The Clare Echo 05/09/24

Alleged arson attack at B&B for asylum seekers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A KILRUSH B&B due to accommodate 27 male refugees was allegedly subjected to an arson attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Refugees and asylum seekers have been welcomed in all corners of Clare, since Direct Provision began in 2000 and following the invasion of Ukraine which led to more asylum seekers relo-

cating to Clare. This is the first instance of a suspected arson attack on such a facility in the county. No injuries have been reported while Gardaí have confirmed to The Clare Echo that investigations are ongoing. On Tuesday, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth announced that The Central Hostel B&B located on 46 Henry Street, Kilrush was to be used for housing 27 refugees.

Full Story page 4

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DETAILED submission has been made to HIQA outlining the case for an additional emergency department for the MidWest region and the upgrade of Ennis Hospital to model three status. Friends of Ennis Hospital made the submission to HIQA’s review team who are tasked with establishing whether or not

the Midwest Region needs another Emergency Department for the Region. On Wednesday night, Friends of Ennis Hospital officially launched the document in the Doonbeg suite of Hotel Woodstock. All Clare’s Oireachtas members and twenty eight county councillors received invitation

Broadford youngsters Kian MacMahon, Conor MacMahon and Fionn O’Loughlin studying the play during in Glenomra Park during the meeting of Truagh/Clonlara and Sixmilebridge in the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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Captain fantastic

Ewan O’Brien from Parteen, Co Clare, captain of UL’s victorious Collingwood Cup soccer team, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick this week. Ewan and his teammates made history for the University with their win, becoming the first ever UL team to claim the coveted title

Pool rape case goes to Central Criminal Court

A 35-year old Asian man charged with the rape of a female at a local authority operated leisure centre in Ennis has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court, writes Gordon Deegan

At Ennis District Court, the man - who can’t be identified for legal reasons - is charged with the single count of rape of a female at the Active Ennis Leisure Centre at Sandfield Rd, Ennis on August 13th 2022, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990. The Active Ennis Leisure Centre is owned and operated by Clare Co Council.

In court, Garda Emmet Roche gave evidence of serving the Book of Evidence being served on solicitor, Daragh Hassett for the accused. Judge Alec Gabbett told the accused through an interpreter that if an alibi formed part of his defence his solicitor, Mr Hassett was to inform the State in writing within 14 days.

Judge Gabbett sent him forward for trial on bail to appear before the next sessions of the Central Criminal Court. Judge Gabbett said that this could be Limerick or Dublin. Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to the accused for Mr Hassett and a senior counsel and junior counsel to represent him at the Central Criminal Court. At the accused man’s first court appearance in June, Det Garda Conor Flaherty of the Clare Garda Division Protective Services Unit (PSU) said that the accused made no reply after charge. The man’s address on the charge sheet is an address used by the State to accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants in Limerick. Solicitor, Daragh Hassett for the accused, previously told the court that his client now lives and works in Co Cork. Bail conditions were agreed and they include that the accused stay out of Ennis and have no contact with the alleged injured party.

Parents slam pilot school bus scheme

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

NO health and safety assessment was carried out prior to the introduction of a pilot school transport system in Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus for secondary school students in Shannon.

Parents have described the scheme as “a make it up as you go along project”.

For the 2024/2025 academic year, a Department of Education pilot project is being conducted along the existing public transport Route 343 on the Limerick-Shannon-Ennis corridor. This action comes after a Department of Education review of the School Transport Scheme which was published in January of this year.

This review outlined a goal of delivering 100,000 additional children to school each day by 2030. One of the methods of delivering this substantial growth is to integrate with existing public transport which will allow more children to take the bus to school.

The 343 route corridor (and associated routes) was chosen because it is an established transport corridor serving Limerick - Shannon

– Ennis and underwent significant enhancement of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan on Sunday August 25.

It has emerged that prior to the commencement of this scheme, no health and safety assessment was conduct- ed by either Bus Éireann or the Dept of Education.

However, a spokesper- son for Bus Éireann told

The Clare Echo all necessary safeguards have been gained from the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Seat belts remain a concern for parents with none on the red and white city buses.

Sixmilebridge parent Aoife Keogh explained, “Bus Éireann is using this bus twice a day since the evening of Monday the 26th of August.

City Buses are generally used in urban areas where typically the speed limit is 50km/h, which allows for passengers to stand up on the bus while in motion, and has 70 seats with no seatbelts fitted. The use of these buses is against the law”.

She added, “both Bus Éireann and the Department of Education have a duty of care to these children to protect them and keep them out of harms way, there is also a

moral and ethical responsibility on both bodies to implement best possible practice when it comes to health and safety standards and clearly this is not being done for children who have no choice but to use the City Bus and therefore cannot choose to use a seatbelt.

Parents have also started a petition to the Oireachtas after parent representatives met with Bus Éireann and the Department of Education for the first time.

“The reason for petitioning the Houses of the Oireachtas is to ask the Oireachtas Committee to overrule Minister Norma Foley and her Dep of Education and the Dep of Transport in their decision to instruct 440 children to transfer from a dedicated school bus service and to then instruct these students to use the public bus service to get to school in Shannon.

“We are petitioning on the grounds of public concern over the safety of the children and other road users. These concerns arose through the removal of our dedicated school bus service without any consultation with the relevant stakeholders,” Aoife explained. 1000 signatures are currently on the petition.”

IN SPORT

Reports on 3rd round of Clare SFC

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Suspected arson attack on Kilrush premises due to house refugees

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SUSPECTED arson attack was carried out on a Kilrush premises earmarked for use to house 27 refugees.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a suspected failed arson attack was attempted. No injuries have been reported.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Clare Echo, “Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident which occurred at a property on Henry Street in Kilrush, Co. Clare during the early hours of Wednesday morning, 4th September 2024. There have been no reports of any injuries”.

On Tuesday, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth announced that The Central Hostel B&B located on 46 Henry Street, Kilrush was to be used for housing 27 refugees. The capacity is for 27 people in 15 rooms and is specifically for adult male international protection applicants.

According to the Department, a one-year contract has been signed with the provider. “It is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of people applying for international protection arriving in Ireland and the scarcity of alternative accommodation”.

The Central B&B is located in the town centre of Kilrush. The accommodation consists of 15 bedrooms varying in size. There are sufficient numbers of bathrooms at the required ratios. There will be a Full Board service pro-

vided on this site. Residents will be provided with three meals per day. Each resident will have toiletries replenished weekly and other essentials such as toilet paper replenished as needed. The facility will have high speed fibre Wi-Fi. Fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment and security cameras fitted throughout the common walking areas.

The property is owned by David English Electrical Rewinds LTD. David English Electrical Rewinds LTD is operating the site with staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and two security staff on site at all times. The owner/facilities management company have previous experience in the provision of accommodation centres for IPAS. In addition, the Centre Management team in IPAS have developed and rolled out as a pilot initially a training programme for all centre managers to take part in and this will be offered to the provider.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said there was frustration in Kilrush as the facility was ideally placed to accommodate workers in Moneypoint who will now be forced to seek accommodation elsewhere and the consequence is that the Town will lose out on the potential economic impact.

He stated, “When will the Department listen. There isn’t GP or dental capacity in the town at the minute. Medical services are under severe pressure. Recently the minister stated that West Clare would be ok economical as Moneypoint was coming, there isn’t a bed to be got in town so all the spend will now be lost. Local tourism facilities have moved from Kilrush due to the lack of bed nights. Cities are better able to facilitate IPA rather than struggling rural towns”.

Cllr Lynch cited a growing number of rural pub closures and said publicans in Kilrush had been hopeful of getting a boost from

Moneypoint workers living in the town. He said locals are already unable to avail of dentist services with some directed towards Limerick, over 70km away.

Speaking prior to the attempted arson, Cllr Lynch said there wasn’t a feeling of racism in Kilrush but rather a frustration that once again the town had been ignored when it came to economic opportunities.

The move also comes three months on from over 100 Ukrainians who had been settled and welcomed into the village of Kilbaha getting moved by the Department.

There will be at least a manager and two security staff members on site each day to include cleaners attending to any needs. Security will be present on site at all times and CCTV footage will be in place. A valid fire cert is in place and has been provided to the Department. All supporting fire and insurance documentation has been received.

International Protection applicants cannot access the labour market for the first six months that they are in Ireland. After 5 months, international protection applicants can apply to the Department of Justice for permission to access the labour market and if granted, this permission will only become valid 6 months after the date of application for international protection. Most of the residents will be new arrivals. Many who have found work are making a positive contribution to the local and national economies, particularly in areas where there are skills shortages.

Dooley looks back in anger with ‘ticket sales stunt’ for Oasis concerts

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE SENATOR Timmy Dooley (FF) has requested an investigation into Oasis’ ticket sales at Croke Park.

Senator Dooley has said he has written to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) “requesting an investigation of the ticket sales stunt used for the Oasis concerts”.

Dooley commented, “it now seems that bands and their agents have taken off where the touts have left off”. He called on the GAA to “set rules” for the use of Croke Park.

Huge fanfare greeted last

week’s major announcement by Oasis that they were to play seventeen shows in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The first is due to take place in Cardiff in July 2025 followed by nights in Manchester where the band was formed in 1991, London, Edinburgh and two dates in Dublin.

All the tickets in Britain sold out in around ten hours on Saturday, after many fans spent the day in online queues.

Many Irish fans were left disappointed that they did not get one of 160,000 tickets on sale over two dates in August 2025 in Croke Park.

Tickets were advertised as

being priced from €86.50, subject to service charge and limited to four per transaction. However, people reported the price for standing tickets more than doubling from around €176 on presale to over €400. According to the CCPC, there are “legitimate concerns around the consumer experiences” of buying tickets for Oasis. “We are actively reviewing the situation and we will consider all options to ensure consumer protection law is followed,” the CCPC said in a statement.

Ticketmaster said that all prices “are set by the tour”. “All ticket prices, including Platinum, In Demand, and VIP, are set by the tour. Promoters and artists set ticket prices. Prices can be either fixed or market-based. Market-based tickets are labelled as ‘Platinum’ or ‘In Demand’.”

The Central B&B

‘Time is now’ - submission lodged with HIQA to upgrade Ennis to model three hospital

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A DETAILED submission has been made to HIQA outlining the case for an additional emergency department for the Mid-West region and the upgrade of Ennis Hospital to model three status.

Friends of Ennis Hospital made the submission to HIQA’s review team who are tasked with establishing whether or not the Midwest Region needs another Emergency Department for the Region.

On Wednesday night, Friends of Ennis Hospital officially launched the document in the Doonbeg suite of Hotel Woodstock. All Clare’s Oireachtas members and twenty eight county councillors received invitations to attend.

“Since the decision to downgrade the hospitals in Ennis, Nenagh and St. Johns in 2009, University Hospital Limerick has been somewhat of a case study for why hospital reconfiguration fails when adequate resources are not put in place. Headline grabbing stories with tales of loss and tragedy have become the byline for UHL,” the submission outlined.

UHL’s trolley count has grown

from 2,422 in 2009 to 21,445 in 2023. From January 1st 2023 to June 19th 2024, the trolley count was more than 100 patients on 120 days or 33 percent of the days recorded. This number peaked at 150 patients on trolleys on the February 7th 2024. On only eleven occasions did the number of patients on trolleys fall to 49 or below, the recommended capacity at UHL ED is 49 per HIQA’s 2022 report meaning that the emergency department is operating above capacity 97 percent of the time. In addition, on 40 percent of the

days recorded (148) Ennis hospital had patients on trolleys with the highest number being 16 on January 5th 2023. In 2022, according to HIQA UHL operated at 105 percent occupancy that year.

From 2009 to 2023, data obtained through the Regional Health Forum has confirmed that 239 people died on trolleys or chairs in the emergency department of UHL.

As part of their submission, Friends of Ennis Hospital argue, “The facts support us. We have the oldest population of any hospital region. We have social deprivation

higher than the national average. We have a self-perceived health status below the national average. The proportion of persons with disability are higher than other hospital regions. Our population density is higher than other counties with multiple emergency hospital facilities. We call therefore on HIQA to recommend to the Minister for Health that immediate steps be taken to provide a model 3 hospital to the ULHG to support the staff in UHL and the patients in the Midwest region”.

They added, “Now that we have established beyond any doubt the need for a second ED in the Midwest Region, we must look at the options available. The options as things stand are as follows, An Upgrade of Ennis from Model 2 to Model 3, An Upgrade of Nenagh from Model 2 to Model 3, An Upgrade of St Johns Hospital Limerick from Model 2 to Model 3, A Greenfield site construction of a new Model 3 or 4 hospital. It is our contention, and hardly surprising given that we are the ‘Friends of Ennis Hospital’ Campaign group that the fastest, most cost efficient,

logical, and efficient way to provide a second ED in the Midwest region is by upgrading Ennis from Model 2 to Model 3 status.

“Of the three counties in the UL Hospital Group Clare is the only one without an existing ED. Tipperary has Clonmel, Limerick has UHL, Clare are the odd ones out.

“Clare has now the population and age profile to more than justify the investment in a Model 3 facility. A Greenfield site would be extra cost and extra delays in the provision of emergency services.

The submission concluded, “In 2008 the Hanly Report recommended investment in Ennis as it was deemed to be ‘unsafe’. Instead, the Minister of the day chose to close the A&E. It is our contention that this was a grievous error at the time. The consistent overcrowding in Limerick shows this to be the case. Millions have been poured into Limerick and the problem persists. The population is growing the problem is growing, at what point do we recognise that the ‘reconfiguration’ of services in the Midwest Region was a failure. We feel the time is now”.

Diocese of Killaloe records three new vocations

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FOLLOWING

successive years of falling vocations and the retirement of priests, the Diocese of Killaloe is celebrating the news that three men from counties Clare and Tipperary will enter the seminary at Maynooth later this month.

For the first time in two decades, three vocations have been recorded in one of Ireland’s largest dioceses where just over half of the

58 parishes are currently served by a resident priest.

The Diocese of Killaloe last year launched a vocations promotion in parishes across Clare, Laois, Offaly, Limerick and Tipperary to coincide with the ‘Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood’. The promotional campaign has so far visited two thirds of the parishes and will continue into 2025.

Welcoming the news, Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan said, “As the

third largest Diocese in the country, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain full cover across the five counties due to retirements and a lower number of vocations. I am delighted that we have been successful in reaching those who had been considering a vocation and helping them in making the next step”.

Vocations Director Fr. Iggy McCormack has visited 60% of parishes in the Diocese over the past 12

months and will be undertaking visits to remaining parishes over the coming months. Fr. McCormack, who also is Principal of St. Flannan’s College in Ennis, said, “Our vocations initiative is aimed at encouraging people to discover more about vocations on the Diocesan website. Meanwhile, our parish church visits have helped to kickstart conversations within family groups, with local priests and in communities across the Di-

ocese on the vocation of priesthood.”

“We are very hopeful that we can build on the progress made since we launched our Vocations drive last year and are encouraging anyone who feels they have a vocation to priesthood to reach out and talk about their vocation with their family, friends, local priest or the with me,” he added.

l Fr Iggy McCormack

Shannon Airport Group celebrates 10 years with 2m passengers on the horizon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AS IT celebrates a decade since its establishment, the Shannon Airport Group is in high spirits as it prepares for the first year since 2009 that Shannon Airport has handled over two million passengers.

During the past ten years, over €178 million has been invested in upgrades across Shannon Airport and Shannon Commercial Properties.

An independent report* on The Shannon Airport Group, published by Oxford Economics in 2023 found that the Group annually contributes almost €4 billion to Ireland’s GDP, while supporting over 20,300 jobs and contributing €643 million in tax revenues.

Shannon Airport which operates to 33 destinations across Europe, the UK and the US, has been boosted considerably by Delta Air Lines new service to New York-JFK which began earlier this summer, as well as additional frequency on nine of its most popular summer sun destinations, including Alicante, Faro and Lanzarote. Shannon remains the only airport along the Wild Atlantic Way route to offer transatlantic flights to New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago. Additional capacity has been added on many of the popular routes for Winter ’24/’25.

With a proud history of innovation stretching back to the days of the late Dr Brendan O’Regan, the efforts still continue at Shannon Airport to record world firsts.

In 2017, Shannon became the first airport in Europe to open a sensory room for passengers with additional and neurodivergent needs. Shannon is also one of the first airports in the world to receive Age Friendly Status from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its commitment to making travel as inclusive as possible for people of all ages. Shannon remains one of only two airports in Europe to offer Preclearance to USbound passengers, while the introduction of a new Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) in February of this year, has further streamlined this process with passengers now able to complete part of

the preclearance process prior to their arrival at Shannon Airport.

To support the Government’s goal of a balanced regional economy, Shannon Airport is viewed as crucial to rebalance Ireland’s aviation landscape, having capacity to ease congestion at Dublin Airport and enhancing connectivity.

Over the past ten years, The Shannon Airport Group’s commercial property business has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its reputation as a premier hub for a variety of industries. Central to this success is the Shannon Airport Business Park, located on the expansive Shannon

Campus.

As the largest multi-sectoral business park outside of Dublin, the Business Park is a thriving ecosystem that hosts over 300 companies. These businesses represent a wide range of industries, including life sciences, aviation, autonomous vehicles, engineering and medical devices. Collectively, they employ more than 10,000 professionals who are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.

Future expansion is planned with the business park set to remain a cornerstone of the region’s economic development, fostering collaboration and growth.

Dedicated to building a

brighter, greener future for both people and the planet, The Shannon Airport Group recognises the critical importance of reducing its environmental impact. Committed to a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050 at the latest, the Group is actively working with ESB to explore the potential for a green hydrogen facility in Shannon.

Recently, The Shannon Airport Group was granted planning permission for a 1.2MW Photovoltaic Solar Farm on a 5.5-acre site within the airfield at Shannon Airport. This innovative project will make Shannon Airport home to Ireland’s first solar farm located within an airfield, which is expected to provide up to 15-20% of the airport’s current electrical demand from renewable energy upon completion. The Shannon Airport Group’s sustainability efforts are also deeply embedded in its extensive commercial property portfolio.

On the 5th of September 2014, Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Properties and Shannon Heritage were successfully incorporated under the Shannon Group banner, later rebranded in 2022 as The Shannon Airport Group. Last year, the ownership of the Shannon Heritage sites were transferred to Clare County Council where they have since thrived.

Welcoming the tenth anniversary, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “As we cele-

brate the 10th anniversary of The Shannon Airport Group, we reflect with immense pride on our progress and achievements over the past decade. From the significant growth at Shannon Airport, with this year set to be the busiest year at the airport since 2009, to investing over €178 million in infrastructure and property upgrades, we are very proud of our journey to date”. She continued, “We are more than just an airport, we are driving tourism, trade and economic growth. The economic impact of the Group was nearly €4 billion according to the most recent report by Oxford Economics, while we also support 20,300 jobs in the Midwest, underscoring the significant role we play in driving the region forward. This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible team, our valued customers, our dedicated partners, Government and all the other stakeholders who have supported our journey. This spirit of collaboration has been the foundation of our success, and I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone who has played a part in our story so far.

“Looking to the future, we are more committed than ever to continuing our legacy of innovation, sustainability, and economic development, ensuring a brighter, greener future for the Midwest region and beyond,” Considine concluded.

School of philosophy and economic science

Would you like to learn

how to meditate?

In recent years meditation has become more popular all over the world as the benefits to our well-being, emotional and physical, have become clearer. In Ireland, the School of Philosophy and Economic Science offers mantra-based meditation as part of its popular courses in practical philosophy.

Why practical philosophy?

The word philosophy means ‘the love of wisdom’ and ‘practical philosophy’ explores how we can apply this wisdom in our daily lives. Philosophy gives us the opportunity to think more deeply about the subjects that really matter to us. What is

truth? Who am I? What is this universe? What is my part in it? How can I find meaning and satisfaction in life?

Thankfully, the great philosophical traditions of East and West can help by offering practical guidelines for a just, wise, and happy life. Philosophy deals with all ideas, which govern human life. It affects all of our lives much more than may be obvious. For example, Plato lived over 2000 years ago and what he said about subjects such as truth, beauty and justice have influenced the Western world to this day. The world in which we live is shaped by philosophy, whether we know it or not.

In the late 1950’s the word ‘meditation’ was generally

taken to mean ‘ deep or contemplative thought’. All this started to change in 1961, when the mature practice of meditation mastered in the East started to make its’ way into mainstream Western society.

The School has played a key part in bringing meditation to the West. Today, many organisations offer many other aspects of this knowledge and way of life in diet, medicine, wellness and self-discipline. All the while, meditation offered by the School has been taken up for more than fifty years, by thousands of seekers from all walks of life.

Enquiry

Exploring philosophy with

others, combined with the practice of meditation is an enjoyable way to pose questions, and gain more awareness about how we can live more happily. Come and join us for our 10-week class beginning Monday 23th September at the Clare Education Centre, Ennis 7.30pm to 930pm and 25th September, Wednesdays 730 - 930pm, , Marshal House, Dooradoyle Rd, Dooradoyle, Limerick, V94 HAC4

We look forward to welcoming you there.

The School of Philosophy and Economic Science is a Registered Charity No. 20009236 | CHY5791 See practicalphilosophy.ie.

l Mary Considine, CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Neil McCullough from Oxford Economics and Minister Jack Chambers TD

The Town Hall Bistro

The Poets Corner Bar

Ballybeg’s Cormac Murphy crowned Mister USA

ENNIS’ Cormac Murphy will represent the United States of America in Mister Universe.

Cormac was crowned as Mister USA on Sunday having fended off competition from twenty nine other men to take the sash and will be the country’s representative in Mister Universe in Los Angeles later this year.

In April, he was chosen as Mister New York, he initially said no to a request to enter the pageantry competition. The Ballybeg model and personal trainer moved to New York City in 2017, he has amassed a large profile in The Big Apple with just under 140,000 followers on Instagram and initially worked as a male model and also

with The Greene Room, a promotion and events agency founded by Sligo native Patrick Greene.

Prior to the States, Murphy lived in Australia for two years and previously admitted New York “stood out” as he attempted to make his mark in the male modelling industry, one in which he felt opportunities in Ireland especially Ennis were quite limited.

Thirty one year old Cormac appeared on the first series of Love Island USA in 2019. A qualified personal trainer, he started his own fitness business during the pandemic. He is also signed with Wilhelmina Models.

His father is the late Liam Murphy, one of Ennis’ finest musicians who died in November 2021. His mother Mauree was raised in New

Jersey and his grandparents hail from Washington Heights. His siblings are Gavin, Shane, Liam Óg, Rory and Deirbhile.

Speaking this week, Cormac recalled that his father was one of those to encourage him to return to New York City, “Go back and chase your dreams”.

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by Paraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

Teddy Trek to see Gardaí raise funds for Little Blue Heroes

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

GARDAÍ from the Clare and Tipperary Garda Division are to undertake a teddy trek at the end of this month in aid of Little Blue Heroes

At the end of September, Gardaí from Clare, Tipperary and further afield will help transport “Teddy” from Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary to Kilkee, Co Clare, as they run and cycle with Teddy on their journey over three days.

Teddy Picnics will be held in towns along the route with children invited to join and bring their own teddies to meet ‘Teddy’ and local Gardaí. All the runners and cyclists will be fundraising before and during the event to raise funds for the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

Garda Gemma Maguire, Community Engagement, Clonmel wanted to support and highlight the

wonderful work of Little Blue Heroes Organisation with her idea embraced by colleagues in both counties. She said, “Given the merger of Tipperary and Clare as one Division in 2023, this also provides an excellent opportunity to work together with colleagues across both counties to help promote and fundraise for the charity. I hope communities, and especially children, come out and embrace Teddy’s Trek, which promises to be an exciting journey for us all”

A three-day event, Teddy Trek will begin on Tuesday, September 24 at Carrick on Suir where they will travel to Thurles via Clonmel, Cahir and Cashel. Day two will see Teddy cross the border, beginning at Thurles and heading to Tulla, going through Borrisoleigh, Nenagh, Portroe and Killaloe. Tulla is the starting point on the final day with Kilkee the end

point and Ennis, Lissycasey and Kilrush marked as stops along the way.

Prior to the event, a school colouring competition is to be carried out in Clare and Tipperary with children getting the chance to name Teddy before the trek commences.

An official launch of the event was held in Killaloe on Monday last which was attended by Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Mayor of Tipperary, Cllr Declan Burgess (FG), Supt Eddie Golden, Insp Noel Barry, Community Engagement Co-ordinator Breda Breen, members of the event organising committee and Little Blue Heroes Foundation plus the Killal-

oe Coast Guard. Chief Superintendent of the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division, Aileen Magner said, “The Little Blue Heroes Foundation does inspiring work to help families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland and they rely heavily on events such as these to help provide life altering supports.”

“This is a great cause, and I am delighted to assist Gardaí in promoting the event, which will hopefully raise much needed funds for seriously ill children,” commented Cllr O’Callaghan. Fundraising will be via participant’s sponsorship, bucket collections, and a dedicated iDonate page. Any contribution, however small, would be much appreciated by the event organisers and the Little Blue Heroes Foundation. iDonate Page: https://www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/Teddystrek2024

and indulge in a delightful carvery lunch at Hotel Woodstock this Sunday – the perfect treat before the school year begins!

Shanaway Bistro is serving carvery lunch every Sunday from 12:305:30pm. Prices per main course from €18.

l Mayor of Clare, Alan O’Callaghan, Garda Gemma Maguire, Garda Supt Eddie Golden, and Tipperary Cathaoirleach Declan Burgess

Aldi set to open second Ennis store next week

Manager Tomas tells The Clare Echo what customers can expect from €3.5m investment at Westpoint Retail Park

Next week, ALDI will open its second store in Ennis, in Westpoint Retail Park.

The new store opens on Thursday, September 12 and represents an investment of €3.5 million and will offer 30 new retail jobs. ALDI already operates a store in Ennis, located on Francis Street. The manager of the new store is Tomas Darela, who told us a little bit about himself, his time working with ALDI and what customers can expect from the new store.

Q. What can we expect from the new Ennis store?

A. Firstly, the new store in Ennis will create 30 new retail jobs, which is great for the local area! It has been designed in line with ALDI’s Project Fresh layout and will be powered by 100% renewable electricity. I’m really looking forward to working in the new store and getting to know all the new staff.

Q. How long have you lived in Ennis?

A. I have lived in Ennis since I moved to Ireland in 2009.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your family.

A. I am happily married since 2023 to my amazing wife and have a 2-year-old son, and a kitten named Mango. I was born and raised in a town call Jonava in the middle of Lithuania. I moved to Ireland in the summer of 2009, just before I turned 20. My older sister moved to Ireland about a year before me, and my younger brother joined us a few years later. All of us are still living and working in Ennis. My parents are living back home in Lithuania, however they come visit us as often as they can.

Q. Have you worked in any other ALDI stores? Tell us about how you have progressed since you started working with ALDI?

A. I joined ALDI back in May 2017. I joined ALDI Ennis as a Store Assistant and was promoted to Deputy Store Manager. I spent three months at the Ennistymon store during the busy summer season, which helped me progress in my role and gain valuable skills. I also got a chance to spend the busy Christmas and New Year period back in Ennistymon as acting Store Manager, leading the ALDI store there for three months.

Q. What kind of hobbies do you have outside of work?

A. I have always been big into jiu-jitsu and fitness in general. I trained for over 10 years in jiu-jitsu and earned my purple belt. As well as that, I have competed and had great success in amateur tournaments all over Ireland and even Europe. Unfortunately, this is a hobby that took something of a back seat when I started my family. Nowadays, I spend a lot of my time fixing and innovating things around the house, spending time with my extended family and friends, and the most of all, I enjoy raising my son, working on creating a loving and caring family environment for him and my amazing wife.

Q. When will the new store be open?

A. We’re opening our doors at 8am on Thursday 12th September. We will then be open from 8am – 10pm every Monday to Saturday, and from 9am - 9pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and returning customers.

‘Tidy Towns the greatest initiative to have happened in Ireland’ - Howard

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ recent jump in the IBAL rankings has been hailed by the Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns.

In findings published this summer, Ennis ranked in fifth spot of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey.

No heavily littered sites were reported in the county town. “It would seem that there is great attention to detail in general presentation and cleaning regimes throughout Ennis.

“Among so many top-ranking sites, a few deserve a special mention e.g. the residential area of The Hawthorns was a template

Notes

ENNIS TOASTMASTERS

for a Grade A site, while Clare Museum & Surrounds was in very good order. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the closed down / boarded up property along Parnell Street,” the report stated.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) referenced the report. “We were 12th last year and fifth this year, a huge amount of work goes on in Ennis on a daily basis”.

She voiced her appreciation for all the persons doing their bit to make the county town a more attractive place.

“I think the greatest initiative that has happened in Ireland is the Tidy Towns,” Howard commented.

LIONS CLUB ART COMPETITION

FOR over three decades, Lions clubs have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups.

In launching the Peace Poster 2024, Lions Club International stated that for peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, Lions Club International are asking young students globally to create a poster that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits.

The competition is open to children aged 11, 12 or 13 years and the theme of this years competition is "Peace Without Limits”. Judges will seek expressions of what peace without limits means to the artists, evaluating the posters on 3 criteria; originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.

Ennis Lions are particularly delighted to partner with Art & Craft Co., Merchants Square, Ennis, who have generously sponsored a 1st place prize of a €100 voucher for the local winner. That winner will receive entry into the International Peace Poster Contest where the prize is US$5000 (or equivalent in local currency) and an invitation to the award ceremony.

Interested teachers and youth group leaders can get further details and terms and conditions of the competition by emailing info@ennislionsclub.ie.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY, CLARE

The first meeting of the new season for Ennis Toastmasters club takes place Tuesday, September 3 at 8pm. Meetings are held every second Tuesday from September to May. New venue is Ennis Parish centre. The address is Station Road and eircode is V95HT99

Ennis Toastmasters club provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication, leadership and interpersonal skills, resulting in greater self confidence and personal growth. You are welcome to come along and participate in this warm fun and positive atmosphere.

The Clare Branch of the Alzheimer Society are delighted to have our Ennis Information Cafe continuing on the third Wednesday of each Month, in our Ennis Centre, Cuan An Chlair, Cahercalla, from 11.30-13.30. Guest speaker on the 18th of September is Leahnora Clohessey, Occupational Therapist with the HSE, speaking about Functionality/Encouraging Independance/Meaningful Activities/Assistive Technologies.. Join us for tea and a chat. For more information contact Linda Murphy 0879152151, e-mail : linda.murphy@ alzheimer.ie

The Clare Alzheimer Society Memory walk will be held in Lees Road, Ennis on Sunday the 22nd of September at 11am. By taking part in this years event, you are helping raise urgently needed funds for vital dementia services in Co Clare. You can register for your pack at www.memorywalk.ie or give a donation on the day. Please come along and support.

CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY

Clare Roots Society’s September meeting, which is the first one of the season, is to be held at 7:30pm on Thursday September 19 at the Clare Education Centre, Government Buildings, Kilrush Road, Ennis, V95 F782. The lecture titled ‘Mrs Fancy Tart is coming to TeaThings to remember when listening to and interpreting family stories’ by genealogist Eileen O’Duill.

l Cllr Mary Howard (FG) volunteering with Ennis Tidy Towns

Lahinch Golf Club to spend €6.1m on clubhouse redevelopment

by Gordon Deegan

CASH-RICH Lahinch golf club in County Clare is set to spend €6.1m on its clubhouse redevelopment on the back of bumper green fee receipts since Covid-19.

Work is due to commence on the project next month with chairperson of the golf club, John Gleeson confirming the €6.1m spend in an update to members following the award of the main building contract.

Mr Gleeson has told members in a mid year update that the contract price “was higher than anticipated with the total development cost of the clubhouse at €6.1m”.

Mr Gleeson has told members that the golf

club’s Council “is confident that, given our existing financial resources and the borrowing of €3m approved at the AGM, we can cover the entire cost of the project”.

In a previous update last December on the club-house project, Mr Gleeson told members that the then anticipated spend was €4m+ on the redevelopment.

Mr Gleeson told members that the project was required as the current clubhouse built just under 60 years ago in 1965 “is no longer fit for purpose with many of its components reaching end of life stage”.

Mr Gleeson said that the clubhouse council ruled out demolishing the existing clubhouse and constructing a new clubhouse due in part to

the then estimated cost of €9m.

He said that this option was also ruled out on the basis that if permission to demolish was granted, “the professional advice was

Burren artist brings Iceland to Claremorris

BURREN based artist Kaye Maahs will exhibit a new body of work inspired by her travels in Iceland at Claremorris Gallery, Mayo from next Saturday (14th September).

28 new captivating paintings are included in what will be Kaye’s first solo exhibition. Entitled ‘Iceland’, the exhibition is a body of work borne out of diaries Maahs kept during her 2019 residency in Iceland, a journey made possible by the Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust Award.

In her paintings, Maahs’ intuitive and tactical handling of paint revels in the majestic and ethereal settings of the Icelandic landscape. The unpretentious use of paint beckons silently to the viewer; to explore, and to consider our relationship with the natural world, while at the same time calling attention to the physicality of their medium. Maahs works ‘wet into wet’ and it is this immediacy that allows her paintings to retain the energy and excitement of that process.

Living in Corofin, Kaye holds

a degree in Fine Art from CCAM GMIT and is known for her contemplative and immersive approach to contemporary painting. Born in Kerry in 1970, she was awarded The Alex Bradley Award for a Mid-Career Artist in 2024 by the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. Previous to this Maahs’ has been a recipient of two Art Council Agility Awards, the Clare Arts Mentoring Scheme at Glór support by Creative Ireland and the Arts Council and The Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust Award 2019. Her work has been exhibited in the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin; the Royal Academy London; Ballinglen Arts Foundation, Mayo; Burren College of Art, Clare; Glór, Clare; Cairde Visual, Sligo: among others.

Iceland opens on 14th September at Claremorris Gallery and will be on view until 5th October.

The gallery is open from 1 – 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, or by appointment.

somewhat surprisingly, that there was a reasonable probability that we would not get permission to rebuild in the same location”.

Mr Gleeson said that it is important “that we

enhance the clubhouse experience as befits a World Top 50 Golf Course, similar to what a number of our peers clubs have achieved over recent years”.

Visitors to the golf

links course pay €325 green fee for a round of golf from April 22nd to mid-October and Mr Gleeson has told members that green fee income is expected to be on budget for 2024 at €3.2m.

In his mid-year update, Mr Gleeson has told members: “Our finances are in a very healthy state with in excess of €4m held in cash and bonds, having completed payment of our new irrigation system which cost in excess of €2m.”

Mr Gleeson said that the cash of €4.28m at the end of June includes €1.4m in pre-payments.

He said that annual subscriptions received to date €1.18m which exceeds budget.

The club also benefits from the sale of

branded Lahinch golf club clothing and merchandise and Mr Gleeson said that golf shop sales at the end of June were €682,000 (ex VAT) “which is ahead of projections”.

Mr Gleeson said that expenditure to the end of June of €1.7m is in line with budget. Mr Gleeson told members “Rest assured, your Club Council will continue to manage the club’s finances in a very careful and prudent manner”.

He said: “The capital projects mentioned previously are necessary to keep Lahinch at the forefront of not just Irish Golf, but World Golf and we will invest our resources wisely and prudently.”

Principal role for Ennistymon’s Michael

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNISTYMON’s Michael McDonagh has been appointed as the new Principal of Scoil Dara in Kilcock.

Michael takes on the role in the Kildare secondary school after spending the past two years as Deputy Principal of St Joseph’s Secondary School in Tulla.

He began his teaching career in Wimbledon, London where he was Head of Physics at Ursuline High School from June 2012 to July 2014. From here, he moved to Laurel Hill in Limerick and was promoted to the ranks of Assistant Principal in May 2018.

McDonagh joined the staff of St Joseph’s Spanish Point in September 2019 and remained there until June 2022 until he moved to St Joseph’s Tulla in East Clare as Deputy Principal in August 2022.

In 2012, he graduated from UL in 2012 with a BSc in Physics and Chemistry. He completed a professional diploma in mathematics in 2017 at UL and graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with a masters in education management.

A former footballer with Ennistymon, Michael lined out at centre forward in 2018 when the club lined out in the Clare SFC final for the first time, losing out to Miltown on a score of 0-14 0-8 and represented the club until 2021, he is currently manager of the club’s Junior B side.

In his principal’s welcome for Scoil Dara, he said, “Ours is a happy school where learning, growing

lPLANS: An artists’ impression of the new clubhouse

lNEW ROLE: Michael McDonagh previously served as Deputy Principal at St Joseph’s Secondary in Tulla

CountyClare

EnjoyClare’s ‘FundaySundays’:WeeklyExcitement withEver-ChangingOffers and Great Prizes

Transform your typical Sundays into Clare’s ‘Funday Sundays’ — your weekly dose of adventure! Visit Clare Tourism’s latest initiative is designed to spice up your Sundays with great offers, experiences, and the chance to win superb prizes.

HERE’S THE DEAL: Every Monday, the Visit Clare team will drop an all-new batch of offers on VisitClare.ie/sundays for the following Sunday. Think exclusive access, perks, and discounts to Clare’s top attractions and activities.

Special Funday Sunday Deals during September 2024

Walk a Flying Alpaca, near Kilkee: Meet and take a gentle alpaca for a walk for only €10 per person. Offer valid on Sunday, September 15 and 22. Voucher required. Walks not suitable for children under 8.

Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre: one child goes free with each paying adult. Offer valid on Sunday, September 15, 22, and 29. Voucher required.

Loop Head Lighthouse: 2 adults and up to 3 children, available any Sunday in September 2024—book online.

“September Sunday Steal” at Craggaunowen: all tickets on Sunday, September 8. Voucher required.

Don’t Miss Out — Your Next Funday Sunday Adventure Awaits!

These offers rotate faster than Clare’s tides, so remember to check online now and circle back every Monday to see a fresh line-up of Sunday offers at www.VisitClare.ie/sundays. Each week brings another trove of offers, prizes, and surprises. Enjoy!

Catch a Sunday Offer: www.VisitClare.ie/sundays

Win a Year’s Family Pass to Vandeleur!

Win a 12-month family pass to Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre, granting free entry for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Enjoy unlimited visits all year round!

‘Sad & difficult time for Clare music’ with passing of Cyril O’Donoghue

by

ONE of Clare’s most prominent musicians has died, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and creativity.

Cyril O’Donoghue of Finian Park, Shannon died on Sunday (September 1st) with large crowds attending his reposal on Wednesday while a celebration of his life is to take place on Thursday at 3pm in Shannon Crematorium.

A guitarist, bouzouki player and singer, Cyril was a prominent member of Clare’s traditional music scene. He was a long-standing member of the traditional music band, Fisherstreet and he also played a prominent part in the album ‘Damp in the Attic’.

He also played as a support to Christy Moore and accompanied the late Tommy Peoples on tour. Several CDs from Irish artists also include an accompaniment by O’Donoghue.

In October, he led a tribute to his late brother Paul ‘Swive’ O’Donoghue for Culture Night in Shannon when Pat Costelloe and Johnny Fean were also remembered.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, founder of The Wings Festival and Cuppa Tea TV in Shannon, Damien O’Rourke noted, “It is a very sad and difficult time for music in Clare with the pass-

ing of Cyril O’Donoghue, my heart and thoughts go out to his family who must be going through the most awful time with the sudden passing of Cyril, I think of his family at this time. Cyril

He added, “He travelled the world playing all the stages in front of thousands of people, when I think about Cyril as a Shannon man I’m proud to say that I worked with him, just over five years

Swive talked about him all the time, I fell in love straight away with how he plays, the songs he plays and how he accompanies the traditional players, I grew a deeper love of his music”.

ed to develop live music in Shannon and he completely bought into the idea from day one, himself and Blackie have played numerous times in Shannon, we did videos during COVID and

was a great musician, a great singer songwriter and played regularly in the iconic places of Clare like Doolin such as McGann’s and McDermott’s and in Ennis at Fafa Considines with the likes of Blackie O’Connell at Piping Heaven Piping Hell”.

ago his brother Swive passed away, I would have been very close to him and after he passed away I grew closer to Cyril and started going to more of his gigs, I knew of his reputation in music and took a more keen interest in hearing him play because

Damien recalled that Cyril was always keen to give a helping hand in whatever way he could to build the music scene in Shannon.

“With my own Cuppa Tea TV project I approached him one day about doing a gig in Shannon because I want-

he bought into that because it was building Shannon as a music town, he was a big part of that and in particular The Wings Festival which happens every February, he played it two years ago, he played an absolute blinder and tore the roof off the

place, himself and Blackie. Afterwards I went over, gave him a big hug and said half jokingly ‘same time again next year’, he said ‘of course’, last year three months out from the Wings Festival I text him and asked him to play again with Blackie, he told me we shook on it last year and that it had been in the calendar for the whole year, I thought to myself ‘what a man’, a man of his word. We then talked about him being apart of it every year, it is sad to think that he won’t be part of it next year and that we won’t get to him hear play live again, that is a difficult thing to come to terms with but his legacy will live on, he was the best at what he did, he wrote incredible songs and the proudest thing of all I can say is that I was proud to call him a friend”.

Cyril is deeply missed by his heartbroken family, wife Ann, children Cathy, Bobby, Joanne and Paul, sons-in-law Ken and Jason, daughter-inlaw Rosie, his grandchildren who he cherished. Grandchildren Aoibhinn, Jack, Katie, Eoghan, Gabby, Áron and Aoife, and his dog “my Bella”. Brother Michael, sisters Kay and Marian, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours of Finian Park and his wide circle of friends and musical colleagues.

Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Damien O’Rourke pictured with Cyril O’Donoghue

Photo by Anja Kolic

Two west Clare business shortlisted for National Organic Awards

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO CLARE businesses have been shortlisted for the National Organic Awards.

Burren Smokehouse and Wild Irish Seaweeds Ltd have made the shortlist of organic food and drink producers for the National Organic Awards 2024, as announced by Bord Bia.

Held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the awards celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country. The winners of the National Organic Awards will be revealed at an awards ceremony that takes place on Thursday, October 17th in the Bord Bia Global Hub in Dublin.

Judges reviewed the shortlisted companies at the National Organic Food Fair which took place in Merrion Square in Dublin on Saturday. Judges included chef Clodagh McKenna, food writer Suzanne Campbell, chef Janine Kennedy, food consultant Annie Dunne, and retail expert John McDonagh.

Shortlisted companies were judged across seven categories including a new award for 2024, The Organic Sector Champion which will be announced alongside the other winners at the ceremony in October. Among those shortlisted for the awards are Burren Smokehouse from Lisdoonvarna and Wild Irish Seaweeds

LTD from Quilty.

Wild Irish Seaweeds Ltd has been harvesting wild organic seaweed from the west of Ireland for over 100 years. All the seaweed used in its products comes from the nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Caherrush, Quilty County Clare. The product range includes kelp, powder blends supplements and smoothie blends. They are shortlisted in the Best Irish Organic Export Product Award and Best New & Innovative Irish Organic Product for their smoothie blends and seaweed sprinkles, respectively. Evan Talty founded the company in 2009.

Burren Smokehouse is an artisan smokehouse of 100% Irish organic salmon and offers experiences and educational experiences at its visitor centre. Burren Smoked Irish organic salmon comes in a variety of hot smoked and cold smoked options in sizes ranging from 90g to 1 Kg. In addition, the producer also has a range of smoked salmon that features marinades like seaweed, honey, lemon & dill, honey whiskey & fennel. They are shortlisted in the Best Irish Organic Product Award and Direct to Consumer Excellence Award for their Smoked Irish Organic Salmon. The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business by Birgitta & Peter Curtin, using traditional fish smoking methods from Ireland and Sweden.

Commenting on the selection of short-listed producers, Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager

in Bord Bia, said, “The National Organic Awards is an opportunity to shine a light on the quality of Ireland’s thriving organic sector and highlight some of the producers who continue to drive the sector from strength to strength. From speaking to our esteemed judges, the calibre of entries was excellent this year, which is reflected in the companies shortlisted. We would like to extend our congratulations to them, and thank all who entered this year”.

Winners of the National Organic Awards 2024 will get a one-toone session with Bord Bia’s Client Capability team, who will help develop a bespoke package of supports to meet individual company needs up to the value of €5,000.

Sraith nua de “Dúchas agus Dóchas” ar Clare fm

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Tabharfaidh Diarmuid de Faoite ar thuras trí 350 bliain muid den traidisiún amhránaíochta Gaeilge sa gCondae ó ré na mBárd anuas go dtí cumadóirí an lae inniu leis an dara sraith de ‘Dúchas agus Dóchas, Amhráin Ghaeilge an Chláir’ a bheidh ag thosaigh ar Clare FM ar an 3 Meán Fómhair agus a leanfaidh ar aghaidh ar feadh trí seachtaine. Tá an sraith á mhaoiniú ag Coimisiún na Meán leis an táille ceadúnais teilifíse.

Sraith dhátheangach atá ann agus scéal nua agus amhrán nua á roinnt chuile lá ag Diarmuid, an-chuid taifidí beo le scoth na namhránaithe ina measc. Is iad Micho Russell, Therese McInerney, Edel Vaughan, Rang a hAon Gaelscoil Mhichíl Cíosóig agus Emer O’Flaherty a bhí le cloisteáil sa gcéad seachtain. Agus i seachtain 2 cloisfear: Nuala Kennedy, Tim Dennehy, Enda Haran, Philip Fogarty, Síomha Brock. Agus i Seachtain 3 cloisfear: Binneas le Cara Hely, Diarmuid de Faoite, Síofra Ní Éilí Duggan, Caoimhe, Aoife agus Caitlín Shannon, Tim Dennehy.

BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?! Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Imeachtaí/Events:

• LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

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

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

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

• LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

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

SEPTEMBER has arrived and we still have some lovely days and evenings at the moment. With all the harvesting that has been going on over last few weeks some have space in the garden or in the polytunnel and we have been asked what can be sowing in the line of vegetable so here is a few things available this time of year.

Autumn is a great time to plant cool season vegetable that thrive in the cooler temperature of fall. Here are a few leafy greens, Spinach, kale, lettuce and Swiss chard. Here are some root vegetables carrot radishes, turnips, and Beets.

The best Brassicas

(cabbage family) are Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts.

Herbs are another one Parsley and chives. These crops can handle shorter days and the cooler nights of autumn, and many will continue to grow slowly throughout the winter or be ready for harvest before the first hard frost.

Planting flowers seeds in autumn can set the stage for beautiful spring and early summer bloom. Some flowers thrive when planted in the cooler autumn months, as the soil is still warm, and the seed can establish themselves before winter. Here are some flowers seeds that

are ideal for autumn planting.

Perennials, Poppies, Foxglove, Coreopsis, Shasta Daisy and Gaillardia, Biennials, Sweet William, Hollyhock, Forget me nots, Wallflowers, Hardy annuals, Calendula, Cornflower, Sweet pea, snapdragons

These flowers are often hardy enough to endure the winter and emerge as strong, vibrant plants when spring arrives.

Planting in Autumn allows the seeds to take advantage of the cooler temperatures leading to healthier plants in the coming season. Some food for thought hopefully have a lovely week.

lKale

Evan Talty of Wild Irish Seaweeds Ltd.

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

AN

Reopening of Crusheen rail station has estimated market of 1,700 commuters & economic value of €25m

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WHEELS are beginning to be put in motion for the reopening of Crusheen Railway Station with an estimated market of 1,700 commuters and students in the catchment.

A new socio-economic study conducted by Repucon Consuting for Clare County Council has detailed huge demand for the reopening of the Crusheen Railway Station on the Western Rail Corridor which is the Galway-Ennis-Limerick rail line. The study was completed following a motion by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) before the Killaloe Municipal District.

At the unveiling of the socio-economic appraisal of the benefits of reopening Crusheen railway station and rail stop in Crusheen Community Hall on Wednesday night, attendees heard that there is an estimated market of 1,700 commuters and students currently living in the catchment of the station and an estimated economic value to the local economy of €25million arising from associated employment opportunities.

Elected members of the

MD met

CEO

land adjoining the rail line and old station as part of

“The Western Rail Corridor provides an important region-

Friday of last week whereby they discussed the findings of the report.

Clare County Council has in recent weeks purchased

their proposal to create a favourable business case.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) stated,

ick to Galway via Ennis can be seen from the number of students, commuters and rail users using our stations in Ennis and Sixmilebridge daily. The re-opening of the Crusheen railway station is a strategic objective of the Elected Members of the Municipal District of Killaloe”.

Speaking at the launch, senior planner with Clare County Council, Brian McCarthy outlined, “Census 2022 demonstrated that Crusheen and the catchment area of the railway station from Tulla to Ruan has seen a significant increase in population in recent years and the Council believes it is now critically important from a sustainability point of view that the rail service be reinstated to serve the area. The socio-economic study was commissioned by Clare County Council earlier in the year to provide an evidence-based approach to advocating for reopening the Crusheen rail stop”.

rural regeneration. Applying all measures of potential community, economic and environmental impact, the re-instatement of a passenger rail service in Crusheen would represent a significant return on investment for the community. From a regenerative perspective, it will deliver significant social and environmental dividends and add considerably to the social fabric of the area. The scale of participation in this research process by the local community demonstrates the level of demand that exists for the service. From a value for money perspective, the projected 15-year return on investment of €5.50 for each €1 of capital investment made demonstrates a significant impact on the community and the wider Clare economy”.

al and intercity rail link connecting Co Clare to Limerick and Dublin and to Athenry and Galway. The success of opening services from Limer-

Mark O’Connell, Director of Repucon and author of the report, said, “As a catalyst for rural sustainability, the social and economic benefits of re-opening the rail station will be a significant catalyst for community and

Near threatened orchid discovered in Oranmore

plants can persist undetected for many years and re-emerge when mowing is stopped.

A ‘near threatened’ orchid has been discovered in Oranmore for the first time in eighty years.

In the past week, between twenty and thirty Autumn Lady’s Tresses Orchids, which are classed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the Red Data List of Vascular Plants 2016 were discovered at Rinville Park.

This followed a joint environmental initiative by Galway County Council and Conservation Volunteers Galway to attract pollinating insects to Rinville Park.

According to the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, the last recorded discovery of the orchid in Oranmore came in the 1940s.

In previous years, the new “Don’t Mow, Let it Grow” section of Rinville Park was cut short frequently resulting in the growth and blooming of wildflowers being suppressed. However, some seeds and

This orchid species starts to bloom in August and has a spiral arrangement of small white flowers which can grow to 20 centimetres.

Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer for Galway County Council explained, “The nomow area at Rinville Park has been a huge success in terms of conservation and biodiversity. In biodiversity terms, this is a significant discovery and success story in this part of County Galway. As we celebrate National Heritage Week, this find underscores the importance of preserving our natural heritage and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our environment”.

She continued, “The success of the no-mow project will provide a great opportunity for members of the public and local schools in the Oranmore area to see many of our wild native flowers in a public

park and will hopefully inspire others to action as part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. We are asking the public to not enter the marked no-mow area located near the carparking area at the seashore”.

Ray Fallon is a member of Conservation Volunteers Galway, which was founded in 2010 to protect and enhance natural heritage through volunteer participation in practical conservation projects.

“The Lady’s Tresses Orchid is just one of six wild orchid species in the no-mow areas at Rinville Park, the others being Early Purple, Common Spotted, Marsh, Bee and Pyramidal Orchids. In addition, there are over thirty other wildflower plant species growing there. It is a great joy to see so much biodiversity and an honour for our voluntary organisation to maintain the area on behalf of Galway County Council,” he said.

Gort & South Galway

Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer for Galway County Council, and Ray Fallon and Perter Butler of Conservation Volunteers Galway pictured with the Autumn Lady’s Tresses Orchids at Rinville Park, Oranmore

Photo Hany Marzouk

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Killaloe

with

of Irish Rail, Jim Meade on

Photo montage of Crusheen rail station

Clare Echo slimmers ramp up efforts

WITH the finishing line in clear view now, our Clare Echo slimmers have upped their efforts this week in their bid to shed two stone in 12 weeks.

Denise was awarded Slimmer of The Week as she lost an incredible 4.5lbs while Kieran was no slouch either, losing an impressive 1.5lbs.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Kieran Murphy

Title: Account Manager

lON A ROLL: Denise with all her awards to date

magic stone (just 1.5 lbs off) I find myself filled with renewed excitement. As the weight drops off, I feel less pressure on my knees and ankles. This helps no end with my day-to-day activities. My cycling is going well which is a great bonus. My golf game can only get better too (not guaranteed) - Woodstock Golf Club members better watch out!

For the week ahead I am going to focus on achieving my 1 stone goal & continue to be mindful of what I eat and what exercise I do.

I joined Louises’ group last Friday at the Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall.

The class was extremely well attended and Louise announced a total group loss of 146lbs for August. Well done everyone!

SLIMMER PROFILE

Denise Quinn

Title: Head of Sales Age: 49 Height: 5ft 3in

Starting weight: 14st.05lb

Week 1: Lost 7lbs

Week 2: Lost 3.5lbs

As I edge ever so close to the

I’m feeling ‘Shamazing’ and confident today with my results4.5lbs down this week! My weight

loss to date is the equivalent of 22 blocks of butter.

I received my 1.5 stone award, Slimmer of the Week Award and also my Club 10 award!

Club 10 means I have lost 10 per cent of my weight and gained health benefits as it can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes and improve blood cholesterol levels, asthma, sleep apnoea and mobility.

I also get a Club 10 Free week from Slimming World to encourage me to maintain present weight loss.

This week, Tarah talked about the benefits of a fresh start which is what I did this week. Getting back to the first week’s habits and planning brought my success this week plus staying in group is what drove me to restarting. The support from group leaders and staying in the group made this possible .

Just 5.5lbs to go to reach my 2 stone target.

Slimming World Venue Details

Louise: Friday at 9.30am, Newmarket on Fergus Community

Hall, V95 RH93. Facebook: Slimming World Newmarket on Fergus

Tarah: Monday at 7pm, Hope Cafe In Shannon, also at Treacys West County Ennis every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm. Facebook: Slimming World with Tarah

Pamela: Tuesday and Thursday 8am and 9.30 am at Treacys West County Ennis. Also on Wednesday 4pm and 5.30pm Teach Ceoil Church Ennistymon.

Facebook: Slimming World Ennis & Ennistymon with Pamela Martina: Saturday at CBS primary school, New Road Ennis 8.30am and 10.30am. Facebook: Follow Slimming World Southcourt and Caherconlish Can’t wait, tell me more... Slimming World are currently recruiting Leaders for several areas. If you are interested and would like to learn more about the benefits you are welcome to the Radison Blu Hotel & Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick V94 YA2R On Friday September 13 at 6.30pm or Call Martina on 089 407 9264.

Transform your fitness with revolutionary EMS workout

PROUD owner of BodyWow EMS studio. Anna Petertil, has always been passionate about sports and fitness, however it wasn’t until she discovered Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) that “everything truly clicked for me”.

EMS revolutionised the way Anna (pictured, right) approached fitness, both personally and professionally.

“I was always into sports. I loved pushing my limits and staying active. However, as much as I enjoyed it, I had less and less time to do it. I knew there had to be a more efficient way to achieve the results I wanted. That’s when I stumbled upon EMS, and it completely changed my life.” EMS, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a highly effective workout that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, providing an efficient, full-body workout in just 20 minutes.

The EMS device sends extremely finetuned electrical impulses to the muscles, mimicking and enhancing those sent from the brain through the nerves to activate the muscles. As a result, all of the fibres contract,

when combined with basic movements, which allows you to activate almost every muscle in your body - including the deep core ones as well as those that are usually difficult to activate.

“The first time I tried it, I was amazed,” explains Anna. “I felt muscles working that I didn’t even know I had and it was likeI had done a few hours of training. At the gym, in 20 minutes, I would have a warm-up done and chosen a playlist on my phone!

“I knew right away that I had to share this with others. That’s how my EMS studio was born. I wanted to create a space where people of all ages and fitness levels could experience the incredible benefits of EMS, just like I did.”

One of Anna’s favourite aspects of EMS training is its versatility. Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to enhance your performance, a busy professional with little time to spare, or someone just starting out on their fitness journey, EMS can work for you.

“I’ve seen firsthand how it helps people gain strength, improve endurance, and even recover from injuries — all in a fraction of

my mission to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels supported and empowered. I believe that fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. That’s why we tailor each EMS session to fit the individual needs of our clients. Looking back, I’m so grateful that I discovered EMS. It’s not just a workout; it’s a revolution in fitness that has the power to change lives.

“I’m thrilled that I get to be part of that change, helping people achieve their goals and lead healthier, happier lives.”

EMS is already popular around the world for their efficiency and effectiveness, and now this cutting-edge fitness trend has just arrived in Ennis.

If you’ve ever felt like traditional workouts aren’t giving you the results you want, or if you’re looking for a way to make fitness a sustainable part of your life, Anna is inviting you to give EMS a try.

“It changed my life, and I’m confident it can do the same for you.”

the time compared to traditional workouts.

“At BodyWow EMS studio, I’ve made it

GREEN CLARE

Record €32m investment to enhance Shannon Estuary as major international supply chain centre

by Páraic McMahon

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON ESTUARY’s move towards becoming a national and international supply chain hub of scale received a major boost with the unveiling of a new jetty expansion and logistics park by Shannon Foynes Port.

MA record €32m investment, which is co-funded by Shannon Foynes Port and the EU’s ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ (CEF), is a key enabler of the company’s Vison 2041 masterplan that targets the Estuary’s establishment as a global floating offshore wind hub and a freight logistics cluster that will, in particular, decongest the Irish supply chain network.

INISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

He added, “The works we are unveiling here are essentially enablers of this strategy and a key moment on a journey that is focused on a new and unprecedented era of economic growth for this region and, indeed, the entire island. This project is a crucial development in the regional development of our national economy. This is something I believe in passionately. I am a Minister for all of Ireland and I am proud to lead this opening as part of my ongoing agenda and itinerary where I am delighted to visit and open projects like this”.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

direct to the port, we will have a Tier 1 port here that is amongst the most accessible in Europe. The net effect of that also is that we will now be within two and half hours of 75% of Ireland’s GDP. So, we not alone help power the economy, but we decongest it at the same time. That means business growth for this region, that means unprecedented access to freight goods for other regions and it also means decongestion of our capital city,” Keating added.

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that elec tricity onto that grid to power the country.

Under the two year programme of work, an additional 117m jetty and 12,000m2 of jetty set/down storage has been delivered by linking the existing east and west jetties at Foynes Port. It has also delivered one of Ireland’s largest serviced, advanced port logistics parks nearby, a 38ha site with planning permission for 127,000ft already granted and with immediate potential for a further 400,000 sq ft of modern logistics warehousing to be developed.

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-water port.

Chairperson of the Taskforce, Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

During his time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 percent of the country’s energy com-

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless TD (FF) with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics and by Patrick O’Donovan TD (FG), Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science officially launched the expansion of the new port facilities.

Speaking at the event, Minister Lawless said, “As an island nation our ports are crucial for economy, with 90% of Ireland’s traded goods passing through our ports. Shannon Foynes is one of our three Tier 1 ports in Ireland and has served this part of the island particularly well, but this expansion reflects both the ambition and opportunity of the port to deepen its impact significantly at a national level but also internationally in the area of offshore energy and logistics supply chain”.

Minister O’Donovan said, “This investment we are unveiling today is all about the future, about ensuring that we have the infrastructure in place not just in this region but in Ireland to create a future where economic growth and sustainability go hand in glove. Shannon Foynes Port has been planning for that future as far back as a decade ago with the launch of its masterplan Vision 2041 and a great thing about what we are unveiling today also is that it is a port authority that clearly delivers on its ambition”.

Shannon Foynes Port CEO Pat Keating said, “We’re building for the future here and we are effectively enabling the future here. It’s a future that we all want for generations following us as we’re investing heavily in infrastructure that will do two things. One is to accelerate our journey as a nation to become a world leader in offshore renewable energy by harnessing our limitless wind energy capacity off the Atlantic seaboard. The second thing is that this same infrastructure will enhance our freight capacity massively by giving us extra quayside capacity and providing for one of the largest port logistics parks in the country.

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of the Estuary and similar with Tarbert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

Shannon Foynes Port Chairperson Michael Walsh said, “The opportunity ahead is unparalleled for Ireland thanks to the confluence of assets here on the Estuary. Its unrivalled deep waters, proximity to some of the most powerful winds in the world and soon to be radically enhanced multi-modal connectivity, means that we are on the cusp of something very significant here. You need a plan, and you need the people to make that happen and today confirms we at Shannon Foynes Port have both. This is one step on a journey that has some distance to go but one that I’ve every confidence will be travelled. Shannon Foynes Port has a key role in delivering this opportunity for Ireland”.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technolo gy, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a con tinuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

“When you couple that with the investment by Irish Rail in reestablishing the rail link to Foynes and by government in the development of the new Limerick to Foynes road, which will give us motorway and dual-carriage way access

Pic L-R Shannon Foynes Port CEO Pat Keating, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics and Shannon Foynes Port Chairperson Michael Wals

Arthur Ellis

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using

el, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the

Photo by

paraic@clareecho.ie

Water text alert system for 40,278 Clare homes

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FREE text alerts service has been announced by Uisce Éireann which will provide water supply updates and information to over 40,278 households in Clare.

Nationally, 1.6m households will be able to avail of the new text alert system which will be the first time that all of Uisce Éireann’s customers will be able to sign up and receive notifications for their area. The service provides customers with details of supply interruptions that are expected to last longer than four hours. It will also include details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health.

Previously only vulnerable customers and business customers have been able to avail of a Text Alerts service, with the service now

extending to all. The text alerts to all customers build on communications already in place and the need to support customers is clear. Data from Uisce Éireann shows it responded and managed over 12,000 planned and unplanned outages in 2023 with over 90% resolved in under 24 hours. Customers can quickly sign up by inputting their Eircode and mobile number via the Uisce Éireann website water.ie.

Research carried out by IPSOS B&A on behalf of Uisce Éireann shows that almost three quarters of its customers want to hear about water services with over half of businesses indicating they are interested in being regularly notified.

Uisce Éireann’s communication has been criticised by elected representatives and business owners in Clare, particularly those in North and West Clare where issues have been persistent over the summer

months.

Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Cus- tomer Operations at Uisce Éireann said, “As Uisce Éireann carries out its day-to-day operational work and maintenance alongside a billion-euro worth of capital investment each year, we are aware that these works can have short-term impacts on water services to our customers. This Text Alerts service along with our current supports including the dedicated online outage portal on water.ie means homes and businesses are kept fully up to date on what to expect and when. We are supporting our customers with timely, accurate information which helps to keep all customers up to date on outages to the water supply network.

“In the past year, our figures show that we had more than two million interactions with customers via a range of channels including phone

calls, texts and emails. From our research, while over half of customers are aware of who to contact in the event of a water outage, we are committed to ensuring that all are fully aware and have information provided in an ease of access manner. We are confident that the roll-out of this new service will play

a crucial role in driving even more awareness of our work in communities across Ireland to deliver a clean, safe and reliable water supply. The service is easy to use, and I encourage people to avail of it by following the registration steps through water.ie,” he added.

ACCORDING to the Health Service Executive (HSE), about 1 in 6 couples experience fertility challenges on their path to becoming parents. Fortunately, the support available for these couples has come a long way. One of the most exciting developments is the HSE’s new funding for the first round of IVF treatment. This financial assistance is a huge relief for many, as fertility treatments can be quite costly.

In addition to medical advancements, there’s also been a noticeable shift toward a more holistic approach to fertility care. More and more couples are now incorporating specific diets, working with nutritionists, and prioritising mental well-being as part of their treatment plans. This comprehensive approach aims to optimise overall health, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

An increasingly recognised addition to fertility planning is Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT). Used by fertility experts, HBOT can address several known causes of infertility, such as poor egg quality, thin endometrial lining, pelvic inflammation, DNA fragmentation,

and low sperm quality.

Inflammation, in particular, is a significant obstacle to a healthy reproductive system. Our bodies simply don’t function well under chronic inflammation, and our reproductive system is no exception. By reducing inflammation and enhancing oxygen delivery, HBOT helps create an environment where the reproductive system can thrive.

The way HBOT is introduced into a fertility plan can vary depending on the underlying issues being addressed, making it crucial to discuss and plan your treatment with someone experienced in this area. While the healing powers of HBOT have been documented for decades, its application in fertility treatments is still relatively new. However, scientific studies have already shown extremely positive results, and practitioners who have introduced it into their treatment plans are reporting an increase in successful outcomes.

As someone involved in this field, I can say that it’s always a wonderful moment to receive that phone call from a couple, hearing the excited words, “We’re pregnant,” after having been part of their fertil-

ity journey. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.

One of our clients shared her experience after attending OxyGeneration following chemotherapy. She had faced hearing loss and medical menopause as unfortunate side effects of her treatment. Here’s what she had to say:

“I highly recommend OxyGeneration clinic. Having gone through chemotherapy, I felt I needed something to help heal my body naturally. My experience has been amazing—the staff are all so knowledgeable and kind, and they make you feel so relaxed. For me, it was after 8 sessions before I noticed a difference. My hearing was damaged from chemotherapy and has now been fully restored. For me, this is life-changing; I’m no longer having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves. Then my menstrual cycle returned. I totally believe anyone with fertility issues would really benefit from hyperbaric oxygen.”

Her story is just one example of how powerful HBOT can be. While every fertility journey is unique, exploring all available options can make a significant difference.

Thought for the week - Be School’s of Hope

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

I am one of those parents that feels all the things, big, small and everything in between! Perhaps not everyone can relate, so this is for those that also feel big when it comes to their children. My wife thinks I am strange, being such an emotional human.

Yet, I am grateful her feet are firmly planted on the ground. She is my buffer when I feel too much. For those parents who feel all the things, I hope you have someone in your life that gives you a safe place to land, especially at this time of year when there are many new changes, hard goodbyes, seeyou-laters, and letting go.

I have said many prayers for all students and teachers returning back to school. Thanks to all school managers, principals, teachers, SNAs, secretaries and caretakers who have worked so hard to deliver classes and to get schools ready for a safe return and who are ready to meet the challenges of reopening schools - good luck everyonestay safe.

Education is a beautiful activity, one that leads the mind, body and soul of an individual through various levels of knowledge. Ultimately this knowledge has at its source God, the creator of all and source of every good thing on earth.

That is why it is most fitting to pray for and bless the school, teachers and children who will embark on this great task over the next year. They certainly need all the spiritual help they can get as education is one of the hardest activities to engage in.

The Teacher who Learned to Teach and

The Student who Learned to be Taught

As Mrs O’Connell stood in front of her 5th class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Niall Mac. Mrs O’Connell had watched Niall the year before and noticed that he didn’t play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. It got to the point where Mrs O’Connell would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen putting a big “F” at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs O’Connell taught, she was required to review each child’s past records and she put Niall’s off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Niall’s first class teacher wrote, “Niall is a bright child with a hearty laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around. “His second class teacher wrote, “Niall is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle. “His third class teacher wrote, “His mother’s death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn’t show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.” Niall’s fourth class teacher wrote, “Niall is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class”. By now, Mrs O’Connell realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful paper, except for Niall’s. His

present was clumsily wrapped in a brown paper bag. Mrs O’Connell took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was half full of perfume. But she stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was and dabbed some of the perfume on her wrist. Niall Mac stayed after school that day just long enough to say, “Mrs O’Connell, you looked just like my Mom today and you smelled just like she used to.” After the children left, she cried. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children and try to be the best teacher she could ever be. Mrs O’Connell paid particular attention to Niall. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. By the end of the year, Niall had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Niall became one of her “teacher’s pets.”

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Niall, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had. Six years went by before she got another note from Niall. He then wrote that he had finished secondary school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, and would soon graduate from NUIG with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs O’Connell that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. But now his name was a

little longer - the letter was signed, Niall F. Mac MD.

The story doesn’t end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Niall said he’d met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs O’Connell might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs O’Connell did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Niall remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr Mac whispered in Mrs O’Connell’s ear, “Thank you Mrs O’Connell for believing in me.” Mrs O’Connell, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, “Niall, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, let us all try as much as possible to make a difference for the good in one another’s lives as much as we can, especially during this worrying time of so many global conflicts in our world. Let’s all make a difference together and for one another. Best of luck and much safety to all students, teachers and lecturers as they all try to make a difference for the good in one another’s lives over the coming school and educational year.

GALLOWS HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

47 SYCAMORE DRIVE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ROSLEVAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ENNIS, CO. CLARE

CO. CLARE 2 MEADOW COURT, CLONROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 5 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Presented for sale in excellent condition throughout is this bright and spacious 4 bedroom (linked) semi detached family home in the popular Abbeyville housing development. Conveniently located, within walking distance of all town amenities and just 400 meters to the M18 link road, this is a fantastic opportunity for the first time buyer or family home purchaser to acquire a turnkey home in a small Cul de Sac of just 16 homes all fronting onto a manicured green area. The property boasts many features which include extensive timber flooring, quality carpet flooring, 2 en-suite bedrooms, large open plan kitchen dining, separate utility, south facing gardens and ample off street parking to mention just a few. Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Located in one of Ennis town’s much sought after suburbs, offering all the everyday amenities at Roslevan stores and Roslevan Shopping Complex, ease of access to the M18, excellent proximity to national schools including Knockaneen, Ennis and Doora, secondary schools in Ennis Town Centre, and the ultimate in countryside living while being within walking distance of those amenities listed.

Number 7 is offered for sale in excellent condition throughout, offering bright, spacious and well-proportioned living accommodation, which includes at ground floor level, main entrance hallway, two receptions, open plan kitchen living dining, office, bathroom, two double bedrooms (one en-suite) and adjoining garage.

To the first floor are three further double bedrooms, with the master bedroom being a sight to behold, rounding off the first floor accommodation is the first floor shower room.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon are delighted to present this is cosy, homely 3 bedroom modernised farmhouse on a c. 0.5 acre site situated with mature trees and lush countryside. The property is ideally suited to a couple or small family.

After you have viewed the property, you can see current offers or place your own offer on this property by visiting Sherryfitz.ie and registering for your own mySherryFitz account.

Accessed via a gravel driveway surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, the house is located on a gorgeous site within a country setting. This attractive location is approximately 20km from Ennis town centre & 25km from Gort.

Contact: Sherry FitzGerald McMahon

Tel: (065) 6867866 PSL 001212

€425,000

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon is delighted to present this stunning traditional 3 bedroom farmhouse that has been carefully modernised over time. This home is picture postcard bursting with flowers and is in excellent condition. The property is set on a 0.35 hectare (0.86 acre approximately) site, on the western edge of the village of Connolly, which is situated 15 minutes from the the coastal town of Miltown Malbay on the Wild Atlantic Way, and 15 minutes to Ennis, with direct access to the M18 motorway. There is an option to purchase an additional c.23acres of surrounding land. Downstairs accommodation includes

Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

an attractive south facing glass porch leading to the entrance hall. To the right there is a cosy double aspect living room with French doors to the garden. On the opposite side of the house there is an open plan kitchen / dining area with French doors to a stunning high ceiling sun room at the rear of the house with yet another set of French doors to the rear garden. In addition, there is a utility space and WC on the ground floor. The first floor includes 3 double bedrooms (one of which is ensuite) and the main bathroom.

The property has about 100m of road frontage along the R474. The mature site

100 ABBEY COURT, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

12 GLASSAN, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

GORT LEAMHAN, ROSLEVAN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 25 CREGAUN, TOBERTASCAIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

37 AUGHANTEEROE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

MEADOW VIEW, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

CAPPALAHEEN, KILKISHEN, CO. CLARE

ENNIS, CO. CLARE CUL TRA, LISCANNOR ROAD, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

66 BRUACH NA H’ABHAINN, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

BRAMBLE LANE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

10 CLUAINN UILINN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

HOLLAND STREET, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

CLARECASTLE, ENNIS

Shannon Airport Group lodge plan for new commercial buildings

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANNING applications have been lodged by the Shannon Airport Group to add new two new state-of-theart industrial buildings to its commercial property portfolio in Shannon.

sq. ft. Industrial Unit and a c. 40,000 sq. ft. Research and Development Unit on a greenfield site in the Shannon Industrial Estate next to Shannon Airport. If approved, this multi-million-euro investment will see two new buildings con-

building design process.

These developments would be the latest phase of a multi-year redevelopment project of the business park by the Shannon Airport Group, which has seen significant investment through the construction of several indus-

This week, the Shannon Airport Group lodged a planning application with Clare County Council for the construction of a c. 63,000

structed to LEED international green building certification and NZEB/ ZEB enabled building standards, that incorporate high energy performance throughout the

trial and R&D property solutions for companies seeking to locate in the Midwest region as well as the upgrade and retrofitting of existing property across its

Shannon Campus.

The proposed new buildings will be located in the West Zone of the Shannon Industrial Estate, with direct access to the motorway feeding Limerick, Galway and Dublin. The proposed designs provide for office and warehouse spaces, yard spaces, 286 dedicated on-site car parking spaces, roof and ground mounted photo voltaic panels for on-site generation of renewable energy, and EV charging areas.

Gerry Dillon, Group Property Director at The Shannon Airport Group commented, “We remain committed to our investment strategy to build and supply quality property solutions that attract indigenous and FDI investment to the region. The demand for R&D and Industrial property in the Midwest remains strong as we have

New campaign helps Clare businesses go green

A NEW campaign has been launched by Local Enterprise Office Clare, Clare County Council, to help small businesses take those first steps in becoming more sustainable and to show them the substantial benefits.

The “Going Green, It’s All In A Day’s Work” campaign will show how easy it is for a business to make small changes that can make a significant impact. There are two specific supports available to all small businesses (up to 50 employees) in any sector that can set them on their green journey, the Green for Business audit and the Energy Efficiency Grant. Businesses are encouraged to take two minutes to register themselves on https://allinadayswork. ie/green and their Local Enterprise Office will take it from there.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare said, “For small businesses in any sector it has never been

easier to begin that green journey. They take less than two minutes to fill out the form and we will take it from there. We will work with them to find the best times to carry out the free Green for Business audit to take up as little time of theirs as possible and we work through the results with them.

“Then they will likely be in a position to apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant and we bring them through the whole process. We have the expertise, the time and the supports to help them go green and become more sustainable, they just have to register and we’ll take it from there. And the best thing about implementing these changes is that they will improve the business and help in saving time, money and energy, which is crucial for businesses at the moment.”

The free Green for Business audit enables a green consultant to assess the business over a

period of time and they compile a comprehensive report for the business which they can then work with their Local Enterprise Office to implement. The changes will often see the business reduce energy outputs and close production loopholes to help save time and money.

The expanded Energy Efficiency Grant, which was recently announced by Minister Peter Burke, enables businesses who have availed of the Green for Business audit to apply for up to €10,000 of funding to implement the outlined changes. This can all be carried out through the Local Enterprise Office.

Any small business is being encouraged to reach out to their Local Enterprise Office to start the process or take 2 minutes on https://allinadayswork.ie/green to fill out the form and their Local Enterprise Office will take it from there.

seen with our growth in business tenants across multiple sectors in recent years. The Shannon Airport Business Park is now one of the largest multi-sectoral business parks in Ireland, being home to more than 300 companies employing

over 10,000 people.

“This latest development aligns to our strategic plan and if approved, it will provide ready to go, state-of-the-art solutions for new companies looking to set up or relocate to the Shannon Airport Business Park.

Developments like this ensure that the Midwest can continue to thrive, helping to drive employment and economic growth to the region, which is directly aligned to the Government’s own Ireland 2040 plan,” he added.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout Clare.

The position of Human Resource Business Partner is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in playing a significant role within Clare Tourism West i.e. Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse and Vandeleur Walled Gardens and we are inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for this competition.

The successful applicant will report to the Group Human Resource Manager within Clare Tourism Development DAC, Shared Services and work closely with the General Manager, Senior Management and Line Managers within their designated visitor attraction site.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• Human Resource Business Partner

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 6th September 2024, at 5pm.

l Artist impression of the new buildings

IN RECENT ERA Ltd articles, we have explored the following types of leave: Annual Leave, Public Holidays, Force Majeure, Leave For Medical Care Purposes; and Domestic Violence Leave, The last three fall under the category of Protected Leave. In this article, we will delve into what Protected Leave entails and provide examples to illustrate its application.

PROTECTED LEAVE

Working Time Protected Leave, often referred to as Protective Leave, covers certain categories of statutory leave for employees in Ireland. Employees on Protected Leave are to be treated as if they are not absent from work, ensuring that their rights and entitlements remain unaffected during their leave. The various types of Protected Leave fall under different pieces of legislation.

Employees are entitled to certain statutory protective leave. This includes:

n Maternity leave (Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004): Employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave while having a baby. The employment contract will specify if the employer provides payment during this leave, although it is not mandatory. Maternity Benefit may be available, and employees can take an additional 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which is not covered by Maternity Benefit.

n Paternity leave (Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016): New parents (typically the father or the partner of the mother, or in adoption cases, the parent not taking adoptive leave) are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The employment contract will indicate whether the employer provides payment during this leave, which is not a requirement. Employees may be eligible for Paternity Benefit.

n Parental leave (Parental Leave Acts 1998–2019): Each parent is entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave, which must be taken before the child reaches 12 years of age, or 16 years if the child has a disability. Generally, employees must have been with their employer for at least 12 months to qualify for parental leave.

n Parent’s leave (Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 [amended by the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021]): Each parent is entitled to 9 weeks of leave during the first 2 years of a child’s life, or within 2 years of adoption placement. Employees may also qualify for Parent’s Benefit during this leave.

n Adoptive leave (Adoptive Leave Acts 1995 and 2005): One parent in an adoptive couple, or a

sole adopting parent, is entitled to 24 weeks of adoptive leave, starting on the day the child is placed with them. Employers are not required to pay employees during this leave. However, employees may be entitled to Adoptive Benefit. An additional 16 weeks of unpaid adoptive leave can be taken, although this is not covered by Adoptive Benefit.

n Carer’s leave (Carer’s Leave Act 2001): Employees can take unpaid leave to provide full-time care for someone in need. The statutory entitlement ranges from a minimum of 13 weeks to a maximum of 104 weeks. Generally, employees need to have worked continuously for their employer for 12 months to

qualify for carer’s leave. Depending on their PRSI contributions, they may be eligible for Carer’s Benefit.

If they do not qualify for this benefit, they may receive a means-tested payment called Carer’s Allowance.

n Health and safety leave (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 & Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004 [for pregnant employees and those who have recently given birth or are breast-

feeding]): Employees are entitled to health and safety leave if their employer cannot remove a health risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if they cannot be assigned to alternative “risk-free” duties. To qualify, employees must meet certain criteria and social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. Employers pay the employee’s normal wage for the first 21 days, with the Department of Social Protection covering the remainder of the

leave.

In our previous article we also covered the two most recently introduced types of leave falling under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023: n Domestic violence leave: Employees have a legal right to 5 days of paid leave if they need time off due to domestic violence or abuse. There is no minimum service required, and the leave can be taken by those directly experiencing do-

mestic violence or by those supporting a ‘relevant person’.

n Leave for medical care: Employees can take 5 days of unpaid leave within any 12 consecutive months to address serious medical care needs for a child or another relevant person. No minimum service is required, and employees do not need to give notice in emergency situations.

EMPLOYEE’S RIGHTS WHILE ON PROTECTED LEAVE

Generally, employees retain their employment status while on Protected Leave, meaning they continue to accrue entitlements such as annual leave during:

n Annual leave

n Maternity Leave

n Additional Maternity Leave

n Paternity Leave

n Parents Leave

n Parental Leave

n Adoptive Leave

n Force Majeure Leave

n Health & Safety Leave

n The first 13 weeks of Carer’s Leave

Employees also continue to accrue holiday entitlements during certified sick leave.

RIGHT TO RETURN FOLLOWING PROTECTIVE LEAVE

Employees have the right to return to the job they held before commencing Protected Leave, under terms and conditions that are no less favourable and that include any improvements to which they would have been entitled had they not taken leave.

In cases of longer Protected Leave, such as maternity, adoptive, or parental leave, it may not be feasible for the employee to return to the exact same role, especially if organisational or restructuring changes occurred during their absence. In such cases, the employer must provide suitable and appropriate alternative work, ensuring the terms are no less favourable than those the employee was entitled to before the leave.

NEXT STEPS

In ERA Ltd we specialise in development and implementation of the above procedures in workplaces. We provide advice on specific cases. We offer guidance and training for both employers and employees to navigate the rules surrounding these leaves to ensure both the employees and the employers are fully protected.

If you need assistance in this area, please give us a call on 086 238 1555 or email us at elaine@eraltd.ie – we are only a call or email away!

Breckan's boss it

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 3

St Breckan's 2-11 Corofin 1-05

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

l Sean O’Brien brings the ball out of defence followed by Jamie Stack Burren Eye Photography

STORY OF THE GAME

ST. BRECKAN’S

Frees For: 7 (3/4)

Wides: 6 (5/1)

Scores from play: 2-10

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Jamie Stack (0-4 1f) & Joe McGann (1-1)

Bookings; Dale Masterson (38), Jamie Stack (44) Own kickouts won: 8 out of 11 (72%)

COROFIN

Frees For: 11 (7/4)

Wides: 5 (1/4)

Scores from play: 1-3

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Colm Rice (1-0)

Bookings: Damian O’Loughlin (44) Red Card: Sean O’Brien (48) Own kickouts won: 12 out of 19

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph's Miltown Malbay)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Declan O'Keeffe, St Breckan's:

“There are a lot of aspects of this game which are pleasing enough but there are things to tidy up as well. Today was all about winning, about getting over the line and getting into the hat for the quarter final draw. We knew there would be nothing for granted with Corofin, they are a tough outfit, a proud club.

“We were able to move the ball with a bit of pace and get

Peadar O'Brien, Corofin

in behind them and it was pleasing to see that but in fairness to Corofin they didn’t allow us do that for long periods of the game and we had to figure out how to get around them.

“We are disappointed with the way we conceded the goal but we recovered very well from it and got the second goal and we defended astutely at the end.

“We didn’t play well. They got their scores a good bit easier than we did. The story of the year, we have been killed with injuries. We lost Cillein Mullins before the throw in today and we lost Diarmuid Cahill before half time. You just can’t lose the amount of players we have lost this year.

“They were fully deserving of their win, they got their goals at good times. We had a goal chance that would have brought it back to a point. It was a good goal chance but we didn’t get it. They went down the field and stuck their second goal and it was game over”.

'Men against boys' for Éire Óg

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 3

Éire Óg 2-17

Lissycasey 1-06

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees for: 8 (4/4)

Wides: 7 (4/3)

Spread of scorers: 9

Scores from play: 2-14

Top scorer: Gavin Cooney (1-4)

Bookings: Ciaran Russell (16), Ikem Ugwueru (25) Own kickouts won: 9 from 9 (100%)

REFEREE: Barry

“

LISSYCASEY

Frees for: 12 (4/8)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 1-3

Top scorer: Francie Hayes (1-0)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 17 from 26 (65%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Paul Madden, Éire Óg:

“People were wondering why we weren’t starting these guys (Manus Doherty and Mark McInerney), we won two games and we had two lads playing in the positions that the lads would normally play in that were going really well and are still going well so it is a nice position to be in.

"The players who play well will start and we’ll bring players on that can improve it, when you’re bringing them lads on you want them to bring an improvement and they did, Mark

was struggling a bit with his asthma but Manus came on and was unstoppable really.

“The goal was great but it wasn’t even that, it was his (Luke Pyne’s) tackling, he had four or five turnovers that led to scores, he is a great lad and his attitude is superb. It is his first year, he had a good day today and the sun is shining which is great when we win, he will have tougher days but mentally he is a strong lad and we’re delighted to have him.

“It was a little bit of men against boys. Physically, we weren’t able to match them first and foremost but I think we held them at bay a little bit. We got a goal and I would say we didn’t even get a five minute spell to see if there was a little bit of a reaction to the goal, or if we could build on it, but we had a terrible mistake a minute later which gave them a goal straight away

and it was heads down after that, we can have no complaints, they were miles the better team.

“You can’t turnover the ball, we had a lot of turnovers the last day against Kilmurry Ibrickane, we gave away a lot more today and you just won’t compete at this level if you keep giving the ball."

Goals 'at good times' for 'Bricks

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 3

Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-15 Kilmihil 0-13

Venue: Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park, Doonbeg Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

KILMURRY IBRICKANE

Frees for: 13 (9/4)

Wides: 11 (6/5)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 2-10

Top scorer: Keelan Sexton (1-4 1f)

Bookings: Martin McMahon, Daryn Callinan, Dermot

Coughlan Michael O’Dwyer

Own kickouts won: 13 from 19 (68%)

KILMIHIL:

Frees for: 14 (6/8)

Wides: 6 (1/5)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play: 0-08

Top scorer: Martin O’Leary (0-5 3f) & Ciaran Downes (0-5 2f)

Bookings: Dan Keating, Cathal Murray, Shane Downes, Gavin Downes

Own kickouts won: 18 out of 28 (64%)

REFEREE: Martin Downes (Naomh Eoin)

MANAGER COMMENT “

David Egan, Kilmurry Ibrickane:

“In the first half, in fairness to Kilmihil, they played some really good football and they caused us problems against the wind. . When they had the wind they, somewhat bizzarly, sat back a little. We took advantage of that and got the goals at good times”.

“We have used five subs in the three group games, we have

used 21 or 22 players. We are finding our strong points. We have 28 days now to get our best fifteen for the quarter final and that is what we wanted at the start of the campaign. We have achieved our goal in that regard”, the Offaly native added.

“At this stage in Clare there are eight really good teams and there will be no easy game.”

“It’s difficult when up against a club with a big pick; you could see the difference in the warm up. We are in the position we are in and we can’t pluck players off trees.

“It was a lot better performance today than in the first two games and

that is what we need to take through now to the relegation play-off. I thought we were the better team in the first half but we coughed up 1-3 from soft enough turnovers. We hit the cross bar and we could have been in the lead at half time."

Kelly (St Joseph's Miltown Malbay)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Thomas Collins of Lisseycasey tries to block Gavin Cooney

Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Damien O'Neill stretches as the ball sails past Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Michael Doran, Kilmihil

Aiden Moloney, Lissycasey

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Cleary scores 'huge' for Miltown

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 3

St Joseph's Miltown Malbay 1-12 Ennistymon 0-10

Venue: Cooraclare

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN

Frees for: 9 (4/5)

Wides: 9 (3/6)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 1-10

Top scorer: Eoin Cleary (1-3)

Bookings: Sean Neylon (25), Conor Cleary (27), Cormac Murray (34)

Own kickouts won: 12 from 17 (71%)

ENNISTYMON

Frees for: 17 (9/8) Wides: 7 (3/4)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-6

Top scorer: Diarmuid Fahy (0-4 2f)

Bookings: Sean Rouine (36)

Own kickouts won: 18 from 22 (82%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Martin Guerin, Miltown Malbay:

“You saw the difference Eoin Cleary made particularly in the second half with the scores he got, I think he scored 1-3 from play and in a game like this that is huge, it is great to have him back.

“We were happy at half time alright but we knew we were still under the cosh a little bit, particularly against Ennistymon who are strong, young and athletic and they had a very strong wind, we weren’t comfortable by any means but we knew

if we could keep the scoreboard ticking over that we’d probably pull away because we were up five points.

"After half time we kicked wides for a few minutes which is demoralising and it encourages the opposition, that is what happened and we had a poor patch while they had a good patch, they took their scores very well, they came back into it to level it and got a couple of great scores to go ahead”.

“It is hugely disappointing obviously but we are still in a quarter-final so we have to look at that now, we’ve four weeks to regroup so we’ll see what the draw brings us.

“It is tricky and we’ve a lot of dual players like, Inagh/Kilnamona are out next weekend and Ennistymon’s hurlers are out, we’ve Joe Casey playing

with Kilmaley so it is tricky.

“We left a lot behind us especially in the first half, we have to tidy up on our decision making and that is something we will have to work on”.

“There was one big play, Darragh McDonagh had a huge game overall, he caught a massive ball, he went up the sideline and he set up the goal”.

Character in abundance for Kildysart

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 3

Kildysart 1-12 St Joseph's Doora Barefield 1-11

Venue: Clarecastle

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

KILDYSART

Frees for: 11 (4/7)

Wides: 2 (2/0)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 1-9

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-5 2f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 17 from 22 (77%)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD

Frees for: 12 (3/9)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 1-8

Top scorer: Tom McDonald (0-4)

Bookings: Eoghan Boyle (47)

Own kickouts won: 14 from 15 (93%)

REFEREE: John O’Connell (Cooraclare)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Butler, Kildysart:

“We knew a win today would get us there, with the scoring difference from the Spa game two weeks ago we knew we wouldn’t beat Doora/ Barefield by seven or eight points. No more than last year we didn’t care what the score was when Cratloe were playing Ennistymon, we needed to get a win to get back up, it was a tough defeat two weeks

ago but we did two really good weeks of training, we’re very happy and we’ve two wins in the group.

“The character in the group is something that might be questioned but when it went 1-11 each we went up and got the last score, they have that character in abundance so we’re delighted”.

Donagh Vaughan, Doora Barefield:

“We missed some fairly good scoreable chances that just didn’t go over today. Kildysart took their chances, they were more efficient on the day and they deserved their win.

“It’s our first defeat, there was a point in it, we obviously wanted to win it, a draw would

have been a good result for a finish but we couldn’t get that equaliser. We have four weeks to dust ourselves down and see where that brings us.

““I think four weeks for us is very important especially with the dual aspect, we can rest players and maybe give them a few days off and get back at it hard again focused on the quarter-final”.

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 3

Cratloe 2-08 Doonbeg 0-12

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled

STORY OF GAME Cratloe top group

CRATLOE

Frees For: 11 (8/3) Wides: 11 (10/1)

Scores from play; 0-8

Spread of scorers: 6 Top scorer: Cathal McInerney (2-1 1-1f)

Bookings: none

Own kickouts won: 9 out of 15 (60%)

DOONBEG Frees For: 12 (5/7) Wides: 3 (1/2)

Scores from play: 0-6

Spread of scorers: 3

Top scorer: David Tubridy (0-8 4f 2’45)

Bookings: Eamonn Tubridy

Own kickouts won; 12 out of 21 (57%)

REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Colm Collins, Cratloe:

“We were put to the pin of our collar and credit to Doonbeg for that. We would be unhappy about a lot of things about our game. We spurned an awful lot of clearcut chances that we should be putting away. It's over now and we can look forward to the quarter final.

“We need to do a lot better if we are going to progress.

“I wasn’t all surprised with the challenge presented by Doonbeg. We were well prepared as I know the pride that Doonbeg have in their football and the strong tradition they have and I assured the lads before the game that this would not be a case of a team lying down in front of them”.

“We never spoke about relegation in the last two weeks, our focus was totally on Cratloe, coming in against the county champions and having a real cut at them here in Ennis and thank God we did but we came up short in the end which is disappointing.

“It’s a new competition now and we will talk about that when we return to training”.

SCAN HERE FOR

David

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Fergal Ginnane

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Seamus Hayes

John Keane, Doonbeg:

l Cathal McInerney gets past Cian O'Mahoney Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Darragh McDonagh is challenged by Diarmuid Fahy Photo by Gerard O'Neill Ger Quinlan, Ennistymon:

Silverware on offer for first time as Avenue and Bridge do battle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SILVERWARE is on offer for the first time this season with Avenue Utd and Bridge Utd doing battle in the Hugh Kelly Cup final.

Frank Healy Park will host the Premier Division

League Cup final on Friday evening with both Avenue and Bridge facing off to try lift the Hugh Kelly Cup.

Avenue won the League Cup last year, defeating Newmarket Celtic in the final and they will be looking to retain the title.

Bridge Utd who have been bolstered by the re-

Derbies await in relegation play-offs

WEST CLARE rivals Doonbeg and Kilmihil will meet in the Clare senior football championship relegation play off, writes Páraic McMahon

Both Doonbeg and Kilmihil have two further chances to save their senior status following defeats in their first three outings of this year’s championship. Corofin have drawn the short straw and are automatically in the relegation final where they will meet the losers of the Doonbeg versus Kilmihil tie.

It will be the first meeting of the rivals at senior level since 2021 where Kilmihil prevailed in a preliminary quarter-final running out winners on a score of 1-9 0-11, they went on to contest the quarter-final where they were defeated by Kilmurry Ibrickane by a goal.

There will be a North Clare derby in the intermediate relegation play-off. Ennistymon’s second side will meet Liscannor with the losers to face Killimer in the relegation final.

Relegation play offs are fixed to be played on September 14th/15th with the relegation finals down for decision on September 28th/29th.

turn of Scott Kirkland will be looking to start the season by claiming the first trophy on offer, they will be short their hurlers for this tie as Sixmilebridge will be in championship action in Cusack Park on Friday evening.

Brian Punch has been appointed as referee for

Friday’s final which kicks off at 7pm.

There will be an Ennis derby in Sunday’s First Division League Cup Final. The town’s two newest clubs, Fair Green Celtic and Ennis Dons clash at 11am on Sunday and this game will be followed at 3pm by the Third Division

League Cup final between Avenue Utd B and Newmarket Celtic C.

Greyhounds: Peter Duggan sweepstake underway in Galway

THE Peter Duggan Sweepstake gets under way at the Galway Track on this Friday night September 6th, known as the Construction Man’s Stake Its for A3 greyhounds over the 525 yds distance.

Four quarter finals are down for decision on this Friday night with a big entry of Clare dogs that will be hoping to make the semi-final on next Friday night September 13th. The final is pencilled in for Friday night September 20th and prize money of €1,500 to the winner.

Double All-Ireland winner Peter Duggan

Kilmihil's Considine drafted into Irish squad for Aussies

KILMIHIL’s Eimear Considine has been called up to the Irish women’s rugby squad for next week’s Test with Australia in Belfast.

Thirty three year old Eimear has been drafted into Scott Bemand’s 35-player camp this week after Connacht’s Méabh Deely was ruled out of the game with the Wallaroos on Saturday, 14 September, after suffering an ankle injury in her side's Interpro win against Ulster at the weekend.

Considine, who has won 26 caps, hasn’t been involved with Ireland since April 2022, but is an experienced option for Bemand to draw from. The UL Bohs fullback didn’t feature for Ireland in last year’s 6 Nations due to the birth of her first child, Caolán.

She made her comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Munster’s final round-robin game of the Interpro championship against Connacht two weeks ago, while she also featured off the bench in last weekend’s final against Leinster. Eimear is the fourth Clare member of the thirty five woman squad joining Kilmihil’s Edel McMahon and Ennis duo Chisom Ugwueru and Alana McInerney.

has strong connection with greyhounds with his family having a long involvement in the sport.

This stake is sponsored by O’Sullivan & Hansbury Motors, Kilrush Road, Ennis. The event is organised by W.G.O.B.A where more than half of their membership is from Clare.

All funds raised will go to the West Clare Cancer Centre.

The A3 graded seventh contest over 550 yards was the top graded contest on last Friday night’s card at the College Road Venue. John Croker recorded back to back

victories and the second win also of Bumblebee Lottie’s career in this A6 graded contest racing home four and a half lengths clear of Uphill Climb in 29.68. Bumblebee Lottie was best away from the trap one berth but rounding the opening bend the eventual winner swept through on the leaders inside to assume command of the contest entering the back straight. Racing along the back the Stephen

Murray of Sixmilebridge trained daughter of Doratos Wildcat and Crokers Ruby led Jacktavern Blue and Uphill Climb by over three lengths and tracking well between the final two bends Crokers Primrose was in full bloom up the straight for a stylish success.

The Darren Cooney of Broadford owned Donal Cooney trained Melbourne Flyer was another winner on the night to make all the

running as the son of Good News and White Queen made all the running to defeat Lissatouk Suzy by five lengths at the line in 29.40. Smartly into stride from his trap five berth Melbourne Flyer showed plenty of pace on the run towards the opening bend to lead from Rylane Master and Lissatouk Suzy and with trouble among the chasers at the opening bend the winner kicked clear down the far side. Clear passing the halfway mark Melbourne Flyer was always in control as he ran out a very comfortable winner.

PICTURED: Ronan Touhy and Jamie Roche in action

Photo by Joe Buckely

Fifteen teams chasing eight QF places

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

HEADING into the final round of group games in the TUS Clare senior and intermediate hurling championships this weekend its highly likely that score difference will come into play in determining the qualifiers from, at least, some of the groups.

In the Clare SHC the only one of the sixteen teams that cannot progress is O’Callaghans Mills.

The final two games in Group 4 take place this Friday evening and this group is particularly tight as a point either way could change things.

Sixmilebridge currently lead with two wins from two outings. Should they lose to Newmarket-on-Fergus and Crusheen beat St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, all three will be on 4 points with score difference needed to determine placings .

In the event of Newmarket-on-Fergus losing to their neighbours and Doora/Barefield overcoming Crusheen then Newmarket-on-Fergus, Doora/Barefield and Crusheen will each have 2

points and, here again, it will come down to score difference to determine which of the three would join Sixmilebridge in the last eight.

It’s a similar situation in Group 1

where Éire Óg lead at present with two wins from two outings. They play Ballyea in their final game on this Saturday.

Victory for Ballyea allied to a win

for Clonlara over Clooney/Quin will leave Ballyea, Clonlara and Éire Óg level on 4 points each leading to score difference to separate them.

Should Clooney/Quin overcome Clonlara and Éire Óg account for Ballyea then Ballyea, Clonlara and Clooney/Quin will be on two points each and here again, it will require score difference to separate them.

The same scenario applies in Group 2 where Kilmaley currently lead with 4 points from their two outings. They play Cratloe in their final game on Sunday and a win for Cratloe allied to Feakle beating Corofin will leave Kilmaley, Cratloe and Feakle level on two wins each resulting in score difference being needed to determine finishing positions

Similarly, should Corofin defeat Feakle and Kilmaley account for Cratloe it will leave Corofin, Feakle and Cratloe on one win each and again score difference will be required to determine the final order.

In Group 3 Inagh/Kilnamona must beat Broadford on Sunday to progress to the quarter finals. Any

other result will see them out of the race and leave Broadford and Scariff through.

In the intermediate championship all sixteen teams are still in the race for quarter final places but pointless St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Ogonnelloe, Broadford and Tulla will need to win this week and hope other results go in their favour if they are to remain in the race.

At the outset Tulla would have been one of the favourites to reach the quarter finals but losses to Parteen/Meelick who currently top the group and Whitegate have left them bottom of the group. They must beat Inagh/Kilnamona this week and hope that Parteen/Meelick account for Whitegate. Should this happen then score difference will determine who will progress between Tulla, Inagh/Kilnamona and Whitegate.

It’s a similar situation in the other groups where St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Ogonnelloe and Broadford all must win to have any chance of remaining in the race for the title.

l Clonlara may need the assistance of score difference to progress

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Silverware for Donnegan

by PÁDRAIG

The 2024 Curtis Cup was held at the stunning Sunningdale last weekend where the best amateur lady golfers from Great Britain & Ireland took on the USA team. Our local hero Aine Donnegan made this prestigious team along with fellow Irish players Sara Byrne and Beth Coulter.

Having played Sunningdale myself for the first time this year, I know how difficult a course it is, covered in thick heather. Course management plays at vital role, it is not just vital to hit the ball straight but you also have to choose a club wisely to avoid the heather and the bunkers.

There is also a lot of tiers to the greens and this combined with the lightening pace proves a real challenge.

Sunningdale or Stunningdale as I recall it, is definitely a course that will challenge every aspect of your golf.

The quality of the golf that was on display at the Curtis Cup was incredible.

The event is always even more enjoyable to watch when you have a local golfer competing in it. Aine Donnegan won 2 1/2 points from her four matches, an incredible return which helped GB & Ireland to lifting their first trophy since 2016.

Irish duo Aine Donnegan and Beth Coulter played together on the morning of Day 1 and had an incredible drawn match against a strong US team in Jasmine Koo and Zoe Campos. A half was a good result to settle into the tournament. Later that Friday was the fourball where Aine

played with Hannah Darling. This format is more fun than foursome's and you have to play aggressively because only birdies or better will usually win a hole.

Aine and Hannah had a thrilling game against USA's Anna Davis and Megan Schofill. The US team held a monster birdie putt on the 18th green, which then meant Aine's 15ft putt severely downhill with a severe left to right break for birdie was needed to secure the point. Aine as cool as a breeze rolled in her putt to remain one up and win the

match. To hold a putt under those circumstances shows how much of an incredible player Aine is and the bright future she has.

Saturday morning's matches opened with foursome's with Aine paired again with Hannah and luck would have it they again paired against Anna and Megan.

Again, this match was always going to be a thriller and it certainly started hot with both teams opening with birdies at the Par 5 opening hole. Aine and Hannah birdied the second also to take a minor lead going 1UP. With bogies on the 5th & 6th holes the US team took the lead going 1UP for the first time in the match. The lead was short lived however when Donnegan and Darling birdied the next to get the match back to all square.

They would never allow the US team to go ahead again in this match as a birdie on the 11th and a bogie on the 12th were enough to win both holes giving the Irish and Scottish girls a two-hole lead. They followed with a run of six pars to finish their round off and win again on the 18th

hole by 1UP. The girls shot under par for their round which is beyond impressive for a foursome's format.

Saturday was always known as moving day for a golf tournament and boy oh boy did the GB & Ireland girls get moving winning two and a half points to a half point for the USA team from a total of three points. The final score after Day 2 was GB & Ireland seven points and the USA team had five points. This meant all the GB and Ireland team had to do to win the cup was to win three and a half points in the singles on Sunday.

However, the record the USA team have in singles speaks for itself. Even though the girls were two points ahead it still is not a lot when there are eight singles matches out on the golf course. The opening match was World No.1 Woad versus a young 15-year-old Talley and what a match that turned out to be. Talley had five birdies on the front nine followed by an eagle on the tenth hole to go two ahead of the World No.1. She took out Woad on the 16th hole in the end and

words can barely describe the sensational golf Talley played under incredible tense pressure. This unexpected win for the US team would have sent huge confidence back through the team.

Another star player throughout the week was Irelands Sara Byrne. Sara, sponsored by our local fivestar hotel Dromoland Castle, finished her amateur career in style not losing any match in the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale, as she turns professional this week and we wish her all the best in her new career. The future for lady's golf is extremely bright and if anything, the Curtis Cup proves it. To witnesses so many exciting birdies and eagles throughout all five rounds was extremely entertaining to watch. Congrats to Matthews and her team and especially to Aine, Sara and Beth for representing Ireland so well winning between them seven of the ten and a half points in total. The future for these three Irish ladies is bright and we look forward to keeping an eye on their progress.

Club President Evelyn is golfer of the year at East Clare

by Seamus Hayes

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

THE winner of the ladies golfer of the year competition for 2024 at East Clare golf club is Evelyn Skehan who is also President of the club

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Noreen Doyle, Deirdre O'Neill, Mary Farrell and Brid Hayes from Noreen Skehan, Connie McKenna, Mary Collins and Marie A. Kelly.

The men's August medal competition was won by Patrick McNamara (19)with 65 from Darren Rosney (18) with 67 and Brian Lenihan (18), also with 67. Tony Cleary (-1) with 73 won the gross. Ronan Molloy won the longest drive while Ben Rittweger was nearest the pin.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Nick Obolewicz, J.J Barton and Michael Heffernan from Terry Coughlan, Chris Davis and Paddy O'Brien with third spot filled by Willie Roche, Michael Drew and Steve Symes.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

The competition at Kilrush on Sunday was for the Shannon Ferry prize which was won by Rory Flynn (16) with 40 points. Shane Carey (14), also with 40 points was second while third spot was filled by Michael Miniter (15) and he also had 40 points.

The category winners were David Keane (9) with 38 points, Colm Murphy (18) with 38 points and Gerard Hehir (24) with 39 points. The nines were won by John Robinson (26) and Jason Gallagher (17).

SHANNON GOLF CLUB:

Lady vice-captain Sandra Ferguson's prize was plyed for at Shannon last week and resulted in victory for Carmel McMahon (41) with 50 points from Pauline Nally (22) with 42 points. In third spot with 38 points was Dee O’Connell (41) followed by Eileen Carey (16) with 37 points.

Aine Twomey (10) won the gross with 28 points while the category winners were Noeleen Neylon (10), Carmel Regan (21), Dympna Hogan (27) and Therese Hurley (46) each with 37 points. The 9 hole competition winner was Nancy Parry.

Dromoland Golf Club:

The winner of the ladies player of the year competition at Dromoland was Sheila Kent with 37 points and she had one to spare over Mairéad Bergin with Jean Colleran in third spot with 34 points while Mairéad Toomey won the gross.

In the ladies 9 hole competition the winner was Mairéad Bergin with 20 points from Mairéad Toomey with 19 points. The men’s blue tee stroke competition was won by Donnagh Murphy (15) with 70 from Brian Shally (3) with 70 while John Greer won the gross with 76.

P. J. Conway (25) won the competition off the white tees with 59 from Mike Tobin (17) with 66. The men’s 9 hole competition was won by Stephen Bergin with 20 points from Diarmuid McMahon with 19 points and Damien O'Malley with 18 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The ladies club championship 18 hole stableford competition sponsored By Al

Hayes Motors was won by Chaye Kelly (12). with 34 points from Eilis Neville (31). who had a similar score and they finished a point ahead of Kathleen McEnery (39).

In the ladies fourball on Sunday the winners were Eilis Neville and Anne Kilker with 44 points.

The AMR golf sponsored ladies hampers competition takes place this week.

Thirty nine played in last week’s open singles at Woodstock which was won by Barry Keane (18 with 39 points from Noel O'Shea (25) with a similar score. Andrew Mason (12), also with 39 points was third.

Joe Barry (13) won the Western Joinery August medal with 65 while Brian Gilligan (scratch) won the gross with 68.

The category 1 winner was Alan Markham (6) with 70 from John Mulcahy (9) with a similar score. Category 2 was won by Kevin Toner (13 with) 68 from Chris McGrath (13) with 72 while category 3 was won by Barry Conway (20) with 69.

In the stableford competition for those 19 and over handicaps the winner was Rory O'Brien (26) with 39 points from Aaron Lavery (27), also with 39 points. There will be an open singles on this Thursday while the weekend competition will be the club championship, a strokeplay competition off the white tees.

Last tee times for competitions is 4pm.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB; Ennis intermediate ladies golf team qualified for the All-Ireland semi-final

with victory over Kinsale at Gort last week. They now advance to an All-Ireland semi-final against Castecomer, to be played on Friday week, September 13, at 12.10pm, in Gort.

A large number of club members turned out to support the team last Saturday and an even bigger attendance is expected on Friday week for the semi-final. In the ladies August medal, an 18 hole strokeplay competition, the winner of the silver division was Suzanne Deane (14) with 70 nett from Patricia Moroney (17) with 74 nett. Cora Kearns (30) won the bronze section with 73 nett from Helen Harnett (27) with 76 nett. The overall winner of the 9 hole stableford competition was Bernie Brooks (24) with 17 points.

Yvonne Keohane (9) won division 1 with 15 points, Betty O’Reilly won division 2 with 16 points and Eileen Holly (20) won division 3 with 16 points.

The winners of last week’s ladies seniors competition were Marie Dilleen, Phil Butler, Therese Lillis and Alice D'Arcy with 58 from Mary McMahon, Eileen Daly and Mary Glynn with 56.

GORT GOLF CLUB

The men’s 18 hole stableford competition at Gort, sponsored by the Burren Inn, was won by Con O’Donoghue (21) with 43 points. The gross was won by Gavin Lally (+1) with 38 points. In last week’s ladies 18 hole singles the winner of category 1 was Roisin Walsh (19) with 35 points. Yvonne Hogan (23) won category 2 with 34 points while the category 3 winner was Fran O’Reilly (34) with 29 points.

l Ennis intermediate ladies golf team

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

Take notice that Stephen Clohessy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLEHAUN, QUILTY

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HOLYWELL, KILFENORA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Eoin Keane intends to apply for retention permission for the Garage and Dwelling House on site, which are larger than those granted under Reference P08/474 , the revised site boundaries, the detached office & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making

Take notice that G. O’Boyle intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish shed and bathroom areas, and extend existing dwelling house at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

REHY EAST, CROSS

Take notice that P. Keane intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing derelict house, to include living-kitchen-dining areas, 2No bedrooms, bathroom and to install septic tank and percolation area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning author-

ity in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FARRIHY, KILKEE, CO CLARE

Full Planning Permission is being sought by Thomas & Aisling Nolan for the demolition of existing fire damaged bungalow and stand alone utility block, the construction of a new bungalow on the existing footprint and a new extension to the side, along with all associated site and landscaping works at Farrihy, Kilkee, Co Clare. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

POULAWILLIN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Elaine

Sexton intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

Licence Applications

An Chúirt Chuarda

South Western Circuit In The Matter Of:

section 2(1) of the licencing ireland act 1902

Notice Of Application

sile Guinnane

Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant sile Guinnane of Carrigaholt, Kilkee, Clare intends to apply to this Honourable Court sitting at Ennis in the County of Clare at the sitting thereof on the 15 Oct 2024 at 10:30 and that this application be taken in its order in the Court list for a Certificate entitling and enabling the Applicant to receive a Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail for consumption on and off the premises situate at Carrigaholt, Kilkee, Clare which said premises are more particularly described upon the drawings and plans accompanying this Application.

AND TAKE NOTICE that this premises has been lawfully licenced within the period of five years immediately preceding this Application.

Dated this 16th day of August 2024

Signed sile Guinnane

Applicant

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare @hse.ie

Mihaela Eloriana (Ellie) Ganță-Keane Doonbeg, Clare

Bridget (Bridie) McGuire (née Kennedy) Miltown Malbay, Clare

Johnny (John) O’Driscoll Kilshanny, Clare

Joseph William Bridges

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Leslie Carey Ruan, Clare

Gerard Carrigg Swords, Dublin

Gerard Howard Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Recent Deaths

Noreen (Nancy) McKenna (née Foley) Shannon, Clare

Marie Moroney (née Daly) Lissycasey, Clare

Mary O’Connor (née Cronin) Corbally, Limerick

Cyril O’Donoghue Shannon, Clare

Tommy Kennedy Lissycasey, Clare

Andrew (Andy Maloney Killaloe, Clare

Nora May Moroney

(née Melody) Caher, Clare

John Walsh Clonlara, Clare

Rita Deloughery (née Whitmore) Kilkee, Clare

Eithne KEANE (née Keating) Kilrush, Clare

Evin Martin Leigh Ennistymon, Clare

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it and place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful. Promise publication, never known ot fail T.O.R

The Clare Echo

CLARE FACTS

1 How many kilometres is Clare’s coastline?

2 How many nature reserves are there in Clare?

3 The Cliffs of Moher are home to the largest colony of ____ in Ireland?

4 Which of the following plants can not be seen side by side in the Burren region?

5What is the population density of County Clare?

6 What percentage is Clare’s coastline of the overall coastline of Ireland? 5% . 10% . 15%

7 In what year was Shannon given Town status? 1976 1979 . 1982

8Which of the following is Shannon’s Eircode? V11 V14 . V18

9In what year did the Shannon College of Hotel Management open its doors? . 1951 . 1961 . 1971

10 The Shannon College of Hotel Management is an official college of?. LIT NUIG UL

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

weeks Answers

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Sep 5

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The Clare Echo Crossword

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