The Clare Echo 04/07/19

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LAHINCH’S

€5M HIT 100,000 VISITORS FLOCK TO CLARE

T

HE Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has arrived in Lahinch, with in the region of 100,000 visitors expected to descend on the North Clare village over the next four days.

An estimated 5m will be spent by tourists in Lahinch during the event which had already sold more than 80,000 tickets in advance of Thursday’s 6.45am tee off time. Some 900 volunteers have been recruited by Lahinch Golf Club to oversee the action, where

15 of the world’s top 50 players will compete including Ireland’s own Shane Lowry who is among the tournament favourites.

General Manager at Lahinch Golf Club, Paddy Keane told The Clare Echo, “It’s the biggest tournament that has ever come to Lahinch.

“What happens today is the history of tomorrow, it will go down as one of the greatest occasions ever in the history of the club.”

IRISH OPEN PAGES 4-7

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4 July 2019

l CROWD PLEASER: Shane Lowry at Lahinch on Tuesday

Photo by Brian Arthur

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Index NEWS

2-13

ENTERTAINMENT

15-17

COMMUNITY

18-19

TULLA IN FOCUS

22-26

MOTORING

30-31

PROPERTY

32

SPORT

33-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

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

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

SALES

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

l TWO LEGENDS OF THE GAME: The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Trophy travelled to Ennistymon Community Hospital this week as Des Smyth met retired Greenkeeper PJ Queally ahead of the Irish Open

Photo by Brian Arthur

‘Unreal’ level of dumping at encampment STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

C

OUNCILLOR Paul Murphy will ask Clare County Council what their position is on illegal encampments following a large gathering of caravans convening in a field adjacent to the M18 motorway exit from Clarecastle.

Cllr Murphy (Fine Gael) said he is eager to address the situation which has resulted in “an unreal amount of dumping” in the area, which effectively serves as a gateway to Ennis and West Clare to visitors to the county.

His motion will ask on Monday what the Council’s position in relation to issues including; “the volume of caravans/ motorhomes in tight areas and the risk to life in the event of fire personel being unable to attend to a fire; the lack of proper sanitation and resultant public defacation at these encampments; the volume of children and subsequent risk to their safety and wellbeing as a result of being in such close proximity to busy roads.”

He will also raise the issue at a meeting of the Clare Garda Division’s Joint

Policing Committee on Monday to query what powers the Gardai have in addressing trespass at these locations.

In a statement, Cllr Murphy added, “This morning I paid a visit to the encampment at Skehanagh roundabout on the outskirts of Clarecastle and Ennis. I witnessed an unreal amount of dumping seeing tonnes upon tonnes of green waste (hedge trimmings and tree toppings), an old BBQ frame, a clothes airer, bed frames, mattresses, timber benches, a cooker/fridge, black bags of refuse and a couch.

“I have tabled a question to next Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council querying the local authority’s position in relation to the lack of sanitation and subsequent public defecation at these locations, the fire hazard associated with a high volume of caravans (and gas cylinders) in such a confined area where access could potentially be difficult for fire crews, the safety and wellbeing of children as a result of being in such close proximity to a busy roundabout and roads, monies that will have to be spent by Clare County Council in cleaning up the site after it has been vacated and finally, securing the lands in order to prevent a further repeat.”

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

l MAN BEHIND THE SCENES: Lahinch Golf Club manager Paddy Keane has been working around the clock to get the course in perfect condition Photo by Martin Connolly

History in the making for Paddy and Lahinch PÁRAIC McMAHON

H

paraic@clareecho.ie

OSTING The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is huge for Lahinch Golf Club but according to Paddy Keane, “it goes far beyond that” regarding the benefits it will bring to the South West of Ireland.

This October will mark eight years since Paddy became the General Manager at Lahinch Golf Club having spent close to a decade before at Castletroy Golf Club. On the honour of the first European Tour event to take place in Clare being at Lahinch, he said, “It’s the biggest tournament that has ever come to Lahinch. Because it’s the Rolex series it’s bigger than a normal Irish Open would have been 10 to 15 years ago, it is the biggest golf tournament to come here. What happens today is the history of tomorrow, it will go down as one of the greatest occasions ever in the history of the club to host The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this year. I won’t say it’s the greatest ever because we’re steeped in the tradition of amateur golf but it is most certainly up there with them, we’ll add it to the top five list anyway and see how it goes.

"Hosting a tournament of this magnitude, the work is just tenfold, it was busy in the planning and then as the circus moved into town over the last two months it was just constant the whole time, it has taken up a lot of our time, we’re trying to keep everything else going because we’re planning for the South of Ireland in two weeks time”.

Thirty people are employed on a fulltime basis at Lahinch Golf Club with the amount soaring to between 150 to 200 at high season. Having been closed for two weeks prior to The Irish Open no new staff have been recruited with 900 volunteers easing the workload. Each member of staff is going to get a three hour break daily to allow for them to watch some of the golf and sample the atmosphere. “It would be awful to think the event was here and nobody got to watch it, they need to be happy, it’s key to the event”.

Such is his hectic schedule, Keane has only played one round of golf this year. For the four-day tournament, he is hopeful of getting five hours sleep. “It will be a 5:30am start Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, when the paying public are here it is our property.

I wouldn’t relax if I wasn’t here, those nights it will be finishing off at 10pm.”

A native of Ferbane, Paddy revealed what would make The Irish Open a personal success. “It’s close to a sell-out and probably will be by the time the tournament kicks off. It’s far more than a golf event, it’s entertainment within the golf tournament venue on Friday, Saturday, Sunday but the County Council have done huge work on the village, they’ve done street entertainment, music on the Gig Rig the promenade that’s family orientated, family friendly and a sign for people that come here that have no interest in golf can have other things to attend aside from the golf tournament. For me it’s just to see people enjoy themselves, everyone is safe and if we had an Offaly winner at the end of the day for an Offaly man wouldn’t that cap it all off ”.

SUN TO SHINE FOR WEEKEND DRY & SUNNY

THE outlook for the Irish Open is positive, with perfect playing conditions predicted Thursday through Sunday.

It will be mostly dry with sunny spells with currently no apparent risk of rain. Temperatures to remain steady with 20-22c highs each day while wind speeds of 15kph on Thursday and Friday are set to subside to 5kph at the weekend.

6

NEWS

Climate protest in Lahinch

EXTINCTION Rebellion Clare is asking members of the public to join a colourful protest on Lahinch Beach this Sunday, July 7, at 1pm to coincide with the final day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club.

Extinction Rebellion Clare is hosting the beach gathering to draw attention to the lack of action by governments worldwide to prevent climate breakdown, and to express concern at how the Irish Government’s money-message is undermining the Climate Emergency Measures Bill to stop the issuing of exploration licences for oil and gas.

Members of the public are being invited to join the protest by bringing a picnic, a musical instrument, and a towel or blanket, so that participants can lie on the sand and use their bodies to create a huge Extinction Rebellion symbol highlighting the dangers that government inaction poses to our children’s and our planet’s future.

Anyone hoping to come can avail of the free shuttle bus to Lahinch from Ennistymon Church car park on the Lahinch road, which departs every 10 minutes or so from 6.15am to 8pm.

For more information see Extinction Rebellion Clare on Facebook or email: XRClare@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Irish Open to bring a €5m benifit to Lahinch PÁRAIC McMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

OLF is a second language in Lahinch and this relationship is set to leave its biggest benefit yet with an estimated €5m to be spent during the The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Fourth generation Lahinch hotelier, Michael Vaughan felt few events held in the coastal village could ever compete with The Irish Open. “Our family have been looking after golfers since Lahinch Golf Club was founded and before that, it’s a vocational thing for us”.

“There has never been a bigger event and I’m not too sure there ever will be a bigger event in Lahinch. By and large we’re a small seaside town, we’ve a permanent population of around 800 people, as we talk here now ticket sales are in the region of 80,000 sold in advance.”

Since last summer, Vaughan Lodge Hotel has been booked

out for the hosting of the European Tour event, partly due to Michael’s early discussions with Lahinch Golf Club to allocate rooms where needed. Representatives from the European Tour, Dubai Duty Free and members of the Sky Sports broadcast team are their guests for the week.

Hosting the event has allowed Vaughan’s to build a ten bedroom extension and employ up to 20 people. “If you look at it in totality, tourism is the lifeblood of this town, there is no other industry...and that’s why Lahinch is all so embracing of this particular tournament.

“My father, Lord have mercy on him, used to say, ‘golf is the second language of the village’ and if you went into certain pubs in the town, the Nineteenth or the Corner Stone, golf would be the first language - you wouldn’t get beyond the door without talking about golf.”

With over 100,000 people expected to visit Lahinch plus millions tuning in via global TV stations, a huge lens is going to be cast upon the area.

lTEE-RIFIC CONDITION: The first tee box at Lahinch ahead of the first day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2019 Photo by Martin Connolly

Michael adds, “Sometimes when a tournament comes to a venue, the expectation is that people are going to be short changed in one way or another or their prices will inflate or something catastrophic will happen in terms of service, there is an innate respect for the tourist in Lahinch, there has always been that sensibility about giving value and I think Lahinch has to be ourselves, everybody has put their best foot forward.”

While he points out that the

tented village located on the golf course will bring revenue for The European Tour, the ex President of the Irish Hotels Federation expects millions to be spent in the local economy. “I would say certainly €5 million [will be spent in Lahinch], that could be conservative... it’s an unknown because 70 to 80,000 people, if everyone of them spent a tenner you’re talking a million euro straight away, they’ll spend more than that so there is a multiplier effect”.

McGinley ‘humbled’

by Clare community

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IAUL McGinley has been humlIMPRESSED: Irish Open tournament bled and surprised by how host Paul McGinley Photo by Brian Arthur the people of Clare have embraced The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Speaking on Tuesday, the tournament host confirmed the event was likely to sell out. “We’re well on our way to having sellout crowds for the weekend which is unbelievable really considering the Open also is going to be on here in a few weeks time in this country of ours and we can sell out, hopefully, two golf tournaments in the space of three weeks”.

With The Open Championships teeing off on Thursday July 18, McGinley outlined that they have attempted to style Lahinch similar to Portrush in order to entice more golfers to partake in The Irish Open, “Obviously we’re not copying exactly everything we do because of the different designs of the holes.

“I’m a great believer in that and the players who come here will feel really well prepared to win a major championship in a few weeks time”.

Lahinch’s current sight is one to behold and it is part of the vision McGinley had for the Golf Club when first sitting down with General Manager Paddy Keane to discuss the prospect of The Irish Open being held in Clare for the first time. “The thing that surprised me and humbled me and that makes probably the biggest impression on me is how the locals have embraced it more than anything else. To be on the verge of sellout is quite extraordinary, considering, as I said, the Open is on in two weeks time”.

He reserved special praise for Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council for his assistance throughout the whole process. “[Clare County Council have] delivered on everything. I just saw Pat Dowling and they’ve done everything, the bunting in the street, the painting of buildings. Somebody said to me in the airport today, ‘if a dog sat down for five minutes he would have got painted’. The whole embrace of the community has been fabulous”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Lowry happy with fan favourite tag PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANE Lowry claims the mantle of fan favourite for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and he’s grateful to have such support.

Ten years ago, Lowry won The Irish Open as an amateur, becoming the third ever to win a European Tour event. Now well established in the professional ranks, he is set to benefit from an outpouring of support, particularly in the absence of Rory McIlroy.

“I'll have expectations of doing well this week. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. Just trying to go out there, play my own game, and see where it leads me,” the 32 year old said on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, he played the Pro-Am alongside hurlers Shane O’Donnell, Cian Lynch and Joe Canning. The Clare Echo asked the proud Faithful County supporter if hurling talk was off the menu given Offaly’s relegation from the Joe McDonagh Cup earlier this year. “That’s two great questions, who let this fella in! I met Joe Canning yesterday so we got it all out of the way. I'm obviously looking forward to playing with the three lads and it's great to be able to hang out with people like that and spend five hours with them, hopefully they're all right at golf as well”.

General Manager of the Golf Club, Paddy Keane is a native of Ferbane where Lowry’s father grew up, Shane has denied receiving any extra tips from his fellow Of-

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

13:10 (08:30) Padraig Harrington (Irl), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng), Ian Poulter (Eng) At first glance, triple major winner Harrington and Ryder Cup warhorse Poulter are the big names of this trio - however Tyrrell Hatton threatens to be the story of the group. With two top 10s in his last seven events, he is also a superb links player.

Winner of two Alfred Dunhill Championships, a 2nd in the Scottish Open and also a top 5 at the Open shows he is a man to watch.

13:20 (08:40) Jon Rahm (Esp), Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), Matt Wallace (Eng) A monster grouping here with each player inside the Top 25 in the world and a former winner in Rahm. Oosthuizen will play the Irish Open for the first time since 2009 and that Lahinch bears the moniker 'St Andrews of Ireland' should be a source of encouragement for Oosthuizen having won the Open there in 2010. Nobody is in better form than Wallace who currently leads the Race to Dubai standings and has put in strong showings at the two most recent major championships in the States. Also worth watching to observe his volatile relationship with his caddie.

09:10 (13:55) Tom Lewis (Eng), Joost Luiten (Ned), Seamus Power (Irl) Here's a group that will appeal to those hoping to avoid massive crowds but includes home interest. Seamus Power plays the Irish Open for the first time as a professional this week.

He has two top-10 finishes in 2019.

08:20 (13:00) Adrian Otaegui (Esp), Bernd Wiesberger (Aut), Haotong Li (Chn) The man who could be the first player from China to win a Major does not mind the links challenge – keep an eye on Haotong Li who finished 3rd at the 2017 Open Championship after a final round charge. Three top tens this season.

l FORMER CHAMP: Lowry tests out the course on Monday Photo by Brian Arthur

OUTWARD 1A Ennistymon to Cliffs

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Ennistymon Church Lahinch Bus Stop Liscannor Main Street Hags Head Kilconnel Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp

8.15 8.25 8.30 8.35 8.45

9.45 9.55 10.00 10.05 10.15

11.40 11.50 12.00 12.05 12.15

13.30 13.35 13.45 13.50 14.00

15.00 15.05 15.15 15.20 15.30

16.50 16.55 17.05 17.10 17.20

18.05 18.10 18.20 18.25 18.35

19.35 19.40 19.50 19.55 20.05

RETURN TIMETABLE 1B Cliffs to Ennistymon

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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp Hags Head Kilconnel Liscannor Main Street Lahinch Bus Stop Ennistymon Church

8.45 8.50 9.00 9.10 9.15

10.15 10.20 10.30 10.40 10.45

12.15 12.20 12.30 12.40 12.45

14.00 14.05 14.15 14.25 14.30

16.15 16.20 16.30 16.40 16.50

17.30 17.40 17.45 17.55 18.05

19.00 19.10 19.15 19.25 19.35

21.05 21.15 21.25 21.40

Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs

2A

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Lisdoonvarna Failte Car Park Doolin Hotel Fisher Street House Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp

8.10 8.20 8.25 8.35

9.50 10.00 10.05 10.15

11.50 12.00 12.05 12.15

13.30 13.40 13.45 13.55

15.00 15.10 15.15 15.25

16.40 16.50 16.55 17.05

18.10 18.20 18.25 18.35

19.35 19.45 19.50 20.00

RETURN TIMETABLE 2B Cliffs to Lisdoonvarna 2B

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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Exp Fisher Street House Doolin Hotel Lisdoonvarna Failte Car Park

10.15 10.25 10.30 10.40

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13.55 14.05 14.10 14.20

16.15 16.25 16.30 16.40

17.30 17.40 17.45 17.55

19.00 19.10 19.15 19.25

21.05

OUTWARD2A

Tickets available ONLINE ONLY at

*THURSDAY TEE TIMES 08:40 (13:20) Russell Knox (Sco), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Shane Lowry (Irl) In what will draw the largest crowds on Day 1, Irish favourite Shane Lowry is being joined by World No 20 and Ryder Cup hero Tommy Fleetwood along with current Irish Open champion Russell Knox of Scotland. If you can wiggle your way in to a good position on the sidelines, the atmosphere following this pairing will be unmatched.

faly man. “The way to play golf, just play golf. There's a lot of rolls in the fairway and stuff. You make good shots, you go out there and get rewarded. You make bad shots and get good bounces, that's the way golf is played. That's the way it should be played”.

Several fans that would have backed McIlroy have now thrown their weight behind Shane which is a position he’s happy to be in.

“If I'm to get support around the golf course, it would be bigger and better. And maybe that might help me as well as them. But I haven't really thought about it a whole lot. It's great. Look, if I was coming in there in a different position and there was somebody else sitting there in my position, I'd be envious. And I should really be thankful. And I'm lucky that I'm here”.

Official Cliffs of Moher Shuttle Bus Serving Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and the coastal walk

5 PAIRINGS TO FOLLOW

8.35 8.45 8.50 9.00

Go green, stay local, enjoy for longer, walk more and leave no trace

21.15 21.25

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Community College accepts 42 students without school place

MAKING A SPLASH AT THE REGATTA...

Breen praises huge role of Ennis school STUART HOLLY

E

editor@clareecho.ie

NNIS Community College is to accept 42 new students who are currently without a post primary place in Ennis, according to Junior Minister Pat Breen.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen said Ennis Community College is playing a huge role in ensuring no young person is left without a post-primary place in Ennis, by accepting 42 extra first year students for the coming school year.

Minister Breen said, “Ennis

Community College must be commended for its willingness to accept 42 extra first year students from the Ennis area, who are currently without a post primary school place, for the academic year 2019/2020.

“This of course will put some pressure on the school’s current resources, but I have been assured by the Department of Education that it will work on the issue of additional teaching posts, additional space and other requirements. I intend to keep a watching brief of these commitment from the Department to ensure the school is adequately resourced by September.”

Ennis Community College has recently commenced a significant building project which

will see 4,200 square metres, over three floors added to the building.

“This development will allow for an increase in student capacity of up to 750 within the next two years,” said Minister Breen.

“In the interim, the Department of Education has agreed to work with the school to provide the resources necessary to accommodate the 42 extra students.”

“I would like to pay tribute to the school principal, school management and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for working hard to ensure that there is a post primary place in the town of Ennis for all the students from the area that require it.”

l OFF THE BOARD: Paul Murphy's homemade raft let him down at the Clarecastle Regatta on Saturday. For more on the Regatta, turn to page 19 Photo by Martin Connolly

SHANNON SPRINGS HOTEL AWARDED 4 STARS

S

HANNON, Co Clare, Friday, 28 June 2019:The Shannon Springs Hotel in Shannon, Co Clare announced today that it has been awarded a rank of 4 Stars by Fáilte Ireland and The AA Hospitality Services. This elevation in the hotel’s status from its previous 3 Star ranking is due to the major refurbishment of the hotel, involving an investment of over €1.5 million by its owners/directors, John Gavin and Dermot Kelly, since they acquired the property in December 2015.

Commenting on the news, the co-owners stated: “Over the past 3 and a half years, we have endeavored to deliver a product that would be noted in the industry and in the locality for exceptional standards in every aspect of its offering, from the décor, through to the accommodation, the culinary experience and its friendly and helpful staff.

“When we took over 3.5 years ago there were 17 staff employed. Today, we employ 54, between full and part-time staff. This award is a credit to them for their dedication and for encompassing the vision that we had from the beginning. Earlier this year we achieved the supreme winner for Ireland in our category at The Irish Accommodation Service Awards.

We also received the ‘Airport Hotel of the Year’ Award at The Irish Hotel Awards in April. We cannot thank the staff enough for their help and continued support throughout our journey.

“We were delighted to note that the AA and Fáilte Ireland Hospitality Services inspectors commended us on our continued commitment to top-notch customer service, as well as improving the quality of many of the public areas of the property during our refurbishment project.

“They also commended the quality of the dining we offer our guests in the Old Lodge Gastro Pub, stating that we continue to meet the criteria for the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence through our use of quality artisan producers and attention to detail in cookery. We have retained our AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence for 2019.

“We have had our sights set on attaining a 4 Star ranking from the outset and

are so proud of our entire team for journeying with us to attain this achievement and thankful to our very loyal customer base for their continued support. This accreditation opens us so many new opportunities for us”.

Commenting on the new award, Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs, stated: “The Shannon Springs Hotel has been punching about its weight as a 3 Star property following its acquisition by new owners in recent years. The latest refurbishment work allowed us to finally bestow a 4 Star award on a property which has long been within touching distance of this new award.

“The Shannon Springs is also very fortunate to possess a warm, welcoming team who, under the leadership of director John Gavin, are fully committed to ensuring that every guest is made to feel at home and welcome from the moment they arrive to when they check out. Not letting the grass grow under their feet, we’re delighted to hear that the Shannon Springs is planning even more development work in the near future to further improve the comfortable facilities on offer.”

The Shannon Springs Hotel has 54 rooms, which are a mixture of executive, family and standard rooms. The hotel also encompasses the Old Lodge Gastro Pub, the outdoor vintage-themed beer garden and its newest addition, the snug area of the bar.

To mark this special occasion, an open invitation was extended to businesses throughout Shannon and to the hotel’s loyal customers to attend an exciting breakfast bites and prizes event at the hotel. One lucky winner, Therese Ross from Shannon, walked away with a fantastic prize, compliments of the Shannon Springs in association with Limerick Travel. The prize consisted of 4 nights in Las Vegas including flights and accommodation. Entry into the draw was via a specially commissioned poker chip issued in advance of the event.

VIVA LAS VEGAS: Therese Ross from Shannon (2nd right), winner of the trip to Las Vegas as part of the Shannon Springs Hotel 4 Stars celebration in jubilant mood with hotel co-owners, Dermot Kelly and John Gavin

STARS IN THEIR EYES: Shannon Springs Hotel co-owners Dermot Kelly and John Gavin (front centre) celebrate their 4 stars’ accreditation with staff members.

Clare Echo THE

THURSDAY, JULY 4 2019

SHANNON NEWS 13

‘Losing 6 stone has made me love life and food like never before’

A

FTER struggling with his weigh for many years Kevin O’Sullivan was looking for a way to lose weight that was sustainable and would also fit in to his lifestyle.

From watching the success of a loved one who had followed Slimming Worlds Food Optimising plan, Kevin decided to join his local Slimming World group in the Oakwood Hotel, Shannon. He says: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I was very nervous about how it would go. I needn’t have worried though, everyone there was so friendly especially my Consultant Ruth and I was so relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential.

“Since then I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week. They helped me with recipes and tips and if I was ever struggling they were always there to remind me why I’d wanted to lose weight in the first place and how far I’d come since first stepping through the doors.”

Kevin says: “People think slimming means going hungry, yet it’s not like that at all with Slimming World. I love food and it’s never once felt like I was on ‘a diet’ – in fact, peo-

ple are always surprised at how much food I can have and can’t believe I’m losing weight eating so much delicious food and without ever feeling hungry.

“I still enjoy all my favourite meals but I’ve learned how to make small changes like cooking with low calorie spray instead of oil or butter. It fits in really well with the rest of my family and we can all eat the same meals.

This is a change that I’ve made for life and have the tools I need to keep up forever. The benefits of losing 6 stone are endless and I discover new ones everyday.”

Ruth Sheridan, who runs the Shannon Slimming World group, says: “The changes we’ve seen in Kevin are incredible. Everyone in our group is so happy for him. I hope his success will inspire other people in Shannon who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and become happier and healthier to take action. There’s a warm welcome waiting at Slimming World and, just think, if you start today you could feel like a completely new person just like Kevin” The Shannon group meet every Monday evening at 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the Oakwood Hotel, Shannon. To join call Ruth on 087-4571411 or pop along.

BEFORE

AFTER

14 ADVICE / OPINION

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

065 6828 383

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The importance of avoiding a homemade Will

I

'SOME PEOPLE DON'T LIKE CHANGE, BUT YOU NEED TO EMBRACE CHANGE IF THE ALTERNATIVE IS DISASTER' - ELON MUSK

N LADY Windemere's Fan, Oscar Wilde had Lord Darlington quip that a cynic was "a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing". As with so much of what Wilde wrote or said, it's more than just a nice turn of phrase – it hits at the heart of the problems of society in general but in this instance I see it at the core of procrastination in making a Will at all or choosing what is perceived as the cheap option of homemade Wills .

A High Court decision in 2011 in the UK highlighted the dangers of making a Will at on your own without any legal advice. The parties in the case made simple mistakes very common in many homemade wills. In considering the Will, Mr Justice Gilligan highlighted the crucial role of legal advice.

“The [author of the homemade will] has unfortunately provided an illustration of exactly how a person should not make a Will.

While there can be little doubt but that [he] was a man of considerable learning, the fact that he did not benefit from legal advice or assistance is evident from the Will he drew up. Not only was it deficient in terms of the lack of certainty as to his intention but moreover he unwittingly made the classic error of having two of the intended beneficiaries act as witnesses to his signature, thereby depriving both as a matter of law from benefiting under the terms of the Will.”

There are a number of common pitfalls in homemade wills which can either lead to the Will being overturned and made void. The catastrophe arising with this is when your Will is made void you are deemed to have died without a Will and your Estate will not pass as per your wishes but under the rules of Intestacy. Under the rules of Intestacy the law decides who get your assets, your personal wishes are irrelevant with an invalid Will.

Small inadvertent mistakes significantly increase the chances of the Will having to go before the court. An application to the High Court case is necessary to prove a Will that is unclear in its intent and contains ambiguities that can arise easily when written up at home.

It can be perceived as being cheaper or indeed free to create your own Will and avoid using a professional, but a simple mistake can mean paying a much higher price. The high price is often not the financial cost but the acrimony, suspicion, family disharmony that can arise from the ambiguity cause by your home made document. Who are the beneficiaries, what did you mean by the sentence, did you give a gift contingent on an event happening that may never happen?

Making a Will follows a very specific set of rules and if the rules are not followed

correctly, and to the letter of the law the document you create intended by you to be a Will can be easily overturned and deemed invalid. Your appointed executors will fight in the court to uphold your Will and have your wishes fulfilled but the Judge will be bound by the law and the meticulous detail the rules dictate .

Statistics indicate that poorly drafted or ineffective DIY wills are to blame for a prolonged probate ordeal and administration of estates for over 38,000 families a year.

The Citizens Information Office set a clear guideline for the requirements of a valid Will as follows; l You must be over 18 (if you are or have been married you can be under 18) l You must be of sound mind l You must sign or mark the Will or acknowledge the signature or mark in the presence of two witnesses. l Your two witnesses must sign the Will in your presence l Your two witnesses cannot be people who will gain from your Will and they must be present with you at the same time for their attestation to be valid. The witnesses' spouses/civil partners also cannot gain from your will. l Your witnesses must see you sign the Will but they do not have to see what is written in it. l The signature or mark must be at the end of the Will. l The Will must be in writing Each of these points seems simple but know this – small mistakes in any of these areas make for an easy application to overturn a Will. The most common mistake is getting a person you wish to give a gift to after your death to witness your signature.

This invalidates their Will after your death.

What is crucial is that the two witnesses are with you in your presence and that all three witnesses are present with you at the same time when you sign you Will. This can be another classic home made mistake.

So don’t put the cost of making a Will above the value you can derive from having a sounding board and expertise. Your Estate plan is unique to you and your assets, it's not a one-size fits all. Consider your family and their needs especially if you have children or adult dependants and do not leave your affairs to chance or costly court cases.

Sharon Cahir, Solicitor for Probate and Will and Succession Advice. Call or email me to discuss your queries, concerns and lets make your Will matter. Visit www.cahirsolcitors.com, phone 065 6828383 or call in by appointment to Cahir & Co Solicitors at 36 Abbey Street, Ennis.

Entertainment SUMMER SEISIÚN IN ENNIS

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IAMSAÍOCHT Ghaelach Náisiúnta agus Ceol na nGael Traditional Irish Music, Song, Dance and Storytelling Comhaltas’ 2019 National Seisiún Programme begins in Cois na hAbhna on Wednesday July 7th at 8.30pm. providing a unique and authentic Irish traditional entertainment experience on Wednesdays and Fridays during July and August. One of the longest running summer shows of its kind – over 35 years in existence – Seisiún attracts increasing numbers of visitors from overseas and nearer home with a show that captivates its audience and welcomes their participation. After a one hour show of authentic Irish traditional music, song, dance and story-telling, light refreshments are served during the short interval.

The second part of the evening’s en-

tertainment unfolds and guests are invited to join in the Seisiún experience, taking to the floor as they wish with a step, tune, song or story. You can also savour the Seisiún experience in a musical trail throughout County Clare as follows: Tulla, Tuesdays starting on 2nd July Ennis, Wednesdays and Fridays starting 7th July Corofin, Thursdays starting 11th July Ennistymon, Mondays, starting 1st July Kilrush, Thursdays starting 27th June.

This year Comhaltas Seisiún will Celebrate Bliain na mBall, acknowledging the great work being done by the volunteer membership of Comhaltas throughout the organisation.

For more information see www.coisnahabhna.ie Bígí Linn ag Cois na hAbhna!

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ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, JULY 4 2019

SCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL LAUNCH PROGRAMME DETAILS

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ETAILS of the 17th Scariff Harbour Festival were announced this week and a fitting tribute will bring to life the much-loved singer songwriter, Christie Hennessy at the Church of the Sacred Heart, during the opening concert of the popular summer festival. Aonghus McAnally, well known RTE radio presenter and producer, will share the songs and stories of the Tralee-born folk singer on Thursday evening August 1st. They range from humourous to poignant and will include may of his memorable hits.

Christie Hennessy had one of the most unmistakeable voices on the Irish folk scene but his melodies are still irresistible and rooted to real life experiences often inspired from his time in exile in the UK. Christie’s vulnerability, however, was what most endeared him to audiences.

Aonghus McAnally brings Christie’s personality and songbook alive with his uncanny re-creation of Christie’s voice and guitar playing.

Harry O’Meara of Scariff Harbour Festival Committee expressed the Committee’s delight that the tribute evening could be re-lived in Scariff.

‘There is no doubt that Christie Hennessy was one of the greats and we are very pleased that Aonghus McAnally is bringing the show to us. With such a tradition of drama and performance for over 70 years through Scariff Drama Festival, many people here will remember the outstanding stage and film performances of his late parents, Ray McAnally and Ronnie Masterson,’ he said.

Aonghus McAnally always had a passion for performance, though music was his first love. The Dublin northsider grew up in a very theatrical and energetic household with people coming and going all the time. It was the kind of environment where Aonghus never knew what was going to happen next and it engendered in him a philosophy around living with uncertainty that he holds to this day. From music he stumbled into television and radio.

Christie Hennessy on the other hand was not born Christie Hennessy but rather Edward Christopher Ross. His first guitar was made from a tea chest that he got at the age of 6. His first job was a messenger boy which of course inspired one of his most famous songs. From there

MUNSTER FLEADH KICKS OFF

to buildings sites in the UK, he wrote many songs also made famous by other well-known singers; Christy Moore and Don’t forget Your Shovel and Frances Black and All the Lies that you Told Me’ Scariff Harbour Festival 2019 in association with Waterways Ireland runs from Thursday 1st August – Sunday 4th August. Other musical events include Riptide Movement, Na Fianna, Sean & Conor Price, Rofi James, Country & Irish at the Harbour, the Gearóid Devanny Band and 3 time All-Ireland winners, the Shandrum Céili Band.

There are nature, bio-diversity and scenic walks, boat tours and library talk; fishing and fitness, open days at McKernan Woollen Mills and Scariff Fire Station & an openair mass, skills workshops, crafts & chainsaw sculptures, riverside park adventures; kids fun zone and the unique game of three halves, selection of Queen of the Waterways and the launch of a new kayaking club, the East Clare Paddlers. The festival will be opened on Friday 4th August (6pm) by Derry born author and radio & TV broadcaster, Susan McKay.

Mayor of Ennis Johnny Flynn joining Donnchadh Ó Cinneide, Joe Arkins and Tadhg Ó Maolcatha and musicians at the launch of Fleadh na Mumhan 2019 which will run from 14th to 22nd July in Ennis.

Photograph by Eamon Ward

Zoe Keane dancing in the sunshine at the launch of Fleadh na Mumhan 2019 which will run from 14th to 22nd July in Ennis.

Photograph by Eamon Ward

CONCERTS glór @ 8pm

Clare Youth Trad Orchestra Thursday 18th July

Shaskeen

Friday 19th July

Th FleadhCheoilnaMumhan @FleadhNaMumhan

eF

le a d h is B

k c a

Martin Hayes & Tulla Céilí Band Saturday 20th July Kilfenora Céilí Band Sunday 21st July

County Clare Agricultural Show Society Limited 115 th Annual Show AT THE SHOWGROUNDS ENNIS EVENTS & PRIZE MONEY Sunday 14 th July 2019 •

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HORSE CLASSES The Banner Yearling Colt, Gelding, Filly Championship Prize Fund €2,500 THE THOMOND BROODMARE CHAMPIONSHIP Prize Fund €1,500 CATTLE CLASSES Champion Cattle Section

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HOME PRODUCE, ARTS, CRAFTS, PAINTING & PHOTOGRAPHY

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HORTICULTURE

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DOG SHOW

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MINIATURE HORSE CLASSES

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TRADE STANDS

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CHILDREN’S THEME PARK

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SMALL ANIMALS (including Alpacas) • DONKEY CLASSES •

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CARRIAGE DRIVING CLASSES

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RODEO BULL STRONGMAN HAMMER

Prize Lists and Entry Forms may be obtained from the Show Secretary: The Secretary, The Showgrounds, Ennis, Co. Clare Mobile 087 937 0577 Email secretaryclareshowsociety@gmail.com www.clareshowsociety.com

Showing Horse Entries and all other Entries close Monday 1st July 2019

18 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

ENNIS €43K RAISED BY ENNIS DARKNESS INTO LIGHT The Darkness Into Light event in Ennis raised an outstanding €43,254.66 this year. Over 2,700 people gathered at Ennis Court house from 4am on May 11 to participate. Pieta House now offers Suicide Intervention services along with Bereavement Counselling in Ennis and this year’s event will help many many more receive free counselling. The Ennis Darkness Into Light Committee presented the cheque to Tom McEvoy of Pieta House. Pictured (l-r) Tom McEvoy. Melissa Purcell, Ann Waring, Maureen Hand, Paul Whitmore and Cllr Mary Howard. Photo by Martin Connolly

ENNIS MAN REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS IN LONDON Pictured in central London at the topping out of One Bishops Gate Plaza, a flagship 43-storey, 600,000 square feet of serviced residences and location of Europe’s first Pan Pacific Hotel, is Conor Considine, Project lead engineer Laing O Rourke from Tobarteascáin in Ennis being congratulated by Paul Sims client operations director.

WEST CLARE KILRUSH RANGERS AGM Kilrush Rangers AFC will hold their AGM on Monday, July 8 at 7.30pm at Haven Arms Kilrush. All members must attend and new members are welcome.

HISTORICAL WALK IN KILRUSH Come and join Old Kilfarboy Society Miltown Malbay in Kilrush on Sunday 14 July for a tour of the historic town. Meet at Brew’s car park and visit the old Protestant Church now the Teach Cheoil and one of the oldest sites in the area. Then follow in the footsteps of John Ormsby Vandaleur, taking in Moore Street, the Square and Kilrush Town Hall before strolling down Frances Street with its fine houses and famous Mars Cinema and Ballroom. That and much more, all the while you will hear the tales of Kilrush old and new.

THE JUNCTION COMMUNITY GARDEN On Saturday the Community Garden at the Clare Youth Service Junction building in Cloughleigh was formally opened by John Burke from Elevate. Praising the huge effort of everyone involved he spoke about the value of people connecting and the impact this has on mental health, “This has been a great effort in promoting positive mental wellbeing and so many people have been involved in this project to fruition. The value of the connections built from bringing young people together with more experienced members of the community to create a shared space cannot be underestimated.”

Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe stressed the value of connecting people to the production of food. The experience has a lasting impact and provides skills and understanding of nutrition which is of great value to young people. What began over a year ago with the clearing of waste ground by staff from Intel in Shannon has led to the creation of a wonderful space for young and not so young in the community. Along the journey, groups and individuals including the Men’s Shed in Ennis, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Clare County Council and Councillor Mary Howard have all helped ensure that the project could be completed.

Jean O’Keeffe, project manager at The Junction, praised the contribution of all involved. “So many individuals have assisted, dropping off seeds and plants. The amount of time spent weeding, watering and planting has been enormous whilst the amount that people had learned from each other was incalculable.

Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn expressed his joy at seeing the way in which the facility has developed from a small idea fifteen years ago to a thriving facility bringing young and not so young together.

He said that the Council were thrilled to support the development of the facility over the years. In formally declaring the garden open, Mayor Flynn wished everyone continued wellbeing though the enjoyment of connections and this lovely space.

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Community

COMMUNITY 19 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE REGATTA MAKES A SPLASH AT 10TH ANNIVERSARY

l FAMILY FUN: (top) Aisling Brown from Ennis; Grace McEnery and Emma Jacob from Ennis feed a sheep; a 2 month old pig taking shelter from the blazing sun at the Clarecastle Regatta; (below) helping out with the food, Geraldine Donoghue from Clarecastle; (left) Baby Grace Fitzgerald from Clarecastle with mum Stephanie; (top left) James Travers from Clarecastle having fun in a zorb All photos by Martin Connolly

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Room for more expansion following Beckman Coulter’s €30m Tulla investment PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

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CCORDING to Beckman Coulter’s senior director of operations in Tulla, their latest €30m investment may be the start of bigger expansion plans at the 210 acre site.

Orlaith Lawler, site lead at Clare and Krefeld in Germany for the multinational speaking this week indicated said their work force could rise from 400 to 500 in the not too distant future. In December 2017, it announced the expansion of the East Clare plant would result in 70 additional jobs. The expansion will be completed by the end of 2019 and will in fact see their work force grow by 100 to 420 with potential for 80 more positions.

Beckman Coulter develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify and automate complex biomedical test-

ing. It is owned by the giant Fortune 500 US conglomerate Danaher Group which has 60,000 employees. Annually, Beckman Coulter produces approximately 20 billion tests a year to check everything from diabetes to fertility. The Tulla site ships out 280 products a year, the majority of which go worldwide. Following on from the expansion, the Clare plant is now the company’s biggest in the continent.

“Obviously there is more expansion that can happen here. There is some Danaher sites with multiple Danaher businesses on the same site. We need to get this current expansion up and running successfully first but if we put up our hand they won’t knock us down. Growth will come. On the entire site, the opportunities are endless. It’s 85 hectares. Danaher are very into cross pollination,” Orlaith stated.

Living in Galway, the 43 year old is married to ex Mayo footballer James Nallen and they have three children. The management team at Beckman Coutler in Clare is split 50/50 in terms of gender.

HEADQUARTERS: Beckman Coulters location in Tulla Co. Clare

She said of the ongoing development, “We are putting on an extra 6,700 metres squared of mainly manufacturing floor at the moment, so it is significant”. “The key is to ensure that

we can do this without interrupting manufacturing. We had a great two weeks there recently when we saw over €3m worth of equipment come on to the site in just ten days”.

TULLA

Tulla community spirit shines through at athletics club CIAN O’BROIN news@clareecho.ie

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HE completion of a new 400 metre running track has bolstered the spirits of Tulla Athletic Club and the wider East Clare region. Club secretary Eugene Conlon talks us through its inception, funding and the undeniable lift it has given to community spirit in Tulla.

The idea for the track was birthed from a lack of available facilities in the local area, “In 2015 we applied for planning permission to build the track and we applied for a sports capital grant as well.”

“It will make a huge difference for the club because there’s no other track in East Clare and anytime we wanted to go training, we would have to go to Lee’s Road or back to one of Nenagh’s indoor tracks.”

Eugene stressed the importance of funding and the efforts of those supporting the club, “It’s

mainly being funded through online donations and what goes into memberships. People are paying per month and it all helps. I can see it making a huge difference for the club, increasing numbers for all of East Clare really.”

The use of the new track breathes nothing but positivity for the people of Tulla, “There’s always good community spirit in Tulla. The club is there since 1952, it was mostly a very strong cross-country club in those years. Successful all over Munster and Ireland. “ Local enthusiasm to get involved shows no boundaries, with events such as picking stones within the infield ends of the new track attracting quite a turnout. “It was mainly adults who get involved in these tasks and they would have children involved within the club. The work of parents is very important because if you don’t have input from parents you can’t do anything really. The parents are the ones who bring the children and get involved with coaching and helping out in general, which they are very good for. Everyone has a part to play.”

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24 TULLA

BEATING HEART OF TULLA: A famous sight in Clare and beyond, that of the long established Tulla Pipe Band. Pictured at last weekend’s Munster final leading the teams around the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick Photo by Martin Connolly

TULLA

25

Tulla veterinary clinic unable to extend premises due to derelict buildings PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

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EIGHBOURING derelict buildings in Tulla are preventing one business from expanding on their premises.

Veterinary clinic, Ceithre Cos is sandwiched between derelict buildings on the main street in Tulla. As the business increases it’s focus on small animals, owner Erica Borge told The Clare Echo that their plans to expand has been scuppered by the neighbouring buildings.

“If I could double my floor area tomorrow I would do it. It has to make business sense, I have to pay a reasonable rate for a building that I can then do up, you anticipate the problem is if the building is derelict the cost of renovation is so much higher, you end up getting caught. You also have to look at the potential resale of that building, there is no sense in ploughing massive money into that building unless it’s going to hold it’s value”.

She has lived in the East Clare village for the past twenty three years and admitted that the issue of vacant buildings though

an unpleasant sight, is not a new one. “It’s always been the same. You watch buildings and wonder how long can they stay upright, they do last a hell of a long time. There is no imminent risk of buildings collapsing to the ground but at the same time, how long does it take”.

“Nobody seems to be unduly concerned, it only really came to my attention because I need a bit more space you’d always be conscious of it but unless it affects you, you don’t necessarily care. I think it does look bad, the question is do you just put a facelift on the front of the building and leave the back and insides the same or try have them useful.

You wonder is it the doing up of the buildings, the fact there is no parking, why are these buildings not so attractive”.

Born in South Africa but originally from Ennis, Erica purchased the practice in 1999, in two decades she has observed some changes to her and surrounding businesses.

“The cattle side is rapidly declining, at one stage we had four vets mainly for large animals, now we have two and a half, I’m the half a vet and we have half a small animal vet, it’s awful to categorise people in halves and wholes. The small animal side is definitely increasing, the large animal side has decreased massively, I’ve never had as quiet a spring as I did this year, last year there was

very good silage and cattle were very healthy going through the winter, it is unbelievably quiet, even scarily so”.

“You wonder how many of the other businesses are reliant on agriculture to make a living, a lot hinges on the Mercer deal, on Brexit, the future of the single farm payment, the age profiles of farmers, what is going to happen if they eventually do retire, I suspect there will be a move toward dairying in the current climate, whether dairy farmers will simply rent land and cut silage on or whether they will graze young cattle on land I don’t know, there will be a move toward dairying if it continues to pay. There will always be

animals grazing the land so long as there is grass. From our point of view, a lot of our calls would be beef cattle related, there is a definite decline in that”.

Despite some frustrations, Erica confirmed if the clocks were altered she would still set up Ceithre Cos in Tulla in 2019. “It’s a great location at the bottom of the hill, people can pull up with trailers and there is no difficulty turning or parking, we’re walking distance for people if they need to, it has worked extremely well considering it’s a small building, it’s cosy. Because it’s so small you’re trying to economise your space with small animals. We put in a digital x-ray and I had to clear out the hallway to try, fit it in, as it is we’re debating is it in the way but we’ve nowhere to put it even down to cage space, we need more cage space for cats & dogs”.

26 TULLA

Construction to commence on Tulla social housing scheme by mid 2020

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ONSULTANTS have been appointed by Clare County Council for the design of a 22 unit social housing scheme at Doonaunt Rd, Tulla.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the development is scheduled for completion in 2021 with construction due to commence in mid 2020. The social housing scheme will comprise of eight two bed-2 storey apartments, one four bed-2 storey unit, one four bed-1 storey unit (specially adapted), ten 4 bed-2 storey units and two 3 bed-1 storey unit (specially adapted).

Managed by the Social Development Directorate of Clare County Council, the project design team consists of Thompson Architects (Architects), Hassett Leyden Flynn (Civil & Structural Engineers), Moloney Fox Consulting Engineers (Mechanical & Electrical Engineers) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Quantity Surveyors).

“This is very good news for applicants on the Council’s waiting list for social housing. I look forward to this scheme progressing to construction stage next year, Deputy Mayor of Clare, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy stated.

Chair of the Social Development SPC, Cllr Gerry Flynn felt, “This development represents a very positive start to the new Council term and it is great to see the Local Authority’s housing construction programme progressing at pace.”

Tulla United on target in Barcelona

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ULLA United’s Under 16s are making waves in Barcelona where they are taking part in the Barcelona Summer Cup in Salou this week, in what the club has described as a “once in a lifetime” trip.

Prior to leaving East Clare, the boys and their coaches were presented with gear bags, sponsored by the club, and crested boot bags sponsored by our gear providers, Umbro.

The squad of 20 departed Dublin Airport early Monday morning and they were straight down to action.

Their first group game against Icelandic side Hottur FC marked a successful start in Salou as they ran out 2-0 winners, with Dara Ryan opening the scoring with a header from a Ronan Dooley corner after two minutes.

Fiachra Hale scored the second mid-way through the second half with a left-footed finish after a good move involving Emmet Lynch and Ronan Dooley.

The full panel of players (20) enjoyed a run out in this game in 30+ degree heat.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 27

THURSDAY, JULY 4 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

BULLYING IS EVIL AND ALWAYS WRONG

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Y thought for this week is about something very specific, an epidemic that has been striking at young people and adults alike at an alarming rate. It is, “Bullying.” Like me you probably grew up and were taught, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” But I want to tell you that it’s not true.

I broke plenty of bones playing football and hurling and I’ve been teased, mocked and at times bullied. And I can tell you firsthand, the wounds of a broken body heal far more quickly and more cleanly than the damage words or bullying can cause. Words matter. Words have weight, they can wound, they can divide, they can destroy, and they can even bring death. Bullying is evil, because it strips another person of his or her worth and dignity. Like a lot of us, I was very frightened, extremely disturbed and so awful sad by the details surrounding a very sad recent case over the past few weeks.

It goes without saying that the fact that such young children could carry out such an evil and terrifying murderous act is truly shocking, frightening, upsetting and so awfully sad.

However, what really made me even more worried and fearful was what preceded the young persons murder which I believe may have marked her out as a target and ended with 2 young boys taking her life away. The young person was constantly bullied for being different. As the headlines said, “She was a happy child and wished to have friends but instead was shunned, bullied and murdered”. Why? What made it ok for others to target and bully a young kind vulnerable young girl child? Why is it that Girls and Women as I see firsthand from my work in Africa are targeted, used, abused and are hurt and in alot of cases murdered and killed.

The court case was rightly specifically concerned with the evil awful actions of the two boys. But

there are ripples from this case, primarily of which is the need for those who bullied, shunned, said hateful things or teased the young girl that died to ask themselves if they contributed to her isolation to her been a target. We must and have to teach our children that it is Not ok to make fun of others for any reason no matter who or what they are. It’s not ok to laugh or bully any person because he or she might be different.

It has a deep and lasting effect on those been targeted. Why are we not teaching our children how wrong it is to target others for being different, why are so many parents taking to social media to promote their racist and bigoted views and then expressing shock when their children target and abuse those they consider to be different. How many deaths will it take before we start to seriously tackle the bullying epidemic that infests our country. The recent young girl’s bullying may have ended in her murder, but many other youngsters live in despair every waking day as a result of this barbarism, and many also take their own life to escape their tormentors. There are so many of us battling so hard for equality and to make acceptance of difference the norm but we all need to fight this battle for one another and for those most in need in our country and to make our world a safer place to live in.

Be the best person you can be Don’t let anyone’s ignorance, hate, drama or negativity stop you from being the best person you can be. People who hate you are just your confused. There are many in this world that are ignorant, and from this ignorance are full of hate, drama and negativity.

Never let someone rain on your parade just because things in their lives aren’t as they want them to be. Instead use the light inside of you, the positive force that is moving forward, to help brighten someone’s dark world. Bullying is a very real, very common and at

present an epidemic problem. It’s not a problem that is local to any one place, but is global. It’s everywhere from schools and offices to sports fields to churches and anywhere you look. Cyber-bullying nowadays is rampant and even though our children might be able to turn off a phone, or a computer, the hate is still there when they power up again. So hear these words of grace, there is nothing, nothing in life, nothing in death, not even suicide, nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Our God is a loving and gracious God, even and especially to those who have come to such a dark and lightless place that they consider ending their own lives.

God’s grace is big enough for us all. There is nothing that God cannot forgive. If you find yourself in that dark night, with no hope, overcome by despair, contemplating ending your life, please, please, wait. It gets better. It really does. There are lots of great organisations out there that can help you and be there for you. It is time for all of us to start saving lives. It’s time for all of us to stand up for those who have had to stand alone for far too long. It is time for all of us to speak up for those who do not have a voice. It is time for all of us to reclaim the power of healing words, to speak life, to speak hope and to raise our children to do the same. It’s not enough to teach our children how to cope with the teasing and bullying they receive; we need to challenge them to stand up for, to stand beside, others, to take the risk of befriending or defending the outcasts, the awkward, the lonely, the scrawny, the smelly, the foreign and the strange. And we need to model it in our own lives too. We need to stop laughing at another’s expense, to stand together and say: Bullying is not okay, and we are not going to be silent any more.

All that is needed for evil to triumph in the world is for good men and women to stay silent and refuse to act. We’ve been silent for too long. We have to do some-

thing. We have to act as though we truly believe that each and every person is of sacred worth.

And that means we might have to be willing to be a little uncomfortable ourselves, but that is a small price to pay to save a life. It’s time to take our words and our action seriously. It’s time to stand up and preach the gospel, the true gospel, not the angry hate-filled gospel that makes the headlines, not the gospel of judgment and condemnation, but the gospel that says, “God so loved the world...” and God still loves today.

Thought for the week As you’re thought for the week, never underestimate the power of your words and actions! Always as much as possible try to use them for the good and well being of others! A prayer I always say from my Nana Scully’s prayer book goes as follows, “Heavenly Father, those who bully others in manipulative or overt ways, and use their power in school, in work or family situations, to oppress and to deliver injustice to others, are responsible for needles stress and misery in others’ lives.

Lord please protect children, teens, adults and the elderly from bullying. Guard them from others manipulation and dominance that cause difficulties and anxiety in relationships, in physical and mental health. Ensure that children, students, adults and the elderly find protection from the oppression and bullying of any other child or teen, or any adult. Help them to flourish in Your grace, to develop their full human and spiritual potential without the crippling effects of anyone’s injustice or betrayal. Protect children, teens and adults from criticism and bullying that crushes self worth as a child of God, and that creates fear and destroys the trust that should help honest sharing of issues, of mistakes, of facts, of feelings, of conscience, and can remain to affect the person’s life even in their absence. Please protect children, teens and adults from intellectual and spiritual bullying and domi-

nation by judgment of others and their motives, by persons who act and judge as if they themselves are more perfect and valuable than others; whilst ignoring the value and welfare of others, and threatening their lives.

Please protect those in the workplace from overbearing and unjust employers or supervisors who treat others as inferiors.

Please also protect innocents from unjust charges and resulting from others manipulation of the truth.

Whatever kind of bullying occurs, it is a serious offense against others, Father we bring to You each person who is oppressed, who is treated unjustly and overlooked unfairly, and each person who is judged by others as being less valuable, less worthy, and to be degraded, abused and ignored.

Father, take each of these persons into Your heart, and give them Strength, Peace, and Justice. Father please convert the offenders and give them just Humility and Respect of others.

Father, I thank you that even though at times I might be troubled and oppressed, I am never crushed. Even though I sometimes may get embarrassed and be faced with tough situations, even though it seems as if I am unable to find my way out, I will never despair. Even though I may be disliked, bullied, called names, and persecuted, I know You will never leave me or forsake me. You will never desert me to stand alone. Even though I may be struck down to the ground, I will never be struck out or destroyed. I will never give in, give up, or quit. You are with me, You are for me, and You are in me— so I always win. You said that in this world life might get tough but to be of good cheer because You have overcome this world. Thank You for your words of wisdom, “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

You said that the righteous would have many times when life would get hard but You would deliver us out of them all. Thank you Lord, for delivering me. Amen.”

BUSINESS 29

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

BUSINESS

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

Ennistymon carver partners Bushmills

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NNISTYMON woodworker Éamonn O’Sullivan has teamed up with Bushmills Irish Whiskey for the #BlackBushStories event series.

The collaboration will see Éamonn join Bushmills to host a series of hands-on whiskey and woodcarving workshops in Dublin and Belfast this summer.

Since establishing his company, Hewn in 2014, North Clare native Éamonn has been

on a journey of exploration, creating wooden homeware from fallen Irish trees using selftaught traditional woodcarving techniques. Éamonn has spent the past six years teaching himself to make hand-carved wooden homeware using only an axe and two knives. Foraging for wood near his home, Éamonn carves his designs from toppled trees and fallen branches.

‘Black Bush Carved’ will bring together the worlds of Irish whiskey and creative woodworking, taking place in Dublin on 23rd and 24th July at Drury Buildings. Guests will experience a whiskey tasting led by the Bushmills Brand Ambassador, before hearing Éamonn’s story on how he honed his passion and craft to build a career in woodwork.

Attendees will then have the chance to try their hand at woodcarving their own whiskey accessory to take home.

Specially created Black Bush drinks will also be served throughout the event. l CARVING HIS PATH: Eamonn O’Sullivan from Ennistymon As part of the col-

laboration, Éamonn has created a limited edition wooden whiskey tumbler, made with many of the same tools used by the Distillery’s coopers to craft the casks that give the whiskey its distinct flavour. Perfectly accompanied by a bottle of Black Bush, six limited edition tumblers are available to win at blackbushstories.com.

The collaboration forms part of the immersive event series which tells the stories of independent, spirited and extraordinary talent across Ireland and aims to inspire others

Best Bridal award comes to Ennis

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AIRSTYLIST at Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty, Nicole Mitchell, brought home the winning trophy from the Best of the Best Irish Hair Photographic Awards 2019 on 23rd June 2019 at the Jam Park, Dublin. Nicole worked with Linda Lafferty Beauty Specialist to style model Beibhinn Haren, Miss Limerick 2018 in the winning image with KEST Photography.

Irish Hairdresser Magazine hosts these awards annually to celebrate the amazing talent in the Irish Hairdressing Industry. Winning images are selected from categories such Best Team, Best Avant-Garde, Best Long Hair and Best Extensions.

This is the second time that Nicole and Linda (pictured) have won the Best Bridal Image at these awards and the fourth time Best Bridal has been awarded to the Salon overall. Nicole and Linda are part of the Bridal Team at Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty that travels around the area to style brides for their big day. You can see the winning image and more of their work on the salon website, bridgetharen. com.

to follow their own passions, whatever they may be.

To register for ‘Black Bush Carved’ and to hear more about Éamonn’s story, visit blackbushstories.com.

To join in the conversation and keep up to date with the #BlackBushStories series, follow Bushmills Irish Whiskey on social media @BushmillsIRL.

Currently Hiring for Front of House Position

Join our Team Apply with CV to info@bridgetharen.com Woodquay Ennis Co Clare

Reception or Customer Service experience required Good computer knowledge and a willingness to learn applicable salon software Be familiar with Marketing /Social Media & Emails Ability to work on own initiative Enjoys working with people

2nd or 3rd Year Hair Stylist Apprentice

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

WANT SOME SOUL IN YOUR ELECTRIC CAR? KIA HAS THE ANSWER FACTS & FIGURES NEW KIA SOUL ARRIVES AS AN ELECTRIC CAR, AND ONLY AS AN ELECTRIC CAR

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KIA E-SOUL

HE announcement in the past week of the Government’s climate action plan, whereby we’re all supposed to be driving electric cars by 2030, has probably sent a shudder of worry up your spine, certainly if you’re planning to buy a new car in the immediate future. Does this mean that you actually have to buy an electric car next (no it doesn’t)? Are they really planning to put nearly 1-million electric cars on the road in just over a decade (they might be planning it, but it’s not very likely to happen)? Will you even like an electric car?

Well, yes, actually you probably will is the answer to that last one. There are definite issues with electric cars (a public charging network that’s not yet fit for purpose, the fact that the cars are by and large still very expensive, the worries over range) but frankly if the new Kia e-Soul can’t convince you, then you really are a bit on the stubborn side.

I know, I know — the styling will be a bit too ‘quirky’ for some, but then the Soul, in its previous incarnations, has always been an oddball car. Oddball in its engine too.

For some reason, Kia chose to saddle the last-generation model with an older 1.6 diesel engine that didn’t do its emissions figures any favours.

Well, the quirk is most definitely still present and correct, but the emissions have been equally definitely sorted. The Soul, or e-Soul to give it its correct name, will only be sold in Ireland as an electric car, so it will only

ever have an emissions figure of precisely zero.

The word ‘Marmite’ comes to mind when it comes to the styling, but that’s OK too, because if the e-Soul’s styling is too much for you, you can always stroll across the showroom to the more conventional-looking e-Niro electric crossover, which shares the e-Soul’s battery and electric motor. And what a battery it is. And what, for that matter, an electric motor it is.

It may weigh a chunky1,682kg but the e-Soul has the soul (sorry, not sorry) of a hot hatch, with a 204hp electric motor fed by a hefty 64kWh battery stack. There’s also a chunky 395Nm of torque, all on tap as soon as you step on the accelerator pedal, so I think the best way to describe the way this boxy Kia gets of the line is as a ‘lunge.’; There’s an odd manner to the way in which the e-Soul accelerates — that initial lunge, which tails off for a second or two as the electric motor spools up to full power, and then a second, sustained, seemingly endless lunge as it keeps piling on the speed. Think electric cars are going to suck the fun out of driving? Not on this evidence…

All of which would be for nothing if it ran out of juice every five minutes, but thankfully that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Kia Ireland is selling the e-Soul only in long-range form, with the largest 64kWh battery, so on a full charge the range figure stands at a hugely impressive 452km.

For the record, that’s more than you’d get from the likes of a Jaguar I-Pace or Audi e-Tron quattro, both of which cost more than twice the price of this Kia. The range seems, on our initial test ant any rate, to be genuine too. We drove in mixed conditions, flitting between the var-

ious Eco, Eco +, Normal, and Sport modes on offer, and taking full advantage of the e-Souls muscular acceleration, and barely seemed to dent the battery range on offer at all. It’s impressive stuff.

It’s not quite so great to drive, but that is down to the weight. Keep the Soul to low-ish urban and intra-urban speeds, and it’s just fine — in fact, it’s very good with nicely weighted steering and a really impressive ride quality; firm, but with welljudged damping.

The problem comes when you try to exploit that hot-hatch performance on a tighter road. Do that, and the weight of those batteries pushes the e-Soul into understeer, and it just never feels agile enough. Slow back down to more sensible speeds, though, and it’s fine.

The interior is also hugely impressive — excellent build quality, good space in the back and a tolerable (if slightly small, given the exterior dimensions) boot. The big central touchscreen looks good and is simple to use (not always the case) and the part-digital instruments look smart. Actually, it’s a slightly difficult car to pry oneself

Model tested: Kia e-Soul Pricing: €37,495 as tested; eSoul starts at €35,995 Engine: 150kW electric motor Transmission: single-speed reduction gear automatic, front-wheel drive Body style: Family crossover CO2 emissions: 0g/km (Band A0 €120 per annum) Claimed range: 452km Top speed: 167km/h 0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds Power: 204hp Torque: 395Nm Boot space: 315-1,339 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Kia e-Soul: not yet tested

out of, which must surely be a good thing.

The price could trip you up slightly — with a starting point of €35,995, it’s not cheap but at least there is a decent list of standard equipment (the screens, plus lots of safety equipment including Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control and Front Collision Avoidance), and the usual Kia seven year warranty.

So don’t let the plans of ministers and technocrats worry you. You don’t have to buy an electric car right this instant. But if you fancy having one, this new Kia e-Soul is definitely right up there with the best.

Beautiful homes all over the County

Property 4

6 “CHURCHVIEW”, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE V95 X7H9

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hurch View, Lissycasey is a spectacular 2,600 sq/ft split level house in the heart of Lissycasey on a 0.70 acre site. This property is very conveniently located in the village, adjacent to the beautiful Crannog gardens and is within a short 15 minute drive of Ennis & 30 minute drive of Kilrush. Local amenities include shops, bar/restaurant, church, school, creche, playground, Lissycasey Ecology Park & Cascades Loop). The property was recently painted and redecorated.

The upper & lower levels have been divid-

Contact: Arthur & Lees 9 FRANCIS STREET,ENNIS, CO CLARE Tel: 065 6868686

€325,000

ed into two separate properties.

Upper Level comprises of the following: glass enclosed entrance porch, entrance hallway, sitting room, conservatory, open plan kitchen & dining room, utility room, walk in hot-press, 3 Spacious bedrooms (1 en-suite) , 1 Spare room (Office / Playroom / etc.) & main bathroom.

Lower Level comprises of the following: (c. 700 Sq/Ft ) Entrance hallway, open plan kitchen / living / dining area, 2 Bedrooms (1 ensuite), bathroom & hot press.

OPEN VIEWING FRIDAY JULY 5TH

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9 THE CLOISTERS, QUIN, CO CLARE HE Cloisters is superbly located in the centre of the popular village of Quin within minutes walk of all local amenities including the Abbey, church, school, post office, shops, playground, pubs and tea rooms.

The development comprises of just 9 quality homes set in a quiet cul de sac just off the main road. Quin itself is a picturesque village nestled close to the employment centres of Ennis (9 kms), Shannon (14 kms) and Limerick (24 kms). No. 9 is a detached family home featuring bright, spacious accommodation which has been recently redecorated and is finished to a

€275,000 very high standard. Accommodation includes entrance hall, living room, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, bedroom/playroom and WC on the ground floor with three bedrooms (master en-suite) and bathroom on the first floor. The quality finishes include feature raised stone fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, feature oak stairs and modern fully tiled bathrooms and light oak doors on the ground floor. The rear garden has a large patio area and there is also a large garden shed. Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended.

Contact: Helen Gallery Auctioneer & Valuers 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 682 9481 PSL 002433

PSL 001566

Clare in top 10 least affordable counties for first-time

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UBLIN, 25 June 2019: A new report issued today by EY-DKM Economic Advisory, confirms that nearly half of all counties (46%) in the Republic of Ireland are now unaffordable for first-time buyers on an average income, with Clare ranking number 21 on the list for affordability. The report titled “Just how affordable is housing for Ireland’s first time buyers?” provides an analysis of Ireland’s housing market using a unique modelling tool and highlights the worrying trend that the lack of affordable houses for first time buyers has moved beyond urban centres such as Dublin and Cork, and has now become an issue in many less urban areas nationwide.

The report assesses affordability using two factors; whether first-time buyers can afford the mortgage repayments on a property based on a mortgage of 3.5 times their household income, and second, their ability to accumulate a sufficient deposit of 10% to purchase the property. The findings reveal that a significant barrier to home ownership for first-time buyers’ is their ability to save the required 10% deposit due to a range of factors, which, in some counties, can take over 15 years to accumulate on an average income.

In Clare, the report finds that it takes first-time buyers on an average income 4.4 years to save for a deposit. The Dublin commuter counties of Wicklow, Meath and Kildare top the results as the most unaffordable when it comes to saving for a deposit, with an average of 15+ years required to save 10%. Roscommon follows closely behind at 10.4 years while, in contrast,

first-time buyers in Dublin are required to save for 4.3 years. Leitrim is the most affordable county, with a little over one year required to achieve a 10% deposit. These figures may appear counter-intuitive, but they reflect differences in property prices and household incomes across the country.

Between 2015 and 2018 property prices in Clare grew by 11.1%. The strongest price growth in the period was seen in Laois at 14.1% while Sligo experienced the weakest growth at 3.9%.

Commenting on the report, Annette Hughes, Director, EY-DKM Economic Advisory said, “Ireland is an economy of contrasts, and our analysis provides striking evidence of the differentials in housing affordability. In half the country, a deposit would take three years or more to save, meaning that for many, house ownership is currently out of reach. While incomes nationally have grown, rents have grown much faster, which has resulted in an ever-increasing pressure on first time buyers’ ability to save. We know that supply is a key contributor to these challenges so it’s encouraging that construction activity has ramped up in recent years, however simply building more housing is not the solution.”

Ignoring the need for a deposit, the report assessed affordability when looking at the ability to meet mortgage repayments, based on a mortgage of 3.5 times household income. In this instance, houses across the country are deemed significantly more affordable, with just seven counties classed as unaffordable using this metric.

Dublin, Cork, Galway, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth remain out of reach to

the majority of first-time buyers even if the 10% deposit was achieved. However, houses in all other areas of Ireland are deemed relatively affordable on this measure. Firsttime buyers in Clare were found to have a mortgage to income ratio of 3.5.

Annette added, “It is vital that the balance between owner occupied and buildto-rent developments is carefully managed to deliver affordable rents which will not only increase living standards but free up money to save for a deposit. Our analysis sheds light on the scale of the challenge facing Ireland if it is to achieve the objectives set out in the Project Ireland 2040 Plan, whilst at the same time showing the opportunities available to attract talent to areas other than Dublin.”

Other findings from the report show: • The top five affordable counties in Ireland for first-time buyers saving for a deposit are; Leitrim (1.3 years), Waterford (1.6 years), Sligo (1.6 years), Cavan (1.7 years) and Longford (1.9 years).

• The five least affordable counties in Ireland for first-time buyers saving for a deposit are: Meath (15+ years), Wicklow (15+ years), Kildare (15+ years), Roscommon (10.4 years) and Galway (8.3 years).

• The number of houses in rented accommodation in Dublin in 1991 was 8%, in 2016 that figure rose to 20%.

• There is no evidence to suggest that first-time buyers are moving to areas where houses are seen as more affordable, as the more affordable counties do not appear to be growing faster, on average, than the less affordable counties, in terms of the growth

in the number of property transactions.

• EY’s latest forecast projects GDP growth of 4.1% in 2019, with moderated growth to 2023 and beyond. This forecast will increase employment levels with a projected further 210,000 jobs coming on stream in the next five years. Foreign workers will be drawn in to meet this need, but this in turn will put further strain on the property market.

EchoSport

Make Meath doubt themselves Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

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BRILLIANT chapter in the journey of Clare football under Colm Collins could be added if we do the unexpected this Sunday in Portlaoise.

Meath, who stand between Clare and a historic Super 8s, are punch drunk following a heavy trodding by Dublin and if Clare are to make history by knocking over an off-balance Meath, it will be the second time in four years that Collins’ men will be counted among the last eight teams standing in the country, signalling an excellent progression for a team that was playing Division 4 football as recently as 2014.

Last Saturday, Gary Brennan rising into the air to claim two vital possessions and secure Clare’s win put the hairs standing on the back of my neck.

It was wonderful to see the passionate travelling support rise to the occassion and spur on Clare to an important victory in Mullingar. On the flipside, the performance won’t be anywhere near enough to see us over the line against Meath, who you could call our bogey team – you could also argue they’re just a more complete team. The last side I wanted us to meet when I saw the teams in the pot was the Royals for the simple reason they‘ve handed us some heavy defeats over the last three campaigns - winning by an average

10.3 points over the three games. However with their decimation to Dublin still fresh in minds, a lot hinges on which Meath turns up; an aggressive, edgy team looking to restore pride or a team with their heads around their toes? Unless we get the second version, Clare are looking at a difficult prospect.

The key for Gary Brennan and co is a strong start, and to back it up by raising our energy levels by at least 10 per cent. If we can fly out of the gate and put a few points on the board early on – maybe even rock them with a goal – you might find that Meath won’t have the answers to Clare’s questions.

If Meath start doubting themselves early on, ghosts from the Dublin performance might creep into their heads and there lays the opportunity to kill them off.

This is easier said than done and everything has to go our way – especially considering the absence of the likes of Kevin Hartnett and Conal O’hAinifin (pictured), who looks to have suffered an AC injury against Westmeath. Conal was one of those players who was breaking tackles and getting forward in the last two games, playing the style of football that Collins is clearly trying to implement. I wouldn’t be surprised if it crossed Colm’s mind that the likes of Conor Cleary and his son Podge are now available. In my day we used Frank Lohan to good

effect but in this day and age to bring someone in this late in the season is not an option.

Reflecting on the Westmeath game, we knew it was going to be a close encounter but I would have expected better football from our aspect. The referee was very poor for both sides and an early indication of this was John Heslin’s black card. Before the first half was finished, Westmeath would lose another two of their starting forwards – Ger Egan through injury and Ronan O’Toole to a black card. It seemed the referee was then determined to level the playing field as he made Clare pay for the remainder of the game, with constant fouling on the likes of Gary Brennan and Gordon Kelly going unofficiated.

We started extremely well but after 15 minutes, Westmeath got into their rhythm and found a soft centre in the Clare defence. We were running into walls and reverting to static possessions, meanwhile giving Westmeath easy turnovers and they in turn were cutting through us with ease.

Only for the loss of Egan and Heslin, this would be a very different column because Westmeath had a number of atrocious wides. Aaron Fitzgerald found himself exposed at centre back, perhaps too many runners for him to handle.

In the second half, we improved. The

sides had been level seven times until Clare’s 47th minute goal. This present of a goal (extremely well-taken by David Tubridy) proved crucial and gave us a four-point cushion. By the skin of our teeth, we held on for the win and huge credit goes to Brennan for showing magnificent leadership. Gary was a marked man and had a hard day at the office but by God, did he stand up as the tallest man on the field at the end when he claimed two kick-outs.

Meath, although the result against Dublin didn’t show it, did create a lot and I can’t see them missing as much the next day. They have big, strong men, and will be very organised. This means we need to attack with even more pace and intensity to get into their scoring zone. We’re coming in with two wins which gives us all the pep we need to start the game with confidence.

This coupled with another strong Clare support could be the perfect mix to motivate Clare to play above their station. You could see that the crowd in Westmeath lifted the lads, and they erupted when Gary made those two crucial catches.

We got some luck against Westmeath and for sure we won’t get that again – as an old proverb goes, the wait for luck is the same as waiting for death. Hopefully Clare’s hard work over the last six years will pay off and just one more big performance will give us that trip to the Super 8s, something nobody could say they don’t deserve.

Clare v Meath, Sunday, 2pm, @ Portlaoise

‘That’s my job’ says Minors still dreaming Brennan of big catch

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S EACH round of the qualifiers progresses so too does the quality of the opposition and Clare captain Gary Brennan insists their performances to date will not be enough to overcome Meath, writes Paraic McMahon.

Reflecting on their one-point win over Westmeath, the midfielder stated, “We’ll be saying we made hard work of it and we did to a large degree.

Any day you come away from home in the qualifiers and get a win is a good day, it’s a good result because it can be so difficult to do.

“I felt in the second half we were a little bit wasteful, not so much in shots but what we did with the ball, we got turned over quite a few times and we gave them opportunities. Credit to Westmeath, they put a lot of pressure on us and forced us to make mistakes. That’s an area we will have to tidy up on.”

When the pressure was at its peak, Gary was the one to leap in the air to field possession thus eliminating Westmeath’s chance of forcing a shot on goal and sending the tie to extra time. “I got myself in position and in fairness to Stephen Ryan he put out a sweet one and I managed to get myself in

a decent one on one, that’s my job to do that. I was after catching one before it and kicked it away so I said I better redeem myself some how, thankfully we secured possession and if they got the ball that would have given them a chance to drive on”.

Although they are 70 minutes from the Super 8s, the Irish and PE teacher insists, “We won’t think about the Super 8s until we’re in it, it’s a round four qualifier against a team that has been in a provincial final, they are not a poor team, they are someone who has a strong provincial campaign and it would be foolish of us to think that this type of performance would be good enough again, if we’re in the Super 8s on Sunday that would be fantastic, it’s about a seventy minute game for us to go out and produce a massive performance”.

“You’ve to go back to 2016 for when we were last at this stage of the championship, we’re in the last twelve and we’ve won a round three qualifier, I’m looking forward to a good week’s work and getting ready for round four. It was a big jump for Westmeath and I’m sure it will be an even bigger jump next week, we’ve got plenty to improve on if we’re to be competing next weekend but it’s great to be there,” he added.

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LARE’S minor hurlers are nor manager said. As they gathered keen to get the opportunity in a huddle at LIT Gaelic Grounds on to play in Croke Park and Sunday following the defeat, the 2013 must overcome Kilkenny All-Ireland winner issued the message this weekend to sustain that their campaign is far from over as they prepare to travel to Thurles for such ambitions.

Both sides lost their provincial finals Saturday’s 3pm start.

“We still have an opportunity to play on Sunday with Wexford prevailing over Kilkenny and Limerick record- in Croke Park and what young lad ing a six-point win over Clare. There wouldn’t want to do but play in Croke isn’t much time for either to wallow Park, we’ve two matches to do that in defeat and Fergal Lynch insists that and we need to get a win in the two of them”. leaves pros and cons for each setup.

“In a way there is an advantage to it but there’s a disadvantage too, we’ve to lick our wounds and get back to the drawing board and get ready for Kilkenny. There’s not much time for a turn around but we’ve played them in a few challenge matches and we know what they are like, Wexford are a good side to have beaten l FINAL FLING: Colm O’Meara in possession as them,” the Banner mi- Conner Hegarty looks on Photo by Martin Connolly

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, JUL 4 2019

Irish Open can inspire Clare kids, says Sarah

With the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open teeing off today, we speak to Clarecastle golf talent Sarah Cunningham, who despite winning an array of honours over the years, admits that turning professional was never part of the plan

with PÁRAIC McMAHON

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ARAH Cunningham was 11 years old when she started playing golf. Almost two decades on she is still driving, pitching, wedging and putting and cannot see a future without the sport.

Though Sarah has stuck with the sport, the same cannot be said for boys and girls she would have played with in her youth. Another worrying observation pointed out to The Clare Echo as part of our latest #CantSeeCantBe interview is the lack of young people currently playing golf. “A lot of the girls that would have played when I was 16 or 17, a lot of them have dropped off but in saying that in the last year or two we are starting to see a few of those coming back which is great. I think there definitely has been a drop-off so that’s why all these initiatives are going to hopefully give a boost to the game again”.

On why less teenagers are playing in 2019 than 10 years previous, the Clarecastle native felt it was “a mixture of everything”. She elaborates, “It does take up a lot of time, golf is slightly changing in that they’re bringing in nine hole competitions as opposed to playing just 18. Expense is a thing. I think a lot of it is other sports, gaelic football, camogie, hurling, soccer, a lot of that is team environments whereas sometimes golf can be individual.”

Today sees the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open take place in Clare for the first time, and Cunningham is of the view hosting the European Tour event will be a big help in inspiring the next generation of golfers. “From a Clare perspective I hope more young kids go to the event and look up to all the stars and hopefully pick up a club after it...once you see it locally, it will be all over the TV, all over the radio, they’re making it into a festival for the week which I think is very important, you’ll see the fun side of it. Hopefully young people will look up to this and say ‘I want to play golf ’.”

Playing off a handicap of one, Sarah has been based in the Mardyke linked with University College Cork for the past four years

l DRIVING ON: Sarah at the All-Ireland Senior Cup last year

doing recovery sessions, fitness testing plus strength and conditioning. There is a high workload involved which has impacted on the amount of time she can devote to her game, “In the last couple of years with work and all that I don’t think I play half as much as I used to, I would love to play more but I just can’t with work and other commitments”.

Now she aims to play at least once a week which is in stark contrast to the devotion given to the sport during her years at St Flannans College. “You would have been practising a couple of times a week and then playing at weekends. My whole summer used to always be taken up with golf competitions”.

Back then, the practice paid off and resulted in her obtaining a sports scholarship to Maynooth which she credits with keeping her in sport. “There is a huge drop off come Junior Cert, Fourth Year and Fifth Year of

The Scorecard in association with

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Ladies Singles 1ST Mary Farrell 38pts Men’s Seniors 1ST Frank Cox/ Kieran Gibbons 2ND Willie Roche /Donal Fleming 3RD Ger Daly/ Jimmy Nagle Ladies Wednesday’s

1ST Mgt Lynch, Trish Kerr, Kathleen Reddan 2ND Mary Farrell, Mary Collins, Pauline Nugent,Teresa Bradley 3RD Evelyn Skehan,Phil Burke,Breda McCarthy Friday Scramble 1ST Mgt.Lynch,Pat Carey, Mary Jo

Photo by Pat Cashman

girls in sport but once I was doing my Leaving Cert they started a new golf scholarship in Maynooth. A lot of golfers around Leaving Cert age, you think of going to America on a scholarship because there wasn’t much in Ireland, but I got lucky in that they started the scholarship the year I did my Leaving Cert.

That kept me in golf for at least another three years, I was surrounded by golfers everyday, got to play as much as I wanted, we got to use the facilities at Carton House.”

A winner of the European Young Masters in 2005 and 2006, Sarah has amassed a huge array of honours over the years but admitted turning professional was never part of the plan. “I just kept playing and never thought about turning pro, it is a difficult life to turn pro, I do like the amateur side of it. You have your golf but yet you do have another life too. Even the summers that I spent playing

Minogue 2ND Gerry Nugent, Noreen Skehan,Nancy Starr, 3RD Teddy Murphy, Brendan Moloney,Kathleen O Brien ENNIS GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies Tuesday 25th 1ST Mary Murray Pat Leacy & Nuala D’Auria 37pts 2ND Emmanuel McMahon Pauline Parks & Kathleen Pyne 36pts 3RD Mary McMahon Alice D’arcy & Margaret McEnery 36pts 4TH Phil Butler Rita O’Brien & Ann Daly 35pts 18 Hole S’F Wed 26th June 1ST Flor Coffey (20) 38pts 2ND Patricia Moroney (27) 36pts

GROSS Ann O’Loughlin (13) 14pts 3RD Rose Enright (32) 35pts 4TH Marian Irwin (39) 32pts 9 Hole S’F 1ST Jacinta Nicholas (35) 17pts 2ND Bridie Keane (28) 17pts 3RD Noreen Linnane (37) 16pts KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Thu 27 June Fr Pat Malone Ladies’ Singles 1 Mary G Nolan (19) 36 pts 2 Anne Brennan (13) 34 pts 3 Margaret Donnelly (18) 33 pts 4 Anne Gallagher (10) 32 pts CAT 1 A M Donnellan (17) 31 pts CAT 2 Agnes Shannon (21) 32 pts CAT 3 Kathleen Haugh (31) 33 pts

golf, you do have to prioritise stuff. It did take up a lot of time but I wouldn’t regret that or anything because I’ve made so many friends through it that you almost have another social network through golf. It does take up a lot of time but at the end of the day if you love a sport you don’t mind at all”.

During Seamus Hayes’ era as Sports Editor of The Clare Champion, the sporting exploits of the now 29 year old were well documented, however during her time in secondary school she rarely if ever discussed her many achievements with peers. “I wouldn’t talk about golf at all because very few of them, maybe one or two played, we’d talk about camogie or other sports that we all played. I tended not to talk too much about golf ”.

Her entry into the sport came from wanting to emulate her sister and parents who were regular golfers. Sarah went on to represent Munster and Ireland at underage and senior level. As part of the Golf4Girls4Life programme she tours the country and attempts to make golf more fun and appealing for girls. “It’s more to get the girls going with a bit of fitness, mobility and doing it in a fun way that they don’t think ‘oh do we have to do this warmup’, it’s trying to come up with new ideas that the girls can relate to”.

The key for young people starting golf is to “bring a friend” according to Sarah. “When I started there was four girls in Ennis, that was our group and it definitely helped. If there is only one of you I think it is very hard to keep going on your own... it has to be fun, that’s the best way to keep kids in it.”

For Sarah it still is about the fun element, it’s why she is unaware her World Amateur Golf Ranking is 1,875, why the team success of winning the All-Ireland Senior Cup with Ennis Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club as well as representing Munster and Irish teams are her own sporting highlights. “The one great thing about the sport is you can be any age picking it up, young or old, it’s definitely a sport that I’ll play for as long as I can”.

Fri 28 June 2019 Rush Cups 18 Holes Mixed Foursome W1 1 Jim Young Snr, Mary Young 67 2 Greg Young, Ger Burke 67.5 3 John McNelis, Claire Pyne 71 GROSS: Pat Brennan, Anne Brennan 82 Sat 29 June 2019 KGC Open Singles Men’s Singles 1 Michael Cooney (16) 43 pts 2 David Williams (16) 42 pts 3 Michael Ryan (9) 39 pts Back 9 Sun 30 June 2019 Bank of Ireland Men’s Singles Michael Ryan (9) 41 pts Joe Flanagan Stonebridge GC (11) 39 pts (Back) Kevin Clancy (14) 39 pts

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JULY 4 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz

CLARE & GOLF

many 18-hole golf-courses 1a. 7How are there in Clare?

a. The Irish Open b. The South of Ireland championship c. West Coast Challenge

In what year was Lahinch golf2 course founded? a. 1892

will host the 2019 Dubai 7Who Duty Free Irish Open in 2019?

b. 9 c. 11

b. 1895 c. 1905

a. Padraig Harrington b. Graeme McDowell c. Paul McGinley

In 1886, the Fulmar sank north of Which famous golfer met with 3 Kilkee. How many bodies were 8 Team Ireland Clare golfers ahead recovered of the 17 that drowned? a. A donkey

b. 1886 c. 1896

In what year was the Ennis Golf 5 Club founded? a. 1890 b. 1900 c. 1907

6

Lahinch Golf Course has hosted which national competition since 1895?

l QUESTION 9: Dromoland Golf Course was founded in which year?

Golf Course was 9Dromoland founded in which year? a. 1955 b. 1961 c. 1973

river flows through Dro10Which moland Golf Course? a. River Rine b. The River Fergus c. River Shannon

ANSWERS 6. The South of Ireland championship 7. Paul McGinley 8. Padraig Harrington 9. 1961 10. River Rine

Kilkee golf club was created in 4 which year? a. 1880

of the 2019 Special Olympics? a. Paul McGinley b. Padraig Harrington c. Graeme McDowell

1. 9 2. 1892 3. A goat 4.1896 5. 1907

b. A horse c. A goat

by Cian O’Broin

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Clare Castle, Main Street, Ennis, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection