The Clare Echo 04/05/23

Trump lands for West Clare golfing holiday

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONALD TRUMP has landed in Doonbeg for a two day visit.

On Wednesday evening, the former US President arrived in Shannon Airport on the family’s private jet known as Trump Force One. Trump is expected to partake in a round of golf at his five star Doonbeg resort on Thursday, a place he has referred to as among the greatest golf resorts in the world.

Since 2014, the Trump family have owned the property in West Clare which has an eighteen

hole links course which stretches across 400 acres, acquiring it for Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) confirmed to The Clare that the West Clare MD received no invite to welcome Trump to West Clare. Access to the hotel had not been blocked off prior to his arrival but checkpoints have popped up on

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l Newmarket Celtic manager Paddy Purcell embraces penalty hero Stephen Kelly as they celebrate becoming FAI Junior Cup Champions Photo by Joe Buckley

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‘Keep control of dogs’

CONTROL of dogs is causing concern within Shannon Town, writes Páraic McMahon

Gardaí at Shannon Garda Station are appealing to the public to ensure they have adequate control of their dog when out walking.

Crime prevention officer in the Clare Garda Division, Triona Brooks explained that a woman contacted Shannon Garda Station this week where she voiced her concern about “the number of people in the area who are out walking their dogs off the lead and these dogs are running up to her and she is in fear for her own safety as the owners do not appear to have control over their dogs and she was quite distressed by this”.

Sergeant Brooks added, “We want to remind dog owners that they are obliged by law to have effective control of their dogs when out walking.

“The owner of a dog is liable in damages for damage caused in an attack on any person by the dog and for injury done by it to any livestock. The owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless in controlling the dog”.

Photo by Chris Copley

Tensions rising among Ennis councillors

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TENSIONS between county councillors in the Ennis Municipal District are reaching new heights.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis MD had to be adjourned as the two-hour limit for a meeting under standing orders was met with councillors failing to get through the agenda as the bulk of the gathering was dominated with a debate on spending of the General Municipal Allocation (GMA).

A tetchy atmosphere has been evident at recent sittings of the Ennis MD with a divide emerging between those who have spoken out against plans for the Ennis 2040 Strategy and those who have opted to back the private company and management of Clare County Council.

In March, councillors voted on a margin of 4-3 in favour of proceeding with the construction of a temporary car park and the demolition of the cottages. Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Ann Norton (IND) and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) backed the plans with Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) voicing opposition to the Francis Street and Abbey Street developments.

This hostility became evident as a divide once again emerged this week. An agreement has been in place among Ennis MD councillors where all seven must be in agreement in order for their GMA to be passed on a monthly basis.

Providing the source of the debate for Tuesday was the absence of the Clare Show which Cllr O’Callaghan wished to five some GMA funding towards. He claimed that at the end of an in-camera workshop that, “it was clearly stated that the late applications can be considered, sadly it isn’t on the list” for what he labelled a “clerical error”. He said, “it is well known that my family has been involved in the equine industry for many years, it is an industry that needs support. It is important that everyone is treated equally, I am very disappointed that it is not on this list”.

A full breakdown of funding that

hasn’t been drawn down from the GMA was sought by Cllr O’Callaghan. He then asked that his GMA be taken separately to other councillors which would go against the existing agreement

O’Callaghan’s colleague in Clarecastle, Cllr Murphy was first to reply, “I’m going to call a spade a spade,” he began. “We sat down at a workshop, they were agreed, the Co Show wasn’t on the list. If we’ve to sit down for every late applicant, that is more meetings and I know Cllr O’Callaghan has given out about more meetings. Do you want to call a special meeting for one application, that’s more meetings Tom”.

In a lengthy address, Cllr Norton insinuated that Cllr O’Callaghan’s inexperience was coming to the fore. “I’ve listened to what Cllr O’Callaghan has said, I can understand the fact he has been depu-

THREE primary school going children at the centre of ‘flogging at home’ allegations want to return home to their mother after almost three years apart, a court has heard, writes Gordon

Deegan

At a family law court hearing, a court appointed independent voice for the three children, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) has told the court that the children want to return to their mother.

In September 2020, the children were removed from the care of their parents with two sisters living with one foster family and their younger brother living with a different foster carer on behalf of TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency (CFA).

The children see their mother on access visits and the GAL told the court, “They have a loving relationship with their mother. They

tised into the role, the majority of us are working together for the past nine years, thankfully we work very well together, we do have our disagreements but overall we work for the betterment of the Ennis MD”.

She continued, “He said he spent the last week working really hard for the Co Show, I appreciate that but I know since January I’ve been working extremely hard for all of

a risk that funding would be taken away from people which was very disappointing, all of explanations were clearly given, we should be passing this wholeheartedly and be delighted to be in a position to be able to help and fund these organisations and charities without this type of conversation, I think it is a bad reflection on councillors that cannot see forward with this”.

wanting to take his money out of the pot put groups like the Ennis Brass Band, Clarecastle Tidy Towns, disabled and age friendly parking and works in Hermitage at risk.

Ennis MD’s GMA was “scant” in the eyes of Cllr Flynn. He said it was imperative councillors knew the amount of unspent money from the GMA.

Unity is needed among the councillors, Cllr Daly believed. “I recall when there was no allocation for many years, it was a welcome thing when it arrived and it’s important we support our communities. It is great we get X amount of money and we can allocate it to our own choice.

“There was a mix-up, we should get it out of the way, it is a late application, we should call a meeting and give them the application if the money is available. It’s important that the seven of us are on the same road, we should be working together on this”.

Mayor Colleran Molloy said the stance of Cllr O’Callaghan was “disappointing”. She said, “To my mind, you have undone in one foul swoop the honorary goodwill that has existed for nine years. Nobody will coerce you into a decision, you want to take your pro-rate share out of this so we have to go back to the drawing board, I also want to state that you have indicated there are a lot of meetings and that you prefer virtual meetings”.

Responding to his colleagues, Cllr O’Callaghan took particular aim at remarks from Cllr Howard that he was trying to cut funding from community groups, “it is disingenuous to list out community groups and suggest I’m putting a gun to the head”.

the different organisations that have applications in, I’ve made sure they’ve got their applications and they are there when we need them to be there. We did sit down for a number of hours two weeks ago and discussed each and every application that was in, we did agree late applications would be looked at and that is something we have done for the past nine years”.

Communication levels didn’t exist between councillors over the past week, Cllr Norton added. “There is

worry about her and do need to see her to make sure that she is okay”.

The GAL stated that at a First Holy Communion for one of the children, “they were putting their own happiness to one side and looking after their mother for the day when she was upset as it was a mixed day for her understandably”.

The GAL stated that re-unification with the mother and children will take time and needs to be managed carefully.

She said, "How is she going to parent her three children she hasn’t parented for almost three years? How is she going to get to know her children again?”

Last year, the 29 year old father in the case appeared in court where he was charged with assaulting the three children, one aged three at the time, in a manner likely to cause them

Disappointment was also voiced by Cllr Howard who said their workshop lasted for two and a half hours. “We said we’d meet again to discuss late applications, I don’t know what is wrong with your hearing because I said that to you,” she commented. A “system of honour” has been in existence” since the establishment of the Ennis MD in 2014 and the Ennis Town Council before that, Howard commented.

She argued that Cllr O’Callaghan

unnecessary suffering or injury.

The man’s court appearance followed a lengthy Garda investigation into the physical abuse allegations against the man that first came to light at a behind closed doors Family Law court hearing in July 2020 The children were then aged seven, six and three. The man is the biological father of two of the three children.

A TUSLA social worker at the Family Law Court told Judge Alec Gabbett that the allegations against the father concern “flogging in the home”. Solicitor for TUSLA, Kevin Sherry told the court that the children’s mother has made ‘big strides’ since September 2020 “and re-unification is very much on the cards if the therapeutic intervention continues”.

Mr Sherry told the court that the CFA was seeking a 12 month extension to the interim

Senior executive officer, Leonore O’Neill advised the meeting that monies still available from 2022 were to be assigned for capital works but had not been ring-fenced for particular projects.

After receiving a commitment that late applications would be considered, Cllr O’Callaghan who again reiterated his call for “full transparency” and the amount of funding not drawn down since 2022 agreed that the GMA could be adopted for the May meeting.

care order to allow the therapeutic interventions to continue for the mother.

This was opposed by solicitor, Michael MacSweeney for the mother who said that a shorter extension was more appropriate “as my client believes that there has been some drift”.

The mother was in court for the hearing and Mr MacSweeney said that his client has separated from her partner and intends to issue divorce proceedings and is also adhering to all recommendations and directions of CFA. He said, “The difficulty here is that I have no trajectory plan presented to me by the CFA that re-unification is being strongly considered”.

Judge Gabbett stated that a six month extension would be appropriate and adjourned the case to October.

lADJOURNED: Clare County Council offices

‘Flogged at home’ children want to return to care of mother

RTÉ ‘a disgrace’ for failing to show Banner win over Limerick

by Páraic McMahon Paraic@clareecho.ie

RTÉ have come under fire for failing to show the Munster hurling epic between Clare and Limerick over the weekend.

Brian Lohan’s side brought their championship aspirations back to life by recording a one point win over Limerick, the first defeat experienced by John Kiely’s All-Ireland champions in 17 championship games.

Widely viewed as the game of the championship so far, the meeting in the Gaelic Grounds was only available to view on GAAGO, a subscription based sports channel. The clash was not shown live on RTÉ and their new highlights show, The Saturday Game did not air in the aftermath of the contest.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) criticised the state broadcaster. “I think RTÉ have got this totally wrong, people in Kilkenny, Cork and Galway are talking about how good Clare and Limerick were, it was a thriller. For RTÉ to turn down a game like this was a disgrace”.

Ennis based Daly believed part of the licence fee should ensure RTÉ are forced to promote the GAA. “I’ve met a lot of

Get Rare Aware with Anne and Ciara

Pictured are Ennis resident Anne Micks and her daughter Ciara, age 21, who was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) in 2015. Anne and Ciara are part of a new national campaign, Get Rare Aware, which aims to bring people together to take action on under-resourced genetic services at at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin. Anne, who is Chair of Irish EDS and an RDI board member, will be speaking at a Get Rare Aware online information event on Monday, 8th May at 12.00 noon. Anne will share Ciara’s and the family’s story of the impact of the challenges of accessing genetic services in Ireland. EDS is a little-known, debilitating genetic connective tissue disorder which affects collagen. Pre-registration for the Get Rare Aware RHA E information event is essential at www.rdi.ie/gra. People can also register directly on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.ie/e/getrare-aware-briefing-rha-e-tickets-623733903897

people on Sunday and Monday since the match, they were very disappointed that the match was not shown on RTÉ, they are paying their licence fee. We saw the Munster final last year, there’s no doubt that it was the best hurling game of the year, it was a thriller and it was expected that there would be a similar situation this time yet RTÉ failed to show it.”

For €80, supporters can avail of GAAGO for the year, the service has replaced Sky Sports as part of a new broadcasting deal with the GAA. “I believe GAAGO is only a money racket, why not leave the rights with Sky Sports and more than likely the game would have been covered, people are paying licence fees and now they have to pay to get to watch the match,” the former Mayor of Clare added.

Feargal McGill, Director of Club, Player and Games Administration at GAA, speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime defended the decision. “Between GAAGO and RTÉ, we will be broadcasting way more, and I mean way more, live championship matches this year than ever before in the history of the GAA. There are more games available, there is nothing unusual, there have always been games which weren’t on television, at

least now they are available on GAAGO. We would have had the same criticism when Sky Sports were our broadcasting partners, I think GAAGO represents massive value for people”.

McGill admitted that he himself watched the match on GAAGO. “Our primary function as a sporting body is to encourage people to go to games rather than sit at home and watch them on television, obviously not everyone can get to games, we get that but we honestly think we’ve put together a great package and opportunities for people.

One of the learnings of COVID was every County Board set up a streaming service to show games”.

In a statement, RTÉ explained that the scheduling of The Saturday Game highlights show which is fronted by Damien Lawlor is based on the amount of top tier hurling and football championship games on each weekend. “All decisions relating to coverage remain under consideration and subject to review at season end,” the statement outlined.

Clare’s meeting with Kerry in the Munster senior football final will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two this Sunday.

lWHAT A CATCH:John Conlon plucks the sliotar from the sky

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Photo by Eamon Ward

Communications firm brought in to ease backlash

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A COMMUNICATIONS

firm has been brought in to assist Ennis 2040 DAC as it deals with public backlash over plans associated with the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

The Clare Echo understands that Gore Communications has been enlisted to manage the communications services of the private company which is owned by Clare County Council. The local authority already has a communications team which is headed up by Galway native Kennas Fitzsimons who succeeded Mark Dunphy in 2020 after he left to establish Dunphy Communications.

Headquartered in Limerick, Gore Communications has been responsible for the public relations of the Future Mobility Campus in Shannon. The firm is

owned by Edwina Gore.

Staff of the Ennis 2040 DAC based at the County Museum are understood to have experienced verbal abuse from the public in recent weeks with the door of the public building also kicked in.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the Ennis 2040 DAC outlined, “Ennis 2040 is a small team and does not have the resources internally to manage the marketing communications services required. Therefore, a marketing communications company will be appointed shortly to support the successful delivery of the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy”.

“Ennis 2040 D.A.C. is a dynamic property development company playing a pivotal role in the transformation of Ennis into a

leading destination for indigenous and international investment.

“Established as a special purpose vehicle of Clare County Council, Ennis 2040 D.A.C. is developing key strategic sites in Ennis into locations for enhanced employment, enterprise, investment and economic development.

“It is important that the public and media are informed of these developments. In the spirit of partnership and openness with all stakeholders, there will be a number of public information campaigns to give everyone the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft master plans for each site,” the statement added.

Leap of faith in Newmarket on Fergus

Demolition of Francis Street cottages paused

PLANS to demolish the Francis Street cottages as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy have been paused while a public meeting will be held in Ennis tonight (Thursday) to discuss aspects of the strategy, writes Páraic McMahon.

In October, Clare County Council acquired the block of cottages on Francis Street. As part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, it was proposed to demolish six houses on Francis Street to facilitate the construction of a temporary car park at a cost of €1.1m. The plans to knock the properties drew ire from the public and led to a protest attended by over 100 people in the past month taking place.

Speaking on Tuesday, Director of Services at the Ennis Municipal District, Carmel Kirby confirmed that the plans were to be paused. “It’s understandable that public are concerned about the demolition of houses

in this time, until such time as a mixed use development is designed, the houses will not be demolished, it is anticipated that there will up to 40 properties will be in the site”.

On the plans for redevelopment at Abbey Street car park, she said, “the existing use of Abbey Street as a public car park will continue for the foreseeable future. A design will be presented in late summer or early autumn”. She outlined that any input from the public will be welcomed.

Meanwhile, a public meeting is to be held on Thursday at The Temple Gate Hotel beginning at 6:30pm sharp organised by the Retailers of Ennis to discuss the potential loss of car parking spaces in the town as a result of the Ennis 2040 Strategy. All county councillors and Clare’s Oireachtas members have been invited to attend Thursday’s gathering.

Horsing around at Newmarket on Fergus Agricultural Show Photo by Chris Copley

Council gives green light to €25m hospital on St Flannan’s green space

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has given the green light to contentious HSE plans for a new €25m community hospital on green space at St Flannan’s College in Ennis.

The 100 bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) is to be built on a seven acre green field site at Clonroadmore at St Flannan’s College and replace the existing bed capacity at St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis.

The Council has granted planning permission despite the opposition to the plan by St Flannan’s College teaching staff that include celebrated Clare All-Ireland winning hurlers, Tony Kelly, Jamesie O’Connor and Brendan Bugler.

The proposal has also put the college’s Board of Management (BOM) at loggerheads with the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan. The HSE lodged the planning application after the Diocese of Killaloe agreed to sell the church owned lands to the HSE for the hospital.

The College BOM along with 75 staff and retired staff all lodged group submissions with the Council outlining their opposition to the plan. In the Council’s planner’s report, it noted the third party submissions made by the BOM and staff members at St Flannan’s Col-

lege. The planner’s report states that, “from a planning perspective, the proposed development complies with the zoning objective and the applicants have submitted a sufficient rationale for the site selection”. The report states that while there would appear to be some level of dispute between the landowners and the BOM of St Flannan’s College concerning the future intentions over the school’s potential expansion, “this is not an issue that the planning authority can resolve”.

The planners’ report also noted objectors’ claims regarding the diocese’s ability to develop the site arising from conditions attached to the 1955 bequest of the lands to the diocese controlled St Flannan’s (Killaloe) diocesan Trust.

The report states that “again, this is not an issue for the planning authority to resolve”.

The Council states that the HSE has provided sufficient evidence of their legal interest to lodge the planning application.

The report states that “any further consents that may have to be obtained are essentially a subsequent matter and outside the scope of this planning application”.

The Council granted planning permission after concluding that the proposal would not seriously

injure the residential amenities of the area and would not pose a risk to pedestrian and traffic safety.

Four-time All-Star, Tony Kelly, double All-Ireland winner with Clare from the 1990s and well known hurling pundit, Jamesie O’Connor and key member of the 2013 Clare All-Ireland winning team, Brendan Bugler appended their names to a group staff objection to the planned hospital for the Church-owned green field site on the college grounds.

In their objection, the staff told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on the student population of St Flannan’s College”.

The staff stated that St Flannan’s College for the past two academic years has had its two largest ever enrolments with 240 1st Years each year. They stated, “St Flannan’s College is the only school in the town with the potential to expand if needed. We believe that it would be incredibly short sighted were the lands to be taken away from any future development”.

They further stated that “the green field site at St Flannan’s College is the last remaining of its kind in Ennis. Urban sprawl is taking up much more of our green spaces each year. Once built, this land will

be gone forever.”

They stated that they understand the need for a new community hospital in Ennis “however, we believe that there are several more appropriate sites available for development”. The staff at St Flannan’s College stated that the playing fields at the college are used daily for a variety of sports. They stated that “we believe that no other sporting facility in Ennis would be built upon as it is proposed for our developed playing pitches”.

Speaking on the issue last year, the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan said that the Diocesan Trust could confirm “that the Diocese

is entirely free to sell this land for community benefit and has received the necessary Charities Regulator authorisation”.

Bishop Monahan said “this wonderful proposed development” by the HSE “will be of great benefit to our community”.

Bishop Monahan said that “the Diocese is very pleased to be able to facilitate the HSE in providing a state of the art facility for the benefit of the communities of Ennis and County Clare in general in a location which is ideal for such a facility”.

Third parties can now appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

lArtist’s impression of the new hospital

Tulla kids get stuck in to Spring Clean

‘Nothing about us without us’

LONG-STANDING issues of personal assistant legislation that have been promised in the Dáil but not delivered were among the criticisms at a rally held by the Clare Leader Forum last week. Marching down O’Connell Street in Ennis, members of the Clare Leader Forum in conjunction with Power Ireland led by Martin Vernon chanted, “We won’t let you pass us out, nothing about us, without us”. Clare TDs, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) were among those present for the rally.

Organisers told The Clare Echo the aim of the demonstration was to highlight Personal Assistant legislation which has been promised and agreed in principle in Dáil Éireann. The UNCRPD, (United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities) was adopted by the U.N. in 2006. Ireland signed the Convention in 2007. It was ratified in March 2018 and entered into force a month later.

Activist, Trish McNamara stated, “Disabled People have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that PAS is the means for

many to achieve Independent Living. It is 30 years since its introduction to Ireland. Today only 5% of the total budget is spent on PAS, while 95% of 3 billion euros is spent on institutionalszing us, against our will and preference”.

She said, “First and foremost, we demand a right to PAS. Under Article 19 of the UNCRPD Disabled People have a right to a Personal Assistant Service - Not We do not want Care Support or Nursing Homes. Our inherent dignity is persistently violated by successive Governments by denying our right to independent living”.

Clare Leader Forum members are calling for the motion to be passed into Law and the establishment of a timeline for its implementation. An approximate 643,000 persons have disabilities in Ireland.

Shannon resident, Padraic Hayes who is Chairperson of Clare Leader Forum commented, “The Government is breaking its promise of a New Social Contract by not honouring its promise to adopt the UNCRPD Optional Protocol is failing over 643,000 people in Ireland, 13.5% of the Irish population”.

Healing Programme for those bereaved by suicide

CLARE Suicide Bereavement Support are launching a programme designed to help the family members, relatives and friends of those who have been bereaved by suicide. The programme will run every Tuesday for eight weeks, beginning on May 16 at 7.30pm.

This is a chance for bereaved people to come together with people in a similar situation to share, talk and support each other.

The aims are: To help adults who have experienced a death by suicide to find healing and support in a safe and caring environ-

ment; To provide an opportunity for individuals to meet others who have experienced loss through a death by suicide; To provide healing through the listening facilitation in small groups; Help is received by talking and listening; Family members are separated in the small groups where possible; Everything discussed is strictly confidential.

The sessions will be run as guided discussions in full groups and smaller groups.

Smaller groups are of particular value where more than one member of a family is present.

Topics which will be cov-

ered: Suicide in general, Grief, Anger, Guilt, Blame, Depression, Relief, and Effects of suicide on the family.

Mantra. – We listen learn and thus heal. We learn from hearing the experiences of others, not by being told what to do.

Come to our premises in Roslevan Shopping Centre on Tuesday May 16th.at 7.30 p.m. – no appointment necessary.

TelephoneNumbers-087 3698315 and 086 0565373. www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com.

lCRITICAL: Leigh Gath, retired disability advocate at the HSE by Páraic McMahon paraic @clareecho.ie

Over 6,000 volunteers joined Spring Clean 23 in County Clare removing an estimated 34 tonnes of litter. Tulla Scouts and Tulla Tidy Towns took to the streets to do a thorough clean-up of the roads. Almost 200 Clare groups registered to carry out clean-ups making it one of the largest anti-litter campaigns to date.

Sudden death of John Walsh leaves ‘dark cloud’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SIXMILEBRIDGE is covered in “a dark cloud” after one resident died while attending the Munster senior hurling championship clash between Clare and Limerick on Saturday evening.

John Walsh was among the Clare supporters seated in the uncovered stand of the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday when he began to feel unwell.

Emergency services and stewards responded to the incident with a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirming that the death occurred shortly after 7pm. Assistance was also offered by team medics.

John was a native of Portumna in Co Galway who played minor, U21 and intermediate for Galway.

After moving to the Shannon Rd in Sixmilebridge in 1968, he became a loyal supporter and member of the local GAA club for whom his children lined out for and who his grand-children currently represent.

He was a regular at Saturday morning sessions in the Arena to watch his grand-children in action.

Prior to the meeting of Waterford and Cork in the Munster SHC on Sunday, a minute’s silence for John was held. He is dearly missed by his beloved wife Sheila, daughter Orla, sons Cathal, Ruairi

and Eoin, son in law Shane, daughters in law and partner Niamh, Deirdre and Aoife, adored grandchildren Ava and Donnacha, brothers Mossy and Timmy, sisters Patricia, Marian and Anne, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers in laws, extended family, friends and neighbours.

In a tribute posted online, the Sixmilebridge GAA club detailed, “A dark cloud has descended over the village and the hurling community in the last 12 hours with the news that John Walsh passed away on Saturday at the Clare versus Limerick match in the Munster Championship”.

“Anyone that knew John would describe him as a relaxed character who was extremely knowledgeable on the game of hurling - Following his visits back to Portumna he would always have the inside track on up and coming players and he was telling the people of the ‘Bridge to watch out for a nine year old he spotted while visiting his mothers who was able to cut sidelines over the bar - that nine year old turned out to be Joe Canning so John definitely had a good eye for talent”.

With the club, John was an active volunteer for their bingo and was also involved with various team management.

l John Walsh

Minister raps Council for ‘excessive’ zoning

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

JUNIOR Minister Kieran

O’Donnell (FG) has rapped Clare County Council for excessive zoning of lands for housing in its new Clare County Development Plan.

Elected members of Clare County Council adopted their new County Development Plan 2023-2029 at a special meeting last month after public consultation that commenced back in September 2020.

However, Limerick TD O’Donnell (inset) has now intervened to issue a Draft Direction contending that the Development Plan is not in compliance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act.

The Direction states that the adopted Development Plan “includes material amendments to the draft Development Plan which zone additional residential lands in excess of what is required for Co Clare as set out in the Core Strategy”.

The Ministerial direction adds that these zoning objectives and amendments are located in peripheral and/

or non-sequential locations “and would encourage a pattern of development in particular locations which is inconsistent with national and regional policy objectives promoting compact forms of development”.

The direction states that the additional lands zoned include lands that are not serviced or serviceable within the plan period. The direction states that as a result the plan is inconsistent with the requirement to implement a tiered approach to zoning and inconsistent with national policy to promote proportionate growth of settlements.

The public notice also points out that the Devel opment Plan has zoned land for uses within flood risk zones that are vulnerable or high ly vulnerable to flood risk and lands that have not passed the plan making justification test.

The Direction also states that the Development Plan makes provision for ex-

ceptional circumstances for access onto national roads “which are not consistent with the National Strategic Outcome of the National Planning Framework (NPF) for enhanced regional accessibility”.

In a rebuke to the Clare councillors who adopted the plan, the direction states that Minister O’Brien is of the opinion that the Development Plan fails to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The direction also states that the Development Plan has not been made in a manner consistent with and has failed to implement a recommendation of the Office of the Planning Regulator.

The Council is now inviting members of the public and interested parties to make submissions on the Ministerial Draft Direction from Friday, April 28th to May 11th.

Newmarket on Fergus Agricultural Show

A youngster carries out a final inspection before the big competition

Photo by Chris Copley

Birth and Beyond: Your guide to parental leave & supports with Citizen’s Information

BECOMING a parent through birth, adoption or fostering is a major event in life.

There are a range of benefits and entitlements to support parents. Parents have a right to time off work to look after their children. Parents have several different types of statutory leave entitlements.

The table below explains the differences between the types of leave for parents. In order to qualify for these payments you must have

enough (PRSI) social insurance contributions.

In addition, there are several other schemes and benefits that may be of interest to parents including the Homemaker’s Scheme, the Home Carer Tax Credit, the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit, One Parent Family Payment and the Working Family Payment. Further supports are available for parents who are caring for a child with a disability. For more information

check out the Citizens Information website Deirdre Power, Development Manager with Citizens Information in Co Clare noted that “the various types of leave entitlements for parents can be confusing, we are here to help. Our services are free and confidential.”

For details on all leave entitlements for parents please visit our website www.citizensinformation. ie

Information Officers in our Citizens Information Centres throughout County Clare are available to answer any queries you may have. You may phone the Citizens Information Centres for details on our Drop in and Appointment service. Visit our website www.citizensinformation.ie which is packed full of useful information.

Ennis CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5260

Who

Female employees

One parent of the adoptive couple, or a parent adopting alone

New parents of children under 6 months of age (usually the father or the partner of the mother, or in the case of adoption, the parent who is not taking adoptive leave)

Parents and guardians of children under 12

Parents of children under 2 years of age

Parents of adopted children in the first 2 years of the placement of the child.

Kilrush CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Wednesday, phone 0818 07 5310.

Shannon CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5370, Citizens Information Centres are funded by the Citizens Information Board. They provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights and entitlements.

How Long?

26 weeks and up to 16 unpaid weeks

24 weeks and up to 16 unpaid weeks

2 weeks 26 weeks

7 weeks

Is it paid?

Yes, Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks

Yes, Adoptive Benefit is paid for 24 weeks

Yes, Paternity Benefit is paid for 2 weeks

No, it’s unpaid

Yes, Parent’s Benefit is paid for 7 weeks.

lFamily

Doonbeg ‘among the greatest in the world’

DONALD Trump’s Doonbeg resort had its busiest year of visitors last year according to hotel management, writes Páraic McMahon

An economic spin-off is hoped for Doonbeg in the wake of the former US President’s latest visit which has resulted in national and international headlines for the West Clare village.

Local business personnel have told The Clare Echo that they were beginning to see the ripple effects of Trump’s 2019 visit in subsequent months until the onset of COVID-19.

Speaking this week, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Joe Russell detailed, “The impact of the business both in terms of direct and indirect employment is significant. We’d be the biggest employer in this area. We have mums and dads and sons and daughters all working here”.

He continued, “Well, our business has never been better, consistently since 2014, 2015 and 2016 with the exception of Covid-19. We’ve seen a huge spiking for our bookings in summer following news of the Trump arrival”. Russell was expecting another productive visit with the owner of the resort.

A pent up demand for international travel among US golf enthusiasts has been credited with the rising number of visitors at the five star resort. Projected visitor numbers are also said to be encouraging for the remainder of 2023.

Additional hospitality and business to the village of Doonbeg has always been experienced as a result of an influx of guests at the resort. Employment in local pubs, restaurant and the chauffeur business have seen particular bumps while up to 300 people are employed at the hotel.

Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump not known for his modesty heaped praise on the Doonbeg resort. “Will be leaving for Scotland & Ireland soon in order to see and inspect my great properties. The golf courses and hotels are among the greatest in the world – Turnberry Aberdeen and Doonbeg”.

Accounts released last year

show that the Doonbeg resort recorded operating profits of €509,892. Accounts for 2021 show the former US president’s TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd recorded an operating profit of €509,892 in 2021 after sustaining operating losses of €1.98 million in 2020 – a positive swing of €2.49 million.The business returned to operating profit after revenues increased by 90 per cent, or €3.4 million, from €3.76 million to €7.17 million.

Doonbeg locals who are very appreciative of the economic benefit experienced as a result of the Trump family’s investment in the area gave a warm welcome to the 45th US President.

Publican, Tommy Tubridy of Tubridy’s Bar and Restaurant said, “politics doesn’t come into it around here”. He added, “The resort is bringing a world of people into Doonbeg. The service is fantastic. Everybody who comes to Doonbeg has mighty praise for it”.

Parish priest, Fr Gerry Kenny said the value for quality jobs was valued by the people of Doonbeg and surrounding communities. “The management of the hotel is held in very high regard. The owner’s political career has been played out in another forum. In terms of the interests of people in west Clare the political thing is not on the agenda. Employment is the prism through which it’s viewed”.

Trump in 2020 wrote a letter of condolence to the family of the late parish priest, Fr Joe Haugh who he famously asked if he could get him to heaven. During a subsequent interview with The Clare Echo, Fr Haugh who was well aware of the benefits of the hotel to the region, expressed his view that Trump would indeed get to heaven.

Members of the Doughmore Coastal Protection Group are to meet with Mr Trump. They will discuss what ongoing efforts are underway by the Trump company to curb the considerable damage already caused by storms and climate change to a number of the greens at the resort. A major storm in 2014, along with a number of severe winter storms since then have caused major erosion at Doughmore beach along which the resort is built.

Trump lands in Doonbeg

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONALD Trump has landed in Doonbeg for a two day visit.

On Wednesday evening, the former US President arrived in Shannon Airport on the family’s private jet known as Trump Force One.

In what is a much more scaled back version of his 2019 visit when he was then residing in the White House, Trump is expected to partake in a round of golf at his five star Doonbeg resort on Thursday.

Taking to Truth Social, the social media platform he owns, Trump said that his resorts in Scotland and Ireland were among the greatest in the world.

Since 2014, the Trump family have owned the property in West Clare which has an eighteen hole links course which stretches across 400 acres, acquiring it for €15m. The Trump family have spent about €40m including the purchase price, on expanding and upgrading facilities.

For his first visit almost a decade ago, a red carpet was rolled out in Shannon Airport when musicians in red dresses played the harp and former Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan (FG) greeted the multi-millionaire. Speaking this week, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) criticised the 2014 reception, describing the “fanfare” as a bit “stage Irish”.

There was no red carpet or welcome from any Government Minister when the

seventy four year old arrived in Shannon on Wednesday. He had spent the previous two days visiting golf resorts Turnberry and Menie.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) confirmed to The Clare Echo that the West Clare MD received no invite to welcome Trump to West Clare.

In his native US, Trump is facing multiple investigations. The visit comes off the back of the successful visit of US President Joe Biden to Louth and Mayo. While in Doonbeg, Donald is to meet business clients, hotel staff and play a round of golf before returning Stateside. A significant security detail has travelled with the former President. Screening and security sweeps were conducted prior to his arrival, this involved checking for explosives and firearms around the environs of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland.

Bodies of water and Doonbeg’s sewerage system have also been searched by the Garda Water Unit. Specialist Garda units involved for the twoday trip include the Special Detective Unit and Emergency Response Unit. The additional presence of Gardaí in the area is ironic as West Clare has been without a Superintendent since the end of February.

Access to the hotel had not been blocked off prior to his arrival but checkpoints have popped up on roads to Doonbeg.

Environmental group ask Trump

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has called on former US President, Donald Trump to attend a court case over sand trap fencing at Doonbeg, writes Páraic McMahon

Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) who were among the groups to have held up coastal protection works at Doughmore adjoining the Trump resort in Doonbeg have invited Donald to stay on in Ireland until May 15th, when the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel is due in the Irish High Court.

FIE brought an action against sand trap fencing constructed by the Trumps during 2022, issued the invitation as he arrived in Shannon Airport.

“Climate change with more intense and frequent storms is accelerating coastal erosion at Trump’s famous golf course. It threatens the dune-top greens and tees which requires the golf course to shift further inland, not construct barriers to

natural evolution,” Tony Lowes a spokesperson for FIE said.

According to FIE, the legally binding Conservation Objectives for the dune system require that the owners ‘maintain the natural circulation of sediment and organic matter, without any physical obstructions’. ‘Sand dunes are living dynamic systems; golf courses must adjust, not the other way around”.

Objectors from across the world got involved in a campaign to stop works proceeding in West Clare. More than 100,000 signatures were on a petition supported by the Californian environmental organisation, Save the Waves. An Bord Pleanála refused the application for the construction.

However, during the summer of 2022, Mr. Lowes explained, ‘the Trump organisation constructed a fence at the base of the dunes made of large wooden pallets set deeply into the ground side by

side with a fine nylon mesh stretched across them.’

The new fencing was removed after Clare County Council issued a Warning Letter and the environmental charity brought a case under Section 160 of the Planning Acts over unauthorised development. However, FIE says a network of these fences remains along the top of the dunes.

Director Tony Lowes said the group has written today to Donald Trump at Doonbeg suggesting that he stay on in Ireland and attend the Court case, which is due in the High Court later this month.

l STARS & STRIPES: Flags flying high in Cree during Donald

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Donald Trump’s last visit to Ireland

Clare’s Food & Drink Fleadh returns

COUNTY Clare is home to some of the very best artisan food and drink produced in Ireland.

Clare Food & Drink Fleadh was established in 2019 to showcase and celebrate all that is great about the food and drink scene here in ‘The Banner’ county. This year’s Clare Food & Drink Fleadh takes place from May 05 –07 (inc.) with events in Ennis and countywide. Check out: www.clarefooddrinkfleadh.ie/events

Local artisan producer Maeve Sheridan, (Western Herd Brewing Company) is Chair of Clare Food & Drink Fleadh. She explained, “The committee has programmed a wide variety of events to suit all age groups and tastes. There will be exceptional local food to enjoy, local drinks to savour and of course it wouldn’t be Clare without great music too.”

The fun programme of events highlights the quality and uniqueness of the food and drink produced in County Clare.

The festival kicks off with fresh Oysters and Guinness at the stylish venue ‘The Monks Society’. A launch event will take place at Temple Gate Hotel, to include a reception, and a panel discussion featuring local artisan producers, moderated by RTE reporter John Cooke on the theme Fermentation & Foraging.

We have exciting locally inspired food offerings across the weekend including ‘Clare Plates’ from Ennis-based award-winning café

SweetnGreen, which will open its doors on the evenings of Friday, May 05 and Saturday May 06 for a tasting menu with hero ingredients from County Clare. This tasty food will be prepared by one of the county’s greatest champions of local food, Chef Frank Landy.

Other festival highlights will include ‘Beer with Cheese Tasting’ featuring two of the county’s premi-

um artisan brands, namely, St. Tola Goat Cheese and Western Herd Brewing – a match made in heaven!

On Saturday evening May 06, bars throughout Ennis will vie to win the title ‘Best Clare Inspired Cocktail’. Each participating bar will concoct a unique cocktail inspired by county Clare. We have come to expect an array of highly creative cocktails, and no doubt this year will

be no exception. Cocktail competition entries will be available to order by the public on Saturday evening May 06 (€10 each). We invite patrons to post a review on social media using hashtag #ClareCocktail

Other highlights on Clare Food & Drink Fleadh programme for 2023 include an Artisan Market, this year located in the courtyard in front of Temple Gate Hotel, on Saturday

May 06 (10.0am to 2.00pm). Also, on Saturday morning we will host ‘Eat My Shop’, a free food trail where the festival committee matches an artisan producer with an Ennis retailer. The trail runs from 10.30am to 12 noon. On Saturday afternoon we host our highlight community event – Clare Junior Bake-off, open to three distinct age categories. Get baking!

On Sunday, The Monks Society will host a delectable brunch featuring exceptional Clare produce, accompanied by a Clare-inspired cocktail, all this against a backdrop of sultry live jazz.

For a more relaxed Sunday enjoy a afternoon of Yoga, 3 course locally sourced lunch, sauna, hot tub and Sound Bath in the beautiful setting of the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat.

Whatever about leaving the best wine until last, we’ve left the best whiskey until last! On Sunday May 07, starting at 7.30pm Nora Culligan’s will host a ‘Whiskey Experience – The 4 Pillars of Irish Whiskey Making. This experience provides a wonderful opportunity to taste the best Irish whiskeys as you journey through the four distinct Irish whiskey styles.

Expect great music across the weekend at Considine’s, Knox’s, Cruises, Preacher’s, Nora Culligan’s, and The Poet’s Corner.

For full details check out the events tab on: www.clarefooddrinkfleadh.ie/events

Civic Reception for young stars

Coláiste Muire, All-Ireland Junior B Camogie Champions, were among those honoured at a civic reception hosted by Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, on Monday, 24th April, 2023. The event was attended by the Elected Members and Executive of Ennis Municipal District. The students were accompanied by their teachers and coaches, who gave an account of the journey that each of the honourees travelled in order to achieve all-Ireland success. The Mayor acknowledged the school management and teachers who invested the time and effort in developing and managing these teams. Cllr Colleran Molloy made reference to the statistics indicating that female students tend to bow out of team sports during their teens and expressed delight at the large number of females being honoured. The Mayor commented: “These students are an inspiration to all of us. While they have an abundance of talent, it is their level of commitment and team spirit that has brought them all-Ireland success with their schools. ‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh siad’, that is why we invited the students in, to celebrate and officially congratulate them on their achievements.”

l Frighteningly good treats

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Bustling May Bank Holiday for airport

SHANNON Airport had 45,000 passengers across the May Bank Holiday weekend, writes Páraic

McMahon

Representing a 27 per cent increase when compared with pre-pandemic traffic levels for the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2019, the figures also show a 42 per cent jump with 2022 numbers.

Director of Shannon Airport, Niall Kearns said they were “busy welcoming passengers from all over Ireland as they head off for a summer bank holiday break. Even with the influx of people using the airport over the coming days, outbound passengers are getting from the car park and through security to their gate, in an average of 15 minutes”.

He added, “We would like to remind people travelling from Shannon, that with our new hi-tech security screening in place, there is no need to separate liquids and electronics from cabin bags as our screening system al-

lows for these items to be screened in your luggage”.

This year, Shannon Airport is offering 35 destinations to 11 countries across the EU, UK and USA.

The schedule includes six new destinations to Naples, Bezier, Porto, Newcastle and Liverpool with Ryanair, and a daily service with United to the international hub of Chicago O’Hare Airport, from the 26th of May.

In terms of passengers, Kearns outlined that they have seen a mix of families, groups of friends and couples heading through the departure gates.

“We are also seeing a consistent increase in tourists arriving at our airport since the summer season started - with many travelling to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and a host of festivals and events happening in the region, among these Limerick’s Riverfest just 20 minutes from Shannon Airport and the Galway Theatre Festival.” Passengers as advised to pre-book their parking to guarantee a space.

Over 200 take part in Odd Socks Cycle for charity

CYCLISTS took to the highroads and byroads of Co Clare for the ‘Odd Socks Cycle’ on Sunday morning, writes Páraic McMahon

More than 200 cyclists pedalled to their hearts content for the fundraising event in aid of the Clare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

Jointly organised by Club Rothaíochta na Sionainne and Down Syndrome Clare, the Odd Socks Cycle saw participants leave Shannon Leisure Centre at 09:30 on Sunday morning where they received strong support from members of the Down Syndrome Clare branch.

Aoibhin Garrihy, co-founder of Beo Wellness had the task of picking the spot prize winners for best odd socks on the day and proved to be very popular with the many members of Down Syndrome Clare who showed their support for the event.

With a 50km route and a 100km trek, cyclists had the option to travel from Shannon to Quin, onto Fenloe and home via Newmarket-on-Fergus or the longer cycle which carried onto Broadford.

Members of the organising committee including Louise Craig, John Ryan, Neil Gilles-

pie, Pat O’Grady, Pat Ryan, John O Brien and the cycling club were very pleased with the success of the event.

Funds raised will help to pay for essential therapies for the 85 Down Syndrome Clare members such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, swimming, therapeutic horse riding, all

of which aid members to live their lives to the fullest.

Organisers have said the event would not be possible without the huge generosity of all its sponsors, and both the cycling club and Down Syndrome Clare wish to express their huge appreciation for all the support they received from local businesses.

lON THE UP: 45,000 people travelled through Shannon Airport last weekend

lREADY FOR ROAD: The Eyers family at the Odd Socks Cycle

Photo by Joe Buckley

Bigger crowds strengthen argument to improve access to Dr Daly Park

BIGGER crowds attending matches at the revamped Dr Daly Park in Tulla has been cited in the call to improve sight lines on junctions in close proximity to the grounds, writes

Páraic McMahon

At a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) asked Clare County Council to explore the options that can be implemented to improve the sight lines on the L4082 where it exits onto the R452 and pedestrian movement to the GAA facilities from the junction and to upgrade road markings in the interest of road safety.

Derek Troy, acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD confirmed that the request has been forwarded to the road design section of Clare County Council to review the existing road layout at the junction including sight lines, pedestrian facilities and vehicular turning movements.

He explained, “this assessment will also take into account the operational speed on the R352 in both directions and its strategic importance as a transport corridor. Killaloe MD team will contribute to this review and if deemed appropriate a funding request for measures will be submitted to the Department of Transport under Safety Improvement Works on regional and local roads”.

Several engineers have visited the location on foot of motions down through the years, Cllr Cooney noted and described the sight lines as “dangerous”. He stated, “there has

been accidents at the junction in the past, I have been told it’s gone to road design before and a design done as far as GAA facility to junction, I hope it doesn’t stay there too long this time. Road safety is very important, Tulla GAA club have improved their facility by 100%, bigger crowds are coming to matches there and there will be bigger matches in the future. I don’t want it left at road design for long. We wait for a long time to get a response, I don’t want this situation here,

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

club for their redevelopment work, “a new car park recently done and managed in such a way that people drive in one way and out another”.

According to Cllr Hayes, most people drive to Dr Daly Park because they are too worried and nervous about letting their children walk on such a busy regional road. “Every single one of the junctions at Tulla are badly managed, there have been accidents there, they are very sharp and not managed well at all, reviewing them all wouldn’t be a bad idea”.

Widening up the review could slow things down, Cllr Cooney warned. “I am calling here today that we work on this junction, I see where Cllr Hayes is coming from and I don’t disagree with him, if we open it up to all junctions when will it be done. Public lighting should also be put from junction to GAA grounds”.

The Poet's Corner Bar

is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

I want action. With the Killaloe Bridge and bypass great work is being done and that is going to bring extra traffic here”.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

GAA officials in the club have met with elected members including Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). He outlined, “What we have is kids walking from the town to the GAA facility on a very busy regional road, if you park outside the grounds any day, I know the speed van is there but there is a lot of cars travelling at high speed there”. He praised Tulla GAA

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

No funding has been allocated for works at the location presently, the senior engineer advised the meeting. “I will follow up to try move the project along. If we were to put in pedestrian facilities from the end of the footpath to the GAA side, that would require a footpath which would take away parking, we have to be careful what we ask for. It’s an 80km/h speed limit, it is a high speed area. A number of different factors need to be addressed”.

These sentiments were acknowledged by Cllr Cooney who suggested road markings could possibly reduce the speed limit.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

lDEVELOPMENT: Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Taking it all in at Festival of Finn

The crowd listens intently to Paul Minihan’s lecture on former Supreme Court Judge Seamus Henchy on the opening night of the Festival of Finn/Féile Finne in Corofin

New stamp marks Hillery's centenary

AN POST have issued a new stamp to mark the birth centenary of former Irish President, Patrick J. Hillery, writes Páraic McMahon

Born in Miltown Malbay, on May 2, 1923, Dr Patrick J. Hillery had a distinguished career in public life, culminating in serving as President of Ireland for two terms from 1976–1990.

He had previously held several senior ministerial posts before becoming Ireland’s first European Commis-

Long waiting list for Ukrainian students

by Flynn Egan news@clareecho.ie

AN INFLUX of Ukrainian students in Lisdoonvarna has made a larger secondary school a necessity.

Plans for a new school have been in place since January 2022. However, the large increase in student numbers has left the school struggling to fit its students in regular classes.

“The fact that we have a greater student population now just shows that this need needs to be met sooner rather than later,” said Mona Hynes, principal of Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna.

When asked about the school’s response to the large number of new students, she said: “We are a CEIST school, and we are going to respond to this crisis. These students, they are in need of and have a right to education and continuity of learning”.

She emphasised that they have a positive approach to the situation, and that they are “trying to make [the refugees] feel like students of Mary Immaculate.”

Mona mentioned the importance of Ukrainian students committing to the Irish education system during their time here. “The great hope was that

they would return to their home country, but that’s looking less and less likely,” she said.

“Unfortunately we have a very large waiting list for Ukrainian students in the area,” she said, also calling on further support from the Department of Education, with regards to resources and teaching English as an additional language.

Concerns had also been raised locally around healthcare and transport facilities. With only a small GP office and a rarely used bus stop, the town was not well equipped to deal with such a large number of people when refugees first arrived.

Speaking on the matter Jacqueline McCoy of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte admitted, “In terms of having a small rural village, it wasn’t fully prepared. A very quick response was needed in order to get it to a place where we could accommodate people”.

The HSE has since assigned a team of professionals to visit hotels where refugees are staying twice a week, and additional bus routes have been provided by the TFI Local Link system.

Jacqueline also mentioned community integration efforts such as the coffee mornings held every Friday, where locals and refugees meet, and have begun sharing crafting skills and expertise.

Anastasiia Bloshchynska is a Ukrainian who has been working with Lisdoonvarna Fáilte since last summer. “Now we have almost 50 or 40 per cent of Ukrainians at the Coffee Morning,” she said.

She has seen benefits for everyone involved, with friendships bringing the communities closer. “People who already have some friends there, they come every morning now, just to chat and share skills”.

The time spent together with Irish people has also greatly improved their English. Anastasiia said, “Not everybody has good English so sometimes there’s difficulties, they’re scared to speak. The people who usually come to the Coffee Morning, they help them to relax”.

Anastasiia emphasised above all that “Ukrainians feel more a part of the community, since they have more friends here now, and they do not feel separated”.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said, “A change like this is a shock,” but was proud of the efforts made in his native Lisdoonvarna, saying, “Schools were very quick in their response”. Schools all over North Clare have organised extra bus routes, added “improvised classrooms”, and hired Ukrainian refugees as translators and teachers.

West Clare

sioner in 1973 when the country joined the EEC. As the Commission’s vice-president, he had special responsibility for Social Affairs.

Designed by Dublin design agency, So Studio, the stamp features a portrait of President Hillery by John F. Kelly, RHA, which hangs in Áras an Uachtaráin.

lDISTINGUISED: The Patrick J Hillery stamp

This stamp is suitable for postage in the island of Ireland, it is available in selected post offices and on anpost.com/ shop.

First Holy Communion

Photos by Elwood Lynch

Lucy Crowley checking herself in the mirror prior to her First Communion. Lucy is a pupil of Gaelscoil Ui Choimin, Kilrush

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

CHAMPIONS

Photos by Joe Buckley

• Captain Eoin Hayes lifts the FAI Junior Cup

• Newmarket Celtic players react as Stephen Kelly’s penalty

• Timmy Kelly pictured with his two sons Alan and Eoin

• From the alter for communion to Jackman park

• Newmarket Celtic squad line out as the match begins

• Eoin Hayes pops the champagne at the victory homecoming

• The victorious Newmarket Celtic squad

• Shane Cusack saves Shane Ryan’s penalty

• Winning Manager Paddy Purcell surrounded by his family

Clockwise

Macalla an Chláir

le

MACDARA

Ó CONAOLA

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo

Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir

Binneas na Bealtaine

BA MHÓR an spóirt é baill den ghrúpa Binneas a chloisteáil ag casadh beo ag ócáid speisialta i nGlór Dé Sathairn seo caite. Mar gheall ar an éacht a dhéan an grúpa agus Gradam Siansa Gael Linn 2023 a bhuachtáil le deireanas, bhronn Líonra na hInse / An Clár as Gaeilge pleaiceanna aitheantais orthu. Go bhfága Dia an tsláinte agus an ceol acu!

Gradam Gaeilge an Chláir

I nGlór Dé Sathairn seo caite, bhronn An Clár as Gaeilge Gradam Gaeilge An Chláir ar bhuaiteoir 2022, Reg Ua Ruairc, dhá sheirbhís le blianta fada anuas don

Lean ar na meáin-shóisialta muid / Follow us on social media, @ ClárAsGaeilge, Twitter, Facebook

Imeachtaí/Events:

Teanga i mBaile na hInse agus é ag eagrú an ciorcail comhrá rialta ‘’Caint agus Comhrá’’ (breathnaigh thíos in ‘’Imeachtaí’’). Comhchairdeachas ó chroí le Reg!

agus Instagram. R-phost / email: lionranahinse@ gmail.com

• INIS - Rang Amhránaíochta ar an sean-nós le Domhnall Ó Braonáin, gach Déardaoin, 7pm, Cois na hAbhna

• SRÁID NA CATHRACH - Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile le Ceri, chuile Dé Céadaoin sa Leabharlann ó 10.30 – 11am, Saor in aisce / Free of charge

• INIS - Scéalaíocht do pháistí / Story time i nGaeilge le MacDara, Dé Luain 8ú Bealtaine / May, Leabharlann De Valera, 3pm, Saor in aisce

• RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm

• INIS - Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag 7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Sráid Uí Chonaill

• CILL INÍNE BAOITH - 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 Insomnia (Tesco), oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, Inis, 11am-12pm

Edel Vaughan to launch new album

Edel Vaughan launches her second album in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, on May 12th at 7:30. It promises to be a night of music and song with many special guests. Since her last successful album ‘Spreagtha’, Edel has been very busy touring extensively at home and abroad on a solo basis and with the renowned ‘Kilfenora Céilí Band’. Edel has been the lead vocalist with the Band since 2016.

Edel was an integral part of the project commissioned for the official launch of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 called ‘Clare my Heart my Home.

Thought for the week: Forgiveness

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

C.S. LEWIS once wrote:

“Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something or someone to forgive.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember that God’s grace is the most fabulous force for good in the world, and the power of forgiveness needs to be recognized more than it is in our lives. I believe that each of us has a deep, sometimes hidden, desire to be forgiven. Ernest Hemingway’s short story about the broken relationship between a Spanish father and

his teenage son, Paco, highlights this desire. Paco ran away from his home to Madrid, and his grieving father looked everywhere for him.

In desperation, the father placed an ad in the Madrid newspaper that read, “Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office tomorrow at noon. All is forgiven. I love you.” The next morning, 800 hopeful men named Paco were standing in front of the newspaper office!

Realizing you need to forgive is only the beginning of the process of letting go. The good news is that you can depend on God to walk alongside you.

Just remember God has forgiven you more times than you will ever have the chance to forgive someone else. I challenge you this week to think of someone who you need to forgive or

offer your forgiveness to someone you have wronged.

Only then will you experience true healing, peace, and freedom. Someone needs your forgiveness right now, but even more, as you choose to forgive and surrender yourself to your loving heavenly Father, you’ll begin to experience the freedom that comes through forgiving. It’s the only way forward. It’s the only path to freedom.

May you feel God’s love flowing through you as you forgive others and are forgiven by others. May each one of us place our little daily candles on the divine altar of forgiveness, whose light can heal and bless our world that at times has turned very ugly and evil.

“Let me finish with this prayer that I pray before reconciliation for

strength and courage, “Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person.

“But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me.

Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Expressing ourselves through signage and wall hangings

background.

A VERY close relative of mine has a sign on her kitchen wall. It says “The biggest lie I tell myself is that I don’t need to write it down. I’ll remember it.” Said relative finds it humorous in the extreme, especially as she wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without a list. I find it humorous that she finds it humorous so when I see it, I can’t help but smile to myself.

In the former home of my sister in law, I had always admired a graphic print that hung at the entrance of her bedroom. Emblazoned with the quote “Not all those who wander are lost”, I know this Lord of the Rings classic had enough personal meaning to her, that it warranted a white frame, bold lettering and a neon

Elsewhere, in a friend’s dining room, the lyrics of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” are mounted large. By my estimation, they represent the very early, young phase of her relationship, while also capturing the true essence of her marriage. Cute, isn’t it?

At a nearby coffee shop, nestled among the multiple posters for local gigs and theatre nights, a nineties style illustration takes pride of place for the cafe owner. It says “Don’t tell Bono. He’ll only worry”. It’s a good one.

Mexican filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro has rooms at his residence dedicated to all things film and horror. He has personalised his decor by sticking a wall decal over a doorway which says “Once upon a time…….”

I do wonder if my own walls could do with a little sprucing. They are

decorated but not with words. The problem is I am not sure I could ever commit to one quote or theme. If it was writing related, I could. I dream of a spacious, minimalist writing nook. “Everything is copy” by Nora Ephron might work. Perhaps a little too lengthy, but I have always loved Anne Lamott’s widely shared philosophy; “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” Even Stephen King’s “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work” would be ideal. That little trio of motivational prompts would encourage the laziest and most fearful of amateur writers to keep going. They’re hardly suitable for a home though, are they?

Right now, my little place has a handful of decorative pieces (i.e.

tat) that give some texture to the bare white walls and maybe they’re enough. I can definitely continue to live with a small framed Orla Walsh illustration, a little Lennon Wall photo from Prague and a postcard print of The Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederick William Burton. They hold huge sentimental value and are as impactful now as when they were first purchased. I’ve even managed to borrow a couple of my husband’s New Order albums for home display purposes. Those Peter Saville covers are beautiful.

While I can admire other people’s home sign choices, in their homes, I think I prefer more subtle nods to the trend in my place. There are plenty of them. For example, a coaster to remind me that “I am awesome” might seem tragic to you but to me it is a tool of self compassion as well as being fun. I have a

fridge magnet of some Berlin street art, where an old lady holds a spray painted sign to “Keep Doing Shit”. It’s my version of keeping calm and carrying on and possibly one of my most favourite possessions. Another magnet reminds me of happier times in sunny Spain. Purchased at the Picasso museum in Malaga, it contains his quote, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist as we grow up.” It’s a good one to remember when life feels heavy.

There was another coaster that I was gifted once but somehow I have, ahem, managed to mislay it. Its design was very similar to the Brown Thomas packaging, and it even had a word printed right in the middle, in BT style font. Do you know what the word was?

‘Nothing as precious as recovery’ – Bushypark set for expansion

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

FOR 32 years, Bushypark House has provided help and support for people struggling with addiction. Set in the rolling hills on the outskirts of Ennis, its extraordinary grounds have welcomed more than 4,000 clients to the residential programme while more than 9,000 people and family members have been supported since 1991, when Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre was established by Clarecare in conjunction with the Health Board.

Bushypark is known for its 28-day residential programme however an extensive range of community-based supports also exist, notably a newly established cocaine programme which launched in October last year on the back of three years’ worth of funding from the HSE to the value of €600,000.

Four staff are tasked to deliver this programme, including three counsellors and one project worker, supporting people to reduce their cocaine use and supporting families in dealing with a loved one’s substance misuse and addiction.

Bushypark has also teamed up with Healthy Clare, Clare GAA, the Samaritans and the Gardai to help roll out workshops across the communities to help mentors, supporters, players and parents understand the supports available to people who are impacted by cocaine use.

Mags Nash, Manager of Bushypark, stresses that cocaine misuse is a “no-fault illness” and she urges anybody battling addiction to get in touch with them. While noting that alcohol remains the drug of choice in Ireland, she notes that it’s “very much followed” by cocaine and cannabis use. Currently, they have engaged 65 clients in the programme while another counsellor is being re-

cruited to meet the growing needs of the project. “There is a large surge in cocaine use across every sector of society and every part of the country. Cocaine is everywhere, in every community.

“We’re trying to take the stigma out of this… things don’t go away, we’re asking people to come and talk to somebody, help is available and supports are available for people.”

Buskypark also worked with Healthy Clare on a links project in West Clare, a “fantastic” partnership with the Gardai, the Midwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Forum, Clare Sports Partnership, CLDC in helping recovering

Clare Local Development Company we have a mentoring company that comes on site every month to help the clients with job coaching, career development, and educational training needs.”

The key to a successful journey is the client wanting treatment, maintains Mags, who has been in the role for 15 years. “Nobody is forced to come here, it’s very much an open door, it’s a self-motivated programme for people to engage with and that brings a nicer spirit of recovery to the service.”

There are sports and new gym facilities on site to help normalise the month-long process for clients.

Currently with capacity for 13 beds on site, the contract for an expansion has just gone to tender which will eventually mean an increased capacity of beds, and training and education facilities on the grounds.

they’ve got their lives back, they’ve got their mental health back, and they’ve got a sense of themselves back.

“We have people from all walks of life, people with international caps for sports, or medals, or degrees and masters and PHDs, but nothing is as precious as their recovery.”

Next week Bushypark will

officially launch their newly-expanded family services centre which was made possible with the support of HSE, Clare County Council and Ennis Lions Club, who will hand over a cheque from their local charity auction for €40,000.

“We have an open door. Anybody can pick up the phone and ring our main

line and they get confidential help and support when they call us.” If anyone would like to get in touch with Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, call 065 68 40944.

clients integrate back into society, whether it be through employment, education, or joining clubs in the community.

Bushypark assesses 250 people in the community every year and helps establish a plan of recovery, which could be in the community or in a residential setting, primarily supporting people with alcohol, drugs (illicit and prescribed); gambling and other behavioural addictions.

The 28-day residential programme examines and nurtures a person’s holistic needs, including extensive counselling, sleep requirements, diet, exercise, water intake, and psychological needs, “we look at all aspects of a person’s life including their spiritual needs,” says Mags. “We do art therapy, yoga, sport with Limerick Sports Partnership every week, a chaplain service. And with the support of

Some 21 part-time and full-time staff work at Bushypark, who are supported by a team of volunteers who help run aftercare projects, “There’s fantastic value in being here every day and seeing the changes people are making in their lives on a day-to-day basis. Clients come back for reviews after treatment for a month, then two months and then we meet them once a year for an annual medallion day for clients who are sober for a year or more and that’s a very moving ceremony as well. It’s an extremely rewarding work.”

Asked to describe what it means to a client who successfully completes their 28day programme, Mags says, “Oh my God, the words fail. Getting their lives back, it’s dreams beyond their wildest dreams of where they are after recovery. They get a sense here of what addiction has taken away from them, the testimonials are incredible from family members and clients themselves. They’ve got their families back,

THE ‘Clare Autism Aware’ initiative aims to:

• Promote a countywide awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism.

• Support organisations in ensuring their environments are appropriately accommodating for people with autism.

• Work towards embedding an Autism Aware culture across County Clare through meaningful engagement and practice.

For more information please visit https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ clareautismaware; email

GREEN CLARE

Students seek support for vision to make Ennis a ‘Green Mode’ town

by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

FOUR Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire who won the Ennis 2040 TY Programme presented their vision for Ennis to the Ennis Municipal District Councillors at Council Chambers, giving them a unique opportunity to participate in local democracy and have their say on the future of their town.

Maya Hogan, Ciara Fitzpatrick, Amy Gibbons and Victoria Burns set out their vision for Ennis to become the first national ‘Green Mode’ town in Ireland based on their research, outputs from pilot tests and re-imagining how streets could be used.

Presenting on behalf of their classmates, the students put forward their proposals on how and why more environmentally friendly modes of transport can be deployed in Ennis and suggested interventions like a Bike Library to support a cycle to school scheme.

Following their successful presentation to the Councillors, the students and their classmates will travel to Dáil Eireann to present their Vision for Ennis in 2040 to Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister Norma Foley and Oireachtas Members on 10th May thanks to the support of Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis.

Edel Malone, Teacher, Coláiste Muire, said, “This programme has provided our students with a wonderful opportunity to have their say and gain a great appreciation for how democracy works while also grasping sustainable economic and spatial strategy concepts. It has provided them with a fantastic platform to develop skills and knowledge that will stand to them in the future. It has also ignited a drive in them to encourage everyone to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. There is no stopping them now!”

Kevin Corrigan, COO, Ennis 2040 DAC and head judge, said “We designed this programme to encourage young people in Ennis to learn and engage with their local community and become active citizens. I would like to congratulate the students for seizing the opportunity so enthusiastically. They made a fantastic effort in identifying the issues and challenges and proposing solutions. Their presentation today really impressed the Councillors. We now need to seriously consider how some of their suggestions can be implemented.”

Coláiste Muire were the ultimate winners of the Ennis 2040 TY programme where almost 200 transition year students from four schools were tasked with developing a vision for Ennis in 2040 while considering

sustainable practices, energy sources, accessibility and transport. Coláiste Muire were announced winners this week after beating stiff competition from St Flannan’s College, Rice College and Ennis Community College & Gaelcholáiste An Chláir.

A core focus of the Ennis 2040 TY programme was to encourage young people in Ennis to learn and engage with their local community and become participants in local democracy through active citizenship.

Ennis 2040 D.A.C. is responsible for imple-

mentation of the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy which was officially launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD on October 22nd, 2021.

Ennis 2040 incorporates a wide range of economic, social and environmental considerations which provide a basis for targeted investment, balanced economic growth and a sustainable spatial pattern of development with quality of life at its core.

WHAT GOES IN MY RECYCLE BIN?

l 2040: Kevin Corrigan & Susan Lenane, Ennis 2040 with Colaiste Muire students Ciara Fitzpatrick, Amy Gibbons, Emma Dunlop, Maya Hogan and Aisling Hammon following their presentation of their vision for Ennis to the Ennis Municipal District Meeting at Council Chambers

Photo by Evan Vagelis

Electric car sales double in Clare

CLARE has experienced the greatest rise in electric car sales so far this year, jumping by a notable 100 per cent compared to last year, writes Elaine Tubridy.

County Clare was the only county nationwide to experience a doubling of new electric car sales in the year to date. To the end of April 2022, there were 106 new electric car registrations in Clare, compared to 212 for the year 2023 to the end of April.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released their official 231 new vehicle registrations statistics for April earlier this week. New car registrations for the month of April were up 14% (8,941) when compared to April 2022 (7,857).

Registrations year to date are up 16.0% (67,018) on the same period last year (57,762).

Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 33.3% (2,153) compared to April last year (1,615) and year to date are up 25.3% (13,734). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 35% (243) in comparison to April 2022 (180). Year to date HGV’s are up 41.0% (1,207).

Imported Used Cars seen a 9.1% (3,839) decrease in April 2023, when compared to April 2022 (4,222). Year to date imports are up 2.8% (16,312) on 2022 (15,861). For the month of April 1,870 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 1,280 in April 2022 (+46.1). So far this year 11,164 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 7,515 (+48.6%) on the same period 2022.

Electric Vehicle and Plugin Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market

share, with a combined market share now of 42%. Petrol continues to remain dominant 32.85%, with Diesel accounting for 22.34%, Hybrid 17.44%, Electric 16.66% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.90%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:

“April’s new car registrations show a 14% increase on the same month last year, while year to date registrations are 16% ahead of 2022, but still remain 8% behind that of pre-COVID 2019. Commercial vehicle registrations both the heavy and light sectors, demonstrated strong growth for the month of April. Electric vehicle sales continue to power ahead with 1,870 new electric vehicles registered in April and 11,164 registered so far this year, a 49% increase on the same period 2022. The Electric Vehicle share of the new car

market has increased each month this year, with sales for the month of now April representing over 20% of the

market. The momentum behind new EV sales is clearly there, but we need to continue to incentivise EV purchas-

es if we want to continue the growth in the new EV market share, but also to create an active used EV market.”

l Electric car

WE ARE HIRING ELECTRICAL

US travel writers visit the Burren

l ON TOUR: American travel writers and editors including Jesse Ashlock, Deputy Global Editorial Director and US Editor of Condé Nast Traveler (third left); and Ruth Moran, Tourism Ireland (fourth left), at Poulnabrone Dolmen in The Burren.

A group of top US travel writers and editors has been enjoying a fact-finding visit in Co Clare this week, writes

Elaine Tubridy

Earlier this week, the travel writers and editors attended the prestigious Travel Classics International writers’ conference at Ashford Castle. The conference is regarded by many as the world’s foremost networking event for travel writers and editors – bringing together celebrated editors from a wide range of high-profile publications – including titles like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Trave.l + Leisure and AFAR magazines – which collectively reach hundreds of thousands of readers across North Amer-

ica, as well as globally.

After attending the conference, the group had the chance to take part in various familiarisation visits – so they can experience at first-hand some of the many sights Ireland has to offer.

During their time here, the journalists visited the Burren and Poulnabrone Dolmen, as well as the Cliffs of Moher. They enjoyed lunch in the Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “We were delighted these influential writers and editors were able to stay on after the Travel Classics International conference to visit Co Clare –helping us to spread the good news about this part of Ireland

through the media in the US. With some of the most influential and prominent American travel and lifestyle editors and writers participating in this trip, it will bring huge exposure about what Co Clare and Ireland have to offer American holidaymakers, through the media in this important tourism market.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to show these travel writers and editors at first-hand what makes Ireland such a unique destination.”

The United States remains an extremely important market for tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, we welcomed 1.7 million American visitors, whose visits delivered €1.6 billion for the economy.

Dómhnal Slattery joins space company as strategic advisor

AN ENNIS native has joined a space company as its new strategic advisor, writes Páraic McMahon.

Aviation entrepreneur Dómhnal Slattery has joined SpinLaunch, a pioneering space company as a strategic advisor, having recently participated in the company’s Series B investment round.

Founder and CEO of SpinLaunch, Jonathan Yaney confirmed the addition of Slattery to their team and said his three decades of financial and business leadership will help them advance its commitment to commercializing end-to-end space solutions across launch, satellites, and services.

He stated, “Dómhnal Slattery's passion and dedication to innovation, strategic growth, and sustainability makes him a natural fit for SpinLaunch. With his proven business leadership, track record as a founder and commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, Dómhnal will accelerate our global commercialization efforts and strengthen our leadership position as the trusted provider of innovative space solutions”.

Founded by Yaney in 2014, SpinLaunch which has its headquarters in California, is building a ground-based, electric-pow-

ered mass accelerator launch system that can deliver a substantially less expensive and environmentally sustainable way to place constellations of small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In the last year, SpinLaunch has also created a new product line of small satellite buses in the 20kg200 kg size class that complements our low-cost and high-cadence approach to space, and meets upcoming LEO constellation needs.

‘Thank you for stewardship of Heritage sites’

Dómhnal remarked, “This is one of the most exciting and innovative companies I have seen in my three decades in the global aerospace industry”. He said Jonathan’s vision and ambition for space was “unmatched. SpinLaunch’s end-to-end space solutions are poised to revolutionize the entire space economy, while also driving decarbonization in the sector as we transition to a net zero world”.

Last July, Slattery confirmed that he was stepping down as CEO of Avolon. He founded the company in 2010 and oversaw its growth from the largest private equity backed start-up globally in 2010 to becoming the world's second largest aircraft lessor with a balance sheet in excess of $30 billion.

In November, he was appointed a special adviser to Abu Dhabi-based agritech business Pure Harvest Smart Farms. The company is focused on the year-round sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in the tough desert environment. It’s behind the Middle East’s first commercial-scale, semi-automated high-tech growing system.

Slattery is also the non-executive chairman of New York-listed Vertical Aerospace, a developer of electric air taxis that has hundreds of advance orders from global airlines. Last year, he established a new company, Clahane Capital which he is CEO of, he has been joined at that business by Yvonne Gallagher, who is vice president of operations. She is a former Avolon senior executive.

SHANNON Chamber have expressed confidence the transfer of tourism sites from Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council will be seamless, writes Páraic McMahon

At a special meeting of Clare County Council last week, elected members unanimously voted in favour of accepting a Government offer of €6m to take over the running of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle & Medieval Banquets, Crauggownen Bronze Age Park and a retail outlet at the Cliffs of Moher. The Council requested funding of €15m. The €6m sanctioned is for 2023 with top-ups expected to bring the figure over €10m.

CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes welcomed the decision. “Shannon Chamber has continuously lobbied Government to enable a successful transition of the Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council. As a chamber representing over 330 members extending to 19,500 employees in the region, we have expressed to Government and the region’s elected representatives the pivotal role the heritage sites play in the economy of the MidWest region, in attracting tourists to the area and in driving passenger traffic through Shannon Airport,” she stated.

Ms Downes added, “The approval of funding to enable their transition to the Council is most welcome as these sites could not be neglected at a time when there has never been a greater need to develop all our resources for economic development, especially in the West of Ireland. We look forward to the seamless transfer of Shannon Heritage staff, and the heritage sites, to Clare County Council, with the formal consent of the Minister”.

“We thank The Shannon Airport Group for their stewardship of these valuable assets, and the highly successful marketing of these sites since their transfer from Shannon Development. We wish Clare County Council every success in their new role as guardians of such highly important national heritage sites”.

l NEW ROLE: Dómhnal Slattery

'You want to mark fellas with All Stars' - Sexton set for Munster final debut

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ON MULTIPLE sporting fronts, Keelan Sexton has achieved a lot but Sunday will be his first time lining out in the Clare colours in a Munster final.

In the boxing ring, Sexton won five national titles, three while fighting out of West Clare Boxing Club and two out of Ennis Boxing Club. This led to him making national teams and compete in international tournaments, he represented Ireland in the Schoolboy Championships winning a bronze medal there and gold at the North European Championships at senior level. His grandfather, Martin Burke boxed in London for a period in the 1960s and 1970s.

A talented soccer player, Keelan shone with Moneypoint AFC, represented his county in the Kennedy Cup and looked like he could be featuring in the League of Ireland when Bohemians expressed an interest.

County colours were also donned by Sexton for Clare at underage hurling level while he claimed an U15 championship medal with Inagh/Kilnamona.

Gaelic football is his greatest passion, he joined the county senior football panel in 2015 when he was still representing the Clare minors, indeed he was their captain that year. At club level with Kilmurry Ibrickane, he was three senior championships to his name.

At just 25-years old, he has achieved quite a lot but taking down the Kingdom to claim a Munster senior football title would likely top it all.

Speaking following Clare’s first win over Cork in twenty six years, retired county footballer David Tubridy stated that Keelan would be key to Clare’s championship aspirations. The Doonbeg man has been proved correct to date as Sexton kicked what proved to be the winning goal in their semi-final clash with Limerick while his lightning form was also crucial to the memorable victory against the Rebels.

Despite all his success, Sunday will be his first time playing a Munster final for Clare. “It’s my first final in a Clare senior jersey and actually it’s my first one in any Clare jersey when I think about it. It’s a good buzz and we are where we want to be, we set ourselves a goal a few weeks ago to be in this position, it’s nice to have gone out and do the two jobs we needed to do, we’re here now and we’re just delighted,” Keelan told The Clare Echo.

How Clare have bounced back with a punch from the disappointment of their six season stay in Division 2 of

the Allianz National Football League ending, has been impressive. “We really reset our values, we took some time out to think about the league, review it, it’s in the rear view mirror now, we’re obviously disappointed with the end result but there was some good performances in there and you can take positives from everything just like the last two games. If you were focused on every outcome of the journey, you’d collapse after losing one game, that’s the nature of the way football has gone with the new format, you’ve to lick your wounds and get going again”.

Facing Kerry will show Clare where they really are, the Mullagh native affirmed.

“They are the All-Ireland champions and this is where we want to be, there is no Clare player here who was doing the hard slog in winter that wanted to be playing in the Tailteann Cup with respect to it, this is where we wanted to be, we’ve Kerry in the Munster final, they are All-Ireland champions and have won Munster numerous times but it is where we want to be and it will be a measure of where we’re at”.

He continued, “How many All Stars are inside in their full-back line, that is what you want to be marking and playing against to see if you are as good as you think you are, I’m looking forward to the challenge and I think everyone in our dressing room is as well”.

DUAL COUNTY

Sexton was among the 30,000 in the Gaelic Grounds for Clare’s win over Limerick in the Munster hurling championship and was seen congratulating his small ball counterparts at the final whistle. He is of the view that Clare can compete as a dual-county. “Look at the U20s game the other night, they probably should have won it in normal time and they will be disappointed, then Kerry went out and did a demolition job against Cork, the standard of Clare football is getting better and that is testament to the work going on at underage and ground level, all the clubs around the county embracing it and putting that bit of effort into it which is massive. Why can’t Clare be a dual-county? It was great to see the hurlers win on Saturday, wouldn’t it be great to get another big win in the Gaelic Grounds and have a buzz around the place, all credit is due to the structures in place at Clare GAA, the quality of player coming in is phenomenal”.

That Clare’s U20s brought Kerry to extra time shows “the gap is closing at underage level where there was normally a larger gap, it’s the reality of what it was, Kerry

are very dominant at underage but if we can get four or five lads from that team in with us and another four or five next year you will keep getting the quality upwards, that is what it’s all about, it is a growth mindset. A good U20 footballer doesn’t always make a good senior which is something that is well known but it is great to see lads competing at that level and dominating”.

Keelan flagged how his teammates such as Daniel Walsh, Emmet McMahon, Ikem Ugwueru, Aaron Griffin and Brian McNamara showed with UL in the Sigerson Cup how Clare footballers are just as good as their counterparts in Kerry. He felt that in past meetings with the Kingdom, Clare are possibly guilty of showing too much respect.

RESPECT

“I think maybe there was a bit too much respect in that sense, the thing about Kerry is if you sit off them, they are going to put on a show, that is just the nature of the beast, they have some quality footballers and great players all over the pitch and on the bench, it’s more respect than anything but you can’t have that in your head going in there, from our point of view we’ve played them a lot, we’ve given them a lot of good runs and ran them close numerous times at home, lads are playing with these lads up along.

"I’ve played with a couple of them in college, the lads this year played with them in UL and the Clare lads are standing out on those teams just as much as the Kerry lads. The main thing about Kerry is they do the simple things brilliantly, to compete with them you have to be as good as them, to beat them you have to be better them on the day”.

Football finals with Kilmurry Ibrickane are almost annual occasions for Keelan but with Clare this will be, it shouldn’t faze them he maintained. “This group is well sheltered, there’s a lot of lads with level heads here, there’s a lot of guys who come from very successful clubs and lads that are used to going well in Division 2 football playing big games where you’re playing big games, I think the Derry game last year we under-performed and we’re disappointed with that but the buzz and nature of it, I think lads are used to that now, at the end of the day this is a game and there’s more big games coming down the line, whatever seed you are you will be playing quality games so I think lads are well settled”.

l 25-year old Keelan Sexton is key to Clare's aspirations

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Downes family legacy strong in Clare GAA

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LEGACY. Kerry may have the tradition of the two counties competing in Sunday’s Munster final but there’s a rich legacy among the personnel involved with the Clare cause.

Look no further than Clare selector Declan Downes. His father Tom who died in June 2016 was one of the central figures in fighting to keep an open draw in the Munster football championship, he was the first secretary of the Clare County Board and was liaison officer with the county senior footballers for decades including when they defeated Kerry in the 1992 Munster final.

Known and respected by football folk all over the country, Tom was an officer and provincial level for many years, he was honoured by the GAA at the 2010 Congress at Slieve Donard Hotel, Co. Down after he stepped down from his position within Ard Comhairle, a role he had for close to thirty years.

Tom’s involvement and link to the present day through his son Declan was referenced by Ger Keane in a recent column for The Clare Echo. Declan admitted that the love of the game was certainly fuelled by his father. “I was indoctrinated with football from a young age because of his involvement, he was hugely involved with the senior team and with Clare GAA, a lot of people over the years put a massive amount of time into it before they finally made the breakthrough in 1992. It was driven by people who kept the flag flying through many years, pushed the open draw side of it and always believed that there was potential in Clare to make that breakthrough and that it was about getting a group to buy in and believe what the manager or whoever it was at the time, John Maughan in this case to come together with a really good team, their league form was taken into championship and that is something we’ve been striving to achieve here.

“It’s a big day, I remember being in there myself back in 1992 as a fan and feeling close to the team because of his involvement and it’s an

honour to be involved with a Clare football team especially this group of people, they are a tremendous group of people from Jim Marrinan in the backroom team to Colm as manager and the great group of players”.

Sunday will be the barometer as to what level Clare are at, the Kilmihil man noted. “It is exactly where you want to be at this stage of the year in the final of a competition against one of the leading contenders and measuring yourself against that, we’ve a lot of work put into it, it has been an aspiration of this group over the last few years to get there and it’s a big challenge alright but why not us”.

On the long journey home from Derry after Clare were relegated from Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League, not many people would be predicting they would defeat Cork in championship for the first time since 1997 and back it up by overcoming Limerick to reach a first Munster final since 2012.

Downes reflected, “There’s an old adage about winning or learn, with the management and the group of players we always feel that if we put in the work and look to raise the standard week to week that we could get to where we are, whether that was by taking it step by step and getting over the Cork game, then it was a big challenge to get ready for the Limerick game again and winning that semi-final, Limerick came with a big challenge which we expected but we got through it. It was disappointing coming down from Derry but within the group there is great belief in the ability we have, it was about refocusing at the end of the league and we knew we were in knockout football from there on”.

Of the key learnings from this year, he is adamant that attacking games right to the finish was an area they had to improve on. “The Kildare game, we probably sat back a bit towards the end of the game and didn’t see it out in an attacking sense because you have to attack a lead, the Dublin game I think we learned we had to be a bit more secure in the ball on that particular day cost us in terms of turnovers

and giving primary possession which allowed them to attack us. In hindsight, it built up a resilience within the group that we learned from those two results and when it came down the home straight in the two Munster championship games it showed in the end that we had taken learnings in how we saw out the Cork game and how we weathered the storm against Limerick and attacked the game to the finish”.

Now in his eighth year as selector, Declan is continuing the family link with the county senior football side. “There’s a view that Colm is the longest serving manager in the country so I must be the longest suffering selector in the country at this stage! It’s the love of the game, where would you rather be, you get an opportunity with a great bunch of guys, if you can help them in any small way to improve and achieve and realise their potential then why wouldn’t you be involved. It’s not work, it’s my passion and I’m only

glad to be involved in a small bit and helping in any way I can”. For games, his vantage points can vary from being at the back of the stand in Cusack Park to the box alongside the stats and video analysis team to closer to the substitutes. “It’s safer to keep me away from the sideline,” he quipped. “I keep myself up in the stand alright, we’re in communication with the sideline, it’s giving us different perspectives on the game, you’ve Colm prowling the sideline with Brian and Enda behind him, myself, Joe and Mark will take different vantage points up in the stand to get an overall view of it, we’re in constant communication”.

As they train on Sunday morning in Cusack Park, members of the Clare U20 football panel have joined the senior squad to beef up numbers for an internal game. He feels their ability to slot in is a positive indicator on the state of football in the county. “It is in a healthy place, the senior guys that are there

they are role models and a great example to the young lads around the county, it’s brilliant to see after the Cork and Limerick games the amount of young kids looking for the autographs and the pictures, that is what these guys want to do, they want to leave a legacy for the groups coming after them, there was a great strong performance by the U20 team down in Kerry especially when you see what they did in the final, we have a few of them in here and it’s been Colm’s mantra since he’s been involved, I’m with him eight years now and it’s always been the case that we will take some of the guys in, look to develop them, give them a taste for it and see if it is for them, obviously it is a big ask and a big demand on people’s time, it might not be for everyone but we give them the opportunity to come in and see if they are capable of raising the standard and helping the group”.

What has gone before between Clare and Kerry is irrelevant for what will be their first provincial final meeting since 2000. “The past is the past, the game on Sunday has never been played before, we have to attack it and be fearless, why not us. The past is the past, this is a new bunch of players, they haven’t been in a Munster final since 2012, they haven’t played Kerry in a Munster final since 2000, no one here has baggage in regards to a Munster final or Kerry in it, it is a one off shot and we get to measure ourselves on the day. It’s a performance, if we can get a really big performance out of these guys, then the result will take care of itself in the end”.

“Why not have a go at them and attack the game. You will have your game plan around it and how we set up but we have to attack the game, see it for the opportunity it is, there’s a Munster title to be won on the day, we’ll worry about the group stages after that, it’s a one off day and where else would you rather be than on a Sunday in May going down to the Gaelic Grounds and playing a game for a championship title at the end of it”.

Win, lose or draw, the Downes legacy will continue to be remembered in the Banner County.

l Clare selector Declan Downes

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Blank page to write conclusion in history books for Munster final

this final.

superbly managed by John Maughan.

THIS Sunday, Clare are in their first provincial final since 2012 with the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick the venue after the Munster Council rejected Clare’s proposal for a home venue in Cusack Park, Ennis.

The choice of venue is a little disappointing but not surprising as the Clare football team wouldn’t be too high up on the priority list of the Munster Council.

In saying that the decision on where the match will be staged will not duly concern Clare as they will be fully focused on the task ahead as they attempt to add a third provincial title to Clare football’s list of honours.

Siege mentality:

Clare go in as massive underdogs with Kerry 1/66 in one leading bookmakers. Kerry are All-Ireland champions and will be expected to win this game by at least 10 points after beating Tipperary in the semi-final by 20 points, 0-25 to 0-05. But sport doesn’t always work out this way.

In some ways, Clare have had the perfect preparation for this final. After their historic win over Cork, everyone will have their feet back on terra firma after their stuttering but resilient win over Limerick. While Clare were doing battle with Cork in Cusack Park, Kerry were away on a warm weather training camp in Quinta do Lago in Portugal. This highlights in many ways the chasm that exists between the top six teams in the country and the chasing pack.

Colm Collins has assembled a really tight and quality backroom team with limited resources, making this on paper a real David versus Goliath clash. Kerry will talk up Clare and mention a few key players but within the county they will expect to brush Clare aside with the minimum of fuss and this could play into Clare hands.

I read recently that Kerry had beaten Tipperary in their last 45 or so championship meetings and you would wonder why the GAA and the Munster Council aren’t doing everything in their power to create a more level playing field in terms of competing with Kerry. The underdog should be given home advantage whenever possible but that is before political realities come into play and a county like Clare are expected to just get on with it and not be seen to be whinging. This is just another reason to create a siege mentality going into

Kerry Gold: Kerry are the kingpins of All-Ireland football for a reason. They absolutely love their Gaelic Football and young footballers dream of one day walking up the steps of Croke Park; when you are consistently successful this makes it even easier to promote the game. They have high standards in Kerry and supporters in particular will demand an All-Ireland title every year.

A Munster medal in Kerry is often seen as a means to an end with the All-Ireland being the real end goal. Kerry have won 12 out of the last 13 provincial titles and are as dominant in Munster as Dublin are in Leinster. It remains to be seen if the provincial crown will continue to be a main priority for the top teams with the All-Ireland series just around the corner but then again no one likes losing, especially in the championship and especially in Kerry.

For counties on the periphery like Clare a provincial title still remains an attainable goal, just look at Tipperary in 2020, and would be celebrated just as much as an All-Ireland in the top counties in many respects. To be successful Clare will have to be bold enough to make matters as uncomfortable as possible for the Kerry men and try to keep it as tight as possible and be still in the race coming down the final stretch.

Provincial Dreams:

This Banner team will relish the opportunity to have a real cut at Kerry. Clare in their history, have won two Munster senior football titles but they have never beaten both Cork and Kerry in the same year to claim the provincial crown.

In Clare’s first ever Munster victory in 1917, these great men beat Waterford and Tipperary in the early rounds before accounting for Cork in the final by 5-04 to 0-01. The team trained collectively in Kilkee for two weeks before the final and stayed in the Erin’s Arms Hotel. Local man, Jim Foran who was a great leader of men was the captain and was ably assisted by trainer and fellow player Jim ’Sham’ Spellisey from Ennis.

In 1992, Clare narrowly beat Tipperary by four points in the semi-final before beating Kerry by four points in the Munster final 2-10 to 0-12 which also took place in the Gaelic Grounds. This was another team full of talent and leaders no more so than the captain, Francis McInerney from Doonbeg, father of current Clare player, Mark. They were

This current crop of Clare players have plenty of expe rience of big matches, albeit not on Munster final day and they are ably led by their tal ented forward, Eoin Cleary while Colm Collins continues to defy the odds and get the best out of each player at his dis have

are to be in with a shout. If they can keep the Kerry forwards at bay in terms of goal chances and pinch a goal or two at the other end then this will help their cause no end.

Mindset: Clare will know that they will have to take the chances that they are presented with. Undoubtedly, Kerry have match winners all over the pitch. Clare will focus on their own strengths while trying to nullify a number of key

Kerry players who really make them tick. Kerry goalkeeper,Shane Ryan, has an effective kickout strategy and is a good shot stopper. Clare may try and force him to go long with some kickouts and turn the middle third into a battle field like they did against Cork. Of course there is a risk in pressing the kickout as you may leave yourself open to the kick over the top but if you are going to compete with Kerry you will have to take calculated risks.

The Kerry defence only conceded one goal in last year’s championship winning run and none so far in their first match against Tipperary this year. If Clare can get a runner on defensive sweeper Tadhg Morley then he could possibly do damage if the ball in is quick and incisive. If not, Kerry under Jack O’Connor and Paddy Tally are as adept at as any team in Ireland at slowing the play down high up the pitch and getting men behind the ball, turning it over and breaking.

The Clare half backs are very similar in this regard but they will need their forwards to tackle tirelessly higher up the pitch to stop quick ball going into the likes of Clifford and co.

The Clare forwards have the potential to give the Kerry backs plenty to think about but will need to get the ball to the right men in the right areas to hurt Kerry. You would hope that referee Jerome Henry from Mayo will not be afraid to make the big calls if the game is in the melting pot.

Energy and Intensity:

In reality, Clare will need to bring their A game to Limerick. If they stand off Kerry and admire their opponents then it could be a long day. However, if they can get up close and personal then we could have a game on our hands. Remember, this Clare team already have two championship games under their belt and are battle hardened whilst Kerry have had only had a canter out against Tipperary.

Clare will not be worried about past encounters as Sunday is a one-off match that can take on a life of its own. The history books have not yet been written on this final and there is a blank page for Clare to write their own conclusion.

Here’s hoping that a big Clare following will descend on the Gaelic Grounds with plenty of colour and noise and be proud of these young men who are wearing the jersey with distinction and have earned the right to take on their illustrious neighbours from across the Shannon. Go n-éirí an bóthar a bhuachaillí.

Doherty & Brennan expected to feature

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DEFENDERS Cillian Brennan and Manus Doherty are expected to be passed fit to line out for Clare’s senior footballers in Sunday’s Munster football final.

Full-back Brennan who has developed into one of the most important assets on the Clare team, went off injured at half-time in the three point semi-final win over Limerick a fortnight ago.

He has struggled with what is understood to be a hip injury but is to be given the go ahead of facing off with the greatest player in the game at present, David Clifford. The Clondegad clubman made his inter-county senior championship debut in 2018 against Limerick, having joined the panel fresh from Clare’s Division 3 League success in 2016.

Éire Óg’s Manus Doherty who has also been restricted in his training since the semi-final is also on course to be included in the fullback line where they will join Cillian Rouine. Doherty has proven to be a valuable addition to the county side since

making his championship debut last season, his showing at club level has been to the fore with the Ennis club managed by Paul Madden winning back to back county titles.

Should either of the pair suffer a setback prior to throw-in, Manus’ clubmate Ronan Lanigan is tipped to get the nod in the corner while Ciaran Russell could be deployed from wing back to the number three spot if required.

Kilfenora’s Cian O’Dea continues to recover from a knee injury and is not believed to be in contention for a seventy minute role in the Munster final. Should the Games Development Officer with Éire Óg be available for an appearance off the bench, his presence will give a lift to both Clare supporters and players.

Brennan, Doherty and O’Dea will continue to have their fitness monitored prior to Sunday’s game which will be refereed by Mayo’s Jerome Henry.

Meanwhile, favourites Kerry have no major injuries ahead of the showdown, manager Jack O’Connor con-

firmed. “We’re still training pretty hard at the minute, there’s a few twinges here and there, some muscle injuries so we won’t know until Thursday if they are cleared

up or not, we’re not too bad and we have no significant injuries”.

Speaking to Radio Kerry, the four-time All-Ireland SFC winning manager said,

“Our fellas are very driven, they are a driven and focused group, they want to keep improving, they know they will get a good test from Clare who will be very well set up defensively, it will be a good test for our fellas to break these lads down and make sure we’re not conceding too much on the counter attack, our fellas are looking forward to that challenge more than anything else, it would be great to win it and get the first home game in the group stage”.

O’Connor praised his Clare counterpart Colm Collins as

“an amazing manager, he has got an awful lot out of that group, that is the dream of all of us to get the maximum out of the group we have, he is certainly getting it out of the Clare lads and they are a very unified bunch, most people were feeling Cork had improved this year and results in the league would have suggested that but Clare turned them over, there is no way in the world we are underestimating the challenge Clare will bring and we will prepare accordingly”.

l Manus Doherty (main, photo by Gerard O'Neill); and (above) Cillian Brennan are both expected to be available for selection

'Clare cannot fear Kerry'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE CANNOT FEAR Kerry when they face off in this Sunday’s Munster final.

Alan Clohessy was the last person to captain Clare’s senior footballers in a Munster final, when they lost out to Cork on a scoreline of 3-16 0-13 in the Gaelic Grounds back in 2012.

Speaking on The Water Break, The Clare Echo’s vodcast, the Liscannor man explained that Colm Collins’ side is different to previous Banner sides who may have lacked belief when facing off against Kerry. He said, “I don’t like to admit it but it probably is there (lack of belief), it’s probably been in a lot of Clare football teams over the years, maybe not specifically in this group because they have shown and played against a lot of top teams like Dublin and Roscommon, they have shown in big games that they can compete with anyone at the top level.

“I don’t buy into the notion that the Kerry jersey automatically strikes fear into lads but the results have shown it’s been hard for Clare to beat them, it’s been thirty one years since they got the famous win, it is obviously there but it can’t weigh on lads either. I don’t believe that you can go into a game or go onto a field and see the colour of a jersey and then all of a sudden you can’t play football anymore, it’s not the case”. Forty year old Clohessy who made his Clare debut against Limerick in 2003 believed that if Collins and his management focus too much on defensive aspects against Kerry they will pay the price. “The main reason why Clare teams have lost out to Kerry is because the quality is so

high, they have the winning mentality, they can get the most out of themselves, you’d hope Clare are building an extra bit more belief every day they go out, they have shown a lot of mental strength to get the results against Limerick and Cork so you bank on that and start building up on those things that are there. Clare have enough experience in the side at this stage, it’s easy to say they have to come out and back themselves in those situations but they have a bit of pedigree behind them now and they have enough to say ‘we can compete with Kerry, with Cork and all these teams’.

“If they can keep that positivity

and play in a positive manner as much as possible, obviously there’s going to be times that you have to defend as stoutly as you can but it can’t be the only string to your bow at that stage, there has to be a stage that Clare be as positive as possible when it comes to kickouts, pressing men out the field, you have to bring that to your game otherwise it doesn’t matter whether you believe or don’t believe Kerry will come out and beat you because they will use the ball well enough if you give it to them, like they did to Tipperary who did their best to be as defensively active as possible but they are just too good so you have to take it to them”.

l Alan Clohessy says that Clare players and management must carry the belief that they can defeat Kerry in Sunday's Munster final in the Gaelic Grounds

Maintaining run of clean sheets top of agenda for Stephen Ryan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IN CLARE’S two championship games this year, Stephen Ryan has managed to keep a clean sheet but he’s well aware Sunday’s Munster final will be his stiffest test to date.

Stephen made his championship debut in 2019 when Clare recorded a slender one-point win over Waterford in Cusack Park and he managed to prevent the umpires from reaching for a green flag on that occasion. Kerry eliminated Colm Collins’ men at the semi-final stage with James O’Donoghue goaling just before half-time, a certain David Clifford providing the assist in what was their only goal.

When it came to the next showdown with Kerry in Fitzgerald Stadium in 2021, they recorded their biggest win over Clare during Colm Collins’ tenure, 3-22 to 1-11.

Changing the record and picking up a win against Kerry is the focus for Clare this weekend. “My debut year was against Kerry in 2019, we got them in the Park and we ran them close, they got a goal in the first half which gave them a lead going in at half-time. We’ve played them at underage, we’ve had some success against them but not a lot,

we’re hoping to change that the next day”.

Ryan emphasised how he is “looking forward” to the Munster final, an indicator that the focus is always on the next ball and constantly pressing the reset button. Such a mindset has to be mandatory when lining out between the

posts. “The pressure is on them which is grand too, we have our own pressure on ourselves to perform and get a good performance on the day.”

The loneliness of standing between the posts has come under the spotlight in the past two weeks but Stephen felt the solidarity was evi-

dent from within their own set-up.

“Joe Hayes is there now and David Sexton is in there and so is Thomas Collins, we’ve a nice goalie group so I wouldn’t say it’s lonely but maybe it could be if things go wrong, hopefully not”.

Joe Hayes’ addition as goalkeeper coach this season has been welcomed by players and management alike. Lissycasey’s Hayes who retired as Clare goalkeeper following the 2017 season has proven to be a positive influence on Stephen. “He’s been excellent, he’s brought a fresh perspective with new ideas which is good, he is top class, it’s been great to work with him and he’s been a great addition to the team. For my own game, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on kickouts, the short ones have been quite successful for us, the long ones we’ve got them away too, it’s probably the emphasis on the kickouts which has become such a crucial part of the game today”.

An air of enthusiasm unexpectedly is bouncing off the Clare goalkeeper ahead of Sunday’s tie which throws in at 4pm in the Gaelic Grounds. His work with AIB in the capital will preclude him from experiencing the build-up, “I’ll be in Dublin for the week so I’ll miss

the build-up in Kilrush, there will be Clare flags down and lads will be looking forward to it”.

Stopping Kerry from getting momentum is crucial to causing an upset on Sunday, he acknowledged.

“The few clean sheets in the last few games are nice, it has definitely helped and I’m delighted about that, I’m really looking forward to the Munster final. The backline don’t want to be conceding goals especially the next day, they are well able to score them so we will have to keep it tight at the back”.

He added, “The goals is the big one for us as defenders and the goalkeeper, trying to keep them out and limit the amount of opportunities they get up front and trying to catch them then on the other side”.

Wins over Cork and Limerick have lifted the mood of football followers in Clare. “We’re really looking forward to it, a first final so hopefully it will be a good one. The support has been great, a lot of people have travelled behind us and hopefully we will get a nice support in the Gaelic Grounds the next day, there has been an unreal buzz for the last few games and hopefully we’ll continue that on again”.

l Clare netminder Stephen Ryan in action against Cork Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Newmarket Celtic's greatest day

FAI JUNIOR CUP FINAL

Newmarket Celtic 1 St Michael's AFC (Tipperary) 1 (AET)

Newmarket win 5-4 on penalties

Venue: Jackman Park, Limerick

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CAPTAIN and man of the match for the first club from Clare to win the FAI Junior Cup, Eoin Hayes almost had to pinch himself when trying to absorb the magnitude of Newmarket Celtic’s greatest day.

As he always is, Eoin was to the fore for Newmarket Celtic, winning the first half penalty which Harvey Cullinan calmly dispatched, constantly causing problems with his electric pace and stepping up with one of the five successfully converted penalties in the shootout to see Newmarket Celtic claim the top prize in junior soccer.

Reflecting on their win over Tipperary side, St Michael’s AFC, Hayes said, “I’ve had great days in sport thankfully, I’ve had some bad days but the bad days just go away when you play a game like this, it was typical junior football, attritional, hard tackles, the odd goal in it, penalties, that’s just the way football is.

"Sometimes you have good quality, other times it’s not as good but I think our quality shone in the end, I know we were a man up but we kept the ball, they had a few chances but we have Shane Cusack in goals and we’re on about quality, it was just incredible, the greatest day”.

As was referenced by David McCarthy, Celtic have

showed a greater mental strength this season. It’s a view echoed by Eoin, “In sport sometimes you know you’re better but then nerves kick in and the occasion can get the better of you but what happens then is things like the end when I gave a terrible pass into midfield and things like that happen when you’re not expecting it but that is just sport”.

Their stability was never as evident as the shootout.

“We showed our composure in the penalty shootout, did you see Ronnie Mc’s penalty with the stuttered runup that was just unbelievable and we’re not surprised he did that. When Stephen was going up to take the penalty I was like ‘Oh Jees I don’t know’ but then Ronnie says to me ‘No, he’s the most confident person I’ve ever seen, he’s definitely going to score’. I always felt Shane was going to save one so it was just about us scoring ours and we took good penalties”.

Hayes may have had a differing view to manager Paddy Purcell on the need to practice penalties at their final training session on Thursday night but even despite his extra work after the rest of the squad had departed McDonagh Memorial Park, Eoin still changed his mind on where he was going to stick his penalty in the final seconds before stepping up to the spot. “I wanted to

practice them on Thursday but Paddy said ‘we’re not practicing them’ so I just stayed back and took a few, I was hitting them all bottom right but I had to change at end because I felt he was going that way, he went that way and saved a penalty in that corner for a Munster final ages ago. It’s just incredible”.

Readers of The Clare Echo

got a taste of how close the Hayes and Sheedy family are and the central role they play within the club, in advance of the FAI Junior Cup. It’s why as Stephen Kelly banged in the winning penalty that Eoin was scanning Jackman Park to find his wife Viv and family members. His mother Catherine made the trip to Limerick for the game and is cer-

tainly proving to be a lucky charm so far as meetings of Newmarket Celtic and St Michael’s are concerned. “Poor Mam, she is on her last nerves, she had to go away, all my family is surrounding me. I’m having to walk past people that I’m hugging, I couldn’t find my wife after the game but thankfully I found her, she knows what it’s like at home, it’s Newmar-

ket Celtic and sport which consumes my life, everything I do is for this, she’s had to sacrifice an awful lot for me, she is more nervous but on the flipside more jubilant and joyous than anyone here, I’m looking at her and she’s smiling back at me, it’s just a great day”.

FAI JUNIOR CUP CHAMPIONS COMMEMORATIVE PICTURE SPREAD: P20-21

l Captain Eoin Hayes and teammates celebrate their historic victory in Limerick on Saturday

Photo by Joe Buckley

l The Kelly brothers, Hugh, Stephen and Enda with brother in law, Daithí O’Connell; and (right) David and Martin McCarthy Photos by Joe Buckleyl

Immense pride for Paddy Purcell as Newmarket reach the summit

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NO CLARE CLUB had won the FAI Junior Cup since the first final was held in 1924 until Saturday in Jackman Park when Newmarket Celtic claimed the spoils against three-time champions St Michael’s AFC.

For Paddy Purcell to have guided Newmarket Celtic in his first season as a manager following his retirement from playing last June is simply remarkable.

Purcell enjoyed a storied career as a player, representing Limerick FC, Waterford Utd and St Pat’s in the League of Ireland before joining Newmarket Celtic in 2014. Almost a decade ago, he had intended on calling quits on his time in the heart of various defences but moved to Newmarket, a club that his children now represent and his wife Claire a respected coach now forms a central role in the management of underage girls teams.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the forty three year old admitted that winning an FAI Junior Cup was always a target since he joined Newmarket. “I genuinely can’t believe it, I’m so thrilled for so many people right through the squad and the club, there’s a huge amount of hard work going on here. When I signed with Newmarket, I was hoping we could do something like this over time, this is my eighth season with Newmarket and including COVID it’s nearly ten years, it’s a lot of time, effort and energy, I’ve been very fortunate to experience success as

a player, I wanted the players, club and management to experience this. This is history, this is absolute history, no one in Clare has done this before, those medals are real, they will never be taken away from them, we’ve put in a huge effort since June of this year, I’m thrilled to get over the line”.

“There’s a lot of good clubs in Clare, everyone is trying hard and doing the best they can, it is competitive. This has never been done before by a Clare team, that has

JACK KELLY may have had doubts about joining Newmarket Celtic but he admitted making the move across the border from Shannon to Newmarket-on-Fergus was “the best decision I’ve ever made” while the occasion of their FAI Junior Cup success was tinged with sadness with the absence of his greatest influence in the sport.

At the aorta of the Newmarket Celtic side all season has been Kelly, the no-nonsense tackler who commits himself fully when bursting to get in possession has on countless occasions in their glorious run thrown his head where many would fear to stick their foot.

Throwing himself about the place for the good of the team has been his focus all season. “That’s my role in the team, they are my strengths,” he said of his selfless approach. “I get the ball and give it to the more talented players, the likes of David McCarthy and Hayzo in front of me but in saying that I’ve had Conor McDaid beside me who is similar, an absolute animal, Kevin Harnett hasn’t played in months but what a workhorse, what a player and what a team”.

He was lining out with Shannon Town Utd last season having transferred from Shannon Hibs. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Jack admitted he initially turned down Newmarket Celtic manager Paddy Purcell when the call to join Celtic came. “It was a tough decision to leave at the time, I was humming and hawing, to be honest I actually told Paddy no, I said I was going to stick with Shannon Town and

been a motivating factor for me in the many years I’ve been involved with the club, I was hoping to do as part of the team with the players and my friends around me but I’m as proud now as I would be if I was playing or involved in the squad, it is a huge achievement, hopefully this is a kickstart for the rest of the clubs to start kicking on, Avenue are doing really well and have been progressing, Shannon Town in recent years have been doing very well, Bridge Utd and other clubs

too, there’s a lot of good players and people involved in Clare soccer, it definitely puts us on the map in terms of that”.

In his speech, captain Eoin Hayes noted that it was testament to Paddy that he didn’t take a year out following the sudden death of his father, John in October. Without question, had he been alive, John would have been one of the first supporters in Jackman Park before kick-off and the Shannon man was incredibly proud of all that his son had achieved on and off the field.

“Dad was probably over-proud in a way, he would back you to the nth degree, I know he is looking down on us and on me, I’ve been thinking about him non-stop since he died, it’s six months to the day yesterday, I know he’s been there on my shoulder since the start of the season.

"I have a picture from one of our first early games against Lifford, it’s myself and the management team on the sideline and Dad is in the background, I’ve kept it close to my heart all season, I’ve been talking to him and I know he’s looking down and is very proud,” Paddy noted.

Composure remained a recurring theme in their display, Purcell believed. “We don’t really get too high or too low, we try to keep as balanced as we can on the sideline, they had a man sent off with a few minutes to go, it definitely helped us to get a stronghold on the game, equally they had a chance in the last few minutes and they could have nicked it, Shane made a fantastic save and that is football, it is fine lines, it can go either way on the

even when I was playing for Shannon Town or Shannon Hibs, there was rivalry but there wasn’t much in the games let’s say, Newmarket was the pinnacle and I’m chuffed to be out here, what a club, it’s absolutely well run from the top to the bottom and that’s the reason we’re here, even the support we’ve had all year, I think Gerry Canty has been to every away game up and down the country, there’s other lads who have travelled with us up and down, it’s a phenomenal day for the club”.

Thrilled to have made the breakthrough and be a key component in Newmarket Celtic’s FAI success, Jack was thinking of the biggest influence in his football career who helped him along the way, his father John who died in May of last year after a battle with cancer.

day. I said before the game we had strong fitness levels, we have lads that can come off the bench with loads of energy, we finish all our games strong and we did again.

“They did have a man sent off which probably helped us but we didn’t panic, we’re playing one of the most experienced junior teams in Ireland, Paul Breen, Adrian Walsh, Christopher Higgins, Jimmy Carr, these guys have two or three FAIs won, they’ve been here and done it, they have Munster Junior Cups in their back pocket. For our lads to show their composure, not panic and of course the lads who came off the bench and the rest of the players in the squad have had an impact and it is testament to them”.

Players bought into their set-up this season whether it was trusting them with formations or upping their standards to elevate fitness levels, this proved pivotal in Newmarket reaching the holy grail of junior soccer. “We played a completely different formation to what we’ve played all season tonight, I’m really disappointed for the lads who missed out on injury and the lads who aren’t in the squad today because we’ve a big squad but I’m absolutely thrilled that we were able to use the squad, play with a new formation.

"We asked players at the start of the season to keep an open mind when we made tweaks and to trust us and what we’re trying to do, we showed that and the squad lads who played today and guys who started were fantastic.”

CLARE CUP

FRESH from winning the Hugh Kelly Cup final, Lifford FC will be hopeful of advancing to another final but the same aspirations will be shared by all four teams left in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.

Avenue Utd put their title as Cup champions on the line this Saturday against the newly formed Fair Green Celtic.

Pa Gleeson will take charge of the Ennis derby which kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday as David Russell’s side will carry the favourites tag against Fair Green who have former Avenue players such as Eddie Shaw and Ross McCarthy.

try stick with the younger lads but Paddy kept hassling me, looking back now it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, my emotions are all over the place, I’m absolutely chuffed”.

A season with Celtic has helped to change his view of Newmarket-on-Fergus. “I grew up with all the boys, Cathal and all in school, they’ve been good friends and there was always a bit of banter when we played against them, there was never anything over the top

“For myself on a personal level it’s been a tough twelve months but this really tops it off, I’m emotional, people know the story with my Dad, he was my biggest influence in football and it’s nearly twelve months to the day coming up in two weeks, he would have been chuffed, I’m delighted but I wish he was here to see this,” Jack told The Clare Echo He added, “You could see people get emotional at the final whistle, a bit of relief came into it but we were also thinking of people that weren’t here, that’s why it hits, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions to be honest, I’m absolutely chuffed, I wish he and others were here for this but it is what it is, he’s looking down”.

Fair Green will hold no fear going into this game and have only lost one game this season, that to Newmarket Celtic in the Munster Junior Cup in October.

Lifford FC who had a 2-1 win over Shannon Town Utd in the Hugh Kelly Cup final last Friday will look to see off the challenge of Tulla Utd on Sunday at 11am. Adrian Walsh’s side reached the penultimate stage of the competition last season and almost shocked Newmarket Celtic but were defeated in extra time.

Tulla Utd under Mike Moloney’s watch have put together a strong Cup run and eliminated East Clare rivals, Kilkishen Celtic in the quarter-finals. Both games take place at Frank Healy Park.

l Flan Sheedy and Paddy Purcell

Photo by Joe Buckley

'Dad would have been chuffed to see this'

l Jack celebrates with family Photo by Joe Buckley

Delight for Lohan as Clare raid Treaty

MUNSTER HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP, RD2

Limerick 2-20 Clare 1-24

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

LIMERICK Frees For: 16 (9/7)

Wides: 15 (6/9)

Scores from play: 2-8

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Seamus Flanagan (2-01)

Own kickouts won: 29 out of 36

Bookings: Will O’Donoghue

(6); Peter Casey (61)

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork)

CLARE Frees For: 12 (5/7)

Wides: 11 (6/5)

Scores from play: 1-18

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-07 5f)

Own puckouts won: 28 out of 37

Bookings: David Fitzgerald (28); Rory Hayes (42) Conor Cleary (65), John Conlon (69)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“It’s fantastic for the lads, they’ve worked so hard all year and we were just disappointed with the game against Tipperary, we just didn’t bring it, I don’t know but we just didn’t, we were so disappointed with ourselves and we put down a long week. There was a bit of energy about them today, they were very relaxed coming into the game and they knew they had that performance in them, they

produced it.

“It was always going to have to be relentless if we were going to get something out of here, in fairness to our lads they worked and worked, they had loads of setbacks but it didn’t deter them. We needed to get back into this competition, if we were beaten today we were close to being out of the competition so I’m delighted for the lads”.

'Nobody will remember beating Limerick if we don't follow it up' says Fitzgerald

by Derek Dormer news@clareecho.ie

FROM the off, David Fitzgerald’s return lifted Clare as they defeated Limerick on Saturday but he’s adamant they must make the scalp count by progressing in this season’s championship.

Suspension ruled the All Star out of Clare’s five point opening round loss to Tipperary but he returned to the middle of the field, bringing a physical presence and a valuable outlet for possession.

Speaking to The Clare Echo following Saturday’s one point win over Limerick, Fitzgerald was managing to stay grounded. “We won't be getting carried away. It's just two points. We needed to get back on the horse after the defeat last week. I wasn't available last week but I felt the hurt too. Today was about getting rid of that hurt and we have to regroup now, refocus for Waterford and go again”.

A two week is badly needed for the Banner following

the physical encounter over the weekend. “The lads will be sore. Two massive games in six days is a tough ask. The hits out there tonight were tough. But we as a unit stood up to it. We were relentless in our approach. It's a squad that wins though and everyone contributed. Look at the impact that Shan (Aron Shanagher) had when he came on. He caught some huge balls and fired over crucial scores. It was exactly what we needed”.

Fitzgerald said the turnaround in six days came on the back of the competition and ambition within the squad. “It's a highly competitive squad. It's hard to get into the match day twenty six never mind the starting fifteen. You need that competition for places. It drives everyone on and to a man you know we will fight for each other”.

Reflecting on the loss to Tipperary, David said, “We didn't play bad against Tipperary. We just made silly mistakes and at this level

mistakes are punished all the time. We knew as a collective it wasn't a poor performance. We just decided to take the positives out of it and build on that coming here today”.

Astutely aware of the lift supporters among the crowd of 30,000 in the Gaelic Grounds would get from defeating the All-Ireland champions, the Inagh/Kilnamona clubman was quick to point out that they need to follow it up in their upcoming games against Waterford and Cork.

“We as a group have to park it and get ready for two weeks time. Nobody will remember tonight if we don't follow it up. Yes I can imagine Ennis will be wild tonight and our supporters are magnificent. They deserve to celebrate and I hope we can give them a lot more to celebrate as the year unfolds”.

Brian Lohan, Clare:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Rory Hayes tackles Tom Morrissey and (right) Clooney-Quin teammates Ryan Taylor and Peter Duggan celebrate at the final whistle

Photos by Gerard O'Neill

PICTURED: David Fitzgerald gets away from Cathal O'Neill Photo by Joe Buckley

Flu outbreak can't stop minors from sealing Munster final place

by Páraic McMahon

CLARE’S MINOR hurlers managed to overcome a bout of flu which transmitted through the panel and impacted on their preparations for Tuesday’s semi-final win over Limerick.

Preparations for Clare’s six point win over Limerick on Tuesday evening in Cusack Park were far from ideal for Brian O’Connell and his management with a number of players sidelined in the week leading up to the game due to illness.

Such was the extent of the players impacted that training last Sunday had to be called off with a third of the players on the panel having gone down with the flu.

O’Connell explained how their preparations were thrown a curveball. “Last week, there was a number of things, strep-throat, flu and whatever else. Last Sunday morning we didn’t train at all we had twelve lads who cried off sick, Tuesday was poor, lads were still recovering and on antibiotics, it did throw a bit of a spanner in the works to be honest but thankfully they all recovered. I think the last antibiotic was taken on Saturday morning, the energy levels looked good tonight so thankfully it wasn’t this week they were all sick”.

Maybe the illness could be factored in as the excuse for a sluggish start but Clare certain-

ly upped their game, outscoring Limerick 1-06 0-02 in the second quarter. “We started so slow that any improvement in the second quarter we would have taken it. It took us a bit of time to find our rhythm, when we did I thought we were very good”.

Former Clare captain BOC

was hopeful that reaching “two Munster finals in a row is a real upward curve for Clare hurling”. He added, “when Clare are playing no more so than the seniors at the weekend it’s always going to be close, teams get their purple patches and it’s what a team does in the purple patch that counts,

BOC eager to avoid another final defeat

I thought we did a good bit, the goal before half time set us up nicely going in at half time”. Just over a month ago, Limerick had four points to spare over Clare when they met in the round robin series. “They say you learn a lot more about yourself when you lose, we had to really had to sit down and have a think about ourselves because that day we were so flat and didn’t play at all, in fairness Limerick were good on the same night so it was a combination of things, we learned a lot about ourselves, we learned a little bit more about Limerick. We were looking forward to playing Limerick again and I thought we responded really well,” the Shannon native said. He was pleased with the manner in which Clare immediately responded to Dara Ferland’s goal which put three points between the times with fifty six minutes played. “It has died now but there was a stiff enough breeze there, it’s very hard and difficult to just get your hand on the ball when you’re playing into that, those two scores were massive for us, we didn’t shy away, drop our heads or go into our shells, they brought it back to three points but we pushed on and got the next two scores, that gave us a platform to go on and win it”.

CLARE’S MINOR hurling manager is determined the county will not be experiencing successive Munster final defeats.

Brian O’Connell’s side advanced to the provincial final for the second time in as many years with a merited six point win over Limerick on Tuesday. The result sees them advance to a final showdown with Cork this coming Tuesday (May 9), a venue for which has not been confirmed at the time of going to print.

Already this season, O’Connell feels Clare have learned from impressing in the first round against Tipperary with a seven-point win and then failing to back it up the next day out when they experienced their only loss of the campaign, a four-point defeat at the hands of Limerick.

“We can’t make the same mistake of this year when we played Tipperary in the first round and beat them, the lads were really excited and high after that game but it took us a while to come back down to earth and tune in again, we’ll have learned that lesson... we don’t want to be going there and losing two years in a row,” he stressed.

Famously, that encounter with the Premier County in the Gaelic Grounds last year was the first inter-county final in the GAA where the winner was decided following a penalty shootout. “As long as it’s entertaining as that game last year, I think everyone enjoyed it in Limerick that night, at the end of the day that’s why sport exists and teams play,” BOC added.

Opponents Cork will have benefited from not having to play a semi-final, the Clare manager maintained. “They have a week’s extra rest which is important too, we know going up against Cork is going to be a massive battle. I think all of our players came out of the semi-final okay, we’ve some tired legs, knocks and bruises but no serious injuries so hopefully we are at full health for that game”.

Coughlan content with existing systems following Clare minor footballers' exit

CLARE’S MINOR football manager, Dermot Coughlan is confident the systems in place are correct, writes Páraic McMahon.

A four point loss to Tipperary on Thursday knocked Clare out of the provincial championship and ensures that for the second year in a row the county will not be contesting in the play-off stages of the provincial series.

Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman, Coughlan maintained, “The system is right, the coaching is good and players at this age group are getting a lot of opportunities”.

He praised their second half showing against Tipperary in Semple Stadium, “We were four points down going into the second half but the lads really took the game to Tipperary and created a lot of chances, enough to maybe even have pulled ahead. A couple dropped short but the lads created the chances”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Dermot explained, “the way Tipperary were set up, they had a lot of bodies back forcing us to shoot from out-

side the zone. Overall I was happy with the football the lads played”.

Clare’s two point loss to Limerick in Miltown Malbay a week earlier was costly, he acknowledged. “On that night we kicked some great scores but we were caught for goals. The one before half time proved crucial while the concession of two in the last ten minutes meant we didn’t get a chance to respond”.

Players involved “will have learned a lot from the campaign. Nothing beats games and with three championship games under their belts that will be a great plus going into next year. They won’t get that experience from playing challenge games. Under 17 is very much a development stage and they have three years before they finish out at under 20. I hope they will progress, they have the talent and ability to do that,” he added.

“The aim for all is to play at senior inter county level, Clare are up there with any county in terms of the work that is being done,” he concluded.

l Dermot Coughlan's side suffered a fourpoint defeat to Tipperary

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Jack Mescall drives forward with the ball Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare targeted return to Munster final

MUNSTER SENIOR CAMOGIE FINAL

Clare 1-15 Limerick 0-11

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE:

Frees For: 13(8/5)

Wides: 2 (2/0)

Scores from play: 1-7

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Lorna McNamara (0-09 5f 3’45)

Own puckouts won: 10 out of 14

Bookings; None

LIMERICK

Frees For: 16 (7/9)

Wides: 3 (0/3)

Scores from play: 0-5

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Claire Keating (0-05 3f)

Own puckouts won: 12 out of 18

Bookngs: S.O’Brien (44)

REFEREE: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)

GETTING BACK to the Munster senior camogie final for a second successive year was always a target for Clare.

That’s according to Clare manager John Carmody speaking after the team’s semi-final win over Limerick at the TUS Gaelic grounds on Saturday.

“In the league we ran out the panel and we had to. We need to get stronger as a panel today we emptied the bench late on in the game and we were very comfortable after emptying the bench and that’s important. That bench will be needed more in the Munster final”,

he said.

Clearly happy with the result, the Kilmaley man said “getting to back to back Munster finals is huge progress. It shows a certain level of consistency of performance. We are well aware that there are elements of this performance that we will need to improve on massively if we are to win that Munster final. The girls are buzzing now and they will be looking forward to training this week. We are going to go for that Munster title, why wouldn’t we. It’s a great opportunity to play the Munster final before the Clare supporters in Thurles. Hopefully they will come

and support us”.

Reflecting on the game with Limerick the manager said, “I felt we kept them (Limerick) in it in the first half with our indiscipline which resulted in seven frees. We spoke about it at

CLONDEGAD, ENNISTYMON BRECKAN’S & KILDYSART CLAIM CUSACK CUP WINS; MILTOWN LEAD WAY IN GARRY

half time. Our discipline improved in the second half and we only conceded two points. Overall I am very pleased. I think we need to use the ball better going forward and create more scoring opportunities”.

He appealed to “the Clare football supporters to come in early next Sunday to support our junior team which will play in the provincial semi-final. There are eight or nine 19 year olds in that squad. We play to the same

system the same type of camogie. They are going to get an opportunity in the Gaelic grounds next Sunday to show what they can do and maybe we might use one or two of them in Thurles”.

Top scoring at East Clare golf club

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s 9 hole challenge qualifier at East Clare was won by Eileen Donnellan and Kieran Kennedy with 36 points.

The ladies team of 3 winners were Noreen Doyle, Helen Ahern and Helen Downey with 63 points.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Connie McKenna, Kay Grimes and Trish Kerr from Ann Marie Ryan, Phil Burke and Siobhan Tiernan

The senior men’s competition last week was won by Nick Ryan. Michael Moloney and Jackie McHugh from Brendan Moloney, Willie Roche and Nick Obolewicz with third spot filled by Ger Teefy, Michael Moloney and Jackie McHugh.

In the men’s singles at East Clare Stephen B Moloney won with 66 nett from Adam Nelson with 70. The gross was won by Michael Rockford with 77

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

Kenneth O’Malley (19) won the weekend singles at Woodstock with 43 points thanks to a better back 9 over Brian Carty (21) who had a similar score.

Sean Myatt (3) won the gross with 40 points while the category winners were Pat Keane (3) with 40 points, Joe Barry (15) with 42 points and Mike Martin Hogan (3) with 42 points.

The winners of the club modified fourball were Paddy Meehan (10) and Brian Kilker (19) with 53 points. They were a point ahead of Colm Geary (6) and Mike Kelly(16) with 52 points.

There will be an open singles this weekend while the April monthly medal, a strokeplay competition, will also be played for.

SHANNON GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s ladies competition at Shannon was won by Jane Kennedy (16) with 73 nett from Nollie McCarthy (25) with 74.

Laura O’Brien (9) won the gross with 86 while the category winners were Jean Murphy (14) with 79, Dynpna Hogan (26) with 77 and Glynis Scott (334) with 75.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

The men’s competition at the weekend at Kilrush at the weekend was sponsored by Whelans and the winner was Seamus Kenny (14) with 4 up.

Conor Saunders (12) was the winner of category A with 3 up from David Nagle with 1 up. Category 2 was won by Bernard Coleman (17) with a level score from Denis Nagle (16) with 1 down.

Brendan Carey (21) won category 3 with I up from Matthew Dillon (21) with a similar score.

Brian Rogers (36) won the front 9 with 3 up while Bryden Cody (11) was the winner of the back nine with 2 up.

GORT GOLF CLUB: Jack Losty (27) won the Super-

macs sponsored 18 holes singles stableford competition at Gort last weekend with 42 points. Colie McGarry (13) won category 1 with a similar score. The category 2 winner was John Commins (17) with 39 points. Pat Fogarty (29) won category 3 with 40points while the gross was won by Mark Deegan (6) with 34 points.

Eddie Leen (17) won Monday’s open singles, sponsored by Ward and Burke. with 43 points. Gavin Lally (3) won the gross with 35 points.

FANNY O’DEA’S SOCIETY

Shannon was the venue for an outing for the Fanny O’Deas golf society on Saturday last.

James Whelan with 37 points emerged as the winner of the Dermot Custy sponsored outing. Liam Hayes with 35 points was second followed by Peter O’Leary with 34, Paul Faulknan with 33 and Brian Kilker with 32. Thomas Monahan was nearest the pin while Leroy Crowe had the longest drive.

The next outing will be on Saturday May 27 when members will play for society president Noel Haier’s prize in Portumna

SIXMILEBRIDGE SOCIETY:

Sixmilebridge society will hold an outing to Woodstock on this Saturday, May 6 with the tee reserved from 9.40am. Only those pre-booked can play on the day.

l CELEBRATION: Clare’s Áine O’Loughlin in action

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Clare silverware in John West Feile

CLARE had three clubs representing them in 2023 John West Feile Handball in Connaught venues over the weekend with five teams.

Clooney-Quin had a tough assignment being graded Division 1. With games in the Moycullen facility they played Kells, Kilkenny; Breacky, Tyrone; Michéal Breathnachs, Galway and Talbots Inch of Kilkenny.

The Clare boys accounted very well for themselves in this premier division with five wins from eight games, finishing level on points with the Galway team but just losing out on Aces scored for a place in the final.

Talbots Inch were the eventual winners putting back to back Division 1 titles together.

Kilkishen had two teams with a boys team in Division 2 playing in Aughagower in Mayo they were successful in making it to the final with group wins over St. Mellans, Monaghan; Greencastle, Tyrone and in the group stages had a draw with Inis Mór.

They played Inis Mór in the final losing out over the two games by just 5 Aces. Bringing home All-Ireland feile Silver medals.

The Kilkishen girls had mixed group results with a win over hosts Claregalway, Galway; a draw with St. Mellons, Monaghan; losing to Greencastle of Tyrone and a draw against Kells of Kilkenny finishing with 4 points out of 8 and just out side a qualifying place for the finals.

Toonagh boys played

in Division 3 which had 6 teams and they had group wins against the hosting side of Abbeyknockmoy of Galway and Mallow of Cork, they lost out 1n the final by 2 Aces against Kells of Kilkenny. Toonagh while disappointed had a successful outing with Division 3 silver medals.

The Toonagh girls also played in Claregalway and has a win over Michéal Breathnach, Galway, lost to Brackey, Tyrone; they had a draw against Galmoy, Kilkenny. This left all three teams on 3 points and just losing out on Aces.

This put an end to the 40x20 season for 2023 which was very successful for Clare.

Well done to all our young players.

Double victories for McMahon & Murray

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

DOUBLE VICTORIES were recorded for Cooraclare owner James McMahon and Sixmilebridge trainer Stephen Murray in Galway over the weekend while Ollie Hester bowed out after twenty years at the helm.

The semi-finals of the Text Entries 087 2770969 A2 525 Yards Stake were the twin features on Saturday nights card at Galway Greyhound Stadium which was also a very nostalgic night as it was the final nights racing under the management of Ollie Hester. Hester has been at the racing helm of the track for over twenty years and has always been a pleasure to have either worked with or dealt with and will be a huge loss to the sport of Greyhound Racing.

Sixmilebridge trainer Stephen Murray was in double form curtesy of Clooney Bale in the second contest and the very impressive Bayview Fred who took the sixth in a superb time of 28.87.

The opening heat of the A3 525 Stake brought the run of the night as the Erin Clancy of Kilrush owned Bayview Fred trained by Stephen Murray went from trap top line as he recorded his second career success by two and three quarter lengths from Burnpark Crash in 28.87. Away very smartly the red jacketed son of Premier Fantasy and Bayview Flyer fairly motored to the bend to lead by three lengths from Flyers Phobia and Burnpark Crash. Racing along the back straight that lead remained as Bayview Fred really lengthened his stride and maintained the tempo all the way to the line.

In the third heat, the Patsy Fitzgerald of Kilrush owned Flyers Magu certainly lived up to his name from traps as she burst clear on the wide outside racing towards the opening turn rounding which he enjoyed a three length advantage over Springwell Sugar and Hit The Diss. Racing along the back straight the son of Pat C Sabbath & Flyers Ineos continued to extended his advance over his rivals . From the top of the home bend Springwell Sugar did close but Flyers Magu was home and hosed by two & a half lengths at the line in 29.19.

Race two was an A7 graded contest where Clooney Gale, Mounvoor Moll and Black Freddie were all prominent as the field raced towards the opening bend with Clooney Gale holding a narrow advantage turning into the back straight . Racing along the back the Martin Williams of Clooney owned Clooney Gale opened up a length advantage on his rivals as they passed halfway and exiting the back straight the Stephen Murray trained son of Magical Bale and Astro Aoife was still in control and beginning to extend the advantage . Staying on well his advantage over Mounvoor Moll

was five and three quarter lengths at the line in 29.61.

Friday night’s Galway card featured the final of the Sprinters S7 350 Yards Stake as well as the opening round heats of both the Galway Greyhound Stadium A5 & A6 525 Yards Stakes.

Racing towards the opening bend in the opening heat of the A5 525 Stake, Lexis Angel and Astro Sydney were both away smartly on the wide outside and they were joined on the run towards the opening bend by the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Peggy along the inner and it was the latter headed the field into the back straight from Lexis Angel in second place.

Racing down the back Lissatouk Peggy continued to show the way out front and tacking well around the final two bends the daughter of Doratos Woo Hoo & Lissatouk Lady defeated Lexis Angel by three & a half lengths in 29.42.

McMahon went on to complete a double in the concluding heat where Lissatouk Sox was best away on the wide outside and racing towards the opening bend the Seamus McMahon owned runner led Blaze More Fire by over two lengths despite maintaining a wide berth rounding the bend. Racing towards the halfway mark Lissatouk SOX was still over two lengths to the good as Blaze More Fire continued to be the nearest pursuer. Off the home bend Lissatouk Sox began to come back to his rival but the son of Laughill Blake and Lissatouk Dolly gamely stuck to the task to prevail by a head at the line in 29.26.

In the opening heat of the A6 525 Stake all six runners were away almost on terms and as they charged towards the opening bend the Donie Duggan of Tulla owned Knoppogue Blue just about showed in front from Grangeview Bear with Erril Star in third place turning into the back straight. Racing along the back the daughter of Magical Bale and Notimetotalk began to open up a decisive lead on her rivals and tracking well around the final two bends Knoppogue Blue score by five and three quarter lengths over the staying on Millroad Victory in 29.24.

Racing opened with a Novice 525 Yards contest and from traps the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscross Ted was very smartly into stride on the wide outside and racing’s towards the opening bend the son of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler led Drombeg Rex by over two lengths.

Turning down the back Glynnscross Ted extended his advantage to three lengths over Drombeg Rex with the remainder five further lengths adrift of the leading pair. Maintaining the gallop out front Glynnscross Ted prevailed by three and three quarter lengths at the line in 29.18.

l Kilkishen, who secured silver in the Feile division 2 pictued with winners, Inis Mór

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OLD NATIONAL SCHOOL, KINTURK, CONNOLLY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Linda and Graham Solan intend to apply for PERMISSION to build an Extension to the building, repurpose it as a residence, upgrade the waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLASPUGLONANE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Jason Droney intends to apply for PERMISSION to build a new dwellinghouse, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLASPUGLONANE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Kyran Droney intends to apply for PERMISSION to build a new dwellinghouse, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the

date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FINTRA BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Zack Whelehan intends to apply for PERMISSION to build a new dwellinghouse, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLAWINNA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (www. michaelkeating.ie, phone 085-8421780), on behalf of Emer Fahy, intends to apply to Clare County Council for full permission to construct dwelling house and garage, connect to proprietary wastewater treatment system, connect to public services and carry out all ancillary site works at the above address. Access to the proposed dwelling from the public road is via an existing farm entrance.

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 CLOONCOLMAN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE

Take notice that Dermot Nagle intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with an access road, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning

authority, 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CHURCH STREET, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that L. & A Vaughan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a single storey rear extension to their existing dwelling house along with associated site works at the above address. The development is located within an architectural conservation area. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNAPPOGE, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Mary Donnelly is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for an existing store to the rear of the public house, planning permission to convert the public house into a residential unit along with elevational changes, to alter the front elevation of the existing dwelling house and to install a new wastewater treatment facility along with all associated/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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOHANBEG, CREE, CO. CLARE

are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, new entrance, access road, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL UNIT 7, GORT ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Minds Applied Ltd are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to install a first floor to accommodate office space and storage space which will be used as ancillary to the production facility granted under P22-287. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYCAR, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie.

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of John Keane for permission to Retain (a) conversion of former garage to accommodation (b) construction of attached garage & (c) fenestration changes to the front & rear elevations, together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of m5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MAIN STREET, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of NS Construction Development Ltd. for permission to (a) Convert, alter and extend former butchers’ shop and residential accommodation to 2 No. two-bedroom apartments. (b) demolish former abattoir and sheds and construct 6 No. one-bedroom apartments (c) construct vehicular entrance from rear lane, car parking and bin storage together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, MAIN STREET, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Stan Lineen for planning permission to change the use of the existing building from disused warehouse to a building design projection centre along with all associated site works & services; and retention permission to retain minor elevational changes to the building at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of

receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, BALLINTLEA SOUTH, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www. diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Kiran & Damien Browne for planning permission to change the use of part of the existing dwelling house from private residential to pre-school room along with all associated site works and retention permission to retain minor elevational changes to the building at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, THE CORNER BAR, THE SQUARE, ENNIS ROAD, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Caitriona Finn for retention permission to retain three no. cooler units at the rear of the premises at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks

beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KNOCKLISCRANE, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARECLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further Information / Revised Plans

Planning Ref: P22/876

Development Description:

Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house with private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all other associated site works at the above address. Location: Knockliscrane, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Take notice that Seanie & Orlagh Malone have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/876. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

ROOF MOSS CLEANING

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 In what year did the first girls class enter St. Flannan’s College?

a. 1992

b. 2002

c. 2008

2 In what year did the boarding school close at St. Flannan’s College?

a. 1995

b. 2000

c. 2005

3 How many Harty Cup wins has St. Flannan’s College enjoyed?

a. 12

b. 18

c. 21

4 St. Flannan’s gained national media attention for ____ in 2009?

a. Young Scientist of the year award

b. Flooding

c. Highest leaving certificate results

5 Which of the following Clare hurlers did not attend St. Flannan’s College?

a. Anthony Daly

b. Brian Lohan

c. Davy Fitgerald

6 Which Clare School performed the best in Ireland in 2017?

a. St. Joseph’s Tulla

b. St. Caimin’s Comprehensive Shannon

c. Rice College Ennis

7 Which of the following is known as the only all boys school in Clare?

a. Ennis Community College

b. C.B.S Ennistymon

c. St. John Bosco Community College

8 How many secondary schools were in Clare in the early 1700’s?

a. 1

b. 5

c. 8

9 In what year was free education introduced to Clare?

a. 1958

b. 1967

c. 1979

10 How many secondary schools are there in County Clare?

a. 12

b. 15

c. 19

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

l QUESTION 1 : In what year did the first girls class enter St. Flannan’s College?

Last weeks answers

. Stripe on Clare top (bottom right different colour)

. POD logo missing on top (middle bottom)

. GAA crest missing on top (boy with hood

up, top right)

. writing missing on yellow flag (left)

. POD missing (top left)

. crest missing (top right)

. Crest on sleeve missing (bottom middle)

David McInerney and Conor Cleary leap into the air

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 4th

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Equipment (6)

4 Small edible crustacean (6)

8 Braid (5)

9 Pirate (7)

10 Reading desk (7)

11 Regions (5)

12 Cede (9)

17 Elevators (5)

19 Substitute (5-2)

21 Malady (7)

22 Angry stare (5)

23 Division into opposing factions (6)

24 Exhilarated (6)

DOWN

1 Knock down (6)

2 Opportunities (7)

3 Milky coffee (5)

5 Oldest university in the USA (7)

6 Furious (5)

7 Read attentively (6)

9 General agreement (9)

13 Slices of bacon (7)

14 Glowing (7)

15 Confederates (6)

16 Denied (anag) (6)

18 Pilfer (5)

20 Divine messenger (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS