The Clare Echo 05/10/23

FROM THE HIGHS ...TO THE LOWS

Businesses to march silently over 2040 plan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FRICTION between Save Ennis Town and Ennis 2040 DAC continues to escalate with a first of its kind silent march planned for the county town.

Save Ennis Town will hold a silent march on Tuesday morning as they attempt to show opposition to plans to build on Abbey Street car park and Harvey’s Quay as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

A petition containing 3,500 signatures is to be issued to the Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) as

part of the process.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion said the plans will result in “abandoned white elephants in years to come” while also ripping “the heart out of our beautiful town”.

Clare County Council have stressed public consultation will be held before any proposed development occurs.

Meanwhile a second ‘big dig’ is to commence in the county town on Monday at Harvey’s Quay.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC

outlined, “Any proposed development on Harvey’s Quay will not interfere, touch or build on any flood protection infrastructure now or in the future. Addressing the housing crisis through the provision of high-quality town centre housing is a priority for Clare County Council and the Irish Government. The taxi rank is to remain operational at the site for foreseeable future and an alternative location will be found when required.”

l Delight versus devastation - contrasting emotions on the sideline in Cusack Park from Cratloe manager Colm Collins and Éire Óg manager Paul Madden during Sunday’s dramatic county semi-final which saw Cratloe end Éire Óg’s reign as Clare SFC champions. Photo by Ruth Griffin

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Aindrias brings light to glór

BY THE Light of the Silvery Moon sees Aindrias tread in the footsteps of the great Irish storytellers, uncovering ancient pathways and heralding a new era of Irish storytelling. Tickets are available from glór’s box office on 065-6843103. The show begins at 8pm on Friday October 13th, writes Páraic McMahon.

Strongly influenced by previous bards like Raifteri an Fhíle, Brian Merriman and Aindrias MacCruitín, this storytelling show will see the wandering bard, with his rustic violin and other such accompaniments travel the roads of Ireland telling tales and short stories to eager audiences in the towns and villages of rural Ireland and across western Europe.

Aindrias’ style is a fast paced, lively new approach to the ancient Irish art form, yet his work is firmly rooted in the traditional storytelling styles of the west of Ireland. Inspired by his work in folklore, nature, and the traditional arts, Aindrias brings us on a journey through tales of villages lost to the sea, misadventures of wandering musicians, humorous recitations, abridged folkloric myths, and of course his own selfpenned outrageous tales.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a new experience in storytelling, combining spoken word with guest musicians - harpist Aisling Lyons and percussionist Brian Fleming - collaborating live to add a sonic soundscape to the tales and performance.

Supporting Newmarket Celtic Young Newmarket Celtic supporters, Finn O’Malley, Adam Shanahan, James Horan, Eliah Kenny, Shane Considine and James Moran at the meeting of Newmarket Celtic and Shannon Town in the Munster Junior Cup Photo by Joe Buckley

Second ‘big dig’ in Ennis with works to begin in Harvey’s Quay

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SECOND ‘big dig’ is to commence in the county town as part of excavation works for the Ennis 2040 strategy.

Ground investigations will begin at Harvey’s Quay on Monday after a road opening licence was granted by Clare County Council.

Such works are already ongoing on Abbey Street car park with the commencement of the ‘big dig’ met with backlash from local retailers and Save Ennis Town, but will finish two weeks ahead of schedule.

Lymar Contracts from Lissycasey supported by TVAS (Ireland) Ltd Archaeology (TVAS) and Ground Investigations Ireland (GII) will start work at Harvey’s Quay next week.

Harvey’s Quay is one of nine strategic sites identified as potential opportunity sites set out within the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy. Although the development at Harvey’s Quay is not imminent, a spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC said it was “keen to minimise the impact on the town and maximise efficiencies by using the contractors and their equipment while they are already on site at Abbey Street Car Park”. The work will also assist in the design of any future pedestrian bridges across the River Fergus and Post Office field. With a shorter and tighter programme of work than that required at Abbey Street, the investigations are scheduled to be completed before the busy Christmas shopping period and outside of the public realm development works planned by Clare County Council.

As part of these ground investigation works,

a number of spaces at the taxi rank will be temporarily displaced during the day. However, these will be reinstated outside of working hours.

Findings from these excavations will inform the design process of a landmark building and the provision of services across the broader development site. A comprehensive archaeological impact assessment will accompany a future planning application, containing a set of recommendations aimed at mitigating any disruption to archaeological deposits.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) warned of potential flood risks should the planned developments for the

car parks in Abbey Street and Parnell Street proceed. “Parnell Street now know that Ennis 2040 is happening now in 2023. I made a submission during the making of the County Development Plan objecting to the zoning proposals from Ennis 2040 for both Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks. The Chief Executive in his report on submissions did not agree with my objection. The Office of Public Works lodged a submission objecting to any proposed development in the area of Parnell Street car park where flood protection attenuation tanks, pumps and electrical equipment, are located close to the rear off AIB bank.

“I object to this development on scarce car

parking in Parnell Street car park and to the removal of the taxi rank that took a decade to get agreement to relocate it there to Parnell Street car park. The taxi rank cost a significant amount of public money to design and construct. If Ennis 2040 proceed with their plans for multi-storey residential apartment development the taxi rank will be removed with no known plans for its relocation in another town centre location. Both Abbey Street and Parnell street car parks are located in flood zones which means if the flood defences are breached the area will flood. I understand that even in flood defence protected areas that residential development is not permitted due to potential risk of residents,” Cllr Flynn added.

Established as a wholly owned special purpose vehicle of Clare County Council, Ennis 2040 D.A.C. is developing key strategic sites for the purposes of enhanced employment, enterprise, investment and economic progress. It aspires to grow the population of Ennis on average by 1.6% per annum and deliver an additional 5,000 jobs by 2040.

Responding to Cllr Flynn’s comments, a spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC told The Clare Echo, “Any proposed development on Harvey’s Quay will not interfere, touch or build on any flood protection infrastructure now or in the future. Addressing the housing crisis through the provision of high-quality town centre housing is a priority for Clare County Council and the Irish Government. The Taxi rank is to remain operational at the site for foreseeable future and an alternative location will be found when required”.

Save Ennis Town upping volume on opposition with silent march plans

MARCHES and protests are commonplace in the county town but one with a new twist will quietly make its way across Ennis on Tuesday, writes Páraic McMahon Save Ennis Town will hold a silent march on Tuesday morning leaving Abbey Street car park at 09:30 and proceeding to the offices of Clare County Council where they will lodge a petition with Mayor of the Ennis Cllr Pat Daly (FF). 3,500 signatures are attached to the petition which is asking county councillors to halt plans to build on Abbey Street car park and Harvey’s Quay as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy. Tensions between Save Ennis Town and Ennis 2040 DAC rose in the past week when a statement was issued by the DAC refuting “false claims” from the community group who were labelled as a “protest group”.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion urged councillors “not to transfer this invaluable public property to Ennis 2040 DAC, an entity that, as presently constituted, can later dispose

of this once public property, without the consent of the Clare County Council”.

He said, “There are many vacant sites that exist in Ennis that are ideal for regeneration and development. This is where Clare County Council and Ennis 2040 DAC should concentrate their plans”.

“Their plans will mean replacing parking, the taxi ranks and riverside amenities with large, multistory buildings, of uncertain commercial viability. The Clare County Council/ Ennis 2040 DAC proposals for these public locations form a type of speculative development comprising of high cost office and large retail plans that could see the centre of Ennis becoming home to a sorry gathering of abandoned ‘white elephants’ in the years to come,” Mannion added.

Extra impetus has been provided to the group with support from the public who “are overwhelmingly opposed to the destruction of our riverside car parks”.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson

for Clare County Council stressed that “comprehensive public consultation” will be held by the Council and the Ennis 2040 DAC “before any proposed development takes shape once draft plans become available, giving everyone the opportunity to submit their feedback and share their views”.

Priorities of the National Development Plan are met with the Ennis 2040 Strategy, the spokesperson added “in seeking to regenerate and revitalise Ennis and to secure a more sustainable future for the town and county”.

New homes, retail outlets and commercial spaces will be built by Ennis 2040 DAC in conjunction with the Council, the spokesperson added.

“Ennis has an opportunity to face the amazing natural asset that is the river Fergus and embrace it by building riverside board walks and plazas that will connect communities and provide an incredible outdoor amenity for everyone”.

Commitment to keep the current 2,923 parking spaces was voiced by the Council.

l INVESTIGATION: Harvey’s Quay, Ennis

St Francis Credit Unions support local community Orthodontist post vacant since July

ST FRANCIS Credit Union were delighted to be able to support Lissycasey Cascades through our Social & Cultural Fund this year.

St Francis Credit Union embarked on the Social & Cultural Fund as part of its community outreach and social engagement in Clare where we supported the new structure for visitors to shelter and enjoy picknicks at Lissycasey Cascades.

Speaking about the support, Louis Fay CEO St Francis Credit Union said “The Social & Cultural Fund was set up to support organisation like the Lissycasey Cascades in funding to either start or complete projects that help local communities to bring something different to the locality and this particular project is exactly what we had in mind when we started the fund in 2018 and the completed works are here for everyone to see.

Mary Daly with Lissycasey Cascades & Historical Committee commented “We are delighted with this

partnership with St Francis Credit Union. Their ethos of social responsibility and community development is very much in line with our own core ethos. We

are very happy to work together with the credit union as they help us in raising much needed funds for our projects.”

St Francis Credit Union has been operating in the

Clare area for 57 years. The credit union provides valuable savings and loan services to its 47,000 members in Co Clare. St Francis Credit Union.

CLARE’S specialist orthodontist within the HSE has not been replaced since their retirement in July with a four year waiting list continuing to expand, writes Páraic McMahon

On July 28th, the specialist orthodontist within the HSE retired. Recruitment campaigns by the HSE to fill the vacancy have been unsuccessful to date with no applicants coming forward since August. Approval to fill two additional Specialist Orthodontists posts has been given to the HSE Orthodontic Service in the MidWest. Maria Bridgeman, Chief Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare outlined that if the recruitment process for these two posts is successful, “the waiting time for treatment will reduce significantly”.

At a meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) questioned why the orthodontist covering Co Clare had not been replaced. “I have been told the waiting list is four years,” she stated.

For non-priority cases, the waiting time for orthodontic treatment is currently over four years.

Recruiting “for such specialist resources” is proving quite difficult for the HSE, Bridgeman acknowledged. “Since May 2022, the HSE has conducted five recruit-

Why bother?

ment campaigns (most recently in August 2023) in an attempt to backfill the three vacant Specialist Orthodontist posts (one retirement and two newly approved posts). Successful candidates were offered positions as a result of this campaign but these candidates have not accepted these posts”.

She confirmed there was no applicants for the most recent campaign in August. “While every effort has been made to fill the existing vacancies within the service, unfortunately, the pool of Specialist Orthodontists is very limited and most are attracted to the more lucrative conditions of private practice. It should be noted that the issue of recruiting and retaining suitably qualified Orthodontists is not unique to the HSE Mid West area, it is an issue for the HSE Orthodontics Service throughout the country. HSE Mid West Community Healthcare will continue its efforts to fill these important roles within the Orthodontic service”.

As per HSE policy, patients who are in need of an orthodontic assessment must be referred from the Primary Care Dental Service prior to their 16th birthday. Assessments are completed at orthodontic clinics within the region such as Ennis, Limerick, Thurles and Nenagh.

lSOCIAL & CULTURAL: Anne Hayes Lissycasey Cascades, Louis Fay CEO St Francis Credit Union & Mary Daly Lissycasey Cascades

Sarah will ‘always be with us’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HUNDREDS OF mourners travelled to Kilnamona on Friday packing St Joseph’s Church and filling the streets for the funeral of 14 year old Sarah Mescall.

St Joseph’s Church reached capacity 50 minutes prior to the 11am funeral mass on Friday morning. Outside, the crowds were as big with queues beyond the gates leading up to the church.

Sarah was laid to rest in a white coffin draped in her Inagh/Kilnamona jersey that she was so proud to wear, on numerous occasions. Indeed, camogie clubs from across the county have posted tributes online along with Clare Camogie and Clare GAA.

Her camogie teammates formed part of a guard on honour along with students from Coláiste Muire while members of the All-Ireland winning Clare minor hurling panel for whom Sarah’s brother Jack lined out at midfield also lined the streets.

Symbols by her coffin represented Sarah’s affection for her family, her local camogie team and her pony Gypsy. Gifts brought to the altar including her riding helmet, fake tan and make-up, camogie helmet and family pictures.

Fr Martin Shanahan noted, “This is a big blow. There’s a cloud hanging over our parish these past few days – it’s a very heavy cloud”. He believed the huge attendance served as “a message” to the Mescall family “that we are with you, every step of the way, to support and help you along this sad journey of life, which was so short for Sarah”.

He said of Sarah that she was “a beacon of light in life’s storms. She fought the good fight, her race was short but she finished it”.

‘Memories of Sarah’ were a number of reflections penned by her friends which told of her “tremendous” camaraderie,

and her skills on the camogie field and at horse-riding. “She adored the social side of school and quickly amassed a tribe of friends, and many were fortunate enough to call Sarah their friend. She was loyal, she stood up for everyone, she was hilarious, and her constant smile was a source of joy for everyone that met her”.

How Sarah attracted the attention of boys was also recalled by her friends, “From an early age, Sarah was popular with the boys and had her first marriage proposal in first class, which was firmly rejected much to the disappointment of her lovestruck class mate”.

How she took “great pride in her appearance” was also noted plus her use of eye liner and fake tan. Her “determination and toughness” is why she was often giving the task of curbing the influence of the opposing team’s top scorer on the camogie field.

Oliver Mescall, Sarah’s uncle thanked members of the emergency services, and the doctors and nurses in University Hospital Limerick, Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Temple Street, Dublin, “who worked so hard to give Sarah a chance”.

How the community have rallied behind the family was acknowledged by Oliver. “We understand they are suffering along with us and it makes us very special to be part of such a community”.

Joy from playing camogie, her involvement in the group and the club was a major part of Sarah’s life, he said. He added that the most fun for Sarah “was going for a ride on her pony, Gypsy. She did it with one hand on the reins and another on the phone, I don’t know how she did it and she enjoyed it. They had great times together”.

He described his niece as “a happy girl who loved fun, and great times”. The Kilnamona man said, “Look, she was a cheeky little divil, in the nicest possible way, getting the fake tan done. It was as much for the

on Donegal pilot’

CLARE should not be waiting on a pilot scheme to be completed in another county before its social housing stock has access to a defective concrete block scheme, a Shannon representative has said, writes Páraic McMahon

At present there is no Government grant scheme for social houses affected by defective concrete blocks. In July, Clare was officially recognised in the grant for homeowners with defective blocks following an campaign of almost three years.

A study by Clare Pyrite Action Group (CPAG) chairperson, Dr Martina Cleary last year found that more than 1,000 homes in the county could have pyrite. Homes were affected in 38 locations across the county including Newmarket-onFergus, Ennis, Kilkee, Kilrush, Sixmilebridge, Cratloe, Feakle, Kilkishen and Shannon.

350 of Clare County Council’s own housing stock are understood to have pyrite.

In a proposal before the September meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “The understanding is that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are planning to operate a social housing pilot scheme in Donegal for properties affected by defective concrete blocks and once the findings for this scheme is complete, they will then roll this out elsewhere”.

She felt a similar scheme should be established in Co Clare. “Clare in its own rights should not have to wait on a pilot scheme to be completed in another county in order to receive its own scheme for defective concrete blocks, this will then give people living in these houses affected by defective concrete blocks a clearer picture as to when they can expect a secure, safe home”.

Work of Council engineer Conor Marrinan in rolling out the current scheme for Clare homeowners was praised by Cllr McGettigan as she stressed the need for the social housing equivalent to be made available.

camogie as for the Queens discos, I think. I’ll leave it at that and just say thanks to everyone, and that, Sarah will always be with us”.

Sarah’s remains were laid to rest in Kilnamona cemetery. She is survived by her parents Deirdre and Joe, and siblings Emily and Jack.

An Garda Síochána continue to investigate if Sarah died from

partaking in a TikTok challenge. A file is under preparation for the Coroner, a spokesperson confirmed.

In a statement this week, TikTok said content such as aerosol challenges are prohibited on its platform and would be removed if found. A TikTok spokesperson said during the week that the social media challenge is “not a TikTok trend”.

“Five Council estates are understood to have pyrite, Clare is one of the worst counties affected, why should these people who are paying rent have to wait until another county gets their scheme rolled out until they have theirs. We need to send out a clear message to open the scheme immediately, we’re a good county in our own right and we need to get this sorted for once and for all”.

A facilitator has been appointed within the Council, Adrian Headd an engineer within the local authority’s housing department confirmed. “We are aware of 50 specific properties which would tend to advise there is more in those locations through time, we haven’t a full survey of all the housing stock, we are awaiting details on the scheme and the assessment that will be required, we have continued to stress the need. We will continue to do that and fight for a scheme for Clare”.

lSarah Mescall

‘We should not be waiting

United to beceom Sustainability leaders

Tourism leaders across Co Clare have joined forces to achieve Ireland’s first Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Certification. Recognised as a global leader in managing standards for sustainable travel and tourism, the GSTC has developed internationally recognised criteria around sustainable management, and socioeconomic, cultural and environmental impacts, including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes. Pictured (L-R) Sile Cahill Tourism Department, Clare County Council; Danielle Devaney, Shannon Sports and Conference Bureau; John O’Malley, Senior Executive Officer, West Clare Municipal District; Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Clare County Council; Geraldine Enright, Director Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience; Joan Tarmey, Tourism Officer, Clare County Council; Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council; Dr. James Hanrahan, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo; Carol Gleeson, Manager Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark; Fiona Mc Kenna, Doctoral Researcher, Atlantic Technological University; Christine O’Brien, Tourism East Clare; Cllr Cillian Murphy, Clare Tourism Advisory Forum; Sean O’Farrell, Burren Geopark Team. Missing from the photo is Anne Griffin (CCC); Morgan Lahiffe (CCC), Irene Hamilton (Scattery Island Tours), Luke Aston (Loop Head Tourism), Linda Coleman (Loop Head Tourism), Colette Costello (CCC), Jarlath O’Dwyer (Burren Ecotourism Network) and Bernard Cahill (Armada Hotel)

Ennis to get new dialysis unit

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS are afoot to locate a satellite haemodialysis unit in Ennis.

Management of UL Hospitals Group are to meet with shortlisted companies this month, having already met with a number of potential providers.

Currently, there are 57 patients with an address in Co Clare receiving dialysis treatment from UL Hospitals Group at the renal department of University Hospital

Limerick and also the satellite dialysis centre on the Dock Rd. An unspecified amount of patients believed to be in the region of 30 are also getting treatment in Galway according to staff in the Saolta University Health Care Group.

CEO of UL Hospitals Group, Colette Cowan confirmed that they are “undergoing a tender process for a contracted satellite haemodialysis unit to be located in Ennis and which will serve patients from County Clare. Neither Ennis Hospital nor the Primary Care Centre in Ennis is considered suitable due to capacity/demand issues within those facilities. We envisage that this unit will be similar to the satellite centre already in place on the Dock Road, Limerick”.

Potential providers have met with management of UL Hospitals Group, the successful company will provide the dialysis machines with the contract anticipated to be awarded in the first quarter of 2024.

Four isolation rooms are provided for in the tender document with a gowning area. Consultant-directed medical care for chronic haemodialysis patients, nurse-delivered and super-

vised haemodialysis delivery and care with regular consultant led reviews, regular dietetic review and support, other clinical supports such as pharmacy services and administrative support are envisaged to be provided within the satellite facility.

Ms Cowan advised, “Governance of this unit will be provided for by UL Hospitals Group with a designated Consultant Nephrologist from the Renal Department at University Hospital Limerick providing the overall clinical governance.

“The development of the unit in Ennis will allow patients to benefit from better quality of life by being able to avail of treatments closer to home. The development of this unit will also help ease pressure on the Renal Department at University Hospital Limerick and on the satellite unit on the Dock Road, Limerick”.

Speaking at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) welcomed the progress. “Plenty of people other than myself have been doing a lot of work advocating for the service, there are a lot of people who deserve credit to get to this point. 57 people in Clare will be delighted to hear progress on the way”. He had tabled a query on the unit after issuing a commitment to do so at the July meeting of Clare County Council.

An update had also been sought later in the meeting by Cllr Mary Howard (FG). She stated, “Cillian spoke of dialysis, there’s actually 91 patients”. The Ennis woman continued, “You would attend hospital three days a week for four hours a time, prior to COVID they went on a mini bus from Ennis

and that has stopped so it is now individual taxis which must be costing a fortune, people from Cilllian’s neck of the woods (West Clare) and I am surprised he didn’t mention it, the trip is 90 minutes”. She flagged the mental strain such trips take on patients.

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) has been vocal on the need for a dialysis unit in the county town. In a motion before the Council in July, he asked that the HSE and Department of Health be contacted to provide a dialysis machine at Ennis Hospital.

He highlighted the “huge cost” paid by the HSE on transporting patients via taxi. “Now is the time the facility be made available at Ennis Hospital. I would ask our HSE Forum members to support and raise at their next meeting”.

With such a high amount of patients being transported into Limerick, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) remarked that “the monetary impact is too much”. Cllr Michael Begley (IND) stated, “The cost of this and modern technology now, you can have those machines at home so it won’t be a huge expense to cater for 20 people in Ennis Hospital, cost should not be a problem”.

Recalling that she raised the matter in a motion two years ago, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) revealed that the constituent who brought the matter to her attention has since died.

“Money is spent on taxis and it is such a shame to think people are dragged out of their homes very early in the morning and not returned until late in the day, the people should not be put under pressure to leave their home”.

Trump’s status as West Clare hotelier on the line pending civil trial

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONALD Trump’s status as a West Clare hotelier could be on the line, depending on the outcome of a civil fraud trial.

A Manhattan court case which began on Monday will decide the future of Donald Trump’s New York real estate business, the empire by which he made his name.

The New York attorney general, Letitia James, is taking Trump to court after a threeyear investigation found that he and others within the Trump Organization repeatedly used false or misleading financial statements to broker deals, obtain favourable loans and bolster the appearance of his net worth.

The judge presiding over the trial, the New York supreme court justice Arthur Engoron, already found Trump guilty of financial fraud in a pre-trial judgment. The trial will be dedicated to determining whether, and how much, Trump will have to pay for the verdict.

James has argued that the Trump Organization should owe at least $250m for profiting off loans that were awarded based on false and misleading financial statements. Trump’s lawyers have appealed the judgment, though it is unlikely to affect the trial’s proceedings.

Trump, his two adult sons and the wider Trump Organization are accused of massively inflating the value of their properties by over $2bn in order to secure favourable loans.

On the trial’s first day, Mr Trump made a surprise appearance at the courthouse where he lambasted the judge and the New York attorney general who brought the case. He has denied any wrongdoing, calling the case

a sham.

A defeat would mark a significant blow to the real estate empire that propelled him to national recognition long before he ran for the White House. Those holdings constitute a significant chunk of his personal fortune and self-image.

Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine estimated that his New York properties alone are worth $720m of his estimated $2.5bn.

Mr Trump has repeatedly pointed to his achievements in the New York real estate market as a source of personal pride.

In a 2015 interview with Bella NYC magazine, he touted the “many great buildings” that he has built and owns as his greatest accomplishment outside of his family.

A victory for prosecutors would mean that Mr Trump and his company would have to pay a $250m fine and be banned from doing business in New York, prising Trump Tower and the rest of his holdings from his grasp. His presence in court suggests that he knows how high the stakes are.

Such an outcome would pose major questions for his future ownership of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel resort in Doonbeg. The sale of the West Clare resort is understood to be unlikely but remains a possibility.

Donald values five star resourt at between $25 million and $50 million (€22.8 million to €45.7 million).

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

An operating profit of €509,892 was recorded in Doonbeg in 2021 after sustaining operating losses of €1.98m in 2020, a positive swing of €2.49m. Revenues increased by 90 percent or €3.4m from €3.76m to €7.17m. The figures also showed that the numbers

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

lDonald Trump attends court

employed at the resort jumped from 112 to 137 though remained off the 230 employed in 2019.

During his last visit to Co Clare in May, Trump told The Sunday Independent, “If you’re in the world of politics and you’re doing what I’m doing, you want to make the world great again. In the world of business, you want to become very successful and do

a wonderful job — like what we’ve done with Doonbeg.

“I have bought this and rebuilt it and it has become a tremendous success. I bought it when it was a distressed property many years ago and now it’s one of the best pieces of property in Ireland… It’s been great. You know this community loves me because I have done such a good job”.

The Town Hall Bistro

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

The Poets Corner Bar

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

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

Ennis neighbours (89) get moving with Joe Wicks

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

A PAIR of 89-year old neighbours from Ennis have touched the hearts of millions after a video of them exercising with social media influencer Joe Wicks went viral.

West Clare natives originally, Pádraig Mac Mathúna and Ceceilia O’Sullivan got to know each other while cutting turf in the 1940s. Now in 2023, the pair are next-door neighbours living in Ennis and they are defying their years by exercising together every day to Joe Wicks’ workout programmes.

Pádraig and Ceceilia met the famous fitness coach Joe Wicks last Thursday at Ennis CBS as The Body Coach completed his school tour across Ireland.

Mac Mathúna turned 89 in June whilst Ceceilia turns 90 within the next month. The pair struck a chord with Joe who video recorded his meeting with the pair and shared it with his 4.6 millions followers on Instagram.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Pádraig recalled, “We both grew up in West Clare so we would have known each other as teenagers, I probably got to know Ceceilia in the bog cutting turf in the late 1940s.

“But then I suppose there were a number of years where we probably didn’t see each other, and in 1963 we both built houses adjacent to each other without knowing.”

It wasn’t until the Covid-19 lockdown came when Cecelia’s daughter Irene discovered Joe Wicks’ online workouts and

Notes

'Potential of serious flooding' flagged

O’BRIENSBRIDGE is facing “a serious issue of potential flooding” according to a local councillor, writes Páraic McMahon An appeal for works to be carried out in O’Briensbridge “to prevent flooding of businesses and dwellings,” was made by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) at the September meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. “Currently the storm water drain is not capable of preventing flooding,” he flagged.

Executive engineer, Declan Flanagan confirmed that staff in the Killaloe MD met with numerous property owners in O’Briensbridge “regarding issues of flooding following heavy thundery downfalls. The existing storm network in O’Briensbridge will need to be surveyed from the roadside gullies to its outfall via a CCTV survey”.

Flanagan said that the Killaloe MD would propose to carry out a CCTV sur-

vey “on this pipeline over the coming weeks. If required, this existing storm water line may need to be upgraded. Additional gullies on the street may also be required pending the outcome of the CCTV survey.

“The works will be subject to funding and may involve minor disruption to the traffic lights due to the vicinity of the traffic loops. Priority will be given to this issue if the results of the survey prove an underlying issue”. Killaloe based O’Brien told the meeting, “There is a serious issue of potential flooding in O’Briensbridge, I acknowledge the surveys carried out, there is a budgetary provision. You’ve outlined what is required and nobody can disagree with that, it is down to getting the monies provided and I accept that, it is a challenge for us”.

His proposal was seconded by Cllr Pat Burke (FG).

since then, the pair engage in Joe’s online workouts on a daily basis. “And we’ve kept it up continuously since Covid. And we please hope to continue for another while”.

On their meeting with Joe Wicks, Mac Mathúna remarked, “we were surprised actually. Irene texted him and said we were doing his exercises and we’d like to meet and yesterday morning we got the message that he would like to meet us and have a chat and a photograph. He’s very nice, his brother was with him and is a very social and very friendly person.

THE BALLYGASTEL OUTRAGE 1887

“We just had a general conversation, we told him we were doing his exercises every day and he asked us our age and he was just surprised that at this stage of our lives that we were exercising, it was just a general friendly chat. He stayed talking and we did a bit of an exercise together.”

The neighbours enjoy Joe’s workouts and highly recommend them to everyone. Cecilia told The Clare Echo, “I like the exercise, I love it, it keeps us fit”. Paddy added, “Oh yes, definitely, It’s very good. Especially senior citizens because there isn’t any other activity.”

The North Clare Historical Society will commence its new lecture series on Monday 9th October with a talk on The Ballygastel Outrage 1887 by Joe Queally. The talk will be held at the Courthouse, Ennistymon at 8.15 pm. Admission €8. All welcome.

EVENING OF MUSICAL FAVOURITES

Kilkee Civic Trust are hosting an autumn concert titled: An Evening of Musical Favourites on Saturday, 7th October 2023 at 8 pm at Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell Street, Kilkee V15 P960. Tickets priced at €15 each may be purchased online at www.clarearts.ie. Alternatively, contact the Box Office at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee - at 065 906 0769.

X-PO RE-OPENS FOR NEW SEASON

X-PO are delighted to be opening up this October with a great lineup. Kilnaboy Singing Circle invites you to join us as we start up again on Monday nights from 8-10pm. Text 0860550771. Ciorcal Chómhrá - Free Irish Language Classes - Starting Wednesday 11th October at 7:30pm. Tuille eolais is available at 087 216 23 51.

IBTS CLINIC

There will be an IBTS donation clinic at Shannon Oakwood Hotel on Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th October from 4.00 - 7.20. New donors welcome. Call 1800 222 111 for appointment. Further info at www.giveblood.ie

Series of free ‘Clare Autism Aware’ webinars to commence next week

A SERIES of free online training webinars are being offered to community and voluntary groups across Clare as part of the ‘Clare Autism Aware’ programme.

Supported by Clare County Council under the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, Autism Consultant Dr Susan Crawford will host the multi-level, county-wide training programme which is aiming to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder in the wider community.

The series of four Clare Autism Awareness Webinars commences this Wednesday at 8:15pm (05 October) with additional webinars set for 12 October, 19 October and 26 October.

Given that one in every 65 children of school age has an autism

spectrum disorder diagnosis, the webinar organisers hope the project will have a direct impact on a large number of individuals across County Clare.

Welcoming the initiative, Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “The Elected Members were fortunate to take part in the initial training provided by Dr Susan Crawford. I would like to thank her for developing the programme and raising awareness of this condition and I would encourage everybody to take time out of their schedule to take part in the training.”

Dr Susan Crawford, Autism Spectrum Consultant with ‘Get Autism Active’, commented, “I am delighted to support the development and growth of the Clare

Autism Aware initiative by Clare County Council. This project will showcase amenities, businesses and community initiatives, engaging and driving the agenda of autism awareness and understanding throughout the county. Clare/ Ireland has the potential to be the autism hub of Europe, leading the way in best practice from research, policy and actual real life practice perspectives. All areas of community, sport, education, industry and hospitality can gain and be a part of something real and meaningful within the county, leading the way for the country.”

For more information and registration please visit the dedicated Clare Autism Aware webpage at: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ clareautismaware

l BODY COACH: Pádraig Mac Mathúna and Ceceilia O’Sullivan with fitness star Joe Wicks

l O’Briensbridge

Reps seek update on anti-social behaviour efforts

REPRESENTATIVES

of An Garda Síochána

are to meet with elected representatives and staff from the Ennis Municipal District over “ongoing and accelerating anti-social behaviour” in the county town, writes Páraic McMahon

Rising levels of crime were discussed at length during the September sitting of the Ennis Municipal District.

Calls for a sub-committee of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) to be established were made by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) focusing solely on issues in Ennis.

This request was not universally backed with a split between Cllr Flynn, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who favoured such a

(FG) was reluctant to see a new committee set up but wanted the issues of crime dealt with.

Also at the meeting, Cllr Colleran Molloy tabled a motion asking the Ennis MD to communicate with An Garda Síochána “to establish what efforts are underway to address the

leran Molloy commented, “It is a big problem, it is not something that Ennis is experiencing on its own, the Minister for Justice is indicating 20% increase on speeding on roads because of the incredible carnage we’ve seen on roads”.

Motorists caught with

Mammy’s biggest fans

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

lCllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

East Clare reps ‘far from happy’ Pulling Active Travel ‘really disappointing’

ELECTED representatives in East Clare have criticised senior management of Clare County Council for rejecting their request to hold a meeting with the HR department of the local authority, writes Páraic

McMahon

At the July sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) led the call for a meeting with the HR department of the Council to be organised due to “a shortage of workers”.

He stated, “I’m of the opinion that there is a deficit in certain areas that need to be addressed, it is having a seriously negative impact on service delivery”.

Cllr O’Brien was frustrated at the most recent meeting of the Killaloe MD held in September that the request to hold this sitdown was not followed up on.

“One of the things that arose from the last meeting was that I asked the Acting Director to arrange a meeting with HR staff and senior management on staffing levels. Why were we not given a meeting. There has been no replacement for our executive engineer who has moved on, staffing levels have depleted and it is becoming nigh-on impossible to get work done”.

After 15 months as acting executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Derek Troy moved on from the role in July to take up a senior executive engineer role with Galway County Council. In the current Council term (2019-2024), he becomes the third senior engineer to leave the Killaloe MD, Tom Mellett moved on to the equivalent role in the Shannon Municipal District while his predecessor Niamh Madden transferred to the housing section of the local authority.

Service delivery across East Clare continues to be impacted, Cllr O’Brien maintained. “We need a full-time engineer and when we don’t have we can’t give a full service. I’m disappointed the meeting didn’t happen”.

Director of Service, Anne Haugh issued apologies for missing the July meeting but said she was aware of the request. She committed to follow up on the matter, “matters of a HR nature are the responsibility of the Chief Executive and he holds the Executive function”.

She continued, “Each and every one of you have raised the issue with me, I have escalated it to HR and to the management team, it is a budgetary

matter”. Ms Haugh noted that some of the East Clare councillors sit on the Corporate Policy Group and advised them to raise the matter at a CPG meeting, “additional staff has to be consideration for this year’s budget.

“Absences also end up being a budgetary matter for replacement. Across the board at every level in the local authority, there is challenges for the recruitment process and staff vacancies, replacing staff is not an overnight process anymore, it hasn’t been for quite some time, to get to the panel process can be slow at times, it needs to be raised at a CPG level”.

In response, Cllr O’Brien outlined that a request for a meeting was made at an MD level. He told the Director, “you did ring me and we did chat about it, that request was denied off hand without any reason.

“To me that is not acceptable, when I ask for something as Chair of the MD it is for a good reason, if it had to go through CPG that should have came back”. He added, “we are very depleted in resources particularly personnel, it is not good enough”.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said he was “glad” his colleague raised the issue.

“Our Director has clearly outlined that we’ve all asked the question, I don’t accept that it is all a budgetary issue, we’ve lost one of our best engineers to an adjoining county and him not being replaced with 23 years experience is a HR issue, we do need to discuss resourcing of our MDs and staffing on the ground”.

Within the Rural Development SPC, there was “a challenging debate” on Active Travel and the absence of funds from this pot to rural Clare.

“We did raise the issue at the CPG and we were given a similar answer of budgetary matters, I’m far from happy about it”.

Hopes of an appointment for Troy’s successor in the near future were voiced by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). He acknowledged, “it has been worked on but it has been dragged out”.

Clare County Council are losing too many good people, Cllr Cooney felt. “We’re losing good staff from the Council, we want our county to be progressing. If we don’t drive on, we won’t be progressing, we have budgets coming up, hopefully we will get position sorted”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED representatives in West, North and East Clare have slammed the manner in which Active Travel has been pulled from rural areas as “utterly discriminatory”.

Funding to the tune of €4.5m has been provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Clare County Council for Active Travel. This year is the third of a five year cycle and will see an allocation of €5m for the local authority, senior engineer in the Council’s roads department, John Leahy confirmed.

Speaking at a meeting of the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Leahy outlined, “We had a large number of relatively small schemes for year one and year two, that is largely over now as the NTA are focusing on large urban towns, Ennis will receive the bulk of the funding and Shannon after that, the Tulla Rd cycle scheme will be the focus this year and next year, it is an expensive project, the decisions are made by the NTA, they are nationwide decisions”.

To date, €1.8m in funding has been secured for the Tulla Rd scheme but the total cost will be in the region of €4-5m.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) said the move to deploy all the funding to “big towns like Ennis and Shannon” was “very disappointing”. He stated, “we all know you

can’t do things overnight, there is a number of good projects that would benefit from Active Travel, now we’re told it is highly unlikely we will get funding for these projects”.

Absence of Active Travel funding in West Clare is “a massive blow,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) lamented. He felt the Council should now consider filling the role of road safety officer as a greater priority to an Active Travel post, as a result. Disappointment was also voiced by Cllr Liam Grant (GP). “It is really disappointing to see the NTA focusing on urban areas for Active Travel, lots of places in West Clare could do with it. If this is coming from the NTA now looking at large projects, does that mean it is a blanket no on areas outside of Ennis and Shannon. In West Clare, we’ve seen people knocked down on roads and a dire need for footpath and access”. Schemes across the county “are not getting traction” from the NTA, Leahy acknowledged. “We will include them in our applications again in December and prioritise applications in each Municipal District, if there is no Active Travel, there will be some funding but a lot less as to what we were used to in year one and year two of the programme. We’re talking to the Municipal Districts and will try develop a programme in relation to that,” he confirmed.

Active Travel was also a source of debate at the

September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District with proposals tabled by Cllr Lynch and Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG). “To enable enhanced mobility and connectivity in rural towns and villages we request the Minister for Transport to apply the active travel scheme equally to urban and rural areas or open a new separate scheme, with equal financial support, for the sole purpose of rural towns and villages,” Cllr Lynch asked.

Executive engineer in the Active Travel office, Conor McDonagh stated that they would “reiterate the concerns raised” with the NTA who “at their discretion, decide which proposed projects or schemes are provided with Active Travel grant funding”.

Citing road safety and healthy mobility options in rural towns and villages, Cllr Garrihy called on Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) “to immediately restore Active Travel allo-

FRUSTRATION IS close to boiling point for North Clare councillors over the six month wait to fill the post of senior executive officer for the local authority in Ennistymon, writes Páraic McMahon

Liam Conneally’s appointment as Chief Executive of Galway County Council in March resulted in a shuffle of positions among senior management in Clare County Council.

Prior to his move across the border, the Quin man had been Director of Economic Development and the Shannon Municipal District. His exit saw Siobhán McNulty move from her role as senior executive officer in

l NEW ROLE: Liam Conneally was recently appointed as Chief Executive of Galway County Council Photo by Eamon Ward

lRURAL CLARE: The pedestrian crossing in Spanish

‘To say we’ve been left on the

cations to towns, villages and schools of the West Clare MD and to address the imbalance in the allocations Urban Centres of Ennis and Shannon which was evident in the allocations early 2023”.

Kilrush based Lynch stated “Ennis and Shannon practically got all of the Active Travel scheme. They are doing footpaths out of a separate pot whereas we’re expected to do 48 per cent of the county’s road network out of the one pot. Rural roads are a disgrace, it is horrendous and you couldn’t put a bike on it”. He felt it was time to invite Minister of State at the Department

of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF) to a special meeting of the West Clare MD. “We’re lucky we had a bad summer because we’d be giving out about resources for our beaches otherwise”.

It is a further attack on rural Ireland, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) claimed, “All of this is under an umbrella of planned obsolescence, they are making sure no house is built on the N67, N68 or N85, it is unbelievable, it is planned obsolescence”.

“We’ve an Active Travel officer but it is utterly discriminatory because their role is primarily in Ennis and Shannon,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) observed.

hind tit is a fact’

the West Clare Municipal District with responsibility for the Ennistymon local electoral area to become Acting Director of Physical Development and the Shannon MD.

These changes have left the West Clare MD without one senior executive officer in North Clare with John O’Malley responsible for the Kilrush electoral area. West Clare MD had two senior executive officers since the summer of 2022.

Not for the first time, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) voiced his frustration on the matter.

“We’re sitting here for whatever length without a senior executive officer in North Clare, the role of the Active Travel officer is effectively another senior executive officer for Shannon and Ennis seeing as we can’t get any funding for it”.

“To say there is no focus or that we’ve been bucked around and left on the hind tit is a fact. I keep asking that it be raised on the Corporate Policy Group and we’ll be told ‘it is the recruitment process and what about ye’, it is not good enough,” Cllr Talty added.

Difficulties with resources were acknowledged back in July by the Director of Services in the West Clare MD, Leonard Cleary.

“It is critical, everything is falling towards John (O’Malley), it needs to be progressed,” Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated.

Reporting to a Director of Service, the senior executive officer is charged with the efficient management, direction and development of the directorates/department and function to which they are assigned. They are second in command to the Director in each Municipal District.

K N O C K S H A N V O

W I N D F A R M W E B I N A R

W E D N E S D A Y O C T O B E R 1 1 @ 7 P M

K n o c k s h a n v o W i n d F a r m i s a p r o p o s e d r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y p r o j e c t l o c a t e d b e t w e e n B r o a d f o r d a n d S i x m i l e b r i d g e i n C o . C l a r e . J o i n t h e w e b i n a r f o r a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o m e e t t h e t e a m , l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e p r o j e c t a n d a s k y o u r q u e s t i o n s .

T o r e g i s t e r a n d r e c e i v e t h e l i n k t o j o i n t h e w e b i n a r , p l e a s e e m a i l k n o c k s h a n v o @ f u t u r e n e r g y i r e l a n d . i e

Point was one of the final Active Travel projects in Clare

Ennis blooms with international success

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS has achieved international success in the 2023 Communities in Bloom (CiB) awards ceremony held at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada over the weekend.

Clare’s county town was Ireland’s nominated entry to the prestigious annual competition, picked up ‘5 Blooms’ and the title of overall winner (Gold) in the ‘International Challenge Medium’ category, as well as a special mention in the ‘Pollina-

tor Friendly Gardens’ category of the competition.

CiB adjudicators visited Ennis in July to evaluate the town under the criteria of community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, and plant and floral displays. Other countries that nominated entrants to this year’s competition included Canada, USA, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia.

During this visit they met with Council officials and community leaders and travelled to Ennis Fri-

ary, Cloughleigh Community Garden, Tim Smythe Park, the Clare Peace Park at Friar’s Walk, Banner Beekeepers, Clare Camogie and Ennis Men’s Shed.

Judges also heard about The Old Ground Hotel’s ambitious environmental action plan, large-scale projects like the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme, the pollinator friendly planting initiatives throughout the town, the public realm enhancements at Parnell Street Laneways & Bow-ways, and future plans for O’Connell Street, Cathedral Place and Barrack Square. They also

viewed the floral displays at Club Bridge and travelled on an EV bus to witness the remediated landfill at Doora.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) who was in Canada to accept the award leading a delegation which included Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Director of Economic Development and the Ennis MD, Carmel Kirby, senior executive officer with the Ennis MD, Leonore O’Neill, Chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cormac McCarthy and Ennis MD administrative officer Niamh O’Connor.

Cllr Cooney stated, “The success achieved by our county town is a boost for all of Clare as it provides official recognition of the commitment of the local authority, volunteers and groups across the county to improving the visual appearance of their communities. Ennis has a lengthy and proud track record of successful participation in national and international competitions and the recognition given by the Communities in Bloom judges is further evidence of the high quality of the planting and maintenance of public spaces across the town”.

Work of the Ennis MD staff, Ennis Tidy Towns, local community groups and volunteers helped to achieve the international success, Cllr Daly maintained. “The slogan for this competition is ‘growing great places together’, which typifies the strong community spirit that exists in the town today and the same sense of pride of place that also helped to secure the Ireland's Tidiest Town title for Ennis in 2021”.

together the local authority and the community to demonstrate to the visiting international CiB judges how such a collaborative approach has transformed our town into the attractive place we know of today, as well as assist Clare County Council in delivering on its mission of building and developing stable communities,” Ms Kirby remarked.

Speaking about their evaluation of Ennis, Communities in Bloom judges Berta Briggs from Canada and Dr. Andrea Bocsi from Hungary said, “From the charm of the Town Centre with lanes and bowways to floral beds stretching into every neighbourhood, Ennis is a wonderful Irish town. It has the reputation of being the most sustainable town in Ireland and has the most biodiversity. Part of this is the many beautiful and colourful flowerbeds in roundabouts, on boulevards, in parks and on street corners. They are carefully designed to be colourful throughout the year, sustainable, easy to maintain and pollinator friendly. Even the Friary has a Hare’s Garden’ with native and pollinator friendly plants. Pollinator sites are carefully managed. This is all part of the planned biodiversity initiatives that make Ennis a model for managing climate change”.

up ‘five blooms’ and received the top prize in their category

Participation of Ennis “has proven to be an inspirational experience for everybody involved as it brought

Leonore O’Neill noted “The challenge from the outset been to ensure Ennis would be a strong contender in this international competition, in which we were evaluated against strict evaluation criteria across municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. A lot of thought was put into presenting our achievements and plans which aligned with the specific criteria, in addition to designing a tour that would reflect Ennis’ strengths”.

Active Ennis complex only pool in Munster with disability lift

COMPLIANCE of local authority owned amenities for disability requirements in Ennis has been praised, writes Páraic McMahon

Active Ennis Leisure Complex is the only swimming pool in Munster “with both a disability lift on the pool deck and in the changing rooms,” Tim Forde, Manager of Sports & Recreation outlined.

He explained, “We are the only swimming Pool in Munster with both a disability lift on the pool deck and in the changing rooms. Our Gymnasium is disability compatible. Disability Toilets are also provided. A lift is in operation for access to the lower ground in the Pool”.

This has seen Active Ennis awarded a ‘Gold Standard’ in Disability Awareness by the White Flag of Excellence from Ireland Active. Other facilities include wheelchair

level lockers, signage for parking spaces informing users to call for assistance if needed plus parking spaces designated for disabilities and hidden disabilities and access to the use of a wheelchair in their reception lobby.

Forde added, “We are in the process of installing a ‘Ability Swing’ in Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park, which also provides a ‘Changing Places’ facility for use by people with disabilities”.

His comments came in response to a motion from Cllr Ann Norton (IND) who asked for a survey on the Ennis MD amenities “to make sure they are complying with all disabilities requirements and also to see if any new up to dates would make amenities more disability friendly”.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Norton stated, “I just wanted to make sure that all

of the amenities within the Ennis MD are complying with disability requirements, there has been a huge amount of work done over the last few years to facilitate and make life easier for people with disabilities both physically and mentally”.

She continued, “If there is opportunities out there for funding that we are continuously trying to upgrade”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

noted, “This is all about access for people”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) felt it was a big plus to be the only swimming pool in the province with a disability lift on the pool deck and the changing area, “We’re doing quite good, we are the largest town in Munster”.

“Over the last decade there has been huge improvement in universal access to public spaces and on public realm,” said Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG).

lWONDERFUL TOWN: Ennis picked

Campaign encourages businesses to save time, money & energy

A NEW campaign launched by Neale Richmond, T.D., Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail is encouraging small businesses in Clare to avail of supports that will help them save time, money and energy.

The “All In A Day’s Work” campaign by the Local Enterprise Offices is focused on highlighting the supports that will enable small businesses to make significant changes to the way they work that will help them now and in the future. These supports include the Lean, Green and Digital programmes, all of whom enable small businesses to become more competitive and productive in how they work. Figures from the Local Enterprise Offices show that the Lean for Business programme, running since 2015 with Enterprise Ireland, has helped save businesses an average of €34,000 by helping them work more efficiently and improving their processes.

The programme has saved Irish companies over €28million since it began and is free to all small businesses through their Local Enterprise Office, who are based in the local authorities across the country. The figures also highlighted that the

businesses that did avail of these programmes had an average 31% increase in their output or production.

The “All In A Day’s Work” campaign aims to encourage small businesses in Clare to link in with their Local Enterprise Office to find out what support is best suited to them at their stage of businesses and how it can benefit them.

Minster Neale Richmond T.D.; “While starting a business is an exciting time, without mentorship and advice, it can also be very hectic. Local Enterprise Offices offer both the financial supports and mentorship programmes that help businesses to save time and money by being more efficient. Local Enterprise Offices can have a significant impact on a business; that businesses are saving an average of €34,000 thanks to the Lean for Business programme is a testament to this. Local Enterprise Offices are a fantastic resource, and I would encourage any small business who has not reached out to them yet, to do so today.”

The campaign features six Local Enterprise Office clients that have availed from these supports and reaped the benefits including

Rascal’s Brewing (supported by LEO Dublin City), Bon Chocolatiers (supported by LEO Westmeath), Hatched Analytics (supported by LEO Dublin City), AIP Thermoform (supported by LEO Clare), Kerrigan’s Butchers (supported by LEO Fingal) and Juspy (supported by LEO Limerick).

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise said “It’s been a challenging few years for small businesses and those challenges will continue. That is why any business should be looking to make themselves more efficient, more productive, and more sustainable for now and the future. The figures speak for themselves on the impact these supports can have. We hope that this campaign will emphasise those benefits and encourage more small businesses to look at how their businesses can save time, money and energy by becoming more efficient and more sustainable. These are choices that will impact them positively both now and in the years ahead.”

The campaign will be running across a range of national media including a new dedicated website www.AllInADaysWork.ie where businesses can hear from Local Enterprise Offices clients that have

availed of these supports and the impacts that they have had for them and register their interest in finding out how it can work for them.

Carol Gibbons, Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland said; “A key goal for Enterprise Ireland is to support companies to make the transition to the low-carbon, resource-efficient economy of the future and the ‘All in a Day’s Work’ campaign is a key part of supporting this critical agenda. The campaign aims to place a firm spotlight on the numerous supports available to small businesses to enable them to take the next step on their sustainability journey. Increasingly, sustainability is seen as a core driver of future growth for small businesses, aligning them to changing consumer demands. The business supports offered by the Local Enterprise offices from Digital to Green for Business are a key enabler for business, and I would encourage all small businesses to reach out to their LEO and start this journey together.

The Local Enterprise Offices also run a number of initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country. These include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise

Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

Save time, money and energy

For more information on the campaign – www.AllInADaysWork.ie

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

200 flights added to winter schedule

SHANNON AIRPORT has launched its new winter schedule bringing passengers an exciting choice of winter sun, ski trips, city breaks, and US and European holiday options, writes Páraic McMahon

Running from October 29th 2023 to March 30th 2023, Shannon’s winter schedule offers 188 weekly flights, across 22 destinations in the UK, Europe, and the US. A highlight of the winter schedule will see flights to Faro and Liverpool operate throughout winter for the very first time. In addition to the weekly schedule, over 200 extra flights have been added during school holidays in October, Christmas, and Easter. This has been made possible thanks to the third Ryanair based aircraft which joined Shannon earlier this year.

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said, “This year we are offering an array of winter services to our passengers including the return of the pop-

ular services to Turin for a fantastic skiing holiday and Gran Canaria to soak up the winter sun. Our 22 destinations also have additional frequencies during school terms to accommodate families looking for those winter breaks. This not only shows the anticipated demand for winter travel but also reflects the successful summer we had this year at Shannon Airport”.

Those looking for much needed sunshine during the cooler months can choose from destinations including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Malaga, and Alicante. While family, friends and couples looking for a city break can choose multiple weekly frequencies to London, Edinburgh, Budapest, Turin, Wroclaw, Krakow, and Kaunas.

Passengers will also have the choice to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle with Aer Lingus, Shannon Airport’s newest service. This year’s schedule also boasts daily transatlantic flights to New York (JFK) and Boston.

Shannon Golf Club raise vital funds for Milford Hospice

A total of €1,850 was raised by Shannon Golf Club for Milford Care Centre at their Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for social hospic on Friday. Pictured

Danielle claims national businesswoman award

SHANNON’S Danielle Markham was among the winners at Network Ireland’s Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023, writes Páraic McMahon

Danielle won the Employee Rising Star Award. A qualified chartered tax advisor, she is currently assistant tax manager at EisnerAmper Ireland. She is a founding member

of EisnerAmper Ireland’s D&I working group and is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion.

A past pupil of St Patrick’s Comprehensive, she had previously won at the regional awards organised by Network Ireland’s Limerick branch. Results were announced at the organisation’s annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards at Lawlor’s Hotel, Nass, Co. Kildare on Friday. 350 guests attended the gala ceremony which was hosted by businessman and social entrepreneur Aubrey McCarthy. Over 370 applications from members of all its branches were made for the awards.

Guests were treated to lively panel discussions around the themes of Key To Success and Celebrating Leadership. Among the panellists were business consultant Blaise Brosnan, Jacqueline O’Donovan of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, Sinead Lonergan of Enterprise Ireland, Sonia Deasy of Pestle & Mortar, Denis Doolin of AIB, Tammy Darcy of The Shona Project, Lorraine Bowen of The Entrepreneurs Academy and Michelle Vance of Lily O’Brien’s.

lRISING STAR: Danielle Markham Photo by Jill O’Meara

are Vice Lady Captain, Suzanne McMahon, Captain David Jones, Handicap secretary Chris Willetts and Lady Captain Debbie Reddan Photo by Joe Buckley

Thought for the week: Let your love flow

Spreading the word of positivity

BE A BLESSING

RONAN SCULLY

IHAVE been reflecting quite a bit lately during this mental health awareness month of October on God’s blessings to me and the things for which I am personally grateful and for the things that create positive mental health in my life.

LOVE FLOW

Loving others is the greatest of all blessings that we can ever give them. Out of our hearts of love will then flow specific practical blessings. We must understand that this love flows from the love that God extends to us and is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

This kind of love is more than natural love, it is love that comes from God. Only the God kind of love can enable us to bear, believe, hope, and endure all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). Even if we do great things for others, if the things we do are not anchored in love, we gain nothing. Discovering the blessings can go far beyond our homes and families and can be a framework to extend unconditional love and acceptance in our wider circles of influence. Whatever your vocation, as you bless others in words and actions, relationships are enriched and people’s lives are changed.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and to bless and be loved and blessed in return. Being poor of heart: that is love and blessing. Reacting with meekness and humility: that is love and blessing. Knowing how to mourn with others: that is love and blessing. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness: that is love and blessing. Seeing and acting with mercy: that is love and blessing. Keeping a heart free of all that tarnishes love: that is love and blessing. Sowing peace all around us: that is love and blessing. Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is love and blessing.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, always remember that love is really all that matters because everyone comes into this world with nothing other than love and leaves with nothing other than love. Think about it. Profession, career, bank account, our goods are just tools, nothing more. Everything stays here. So just love and be a blessing. Love and bless, as if there was nothing more important in your life. Let me leave you with this Prayer Blessing by Br. David Steindl-Rais called the Source of All Blessings so that we will bless what there is, for being. Whatever it be, bless it because it exists;

you need no other reason. “Source of All Blessings, you bless us with breath — In and out, in and out, ever-renewing us, ever anew, making us one with all who breathe the same air. May this blessing overflow into a shared gratefulness, so that with one breath I may praise, bless and celebrate life. Source of All Blessings, you bless us with humility —

That down-to-earth quality that has nothing in common with humiliation but makes us stand tall and acknowledge both the humus that feeds us and the stars to which we aspire. May I learn to practice, and to honor in others, this sparkling humility which is the dignity that we, as human beings cannot afford to lose. Source of

All Blessings, you bless us with imprecision — With all that is vague, close but not quite; all that leaves room for the more specific, the more precise, and room for the imagination. May I know when to be exact and when to move freely and blessed in the space so generously provided by all that is not perfectly defined, giving full scope to my dreams and my

creativity.

ource of All Blessings, you bless us with memory — That sacred ingathering of the past that allows us to recognize faces, learn poems by heart, find our way back when we are lost, and bring forth old and new from its nearly inexhaustible store.

May I know what to forget and what to retain and treasure, keeping in mind the smallest kindness shown to me and spreading its ripples for a long time to come. Source of All Blessings, you bless us with change — In the seasons of the year, from snow to greening, flowering, fruiting and harvest, in the seasons of life, from childhood to youth, full ripeness, and saging. All living things keep changing. May I welcome change as a sacred opportunity to grow and savor in each unrepeatable moment’s fleetingness what is beyond change. Source of All Blessings, you bless us with departures — For they are a necessary part of our journey, necessary for the arriving. May I always be ready to take leave, always aware that every arrival is a prelude to departure, every birth a step towards dying, and may I thus taste the blessings of being fully present where I am. May blessings help to sharpen your taste for the gift of life in its immeasurable facets. May you grow ever more blessed, ever more able to bless. Go be a Blessing. Amen”

Is i sráid na cathrach a bheas an chraic an deireadh seachtaine seo ag Éigse Thomais Uí Aodha!

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

TÁ AN t-am sin den bhliain linn aríst nuair a dhéantar ceiliúradh ar ar Thomás Ó hAodha (18661935), duine de mhórphearsain liteartha agus chultúrtha Athbheochan na Gaeilge ag tús an 20ú céad agus arb as Sráid na Cathrach dhó.

Amárach, Dé hAoine, 6 Deireadh Fómhair ag 8pm in Áras Oidhreacht an Chláir (Bóthar na Leac), tabharfaidh an Dr. Críostóir

Mac Cárthaigh léacht, ‘’Ag

Taifeadadh Scéalaíochta agus Seanchais in Iartharan

Chláir, 1950’’.

Dé Sathairn, 7 Deireadh

Fómhair ó 10.30am go

meánlae in Áras OaC, beidh

Ceardlann Amhránaíochta liom fhéin, MacDara Ó

Conaola as Inis Oírr.

Ón 3pm go 5pm, beidh

Ceol agus Caint i dteach

tábhairne Friel’s, ina mbeidh

• Pop-up Gaeltacht, le seans a thabhairt do dhaoine a gcuid Gaeilge a chleachtadh

• Amhráin liom fhéin

agus Tim Dennehy

• Ceol le Eithne Ní

Dhonghaile (cruit), John Canny (bosca ceoil) agus John Weir (fidil). Tá saorchead isteach chuig na himeachtaí uilig. Fáilte roimh chách. Tuilleadh eolais 085-1611443 nó ó eolas@ oac.ie.

Imeachtaí/Events:

• INIS – RANGANNA GAEILGE/ ON-GOING IRISH CLASSES, Ennis Education Centre, Dé Céadaoin, 6pm agus 7pm, spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com, 0851295594

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

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

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

• INIS – Músaem an Chláir, Taispeántas dhátheangach ag ceiliúradh saol & saothar an Ollaimh Tomás Ó Máille, an chéad ollamh le Gaeilge in Ollscoil na

• Gaillimhe, go dtí an 27ú Deireadh Fómhair

lMiltown Malbay Photo by Arthur Ellis

l Love is all that matters

The craic will be in Miltown Malbay this weekend!

GREEN CLARE

Traffic woes in North Clare gone

ABUNDANCE of traffic and recent accidents in North Clare has gone “passed saturation point” with frustration voiced with the ongoing wait for a transport and mobility strategy, writes Páraic McMahon

Road safety in North Clare has been in the spotlight following the death of Lisdoonvarna man Jerry O’Connor at the end of July. It has led to a series of demonstrations in Ballyvaughan where he was killed.

At the May meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Director of Services for

Traffic Management Plan, but in the immediate term could deliver early solutions for transport and traffic”.

Director Cleary acknowledged that the NTA had been “very positive and proactive” in the county and were presently working on a transport plan for Ennis town. “It is acknowledged that there has been calls locally in North Clare that consideration be given to the data that the return of high visitor numbers to all tourism sites post-pandemic may present a unique case for an early Transport

Doolin’s masterplan which has been developed by the Council and is being implemented on a phased basis subject to funding has led to improvements, he believed. Additional parking is part of the plans for a visitor centre in Doolin. “Again, there are major environment and planning constraints here and the parking solution element has taken longer than envisaged,” Leonard admitted. A temporary overflow car park has been made available by the Council and local landowners to relieve the traffic and parking pressure at Doolin pier.

Transport and traffic was also one of the key items raised by stakeholders in the twoyear public consultation window for the draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. The Director said it “has been included as a priority”.

While the draft strategy is being finalised, the Council and the Cliffs of Moher are proposing to develop a ‘Park n Ride’ facility on local authority owned land in the adjacent area, this will progress through the planning application process in autumn. A growing use of taxi and hackney services has also been observed.

A shortage of tourism accommodation in the county has led to more day trips in the county, Cleary advised. As a result of the humanitarian crisis “it has rendered large tourism accommodation capacity unavailable to visitors to Clare. This is particularly the case with visitors that may prefer to stay in one location for a number of overnights and sample local hospitality as part of a secondary spend. This accommodation deficit

Tourism Development, Leonard Cleary in response to a proposal from Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) on a North Clare traffic and mobility strategy stated, “There is a commitment to get it moving but it is not an overnight flick of a switch”.

He stressed, “there is a will to do it, it is just making it happen and getting the team focused on it. It has moved a good bit in the last three months, particularly driven by Deirdre O’Shea in the tourism department”.

When councillors convened for the September sitting of the West Clare MD, the item was back on the agenda, this time tabled by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and Cllr Joe Killeen (FF). They sought on update on the progress since the May meeting “in the context of having experienced a very busy summer on the roads of North Clare, with congestion from buses and independent travellers, as well as the tragic fatal road traffic accident in Ballyvaughan”.

In a written four page reply to the motion, Cleary began by extending sympathies to those bereaved following road fatalities. He said the West Clare MD would support the County Council, its road department and physical development directorate on a transport and traffic management plan for North Clare, the preparation of which is to be led by the National Transport Authority. “The immediate practical approach in North Clare is to progress definite projects and actions, that in time will be part of such a Transport and

and Traffic Plan for North Clare. The important point to note here is that the commencement date for the North Clare Transport and Traffic Management Plan does not prevent the immediate progression of projects and actions locally. This has to remain the key focus”.

Data researched for a study of all ‘pinchpoints’ along coastal roads of North Clare which are part of the Wild Atlantic Way will inform the transport and traffic management plan, he confirmed.

Development of a shuttle-bus to the Burren National Park (Mullaghmore) by National Parks and Wildlife Service “seeks to reduce traffic congestion as vehicles are parked in the adjacent village of Corofin. It is acknowledged that there is a parking and traffic challenge at the Burren National Park,” he stated. Environmental and planning challenges exist at such specific locations, Cleary flagged and must be considered in the plan.

Enforcing bus route licences “is a challenge for any inspectorate”, he admitted. The function is held by the NTA and Cleary said there has been calls locally for the inspectorate to be further resourced. “The NTA are the appropriate authority for concerns regarding adherence to route licenses. An Garda Síochána are the authority to report allegations of dangerous incidents. Without reporting, there is no method to quantify such actual occurrences. This will afford fair and just procedure”.

l Mullaghmore

Photo by Julie Tillett

beyond the ‘saturation point’

has increased the number of day trips to Clare in contrast to previous patterns whereby visitors may have committed to overnight stays in the county. Consequently, it has reduced secondary spend pro-rata to the accommodation deficit”.

Blake’s Corner was also referenced as an important, he described as “an infamous bottle neck for locals and visitors in North Clare”. Cleary stated, “National Government investment is being committed and the delivery of the new bridge is on track to become a reality as quickly as possible in line with regulations”.

Popularity of the Burren and North Clare “attracts large volumes of visitors” and “is unlikely to change in the immediate term” requiring “a comprehensive transport and traffic management plan”, he felt. “There will be no quick fix,

but there is a commitment to introduce a number of actions, projects and measures”. He continued, “the immedi ate practical approach in North Clare is to prog ress definite projects and actions. Those in time will become part of the Transport and Traffic Management Plan. The key point here is that in the immediate term these projects and actions could deliver early solutions for transport and traffic and remains the focus of Clare County

Council”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Talty recalled that it had been “an emotive and difficult July and August in terms of traffic, transport and pressure in North Clare. It has gone right back to 2019 and pre-COVID with the volume of traffic and issues it brings to the area”. He sought clarity on the commitment given by external agencies to the roads in the area. “The case in North Clare is unique, it’s not that if this is acceded to that there is an immediate call for a strategy for Kilmaley and Lissycasey”.

Ballyvaughan has hosted some very sensitive meetings in the past two months, Cllr Talty noted. “If you say cut the road hedges you will have ten people jump up and down.

Danny Healy Rae was on the radio recently saying cut back all verges in the country for road safety, it’s not entirely ludicrous but it will meet backlash from environmentalists”.

Insufficient progress has been made, Cllr Killeen maintained, “Sometimes you are better off not trying to say anything, I’m trying to keep cool on this one”. An increase in traffic was easy to predict prior to the summer season, “we’ve had a fatality in Ballyvaughan and road traffic accidents in West Clare, there is a wearing of patience for the people on these roads, I think we’ve gone passed saturation point, the abundance of traffic has sur-

passed their enjoyment of country living, they are crying out for someone to do something”.

Killeen added, “I am delighted Ennis will get a strategy but I’ve been asking for one for North Clare for the past four years. We need to grasp the nettle and do something about it.”.

Over 1m people visit the Cliffs of Moher annually, in Clare “the next most visited place is Bunratty at 400,000,” Cllr Garrihy pointed out. “It is really welcome because we supported the work going into Clare County Council becoming owner and operator of those Shannon Heritage sites, our motion was primarily about the extension of the Greenway and the plan with it but at the moment there isn’t one. We’ve been asking and talking about this for the last four years but nothing has happened.”

l Cllr Shane Talty (FF)

Photo by Eamon Ward

Independent living to become more accessible for older people in Clare

OLDER people in County Clare will soon have access to more supports to help them continue living at

Echo that a key objective of the group is the avoidance of premature admission into long term residential care. She explained the great need for supports in more isolated areas of County Clare

been self-referred, or referred to them from agencies including the HSE, public health nurses, local authority staff, GPs and community groups. “One of my roles is to establish referral pathways onto our programme. We work on the basis of referrals coming into us so then the co-ordinators take those referrals and they go out and visit people in their homes.

my home adapted to get a downstairs bathroom or wet room put in”.

Karen stated that ‘The feedback from the pilot programme has been very positive’, in which the older people gain a greater sense of independence and security from the programme which is supported by the Department of Health, HSE and Age Friendly Ireland.

She stresses that older people who have benefitted from the programme have gained “a greater sense of security

of living at home that the home is adapted more to suit their needs and help them to live a more healthy life. Where we find older people are a bit lonely or they have maybe disconnected from their community, we’ve been able to resurrect those connections and let them know what’s going on in their community. Sometimes people need supports like a befriending service just to help take away the loneliness they might find themselves in”.

If you would like to arrange a visit from your local coordinator please contact our National Office.

T: 046 924 8899

E: healthyagefriendlyhomes@ meathcoco.ie

W: https://agefriendlyireland. ie

home for longer.

Research shows that the majority of people want to remain in their own home as they age. This desire is often challenged by their home not being suitable for the occupier as their needs become more pronounced, their financial means decrease, and their mobility declines.

The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme provides extra care for older people, to aid them to maintain a better standard of independent living, as the Programme will assist the older people with certain adaptions and signposting to support services..

The Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme is coming to Clare as part of the National Scale Up of the programme and a local Co-Ordinator for County Clare will be posted in the coming months. The Regional Programme Manager for the Midwest Region, Karen Fennessy, told The Clare

“in particular rural Ireland, that’s typically where you would have a lack of supports”.

Karen, who oversees the programme in Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick, explained that the local coordinator assess people who have

“There are four key objectives of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme; the first is that it needs to enable older people to continue living in their homes or in a home most suited to their needs for as long as possible. The second objective is we want people to live with a sense of independence and autonomy - so they’re effectively making and continuing their own decisions about how they live their lives. We want them to feel part of their community as well and be linked in with the community.

“The last objective is that we’re trying to support the avoidance of early or premature admission into long term residential care, so we’re talking about nursing homes”.

The key requirement for people to qualify for supports from the Regional Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme is that they’re aged 65 or over. “They could actually be fit and well and living at home and they’re also the people that we want to reach because it is important that older people plan for the longer term.

“People think now, ‘okay, well I’m fit and well in my home but what about when a time comes where I can’t climb the stairs more easily, should I think about having

From Pakistan to Clare: Ali opens third barber shop in Banner County

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

Hafiz Usman Ali arrived in Ennis eight years ago as a fresh-faced barber. Having grown his reputation, this week he celebrates opening his third business in the Banner County.

It marked a big week for Hafiz – commonly known as Ali – as he opened the shop in Kilrush on his birthday. “That was the gift for me… hopefully it was a gift!” the 33-year-old laughs.

Ali is known for his professional approach to cutting-edge hairstyles, high-quality work and creating a friendly atmosphere in his barber shops.

Originally from Pakistan, Ali learned and developed his skills in London. “I was working in a restaurant first and then I went into barbering, learning the hard way. In London they are very specific and I spent almost four years as a barber there.”

Hafiz moved to Ennis from London eight years ago after being persuaded by his best friend to build a life for himself in the West of Ireland. He instantly found the people of Ennis very welcoming and worked with a local barber on Parnell Street where his popularity grew, and later in the Turnpike. When an opportunity arose to establish his own barber shop on Cornmarket Street almost four years ago, the Pakistani native jumped at the chance. That was in February 2020, just two weeks before the

Covid-19 lockdown measures were implemented, so Hafiz would spend the following months renovating the shop before reopening to the public in July of that year.

“We didn’t have our first full year in business until 2022 due to the lockdowns, but it’s been going well there since. I had a big following from my time on Parnell Street and in the Turnpike and thankfully many of those customers followed me,” admits Hafiz.

Having started the business on his own, Barbers Ali in Ennis has grown and Hafiz has since trained in a number of local barbers and continues to employ people locally.

Hafiz admits he never intended on expanding his business beyond Ennis but when the opportunity arose to open a second shop in Shannon Town Centre, the Barber Shop was born which he runs along with his colleague Seán Healy. “I put the four chairs in my shop in Ennis and I never actually thought I’d have the four chairs filled with barbers working, let alone setting up new businesses.”

The newly-opened Ali’s Barber Shop in Kilrush is situated where One Stop Barbers was previously located, and Hafiz is excited to bring his unique brand of professional barbering to the people of Kilrush and West Clare.

Ali is an expert technician of modern hairstyles including the skin fade – beloved

amongst his younger clientele – and Ali notes that the mullet has been making a comeback. However, his client base crosses all age demographics. “My own client base in Ennis are mostly my own age. I became more popular doing beard shaves and beard lines, which I learnt in London. I have mixed clients, I could have 80-year olds who will wait for me and many young clients come in also.”

Ali notes that young men are visiting barber shops in unprecedented numbers these days in a bid to maintain their style, something he equates to the social media age. “Men are taking their appearance much more seriously these days. Men like to take more care of themselves, the young lads are going to the gym and many will come into us every two weeks, I also have a good few weekly clients. It’s changed a lot.”

Ali and his team offer all barbering services including haircuts, hot towel shaves, beard shape-ups, hair threading, highlights and more. Ali notes that he maintains very competitive prices for his customers who have supported him since opening his business. “I am what I am because of them so I try to be affordable for them.

“I want to say thanks to the whole of Clare for giving me so much support in the last few years. That actually means a lot, that’s the main reason I’m doing what I’m doing.”

lFRESH FADE: Ali and his team are experts in modern hair trends

Photo by Tom Micks

lBARBER SHOP: Ali honed his craft in London before moving to Clare Photo by Tom Micks

Kilkee's Marina Keane appointed partner of MHP Sellors law firm

KILKEE’s Marina Keane has been appointed as a new partner to MHP Sellors, writes Páraic McMahon

Marina is one of two new partners joining one of Ireland’s leading law firms alongside Laois native Caroline Meaney who is now based in Newport.

With over 20 years legal experience, Marina is an experienced litigator with extensive knowledge advising clients across a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. Her focus areas include public administrative law, judicial review, and regulatory law.

In 2018, she was appointed associate partner to

Folúntais d’Oifigigh Chléireachais Shealadacha i Luimneach agus i gCiarraí

Is mian leis an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí Oifigigh Chléireachais

Shealadacha (TCOs) a earcú in oifigí na Roinne ag Cathair Luimnigh, An Caisleán Nua, Cathair Saidhbhín, Ceann Mara, Cill Airne, Lios Tuathail & Trá Lí.

Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil, tabhair cuairt ar www.gov.ie/dspcareers chun rochtain a fháil ar Leabhrán Eolais an Iarrthóra agus ar an bhFoirm Iarratais.

Is é an dáta deiridh ar a nglacfar le hiarratais ná 3.00pm ar an Aoine an 27 Deireadh Fómhair 2023.

Temporary Clerical Officer Vacancies in Limerick & Kerry

The Department of Social Protection is seeking to recruit Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) in the Department’s offices at Limerick City, Newcastle West, Cahirciveen, Kenmare, Killarney, Listowel & Tralee.

For further information, please visit www.gov.ie/dspcareers to access the Candidate Information Booklet and Application Form. Deadline for receipt of applications is 3.00pm on Friday, 27 October 2023.

Michael Houlihan & Partners. An active member with various community groups in Kilkee, among them Friends of Regina House and formerly the Kilkee Housing Association. She is the daughter of former Mayor of Clare, Patrick Keane (FF) who was a county councillor from 1991 to 2014.

Caroline is a seasoned solicitor with 23 years of experience and now leads the Commercial Department at MHP Sellors. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in commercial law, commercial property transactions, and banking to clients. Both appointments come on the back of a successful merg-

•

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

ASSISTANT CIVIL DEFENCE OFFICER

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon

Thursday 19th October 2023.

• IS TECHNICAL SUPPORT OFFICER

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon

Tuesday 24th October 2023.

Applicants should note that in the event of a large volume of applications being received, desktop short listing may take place based on the type, length, and relevance of previous experience.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

er between two of the longest established and award-winning law firms in counties Clare and Limerick, Michael Houlihan & Partners (MHP), Ennis, Co. Clare and Sellors LLP, Limerick, in July 2022. The merger positions MHP Sellors as the largest law firm in Co. Clare and the largest dual-county legal team in the Mid-West region. MHP Sellors is committed to further expansion as it strengthens its legal service offering in Clare and Limerick. Currently, the firm has open positions for four roles, including a commercial property lawyer. This growth initiative is particularly geared towards enhancing services for local authority clients, lending institutions, insurance companies, privately owned companies, and private clients in the region.

Speaking about the appointments and the firm’s continuous growth, Managing Partner Stephen Keogh said, “MHP Sellors is proud to welcome Caroline Meaney and Marina Keane as partners. “Their expertise and experience further strengthen our commitment to providing exceptional legal services in Clare and Limerick. As we continue to grow, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the value we bring to our clients”.

lPARTNERS: MHP Sellors LLP Partners Ian Sheehy, Caroline Meaney, Stephen Keogh, Ronan Hynes, Marina Keane and Derek Walsh

Nothing overlooked...except the sea

THE Bellbridge House Hotel, prides themselves in the ability to tailor and adjust their wedding packages to suit the individual needs of every wedding couple.

Overlooking the ocean at Spanish Point the hotel offers an enviable location for those seeking to find the perfect wedding venue. As their saying goes “nothing is overlooked except the sea”.

Family owned and operated the team at the Bellbridge House Hotel are dedicated to extending a warm welcome and high standard of service to all their guests.

Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships can also be held; onsite at the Bellbridge House Hotel. Following the ceremony their elegant Crystal Suite can cater for up to 200 wedding guests, whilst their more intimate suites can host wedding parties for those wishing to have a smaller number of guests in attendance on the day.

To find out what they can do to make your wedding day a special and memorable occasion; why not contact the team today.

Why not log on www.bellbridgehotelclare.com and download their new wedding brochure. www.bellbridgehotelclare.com

Telephone: 065 7084038

Forléargas

Tá cuireadh á thabhairt againn duit cur isteach ar bheith i do bhall de Phainéal Seirbhíse Dóiteáin Phóilíní an Aerfoirt ag Aerfort na Sionainne.

Riachtanais

Ar a laghad caithfidh na nithe seo a leanas a bheith acu…

√

Freagrachtaí

Mar bhall d’fhoireann Seirbhíse Dóiteáin Phóilíní an Aerfoirt, beidh tú i mbun ról éagsúil agus na freagrachtaí seo a leanas ort:

Ardteistiméireacht Chríochnaithe nó a mhacasamhail

√

Cruthúnas ar bheith i do chónaí sa stát le cúig bliana anuas

√

Cruthúnas ar Cheadúnas tiomána Glan Aicme B

Lena chois sin...

Bainfidh tú súp as a bheith ag obair mar bhall d’fhoireann agus tú ag plé leis na seirbhísí éigeandála agus leis an bpobal.

Ní mór duit inoiriúnaitheacht agus solúbthacht a léiriú agus scileanna ceannaireachta a bheith agat chomh maith le bheith foighneach agus gairmiúil i mbun plé le cásanna deacra. An-chumas a bheith ionat ó thaobh cumarsáide scríofa agus ó bhéal de agus, má tá tú dírithe ar an gcustaiméir, is mór an cuidiú é sin le héirí leat agus rath a bheith ort sa ról corraitheach dúshlánach seo.

Conas Iarratas a Chur Isteach:

Dualgais chomhraic dóiteáin, tarrthála agus slándála a chomhlíonadh ag Aerfort na Sionainne

Obair de réir na gcaighdeán riachtanach agus nósanna imeachta oibriúcháin d’fhonn cloí le EESI (an Eagraíocht Eitlíochta Sibhialta Idirnáisiúnta) agus EASA (an Ghníomhaireacht Eorpach um Shábháilteacht Eitlíochta)

Sábháilteacht lucht úsáidte an aerfoirt a chinntiú chomh maith le haerárthaigh, bunáiteanna aerfoirt agus réadmhaoin a chosaint

Teacht chun fóirithinte ar theagmhas aerárthaigh nó ar éigeandáil agus dualgais eile a dhéanamh ag brath ar ghá oibríochtúil

Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar chaighdeáin sábháilteachta coisc dóiteáin ar fud an aerfoirt

Feidhmeanna sábháilteachta riachtanacha taobh an aeir a chur i gcrích, lena n-áirítear patróil agus gníomhaíochtaí scanraithe éan

Freastal ar chláir oiliúna ar bhonn leanúnach, idir cláir rialála agus

gnáthchláir

Tú féin a choimeád an-aclaí le linn bheith ag obair sa tseirbhís

Ba cheart iarratais i bhfoirm litir chumhdaigh agus CV cothrom le dáta (MS Word nó PDF) a sheoladh chuig: recruitment@snnairportgroup.ie tráth nach déanaí ná 17.00 Dé Máirt, an 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2023. Bí cinnte do sheoladh ríomhphoist agus d’uimhir ghutháin (uimhir fóin póca san áireamh) a lua i d’iarratas. Ós rud é gur poist sealoibre atá i gceist leis seo, caithfidh iarratasóirí a bheith os cionn 18 mbliana d’aois ar an dáta ar chuir siad a n-iarratas isteach. Mar chuid den phróiseas roghnúcháin do Sheirbhís Dóiteáin Phóilíní an Aerfoirt, déanfar measúnú aclaíochta, measúnuithe a bhaineann leis an obair, agallamh, seiceáil cúlra 5 bliana, grinnfhiosrúchán an Gharda Síochána agus scrúdú dochtúra réamhfhostaíochta.

l The team at The Bellbridge House Hotel are ready to create your dream day

Photos by John Mangan

Experts identify cyber security threats

THE Cyber Security Trends and Threats event took place at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis on Tuesday.

This presentation was led by senior representatives of The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau – the Garda unit tasked with investigations into cyber dependent crime, including network intrusions, data interference, and attacks on websites belonging to Government departments, state institutions and corporate entities.

The aim of the presentation was to raise awareness about the threats and risks associated with Internet and telecom use. Guidelines and tips were provided on how to stay vigilant, and how to deal with such threats.

Kevin Tierney, MD of Tierney's Office Automation Ltd. presented a relevant and recent case study, to highlight the nature and consequences of cyber scams. Tierney's Office Automation Ltd., based in Ennis, is a leading independent IT solution provider within the hospitality and SME sectors across Ireland, the UK and EU.

The event was open to all businesses and free to attend, thanks to Ennis Chamber and kind sponsorship by St Francis Credit Union.

lTRENDS AND THREATS: The cyber security workshop was led by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, as well as Kevin Tierney, MD of Tierney’s Office Automation

Photos by Tom Micks

Plan the perfect party

1Get planning – now!

It may feel like you’re only just dusting off your onesie ready for the winter, but the best venues get booked up, fast. You don’t want to be left with only the dodgy local as an option.

2Get out of the office

No one wants to spend their Christmas party in the cramped office break room, with a sad radio pumping out Cliff does Christmas in the corner. Find a venue which is easy to get to. If you do have to stay in-house, choose a room away from your normal work area and make it festive.

3Send an invite

Make it feel like a special event that people can look forward to. Make your invite fun and eye-catching to really get people in the festive mood.

4Decide on a Christmas party theme

No party is complete without a theme to tie it all together. Here’s your chance to get creative. Perhaps it’s Christmas past, or novelty hats. Or you could even plan an activity to really get everyone involved.

5Include a competition

Whether it’s ‘best Christmas jumper’ or ‘best achievement of the year’, everyone loves a competition and it’s a fantastic ice-breaker. You could even take it a step further and include the competition as part of your theme.

6Plan a great menu

Whatever you do, remember to include enough food for the day and night. Drinks will be flowing, so find out your budget and look for a menu which has something for everyone.

7Treat everyone like guests to your own party

Greet them at the door and make sure they know where to put their coat and get a drink. This is a great way to put people at ease, especially if you’ve chosen an unusual venue.

8Take lots of photos

Time to get the Christmas pudding sweaters out; Great for a giggle when sober January kicks in. You could even make a short video for real cringe-factor, just try and stay away from the photocopier…

Avoid the mistletoe at your work do!

WHILST Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace to all men, the Christmas party is traditionally seen as quite the opposite.

Cue bad DJ playing a selection of Christmas classics, and awkward conversations with people you don’t really know that well at the bar. It always seems like a good idea before the big night, but let’s face it, they’re usually a little less ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ and a little more ‘Fairytale of New York’.

Even with management coming up with ever more ingenious ways to keep things in check (e.g. the old ‘party on a weeknight’ trick), the combination of a free bar and a shiny dance floor can make the annual office knees-up a potential minefield.

In the highly unlikely event we can offer some advice you’ll actually use, here’s our list of Christmas party do’s and don’ts…

THE DO'S

Pace yourself – If you’re a drinker, this is often easier said than done, but you should try and keep it in mind. Let’s be honest, the office party usually means you’re in it for the long haul. Make sure you eat properly in preparation, even if there’s food provided (the buffet won’t last long). Finally, make sure you have plenty of water in between drinks to keep hydrated.

Remember: Try and avoid mixing your drinks. Don’t let yourself become another Tequila statistic Buddy up – Chances are, you may find it hard to keep to the first point. If you think this might be the case, always plan ahead. Find a colleague who you’re close with and make a pact. That way, if one of you ends up falling asleep at the bar or crying into your Chardonnay, someone is there to look out for you.

Get involved – It’s an unavoidable truth that at least one person or group of people will avoid interaction or enjoyment at all costs – or alternatively, can’t keep their thumb off the Facebook check-in button. It’s also an unavoidable truth that this doesn’t endear them to anyone. There’s a time and a place, and the Christmas party’s not it.

Remember: Any embarrassing pictures can wait until the next morning. They also help with the flashbacks…

Avoid the mistletoe – Some people embrace the Christmas spirit a little too much. And, after a few drinks too many, it may seem like a good idea to express your true feelings to that special person in the office. Mistletoe is not your friend, and should be avoided at all costs.

‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ also falls into this category. Cornering your crush singing Mariah Carey at the top of your lungs is pretty much bordering on torture.

Your office Secret Santa

IT’S that wonderful time of the year again - well, not quite but we can talk about it now! You know that pre-holiday feeling when offices get a whole lot merrier and the office party is just around the corner.

Since Christmas is a giving holiday, the gift exchange is a must. Secret Santa is known as the greatest joy-bearer - it is funny and amazing to surprise someone who usually is not on your holiday list. If you don’t know how to organize or participate in this gift-giving game, here’s all you need to know!

DRAWING NAMES

The old-fashioned way is writing names of all the participants on a piece of paper. If you are doing this with friends, names only are enough. But, if we are talking about organizing a Se cret Santa for your office, it would be a good idea to have people write down a few things about themselves (Paddy – book lover, huge Harry Potter fan, hurling obsessed). That way, the person in charge of your gift would have a clue on what to buy.

When done, put all the bits of paper into a box or a hat (if it’s Christmassy decorated even better) and pass it around for all to draw one name – that name is the person they are getting a present for.

CHOOSING A GIFT

If there is a wish list, stick to it, and all of your problems are solved. If not, you can try a few approaches. Maybe to check your co-worker’s social media and see if there is anything usable there - or else ask around.

FILLING IN THE DETAILS

The best thing about Secret Santa is that you’ll get a gift whether you’ve been good or bad during the previous 12 months. But that doesn’t mean this game doesn’t have some ground rules.

The first one: set up a price limit!

Secret Santa is symbolic, and its main goal is to get to know people a little better and to get closer with your co-workers. By selecting a happy medium price range, you are taking a lot of pressure off.

The second-one: setting a date! If you have a Christmas party, that is a great place for a gift exchange. But it can also be some quiet get together, or even over the lunch break.

Book your lift home in advance – Possibly the most important tip of all. Because nobody wants to be stuck for that lift home.

THE DON'TS

Be honest – A wise man once said ‘at Christmas, you tell the truth’. However, this

should, in no way, apply to your Christmas party. Starting sentences with ‘I didn’t like you when I first met you’, ‘wow, you scrub up well’ and ‘don’t say anything, but…’ will not form part of an effective career progression plan.

Talk excessively about work – Targets, projections and any other work-based conversations should be provisionally left at the door. You’re there to eat, drink and be merry. Work should only be brought up in emergency situations, such as getting caught in a one-on-one situation with the managing director.

The rule here is necessity. A boring conversation is always better than an awkward silence.

Network – See above. If you’re looking for a promotion, this probably isn’t the best place to do it. By all means branch out and talk to someone new, but don’t overdo it. After a few drinks, you might not be making quite the impression you think you are. Get too serious – As a rule, avoid speaking about religion, politics and money. People can have strong opinions about these things, and they’re unlikely to change them during the course of the evening, no matter how charming and persuasive you think you’re being.

Cry – If you’re an emotional drunk, always take proper precautions. Waterproof mascara is definitely the way forward.

Shared party nights at the Inn

CELEBRATE the Festive Season in style at the Inn at Dromoland Hotel. Join their award-winning team for an unmissable Christmas Party on one of their two remaining shared party nights – Friday, December 8 or Friday, December 15.

It’s the perfect celebration for work colleagues, friends and family, so book your table now before it’s too late!

Kick off your evening with a mulled wine arrival reception before indulging in a fabulous festive four course dinner. MC Nelius Stackpoole will keep you entertained throughout the meal with games, danceoffs, quizzes, and the best part of all – there will be some amazing prizes up for grabs on the night including hotel getaways and dining vouchers!

The fun will multiply even more once the Band start their groove, with two of Munster’s finest musical acts, Switch & Acoustra providing the must-dance-to entertainment!

A midnight snack will offer one last extra boost of energy before the final hours of a DJ set, which ultimately will be the finale of an unforgettable night!!

For more information on Christmas parties at the Inn at Dromoland, call 061368161 or email info@theinnatdromoland. ie.

Festive magic at Dromoland Castle

EXPERIENCE unforgettable festive magic at Dromoland Castle’s Christmas Party 2023!

At Dromoland Castle, we have quite the reputation for throwing epic parties. Why not let us take care of your Christmas Party for 2023?

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than in the grandeur of Dromoland Castle Hotel?

We invite you to join us for a night of elegance and entertainment at our highly anticipated Christmas Party Night on Saturday, 16th December.

A Feast Fit for Royalty

Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite culinary

journey as our talented chefs expertly craft a sumptuous five-course festive dinner. Each dish is a masterpiece,

designed to delight your senses with the finest seasonal flavours. From the first bite to the last, your

palate will be treated to a symphony of tastes that truly capture the essence of Christmas.

Prizes Galore and Entertainment Aplenty

Throughout the evening, the excitement and fun will reach new heights with the chance to win fantastic spot prizes. Test your knowledge and quick thinking with an entertaining quiz that promises great rewards. It’s not just a party; it’s an experience filled with surprises.

As the night unfolds, a live band and DJ will provide the perfect soundtrack for your celebration. Whether you’re dancing the night away with colleagues, creating cherished memories with friends, or sharing this spe-

cial moment with family, the atmosphere will be electric, and the memories will be unforgettable.

An Exclusive Evening of Festive Fun

Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at €100.00 per person. This all-inclusive ticket ensures you have everything you need to enjoy a fantastic night of festive fun, including:

A specially created fivecourse dinner menu bursting with festive flavours.

Engaging entertainment during dinner with James Sexton, featuring a quiz and exciting spot prizes.

The opportunity to dance the night away to the tunes of our live band and DJ.

This holiday season, let

Dromoland Castle be the backdrop for your most memorable Christmas party yet. Join us on the 16th of December, revel in the festivities, and create cherished moments that will warm your heart for years to come. Reserve your tickets today and secure your place at the most talked-about Christmas party in town. Make this Christmas truly special at Dromoland Castle Hotel, where magic comes to life.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact us at (061) 368 144 or banqueting@dromoland.ie.

Saturday 16th December 2023

Specially created five course dinner menu with festive flavours

Entertainment during dinner with James Sexton, including quiz and spot prizes

Dance the night away with band & DJ

Ticket Price €100.00 per person

Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s with Durty Nelly’s

WE HAVE lots of Christmas and New Year’s Packages, Live Music every night. Durty Nelly’s have private function rooms which are available throughout the Christmas Season. We can cater for groups of between 20 and up to 140 and we will work with you to provide the perfect setting for your function over Christmas. If you are interested in booking one of our function rooms please contact us on 061 364861 or info@ durtynellys.ie See our website for more - www. durtynellys.ie

WHY NOT MAKE THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS STAFF NIGHT OUT A BIT MORE FUN AND INTERACTIVE WITH THE UNIQUE PULL YOUR OWN PINT OPTION AT DURTY NELLY’S?

Keep off the naughty list

AH, Christmas… tis’ the season of giving, the season of neighbourly love, and for office workers, the season of Christmas-related nightmares. So we thought we’d share our tips to keep everyone OFF the “naughty” list.

RESPECT YOUR COLLEAGUE

First things first, it comes down to R-E-SP-E-C-T. Be respectful of each other’s traditions and beliefs, religious or non.

CONSIDER YOUR GIFTS

Just as we want to be respectful of others traditions and beliefs, be respectful of those who don’t want to participate in the department gift exchange. But it’s just as OK if gift-giving is your thing! Just be sure to not exceed the price limit – it makes those who didn’t stick to the limit and those who got the cheaper gift feel bad. Also, don’t be that person who gives ridiculously large, expensive presents to the Boss. Over-gifting not only irritates your peers, it puts you in an unfavourable light as a sycophant. (And no one wants that, right?) Are you and your “work bestie” planning to exchange gifts? It’s

natural to want to exchange gifts with them, but be sure to do so in private - perhaps at lunch - so that your fellow co-workers don’t feel excluded.

KEEP IT CLASSY

Heading to the office party? Keep your Christmas attire classy and, keep it current. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable donning your festive apparel to an interview - we don’t advise wearing it to the office Christmas party.

KEEP ALCOHOL TO MINIMUM

Thinking about drinking? If you’re hosting an office Chrismtas party, we recommend thinking twice before breaking out the booze. Alcohol related office woes tend to spike around Christmas.

DON’T FORGET WHAT TIME OF YEAR IT IS

Taking time off over the Christmas? Make the most of it, and unplug yourself as much as possible from the office, meaning; stay away from email and voicemail, so that you can be present with the ones you love. Remember, your presence is the greatest gift you can give them!

Christmas countdown has begun at Nora’s!

THE countdown to Christmas is starting now in Nora’s ! The decorations will be coming out of storage soon so it’s time to start planning your Christmas nights out with colleagues, friends or family.

Nora’s has a number of areas suitable for group Christmas parties such as the sophisticated Balcony Bar upstairs with its own outdoor area or the classic and comfortable Lounge Area downstairs or the cosy Whiskey Bar with its dramatic cabinetry displaying Nora’s impressive and growing Whiskey collection.

While Nora’s doesn’t have its own kitchens we are happy to arrange to bring in party food for customers. We work with some great local food businesses to offer a selection of party food options and we will liaise with customers to find the right option to suit all

tastes and budgets. Anyone who has been to Nora’s will know that there is always great music playing and this year will be no different. ‘We have top class bands and Dj’s booked for the lead up to Christmas and throughout the Christmas period to ensure a great atmosphere’ says owner Barry O’Keeffe. ‘The team at Nora’s are really looking forward to welcoming and serving our customers this Christmas - we will do our best to deliver great service, great atmosphere and great fun’!

For party/group booking enquiries contact Nora’s on 065-6824954 or dm on Facebook/Instagram

Festive fun and food at Knox’s

WE HAVE a number of options at Knox’s Pub and Storehouse Restaurant over the Christmas Party Season.

From a three-course meal in the Storehouse with an option to reserve an area in the pub afterwards to just simply reserving an area in the pub with an option of finger food.

We will have the best of bands and DJs with late bar till 2am on weekend nights. We will also be serving barfood everyday from 12 noon to 9pm if it’s just main courses that your group requires.

We will also have special lunch menu available on request.

Call

4 Bedroom 4 Bath House.

Quinn Property Management are delighted to present to the rental market this Stunning detached house in an exclusive residential area located in the picturesque, sea front town of Kilrush. The house has been fitted out and decorated to a very high standard, with 4 double bedrooms, Upstairs there is a master bed en suite with built in wardrobe, 2 double bedrooms and main bathroom with corner bath, on the ground floor there is, 1 double bedroom with en suite and built in wardrobe and a separate ground floor WC.

ENQUIRIES VIA EMAIL ONLY

Contact: Quinn Property Management

Tel: (065) 682 4343

Email: info@quinnproperty.com

PSL 001044

2 Bed - 1 Bath

Quinn property management are delighted to bring to the market this delightful, 2 bed apartment in Springfield Court, Ennis, Clare. This apartment is ideally situated in close proximity to all local amenities, including a wide variety of primary and secondary schools. The apartment comprises of 2 bedrooms both with built in wardrobes, main bathroom with power shower and a open plan kitchen,living/dining area with lots of storage units . The property is heated with storage heaters and comes furnished. Viewing is highly recommended.

ENQUIRIES VIA EMAIL ONLY

Contact: Quinn Property Management

Tel: (065) 682 4343

Email: info@quinnproperty.com

PSL 001044

Cragmoher, Corofin, Clare, V95PN83

The house and lands are located approximately 500 meters off the main R476 Ennis/ Corofin road and approximately 2kms from the town of Corofin. The house itself is located on a quiet secondary road known as the Killeen Road that has a number of one-off properties across the road from it. The lands are all surrounding the house with approx. 1km of road frontage onto the main Corofin/ Ruan road and the Killeen road.

The house itself is an old single storey farmhouse with a number of extensions to the front and to the rear. Overall size is ap-

proximately 106 sq. meters with a number of old stone sheds and outbuildings also with the property. The property is in need of a full cosmetic overhaul giving the prospective buyer the opportunity to design a home in a beautiful setting to their own style and requirements. This would make an ideal small holding for someone or gives the opportunity to increase an existing holding.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

PSL 002295

O'Callaghan back in Breckan's squad

ST BRECKAN’S have received a boost ahead of their first Clare SFC final appearance since 1996 with the return of ex Clare goalkeeper Tristan O’Callaghan, writes Páraic McMahon

O’Callaghan moved to Australia following last year’s club campaign which made him unavailable for all of Colm Collins’ final run as Clare manager.

Tristan returned a week prior to the Clare SFC semi-final but transfer forms were not completed in time which made him unavailable for selection in their win over St Joseph’s Miltown. His presence is a lift but also presents an almighty headache for the St Breckan’s management. Do they spring O’Callaghan in between the posts for what will be his first championship appearance of the year and stick with Mark O’Donnell who has been in goals for all but one of their outings in this year’s Clare SFC, conceding one goal in four games.

Denis O’Callaghan, Tristan’s younger brother remains a big injury doubt ahead of the county final after breaking his collarbone in the second round in the middle of August.

Former St Breckan’s captain Dale Masteron has missed all of this year’s club championship as he bounces back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. While the ex Clare panellist is understood to be making progress with his recovery, he is not expected to be in the immediate thoughts of management.

St Breckan’s manager Declan O’Keeffe told The Clare Echo, “We haven’t seen Dale yet, he had a very serious ACL injury so it will probably be a stretch to see him. Denis O’Callaghan broke his collarbone against Doora/Barefield so I don’t see him involved either.

“It is great to have Tristan back, he is such an enthusiastic and energetic guy, he flew in last weekend and it gave everyone a lift to see him. We’ve a very tight panel, we’ve four lads down in Australia like Aiden Davidson, the two Flanagans and Tristan as well. Dale is injured but to be fair to the lads they never laid down any excuses at the start of the year, we have what we have and we’re willing to work hard”.

Corofin prevail

TUS CLARE SFC RELEGATION FINAL

Corofin 0-11 Clondegad 0-10

Venue: Clarecastle

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

'All the sweeter' for Breckan's

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI FINAL

St Breckan's 1-12 St Joseph's Miltown Malbay 0-14 (AET)

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ST BRECKAN’S

Frees for: 27 (10/11/3/3)

Wides: 11 (3/3/2/3)

Spread of scorers: 3

Scores from play: 0-5

Top scorer: Joe McGann (1-4 1’Pen 1f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 13 from 20 (65%)

ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN

Frees for: 20 (8/6/3/3)

Wides: 6 (1/2/1/2)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play: 0-7

Top scorer: Cormac Murray (0-5 1M) and Eoin Cleary (0-5 3f 1M)

Bookings: Gordon Kelly (32), Cian O’Mahoney (36), Aidan McGuane (70), Own kickouts won: 23 from 24 (96%)

REFEREE: John O’Connell (Cooraclare)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Declan O'Keeffe, St Breckan's:

“It is total relief at this stage. I’m delighted for the lads, they’ve been on a long journey and taken a good few hits along the way, they showed great character at the end of the game and the end of extra time.

“There is one thing I know for sure with this group of players and they will keep going.

"They had to dig very deep, there was times when we were definitely on the ropes but

thankfully the knockout blow didn’t come”.

“This is our third semi-final, we lost the quarter-final last year and there is a lot of hurt around that, it is only all football around North Clare, they love it up there and I’ve got to know that in the four years that I’ve been there, they love their football, they’ve had to learn the hard way which is what makes it all the sweeter”.

“As I said to the lads when you give everything on the field whether you win, lose or draw, that is all you can ask of players, the fact that we gave everything and there wasn’t much more we could have done, we left everything on the field. We gave them a head start which made it more difficult but we finished very strong and we

tried out best to win it.

“We went two points ahead in the first half of extra time, I suppose if we had got one more score we might have been able to control the game a bit more, they were still dangerous and showed a lot of character to come back, level it and go ahead to take the victory, it was the only time we led in the game”.

'Dramatic is an understatement'

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI FINAL

Cratloe 1-17 Éire Óg 1-17 (Cratloe win 4-2 on penalties)

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CRATLOE

Frees for: 26 (6/15/1/4)

Wides: 5 (3/1/0/1)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 1-11

Top scorer: Cathal McInerney (0-6 4f)

Bookings: Podge Collins (46), Conal O’Hanlon (50), Black Card: Tommy Rooney (17)

Red Card: Tommy Rooney (36)

Own kickouts won: 22 from 26 (85%)

l Diarmuid Cahil made his first appearance for Corofin in the relegation decider Photo by Gerard O'Neill

STORY OF THE GAME

COROFIN

Frees for: 28 (11/10/3/4)

Wides: 4 (2/1/1/0)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-4

Top scorer: Gearoid Cahill (0-3 2f 1M)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 15 from 21 (71%)

CLONDEGAD Frees for: 18 (5/6/2/5)

Wides: 11 (2/4/3/2)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play 0-6

Top scorer: Gary Brennan (0-3 3f)

Bookings: Gearoid

O’Connell (35 & 44), Evan Flynn (41), Brandon

O’Connell (41)

Own kickouts won: 11/15 (73%)

REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

ÉIRE ÓG:

Frees for: 13 (4/6/2/1)

Wides: 8 (4/3/1/0)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 0-13

Top scorer: Mark McInerney (1-3 1’Pen)

Bookings: Mark McInerney (30), Aaron Fitzgerald (46), Philip Talty (51), Ikem Ugwueru (57), Red Card: Aaron Fitzgerald (66)

Own kickouts won: 18 from 23 (78%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Colm Collins, Cratloe:

“Dramatic is an understatement, it was unreal from start to finish, drama at full-time, in extra-time and then it went down to the last penalty, it was heart in the mouth stuff.

"You’d have to be so proud of the lads and the way they got the result against a brilliant Éire Óg team, there is 10 of those lads that have served Clare with aplomb.

“There was an aura about Éire Óg that they were unbeatable, Donagh and Bobby (Vaughan and Kelly, St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield manager and coach)

blew that out of the water, they set up tactically very well, they asked the questions and were desperately unlucky not to bring it to penalties, that did give people a lift. I studied their game and we tried to negate where they are strongest but it is very hard because in most clubs you have one or two players but with Éire Óg you have to negate about seven, they’re that good. We’re delighted to have won the game but it is only a stepping stone”.

“I don’t want to be dwelling on the penalty situation... but there is a tinge of regret that we didn’t see out the game in normal and injury time, we gave away possession easily too many times to give them easy scores. Cratloe have a great campaign bar one

slip up against Kildysart and they are in the county final on merit.

“We’ve had a long few years, the Éire Óg lads are fantastic guys and they will bounce back again, they need a good break for now”.

l Jamie Stack and Seanie Malone get tangled up on the floor Burren Eye Photography

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Podge Collins celebrates

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Paul Madden, Éire Óg

Martin Guerin, Miltown

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Rodgers and Stack lead way in top scorer stakes

by Adam Moloney news@clareecho.ie

THERE’S plenty of action still to take place but Mark Rodgers is almost certain to finish as the top scorer in this year’s senior hurling championship but the race is much tighter in the football stakes.

Fresh from his first All Star nomination, Scariff’s Rodgers who is also shortlisted for Young Hurler of the Year, leads the way in the MD MyClubShop.ie / The Clare Echo top scorer award.

With a tremendous campaign to date, Mark has averaged nearly 1-10 per game and has amassed a tally of 5-48 so far. The nearest challenger to the twenty two year old is Feakle’s Shane McGrath with 0-33 in four games. Competition for the MD MyClubShop.ie / The Clare Echo top scorer in the Clare SFC could be as exciting as the final itself. Just two points separate Jamie Stack (1-24) of St Breckan’s and Cratloe’s Cathal McInerney (025).

Both ends of the field in Cusack Park on October 15th will be closely engaged and interacted upon as the battle for the Jack Daly takes its toll, whilst both Stack and McInerney will contest one last time on the biggest stage to try claim the top scorer award.

MD MyClubShop.ie / The Clare Echo hurling top scorer:

1: Mark Rodgers 5-48 (Scariff)

2: David Reidy 4-39 (Éire Óg)

3: David Conroy 0-47 (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)

4: Michael O’Malley 2-37 (Kilmaley)

5: Peter Duggan 4-30 (Clooney/Quin)

6: Colm Cleary 3-26 (O’Callaghans Mills)

7: Shane McGrath 0-33 (Feakle)

8: Cian O’Rourke 1-29 (Wolfe Tones)

9: John Conlon 1-25 (Clonlara)

10: Niall Deasy 0-28 (Ballyea)

MD MyClubShop.ie / The Clare Echo football top scorer:

1: Jamie Stack 1-24 (St Breckan’s)

2: Cathal McInerney 0-25 (Cratloe)

3: Dermot Coughlan 1-21 (Kilmurry Ibrickane)

4: Gavin Cooney 1-19 (Éire Óg)

5: Cormac Murray 1-18 (St Joseph’s Miltown)

6: Philip Talty 1-17 (Éire Óg)

7: David Tubridy 1-16 (Doonbeg)

8: Aaron Griffin 1-15 (Lissycasey)

9: Mark McInerney 1-14 (Éire Óg)

10:

0-16 (Lissycasey)

Kilrush: A 'great bunch of lads'

TUS CLARE IFC SEMI-FINAL

Kilrush Shamrocks 3-10 Wolfe Tones 3-05

Venue: Meelick

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

KILRUSH SHAMROCKS

Frees For: 20 (10/10)

Wides: 8 (3/5)

Scores from play: 2-4

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Conor Fennell (0-7 5f)

Own kickouts won: 6 out of 13 (46%)

Bookings: Evan Power

Kilmihil goals crucial

Kilmihil 2-12 Naomh Eoin 0-13

Venue: Doonbeg

STORY OF GAME

KILMIHIL

Frees For: 24

(12/12)

Wides: 6 (3/3)

Scores from play: 2-8

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Ciaran

Downes (0-6 3f)

Own kickouts won: 10 out of 14

Bookings: Ciaran Downes, Stan Lineen, Jack Browne

NAOMH EOIN

Frees For: 26 (14/12)

Wides: 1 (0/1)

Scores from play:

0-10

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Owen Lynch (0-5 2f)

Own kickouts won; 17 out of 20

Bookings; Adam Haugh

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (Miltown)

WOLFE TONES

Frees For: 18 (8/10)

Wides: 5 (1/4)

Scores from play: 3-4

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Darragh Lohan (1-1)

Own kickouts won; 15 out of 21 (71%)

Bookings: Aaron Brennan (9), Sean Brennan (45), Darragh Leahy (64)

Red Card: Darragh Leahy (65)

REFEREE: Barry Keating (Lissycasey)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Daniel Ryan, Kilrush Shamrocks:

“It didn’t look great in the first half but the change of venue and travelling for over an hour to get here didn’t help. It unsettled the lads a small bit. Trailing at half time was the first time we were behind all year. We always knew the lads were going to turn it over. They are a great bunch of lads. Gearoid (O’Brien) is a county player and he sets the standard. There are great players all around the field and they work hard. I thought we put in a great team performance today. Conor (Fennell) kicked some great scores, he is a super talent, just out of minor. The lads over the underage structure in Kilrush have put in a lot of work.

We are one step away now, it’s where we want to be. On our day we are a match for anyone”.

Johnny Bridges, Wolfe Tones:

“Kilrush came out on top in the second half. They went straight at us from the start of the second half, just as we had done in the first. Our lads’ heads dropped once they got the first of the second half goals, It’s knockout football. The better team won on the day. We learned from last year and while the league didn’t go our way the lads rallied for this

MANAGER COMMENT “

Brian Dillon, Kilmihil:

“We knew coming here today that it was going to be tough. We had a few injuries, we had a few guys sick during the week and, not making excuses, but we have a small panel of players. Naomh Eoin were here on merit, they have had a great championship with some real good performances and a great result the last day over Cooraclare.

“We are delighted to get over the line. The goals were important and the second one came at a real good time for us."

campaign. We are disappointed with the result”.

“We were probably the weakest of the four semi-finalists but we have fine footballers and we have good heart in this club. This was a big day for us and we were nervous early on and started poorly. We coughed up too many scores in the opening period but when we settled down we rattled them. We had chances but you get nothing for putting the ball into the goalie's hand...In hindsight if we had taken points, it would have been a big help.”

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Darragh Leahy is pinned by Sean Canny

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Conor Finucane

l Jamie Stack (main) and Mark Rodgers (inset) lead the way in the football and hurling top scorer tables Photos by Gerard O'Neill

TUS CLARE IFC SEMI FINAL

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Martin Haugh, Naomh Eoin Selector:

l Conor Magner is tackled by David Coughlan Photo by Gerard O'Neill

All Star nominations as Rodgers & Hogan up for Young Hurler award

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MARK RODGERS and Adam Hogan have been nominated for Young Hurler of the Year while Clare has received a total of nine All Star nominees.

Both Rodgers and Hogan are vying to become the first Clare hurler since Tony Kelly (2013) to win the accolade and they are shortlisted alongside Cork’s Ciaran Joyce.

They are included among the nine Clare hurlers nominated for All-Star awards alongside goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan, defenders John Conlon, Diarmuid Ryan and David McInerney, midfielder David Fitzgerald plus forwards Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell.

Last year, David Fitzgerald, Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell all received All Star awards.

All-Ireland champions, Limerick lead the way by claiming 14 of the 45 nominations on offer. Clare’s tally of nine nominees is more than All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny (8) with Galway (6), Cork (4), Tipperary (3) and Dublin (1) completing the list.

First held in 1971, the PwC All-Stars represents the highest individual accolade in Gaelic Games. The

SHANNON

nominations and the final 15 teams are chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games Correspondents from across, print, radio, TV and digital media, in a meeting chaired by Uachtarán CLG.

No Clare footballer made the list of 45 nominations for the PwC Football All-Stars will be announced on Friday morning. The PwC All-Star teams will be presented with their awards at a gala blacktie event which will be staged in Dublin’s RDS and shown live on RTÉ on Friday, November 17.

PwC Hurling All-Star

Nominations

Goalkeepers (3)

Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)

Nickie Quaid (Limerick)

Eibhear Quilligan (Clare)

Defenders (18)

Barry Nash (Limerick)

Mike Casey (Limerick)

Dan Morrissey (Limerick)

Kyle Hayes (Limerick)

Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)

Mikey Butler (Kilkenny)

Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny)

Paddy Deegan (Kilkenny)

David Blanchfield (Kilkenny)

John Conlon (Clare)

Adam Hogan (Clare)

Diarmuid Ryan (Clare)

David McInerney (Clare)

Ciarán Joyce (Cork)

Damien Cahalane (Cork)

Jack Grealish (Galway)

Daithí Burke (Galway)

Ronan Maher (Tipperary)

Midfielders (6)

Darragh O’Donovan (Limerick)

Will O’Donoghue (Limerick)

Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork)

David Fitzgerald (Clare)

Adrian Mullen (Kilkenny)

Forwards (18)

Cian Lynch (Limerick)

Peter Casey (Limerick)

Tom Morrissey (Limerick)

Aaron Gillane (Limerick)

Seamus Flanagan (Limerick)

David Reidy (Limerick)

Cathal Mannion (Galway)

Conor Whelan (Galway)

Brian Concannon (Galway)

Evan Niland (Galway)

Tony Kelly (Clare)

Shane O’Donnell (Clare)

Mark Rodgers (Clare)

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

Eoin Cody (Kilkenny)

Jake Morris (Tipperary)

Dónal Burke (Dublin)

Patrick Horgan (Cork)

SECURE INTERMEDIATE STATUS

GAELS

Fergal Kenny of Shannon Gaels

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Adam Hogan (above) is up for Young Hurler of the Year while Shane O'Donnell (right) has been shortlisted for an All Star award, having won one last year Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Kilrush captain Susan Bermingham

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Senior semi-finalists at full strength but injury doubts for Corofin, Ruan & Tulla

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AS THE clock ticks down to the weekend’s eagerly awaited TUS Clare senior hurling championship semi-finals, its fair to say that few, if indeed any, would have predicted who the final four in the race to become 2023 Canon Hamilton trophy winners would be.

Yes, Clonlara would have been on many people’s shortlist of likely winners this year but the progress of Scariff, Crusheen and Feakle, while merited, has surprised many.

This week the clubs were busy putting the final touches to preparations for the weekend’s games.

League results in the early part of the season didn’t give much away but Clonlara did finish their Clare Cup Division 1A campaign strongly with four wins in a row.

They continued this form into the championship and won all three games in their group beating O’Callaghans Mills, Sixmilebridge and Crusheen to set up a quarter final date with a hotly fancied Éire Óg where they produced, arguably, their best display of the season to date.

Their opponents this week are Feakle who had to wait until round four of the league for their first win of the season. They met their semi-final opponents in the second last round of the league and this finished in a 1-23 each draw which suggests that Sunday’s meeting of the sides will be close.

Both will be picking from full panels having confirmed a clear bill of health earlier this week. Inter-county man John Conlon has been in outstanding form for Clonlara along with his Clare team colleague Ian Galvin and they form a very strong central attacking unit.

Their fellow Clare player, Adam Hogan is expected to be charged with marking Galvin. Both sides possess plenty of players capable of giving the expected big attendance plenty to cheer about.

The O’Loughlins, Paraic and Micheál, the Moriartys Aidan and Cian, and the experienced Colm Galvin are key members of the Clonlara line up along with Dylan McMahon at centre back while Feakle will be looking to Evan McMahon, Eoin Tuohy, Conn Smith, Martin Daly, Shane McGrath and Clare goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan to lead their charge. Don’t be surprised if this game requires extra time to produce a winner.

Scariff competed in Division 1B in the league and they finished in second place behind Clooney/Quin. They have continued that form into the championship where they had wins over St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

and Inagh/Kilnamona which drawing with both Ballyea, the defending champions and Kilmaley.

Team captain Mark Rodgers has been in spectacular form as his contribution of 3-12 against Clooney-Quin in the quarter final highlights.

All-Ireland handball champion Diarmaid Nash, Daniel Treacy, Keelan Hartigan, Patrick Crotty and Patrick Ryan have all been prominent in their march to this stage. They also will have a full strength panel to select from on Sunday.

Crusheen’s progress to this stage of the competition may be the biggest surprise but few are prepared to bet against them. They

were big outsiders in the quarter final against Newmarket-on-Fergus but they emerged as comfortable winners.

They mixed the good and the bad in the early part of the season and they commenced their championship campaign with a four point loss to Sixmilebridge. They bounced back with an impressive win over O’Callaghans Mills but then suffered a nine point loss to Clonlara in their final group game, a result that the majority felt had put them out of the competition. However the adoption by Clare GAA of the new score difference application process changed all that and Crusheen qualified as runners up from the group.

They have got stronger as the champion-

ship has progressed helped by the return to full fitness of a number of players who missed the early part of the season and these include Clare U20 player Diarmuid Mullins.

They have some very experienced players in their captain Cian Dillon, former Clare goalkeeper Donal Tuohy, former Clare captain Gerry O’Grady while Breffni Horner, Tadhg Dean and Luke Ketalaar are amongst newcomers to this level of hurling who are making an impression.

The favourites tag is with Scariff but the East Clare side’s management team which includes Mark McKenna and Donal Moloney will have warned their charges that a Crusheen team with the experienced Michael Browne in their management won’t be easily overcome.

Lively contests expected in intermediate semi-finals

This weekend’s intermediate hurling semi-finals are also expected to produce lively and close affairs.

After a shaky start Jim McInerney’s Tulla have recovered and will start as favourites against the Pat Keane managed Sixmilebridge outfit. The ‘Bridge have a good mix of experience and youth with their line up including senior championship medal winners in Aidan Quilligan, Evan McInerney, Kevin Lynch and Alan Mulready to mention a few.

Inter county star David McInerney will lead Tulla’s charge and they also have a good mix of youth and experience. However former county player Daragh Corry is a major doubt. He missed the quarter final due to injury and it will be nearer match time before a decision will be made as to whether or not he will be in the squad for this one.

Definitely out are Liam McInerney and Andrew Conheady, neither of whom have been involved since early in the season due to injury.

The meeting of neighbours Corofin and Ruan will bring a big attendance to Sixmilebridge on Sunday. Killian O’Connor and hurling captain Damian O’Loughlin picked up injuries when helping Corofin to secure their senior football status last weekend and it will be later in the week before Joe Cahill and will be able to make a decision as to whether or not they will be available.

While he played in their quarter final win last week, Aidan Lynch is an injury concern for Ruan who will be hoping to repeat last week’s form if they are to have a chance of beating their opponents.

The sides met earlier in the campaign when Corofin were four point winners and they will carry the favourites tag into this week’s semi-final.

Duddy joins Galway U20s as Lynch departs

SHANNON teacher Padraic

Duddy has joined the management of the Galway U20 hurling team, writes Páraic McMahon, while Clooney/ Quin’s Fergal Lynch will not be involved with the side next year.

Manus-based Duddy is part of Fergal Healy’s management team which were appointed for a three-year term.

Healy, a former Galway senior hurler who won Na-

tional League titles with the Tribesmen in 2000 and 2004 makes the step up from minor manager, a role he held in 2022 and 2023. Duddy was one of his selectors earlier this year as they came up short against the Brian O’Connell managed Clare in the All-Ireland minor final. His management includes five-time All Star Joe Canning, 2017 All-Ireland winner James Skehill who had a brief stint as coach of the

Newmarket-on-Fergus senior hurlers in 2019, Eamon Cleary and Duddy.

A secondary school teacher at St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon for over two decades, Duddy previously managed the Loughrea senior hurlers to contest the 2009 county final and coached the Tubber senior hurlers over a decade ago.

Alongside Alan Cunningham, he was over the first St Caimin’s side to contest

the final of the Dr Harty Cup when they lost out to Thurles CBS in the 2009 decider, a team which included future All-Ireland winner Podge Collins.

Healy’s management succeeds the outgoing Brian Hanley who led Galway to two All-Ireland minor hurling titles before moving onto the U20 role. Galway last won the U20 competition in 2011 when it was then U21.

For the past two seasons,

2013 All-Ireland winner with Clare, Fergal Lynch was part of Hanley’s U20 management. The Quin principal had coached Castlegar’s senior hurlers before joining the Galway management.

Lynch managed the Clare’s minor hurlers in 2019 when they exited at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage losing by two points to eventual winners Galway. They also contested the Munster final having won three of their

four group games to reach the decider.

Hanley’s management also included Ciaran Callanan and Keith Daniels. When Feakle GAA approached Lynch to coach their senior hurlers at the beginning of the year, he was unable to commit to the role but instead recommended Callanan who has guided the East Clare club to a first Clare SHC semi-final appearance since 2016.

l Clonlara are among the sides with a fresh bill of health

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Sammon appointed Roscommon manager

once again part of the Inagh/ Kilnamona set-up this year, the strength and conditioning coach has also been involved with Clare’s senior camogie side, the O’Callaghans Mills senior hurlers and teams within Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Kevin McNamara who was part of the Kilmaley team which lost out to Sammon’s Mills back in 2020 is on board in the management in a coaching and selector’s role. The secondary school teacher in Kilmihil has been involved with development squads in Clare and oversaw Kilmaley’s success in the 2019 U21A hurling championship. He is the son of former Mayor of Clare, Tom McNamara (FF) who retired from politics in 2019.

NEWMARKET CELTIC & KILRUSH RANGERS PROGRESS IN MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP

SOCCER: CDSL ROUND-UP

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S connections with Roscommon hurling have been re-established following the appointment of Bodyke native Kevin Sammon as the Rossies’ new manager.

Sammon has been ratified as the new manager of the Roscommon senior hurlers on a two-year term with the option of an extension, following a review.

Now living in Ennis, the extaxi driver is a former Bodyke hurler. He previously managed the Broadford senior hurlers over a decade ago while he was in charge of the O’Callaghans Mills side to win the Junior A championship in 2020, it was the first time the Mills won the competition, defeating Kilmaley in the decider.

His management team includes Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Stephen Cusack who was

It will be Cusack’s second stint with the Rossies having been part of Francie O’Halloran’s management. The Ruan man stepped down as manager in February citing player commitment issues. Ex Clare forward, Tommy Guilfoyle of Feakle was coach of the side.

Under their watch, Roscommon contested the 2022 Nicky Rackard final, losing out to Tyrone.

Limerick’s Tommy Moloney is also part of Sammon’s management which is expected to have further additions. He said, “I am

delighted to have the opportunity to fill the role of Roscommon senior hurling manager for the 2023/24 season”. He added, "I am really looking forward to working with the players, management team, clubs and County Board for the coming season."

Roscommon GAA Hurling Committee chairperson Christy McDermott said, “I am delighted with the appoint-

ment of Kevin and Roscommon GAA look forward to working with him and his backroom team and I hope this management team and the players can move Roscommon hurling on to great things. The Roscommon hurling committee has thanked all the candidates who applied for the position and the interview panel for all their hard work.

Bailey wins Fred O’Flanagan memorial at Dromoland

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

The men’s competition at Dromoland at the weekend was for the Fred O’Flanagan memorial trophy.

Robert Bailey emerged as the winner with 5 up which was one better than Eoghan Smyth with Thomas Halpin a stroke further back on plus 3.

Diarmuid O’Connor won the gross while the category for handicaps 22 and over was won by Mervyn Frazer with 3 up.

Sean Hayes won the men’s 9 hole mid week stableford competition with 19 points.

The ladies Autumn major was played on Sunday when Deirdre Cooney emerged as the winner with 40 points, three better than second placed Karina Doyle. Dorothy Brennan, also with 37 points was third followed by Sandra Moylan who also had 37 points.

Mairead Bergin won the gross with 23 points while Maria Colfer won the front 9 with 18 points with the back 9 sward going to Mairead Toomey with 20 points. Joan Dunne was nearest the pin while Dorothy Brennan had the longest drive, the 9 hole competition was won by Mary Galvin.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Michael F Ryan (9) won the men’s singles competition at Kilrush at the weekend with 36 points. David Keane (9) won category 1 with 36 points while the category 2 section was won by Fergal O’Connor (15) with 33 points with category 3 honours going to Aeneas

O’Connor (21) with 30 points.

John Robinson (26) won the front 9 with 19 points while the back 9 was won by Malcolm McCarthy (8) with 17 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The ladies Masters at Ennis sponsored by the County Boutique was won by Ann A. Gallery with 74 nett. Una O’Reilly was second with 75 nett with Mary Nagle in third spot with 76 nett. Suzanne Deane won the gross with 95 while the best qualifier was Sinead Hegarty.

In the 9 hole stableford competition the overall winner was Aoife Cahill (17) with 17 points. Rose Enright (11) won division 1 with 14 points, Mary Woulfe (15) won division 2, also with 14 points while the division 3 winner was Sinead O’Sullivan (24) with 16 points.

The Get into golf category was won by Rose Sharkey (20) with 17 points.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Marie Dilleen, Kathleen Pyne and Una O'Reilly with 60 from Mary Glynn, Mary Kearns and Alice D'Arcy with 55 while third place was filled by Eileen Daly, Jacintha Nicholas and Bernie Brooks with 47.

This week’s winners were Therese Lillis, Carmel Verling and Ann White with 53.64 from Mary McMahon, Claire Pyne and Anne McMahon with 54.74.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

The senior men's competition at East Clare last week was won by Danny Minogue, Denis Corcoran and Jimmy Nagle from Tom Larkin,

Steve Symes and Noel Earley with third spot filled by Brendan Moloney, Sean Jones and Paddy O'Brien.

Friday morning mixed scramble commences October 6 at 10am.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The men’s club singles at Woodstock at the weekend was won by Gerry Hayes (13) with 39 points from Ian Birchall (16) with 38 and Kevin Toner (10), also with 38. Michael Reen (3) won the gross with 33 points.

There will be another club singles this weekend.

This year the club has devised a new format to replace the traditional Winter and Spring leagues. The new format will begin on the weekend of November 3 and run until the weekend of March 1, 2024. Entries and fees should be dropped in to the pro shop.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

The men's 18 hole stroke golfer of the year competition at Gort at the weekend, sponsored by Adrian Quinn Car sales, was won by Noel Ruane (22) with 66.

David Quirke (2), also with 66 won category 1 while Shane Kavanagh (19) won category 2 with 68 with the category 3 honours going to Conor Helebert (21) with 67.

Friday’s 18 hole open singles stableford, sponsored by Ward & Burke was won by Pat McNamara (25) with 43 points with the gross prize going to Enda Cradock (3) with 32 point. gross B6.

The winner of the ladies 18 hole stableford competition, sponsored by Miss Designer Golf was Roisin Walsh (20) with 35 points from Ann Jordan (18) with 34 points with third spot filled by Joan Fogarty (18) with 33 points.

The category winners were Siobhan Forde (11) with 32 points, Anne Kerins (22) with 27 points, Regina Malone (38) with 26 points and Bernadette Forde (47) with 29 points.

Friday’s 18 hole singles stableford was won by Teresa Helebert (41) with 40 points from Anne Connolly (20) with 38 points while the 9 hole singles winner was Geraldine Quinn (18) with 17 points.

FANNY O’DEAS SOCIETY:

Thirty members of the Fanny O’Deas golf society travelled to Belmullet in Mayo last weekend where they were based on Friday and Saturday. They played the challenging Carne course in difficult conditions with members having to contend with wind and rain.

The winner of the Martin Meaney sponsored outing was Brian Conway with 39 points from the society captain Tony McMahon who had a similar score. Paddy Corcoran was third with 38 points followed by Declan Conway with 35 points and Tom Monahan with 33 points. Tim Shanahan won the front 9 while Francie O’Halloran won the back 9. Robert McMahon was nearest the pin while Mark Cottam had the longest drive. The scramble winner was Marty Meaney.

Harvey Cullinan heads the ball to the back of the net Photo by Joe Buckley

Ennis RFC underage boys and girls shine in blitz

by Dearbhla Parry

U13 Boys: Pat Lawlor Tournament

The Ennis team made it to the final in the Pat Lawlor Boys U13 Tournament, but lost out against the Old Crescent RFC toward the last seconds of the game. The tournament was hosted by UL Bohemians and took place on the 30th of September.

Ennis moved on to the semi-final where they played very well, even in horrible weather conditions. The team were victorious against Thomond/ Richmond, allowing them into the final.

The final was hard fought with 2 tries from Ennis, Old Crescent fought back and scored the winning try.

The referees were highly complimentary of the respect and attitude of the boys in each match of the tournament.

U14 Girls: Pat Lawlor

10 Aside Blitz

The Ennis Girls team

kicked off the new season as Cup Runner Ups in the annual Pat Lawlor 10 Aside Rugby Blitz.

Ennis lost out to Richmond in the final, but had some great wins against Shannon, Garryowen and Fethard.

Ennis’ first match was against the Richmond RFC. It was their first match together as a team and it took them little time to find their feet against Ennis, who lost out with a score of 5 – 15.

Ennis kept Shannon scoreless in their second game due to some great defending and managing to get over the line for 5 tries.

Afterward, the girls played against Garryowen. They ran in 5 tries and showed their strength against the opposing team.

The match against Fethard was close, but Ennis succeeded in a last minute try, which earned them a place in the Cup Final.

The Ennis U13 Boys showed their support for the team and great skills in defending were displayed.

Flowerpot Elvis on song for Clare owners

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

A CLARE syndicate left Clonmel victorious following the success of Flowerpot Elvis.

Flowerpot Elvis owned by the VHR Syndicate of Gary Pepper of Feakle, Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Seanie McMahon and Clarecastle’s Tommy Hegarty took the seventh race, The Ayamzagirl A2 525 in Clonmel on Sunday evening where the feature on the night was The John White A2/A3 550 Perp Cup.

Running out of trap six, the son of King Elvis out of Difficult Choice was out smart and got to the first just in front of trap two Bay City Katie. With a little bit of trouble in behind, the Paraic Campion trained dog drove on down the back straight to open up a two to three length lead and coming home the stronger the 6/4 favourite pulled out all the stops to drive on and come home five lengths clear of Bay City Katie with Classy Response taken the third spot. The winners time was 28.87.

Friday night’s Galway card was headlined by the Concluding A2 graded 525 yards Race 1. Racing towards the opening bend in race four for this A6 graded contest On The Radio and Derra Bear disputed the lead with Mounvoor Moll also close up on the wide outside. Turning down the back, On The Radio led Derra Bear by over three lengths as Moonvoor Moll switched inside. Between the final two bends the trio began to tighten up and although On The Radio led off the home bend the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan of Sixmilebridge owned Derra Bear (Droopys

Sydney-Astro Abby) finished best of all to prevail by three parts of a length in 29.64 for trainer Stephen Murray.

On Saturday, a major fundraising night in aid of Milford Care Centre takes place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Star guests on the night will include the Liam MacCarthy and some well known faces who played a part in bringing it home to Limerick, the night is organised by Tom Ahern and his family who wanted to honour the memory of their mother and to repay in some way the kindness and care shown by Milford in her palliative care earlier this year.

Tom (a welfare officer with Greyhound Racing Ireland) decided that a fundraising event at Limerick Greyhound Stadium would give him the opportunity to raise such funds.

“Earlier this year my family and I saw first hand the importance of such a facility with the passing of our mother. The care that she received from both the home care team and the staff on site in Castletroy were second to none. In supporting this event you are donating and assisting a friend, a neighbour or family member who may require the services of Milford Hospice in the future”.

Tickets are €20.00 which include free entry for children accompanying an adult and all tickets sold will be entered in a bumper raffle! Visit www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie for all details on the night along with how to purchase tickets. Doors open at 6.30pm with first race at 7.40pm. Limerick Greyhound Stadium offers free parking, fast food outlets, bars and restaurant.

Even still, Richmond came out as the well-deserved winners of the Pat Lawlor Tournament.

The tournament was hosted by UL Bohemians in Annacotty during wet and muddy conditions.

It was a debut for Grace Kelly, Biborka Benko and Doireann McInerney at this level.

The team was made up of Sadbh McInerney (1 try), Doireann McInerney, Rebecca Todd, Sally Crowe (1 try), Rachel Hanrahan, Emma Hanrahan (3 tries), Lauren Reidy (1 try), Saoirse Quinn (5 tries), Biborka Benko (2 tries) and Grace Kelly.

Additional Results:

U18 Boys: Ennis v Galtee –Won 28-10

U16 Boys: Ennis v Galtee –Drew 17—17

Fixtures:

U16 Girls: Ennis v Bruff

Saturday 7th October

Kick-off at 11:30 in Drumbiggle U11 Mini Blitz

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off TBC in Drumbiggle

U12 Blitz: Ennis v Shannon

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off at 10:00 in Coonagh

U13 Boys – Free

U14 Boys: Ennis v UL Bohemian

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off at 11:30 in Bohemian

U15 Boys: Ennis v Waterpark

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off at 13:00 in Drumbiggle

U16 Boys: Ennis v Nenagh

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off at 12:00 in Lees Road

Senior Women Friendly: Ennis v Bruff

Sunday 8th October

Kick-off at 13:30 in Lees Road

U18 Boys – Free

Senior Men - Free

U16 Girls Friendly – TBC

U18 Girls – Free

Senior Women Friendly – TBC

l Ennis U13’s contesting a line out with Ballina/Killaloe

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. INDIAN SANDSTONE PATIOS

. GARDEN SERVICES

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. DRIVEWAY RESTORATION

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PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further Information

– Natura Impact Statement

Planning Ref: P23/112

Date planning application Received: 24/02/2023

Development Description: (a) change of use of existing house to farm workshop, tack store and farm office (b) general renovations and modifications to existing farm buildings (c) replacement farm house (d) new site entrance (e) domestic wastewater treatment system and associated site works and services.

Location of Development: Erinagh More, Fountain, Ennis, Co.

Clare

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Patrick and Catherine Hannon will be lodging a Natura Impact State-

ment (NIS) in respect of planning application P23/112. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILMIHIL, CO.

REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P2360176

Development Description: Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance and on-site wastewater treatment system along with all other associated site works and services at the above address

Location: Kilmihil, Co. Clare

Take notice that Pat & Frances Lineen have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P2360176. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.

Recent Deaths

Brew, Mary Teresa (Maisie)

Mullagh Clare

Murphy, Sean

Ennis Clare

Carey, Fr. John

Kilmihil Clare

Hynes, Sr. Seraphina

Carron Clare

Kingston, Peter Robin

Killaloe Clare

Sheehan, Noel

Kildysart Clare

Clancy (née Hogan), Anne Clare

Coote Guilfoyle, Nancy Jean Ennis Clare

Gallagher (née Hynes), Bernadette

Ennis Clare

WHITE, THOMAS JOSEPH (Tommy)

Whitegate Clare

Ward, Jarlath

Meelick Clare

Nolan (née Vaughan), Rita

Ennis Clare

FARRELL (née Vaughan), Frances

Cratloe Clare

FARRELL (née Vaughan), Frances

Ogonnelloe Clare

Fitzpatrick, Thomas (Tom)

Ballyvaughan Clare

Fitzpatrick, Thomas (Tom)

Fanore Clare

Flanagan(née McNamara), Martha Parteen mClare

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Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILMOON EAST, LISDOONVARNA, CO.CLARE

We, David and Claire Prince, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission for the construction of a new single storey extension to the side of an existing dwelling, modifications to the existing dwelling, demolition of an existing shed, upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment system and all ancillary site works at Kilmoon East, Lisdoonvarna, Co.Clare The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKERRA WEST, KILRUSH

Take notice that P. Fitzpatrick intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect 5No dwellings + foul sewer treatment systems + percolation areas, to connect to ancillary services and to develop service road and new site entrance at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUERRIN NATIONAL SCHOOL, QUERRIN, KILKEE, CO. CLARE V15RT73

Take note that Querrin Schoolhouse Company Limited intends to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for a change of use from a primary school to a community facility featuring a small business hub, community kitchen, and two community multi-purpose spaces along with provision for a storage/bicycle shed and car parking with all other necessary ancillary services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SKAGHVICKINCROW, INAGH, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Brian

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

intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Emma Moloney for permission to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, advanced waste-water treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DROMORE WOOD NATURE RESERVE, DROMORE, RUAN, CO. CLARE

Further Information/

Revised Plans

Planning Ref: P23/60227

Development Description: Permission for the

(1) Demolition of existing storage building,

(2) Construction of staff facilities building,

(3) Construction of effluent treatment system and

(4) all associated site works

Location: Dromore Wood Nature Reserve, Dromore, Ruan, Co. Clare

Take notice that National Parks and Wildlife Services has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60227. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Care during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning

Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the Planning Authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SKEHANAGH, CLARECASTLE,

ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Donal O’Gorman is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for agricultural buildings constructed and planning permission for a new agricultural building incorporating a loose house and machinery storage, a new entrance off an existing private road and independent farm access road along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE

COUNTY COUNCIL KELLY’S CORNER, LIFFORD, LIFFORD ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Tomás Walsh intends to apply to Clare County Council for change of use planning permission to change the use of Kelly’s Corner, Lifford Road Ennis from a retail shop to a cafe/ restaurant. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 . How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship?

a. Three times

b. Five times

c. Seven times

2 . How many times has Clare won a final?

a. 3 times

b. 4 times

c. 5 times

3 . When was the first time Clare won a final?

a. 1914

b. 1923

c. 1934

4 . And when was the last time Clare won a final (so far)?

a. 1997

b. 2002

c. 2013

5 . What is Clare’s place on the rank of counties that have won the most finals?

a. 5th

b. 8th

c. 12th

6 . How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship?

a. One time

b. Two times

c. Never

7 . How many of the 38 players in the Irish national rugby union team are from Munster?

a. 8 (a)

b. 11

c. 15

8 . How many times has the ROI men’s national soccer team participated in a World Cup?

a. Three times

b. Four times

c. Five times

9 . How many times has the ROI women’s national soccer team participated in a World Cup?

a. Two times

b. Three times

c. Never

10 . What kind of sport is the most popular in Ireland in terms of support and attendance?

a. Hurling

b. Gaelic Football

c. Soccer

Spot the Difference

Can

you spot the 7 differences

l QUESTION 1: How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship?

Last weeks answers

. Sliotar missing

. Line on shorts missing

. & in the background missing

. Person in background missing

. Grip on hurley different colour

. lines on sock different colour

. Stripe missing on boot of player

Cratloe celebrate their win over Éire Óg

Photo by Ger O’Neill

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Oct 5th

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

October 2023

not too your coffee

ACROSS

1. Own(7)

5. Goes without food(5)

8. Freedom from war(5)

9. Dispute(7)

10. Change for the better(7)

11. Youngster(5)

12. Precious metal(6)

14. Sheep’s coat of wool(6)

18. Throng(5)

20. Try(7)

22. Radioactive element(7)

23. Reddening cosmetic(5)

24. Toy bear(5)

25. Satisfied(7)

DOWN

1. Young dogs(7)

2. Skin of the head(5)

3. Something offensive to look at(7)

4. What follows(6)

5. Former French currency(5)

6. Canned fish(7)

7. Substantial(5)

13. Skin-tight garment(7)

15. Afterwards(5,2)

16. Beseech(7)

17. Road-surfacing material(6)

18. Container for condiments(5)

19. God or goddess(5)

21. Shade of purple(5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

October 2023