The Clare Echo 05/12/19

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60 new jobs to be created in Shannon PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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IXTY jobs are to be created over the next two years by Smithstown Light Engineering as part their €6m investment in Shannon.

128 people are currently employed by the second generation Irish indigenous firm which services medical devices and orthopaedic companies with precision engineering solutions. Its production facility has trebled with new roles to be created on site in the areas of programming, engineering machinists and quality control specialists.

Located in Smithstown Industrial Estate, the company was founded in 1974.

Ten years later, it entered into partnership with US headquartered Molex but returned to full Irish ownership in 2006. Abbott Ireland, Analog Devices, Braun, BD Medical, Boston Scientific, and Lufthansa are some of Smithstown Light Engineering’s clients.

Chief Executive Gerard King stated, “Our ongoing investment and expansion of our production capabilities reflects our commitment to be at the cutting edge of leading technologies. Since our inception 45 years ago, we have transitioned from a parts production company to a global leader in new technologies and advanced manufacturing methods for the medtech sector at home and abroad”.

l CHRISTMAS MAGIC: Shannon Group’s Rita Meehan with seven-year-old AJ

Fanning, from Shannon, who were attending the Shannon Airport Santa Flights 2019 last weekend

Photo by Arthur Ellis

2 NEWS

Index NEWS

2-18

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

COMMUNITY

22-23

XMAS IN CLARE

25-37

BUSINESS

38-39

MOTORING

40-41

SPORT CLASSIFIEDS

FLYING HIGH

43 44-45

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

lCHRISTMAS CHEER: Four year old Allie Russell from Kilrush parties with Marta the Elf during the Shannon Airport Santa Flights 2019 Photo by Arthur Ellis

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Kilrush hub gets €63k fund

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ILRUSH is one of just six towns nationally to receive funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a new Community Sports and Physical Activity Hub. The Kilrush hub has been allocated a total of €63,700.

Applications to establish and develop CSPAHs were sought from Local Sports Partnerships in a competitive bid process under three themes: Community Setting, Schools Based Setting and an Outdoor Setting.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen said the success of the Kilrush application was due to the legacy potential of the project, supported by the significant coordinated approach by local partner organisations.

“The objective of Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs is to bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations. The Hubs provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities to make it easier for people in disadvantaged areas to get involved in and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle.

“For the hubs to succeed they need the support of the community, and the successful application from Kilrush shows strong community involvement ,which points to the long term sustainability of the project in the west Clare town.”

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

ON YER BIKE FOR HPV BANK of Ireland Ennis will be putting local sports celebrities to the test when they host a spinathon in aid of the HPV vaccine campaign and Slainte an Chlair.

The spinathon will take place in the Bank of Ireland Ennis branch in Bank Place on Friday, December 13 from 10am to 4pm.

“We felt very strongly on promoting the HPV vaccine campaign in memory of Laura Brennan and this is how the day has come about,” said BOI Ennis Senior Mortgage Specialist Fiona Mulhern.

The spinathon will kick off at 10am with local businesss people and GAA stars taking up the challenge for a half an hour at a time.

“We will be encouraging the town’s

business people and customers to the Branch on the day for a cuppa, some cake and a bit of Fun,” Fiona added.

There will be performances from local school choirs, a visit from Santa, face painting for the kiddies, party bags and a live DJ A raffle will take place on the day for a signed Munster jersey and match tickets for Munster V Leinster on December 27 in Thomond Park along with other surprises.

Watch out for top GAA stars including Marie McGrath, Alanna Ryan and Chloe Morey, Eamonn Corcoran, Podge Collins, Henry Shefflin, Mick Ryan, Brendan Bugler, Niall Gilligan along with many more. The event will also be supported by the Brennan family.

l IN A SPIN: (L-R) Eamonn Corcoran Bank of Ireland, Kevin Brennan, Fiona Mulhern Bank of Ireland, Podge Collins and Brendan Bugler launch the Spinathon in aid of the HPV vaccine campaign Photo by John Mangan

Calls for smoke free beaches PÁRAIC McMAHON

“T paraic@clareecho.ie

here is an opportunity” for a non smoking policy to be implemented on Clare’s beaches.

Clare County Council cannot enact bye-laws which would designate beach areas as non-smoking as that purpose is already provided for by other legislation, Director of Service Carmel Kirby outlined at the November meeting of the local authority.

Her comments came in response to a motion from Cllr Ann Norton (IND) who sought a review of the beach bye-laws to designate the areas as non-smoking “in the interests of promoting a healthy environment for our children and adults alike”.

In a written reply, Ms Kirby flagged that “The relevant enactments regarding smoking (tobacco) are the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 and subsequent Regulations mainly Statutory Instrument No. 481/2003 - Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition) Regulations 2003 which gave effect to banning smoking in aircraft, vehicles, a place of work, licenced premises etc. There is also an option (currently not enacted) under Section 47(1)(g) of the Public Health (Tobacco)

Act 2002 for the Minister to enact regulations which may prohibit or restrict the smoking of tobacco products in all or part of any other premises or place.

“Therefore it is not appropriate in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001 for Clare County Council to enact bye laws which would designate beach areas as non-smoking as that purpose is already provided for by other legislation”.

While holidaying in Spain this summer, Cllr Norton noticed a non-smoking beach. “I am now aware that Clare County Council aren’t in a position to legislate but there is an opportunity for Clare County Council to put in policy about having a smoke free beach. We are all very conscious of how dangerous smoking is. Young families with young children love to go to the beach”.

“We’re all in favour of no smoking bans everywhere,” Cllr Michael Begley (IND) commented as he seconded the motion. “I’m amazed to hear of Ann’s description in Spain, they should extend the same restrictions to bars,” he quipped.

Last February, now retired councillor Tom McNamara proposed a smoking ban on public facilities owned or operated by the Council. “At a strategic level, the Rural Development Directorate will shortly begin the process of preparing a ‘Healthy Clare Strategy’ and the consultation process could consider this proposal and any emerging policy for inclusion in the Strategy,” Director of Service, Leonard Cleary said.

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6 NEWS

‘Mike was a true Irish Republican’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

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UNDREDS attended Monday’s funeral of long-serving political representative, Mike McKee. Fr. Arnold Rosney was chief celebrant at the mass and noted of the large turnout, “It is a testament to the respect and popularity of Mike McKee that such numbers have turned up for his funeral”. He described the father of two as a man of virtue.

Addressing Mike’s wife Eileen, Fr Rosney stated, “Eileen I know there are many people thinking of you and your family this afternoon who are not here and are very grateful for what Mike and your family have done, while today is your personal loss, Mike is a huge loss to our town”.

He added, “Cllr Mike McKee worked hard for Shannon, he helped a lot of people in quiet ways, there

are many people indebted to him and we thank him for his service to our town”.

Born in Portadown, Mike lived in North Belfast before moving to Shannon in 1975. He was an elected representative in Shannon from 1985 to 2009 and again from 2014 until last Friday.

Originally selected as a Sinn Féin candidate for the next General Election, Mike’s candidacy had to be withdrawn due to his health and the time period elapsing between both his and Noeleen Moran’s selection and the date for an election.

Throughout his political career, Mike was constantly fighting for better services in Shannon Town and it is fitting that his final public appearance as a councillor was to attend the official opening of the €1.5m Shannon Town Park before being present at the November meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. Next month McKee was set to celebrate his sixty second birthday.

Music and Mike’s love of it was ref-

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

ALL IRELAND WINNER

erenced throughout the mass with Fr Rosney quoting Queen and McKee’s wish that “the show must go on”. Also during the service, the congregation came together in unison to sing Christy Moore’s Cliffs of Dooneen.

Tributes to Mike have been paid from all political parites, including President of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald. She stated: “Mike was a true Irish Republican and a great champion of the people of Shannon, which was reflected in his continued election to Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council over many years. He represented the people with great pride for over three decades and anyone who ever met Mike knew of his sincerity and decency. ”.

Mike McKee is survived by his wife Eileen, children Jeanette and David, mother Theresa, younger brothers Paul and Liam, grandchildren Odhran and Rian, Jeanette’s partner Brad, extended family and friends.

He is predeceased by his father Har- l #WINNING: Áedan McFall who received an All Ireland old and brother Steve.

Scholarship Award from Noreen McManus at a ceremony in UL

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Family pain over state of cemetery PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS residents with family members buried at Corrovorrin Graveyard have spoken out at their sadness with the condition of the cemetery.

The Clare Echo conducted a site visit of Corrovorrin Graveyard along with personnel who regularly go to the graves of deceased relatives. The non existence of signage and the messy entrance which included a loose steel barrier on approach were the first items pointed out by one Ennis family.

"It's the forgotten graveyard", one man claimed as he highlighted the hedges that are coming in on top of graves and only metres away showed the huge amount of rubbish that has been dumped on the other side of the hedge. Anti-social behaviour is also taking place in close proximity with cans of beer visible among the rubbish.

Lack of maintenance has upset individuals

who have family and friends buried at the site. "There is a historic structure at risk of falling down. There was a right of way on the graveyard side, what happened to it".

According to one individual whose parents have been buried at Corrovorrin, members of the Environment Section in Clare County Council were unaware of where exactly the graveyard was when contacted in 2018.

Local knowledge is needed to locate the cemetery as according to Google Maps it does not exist.

One of the first headstones to appear at Corrovorrin was in 1633 and it belonged to William and Maudin Connell, a husband and wife. Other old graves include those of the deceased in 1876 and 1891.

Contractors cutting grass have been praised for the job they do but the overall feeling regarding Corrovorrin Graveyard is of upset and disappointment. "I hate to see it go down to nothing," an individual commented.

Clare County Council were contacted by The Clare Echo for comment prior to the publication of this article.

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T: 061 - 444 989 E: info@kes.ie lPROUD: Áine Harrison recieving a Women in Engineering bursary award from the University of Limerick, pictured with St Patrick's Comprehensive teachers Suzanne Scanlon and Engineering teacher Daniel Frawley, along with school principal Mary Costello

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Replacement GP for Newmarket expected soon PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ONFIDENCE has been expressed by Clare’s Junior Minister that a new GP will be in place in Newmarket-on-Fergus very soon despite locals raising their concerns at the drawn out process of securing a replacement doctor.

Approximately 200 people attended a community forum in Newmarket-on-Fergus on Monday night where items on the agenda included an update on the situation regarding a new GP, the lack of a Garda presence in the village plus shortage of services, amenities and facilities along the main street.

All four Clare TDs were in attendance along with Senator Martin Conway (FG) and some local councillors.

“What is wrong that nobody wants to come here. Is it that Dr Hackett is too difficult to replace? Is there anything that can be done,” Mary Donnellan asked of the delay in appointing a successor to Colm Hackett who retired in May after 42 years of service. In the interval, some patients have been treated by Dr. Yvonne Williams in Shannon but anoth-

er speaker highlighted the difficulties in securing transport to the town for the elderly, mothers and their children.

“It was a meeting like this almost four years ago to the day on this very particular topic of retention and recruitment of GPs that I got elected on,” Dr. Michael Harty stated. He reiterated his view that the current contract for GPs “is not fit for purpose”. “Anybody like myself who has been in practice for forty years, you have all your running costs put behind you, it was a much easier era to set up a practice forty years ago. To set up a practice now takes huge cost”.

According to Joe Carey, “money is coming” in terms of improved contracts. He recalled that three candidates had come forward in the previous recruitment process with one “virtually about to start” before declining the post. “There is a viable practice here, it is of huge importance that a doctor be located here. The public transport system isn’t there and it’s not good enough,” he admitted.

As the closing date for applications is December 12th and no GP is set to be in place until early 2020, there was a commitment from elected representatives to try source more interim measures provided locally until an appointment is made.

Lahinch the setting for new RTÉ/BBC series A SIX-part domestic noir thriller is to be filmed in Lahinch in early 2020.

Smother will be an investigative thriller about the secrets families keep from each other set in a small town on the beautiful, wild and rugged Clare coast. It will be broadcast on RTÉ One and will be included in the BBC Studios catalogue for international sales.

Kate O’Riordan, who has been on the writing team for Mr Selfridge and The Bay is the lead-writer of the series. Treasure Entertainment whose previous shows include Finding Joy and Handsome Devil are producing the series with Tom Sherry and Michael Park executive producers for BBC Studios. Production has been enabled by a number of partners including Screen Ireland and the Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP).

Currently in pre-production, casting is now underway with announcements to be made on who is starring in the thriller at a later date. The series will begin with the discovery of Denis

Ahern’s body at the foot of a cliff close to the family home which leads his wife Val to pick through the events of the previous night to examine Denis’ relationships with his children, step-children and his siblings in order to find out who might have been responsible for his brutal death. The deeper matriarch Val delves into her family’s secrets the more she realises how her late husband’s controlling, manipulative behaviour had affected each member of the family in their own way.

Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at RTÉ, Dermot Horan said they were delighted “to bring more Irish drama to Irish audiences”. He said their collaboration with BBC’s international drama catalogue would give “Irish projects a major global distribution platform to bring their talents to the world”.

Rob Walpole, a producer with Treasure Entertainment promised “a captivating family drama”.

Lead-writer, Kate O’Riordan explained the background to the drama. “I want-

ed to make a drama about contemporary Irish women set in the west of Ireland, a dark twisting thriller with a focus on challenges of modern motherhood. When does selfless ‘mother love’ become smothering? In the aftermath of a tragic death Val Ahern and her daughters will explore their difficult complex mother-daughter relationships while simultaneously dealing with the shocking realisation that one of them may have been driven to murder.”

Head of BBC Studios Drama North and Scotland, Tom Sherry described the TV series as “powerful and compelling” in what is their first scripted commission for RTÉ. Executive Producer, Michael Parke added, “It’s so exciting to be able to bring Kate O’Riordan’s gripping and emotionally truthful scripts to life. Kate’s take on the central but evolving role of the mother at the heart of Irish society rings so true but I am confident it will also resonate to audiences outside Ireland. Everyone has secrets they wouldn’t want their mother to find out”.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Doonbeg's Liam named KEANE TO LEARN! Young Farmer of the Year PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

LARE dairy farmer, Liam Hanrahan was the toast of the Irish farming scene as he was named FBD Young Farmer of the Year on Tuesday night.

Director of Callanview Farm Ltd and an active member of Kilrush Macra, the Doonbeg man was recognised with the coveted gong at the twenty first year of the awards.

Liam was among one of the many Macra na Feirme members to be applauded during the ceremony which took place at the Castleknock Hotel.

He has previously worked on farms in France and New Zealand while Hanrahan's farming methods have been influenced by the PhD he obtained in dairy farm efficiency.

A number of criteria shape the judges' assessment of entrants.

These include community involvement, farm safety, environmental protection awareness, agricultural knowledge, enter-

prise quality, farm efficiency, farm business initiative and innovation.

FBD chief executive Fiona Muldoon, IFA president Joe Healy and Macra na Feirme national president Thomas Duffy presented Liam with the award.

Muldoon felt the nominees for Young Farmer of the Year were the next generation of agricultural leadership in the country.

"It is crucially important that this generation finds its voice, through organisations like Macra na Feirme, to tell the story of successful Irish farming and what it means for this country.

This generation can make Irish farming world leaders in sustainable farming practice for a sustainable planet. We congratulate all 2019 participants and wish them every success in the future," she said.

l NEW CHAPTER: Jackie and Sean Keane of Kilrush pictured taking their first steps towards a career in postprimary teaching at the MIC Thurles Open Day Photo by Brian Arthur

l AWARD: Liam Hanrahan wins Young Farmer of the Year

Photo courtesy of Agriland

One of Ireland's first solar powered swimming pools to be built at Lahinch Seaworld PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH will be home of Ireland's first solar powered swimming pool with works on its construction due to begin at the Seaworld and Leisure Centre later this month.

Lahinch Seaworld will close in order to facilitate the planned development which Board Chairperson Denis Creedon has described as "the difficult side of our project as it will have a negative impact on our staff and our community, however this is an unavoidable negative in the regeneration".

"We are assisting everyone affected by the closure in every way possible and are determined that on completion everyone will see the benefit and that the short term disruption will have been well worth it," Creedon told The Clare Echo.

Features of the regenerated facility will include a new kids pool, new gym and fitness area with second floor bay views, upgraded changing rooms, leisure area, multi-purpose hall, kids play zone and a visitor experience which will tell Lahinch's story as part of The Wild Atlantic Way. Now an elected councillor, Shane Talty (FF) was among one of the earliest swimmers in the indoor pool. "I can recall as a primary school pupil in Lahinch the sense of excitement in June 1996 as we got our first swim in Lahinch Seaworld. It opened a new world of health and sporting opportunities to a generation of youngsters who immediately took up membership of the facility and later joined the fledgling swim club. My own

brother learned to swim in Lahinch in those years and today he coaches Irish Olympic swimmers at the National Aquatic Centre".

Ever-increasing costs were key factors in the decision to put a new vision in place for the facility. "Increasing energy costs, particularly related to the operation of the swimming pool area were posing major financial strain on the company while other areas of the business were also suffering mainly due to aging building and operating systems. The scale of necessary remedial works is very significant and well beyond the capacity of the community based company to secure," Creedon said.

Works will take place as part of the €2.86m in RRDF funding. Tom McNamara and Partners are project managers and quantity surveyors, Miltown Malbay based McKenna Consulting Engineers are lead engineers with Tipperary Energy Agency also heavily involved. Management have praised Clare County Council for their assistance with the project.

General Manager of Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre, Joe Garrihy outlined, "We are aiming to be one of the first swimming pools and leisure centres in the country which will be fully powered by renewable energy sources. The system will combine Solar PV, Biomass and ground source heat pump technologies while high levels of insulation including a new roof will bring the BER rating to A2 class and reduce CO2 emissions by over 50%".

Subject to public procurement guidelines and regulations, works are expected to be completed in time for the 2021 tourist season.

12 NEWS FEATURE

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Asylum seekers want to contribute to society CIAN O’BROIN

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cian@clareecho.ie

IGHLY educated asylum seekers living in Miltown Malbay have admitted that money is a huge motivating factor in their ambitions to build a successful and fulfilling life in Ireland.

Despite receiving extraordinary support from the local community in Miltown Malbay, Nigerian asylum seekers Innocent and Paul can't help but feel pinioned by the lack of financial freedom afforded to those residing in direct provision in Ireland. Both men are highly educated, with Innocent holding a communications degree and Paul majoring in history and international relations.

The thirst for knowledge and personal advancement is an intrinsic motivator for both men, something which Paul feels is swept under the rug

in the media's portrayal of asylum seekers in Ireland. "People speak bad of us, but we are smart. Even though our system of education is terrible at home, when we come to the Western World, we do good," he says.

Fears of dysfunctionality and indolence swept across the Irish public in the face of direct provision being introduced as an emergency measure in 1999. This ideology still holds true in Irish society today, with anti-asylum seeker sentiments perhaps stronger than ever both in rural and urban communities. Paul feels that this belief couldn't be further from the truth.

"I love money. It's going to take me a couple of years. It's all about patience. Money doesn't come just like that, you grow it. I must restrict myself from so much socialising. Stay away from clubs and bars, buy cheap stuff. Invest in myself. The worst thing in life is to be idle. You must do something legit.

They say in Nigeria, 'An idle man is a devil's workshop'," he adds.

Both men are keen to receive their work permits, which they feel will allow them to fully integrate themselves into Irish society.

Patience, community engagement and respecting governmental authority are some of

the most important aspects in the build up to obtaining a work permit from the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in Paul's opinion.

The waiting period can take up to nine months to procure a work permit. Innocent has been seeking asylum in Ireland for five months.

"I have found myself here and if it so pleases the government of Ireland, I would love to stay and pursue my dream of becoming a lecturer here, like I was back in Nigeria," he says.

With seven months until Paul can gain lawful employment, he says that in the meantime, "I have no money and no job. I have to put my head down, be good and get myself engaged in any free classes that I can within the community."

Reflecting on the quality of life due to the lack of financial constraint back home in Nigeria, Paul admits, "I'm not happy that I left all that, because I was doing good back home.

Look at me now. I will use myself as an example. I love business and money. I love to work.

I had real estate back home. Everywhere I look, I see money here. Opportunities too.

Here you have a business idea and people will help you, but where we came from, it doesn't

work like that. If you don't have anybody to help, then your dreams will die with you."

Innocent and Paul, along with the 29 other men residing at the Central Hotel on Main Street want to give back to the Government as soon as they can.

"I need to give back what they have given to me. I don't like sitting here and taking their money all of the time," Paul adds.

lAMBITIOUS: Paul and Innocent want financial freedom (above) and The Central Hotel in Miltown Malbay (left)

Photos by John Mangan

Miltown reception has been 'wonderful' DIRECT provision in Ireland runs much like the national lottery. You win some, you lose some, writes Cian O'Broin.

Both Paul and Innocent are immensely grateful that they landed in the small yet magnanimous community of Miltown Malbay, in their opinions.

Amid fears of rejection, displacement and unease as demonstrated in communities such as Oughterard in Co. Galway, many of the men being housed in Direct Provision in the Central Hotel in Miltown are subject to undue distress, hoping to steer clear of the Department of Justice’s compulsory transfers.

"Here in Miltown the reception and communication has been wonderful.

"We put our heads together and said, let’s go and do something for the community every once and a while, whether it’s just picking up plastic or some sort of clean-up. It helps

the relationship to grow," Innocent reflects.

Innocent commends the bravery of the people of Miltown and their acceptance in the face of so much negative media depictions where asylum seekers and rural communities are concerned.

The integration process has propped up numerous WhatsApp groups within the community, to organise lifts for those living in Direct Provision, where Paul illustrates that the person doesn’t just linger kerbside but will personally enter the centre to get you.

Speaking on the benevolence shown by the owner of the centre, Pat Kelly and his wife, Paul admits that, “he actually treats us like a father would, if you have any problems, talk to him. When we have issues and confine in him, he says “Okay, I will look into that.” He sees us as his own kids, and we respect him for it. We don’t abuse it. That is the sign of a good man.”

lTHANKFUL: Innocent Iroaganachi talks to Clare Echo reporter Cian O'Broin

Photo by John Mangan

NEWS FEATURE 13

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

'We shouldn't look at bad news and forget about the solutions' CIAN O’BROIN

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cian@clareecho.ie

I LT OW N Malbay resident Innocent has been a part of the direct provision system for the last five months.

Residing at the Central Hotel on Main Street, Innocent and the thirty other men under the care of Pat Kelly have praised the safe haven afforded to them at such a trying time for asylum seekers worldwide.

Born and raised in a South-Eastern state in Nigeria, Innocent Iroaganachi questions the validity of national claims to an end to an inhume and highly regimented Direct Provision system, calling for an increase in peace journalism and positive news sur-

rounding tales of immigration and a system that has allowed him to simply, live like a normal person, in his opinion.

Born to a family of eight, Innocent’s passion for peace journalism and immigration issues came from a love of law and order.

Initially wanting to study the subject at University, Innocent opted for a degree in communication, something which allowed him to use his personal situation to get his message across.

“My mum wanted me to go to private university. I came from a boarding school.

"I didn’t want that enclosure again, I wanted to explore the world. One of my lecturers told us that ‘bad news makes news’, and I quickly realised that I was soaked in that concept.”

Furthering his studies in communication, Innocent

lPOSITIVE: Innocent Iroaganachi says it's important to remember the good news stories in today's world

decided to pursue a masters in organisational communication which subsequent-

Photo by John Mangan

ly put him in touch with a number of humanitarian organisations.

Innocent soon began to encounter issues close to his heart, such as refugee camps in the North of Nigeria, accounts of tribalism and conflict between the North and the South of the country.

“I was always looking out for the ugly things.

"I was interested in getting stories from a different more positive perspective, so that people won’t be scared anymore.

"We shouldn’t lay emphasis on bad news and forget about the solutions. Peace journalism looks at efforts done to take care of these evils.”

Addressing claims that the authoritarian nature of the programme can be overbearing on the majority of those seeking asylum in Ireland, Innocent reflects on the strict society that he once called home in Nigeria.

“People from DP are complaining that the rules are

too much.

Back in Nigeria if a person visits my home, you don’t have access to my Dad, Mum or siblings at the first instance.

It takes time. I will teach that friend of mine, these are the kind of greetings you would give.

"When my dad looks at you in this way, know that he is angry or not happy with you.

"Come back in this period of time. Even if he wants to buy something, he doesn’t know the place and the rules, so I will escort him there.

"Sometimes it could take over two weeks before I could trust you to do things on your own.

"So, when people tell us the restrictions in DP are too much, I don’t agree. Pat is not restricting us from behaving responsibly and being human beings.”

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Shannon’s Susan a global winner in Undergraduate Awards PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

S

USAN Williams of Shannon has been named as a Global Winner in the Undergraduate Awards.

Selected among 3,500 entrants Susan’s paper was in the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare category and was titled, ‘Are multi-factorial interventions effective

in reducing falls in community-dwelling older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis’. Her research was supervised by Rose Galvin.

A past pupil of St Caimins Community School in Shannon where she was Student of the Year on two occasions, Susan graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Limerick in June 2018. Two years ago, Williams was highly commended in the Undergraduate Awards for her research based on the benefits of exercise for oncology patients prior to their cancer-specific treatment programme beginning.

Shortly before commencing her studies in UL, Susan was presented

with the Normoyle Hillery Scholarship, the science bursary was worth €5000. She entered the BT Young Scientist Competition in 2013 and won an award in the 2011 Canadian Maths Competition Now working for the Health Service Executive as a physiotherapist in Castlebar, she will be able to act upon her paper based on the multi-factorial interventions for community dwelling adults.

Not alone will she collect a Gold Medal and Certificate of Recognition but Susan’s paper will be published on The Undergraduate Library while she has earned a fully funded trip to attend the UA Global Summit.

IRISH HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE HONOURED EXCELLENCE AT ANNUAL IHI FOUNDER’S BANQUET AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT AWARDS

O

l INSPIRATIONAL: Inspiration all around as Shannon Group sponsored Clare Garda Division Youth Awards launched. A spotlight will be cast across Co. Clare over the coming weeks and into the New Year to find the civic and community leaders of tomorrow for the fifth annual Shannon Group sponsored Clare Garda Division Youth Awards.

The annual awards have, over the past four years, unearthed some inspirational young Clare people who have displayed heroism in overcoming personal challenges or reached out to help others in their communities and judges are this year expecting the same and more again. L-R Garda Ailish Hanley, Shannon Garda Station, Superintendent Brendan McDonagh, Orla Platten, last years winner, Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group, Inspector Paul Slattery and Garda Hilda Moloney, Killaloe Garda Station

Photo by Arthur Ellis

ONAGH Cremins, President of the IHI, talks about the prestigiousness of the awards and recognising the personal contribution of individual hospitality professionals: ‘A huge congratulations to all of our 2019 winners. This year we attracted the highest number of applicants to-date across 18 counties, and the awards were attended by 500+ industry professionals, reconfirming the prestigiousness of the awards and is a true reflection of the work we are undertaking to grow our membership awareness nationwide.

As an industry we focus on delivering a better guest satisfaction and we position our people at the centre of this, hence these employee centric awards propels a higher calibre of winner, someone who was nominated by a peer or an employer as being exceptional at their role, celebrating them as an individual, their ability, dedication and professionalism. We would like to say a big thank you to our judges, category sponsors and partners who play their part in making the event the success it is.’

Through a new online entry mechanism for 2019, applications for this year’s awards were

l Winner: Pictured with Emer Priestley is L-R: Vincent O’Gorman, GM Westbury Hotel and Philip Smyth Shannon College of Hotel Management

Photo by Conor McCabe Photography

completed by both the nominator and the nominee. The judging process allows IHI members to submit their chosen nominee, a panel of IHI judges made up of senior industry figures across many industries from hoteliers to Failte Ireland to industry consultants and mainstream banking executives, shortlist the nomina-

tions. Nominees then proceed to an interview stage where the judging panel base their final decision before the overall winners were announced where over 500 industry leaders gathered to recognise the personal contribution of individual hospitality professionals.

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16

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Oasis or Blur?

T

TedFest returns to Inis Mór and settles the score once and for all!

EDFEST is back on February 20th to 23rd 2020 and it is now confirmed that Fr Damo (Joe Rooney) will finally settle the perennial argument about which band is best – Oasis or Blur. The annual Craggy Cup on Kilronan Beach, which has been a highlight of TedFest since it began in 2007, will be hosted by Fr Damo (Joe Rooney). One team competing in the traditional Priests v Nuns 5-a-Side football match will represent the warring Mancunians with the opposition fighting the cause of those cheese making Cockney Parklifers!

The last time such a fiercely contested battle occurred at TedFest was the clash between Inis Mór and Inis Oírr as to who would forever more host TedFest. That too was settled

at the Craggy Cup as all great ‘ecumenical’ Tedfest matters are resolved. Inis Mór won 2-1 in Extra Time.

Another firm favourite Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonell) will also be back to TedFest this year to host Blind Date! Willie or no willie, Craggy Island’s most beloved singer is sure to draw a crowd – probably about seventeen million!

Copious cups of tea and sandwiches, a lot of red tank-tops, nuns on the run, priests on the pull, map-cap costumes and of course a bishop getting a kick up the arse - Tedfest returns for 2020 and Inis Mór becomes the legendary Craggy Island for a weekend of highjinx in its 14th year. Fr Ted, Ireland’s best loved TV Show is celebrated and, of course, Craggy Island of Culture must surely take its

place in the European Capital of Culture programme!

Visitors will enjoy all the ecumenical craic that Craggy Island has to offer. While the official itinerary for TedFest 2020 hasn’t been announced yet, it has been confirmed that high-

lights will include the annual Lovely Girls Competition, Ted’s Got Talent, the Father Ted Prizeless Quiz, the Craggy Cup, Priests Dance Off, Blind Date, The Old Grey Whistle Rave – Strictly Nuns in Neon and lots more.

The music line-up is always a triumph at TedFest and Trad for Trocaire will surely bring out the dancing priests and raise some money for a good cause that won’t just ‘rest in our account’ ... but the question remains ... Oasis or Blur???

Stockton’s Wing legend to share stories and songs in Doolin

L

OVERS of food and music are in for a special treat this coming Sunday, December 8th when musician and Clare FM presenter Eoin O’Neill joins Ennis-born music legend Mike Hanrahan for conversation, songs and anecdotes from his acclaimed new book Beautiful Affair – a story of music, food and friendship. The evening takes place in Hotel Doolin from 7pm-10pm and is presented

by Anam Music.

Mike Hanrahan is an acclaimed cook, teacher, songwriter and musician. From the early days of his music with Stockton’s Wing to training at Ballymaloe Cookery School, food and music have been parallel lines that have inspired him. In the book Mike takes us backstage into the kitchens of a bohemian, international and surprisingly foodie group of Irish household names, including Ronnie Drew, Finbar Furey, Maura O’Connell, Leslie Dowdall, Pat Shortt, Eleanor Shanley and Sharon Shannon.

Mike penned hit singles ‘Beautiful Affair’ and ‘Walk Away’ for Stockton’s Wing, from which a world of touring and behind-the-scenes escapades began. With affectionate portraits of the

legendary personalities he came to know along the way, Beautiful Affair rings with the sheer graft, dedication and serious sense of humour of a life well spent on stage – and in the kitchen.

Mike’s time training with Ballymaloe’s Darina Allen would see his hobby become a second career.

Here, he shares favourite recipes from home, friends and professional kitchens across the country – from family recipes cooked on country hearths to vegetarian folk-club grub and tour-bus pressure-cooker stews. Beautiful Affair tells tales of the Irish music scene from the 1970s through to today, and wends its way through a lifelong love affair with Irish food.

‘This is much more than my story. In Beautiful Affair I introduce you to my friends – who share memories, recipes and quite a few amusing anecdotes that add so much sparkle to my life.’ – Mike Hanrahan Tickets for this special event are priced €15 plus booking fee and are available via the Eventbrite.ie website. See https://www.eventbrite. ie/e/mike-hanrahan-in-convers a t i o n - w i t h - e o i n - o n e i l l - t i ck ets-81607878361

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

17

5 events for €55 now on sale for 2020

H

IGHLIGHTS of the 14th Ennis Book Club Festival programme are now on sale at glór Box Office. These are just some of the events in a weekend packed with activities and events for readers of all ages.

The 2020 Ennis Book Club Festival will open on Friday 6th March with Once, Twice, Three Times an Aisling featuring best friends and co-authors of the phenomenally successful series of Aisling books, Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen. The books have been described variously as joyful, emotional, heartfelt, and hilarious, and ‘a loving ode to a certain type of Irish woman.’

Saturday morning will see the return of a firm festival favourite - 10 Books You Should Read this year with bestselling authors Ruth Gilligan and Neil Hegarty. Ruth Gilligan is a novelist from Dublin who has published four novels to date and was the youngest person ever to top the Irish Bestsellers’ List. Neil Hegarty grew up in Derry. His novels include The Jewel, published to widespread praise in 2019; and Inch Levels, which was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Novel of the Year award. Novelist and yoga-guru Paula McGrath will chair the authors’ passionate recommendations.

On Saturday also, the Festival welcomes the return of BAFTA nominated award winning writer, international poet, performer playwright, artist and broadcaster,

Lemn Sissay reading from his acclaimed one-man play, Something Dark. Something Dark has been performed throughout the world, adapted for BBC Radio 3, and has been described as ‘stunning.’

Saturday night at Ennis Book Club Festival means the welcome and popular return of Seán Rocks, this year interviewing acclaimed novelist Sarah Moss. Sarah Moss is the author of six novels, and her most recent novel is the international best-selling Ghost Wall. She also writes non-fiction about travel, nature and place.

On Sunday 6th March in one of the EBCF closing events, Sunday Miscellany comes to EBCF 2020 and glór for a special recording of the iconic Sunday morning radio show. With contributions from new and established writers alike, Sunday Miscellany has been a part of Sunday mornings since 1968. It is essential listening to many thousands across Ireland and more around the world. Expect magical readings, and music that will transport you.

These 5 events are now on sale at glór box office at an early bird price of €55 or priced individually - a perfect present for the bookworm in your life.

The full programme for the 2020 Festival will be announced shortly, with lots of unique events, new initiatives and a young people’s programme with Clare Library.

lBEST FRIENDS: Emer Mclysaght and Sarah Breen

Photo credit Al Higgins

Edna O’Brien honoured for continuing to move mountains politically & lyrically in writing PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

T

UAMGRANEY’S Edna O’Brien has been honoured with a coveted award which is regarded as the precursor to the Nobel Prize in Liter-

ature.

O’Brien was awarded the 2019 David Cohen Prize for Literature in London last week. The accolade is handed out every two years in recognition of a living writer’s lifetime achievement. It has been equated as the UK and Irish Nobel in Literature with Doris Lessing, Harold Pinter and VS Naipaul going on to become Nobel laureates after accepting the Cohen Prize. Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon and William Trevor preceded her as Irish winners of the gong.

A cash prize of £40,000 accompanies the award known as “a literary roll of honour” which judges felt Edna deserved because she “moved mountains both politically and lyrically through her writing”. Winners also get to hand over the £10,000 Clarissa Luard award on an emerging writer, for this she chose Dungarvan

poet Beresford Dunne who has yet to publish a collection.

Later this month, Edna will celebrate her eighty ninth birthday. Her debut novel The Country Girls was released in 1960 and was banned in Ireland due to the frank portrayals of the characters sex lives. Her most recent book, Girl was published in September of this year to critical acclaim. She is hailed as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century.

Speaking upon accepting her latest accolade, Edna commented, “I’ve often looked at books in bookshops that I have hardly heard of and seen that the authors are the recipients of three, four, five prizes. Naturally, I am very glad to have one prize to put on the back of my book and at the forefront of my mind.”

On whether it was a sign of a future Nobel Prize to come her way, the Scariff National School past pupil quipped “The fortune tellers have yet to come over the hills about that news, as such.”

Mark Lawson, Chair of the judging panel said the Clare native “achieved a rare arc of brilliant consistency, her literary skill, courage and impact as apparent in a novel published as re-

cently as September as in her first book, which appeared 60 years ago”.

“Edna O’Brien is one of the few writers who can call herself a literary giant of both the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From the cultural bomb that was The Country Girls in 1960 to the impact of her most recent novel Girl in 2019 via dozens of important novels and short stories and one of the most entertaining memoirs I’ve read in a long while, the depth and breadth of her reach over the last sixty years is obvious. Long celebrated for her ability to define both what it means to be Irish and what it means to be a woman, her true achievement lies in her ability to redefine in myriad ways and with a unique voice what it means to be human,” fellow judge Viv Groskop added.

Poet Imtiaz Dharker who was also one of the judges noted, “This prize is a celebration not just of a lifetime’s work but of a still-burning flame”.

“A writer can challenge societal norms and interrogate form all she likes, but first she has to create an appetite for her writing, and O’Brien has spent her long and fruitful career doing exactly that,” author Jon McGregor stated.

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Cash-strapped FAI owes €22k to Clare Soccer League

PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

news@clareecho.ie

Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League is owed €22,171 from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Financial problems at the FAI have been highlighted throughout the year with the CSSL one of the many leagues left short by the Abbotstown administration.

Question marks of the CSSL’s finances were

raised by delegates attending Tuesday’s AGM which took place at Treacys West County Hotel. Such was the concern from clubs that the treasurer’s report was not passed which means an Emergency General Meeting will have to be convened.

Outgoing secretary Ciarán O’Dea gave the treasurer’s report which stated that they have “a healthy balance” €135k up €11,985.65 on the previous year. In 2019, the CSSL only received €1,000 in FAI grants compared to €9,657 in 2018. “We are all aware from listening to the radio and different media outlets that the FAI have not been paying out”.

However, he said the CSSL has a surplus of €18,196 for the year ending October 31st 2019 which is up on the €16,188 last year.

According to O’Dea, the grant for the Elite Training Programme has not been paid by the FAI for two years, at least €9,000 is due as a result with approximately €2,000 in an administration grant not paid. “I don’t know if it will ever materialise, your guess is as good as mine. They tell me it will be paid”.

Tony Downey, Treasurer of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) was the first to query the report, “the grants from the FAI should be credited on the income”. “It’s not, we didn’t get them,” O’Dea responded.

“For the figures to balance it has to be credited. The €22,000 is debited on the current assets. If it isn’t credited, there is an issue,” Downey highlighted. “It’s not received,” Girls Fixtures Secretary, Deirdre Shannon Droney replied. Downey cautioned, “If it is incorrect you haven’t made €18,000 in profit, you will actually have a loss of €4,000. I’m not trying to roost someone, if I did the accounts I’d have a note on it”.

Chartered accountant Donal O’Sullivan put together the financial statement based on the information provided by the CSSL. O’Dea outlined there were different formats of the accounts that could have been given to delegates but he as secretary chose one he felt clubs would find easier to understand, “For me if it ain’t an income, it

ain’t an income,” he said as to why the due grants were included on the balance sheet as opposed to income.

Downey who has been a self-employed accountant since 1998 warned that the €22,000 was missing somewhere in the CSSL’s accounts and said otherwise it was “a fictitious figure” which the secretary disputed, “It is not a fictitious figure”.

Declan Farmer, the outgoing Chairman pointed out that “if ” the grants were paid in the morning all the detail provided would be correct. “It is very slow for everyone to get money off the FAI, this is going on all around the country”.

Fixtures secretary Conor Twomey pointed out that the FAI money is not included in the income or expenditure and is in the same bracket as the €10,334 of the Lifford loan. “It is wiping off the €18,000 profit. We can’t sign off on this tonight, it is inaccurate”, Downey stated. O’Dea asked the CDSL treasurer to put his queries in an email and they would be forwarded to the accountant.

“I find it very difficult to pass this, it needs to go to an EGM,” Downey outlined. Tulla Utd’s Denis Corry suggested all queries be brought to the accountant. Brendan Wall of Shannon Hibs reiterated what was said by the fixtures secretary in that the FAI money due is kept in the same bracket as the Lifford loan.

It was then agreed by delegates to proceed with the business of the meeting with an EGM to be held to pass the Treasurer’s Report.

CELEBRATIONS IN CLARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

l IN HIGH SPIRITS: Lisseycasey women Fiona Hanrahan and singer Marie Griffin at the International Day for People with Disabilities held at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis on Tuesday of this week

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 19

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Advent blessings

A

DVENT began last Sunday and many of us are already preparing our homes and families to observe this season. But many of us are also wondering, how could we possibly enter into the celebration of Advent if we are paying attention to what is happening to our beautiful country and our world that we all live in?

But here's the thing: we enter into Advent precisely because we are paying attention. It's because everything hurts, that we prepare for Advent. Hope dares to admit that not everything is as it should be, and so if we want to be hopeful, first we have to grieve. First we have to see that something is broken and there is a reason for why we need hope to begin with and hope to wait.

A Moment of Learning One day on my way home from a long day at work, I stopped off in a garage on the way out of Ennis for petrol and to grab a bottle of water and a few treats for myself and my wife. As I got close to the entrance of the shop after filling my car with some petrol, I noticed a ragged middle aged woman maybe in her mid 50's stepping towards me rather meekishly. She looked me in the eye and said in a low soft tearful voice, 'Please, can you help me' ..'Sorry', I said abruptly as I cut her off pushing by her dismissively.

Once inside I paid for my petrol and got my bottle of water and a few treats and paid for them with a crispy â‚Ź50 note and waited for the change. I headed back out of the shop drinking my water and thinking and hoping that the ragged middle aged woman would not be there.

But I wasn't so lucky. There she was standing silently in the same

spot. I raced by pretending not to see her.

I got back into my car and drove away as fast as I could and thought about how nice it would be to get home to a cold beer and delicious food my wife will have cooked for me. That's when a wave of remorse and sadness and failure came over me. I just relaized how selfish and unloving and greedy I had just been to that ragged middle aged woman. I brushed her off with the scorn that often comes easily to us who might have some of the comfortable necessities of life. What an unloving, uncaring and insensitive person I was.

I stopped the car and said a prayer of apology and then got myself into action and turned the car around and headed back to the petrol station, this time hoping and praying that the middle aged woman would be still there. And thankfully she was. I got out of my car and walked to her seeing the same meekness and despair on her face as I had seen just moments ago.

She seemed afraid this time as I approached her. But I put her fear at rest when I shamefully apologized for not helping her the first time. I brought her into a close by cafe and we had a coffee and I found out that she had been homeless through domestic violence and financial problems and only for some of the homeless and social charities like St. Vincent de Paul, Midwest Simon, Clarecare and some kind priests and nuns she would have be in a worse case.

Her life story was harrowing but not too unlike many people's stories over the past number of years of austerity and recession who live in our midst here in our beautiful county of Clare and our beautiful country of Ireland. I kept saying how really sorry I was for not helping her in the first case. I

cried my eyes out as I drove home that evening and I can still hear her words in my ears as I left her after our coffee, "God bless you and keep you". she said.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, please remember that Advent matters, because it's our way of keeping our eyes and our hearts and our arms all wide open even in the midst of our grief and longing. A prayer I say during Advent time for everyone in need of a prayer of Hope especially for our loved ones that are sick, unwell, homeless, abandoned and in need of our actions of love and caring goes as follows - "Emmanuel, Our world waits in darkness longing for Your light. In the midst of darkness, en-kindle our hope. As we long for lasting peace in the midst of war, Be with us. As we long for families to be reunited, Be with us.

As we long for homeless and abandoned people in our communities to be cared for, Be with us.

As we long for enemies to be reconciled, Be with us. As we long for cures and healing, Be with us. As we long for decent jobs and decent homes and shelter and economic security, Be with us. As we long for love and community, Be with us.

Fulfill the deepest longings of your people and Dispel the darkness in our hearts and in our world. Let your Word ignite the hope the world needs to bring to life your love and justice. May this Advent season be a time for bringing hope, transformation and fulfillment into the real living of our lives. Amen."

I encourage you this season of Advent to make yourself a little sacred space, a place that draws your heart like a little child into the stillness and the wonder of Advent.

20 SHOP LOCAL

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Ennis Home Furniture opens doors to Christmas shoppers

Quin Rd business announces extended opening hours

STUART HOLLY

E

editor@clareecho.ie

NNIS Home Furniture is delighted to welcome Christmas shoppers to its brand new show room, having doubled in size this year – and now they’ve extended their opening hours for the Christmas shopping period.

Eight years in operation at the Quin Road Industrial Estate, owner Brendan Reidy told The Clare Echo that the business has grown year on year to the point where they doubled the showroom in size in March of this year, which has been a “very successful” move for Ennis Home Furniture. “Our business has grown every year since we opened, a very positive trend in growth. We started off with three staff, now we have seven and two parttime.”

Stockists of numerous brands to cater for all your furniture needs, Ennis Home Furniture is up-to-date with the latest trends and are happy to offer expert advice to potential customers (free parking is an added bonus).

They specialize in all areas from suites, bedroom furniture, mattresses; to traditional and contemporary dining furniture, rugs, lamps, television units and more. “We like to sup-

port local so a lot of our bedroom furniture would be Irish made, while our mattresses would be from well-known Irish companies,” adds Brendan. From one-off purchases to complete fit-outs, Ennis Home Furniture offer their services across the county and as far afield as Galway, Limerick and Cork.

Ennis Home Furniture live by their reputation. “We do what it says on the tin; if we say we have something, we deliver on that and we do it on time. Everything we have on the floor, we like to have ready to go.” Christmas shoppers can rest easy that their furniture needs will be catered for prior to the big day as Brendan says his team will deliver within the working week, in some cases offering same-day delivery.

With shoppers out in their droves at this time of year, Ennis Home Furniture is open seven days a week currently, opening on Sundays from 1-5pm. High quality furniture and providing a professional and friendly service is the name of the game. And contributing to the local economy is just one of the added bonuses of shopping at Ennis Home Furniture, with all nine employees from County Clare. “Everything that’s spent here goes back into the local economy in Ennis or Clare, and that’s what we do here, we’re very conscious about anyone buying clothes or shoes or anything, they’d always support local.”

lLANDMARK YEAR: Ennis Home Furniture have doubled the size of their showroom (top) following eight years in business; (left) Ennis Home Furniture at the Quin Road Industrial Estate and (right) sales manager Aideen Keane, Ennis Home Furniture director Brendan Reidy and sales person Sarah Conway

Unit 3-4 Riverside, Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare

Email: sales@ennishomefurniture.ie

Phone: 065 6866704

Open 7 days a week ‘till Xmas

We Stock Suites Beds Dining Tables & Chairs 







Rugs & Occasional Furniture

We deliver in time for

Christmas

Community 22 COMMUNITY

MID CLARE

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

TOONAGH WALK The annual Toonagh walk around the scenic roads of Toonagh/Dysart will take place on Sunday January 12th 2020, with registration from 11am in Toonagh Hall. €10 per adult children free.. Three routes to suit all fitness levels. Hot/cold refreshments /treats/home baking served and a Monster Raffle in the hall after. All funds this year go toward The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Huntington Disease Association. All welcome. Contact Denise on 087-6731966 for more information.

COUNTYWIDE SVP ANNUAL APPEAL LAUNCH SVP Members from the eight Areas in the Mid-West Region turned out to support the Mid-West Regional Launch of the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s Annual Appeal for 2019. The SVP Annual Collection will be taken up at all churches throughout the country on December 7 and 8. The Christmas Food Appeal, Hampers and the Giving Tree will feature as donation vehicles again this year. All donations welcomed by your local Conference. For more information phone 061 317327.

CLARECASTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Clarecastle Christmas Committee invite you to our Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 7 from 4.45pm at Powers Carpark with turning on of the lights at 5pm. Join us for some carols and mince pies. Don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper!

NORTH CLARE OLD KILFARBOY SOCIETY Angela Counnaughton will be presenting the pre-Christmas lecture in our Autumn -Winter 2019/2020 series on "Kitty Hayes -Her Life and Music". Angela will also be joined on the night by musicians Josephine Marsh, Mick Kinsella and Peter Laban. Taking place Tuesday 10th December, starting at 8PM at The Malbay, admission is 5 euros.

l THUMBS UP: Jamie Mulcahy, Claire Horgan, Noreen Carrig, Eire Og GAA club chairman Jimmy Cooney, Marie Collins, Aoife Coen, and Katharina Walsh from Edwards Lifesciences at Eire Og GAA Club Ennis. Edwards Lifesciences gave 25 hours of volunteering to upgrade facilities at the club

Photo by Diarmuid Greene

NORTH CLARE ENNISTYMON CBS VARIETY SHOW CBS Ennistymon will present the annual CBS Variety Show on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm in Ennistymon Community Centre. Tickets are available on the night or from the school in advance, ring 0657071349. Tickets are €10 or €8 for students and OAPS.

SIXMILEBRIDGE ADORATION The 40 hours adoration will begin on Friday 6th December at 8 am in the Little church Sixmilebridge.Friday the 6th – 8am to 10 pm with Mass at 6:30 pm followed by Holy Hour from 7.00 to 8.00 pm. Saturday 8 am. to 10 pm. With Rosary and Benediction at 7pm. Sunday 8am. With Mass at 10 am. Healing ceremony and Blessing of the sick at 2 pm. Adoration continues until 6 pm with Rosary and Prayers. Visiting priests will be attending the ceremonies. Place your own Petitions in the box at the end of the church. Please contact Ita the Sacristan on 061-713401.

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

FRIENDS OF ENNISTYMON CHARITY CONCERT

l HUP: Pictured at the annual Ennistymon Vocational School charity concert in aid of Friends of Ennistymon Hospital held at the Falls Hotel were (clockwise from above): The Wren boys starting early; The Battle of the brushes with Pádraic Ó Fionnmhúchan and Noel Haren; Michael O’Grady and Hanah Wagner Askey; Paddy Mulcahy on guitar; Elaine Hogan, Paudric Rynne and Tara Breen; ; talented set dancers giving it socks Photos by John Mangan

Bunratty and Ennis ready for Pride of Place THE communities of Bunratty and Ennis will represent County Clare in the 2019 IPB Pride of Place competition this Saturday in Lyrath Estate Kilkenny.

Bunratty Local Development Association has been nominated in the Community Tourism Initiative category.

Formed five years ago, the Association's activities are focused on regenerating the heart of the village through restoration works, landscaping and

maintaining the village to the highest possible standard.

Ennis Tidy Towns has been nominated to participate in Category 5, for towns with a population of over 5,000 people.

Now one the longest serving Tidy Towns groups in the country, the group has for 30 years championed community-led projects which foster a sense of place, promote engagement, all of which makes Ennis a wonderful

place to live, work and visit. Mayor of Clare Cllr. Cathal Crowe described the competition as the Oscars of the Community Sector.

"Clare has a wonderful record of success in this competition and with the support of Clare County Council, this year's participating communities were in a position to put their best foot forward during judging and we wish both groups the best of luck this weekend" he added.

lBLOOMING LOVELY: Ennis Tidy Towns are ready to take on the Pride of Place competition with Bunratty Local Development Company

24 COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

Smoking hot idea By-election trends can from councillor be replicated in 2020

T

HIS week I was encouraged to see one of our local councillors engage in ‘big idea’ thinking by proposing that a non-smoking policy be implemented at Clare’s beautiful beaches.

On page 4 of this week’s Clare Echo, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) proposes a motion to seek a review of the beach bye-laws to designate the areas as non-smoking “in the interests of promoting a healthy environment for our children and adults alike”.

While such bye-laws, it transpires, can not be enacted, Cllr Norton insists there remains an opportunity for Clare County Council to promote a policy in regards to non-smoking beaches.

This is a no-brainer; firstly because I believe this will inevitably occur nationwide eventually so why not take the lead? Clare County Council has a great record in innovation and taking the initiative and therefore a smoke-free policy on our pristine beaches would only enhance our reputation as having some of the best tourist destinations in the country (and give the local tourism economy an additional kick) - the national publicity alone from such a campaign would be enough to ensure that.

The importance of beaches in a tourism economy is well established, especially in coastal areas and an exclamation point can be put on this when it comes to the likes of Lahinch and particularly Kilkee, where a plastic free initiative has already proved ma-

jorly successful. Tourists (and locals alike) are very sensitive to aesthetics of natural areas and cigarette butts are the number one type of litter collected from beaches. The visual impact on beach tourism is huge, and that’s before even mentioning that cigarette butts degrade the beach environment and have important negative environmental consequences on marine life. If a beach is polluted with cigarette butts, beachgoers may be left with a lasting sour taste of their visit. Establishing smoking bans on beaches will provide environmental, aesthetic, economic, and health advantages. And like many parents, I’m all too aware that toddlers are in the habit of picking things up off the ground and putting them in their mouths; surely reason enough to implement such an initiative.

Smoking bans are steadily becoming more regular at some of the world’s most popular beaches - with recent examples in places such as Spain and the USA. The first smoking ban on a US beach was established at Hanauma Bay Beach in Hawaii in 1993 which has twice in recent years been named America’s Best Beach (hardly a coincidence).

In the cold of winter it’s easy to ignore this as a matter of importance however I’d grearly commend Clare’s councillors for pushing to make something like this a reality, because the benefits that would follow would far outweight any hurdles or negative impact to making it happen.

Sad day for Shannon

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TRUE gentleman seems to be an appropriate way to describe the late Mike McKee, who sadly passed away late last week (p6).

A great ambassador for the betterment and expansion of Shannon Town and an eloquently spoken defender of social causes, the popular Sinn Féiner often showed great humility and empathy for his constituents while taking a direct and honest approach in the council chamber.

As a spectator, I will recall his passion

when fighting battles of those who needed help; and particularly his efforts as Chair of the Clare County Council local Traveller accommodation consultative committee, when he once said, “All these people want is to look after their children and give them a future.” He was a salt of the earth human being.

My condolences to everybody left behind

by Mr McKee, including his family, friends, colleagues, fellow Republicans and the wider Shannon community.

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Y-ELECTIONS are very unusual events in the Irish political landscape. There have only been three such by-elections in Clare since the foundation of Dáil Éireann.

In those three contests in the Banner, Fianna Fáil won them all, twice taking Fine Gael seats after the deaths of Patrick Burke and William Murphy in 1945 and 1968 respectively. The other contest famously saw FF hold the seat vacated by Eamon de Valera on his election as President of Ireland. The fact that just one seat is up for grabs at the time means there are no other party colleagues on the ballot to give the lead candidate a boost, and we get to see how transfers between parties play out right up to the final two candidates left standing. That said, traditionally, turnout is very low in all by-elections, especially those close to a General Election. Last week’s by-elections in four constituencies around the country were no exception.

Called after the election of four sitting TDs to the European Parliament last May, no one expected a big turnout in the contests in Cork North Central, Dublin Fingal, Dublin MidWest and Wexford. However, with it generally accepted, and all but confirmed in interview with Míchéal Martin over the weekend, that the next General

CLARIFICATION On Thursday, November 7, The Clare Echo carried a story on page 12 with the headline Trolley situation ‘being masked’ in relation to University Hospital Limerick.

The article quotes SIPTU’s Ger Kennedy as saying that “as a means of masking the situation in A&E, trolleys are now being put on wards three at a time”. The Clare Echo is happy to clarify that UHL does not partake in the practice of masking figures relating to the number of patients on trolleys.

As part of the hospital’s escalation plan, trolleys are moved to inpatient wards and overflow areas, including assessment units. These numbers are included in INMO (Irish Nurse & Midwife Association) trolley figures which are readily available online.

The same article quoted former Limerick City Councillor Mary Cahillane as questioning the discharge rates at UHL. The Clare Echo is happy to clarify that UHL’s discharge rate is in line with professional practices.

OPPORTUNITY: If by-election trends are to be replicated in next year’s GE, it could be good news for Cathal Crowe (FF)

Election will come before the Summer. Hence, there was a noted apathy towards last Friday’s vote. What transpired was the two lowest turnouts in Irish electoral history in the two Dublin constituencies. This makes garnering useful statistics and trends from by-elections all the harder. When turnout is low, it’s more about who can galvanise and motivate their base to get the vote out, rather than attract floating voters. This was evident in the performance of Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West where their candidate Mark Ward pulled off the shock of the week in taking the seat vacated by FG’s Frances Fitzgerald. This performance was down to SF getting their base of North Clondalkin out to vote more than any other part of the constituency and in doing so, built themselves a first round lead they’d never relinquish. In the end his lead had been cut to just 555 by FG’s Emer Higgins from its initial 1,046. But that will matter little to SF who now find themselves in the difficult position of trying to defend two of four seats on offer in the General Election.

Fine Gael were one of the big losers of the weekend. Not only did they fail to retain their seat in Dublin Mid-West, they didn’t finish in the top two in any other constituency. This will send alarm bells off in FG HQ as they try map where it all went wrong.

It’s true to say that Government’s rarely win by-elections but the fact that FG barely threatened to win a seat anywhere is unprecedented when so many seats were up for grabs. Fianna Fáil will be happy to have retained the seat vacated in Cork by Billy Kelleher and added the Wexford seat to their ranks, won by Kelleher’s European election running mate, Malcolm Byrne. Páidí O’Sullivan took 28 per cent of the vote in Cork and Byrne 31 per cent in Wexford and they both always looked comfortable from there on out. Nevertheless, FF will have a certain degree of antipathy that both those contests did see the gap close considerably as the counts went on and more left leaning candidates proved more transfer friendly.

FF will be disappointed with the result in Fingal though where early favourite Lorraine Clifford-Lee ultimately had to settle for second place after she learned a harsh political lesson; always delete your previous social media content on entering electoral politics! Not to mention the contents of those tweets.

The Greens were the other winners of the weekend winning their first ever by-election victory in Ireland. The election of Joe O’Brien in Fingal capped what has been a great year for the Greens as they won a European seat in both Dublin and Ireland South in May alongside huge gains in Local Government. The Green wave has continued for sure but one thing to note is that the wave is far higher in leafy Dublin than it is elsewhere. The Green vote remains far stronger in urban Ireland than it does in rural areas as evidenced in all electoral contests here in 2019.

There were of course notable exceptions, not least Róisín Garvey in the Ennistymon LEA last May. Tapping more into rural voter hearts will be a top priority for the Greens going into next year’s GE if they are to continue to develop into a king maker party. They may well become that anyway with the party set to take a good number of seats in Dublin as well as mounting a strong challenge in other urban constituencies.

Trying to take the stats and figures from last week and apply it to other constituencies comes with a huge health warning.

Candidate selection also has a part to play in by-election contests which means it’s hard to trust the patterns that emerge from one. At the end of the day though, the first preference vote saw FF on top across the four constituencies on 24 per cent with FG on 20 per cent. Labour had a very strong day to come in third overall with 14 per cent of the vote ahead of SF on 13 per cent. The Greens came in fifth with 10 per cent, highlighting their struggle in more rural constituencies. Hard left parties and Independents, especially those from the hard right, fared very badly though and this is the one trend I expect to see replicated in next year’s election. Were these number replicated in a national poll, I’d expect FF and FG to take two seats each in Clare.

Spare a thought for the Social Democrats. The party more and more looks to be stagnating despite some good isolated results in the Local Elections.

The party failed to break 1,000 votes in all but one contest over the weekend.

Unless they can turn it around, on those numbers, it’s only a matter of time before they find themselves back home in the Labour fold once more.

Celebrate

Christmas

in style this year at THE INN AT DROMOLAND FESTIVE LUNCH MENU

Freshly Made Soup of the Day Crisp Puff Pastry Feuillete of Chicken & Limerick Ham in a tarragon veloute

Connemara Smoked Salmon & Fresh Salmon Fishcake gribiche remoulade, Donegal rapeseed dressing, dressed leaves

Tapas Platter of Cured Meats Pepper Salami, Irish Chorizo, Chicken Liver Pate, St. Tola Goats Cheese, Olives and Sundried Tomato, Dillisk Tapenade, Sour Dough Baguette & Gaspacho Shot

Shannigans Classic Caesar Salad vine cherry tomato, organic quinoa, haas avocado, croutons & paremesan

Traditional Roast Turkey & Glazed Limerick Ham cranberry & chestnut stuffing, honey glazed carrots, chipolatas, fondant potato,turkey & cranberry jus

Pan Seared Fillet of Seabass sautéed garlic king prawns, stonehall beetroot, cherry vine tomato, ruby chard, dillisk pomme puree, tomato sauce vierge and tarragon

Grilled 6oz Sirloin Steak braised red cabbage, garlic mash, skin on chips, bernaise and blackpepper sauce

Vine Cherry Tomato & Vegetable Passata buttered tagliatelle, wild garlic pesto, tomato sauce

Inn at Dromoland Dessert Selection Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies

CHRISTMAS LUNCHES IN SHANNIGANS From Monday 2nd December Enjoy a delicious traditional Christmas Lunch in the surrounds of Shannigans Gastro Pub and experience a locally sourced, freshly prepared festive menu.

2 Course €22.00 3 Course €27.50 Available Monday-Sunday, 12 noon to 5pm.

SHANNIGANS PARTY MENU For Intimate Get-togethers

l BRIDES OF LIMERICK WINNERS: From left to right:

Olive O’Connor (Head Receptionist), Claire Coughlan (Wedding Co-Ordinator), Susan Lynch (Duty Manager), Dermot Hogan (Sales & Marketing Manager). Winners at the Brides of Limerick Wedding Awards 2019. Winner of Wedding Co-Ordinator of the Year 2019 and Most Scenic Wedding Venue of the Year 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy’s

Top 4 ways to stay sane during Silly Season 1. ADOPT A GIFT POLICY

Book our Finger Food Party Meny available from 5pm each evening, Monday-Friday throughout the month of December.

€14.95 per person Based on a minimum number of 10 guests.

POST CHRISTMAS GETAWAYS Breaks between Christmas & New Year Escape the chaos of the festivities between Christmas and New Year. Enjoy 2 nights B&B with dinner on one evening, available from 27th December.

from €140.00 per person sharing GIFT VOUCEHRS Shop online at theinnatdromoland.ie Choose our Gift Vouchers for Overnight Packages, Lunch, Dinner or a Leisure Club Membership - or monetary vouchers which can be redeemed against all our services

2. DO AS THE AMERICANS DO

Celebrate thanksgiving and practice gratitude… at a time when we’re bombarded with temptation to spend, the true meaning of this time of year can get lost. Spend time with those you love, help those in need and recognise things that are important rather than the frenzy of the festivities.

4. SOUL TIME

If you find yourself aimlessly shopping and spending crazy money on unwanted gifts each year why not break bad habits an adopt a new policy. A Kris Kindle is a good idea for larger families or why not make a decision to just buy for the children.

Perhaps offer your time or experience this year as opposed to buying presents for example offer to paint the house, babysit, offer financial advice etc. Gifts don’t always have to cost money.

3. KEEP MOVING

We all have high hopes for the new year and getting back on the wagon…what if you don’t fall off to begin with? Christmas has now become a season of excess…so why not join that gym or start healthy eating NOW! Of course enjoy yourself over the holidays but staying healthy now will keep your mind healthy too and make those inevitable January blues less bluey!

Whether you decide to do the Christmas Day swim, volunteer with a local charity, reconnect with the spiritual side of Christmas in your local parish, do some stress reducing acupuncture or spend time on a yoga mat… take time from the mad merry go-round of silly season and ground yourself with some “soul time” as I like to call it!

Win Shannon flights by shopping local this Christmas

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NSPIRED by the launch of three exciting new routes from Shannon Airport to Vienna, Paris and Barcelona, Ennis Chamber has teamed up with Shannon Group to offer three short break holidays, one to each of those destinations, to be won over three successive weekends leading up to Christmas.

SIMPLE CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT LOCAL

Ennis Chamber CEO, Margaret O’Brien said, “The idea for the campaign is simple, we are asking businesses and consumers in the region to support the local economy, to attract new business and to help ensure our towns survive. Obvious ways for people in Clare to do that are to use Shannon Airport and to support local businesses, especially in the run up to Christmas.”

Gwen Culligan, President Ennis Chamber added, “Research shows every €10 spent in Clare generates €24 of business to the local economy. It’s that straightforward. This is a great campaign with a simple, clear message that highlights the need to buy local and fly local.”

TRACTION

The campaign has gained great traction amongst businesses in Ennis, with forty businesses signed up, representing both the daytime and night time economy (i.e. a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars).

The draws will be video recorded, and shared on social media.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Spend €30 or more on a single transaction in participating businesses (see list attached) on the dates below. T o enter a draw for a short break to include return flights and accommodation for two (€600 per winner for accommodation), to one of the exciting new routes from Shannon Airport.

Once you make your purchase fill in the coupon at the till with your name and contact number to automatically be entered in the weekend draw.

Weekend No. 1: Saturday Dec. 07/ Sunday Dec. 08 Prize: Short Break to Vienna (from Shannon Airport) Draw takes place Tuesday Dec 10 Weekend No. 2: Saturday Dec. 14 /Sunday Dec. 15 Prize: Short Break to Paris (from Shannon Airport) Draw takes place Tuesday Dec 17 Weekend No. 3: Saturday Dec. 21/Sunday Dec. 22 Prize: Short Break to Barcelona (from Shannon Airport) Draw takes place Tuesday Dec 24 Best of Luck!

Remember to use the hashtag: #BuyLocalFlyLocal to support our local economy.

List of Participating Business in #BuyLocalFlyLocal campaign 1. Ennis Gold Gift Vouchers (available Ennis Chamber) 2. Bambino’s 3. Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty 4. Brogans Bar & Restaurant 5. Carmody Shoes 6. Collins Jewellers 7. Considine’s Bar 8. Cornucopia 9. County Boutique 10. Cruises Bar 11. Educogym 12. Ennis Gourmet 13. Eye Candy Opticians 14. Fawl’s Off Licence 15. Hotel Woodstock 16. Kilkenny Shop 17. Knox’s Bar & Restaurant 18. La Jolie Femme 19. Maddens Furniture 20. Manix

21. McDonalds 22. McHugh’s 23. NC Décor 24. No 41 25. Nora Culligan’s 26. Nozomi 27. O’Connell’s Medical Hall 28. O’Connor’s Newsagents 29. O’Connor’s Bakeries 30. Old Ground 31. Rochford’s 32. Rowan Tree 33. Shanahan’s Paints 34. Sweet n Green 35. Taylor’s 36. Temple Gate Hotel 37. Tracey’s West County 38. Willow 39. Wine Buff 40. YOLO/Josie O’Shea’s 41. Zest Café

Great deals this Xmas at Home Gallery

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OMETIMES wouldn’t be complete this year without a visit to Home Gallery on the Kilrush Road in Ennis. One of the most wonderful and amazing furniture and household interior showrooms in the country is on our doorstep - any shopper is sure to lose themselves in this mesmerising shopping experience.

Along with the the typical luxurious offerings on sale at Home Gallery, the Christmas Shop is up and running making a festive feast for the senses. More than a decade in business, at this time of year Home Gallery specialises in stunning Christmas decorations and accessories. Christmas trees are decked out tastefully in-store and are colour-blocked to suit every possible room style.

Home Gallery are also stockists an incredible selection of beds, bedroom furniture, dining furniture, kitchen dressers, and all types of home accessories including mirrors, pictures, lighting, bed linen, picture frames and other accessories.

There are hundreds of gift ideas to suit all budgets, starting from as little as €5. Home Gallery stock the full range of Yankee Gift Sets with price points to suit every pocket.

Proving very popular this year are the beautiful Home Gallery Christmas collectables,

starting at just €8.95 for the Xmas bear, there are some beautiful pieces in the range like the light up angels for just €27.95. Also proving popular are Xmas Tree Decorations from Tipperary Crystal.

Prices start at just €11.95 for the stunning tree decoration, beautifully packaged in star shaped boxes complete with ribbon and bow, just one example from the many gift ideas from Tipperary crystal in store. Or why not have a beautiful wreath or garland made up in a myriad of colours and themes.

Don’t forget, Home Gallery has a huge selection of colourful cushions, throws and bed linen, with something to suit everyone.

The georgous German made thermal sofa throws in every colour imaginalbe as selling like hot cakes in this cold weather and are an ideal gift and are on special offer reduced from €59.95 to just €39.95. And if you can’t choose a gift from the vast selection, why not give a Home Gallery gift voucher. It’s sure to make anyone’s Xmas.

So hurry to Home Gallery, Kilrush Road, Ennis, and be inspired this Christmas. A visit to Home Gallery on the Kilrush Road is a must, it’s not Christmas till you have visited Home Gallery. Home Gallery Interiors, Kilrush Rd, Ennis, Co Clare. 065 6797040 and sure to check us out on Facebook.

HomeGallery-XMAS-CE-FPG.qxp_Layout 1 04/12/2019 14:58 Page 1

% 20 OFF

FULL PRICE XMAS STOCK THIS WEEKEND

interiors

% 20 OFF

FULL PRICE XMAS STOCK THIS ‘It’s not Christmas until You’ve Been to Home Gallery’ WEEKEND Open Monday to sat, 9.30 to 6, sun 1 to 5 | Kilrush Road, Ennis Ph: 065 6797040

l READY FOR TAKE OFF: L-R Eabha Fanning (5) from Shannon Co Clare, Jenni-

fer Moloney, Gouldavoher Limerick, Tracy Moloney, Gouldavoher Limerick and Aj Fanning (7) Shannon Co Clare on the apron during the Shannon Airport Santa Flights 2019.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Shannon Santa flights take off STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

HRISTMAS exploded excitedly and noisily over Shannon Airport at the weekend as over 2,000 lucky children and their parents got to meet the special one 15,000ft above sea-level as the annual Santa Flights took to the skies.

Families from all four provinces descended on the airport over the weekend to board the most magical flight of the year, many making it an overnight treat to the region as they travelled from as far afield as Fermanagh, Mayo, Sligo, Dublin and Kerry.

The ‘toy show’ of the aviation world, the annual fixture has become the early festive staple of the west, with tickets as golden as Friday night’s magical Late Late itself. But for the 2,000 whose names were pulled out of the hat – a lottery is used due to the huge oversubscription for the seats available – the wait was worth it.

Said Liz Harty from Galway, who travelled

down with her husband Pat and daughters Corina and Saoirse. “The Late Late Toy Show and the Shannon Airport Santa Flights in one weekend. I don’t know how they did it.

“They were up late on Friday night, of course, watching the Late Late and couldn’t sleep last night with the excitement ahead of today but somehow they got the energy this morning. It was fabulous. Just fabulous.”

Pauline Spencer from Blackpool in Cork, who brought her son Jacob, said that they had tried four years in a row to get on board.

“We tried every year and but had no joy so we couldn’t believe it when we were notified that we got through this year.

“We do something special every year but getting to go on a flight and meet Santa in the sky beats all. They put on a great show beforehand also so he will sleep well tonight.”

The two-day event sees children greeted first by Santa’s helpers on arrival and other well-known cartoon characters.

There was festive fun and games and dancing to while away the anxious hour before the children got to board Santa’s aircraft and then the mayhem took flight.

“It’s brilliant fun and the noise is deafening,” said airport Managing Director An-

drew Murphy. “The children are already well It’s one of our favourite weekends of the year buzzed by all the fun and games and when and this is highlighted by the fact that the Santa arrives on board high up in the skies, event helps to raise money for our Shannon the reaction is fantastic.

Group charities for 2019, Limerick Suicide “We’ve been doing this now for seven years Watch and Irish Cancer Society.” and it’s our way of saying thank you to the public for their support. Shannon is a special place at Christmas as so may return home for the festive season but it really begins for us this weekend.

Our staff put a huge effort in and they’ll be exhausted by the time today finishes after two days of it but it’s well worth Taking a spin in Santa’s Sleigh are Harry it.

Barron, Ennis, Fionan Gormley, Ennis, Rosaleen O’Connor, Ennis, Maria Harper, Annacotty Limerick, Chloe Harper, Annacotty and Marie Barron, Ennis, during the Shannon Airport Santa Flights 2019

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Christmas non-fiction best sellers

Overcoming Vicky Phelan

An inspiring story of rare resilience and power, Overcoming is an account of how one woman can move mountains – even when she is fighting for her own life – and of finding happiness and strength in the toughest of times

Me

Elton John Elton John is the most enduringly successful singer-songwriter of all time. His life is extraordinary, his seven decades (so far) packed with incredible highs and lows.

Now, in his own words and with his usual honesty, he shares his story – every hilarious, heartbreaking moment.

The Village of Bernadette Colm Keane & Una O’Hagan

St. Bernadette’s impoverished childhood, her work as a shepherdess, visions of Our Lady, harsh treatment as a nun, and tragic death at the age of 35 are recalled in this groundbreaking book. Using firsthand accounts, this inspiring and heart-warming book brings you up-close to the wonders of Lourdes in a way you have never experienced before.

Chest Pain

Michael Harding In 2018, Michael was admitted to hospital suffering from a heart attack. In Chest Pain he looks at the months before the attack when he kept signs of his failing health from his beloved and instead retreated into solitude – and with his own inimitable style and humour takes us with him through the months after a stent had been inserted in his heart.

Children of the Troubles

Joe Duffy & Freya McClements On 15th August 1969, nineyear-old Patrick Rooney became the first child killed in the ‘Troubles’ – one of 186 children who would die as a result of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Fifty years on, these young lives are honoured in this memorable book that spans a singular decade.

Clarecastle lights up Christmas tree for first time since 1960s

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HETHER you’re a lifelong resident, new to the community, an occasional visitor, or just passing through, you’re bound to notice the buzz around Clarecastle. As we all gear up for the holidays but also near the end of a very eventful year, why not visit the land of the magpies from 4.45pm on Saturday, December 7, as the new Clarecastle Community Christmas Tree is officially switched on at the turn (beside the playground carpark).

There will be plenty of Christmas cheer and good tidings to be shared among friends and neighbours. Organisers have arranged for special guests including Christmas carol singers and musicians, and there will also be some refreshments.

The people and their passion & pride are what make a place a real community, and Clarecastle welcomes everyone to be a part of rekindling the Christmas Tree tradition in Clarecastle on Saturday (the last official village Christmas Tree was sometime back in the 1960s!).

A statement from the organisers said, “We started off 2019 with Clare County Council honouring and recognizing Clarecastle with their inaugural *Community of the Year *award. We’ve had an amazing, eventful year since then. Join us on Saturday at 4.45pm, donning your coolest Christmas jumper if you like, and help us officially add more holiday cheer to the village. You’re also very welcome to drop into any of our fine local businesses afterwards!

“Our thanks and gratitude go out to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed their passion and hard work to making the Clarecastle Christmas Tree possible this year. Hats off to Clarecastle Community Development, the Hall Committee, Clarecastle Tidy Towns, Clarecastle Mens Shed, Paul Murphy, Joe Carey, Siobhan Purcell, Fergal Griffin, Sean Dixon and the Antiques Loft, and many others for your efforts to make this all happen for the benefit of Clarecastle community.”

All because she’s worth it

Four of the best for the ladies

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ET’S face it lads - not one of you really know what your doing when it comes to Christmas shopping for women unless you’ve been given the exact name of the item she wants.

And to be fair, women are usually more specific when it comes to what they want,

1

but if you’re lost at sea on this one, don’t fret because we’re here to help.

Here we bring you four sure-fire ways to impress the ladies in your life - all affordable presents and even better, available in abundance in shops across County Clare.

So no reason not to shop local!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Jewellery is a great Christmas gift and a sure fire way to make her feel special - and remember this; it doesn’t have to be expensive. Shop around in Clare, there are endless places to pick up a stunning piece at a bargain price.

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Scent from the heavens...

Like diamonds, perfume and body creams are a must-have for ladies and something they use on a regular basis. If you know their favourite scent, why not put together a special hamper?

Haven Pharmacy Holly’s have a wide range of gift sets, so take away all the stress by popping in!

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A tea-rrific day out with pals

She’ll definitely thank you for a voucher for afternoon tea in a classy hotel. The beauty of a gift like this is she can use it in her own time and bring her favourite people. Sometimes it’s nice to pretend you’re in the Royal Family!

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We’ll vouch for this present

When it comes to clothes and shoes, steer clear (trust us). A voucher can often be the most sensible answer! So why not call into the lovely staff in The County Boutique, Nozomi, or Cornucopia to pick up something that leaves it up to the person who knows what they really want. Alternatively an Ennis Gold Voucher will allow the person to shop in a number of shops across the county town.

King Kennedy releases Christmas album to raise funds for Saint Vincent de Paul STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

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LARE singer Imelda King Kennedy has released an album of Christmas carols in the lead-up to the festive season, all in the name of a good cause.

Newmarket-on-Fergus native Imelda, known not only for her gifted voice but also through 47 years of work with Kennedy’s Funeral Home, is raising funds for the Saint Vincent de Paul charity with the money generated by the album sales.

Twelve years ago, Imelda similarly released an album with proceeds going to SVP. Formerly a member of the Soroptimists, she felt that Christmas 2019 was the appropriate time to raise more funds for the important charity. “They were very appreciative [in 2007] but I had always planned to do another CD for them and the time seemed right now in the present climate, that the money is going to homelessness. There’s quite a lot of poverty and homelessness and it moved me to do something. As I have a gift to sing, I wanted to use it for the betterment of other

people and humanity. Christmas is very difficult for some people, some people don’t have enough to eat or even a home.”

With musical arrangements by Michael Hennessy, Imelda sings classics including When A Child Is Born, White Christmas, O Holy Night and many more. One that might come as a surprise to listeners is Little Donkey (link below). “One that I hadn’t ever sang before was Little Donkey, it was recorded in the 40s by Gracie Fields, a well-known English singer. I liked it so much that I decided to learn it and sing it, and I feel it’s one of the best on it,” adds Imelda, whose voice has been compared to that of the legendary Vera Lynn. Imelda has been immersed in music since a young age, having first developed her gift while attending the Ursuline Convent secondary school in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

She studied speech, drama and singing and qualified as a teacher and currently sings at funerals and other family occasions.

Imelda wants to thank Michael Hennessy, Harry Guinnane who produced the album cover art and her family for their support.

Copies of Imelda King Kennedy’s Christmas Carols are available from Ennis Book Shop and the County Boutique, Ennis, retailing at €20. Imelda can be contacted at 087 278 6717.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND THINGS ARE GETTING WORSE FOR SOME PEOPLE

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HE Redemptorists launched their Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal in St Clement’s College on Thursday morning (28 November 2019). Speaking at the launch, Fr Seamus Enright commented on how things are getting worse for some people. In a city of plenty, children go to school hungry every morning and, as Christmas approaches, some older people will have to decide between whether to have something to eat or lighting a fire.

Novas worked with more families last year than ever before. They worked with 274 families and 592 children, who were homeless or at the risk of homelessness. Mid-West Simon reports a significant weekly increase in the numbers attending their food bank, with a noteworthy increase in the number of families looking for help.

Niall O’Sullivan, proprietor of O’Sullivan’s Pharmacies, said that he was honoured to be associated with the Redemptorist Christmas Hamper Appeal

and to officially launch this year’s appeal. It is important that the business community supports ventures like this, Mr O’Sullivan said. People will be able to donate to the Christmas Hamper Appeal at any branch of O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy.

Pat Talty, principal of St Clement’s, remarked that St Clement’s College has been supporting the Christmas Hamper Appeal since it was launched in 1972. Students bring donations of food to school, which are placed in the Crib at the Redemptorists. Transition Year students help pack hampers. An important aspect of Catholic education is helping students develop a social conscience.

In 2018, the Redemptorists and their partners distributed 6,000 hampers across the city and county as well as into neighbouring parts of Clare and Tipperary. They worked with 39 conferences of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and 31 other organisations. The Redemptorists need to raise at least €200,000 between now and Christmas, to fund this year’s Christmas Hampers.

The Redemptorists launched their Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal in St Clement’s College. Pictured: Fr. Seamus Enright; Redemptorist Church, Limerick, Pat Talty, Principal at St. Clements, Limerick, Niall O’Sullivan; O’Sullivans Pharmacies, Limerick and Thérèse Delaney; Hamper Appeal Committee, Limerick.

38 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

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

President welcomes New Chair of LIT’s Governing Body

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RESIDENT of LIT Professor Vincent Cunnane has welcomed the appointment of Limerick businessman, education advocate and proponent of the Mid West region, Tony Brazil, as Chair of the Governing Body, LIT. Mr Brazil was formally appointed to the position following a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills, on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. He was later officially informed of his appointment by letter from Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh.

Mr Brazil first joined the Governing Body of LIT in 2017, and serves as Chair of the Finance and Physical Development Committee, as well as a member of LIT’s strategic committee.

Following the ratification of Mr Brazil’s appointment, Professor Cunnane said he looked forward to working closely with the new Chair of the Governing Body as the third level institute moves along the trajectory towards achieving Technological University designation.

Prof Cunnane said, “As we begin another significant milestone in LIT’s long history, I am delighted to have someone of Tony’s experience helping to guide the way. His strong held belief in LIT’s social impact, his experience in regional development and most of all his ongoing advocacy for access to education for all, makes him the ideal person for this role.

“I look forward to working closely with Tony in the months and years ahead as we develop the Technological University consortium with AIT, continue to engage with and support local business, industry and the community, and work to ensure that a highly relevant third level education is available to all who require it.

Tony brings with him to this role a lifetime of experience, passion and interests that will be invaluable,” added Professor Cunnane.

Tony Brazil realised the value of educa-

tion from an early age and has campaigned his whole life for that opportunity to be available to all that can benefit from it - through his work on Limerick City Education Committee and Limerick/Clare ETB where he was Finance Chairperson, through his work on a number of boards of DEIS schools and by joining the Governing Body of LIT two years ago, which maintains a strong ethos of access to education.

LIT’s commitment to the region is mirrored by Tony’s belief in regional development. He has been Chairperson of Shannonside Regional Tourism, a member of the Hunt Museum, Junior Chamber, Barrington’s Hospital, Chair of the Shannon Conference Bureau, as well as serving on the Boards of Bord Failte, Aer Rianta, Shannon Development and the Shannon Group, all the while developing Limerick Travel - one of the most successful travel agencies in the Mid West region.

In the course of his address to the Oireachtas Committee Mr Brazil outlined the importance of access to education and regional development, and highlighted LIT’s commitment to both.

“LIT very closely reflects the diversity and social mix of the region’s population.

15% of our students come from disadvantaged areas, while at the same time, 8% come from affluent areas. This proven ability to provide access to Higher Education as part of our everyday business is crucial, and serves to support individuals, their families, their communities and ultimately the economy of the region,” said Mr Brazil.

“I think it is also worth noting that three quarters of our students come from within the region, and two-thirds work in the region after graduating, which is a very important engine of growth for the MidWest.”

On his new appointment, Mr Brazil said, “I am delighted to be the new Chair of the Governing Body of LIT. LIT is a an educational institution that shares many of my

personal values and beliefs. Its openness to working with industry and the community, its continuous efforts in the area of access to education and its willingness to evolve and change must be welcomed.

“From its beginnings in 1852 with the foundation of the School of Ornamental Arts and the subsequent formation of the Limerick Athenaeum in 1856, LIT has undergone many changes in more than a century and a half. And now we again look to change with the formation of a new technological university in partnership with Athlone Institute of Technology.

“LIT has been a vital cog in the development of the Mid West region and I believe the LIT/AIT consortium will continue to be a great benefit in our region. I believe that I am ready to play my part in driving this consortium to its logical conclusion as a new institution,” added Mr Brazil.

Tony Brazil, Chair-Designate of LIT’s Governing Body.

Photo by Alan Place

Pictured L-R Eleanor O’Connell, GECAS’ Innovation Leader, Callum Winship, Competition Winner and John Ludden, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at GECAS.

Pic Arthur Ellis.

UL student wins GECAS AEROVATE 2019 Aviation Innovation Competition Callum Winship, a student of the University of Limerick was named the winner of the first ever AEROVATE aviation innovation competition. A third-year student of Aeronautical Engineering, Callum won the top prize of €5,000 for his innovative submission, “AeroZero.”

Launched by GECAS, a world-leading aviation lessor and financier, the competition challenged Third-level University students to foster ideas that will help revolutionize the world of aviation, and that have the potential to develop into a real-life business opportunity.

Callum’s initiative, AeroZero, proposed to lower the net carbon emissions produced by aviation through offsets generated by a not-for-profit organisation. This organisation, AeroZero, would in turn be responsible for producing and investing in green energy technology that could then be returned to the grid.

BUSINESS & RECRUITMENT 39

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Second Burren Food Trail Event held at Gregan’s Castle Hotel

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he Burren region is a marvel of nature where a great bounty of lamb, beef, fruits and vegetables emerge from the cracks, crevices and valleys of the limestone. Flanked on the west by the magnificent Wild Atlantic, an abundance of fish and seafood is also assured. A further layer of intrigue lies in the fact that it is the practice of an ancient system of farming (winterage), unique to the Burren area, that maintains the appearance and fertility of this landscape for this and future generations. In recent years, the Burren’s rich and ancient food culture has expanded through the emergence of many award-winning chefled restaurants and high-quality artisan food producers, as well as an increase in practising market gardeners and growers.

Once again, The Fertile Rock is emerging as

a vital component in maintaining a thriving rural community. The Burren Food Trail members have put together two celebratory events this year where locals and tourists had an opportunity to mingle, dine and discover the wonderful produce of the Fertile Rock. Each event consisted of a restaurant style long dining table at selected venues to celebrate local, seasonal, artisan, organic, wild and homemade produce.

Following on from the first Long Table evening in Teach Cheoil Ennistymon in June, the second of these series of events took place at Gregan’s Castle Hotel in Ballyvaughan last Thursday 21st of November, the 60 available spaces sold out within 2 weeks of its announcement. The evening started outside in the exquisite lounge with pre-dinner drinks.

After welcoming the lucky guests that got

Fáilte Ireland and emerging tourism businesses join forces

F

ÁILTE Ireland this week showcased emerging tourism locations to a group of influential tour operators in an effort to drive a greater spread of international visitors across the country, particularly in the off-peak season.

100 tourism businesses from every region across the country had the opportunity to pitch to 12 of Ireland’s leading tour operators.

These operators target core overseas markets including North America, Britain and Europe.

This sales drive was delivered through one-to-one meetings between the businesses and tour operators. Kicking off in Lucan on Wednesday for businesses from Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East, followed by a session in Athlone, on Thursday for businesses operating in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and finishing on Friday in Galway for those from the Wild Atlantic Way. Collectively, the operators bring over 750,000 overseas visitors to Ireland each year, and provide over €250million in revenue to suppliers in Ireland, while their clients spend almost €600 million while holidaying in Ireland, almost 11% of tourism receipts across Ireland. They also spend in excess of €14 million promoting their tours in the international marketplace, making them a lucrative marketing opportunity for the businesses pitching to them.

The aim of the meetings is to gain greater exposure for these emerging destinations and to ensure their offering is included on the tour operators’ itineraries.

The businesses pitching to the tour operators have all been selected as part of Fáilte Ireland’s Visitor Experience Development Plans (VEDPs). VEDPs are 3-5year commercial

tourism action-plans for a region. The plans bring businesses and organisations together to grow tourism’s economic contributions and drive more visitors and revenue to lesser known areas and attractions across Ireland, especially outside of the peak tourism season.

Through this work, Fáilte Ireland’s Commercial Development team will help to develop new itineraries for Ireland and will support the tour operators to sell the new itineraries in the international marketplace.

Fáilte Ireland’s Business Development Manager, Martin Donnelly said: “A core focus of Fáilte Ireland’s work is to drive a greater regional spread of overseas visitors and the benefits they bring to local communities. Fáilte Ireland has been working hand-in-glove with local businesses and community groups to develop long-term visitor experience development plans to create a strong cluster of visitor attractions, activities and accommodation that have the capacity to stand out in the overseas marketplace. The core focus of these plans has been on drawing visitors to areas where there is capacity for more visitors, particularly in the off-peak season.

“Critically for us at Fáilte Ireland, the longer tourism businesses can stay open in an area, the more jobs they can sustain. Our Business Development team is now working with businesses to take these plans to the next level and sell what they have to offer to these influential tour operators. By helping the tour operators to create new itineraries for Ireland, we are confident that the resulting marketing activity can drive incremental business right across Ireland and drive that business in to the regions when we need it most.”

their hands on tickets, Simon Haden and the team at Gregan’s got to work to deliver 5 amazing starters that consisted of: Fillet of Smoked Burren Smoked Salmon, Ballyvaughan Apple, Horseradish & Brown Bread, St Tola Goats Curds, Confit Garlic & Homemade Sourdough Bread, Flaggy Shore Oysters & Seaweed Vinegar, Co. Clare Game Pate, House Pickles & Crusty Bread, Warm Flaggy Shore Oyster & Porter Dashi that the guests eagerly dug into.

For main course, the choice was either a celebration of Gleninagh Burren Lamb was served including Grilled Cutlets, Slow Cooked Shoulders, Spiced Legs & Spare Ribs or wild Irish Monkfish, stuffed with Garden Herbs, Capers & Kelp with Shore Herbs & Resting Juices. Main Courses were accompanied by Moyhill Potatoes, Rosemary & Garlic, Russian Kale & Chard, Brussel Sprouts & Pickled Red Cabbage, Beetroot & Raisin Slaw and local salad leaves.

Desserts consisted of an Irish Cheese Board using local cheeses, Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with hot custard, Blackberry Roulade or Ballyvaughan Apple Crumble.

Suppliers included St Tola Goats

Cheese, Burren Smokehouse, Aillwee Cave (Burren Gold Cheese), Flaggy Shore Oysters, Gleninagh Burren Lamb, Burren Fine Wine & Foods, Garrihy Seafoods, Moyhill Farm, Gregan’s Castle, Gourmet Game, JJ Corry, Liberty Wines, La Rouse & Classic Drinks.

“This was a truly memorable event.

The presentation of the food was stunning and the fact that the event was hosted by one of our proud members made the evening very special. I think it was inspiring - we really can be very proud of our food heritage and the wonderful creativity of the growers, producers and chefs of the Burren region and indeed throughout Ireland.” Commented Jarlath O’Dwyer from the Burren Ecotourism Network.

“The event follows on from the recent launch of our new book, Burren Dinners which features mainly the Burren Food Trail members who’s foods were enjoyed at the event, including the great chef Robbie McCauley. The book which is now available from our members throughout the Burren is selling very well and is helping us to create stronger awareness of our great food story here in the Burren.” he added.

A World Class

VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Would you like to work at Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, at a spectacular tourist site with a magical vista that captures the hearts of over 1.5 million visitors each year?

If you would like to apply for this role please forward your Curriculum Vitae accompanied by a cover letter to:

We are looking for people who can contribute to our world class visitor experience during the 2020 season.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience are currently recruiting to join our Co. Clare, Ireland.

E: careers@cliffsofmoher.ie exciting team: 

Pictured (L-R) at a workshop in the Hodson Bay Hotel were; Sarah McCarthy Fáilte Ireland, Lindsey Molloy Lakeside Hotel, Sinead McDermot Leitrim Slow Adventure, James Whelan Killaloe River Cruises, Andrea Stapleton Paula Ward’s Ireland and Debbie Moran Fáilte Ireland.

Photo; Thomas Nolan Photography.

careers@cliffsofmoher.ie by 5pm on Saturday the 4th of January 2020.

CANVASSING WILL DISQUALIFY. CLIFFS OF MOHER CENTRE LTD

CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS

E: careers@cliffsofmoher.ie

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

EMPLOYER.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FORD SHOWS OFF 900HP ELECTRIC MUSTANG

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MUSTANG LITHIUM IS, SADLY, A ONE-OFF FOR NOW

UST when you thought it couldn’t get any madder than a Shelby-tuned supercharged Mustang with more than 700hp, here comes another tuned ‘Stang with more than 900-ponies under the (forgive us) hood. The difference is, this one is electric.

Ford has brought along this, the Mustang Lithium, to the SEMA show (Special Equipment and Modifiers’ Association — think of it as the Ideal Homes show for car tuners) in Las Vegas. Built in collaboration with vehicle parts supplier Webasto, it’s an electric car boasting some remarkable, nay alarming, figures.

First off, Webasto and Ford have binned the traditional 5.0-litre V8 engine under from the Mustang’s bonnet, and instead installed an electric motor. Not just any electric motor. This one is packing more than 900hp and a simply astonishing 1,335Nm of torque. That’s possible thanks to it running an 800-volt electric system, around twice the voltage of the best current electric cars.

That, says Ford, means that the motor can be smaller and more powerful, and yet run cooler, than any rival system.

All of that power and torque is transmitted to the tarmac through special halfshafts, 20-inch wheels, and sticky Michelin Pilot 4S tyres. Oh, and a manual gearbox.

Yep, this electric car is a stick shift, with a specially-strengthened six-speed manual that’s been developed using expertise built up in drag racing. Yup, it’s that fast.

Ford hasn’t issued any performance figures for the car, but has said that it can pump out your actual megawatt of power, so it’s not going to be slow. There are no onecharge range figures for it either, but then it does tend to shorten your range if you sit there burning up tyres all afternoon…

Sadly, Ford isn’t going to put an electric Mustang into production (or at least not this one). The Lithium will instead be used as a mobile test-bed for Ford’s electric car tech.

The Blue Oval is gearing up for a massive electric assault in the coming years, starting

with next week’s reveal of its long-gestating ‘Project Edison’ — an all-electric SUV, with styling cues from the Mustang, and one-charge range of more than 500km. It’s also planing an electric version of its massive-selling F-150 pickup, and has partnered with Volkswagen to develop a range of electric cars for Europe using VW’s MEB electric car platform.

“Ford has made no secret of the fact that we are electrifying our most popular nameplates,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief of product development. “This one-off Mustang prototype is a great opportunity for us, together with Webasto, to showcase to our customers what a new electrified powertrains can do for performance in a car they already know and love.”

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HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

EDENVALE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€250,000

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OCATED in the much sought after Edenvale, an exclusive suburb of Ennis Town, this 5 bedroom family home sits on a mature tree bound and stone entrance walled site which leads to the tarmacadam drive which further connects to the 1500 sqft detached workshop. The property has been modernised over the years with extensive timber flooring and tiling, oil fired Stanley Range, Built-in wardrobes to four bedrooms, double glazed PVC windows and much more. Offering the ultimate in privacy in a location that gives easy access to Ennis Town, M18 and all surrounding amenities, this home would make a fantastic family home purchase with viewing strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

30 CHURCH FIELD, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE

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€199,000

5

BEDROOM, deceptively large detached house set on a stand alone site halfway between the main Doonbeg/Kilrush Road. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way minutes away from the famous Trump International Hotel and Golf Links, 6km from White Strand Beach. This property offers 2 storage rooms which would have potential for a further bedroom. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents DNG O'Sullivan Hurley.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

€149,950

ARGE 3 bedroom detached bungalow on a corner site. Finished in turn key condition throughout. Enclosed back garden.

Within walking distance of all of the towns amenities, including shops, pubs, church and restaurants. White Stand beach within minutes drive. Large open tarmac drive with ample space for 2-3 vehicles. Viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

EINAGH, DOONBEG, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

29 WILLOW PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

N

€149,950

A

DECEPTIVELY large split-level cottage style property located in the North Clare village of Lisdoonvarna which is well finished and modernised throughout.

Lisdoonvarna is a popular tourist village and is home to the annual Matchmaking Festival. La Verna is located within walking distance of all the village amenities. The property is of a split level lay-out with bedrooms and living space at street level and kitchen/reception room to the ground floor. The property also boasts a large basement giving extra living potential or as additional storage. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents DNG O'Sullivan Hurley

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

€185,000

UMBER 29 is located in a corner site in quiet cul-de-sac of a mature development offering easy access to Ennis Town Centre and the Ennis By-pass which links to the M18 Limerick/Galway Motorway.

Off street private parking to the front of property with lawn area and block built boundaries.

Gated access to the rear garden which has block built storage shed/workshop and block built boiler house. Mature high hedging and trees surrounding the site offering excellent privacy.

Paved BBQ and dining area with the remaining garden laid to lawn and is west facing taking advantage of afternoon and evening sun. The property itself is presented in excellent order throughout and offers an abundance of space and light.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

LA VERNA, BALLINSHEEN BEG, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE

9 THE CLOISTERS, QUIN, CO. CLARE

83 GLENINA, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€185,000

P

OSITIONED to the front row of the popular Glenina Housing Development and on a corner site that offers excellent scope for extending, number 83 would make for an ideal family home within walking distance of all surrounding amenities including schools, shops, Ennis Town centre and easy access to the M18 Motorway. The property has had some upgrades by the current owners with double glazed, wood grain effect, PVC windows, extensive timber flooring and a modern condenser boiler. The ground floor accommodation consists of a main reception, open plan kitchen/dining which connects to the private rear gardens, adjoining garage and separate TV/office/playroom. To the first floor are three bedrooms, all of which feature built in wardrobes and main bathroom. Viewing for this town centre home is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

€260,000

T

HE Cloisters is superbly located in the centre of the popular village of Quin within minutes walk of all local amenities including the Abbey, church, school, post office, shops, playground, pubs and tea rooms. The development comprises of just 9 quality homes set in a quiet cul de sac just off the main road. Quin itself is a picturesque village nestled close to the employment centres of Ennis (9 kms), Shannon (14 kms) and Limerick (24 kms). No. 9 is a detached family home featuring bright, spacious accommodation which has been recently redecorated and is finished to a very high standard. Accommodation includes entrance hall, living room, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, bedroom/playroom and WC on the ground floor with three bedrooms (master en-suite) and bathroom on the first floor. The quality finishes include feature raised stone fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, feature oak stairs and modern fully tiled bathrooms and light oak doors on the ground floor. The rear garden has a large patio area and there is also a large garden shed.

Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended.

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

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

52 GARDEN VIEW, €180,000 CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE

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OCATED in the popular village of Clarecastle, in the housing development at Creggaaun na Hilla, 52 Garden View is ideally located within minutes walk of the village and just a stones throw from the interchange to the M17 & M18 to Galway, Limerick and Shannon International Airport No.52 is a bright, spacious well-proportioned family home which was built in 2007 and has been finished to an exceptional standard throughout boasting a fantastic open plan living space, with the living room, dining and kitchen interconnecting (L-shaped). The home extending further to the rear gardens via the patio doors from the dining area. The separate utility and downstairs WC complete the convenient downstairs living accommodation. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes (with the master having an en-suite) and a main bathroom. This modern home has natural gas central heating. This is an ideal starter/family/retirement home in a village and yet just 5 minute drive to Ennis Town Centre. Viewing is highly recommended.

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

086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

PSRA Registration No. 002433

SPORT

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

Reidy recalls tense encounter with Lohan as he returns to Banner fold PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S senior hurlers have received a big boost as they begin preparations for the 2020 campaign with the return of 2016 National League medallist David Reidy to the county panel.

He is one of the fresher faces on Brian Lohan’s 50 man provisional panel with Stephen O’Halloran (Clarecastle), Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones), Bobby Duggan (Clarecastle) and Eoin Quirke (Whitegate) returning to the fold. Liam Corry (Éire Óg), Stiofan McMahon (Broadford), Paidi Fitzpatrick (Sixmilebridge) and Oisin Donnellan (Feakle) are among the new additions.

Off the back of Clare’s U21 All-Ireland success in 2013, Reidy got the nod from then manager Davy Fitzgerald to join the panel where he made his league debut in 2014 and his championship bow a year later. However in the season just gone, David made the decision to step away and during a sit down interview with The Clare Echo, he explained why. “There was so many rumours that came out last year, I want to squash a lot of them, people said I was fighting with Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney and we had a big falling out, that’s total bullshit.

“I got taken off in a lot of games last year, that was a big talking point as being a reason why I left, it wasn’t. As a hurler as someone

l HE’S BACK: David Reidy in action for Clare in 2018

Photo by Martin Connolly

who wants to compete and who wants to win, that is only a setback, you want to come back and prove them wrong; I was taken off last week but I’m not going to be taken off this week. I was taken off in a good few games last year but it only drove me on for the next round of games. I wasn’t happy with one or two of them especially the All-Ireland semi-final replay against Galway”.

Furthering his education was a primary factor behind the hiatus. “Hurling is basically a full-time job without getting paid, I decided to go back and do a masters in LIT in marketing management, that had a fair bit to play in the decision. I was so heavily invested in hurling that it was hurling, hurling, hurling, hurling

and then hurling again, it’s mentally draining.

The body was a hundred percent, I just needed a break myself, if I didn’t take the break I wouldn’t have been looking forward going to training, the fun aspect was nearly gone out of it and to be an inter-county player now you have to be a hundred percent.

“I went back and did the full-time masters [and with] full-time hurling with a part-time job to keep money on the table, something had to give. The masters was looking after my future, the part-time was looking after me now in terms of putting diesel in the car and putting food on the table, hurling was the unfortunate thing that I had to give up”.

During the year off, Reidy was able to stay with relatives in Westmeath over Christmas, celebrate his younger brother Colin’s birthday by attending a Manchester United match along with their mother in February plus being in Copenhagen for the 1-1 draw between the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the Euro Qualifiers. All occasions he would not have been able to be a part of were he part of the county panel. On top of this he signed for Newmarket Celtic and collected League and Cup honours.

Regardless of who was wearing the bainisteoir bib in 2020, the Éire Óg clubman was adamant he wanted to return. “It didn’t matter who was over the team, I was talking to Donal when he was getting set up and I was going to come back when he was involved, it didn’t matter who was involved. The drive was back, I had a full-time job so I could marry that with the full-time hurling career”. Once

43

Brian Lohan was ratified, he made a phone call and asked Reidy to return to the panel, an offer he gladly accepted.

With three weeks’ training under their belt, the LIT marketing officer has noticed a family atmosphere among the panel. Relations between him and his new manager weren’t always so rosy as he reflected on his first time meeting the four time All Star in 2016.

“LIT v UL is the game you always look forward to, there is always a bit of bite. We did our warm-up and we had a team talk, we were ready to go nearly bating the door to get out. I was playing full-forward and was heading up to my position, UL were in a huddle so I got a small bit excited and gave a shoulder or two while they were in the huddle, I bounced back off one of their backs... I turned around and I was met with a right hand catching my jersey up by the neck. I had to look up because I wouldn’t be the biggest, Lohan was a bit bigger than me and when he caught me I pushed him back and I caught him back by the neck and holy war erupted.”

He added, “My first impression of meeting him as a manager, he knows what he is doing. We met two weeks ago, did a training session and had a bit of a game, a very professional man. Whatever happened back then, he’s a big boy, I’m a big boy and that’s forgotten about, we had plenty of chats so far, he knows where we want to go this year, he’s trying to put everything in place to get us to the highest level. From my point of view, he is the right man to hopefully lead Clare into 2020”.

The Scorecard in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Ladies results November Spirits Week 3 1ST Geraldine O’Rourke 29pts 2ND Suzanne Deane 28pts 3RD Ann O’Loughlin 27pts 9 Hole Comp 1ST Mary Woulfe 17pts 2ND Jean Molony 16pts 3RD Patrice Ryan 15pts No seniors comp this week.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Ladies Team of 4 (9 hole reentry) 1ST Margaret Lynch,Margaret Macnamara, Patsy King,Mary Bugler 130pts 2ND Maureen Clune,Clair Ryan, Marie Donnellan,Heather Cullen. 125 pts

Nov 27 Senior Ladies 1 Agnes Shannon, Loretta Maher, Freda Moran, Claire Pyne 2 Imy Kerrigan, Carmel Lillis, Rebecca Brew, Pauline Kirk Nov 27th Senior Men 1 Noel Thornton, John Saunders, Tom McGrath, Bill Murphy 65 pts 2 Pat Shannon Cny, Tom Coffey, PW Glynn 61 3 TJ Lyons, Bernard Coleman, Noel Enright 61 Hole in One: TJ Lyons at the 9th.

SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB Results - Nov 28 - Dec 1 1st December - Ladies Weekly 13Hole S/F 1ST Karen White 21 pts 2ND Fiona O’Boyle 20 pts

Friday Scramble 1ST Ben Ritiwiger,Mary Jo Minogue, 2ND Pat McNamara,Helen Downey

1st December - Mens’ Weekly Singles 9-Hole S/F 1ST Christy Cusack 16 pts 2ND Gerry Meade 13 pts 3RD Bernie O’Halloran 12 pts

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Nov 25 / Dec 1 KGC Weekly Turkey Men’s Singles 1 Finbar McMahon (17) 30pts 2 Damien Carey (17) 28 pts 3 Roy Capon (15) 27 pts Back 9

28th November - Actively Aging Group - 13-Hole Mixed Scramble 1ST Geraldine Reddan, PJ O’Dwyer, Les Seal 38.75 nett 2ND Karen White, Len Wilson, Tommy Power, Maurice Murphy 39.4 nett

Classifieds 44 CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

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PLANNING 45

THURSDAY, DEC 5 2019

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ADS-VGN VAUGHAN GARAGE LTD., CLOONBONY MILTOWN MALBAY CO. CLARE V95 PWK1 Take notice that ADSVGN Vaughan Garage Ltd. intends to apply for Permission for change of use from garage/workshop /fuel store area to deli service/ seating area and new customer toilets and permission for alterations to the existing shop internal layout, fenestration and elevations of the existing building and permission to build an extension for new toilets accessible from outside, new signage and all ancillary and site works associated with all of the above 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 of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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 permissions subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KIWI COTTAGE, QUILTY EAST, QUILTY, CO CLARE V95 NW95 Take notice that, Mary and Paul Callinan intend to apply for retention permission to retain the existing boundaries of the site, which formed part of an original application to construct two no. dormer bungalows, proprietary waste

water treatment system, entrance from public road and associated site works, (ref P03/87) 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 of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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 permissions subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FRANK HEALY PARK ,BALLAGHBOY, DOORA, CO CLARE V95 T886 Take notice that Clare District Soccer League intend to apply for permission to build a new spectator stand with dressing rooms and storage areas underneath, upgrade the existing waste water treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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 permissions subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

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 writCLARE COUNTY ing on payment of the COUNCIL. LAKYLE, prescribed fee within the ARDNACRUSHA, CO. period of 5 weeks beginCLARE ning on the date of reI Barbara Mackey and I ceipt by the Authority of Martin Cahill intend to the application. apply to Clare County Council for the followCLARE COUNTY ing to be carried out at COUNCIL Lakyle, Ardnacrusha, ST. ANNE, BALLYCAR, Co. Clare: Full plan- NEWMARKET-ONning permission for the FERGUS, CO. CLARE construction of a link Further information/ recorridor at the rear of vised plans the dwelling to connect Planning Reference No. the dwelling and garage, P19/740 conversion of a garage Development Descripinto an en-suite bed- tion: retention permisroom and construction sion to retain flat roof of a garden and fence to extensions to rear of the the front of the dwell- dwelling and full ing. Retention permis- permission for new front sion is also being sought entrance door and side for the replacement of a panel and to increase door and window with the width of the site ena single window to the trance. front of the dwelling. Location: St. Anne, The planning applica- Ballycar, Newmartion may be inspected, ket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare or purchased at a fee not Take notice that Catriexceeding the reasonable ona Doocey has lodged cost of making a copy significant further inat the offices of Clare formation in respect of County Council during planning application its public opening hours P19/740. This informaand a submission or ob- tion and planning appliservation in relation to cation may be inspected the application may be or purchased at a fee not made to the authority in exceeding the reasonable writing on payment of cost of making a copy, at the prescribed fee with- the offices of Planning in the period of 5 weeks Authority of County beginning on the date of Clare Council, Planning receipt by the authority Department, Áras Conof the application. tae an Cláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during CLARE COUNTY its public opening hours.

COUNCIL A Submission or ob26 servation in relation to BALLYCASEYMORE the further information HILL, SHANNON, CO. or revised plans may CLARE. be made in writing to Take notice that Saoirse the Planning AuthorSparkes intends to apply ity on payment of the to Clare County Council prescribed fee, not later for retention permission than two weeks after the to: receipt of the newspaper (a) retain garage as con- notice and site notice by verted to granny flat; and the Planning Authority (b) retain sunroom to or in the case of a planside of granny flat at the ning application accomabove address. panied by an EIS within The planning applica- 5 weeks of receipt of tion may be inspected such notices by the planor purchased at a fee not ning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MAGHERA, TULLA, CO. CLARE Take Notice that I, Joe Hogan inted to apply to Clare County Council for permission for the construction of an extension to existing Dwelling House to comprise of Livingroom, Utility room, Bedroom with walk in wardrobe alos permission for conversion of existing bedroom to En-suite including ancillary site works at 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 of Clare county council, planning department , Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 of €20 within the periso of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SMITHSTOWN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SMITHSTOWN, CO. CLARE Take notice that we Stonehall Engineering co. ltd intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission for construction of a car park to rear of Kuehne Nagel premises to extend existing parking area & for permission for the construction of overflow set-down & parking area for trucks including new entrance, gates and boundary fencing & all ancillary site works. Permission is also sought for retention permission for site clearance works including excavation & creation of hard stand areas & associated work at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority of Clare county council, planning department , Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 of €20 within the periso of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PLOT 15 SILVERGROVE, CAHIRCALLA BEG, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates - Architects & Chartered Engineers of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare (065 6893565 / www. foudyconsulting.ie.)

Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Daragh Long for permission to alter design of dwellinghouse granted under P15/8 together with connections to public services and all ancillary site development works at the above address.

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

ing for equipment storage and an outdoor wall ball training area and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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 permissions subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKPHUTTEEN, LABASHEEDA, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Charlie Lewis is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a private garage with solid fuel storage area 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 the Planning Authority of Clare County Council Planning Department, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the appliCLARE COUNTY cation may be made to COUNCIL the authority in writing PÁIRC NAOMH on payment of the preMHUIRE, QUILTY scribed fee of €20 withWEST, CO CLARE in the period of 5 weeks Take notice that, Kilmur- beginning on the date of ry Ibrickane GAA Club receipt by the authority intends to apply for of the application. permission for the construction of a new build-

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The Clare Echo Crossword ACROSS DOWN 2019 1 Thailand, formerly (4) 1 Deficit (8) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG3 Immaculate SEP OCT (8)NOV 2 Upper room (5) 9 Autumn month (7) 4 Sea rover (6)

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, DEC 05 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GAA NAMES

1Kilrush GAA nickname 3PJ O’Connell’s nickname two Clare clubs share the 2Which same nickname?

4Ger O’Loughlin saint lends it name to Kil5What kee GAA club?

The Shams, Tones, Magpies

Fingers, Legs, Toes

Robin, Wren, Sparrow

Kilkee and Ennistymon, Doonbeg and Clarecastle, Corofin and Miltown

St Imy, St Senan, St Joseph

saint lends its name to the 6What GAA club in Doora Barefield?

St Joseph, St Senan, St Michael

7 are Michael Cusack’s 8Where based?

Where are the Banner based?

l NAMED AFTER A FAMOUS CLARE NATIVE: Where are Smith O’Brien’s based?

Lahinch, Ennis, Lissycasey

Kilnamona, Corofin, Killaloe

l FOUNDER OF GAA: Where are Michael Cusack’s based?

North, East, West

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Angela O’Mahony abseiling from Thomond Park to raise much needed funds for the Children’s Grief Centre and the Redemptorists Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Pic Sean Curtin True Media.

6. St Joseph 7. Ennis 8. Bellharbour 9. Killaloe 10. West

9 part of Clare are Naomh 10What Eoin based?

Where are Smith O’Brien’s based?

ANSWERS

1. The Shams 2. Doonbeg and Clarecastle 3. Fingers 4. The Sparrow 5. St Senan

Mountshannon, Knock, Bellharbour

Last weeks Answers . High-visibility jacket different colour (left) . Crossbar missing . Couple missing (left) . Rope under legs missing

. Line missing on pitch (right) . Line going across missing (right) . Logo on top missing