.

For Clare this is very much next game up, corner back Adam Hogan explained. “We are not really looking at this as a league final. It’s game number six in the league campaign and that is how we are approaching it. Brian’s (Lohan, team manager) approach all year has been to win each game we play and this is the next one”.

Adam will be chasing his second piece of silverware already in 2024 having played a pivotal role on the Mary Immaculate College side crowned Fitzgibbon Cup champions. “It was great to win the Fitzgibbon and to beat our neighbours U.L. in the final They were going for three in a row,” he said.

This year’s league has been used by Clare’s management to trial more players than in previous campaigns. It has led to increased competition for places with Adam battling with Rory Hayes, Paul Flanagan and Conor Leen for a corner back spot.

“There is huge competition for places in the Clare team. There is so much depth in the panel that you must be on form at every training session as lads are putting their hands up for inclusion and with more lads coming back from injury everyone knows

that they must be playing well to hold on to the jersey. There is competition for every position on the field. That there is such competition for places is good for the team”.

Repeating that their approach to Saturday’s final is that it’s another game in the league

he admitted that, “it was nice to overcome Kilkenny in the group stage but they will present a different challenge this week and we will have to be at 100% to get a result”. Saturday’s contest will be a benefit to Clare in advance of their Munster championship opener against Limerick on April 21st, the Feakle defender maintained. “If we were not in the league final we would probably be playing a challenge against one of the Leinster championship teams. It’s better to be in a competitive game and you couldn’t really get better than against Kilkenny”.

Although the championship encounters with Limerick and Cork are edging closer, Adam insisted that they are not going to look beyond this weekend’s meeting with Kilkenny, just yet.

Hogan told The Clare Echo, “We look at ourselves mostly, look at what we can do to improve. We have great training sessions with lads fighting for places. The competition for places is really hot and that is showing this year. Lads have to put their best foot forward at each session. As I said earlier, Saturday’s game against Kilkenny is the next game in the league and we must put our best foot forward if we are to record another win. When Saturday’s game is over we will turn our attention to the next game”.

l Adam Hogan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare U20 hurlers braced for competitive round robin series

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S U20 hurlers begin their efforts to set the record straight when they kick off their championship campaign on Friday evening.

O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge hosts the meeting of Clare and Limerick at 7pm this Friday evening in the first round of the U20 Munster championship.

Terence Fahy is now in his third season as U20 manager with Brendan Bugler exiting as coach to join Brian Lohan’s senior set-up. Replacing Bugler is ex Galway hurler Aidan Harte who coached Crusheen’s senior hurlers last season as they reacted the county final. Tomás Kelly remains involved as a coach and selector ensuring the management which guided St Joseph’s Tulla to a first-ever Harty Cup title links up at inter-county level for the first time.

Adding to this link is the fact that Feakle’s Ronan O’Connor who captained the East Clare school to Harty Cup glory will lead his county into battle for the U20 championship.

Ex Clare goalkeeper, Andrew Fahey of Whitegate is the goalkeeper coach for the side.

Fahy has had to deal with different competition structures for the first two seasons so year three will bring further learnings gained from the 2023 campaign which saw them reach the Munster final. “There was two games in the competition in our first year, it became a full round robin last year and it’s the second year of that, I think that the round robin is here to stay, it is the optimum format for developing young players and everybody is delighted with it from a development perspective, we had our first run at that last year, we learned a bit about it and we hope to bring the learnings

from that to this year’s campaign”.

This is the first campaign as U20 manager that Terence is not combining the role with that of club manager, having stepped down from the club position last season, where he reached the Clare Intermediate Quarter-Final. “I find it good that I’m not diluted and I have a singular focus, this year’s group was the minor group that struggled, that has helped from my point of view of having that that singular focus”. At minor level, the U20s were subject to a 6-28 0-6 quarter-final defeat to Cork in 2021, there was no round-robin or second bite of the cherry for that campaign. The defeat was among the darkest hours for Clare hurling, coping with the scars of this has resulted in Fahy drafting in both Julia White and Hugh O’Neill working in a backroom capacity on sports psychology with the panel.

Sean Rynne captained the team at minor level and this season has received game time during the Allianz National Hurling League. The Inagh/Kilnamona clubman is the only panellist currently on Lohan’s senior squad. Clooney/Quin duo Jack O’Neill and John Cahill have impressed at senior level for their club, they along with Niall O’Farrell of Broadford will be viewed as the experienced members of the side.

Injuries have also impacted on team selection with Senan Dunford (ACL), Diarmuid Stritch (knee), James Doherty (hamstring), Callum Hassett (leg), Cian Kirby (shoulder), Fionnan Treacy (osteitis pubis) and Jack Mescall (osteitis pubis) all ruled out.

He told The Clare Echo, “unfortunately we have a lot of last year’s panel out through injury and that means the reserves have to step up. Some of them are

members of last year’s minor panel, we have a new fresh team which is exciting, we’ll be comparatively young which is not a bad thing, Cork and Offaly were young last year whereas we were a seasoned side”.

For Friday “the focus is on getting a performance and driving into the next phase,” Fahy explained. “It’s very similar to the senior format with two games in a week, you pause after that reboot and go again, it is intense starting out and then a break to go again, it is a round robin which will be competitive”.

TIPP

Clare ladies look for league glory

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s ladies footballers are bidding to capture their first piece of silverware in Wayne Freeman’s tenure when they take on Roscommon this Saturday.

While the favourites tag is with Clare for Saturday’s tie in St Brendan’s Park, Birr there are doubts around the fitness of key forward Chloe Moloney. The Kilmurry Ibrickane woman has not featured in recent rounds for Clare who are still without Lizzy Roche of Burren Gaels, she sustained an ACL injury prior to last year’s All-Ireland final.

Having come up short in the Division 3 league final and the All-Ireland decider in 2023, Freeman and his management together with their ambitious panel of players are aspiring to return to the county with silverware this weekend.

O'Halloran hoping to draw on home comforts as minors begin 2024 journey

by Páraic McMahon

CLARE’S minor hurlers put their titles as All-Ireland and Munster champions on the line for the first time when they enter the championship arena this Thursday.

Cusack Park hosts the first round tie of Clare and Waterford this Thursday at 6pm, indeed the Banner’s first two outings in the province are their only home fixtures so there is an emphasis on starting with a winning note.

Brian O’Connell continues in the hotseat as minor manager where coach Damien O’Halloran, selectors Donal Moloney, Fintan Leamy and Ger Hickey plus S&C coach Hugh O’Neill continue in their respective roles. Liam O’Reilly of the Banner club has bowed out from the management to focus on his club commitments.

On the playing front, just three of the thirty one person panel have All-Ireland and minor medals from the 2023 squad, freetaker Marc O’Brien has been handed the captaincy with Clarecastle duo Harry Doherty and Conor Ralph also involved last season,

Doherty getting the nod as vice captain.

Speaking to The Clare Echo following training in Cusack Park on Tuesday evening, coach Damien O’Halloran outlined, “These lads have been growing in confidence through challenge games, we take learnings every day and try get a little better every day. We’re only focusing on Waterford for Thursday evening, whatever way that goes we’ll sit down and try improve for Limerick. We’re very happy with how the lads have applied themselves”.

Leadership has been displayed by the trio of O’Brien, Doherty and Ralph, he acknowledged. “The three lads have been fantastic for sharing what we’re about with the new lads coming in, they’ve really bought into what we’re about and our system of play”.

Looking back on the memorable campaign that was for Clare’s minors in 2023, Damien admitted he could never have predicted the rollercoaster that would follow, beginning in the rain in Shannon and ending in the sun of Semple Stadium. “We lost to limerick and got humbled below in Lim-

erick in round two, we went down to Waterford and treated it as a Munster final, they put us to the pin of our collar but we applied ourselves every day and took learnings from each game”.

With all of their panel currently enjoying the Easter holidays from school, O’Halloran who was coach to the Galway All-Ireland winning minor sides in 2017 and 2018 admitted that this has been addressed by management through the squad’s interactions with performance coach Paul Flanagan. “We’ve referenced it once or twice, Paul Flanagan is doing work with the lads again this year on sports psychology on their routine and switching off, helping them with sticking to their routine, Paul has them well prepped on that”.

Preparations for the minors began in December with a series of trial matches. Damien recalled, “they were very competitive but since the turn of the New Year it has been all systems go in terms of training, gym and trying to get our systems of play in action with the players, we really ramped up from the New Year”.

They are also hoping to receive a strong Clare support in Birr on Saturday with the potential of supporters packing in a double header of league finals as the Clare senior hurlers take on Kilkenny in Semple Stadium at 7:15pm.

ENNISTYMON MOVE TO TOP OF CUSACK CUP AS KILMURRY & KILDYSART GET OFF THE MARK

paraic@clareecho.ie

lAilish Considine. Photo by Burren Eye Photography

l Seán Rynne

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

'We called it that workrate was going to be the big thing and I haven’t seen a team working as hard as that in a long time'

EIRGRID MUNSTER U20FC PHASE 1 ROUND 3

Clare 1-09 Limerick 0-06

Venue: Ballyagran

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE Frees for: 11 (7/4)

Wides: 8 (6/2)

Scores from play: 1-8

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Éanna

Rouine (1-1) & Conor

Fennell (0-4, f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 7 out of 11 (64%)

LIMERICK Frees for: 16 (7/9)

Wides: 5 (3/2)

Scores from play: 0-5

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Ronan Quirke (0-2, f)

Bookings: John Whelan (20)

Own kickouts won: 14 out of 18 (78%)

REFEREE: James Regan (Cork)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Michael Neylon, Clare manager

"They are a great group and they have got better in every minute of the championship, we started down in Waterford and did a job, they really put in a good shift last week in Quilty and didn’t get the points that we were chasing but by God they came here today and played two matches in one match so I’m delighted for them and really proud of them".

“We actually didn’t feel the pressure, we called it that workrate was going to be the big thing and I haven’t seen a team working as hard as that in a long time, they got what they deserved today and I’m delighted for them”.

“This is exactly what the round-robin presents to us, it gives us a chance which we have now navigated and managing to get six championship games for a group”.

"We knew it was knockout but we never really said it, we were looking at today as an opportunity, we knew we had a chance coming here today, they took their chance”.

l Conor Fennell scored 0-4 for the Banner.

“They were disappointed but they were intelligent enough to realise that they played very well as a team last week and committed very well to one another, they could trust one another and they were the words we could use going out today to trust one another and they did, they are getting better which is a great sign of a group of young lads”.

Burke’s goal seals dramatic win for Clare minors against the Déise

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 11 (7/4)

Wides: 11 (4/7)

Scores from play: 0-3

Spread of scorers: 3

Top Scorer: Conor Burke (18, 8f's)

Bookings: None

REFEREE: Timmy McGrath (Limerick)

Clare ladies determined to bring silverware back to the county

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

As they put the final touches to preparations for Saturday’s Division 3 league final clash with Roscommon, the Clare ladies football team are in a good place.

That’s according to team manager Wayne Freeman who told The Clare Echo this week that “training has been really good and our focus is very much on bringing home silverware on Saturday”.

St. Brendan’s Park in Birr will host Saturday’s final which throws in at 4pm and Freeman is confident that his charges will have a big following at the Offaly venue.

When the sides met earlier in the campaign at Cusack Park in Ennis a draw was the outcome and another tight contest is expected this week.

A final decision on the fitness of Chloe Moloney won’t be made until nearer match time. The Kilmurry Ibrickane player has missed the last few games due to a leg injury. Lizzie Roche will definitely miss the game, she continues her recovery from an ACL injury.

Freeman explained, “A change was made to the structure of the competition this year which sees two teams promoted (last year it was just one). While both ourselves and Roscommon have been promoted for next season, that will not detract from the determination of both to win this title. We want silverware and I am sure that Roscommon are the same”.

He expects a strong challenge from Roscommon. “When Roscommon came to Cusack Park for the group game they were missing Lisa O’Rourke, one of their key players. We were disappointed with our performance that day, it was one of our poorest in the league but we finished strongly. Our concentration this week is on Saturday’s final. Roscommon are unbeaten and I am sure they will travel to Birr determined to maintain that record. The challenge for us is to remain focused on the task. As I’ve said, we have trained really well, we are in a really good place and the mood in the camp is great. Our opponents are a physically strong side and we will have to deal with that”.

Beaten in the All-Ireland final last year by Kildare, they are, of course, keen to go a step further this year. While Wayne acknowledged this is the case, he stressed that they are not looking past Saturday’s league decider.

“After Saturday we will have a break and the girls will go back to their clubs for a few weeks. The championship is in June and we will begin to prepare for that four or five weeks before. Clare are the only intermediate team in Munster and while we would love to play in the Munster A championship, we weren’t allowed. We have always had the goal of winning the All-Ireland and that is still the target but there are still some very strong teams in the competition such as Tyrone, Roscommon to mention a few. We will focus on that in due course but now all the focus is on Saturday’s final,” the Kildare native said.

Freeman is confident that Clare will have a big following in Birr. “We have good support and it would be great to see a massive Clare following in Birr as it helps as we saw in Dublin last year”, he said.

It’s a settled Clare side which has key players in the Harvey sisters, Grainne and Caoimhe and Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels), Siofra Ni Chonaill (St. Josephs, Doora/Barefield), Roisin Considine (Tir Chonail Gaels), Teresa Collins (Burren Gaels) and Ailish Considine (Kilmihil) to mention some Clare’s followers will make the journey to Birr confident that Caoimhe Harvey will be bringing the trophy back to Clare.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Clare captain Caoimhe Harvey in attendance at a photocall ahead of the Lidl Ladies National Football League Final. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Immense victories for Senior and U18 Ennis RFC Ladies sides

by Dearbhla Perry

SENIOR WOMEN’S DIVISION 1

LEAGUE/D1 CUP SEMI-FINAL:

ENNIS/KILRUSH RFC 29 – 15

SHANNON RFC

Ennis The Ennis/Kilrush side managed a victory over close rivals Shannon RFC with 29 - 15. The Clare women needed just a single league point from the game to guarantee their position atop the league table.

Shannon opened the scoring early on in the game, managing to touch down in the corner after a series of big gains, no conversion. The Banner women responded strongly and levelled the score when Hooker Meadbh O’Driscoll touched down in the corner after a number of hard carries, pinning Shannon in their own 22, no conversion. A good carry by Caoilfhionn Morrissey led to Grainne Burke finding the space to place a grubber kick in behind the Shannon defence. Then, the ball was collected by centre Aoibhinn O’Loughlin and touched down for the away sides second score, no conversion. Shannon, however, were able to touch down in the corner just before the half time whistle,

no conversion. The halftime score was 10 – 10.

The Clare women opened the second half’s scoring earlier with a try from Burke, who converted her own try, after a series of high booming kicks from Burke and captain Michaela Glynn caused havoc for the Shannon back three. Ennis/Kilrush combined their kicking game with an excellent performance from scrum half Aisling Browne to control the game. Centre Aoibhinn O’Loughlin added another two scores, showcasing some top level speed. The final try of her hat- trick was converted by Burke. Shannon added a late consolation try, no conversion, to bring the game’s final score to 29 – 15 in favour of Ennis/Kilrush.

Strong performances were seen by captain and player of the game Glynn and fullback Orna Moynihan, whose composure under a barrage of high balls limited the effectiveness of Shannon’s kicking game. However, a league title was a team effort.

Ennis/Kilrush now look forward to All Ireland semi-final clash against Tullow RFC which takes place this Saturday the 6th of April

at the Ennis RFC main pitch. They can also now look forward to meeting the winners Ul Bohemians RFC vs Tralee RFC, which takes place April 14th in the final which will take place on the 28th of this month with the venue as yet undecided.

U18 GIRLS MUNSTER PLATE

FINAL: ENNIS RFC 43 – 10

SHANNON RFC

Ennis finished their season with a 43 – 10 win against Shannon in Coonagh.

The girls started off determined by crossing the line with a try from Annie Lynch. Soon after, good off-

Ennis/Kilrush senior women’s rugby side set for All-Ireland

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

The Ennis/Kilrush senior women’s rugby side will face Tullow RFC on Saturday 6th April seeking an opportunity to play in an All-Ireland final.

Back-to-back promotions are on the cards for the Ennis/Kilrush senior women’s rugby outfit as they prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final fixture this weekend as they face Leinster senior women’s champions Tullow RFC at 2:30pm in Drumbiggle.

The amalgamated senior outfit finished top of there league group with an eleven point advantage so far, as group games are yet to be played in the final round this weekend. A fourteen point win of 29-15 over Shannon/TUS on Bank Holiday Monday ensured the honours for the trophy cabinet, finishing the league stage with six wins, a draw, and a loss, against Tralee RFC, Shannon/TUS, UL Bohemian RFC 2XV, and Dolphin RFC.

Head of Ladies rugby in Ennis RFC, Lorcan Hoynes spoke to the Clare Echo ahead of the semi-final acknowledging the achievement so far; “we formed the team a few years ago, the two clubs came together to create a women’s team. Both clubs have had underage teams going back five, or six years, so we came together to form a senior team, so it’s a great achievement so far”.

“The team is only two years existing, last year we won Division 2 and this year we’ve won Division 1 so it’s been great journey for us. And as a result of that, we’ve qualified now to go into an All-Ireland competition, in which Leinster champions Tullow is our next opponent on Saturday at

home”.

Hoynes also acknowledged the hard work that has been done in both clubs behind the scenes in previous years. “Not only, does this success show the great work the players and management team have committed, but it also shows the great work that has been put in at underage, out of 41 players that have played for the women’s squad this year, 8 have come up through the Kilrush underage system and 26 have come up through Ennis.

“We started girls rugby in Ennis six years ago, we’ve had success along the way at Munster level, our U18’s won the Munster league and cup and our U14’s and U16’s have all won Munster competitions, but for the senior women as of now to do what they’ve done it’s been a great achievement for the club, and hopefully this will help grow the women’s game around the county”.

Lorcan stated that the women’s side shall be full of confidence heading into what is the furthest point reached so far for their senior side, "We have to be confident, they’re a great team and they’ve done really well in the league and they finished their last few games very strongly, we had a great win against Shannon on Monday, and they’d be our local rivals, so it was great to beat them in our final league game”.

“And we expect Tullow to be very strong, they are Leinster champions, and there is a lot of strong teams in Leinster and they’ve won there league well and they’ve been on the go much longer than us, but hopefully we’ll come out on the right side of it on Saturday”.

loading from forward Ellis Flaherty and a race down the line allowed her to score her first of three tries, converted by Emma Keane. Shannon fought back and managed to get inside Ennis’ 22. A turnover resulted in the Ennis forwards getting the ball wide. Number 10, Niamh McManus, got on the end of an inside ball and raced half the length of the pitch to score under the sticks, converted by Emma Keane. Shannon were awarded another converted try and Ellis O’Flaherty crossed for her second try, converted by Keane. The score at halftime

was 26 – 5.

Not long after the second half started, the Ennis girls extended their lead when Ellis O’Flaherty crossed for her hat trick. This was closely followed by a try from Lyndsay Clarke, converted by Keane. Captain Keane displayed her trademark footwork to break past Shannon’s defence, bringing the final score to 43 – 10.

Fixtures:

Senior Women's All-Ireland

Semi-Final: Ennis/Kilrush V Tullow; Saturday 6th April; Kickoff at 2:30pm in Drumbiggle.

U16 Boys Pan Munster Final: Ennis V Old Christians; Saturday 6th April; Kick-off at 5pm in Musgrave Park.

U7 Blitz: Sunday 7th April; Kickoff at 10am n Drumbiggle.

U8 Blitz: Sunday 7th April; Kickoff at 10am in Nenagh.

U12 Blitz: Sunday 7th April; Kickoff at 11am in Old Crescent.

U13 Boys Competition Plate

Semi-Final: Ennis V Bruff; Sunday 7th April; Kick-off at 11am in Bruff.

U14 Boys Pan Munster Competition Semi-Final: Ennis V Garryowen; Sunday 7th April; Kick-off at 12pm in Drumbiggle.

news@clareecho.ie

l Ennis Girls U18's side.

Success for Miltown & Sixmilebridge greyhounds in Galway Stadium

by

SIXMILEBRIDGE HAN-

DLER Stephen Murray and Miltown Malbay’s Sean Meade were among those in the winners enclosure in recent races at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Saturday nights Galway card feature two mini stake finals both sponsored by the Western Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association on an eleven race programme featured a double for Stephen Murray.

As the traps rose for the final of the W.G.O.B.A Dual Distance(550) final, French Fearless broke smartly along the inner and racing towards the opening bend he led by two lengths from Paradise Sky with Portumna Buck in third place rounding the opening bend. Racing down the back French Fearless continued to lead by over three lengths but all the while the Sean Meade of Miltown Malbay owned Paradise Sky was taking dead aim at the inside line into the third bend. Sweeping through approaching the penultimate corner the daugh-

ter of Dromana Bucko & Paradise Asia powered clear to score by five lengths in 30.30.

Sixmilebridge handler Stephen Murray’s runners are in good form at present and they completed a double on the night initiated in the third contest as the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan owned Derra Bear recorded his sixth career success in this A6 graded contest as the son of Droopys Sydney and Astro Abby never saw another rival as she scored by five and three quarter lengths from Bumblebee Milan in 29.20.

The Murray kennel double was completed in the S4 graded eighth contest as the Little Man Syndicate owned Jayden’s Lady made all the running to defeat Blacklabel Rose by two and a half lengths in 17.93. With some cursing behind the winner set sail for home and tracking well eased home comfortably in command.

The A3 graded ninth contest was the top graded event on the card and in the early strides Cloneyogan Sydny and Drumgeely Jim disputed the lead with the latter taking a definite advantage as they rounded the opening bend. As the lead-

ers approached the third bend the Siobhan Garraghy of Moy owned Cloneyogan Sydny went up on the leaders outside and striking the front nearing the crown of the home bend the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained son of Droopys Sydney and Tiermana Rum stayed on well to hold the challenge of Blacklabel Sally by one length in 29.47.

As the traps rose for this Novice 325 yards contest Foxwood Rip and Brickhill Julie were best away and

racing towards the opening bend it was Brickhill Julie that led on the wide outside from Foxwood Rip with She Came Out in third place towards the inner. Rounding the bend Brickhill Julie opened up a two length advantage on her rivals and rounding the home bend Clare natives John Collins & Albert Long owned daughter of Ballymac Bolger & Brickhill Layla was in total control as she scored by two lengths in 18.08.

The chief supporting contest on Friday’s nights card was the A2 graded ninth contest and as the traps rose the Mary Reidy of Manus owned Barntick Midget really struck the ground running and racing around the opening bend she led Meteoric Moon and Sir Rodger by over two lengths rounding. Exiting the back straight Barntick Midget was still in command and maintaining the gallop all the way to the line the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Barntick Smokey scored by two lengths from Meteoric Moon in 29.00.

The opening contest of the night was an S9 graded sprint contest and this quickly developed into a match between Tipp Off and Burnpark Latitia who were both smartly into their stride. Trapping best Tipp Off led by a length in the early exchanges but approaching the opening bed the Alanna and Michael Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Latitia slipped through along the inner to lead by half a length at the turn. Tracking well the daughter of Newinn Wonder and Burnpark Lexi kicked on rounding the home turn to score by two and three quarter lengths in 18.30.

Quarter-finals down for decision in Clare Cup

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

QUARTER-FINAL pairings have been made in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.

Fresh from celebrating fifty years since opening, the showroom at Ennis Carpets was the venue for Friday morning’s draw with competition sponsor Pat McDaid on hand to assist CDSL’s Munster Rep Mickey Guilfoyle.

CDSL Vice Chairman Ronnie Pyne was also in attendance along with representatives from Avenue Utd and Kilkishen Celtic plus CDSL committee members Jimmy O’Brien and Declan Ryan.

An East Clare derby between Kilkishen Celtic and Bridge Utd is the highlight of the last eight ties. Mark Culbert’s Bridge have already eliminated Lifford FC and Shannon Town Utd en route to the quarter-finals while Fergus Donovan’s Kilkishen have enjoyed the club’s first ever season in the top flight and have proved their worth by consolidating their status.

Holders Avenue Utd A will be making the journey to Lahinch to face First Division outfit Sporting Ennistymon which sees Nnabuike Nneji face off against his former club for the first time.

Avenue’s second string have a home tie when they welcome Fern Celtic to Roslevan. Fern have Alan Murphy as their manager and they defeated Ennis Dons in a tight contest at Lees Rd to progress to the quarter-finals, Murphy previously coached and managed Avenue sides so is preparing for a reunion of sorts in the last eight.

Newmarket Celtic’s 2-0 win over Callan Utd on Sunday has earned them a home quarter-final against Shannon Olympic B. All but one of the quarter-finals take place this Sunday with Fern Celtic in action in the Brian Pyne Tiles Second Division against Fairgreen Celtic who sit top of the table with eight wins from ten games.

It’s an 11am start on Sunday for Sporting Ennistymon vs Avenue Utd in Lahinch and in McDonough Memorial Park when Newmarket Celtic meet Shannon Olympic B. Kilkishen is the setting at 2pm when Kilkishen Celtic and Bridge Utd do battle.

Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

l Peter Hassett (Treasurer WGOBA), Dylan Brennan racing manager, Hughie Keleghan (Chairman WGOBA), Sean Meade and Cian Mulrooney (Secretary WGOBA).

l Brian Corry (Bridge Utd) and Harry Griffin (Lifford) battle for possesion

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Ennis Golf Club - The heartbeat of the town

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

I was lucky to have spent a couple of years working at one of Irelands oldest parkland courses, Ennis Golf Club located in the heart of Ennis town, is an old school shorter style course heavily tree lined on every hole and is a parkland golf course bursting with so much history. Established in 1907, this esteemed club boasts a rich heritage and a tradition of excellence in golfing. The course offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels, with its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. Surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, players are treated to a stunning countryside experience, even though you are in the heart of a town. The clubhouse is the heart of this club, a hub of camaraderie and hospitality, provides a warm welcome to members and visitors alike, offering top-notch facilities and dining options. Ennis Golf Club continues to uphold its reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts both locally and from abroad. This club provides incredible value for money, in fact I'd argue its far too cheap and I sometimes feel it is falling into the trap of giving away its product at times, especially to newly signed up members. I'm a huge advocate of charging your worth and putting the profits into building a better manicured golf club and facility from the profits.

Although a short course in the modern era, Ennis Golf Club have proven itself against some top amateur golfers over the years. It's a tight course so keeping the ball in play is of the utmost of importance and you need to be able to carve your tee shots in both directions should you try to find every fairway

around this parkland. The greens at Ennis have plenty of slopes available to place the pins in some difficult positions where you can easily have three or even four putts, if you end up on the wrong side of these pin placements. Don't be fooled by the distance of this course, playing to your handicap is no mean feat when you tee it up at this prestigious club.

I've played in many a scratch club at Ennis and I can honestly say it's a difficult challenge when the greens are fast and the pins are strategically placed. I remember driving the Par 4 third hole to six feet a couple of decades ago in the mixed foursomes and my partner rolled by the hole leaving me an eight-foot putt back. This will give you an indication of how tricky the greens can be when they are cut tight and the pins are placed cleverly close to the slopes. We are all aware of the current greens conditions and challenges the club currently faces this year, however I've no doubt they will be back to full strength once the growth begins in the coming weeks. It's never been more important than now to stand by the club and support the club during this difficult period.

Ennis Golf Club is also one of the only clubs in the country who invite in juveniles as young as eight into their golf club to become a member. I take my hat off to the club for taking this initiative and allowing kids so young to join this prestigious club. I would love to see more golf clubs follow suit in allowing younger kids to join at such a young age. After all kids are the future of every golf club and the younger you get them in the quicker, they will develop into better golfers who will represent the club eventually as a teenager or an adult. The heart of every club is the future generations

and at Ennis they allow both boys and girls at a young age to experience the wonderful game of golf. I myself played from the age of ten and my childhood was mainly spent at my own local golf club at Dromoland Castle, which lead to some of the happiest moments of my life playing golf getting to meet so many amazing people throughout my childhood years. I congratulate Ennis Golf Club in all their efforts over the years dedicating so much time to the next generation.

At the heart of every golf club is the PGA Golf Professional and Ennis is no different with PGA Golf Professional Martin Ward at the helm. I was lucky enough myself to work alongside Martin as his assistant and learn from his knowledge. His passion and knowledge for the game is contagious and he has been heavily involved with coaching the juniors of all levels and also looking after all new comers to the club with a free golf lesson as part of their introduction package. Martin's easy going simple golf coaching approach has improved golfers at every level throughout his long career at Ennis Golf Club.

Ennis Golf Club truly is the heartbeat of Ennis Town in so many ways. While you stroll those lush green fairways it's hard to believe you are in the heart of a town with so much greenery around you. It reminds me of Central Park in the centre of NYC Manhattan, you've to remind yourself you are surrounded by a concrete jungle. You have two halves to the course and the beauty is you've got plenty of options to play eight, nine or fourteen holes if you are struggling to get all eighteen holes in. If you want to join a club in 2024 Ennis are giving away new memberships from €695 which is insane value. Far too cheap I'm my opinion but why not avail of it while it's been given away.

Hole in one for Colette in Dromoland

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

GETTING A hole in one is a rare achievement in a round of golf so to get two in the same round is pretty special.

Dromoland member Colette Colleran achieved such a feat recently. Playing at Gramacho in Portugal her 7 iron tee shot on the par 3 fourth hole gave her a first ever hole in one.

To mark the achievement Colette has received two certificates from the Gramacho club noting this rather unique and very special achievement.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

Last week’s ladies 14 hole stableford competition at Ennis was won by Della Burns (21) with 33 points and she had two to spare over Anne Kelly (28).

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

The winner of the club singles at Woodstock at the weekend was Barry McNamara (12) with 39 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The Easter weekend ladies competition at East Clare was won by Rachel Whelan, Eileen Donnellan and Maureen Clune with 66 points. In second place with 61 points were Brid Hayes, Margaret MacNamara and Catherine Minogue.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB

The Annual General Meetings of Lahinch golf club (men’s and ladies sections and club meeting) were held on Good Friday.

GORT GOLF CLUB

In the weekend singles at Gort, Gerard Connors (6) won category 1 with 38 points. The category 2 winner was Joe Byrne (12) and he also scored 38 points.

Wins for Ennis CBS Athetics

by Brian Spring news@clareecho.ie

Ennis CBS won the Senior Girls' and Senior Boys Clare Primary Sportshall Athletics titles at the start of the Easter Holidays.

The Senior Girls retained the title they won last year and it was also a double for the Senior Boys, as the same team were Junior

champions the year before last.

The indoor track and field contest with twelve different events was held in Corofin GAA Hall by Clare Sportshall Partnership. The junior teams (3rd and 4th classes) also competed well.

Pictured here is the full squad (pupils from 3rd -6th classes) who took part along with teacher Brian Spring and SNA M.J. Mather.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLAGHALINE, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Planning permission being sought by Michael & Fiona McMahon for proposed private dwelling house, new site entrance, waste water treatment system all associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSSCLIFF,

BALLYNACALLY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Fintan Meaney intends to apply to the planning authority for retention permission for an extension to an existing agricultural shed and retention for an agricultural machinery shed along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

Queally, Stephen Kilbaha Clare

Baker, Ann O’Callaghans Mills

Clare

Foster Kerrison, James Bunratty Clare

Normoyle (née Leane), Maureen

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Clare

Griffey (née O’ Loughlin), Maureen Ennis Clare

Kavanagh (née Doherty), Mary

Ennistymon Clare

Kennedy, James (Jimmy) Miltown Malbay Clare

Ensko (née Duggan), Monica

Ennis Clare

Mac Beth, Clare

Shannon Clare

McNamara (née Duggan), Tess (Theresa)

Kilkishen Clare

Daly, Patrick (Pat)

Shannon Clare

Daly, Patrick (Pat)

Kilmihil Clare

Egan, Thomas Corofin Clare

Meade (née Hannon), Mary Pauline

Miltown Malbay Clare

The Clare Echo Quiz

CLARE GAA QUIZ

6 How many All-Ireland junior titles have the Clare Camogie team won?

7 In what year did the Clare G.A.A emblem come into being? about 1926

8 Who did Clare beat in 1995 to win the All-Ireland hurling final?

9 How many lions feature on the Clare GAA crest?

5 In what year did the Clare football team win their first Munster title?

10Who scored the 4th goal in Clare’s win vs Cork in the AllIreland replay?

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks answers

Photo

QUESTION 1: (above) In what year did Clare hurlers first win an All-Ireland title?

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HOW TO PLAY

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