The Clare Echo 06/02/20

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SPOTTING A WINNER

POSTER WARS...

PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

N l TOO CUTE: ​Joanna Walton and Dora take in the proceedings at the Bellharbour point

to point

Photo by John Mangan

UMEROUS General Elections candidates have made contact with The Clare Echo claiming their posters have been tampered with in the run-up to polling day.

As February 8th edges closer, there has been a spike in the

Sport Clare Echo

amount of incidents targeting election posters belonging to different candidates in the race.

Two incidents have been reported to An Garda Síochána following the theft and defacement of posters in Shannon and Ennis.

Other politicians have claimed they have never seen as many instances of their advertising signs being robbed from poles and junctions in the county.

Clare Echo THE

Profiles of every candidate in the Clare constituency Pg 15 - 37

Full story Page 8

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Index A

EXTRA SLOTS FOR ENNIS MAU

NEWS

2-9

SHANNON NEWS

10

ENTERTAINMENT

11

JESSIES

12

ELECTIONS

15-36

BUSINESS

38-39

SPORT

44-51

CLASSIFIEDS

52-53

36C Abbey Street, 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

N INCREASE in daily patient slots in the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at Ennis Hospital is enabling GPs to refer up to an additional 56 patients every week and further reduce pressure on the Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick.

The Medical Assessment Unit at Ennis Hospital has since 2016 run as a seven-day service (8am-8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday), with 16 patient slots Monday to Friday and 10 slots on Saturday and Sunday. In early January, this was expanded by eight slots daily, allowing for the assessment of another 56 patients every week.

MAUs provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients referred with medical conditions including chest infections, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, urinary tract infections, fainting episodes, clots in the leg, anaemia or non-acute cardiac problems.

GPs—or the ED—will initially assess and refer patients to MAUs for appointment the same day or following day. The

multidisciplinary team at Ennis MAU led by consultant physician Dr Tom Peirce, works towards same-day diagnosis, treatment and discharge, and see all patients within an hour of arrival.

Approximately 10% of cases may require admission to the hospital, and the majority will be discharged, with a follow-up

review in the unit within 48 hours.

Patricia O’Gorman, Operational Director Of Nursing at Ennis Hospital said: “The assessment slots will be open later in the afternoon, providing GPs with more opportunities to get same-day or next-day medical assessment and treatment for patients they deem suitable.”

“Significant numbers of patients attend the ED at UHL for a medical assessment. Patients from Clare can save travel time and wait times by being referred to the MAU in Ennis by their GP. In the MAUs, suitable patients have better access to efficient and effective treatment, with good patient experience times,” she adds.

l DEDICATED: Nursing staff at Ennis Medical Assessment Unit (from left) Deirdre Power, Staff Nurse; Mary Fitzpatrick, Staff Nurse; Colette O’Grady, CNM1; and Rachel Flynn, Staff Nurse

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4 NEWS ADVERTORIAL

Celebrating a decade of Réalta Draíochta RÉALTA Draíochta preschool is celebrating 10 years in operation.

The service first opened its doors with eight children in attendance in 2010 and was originally located in a prefab at the old Ennis National school.

It has gone from strength to strength since and now operates from the Ennis National School at Ashline.

Founders Martina Cunningham and Kathryn Quinn both recently graduated from NUI Galway with a BA in Early Childhood Studies and Practice.

Kathryn and Martina are very passionate about promoting early learning and care through Aistear which is the early years curriculum for children from birth to six years.

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Last but not least we are grateful for the many children who have come through our doors during the past 10 years.”

If you would like to view our facility and meet with us please make an appointment via our website www.realtadraiochta.ie (enquiries and enrolment section).

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Roche to discuss investors with IDA STUART HOLLY

M

editor@clareecho.ie

INISTER of State for Trade, Employment and Business, Pat Breen has confirmed that Roche are to begin talks with the IDA about actively pursuing an investor for a brownfield site at its plant in Clarecastle.

Minister Breen said, "Roche was not seeking a buyer for the plant for some time, as a preference of returning it to a greenfield site was muted. Despite this, I have continued to make inquiries with the IDA, Roche and my Department.

"I have met with Roche also, and am delighted to learn this week that the company has now agreed to enter talks with the IDA to actively seek interest in the plant as a brownfield site."

"An industrial zoned brownfield site that includes services such as water and electricity opens up its possibilities to so many different industries and increases its potential to attract an investor. I am optimistic that given these on site services it will be attractive to companies in the life science sector as well as

others," he added.

Meanwhile Minister Breen said that despite comments to the contrary from some other candidates on the hustings, employment in Clare is up significantly and the jobs figures support this.

"Employment is up significantly in Clare compared to March 2011 when Fine Gael entered Government. The live register is down by 6,095 or 57% compared to 2011, with youth unemployment down by 72%," he said.

"Enterprise Ireland supported jobs are up 48% since 2011 with 4,325 employed in EI supported jobs in Clare. The total jobs in IDA client companies are up 12% since 2011.

There are now 7,146 IDA supported jobs in Clare."

Minister Breen added, "It is encouraging that more jobs announcements continue to be made, while other companies quietly grow their work forces. A process of ongoing work in the background means jobs figures continue to grow."

lHOPEFUL: Minister of State Pat Breen has confirmed that Roche and the IDA are due to begin talks Photo by Martin Connolly

New social housing developments for Scariff and Ennis Located at the Ennis National school Réalta Draíochta preschool offers

• 2 years of free ECCE for children aged from 2 and 8 months • Part time care available

For enquiries and enrolments please visit www.réaltadraíochta.ie Follow us on Facebook Realta Draiochta Preschool

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has announced the appointment of consultants for the design of a new social housing scheme at Ballyminoge, Scarriff.

The proposed 18 unit development with an estimated cost of €3,986,919 is funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

The development is expected to commence mid 2020 with completion by yearend 2021.

The preliminary design of the proposed social housing scheme comprises of; 1 number four bed two-storey unit, 5 number three bed two-storey units including one specially adapted unit, and 12 number two bed two-storey units.

The project design team, managed by the Social Development Directorate of Clare County Council, comprises Hassett Leyden Flynn Ltd. (Architects), Hassett Leyden Flynn Ltd. (Civil and Structural Engineers), Don O' Malley and Partners (Mechanical and Electrical Engineers) and Tom Mc-

Namara and Partners (Quantity Surveyors).

Meanwhile, Clare County Council has also announced the appointment of consultants for the design of a new social housing scheme at Tulla Road, Roslevan, Ennis.

The eight unit development with an estimated cost of €2,036,858 is funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

The development is expected to commence mid 2020 with completion by yearend 2021.

The preliminary design of the proposed social housing scheme comprises of 2 number two bed single-storey (specially adapted) and 6 number 3 bed two-storey units.

The project design team, managed by the Social Development Directorate of Clare County Council, comprises Hassett Leyden Flynn Ltd. (Architects), Hassett Leyden Flynn Ltd. (Civil and Structural Engineers), Matt O'Mahony Consulting Engineers (Mechanical and Electrical Engineers) and Lawlor Burns and Associates (Quantity Surveyors).

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Scenery causing dangerous driving PÁRAIC McMAHON

L

news@clareecho.ie

OUGH Derg’s “fabulous scenery” is causing traffic concerns in Ogonnelloe.

Two separate motions on traffic in Ogonnelloe were tabled at the January meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) requested that a plan be put in place to extend public lighting and carry out traffic calming works while Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) (inset) appealed for safety measures in the vicinity of the school which has become “particularly dangerous” with “a number of incidents”.

“An element of traffic calming” is provided by gateway signs on each approach along the R463, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett replied.

The village stretches 3.3km between the speed limit signs with lighting “only present in the vicinity of the church and community hall”.

An assessment of the lighting is to be conducted.

Regarding the school, Mellett acknowledged it was situated in a 60kph zone. “Parking is provided adjacent to the school with a drop-off/pick-up point and set-down only area provided by the school off the R463. Issues appear to revolve around the use of the set-down areas”. He confirmed there were no plans “for further traffic calming at this location”.

Residents are waiting on the Killaloe Bypass and Cllr Cooney commented, “People in Ogonnelloe are concerned about traffic and speeding, there is a need of traffic calming and public lighting. The lighting that is there by the church and community centre is limited”. Councillors received a letter from one Ogonnelloe woman last year asking for something to done “before someone was killed”, Cllr Hayes recalled.

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very active community council in Ogonnelloe. I suggest we empower Cllr O’Callaghan to bring this to the attention of Gardaí through the JPC. That’s the assistance we can give them. While you’re at it, they’re also speeding through residential areas of Killaloe,” Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) commented.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) interjected, “I’m also a vocal man on the JPC”. Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) suggested they put the item forward on the agenda for the next meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee.

Cllr Burke then added, “I won’t do like the Mayor of Clare and comment on every motion” which prompted Cllr Hayes to ask that the remark be withdrawn.

“It’s the visitors and tourists that are speeding while they are enjoying the fabulous scenery. I agree with everything said, we need to invest,” Burke concluded.

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Clare County Council is pleased to announce that it will host a series of ‘Housing Options’ information evenings over the coming weeks. If you are currently looking to buy, build, lease or rent or if you are seeking information on tenant/landlord rights, responsibilities and obligations then this event is for you.

Information and advice on all the various housing options open to you will be available at the events which will be attended by the following service providers:  Banks including AIB, BOI, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, EBS, KBC  Local Auctioneers  Mortgage brokers  MABS  The Residential Tenancies Board  The Local Property Tax unit of Revenue  The Housing Agency  Threshold In addition our Housing team will be available to give advice and information on:  HAP  RAS  Leasing – long term and short term  Housing Adaptation Grants  Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan  Minimum Rented Standards for Rented Dwellings  Qualification criteria for social housing support We are also inviting those who may have an interest in contributing to housing supply such as property owners, landlords and prospective landlords. To this end we will have information on the Buy and Renew and the Repair to Lease schemes which are available to bring properties back into use for social housing.

Mass-goers annoyed with missing path PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

MOUNTSHANNON mass-goers are unhappy with a missing footpath in between housing developments opposite the childcare centre (pictured right).

A proposal was submitted to the January meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) seeking the construction of a footpath “directly oppostie the childcare centre in Mounntshannon”. Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) seconded the motion.

No funding was currently available to carry out such works, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett replied.

“There is a short section of footpath which has not been completed at this location,” he acknowledged. Mellett confirmed the Killaloe MD would “seek to identify funding to allow works proceed”.

Located on the R352, Cllr Burke admitted that the scenario was “unusual”. “While you drive through the village you don’t see it, you need to get out and walk our footpaths to see what is happening. Footpath stops and the water is ponding and it’s quite dirty”.

He added, “I don’t know why when the housing development took place that the footpath wasn’t completed.

It is very unsatisfactory for people walking into the village for evening mass”. Burke stated his disappointment with the reply and told the engineer he would be raising the matter in the future.

Brian Foudy & Associates are a local firm of Architects, Chartered Engineers, Planning Consultants and Property Surveyors. Due to our ever growing client base applications are invited for the following position.

CIVIL / STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

The information evenings run over a 5 week period between 6pm and 8pm commencing on the 27th February in the Oakwood Arms in Shannon.

The full list of venues is as follows: • Ennis – 5th March – Civic Room, Buttermarket • Ennistymon – 12th March – Digital Hub • Kilrush – 19th March – Digital Hub • Killaloe – 26th March – Clarecare meeting room

065 6846429 housing@clarecoco.ie www.clarecoco.ie

Closing date for applications is the 28th February 2020

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Limerick 'cowboys' blamed for dumping PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

LLEGAL dumping at the 12 O’Clock Hills is being carried out by “cowboys” from Limerick City, a Clare councillor has claimed.

Four areas of significant illegal dumping has resulted in four fines being handed out by Clare County Council based on evidence found, it has emerged.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) appealed for more resources following “huge volumes of illegal dumping” at the popular walking trail.

He noted that the “bad behaviour” was “an ongoing concern to all”.

Brendan Flynn, senior executive engineer within the Council’s Environment Department confirmed that they are “investing time and resources” on monitoring and investigating illegal dumping throughout the county.

Work of the environmental section plus the issuing of fines were

seen as positives by Cllr O’Callaghan.

He claimed, “I can categorically say it’s coming from a different county, it’s coming from the city of Limerick”. “There are bogus collectors collecting this rubbish, people are paying them to get their rubbish taken away but it’s ending up in East Clare,” he stated.

He questioned if CCTV was required at what he described “a great amenity service”.

“I would love to see the figures, what it is costing Clare County Council to clean up this, there was a dead horse there this morning.

I hope to God the people that get these fines are being hammered for it”.

“We’re beginning to get to the root of it but more needs to be done. It’s time to name and shame these people to see can we cut out this totally unreal illegal dumping,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented in seconding the motion.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) praised his colleague for bringing forward the motion. “I am glad Cllr O’Cal-

laghan alluded to where a lot of it is coming to.

"Someone dumped their bedclothes on my land over the Christmas, I would be liable if the Council came which is a very strange system. It would be nice to find out what the four fines were and what they were fined”.

Now that fines were issued, Cllr O’Callaghan was confident there would be a prosecution, “A lot of the fines I think are what it cost to clean the whole thing up”. Hayes added, “That’s the point I’m coming to. Name and shame, those four people should be named and shamed. Under regulation you’re supposed to know where your rubbish is going, you can’t give your rubbish to any cowboy to take”.

70 percent of the dumped items are recyclable, O’Callaghan estimated.

“These guys are brazen, they went to one spot three times, the Fire Service had to be called the second time and they still came back,” the Kilmurry representative added.

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8 NEWS

Candidates complain posters being robbed PÁRAIC McMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

OSTERS belonging to Clare’s General Election candidates have been reported as stolen, others have disappeared with more vandalised.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) had a number of his posters stolen last week and reported the matter to Shannon Garda Station. Crowe has kept a record of where each poster has been placed with a number later appearing in Doonbeg , the home base of running mate Rita McInerney. Crowe has said no members of his team erected the posters.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Pat Breen (FG) outlined that in this campaign more than any other his posters have disappeared.

“All my posters are disappearing, someone is taking them whatever is happening. I can assure you, the wind isn’t taking them down because they were put up well.

“Some of my posters are being vandalised with foul words written on them which is a sad sign of democracy that people have to go to those lengths to pull up on a main road

and spray paint posters. I worry about society at this stage in terms of fragmentation, once we have democracy it’s really important that people can air their voice in a free world without being intimidated. It is sad to see people interfere with posters, more were taken down this weekend, posters don’t win elections but they are part of the election scene and it is an offence to interfere with posters during an election campaign”.

Michael Leahy (IFP) condemned those responsible for defacing a number of his posters along the Lahinch Rd. He told The Clare Echo, “racist, anti-Catholic and crystophobic slurs” have been written on his posters.

“It is necessary for all parties to stand up against far-left intimidation and bullying. We witnessed this before during the marriage referendum and to a lesser extent during the abortion referendum, where individuals considered to be on the ‘wrong side’ of the debate were targeted and had property damaged. The centrist parties did nothing to stand up to this at the time and it is now becoming commonplace for far-left bullies to try to close down debate and the expression of legitimate opinion.

“Instead of facing them down, the main parties seem to be buckling to their demands

and are on the cusp of introducing ‘speech crime’ legislation aimed at closing down freedom of speech. I have consistently argued that this is an important element in the current election debate as without freedom of speech, which is the primary liberty, there will be no possibility of protecting our other freedoms”. Mr Leahy has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.

lDEFACED: A vandalised election poster belonging to Rita McInerney Photo by John Mangan

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Mid-West Health Campaign take fight to Dublin ORGANISERS of the Mid-West Health Campaign have said they will take their protests to the streets of Dublin.

On Saturday, an estimated 2,000 people attended a protest march in Limerick, the biggest demonstration organised by the group to date.

92 flags red flags were carried at the march representing each of the patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick on January 9th which was the highest instance of over crowding ever recorded in an Irish hospital Marchers shouted “enough is enough” and “shame, shame, shame” as they walked from St John’s Hospital through to Limerick City Centre as far as Bedford Row. Organisers have confirmed to The Clare Echo that they intend to take their campaign to the streets of Dublin “if that is what it takes” following the disruptive demonstrations held by Irish farmers recently.

They are now seeking to join alliances with other groups across the county as organiser Noeleen Moran outlined.

“There were people from Cork, we have received messages from groups campaigning in Kerry and Galway, if we can forge alliances and move towards a national demonstration to keep the heat on Government that is the next step and the plan, we would encourage people to get in touch with the Mid-West Campaign group via Facebook or Twitter, the more people that get involved in this the better”.

IN THE HOT SEAT

lREADING UP: Sinead Dixon Slattery (right) Clare Local Enterprise Office and Guest Speaker Monica Forde, The Bookkeeper, at the Local Enterprise Office Clare Women in Busines Network Event at The Templegate Hotel Ennis on Tuesday night Photo by Arthur Ellis

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Vital Shannon Flood Relief Scheme expected to take years PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

news@clareecho.ie

NECESSARY flood relief scheme for Shannon that will protect an estimated 30,000 people is expected to take two to three years to complete.

Senior engineer with Clare County Council, Sean Lenihan briefed Shannon Municipal District councillors at their January meeting. He outlined the latest update on the Shannon & Environs Flood Relief Scheme.

Following on from the flood risk manage-

ment plan for Shannon Town, it was suggested to construct new walls, embankments, flow diversion, online storage areas and the replacement of two culverts. “Critically given the Town and Airport are hydraulically linked, CFRAMs recommended that the Estuarial Embankments would also need to be considered,” Lenihan highlighted.

Subsequently, Clare County Council, the OPW and Shannon Airport collaborated to progress the survey and assessment of works required along the embankments.

Tomorrow (Friday) marks the closing date of tender applications for the scheme.

The local authority is confident of appointing consultants by the end of February with

Explainer - How Brexit will affect flights from Shannon Airport THE UK has left the European Union as of 11pm on Friday, 31st January. While the UK is leaving the EU, there is a transition period until the 31st December 2020 during which the UK will adhere to all EU rules and trading relationships. This means that the UK will continue to be treated as if it were still an EU member state until December 31. Shannon Group has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and responses to assist its Shannon Airport passengers.

Will there be an impact on flights after January 31st at Shannon Airport?

Delays are not expected as a result of Brexit, while flight operations at Shannon Airport will not be affected.

If I have a UK passport, what channel will I go through at immigration?

If you are a UK passport holder, you will continue to be processed through the current channel at Shannon Airport.

What customs channel should I use when arriving in from the UK? During this transitionary period between January 31st and December 31st 2020, there will not be any change at Irish customs for passengers arriving from a UK airport.

Will there be any changes to airport security for Irish and UK passengers?

There will be no changes to security screening at Shannon Airport for passengers travelling to the UK. What rights will I have if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, existing EU rules will continue to protect you.

Will duty-free shopping return for passengers flying to the UK? Until December 31, 2020, the UK will be treated as if it is still an EU state. During the transition phase there will be no change.

Will the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK still apply after December 31st, 2020?

During the transitionary period, the EU and the UK will have future relationship negotiations. Irish and British Governments have said the Common Travel Area (CTA) will still apply. This means that Irish and UK citizens can move freely and live in either jurisdiction. Both Irish and UK Governments have committed to ensuring that the agreed CTA rights and entitlements are protected under all circumstances.

a steering group meeting to be held a fortnight after the appointment.

“We would expect to submit for planning in early 2023 with construction expected to take two to three years following the grant of planning permission”. Described as “a major capital investment in the area,” its cost is expected to be in the region of €26m.

“This will give a lot of relief to the airport authority and the people in the Shannon area. It will help the people of Shannon get proper insurance cover,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) felt.

It has taken four years for consultants to be appointed in Springfield, Clonlara, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) warned the meeting.

Recalling the extreme weather of 2014, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) witnessed the damage at Shannon first hand whilst dropping a family member to work.

“I could envisage the worst scenario of the Airport and the town being flooded, brought home to me a scenario that could happen in the future. When you see it first hand at 5am it has a massive impression.

“Officials have ran with the ball and made it a cause célèbre. We couldn’t be seen to delay and not be upfront in making our concerns known to the powers that be in a huge way.

“We’re talking about the bones of 30,000 people being affected on daily basis”.

Airport approach road ‘a sore thumb’ AN APPROACH road to Shannon Airport that is due to undergo an extensive upgrade has been described as “a sore thumb”.

Senior Engineer with Clare County Council Sean Lenihan informed the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District that the first phase ‘scheme concept and feasibility’ is nearing completion.

Officials were confident improvements to the 2.2km stretch of road between Drumgeely Roundabout and Knockbeagh Point Roundabout would “add significantly to the infrastructure facilitating Shannon Airport, industry in the region and the wider Shannon community.

“There is potential for a serious accident on the road, if you have a chemical spell it will close down

the Airport,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) warned.

Management at Shannon Airport have been “constantly burdened with capital expenditure” costs, Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) highlighted. He told the meeting he has written to the Airport appealing for free parking.

“For people after flying into an International Airport

it was like a sore thumb, having to travel along this road was a disaster. It will help everything. You want to come onto a proper road driving onto Shannon International Airport. When you fly into Shannon you fly into the country, when you fly into Dublin you fly into a concrete jungle,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) felt.

lFACELIFT: The approach road at Shannon Airport Photo by Joe Buckley

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Ennis Book Club Festival launched PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

RELAND’S only book club festival is returning to Ennis next month.

Over one hundred people attended Thursday’s launch of the Ennis Book Club Festival at The Temple Gate Hotel which heard that the popular weekend literary event has received an increase in funding from The Arts Council for 2020.

Crowds of 4,327 attended the 2019 festival with organisers eager to see this continue to grow. To aid this, a Burren Walking Tour is being incorporated for the first time which “will appeal to visitors to the county”. Sunday Miscellany which featured local writers such as Joe Ó Muircheartaigh and Niall Alstopp at glór last year is already sold out.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) told the launch of his family’s love of books. His father’s collection was visible in the attic while his mother always had a prayer book to hand and often the latest Jackie Collins text.

“This is a location of learning and independent learning that Ennis has always been proud of,” he stated. Fly-

nn concluded, “The Ennis Book Club Festival is a unique festival, it is very welcoming and informative”.

Artistic Director of EBCF, Paul Perry highlighted the amount of local talent involved in the 2020 run, among those are Rachael English, Brian O’Connell, Rosita Boland and Mike Hanrahan. Of the committee members, all of which are volunteers, he said, “It is almost unbelievable the amount of work they do”.

“Ennis Book Club Festival is a success because of the support of local businesses, the library, the Arts Council and Clare County Council,” Perry continued. He confirmed their funding allocation from the Arts Council has received a boost for 2020 “because they think we’re one of the best festivals”.

To celebrate the launch, Ennis native Ken O’Sullivan was interviewed

by Clare poet Sarah Clancy on his first book ‘Stories from the Deep’. “You never appreciate your own place until you can’t get there,” O’Sullivan said of being away from the county while living in the US. Thirty six different events are on the schedule from March 6th to 8th, these range from discussions on Brexit’s impact to yoga and wine tasting.

lSTORY TIME: Sara Clancy and Ken O’Sullivan in conversation at the launch of the Ennis Book Club Festival and Beyond Borders Book Club Photo

by Eamon Ward

Arts & Entertainment 11

Concertina Cruinniú THE 8th annual Concertina Cruinniú will be held by Oidhreacht an Chláir in Miltown on Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 16.

It provides a memorable weekend of concertina classes for all grades, lectures, concerts, Cosán Ceoil free night-time sessions, Seisiún Comhrá, open Junior and Adult free sessions led by well-known musicians, and a Songs & Tunes session.

Major concerts in the Westbridge: Saturday, 8.30pm, Jack Talty, Damien O'Reilly & John Blake, in concert with Noel Hill and guests; and Sunday, 6.00pm, Farewell Concert, Music and Half-Set with Bobby Gardiner, Eileen O'Brien.

Geraldine Cotter, Mairéad Considine and Áine

Heslin.

Also a free concert, 'Tunes from the West', with Noel Hill & Eamonn O'Riordan on Sunday, 3.30pm (Clancy's). Lectures, 'Kitty gone a-milking': Women in Irish Traditional Music

by Máire O'Keeffe with music by Mary MacNamara, Eileen O'Brien, Marion McCarthy and Geraldine Cotter on Friday, 8.30pm (Westbridge) and Concertina Players from Clare in the Irish Traditional Music Archive by Liam O'Connor, Saturday, 2.30pm (The Malbay).

Fee for two days' tuition and admission to all events is €75. Full details from Áras OaC, at www.concertinacruinniu.ie or from eolas@oac. ie or 087-2897935.

INSPIRATIONS

G

LÓR is delighted to announce a new concert series within its traditional music strand this Spring. glór has again teamed up with Paula Carroll of The West Wind the traditional music strand on Clare FM to curate ‘Inspirations’, a series of concerts where young stars of the traditional music world invite their own living musical heroes to perform with them.

Inspirations takes place in glór studio starting Thurs 6 Feb and runs until Thurs 2 Apr. Concert guests include Colm Broderick and Mick O’ Brien (Thurs 6 Feb, 8.30pm); Brian O’ Loughlin and Eamonn Cotter (Thurs 20 Feb, 8.30pm); Aisling Lyons and Laoise Kelly (Thurs 19 March, 8.30pm); Conor Connolly and Charlie Harris) Thurs 2 Apr, 8.30pm.

“Co. Clare is such a great place in which to work in traditional music,” says series producer Paula Carroll.

“The audiences are fantastic. They are knowledgeable and appreciative, and have quite sophisticated taste in music. The Autumn series ‘Words and Music’ sold out every night (where we invited musical duos to tell us stories of their journeys in traditional music, as well as performing).

“This time we’ve asked young musicians to tell us who their living musical heroes are, and then to invite them to do a concert with them.

This one has really grabbed people’s imaginations,”Carroll continues.

Colm Broderick is a 20 year old piper from Carlow, who is no stranger to music sessions and festivals in Clare. Colm was selected by Na Píobairí Uilleann as the inheritor of Liam Ó Floinn’s pipes, on Liam’s death in 2018, and he rises to the responsibility with panache. He has selected master piper Mick O’ Brien as one of his main living influences, saying ‘He’s right up there with Liam.’

Brian O’Loughlin from Corofin is one of Clare’s finest young flute players. A member of the multi-award winning Shandrum Ceili Band, Brian is also a very fine soloist. He has selected Clareman Eamonn Cotter as one of his formative influences. Flute-player and maker Eamonn comes from the intensely musical Cotter family from Ennis.

Aisling Lyons from Newmarket on Fergus is one of the rising stars of the Irish harp world.

She is also an accomplished young concertina player who trails a string of accolades. She has selected Laoise Kelly, this year’s TG4 Gradam Ceoil Traditional Musician of the Year, as her hero. From Westport, Laoise is known for her brilliance and as a pioneer promoter of the Irish harping, not least through the Achill International Harp Festival, which she founded in recent years. (Thurs 19 March 8.30pm) Accordionist Conor Connolly, from Ardrahan, Co. Galway, received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil for Young Musician of the Year in 2019.

He comes straight from the Joe Cooley cradle of South Galway traditional music; a style much loved in Co. Clare. No surprise then that he selects accordion player Charlie Harris, as one of his chief mentors. Charlie is also a past recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Traditional Musician of the Year award.

Call the glór box office on 065-6843103 or visit www.glor.ie.

lTUNING UP: Colm Broderick inherited Liam Ó Floinn’s pipes

12 COMMUNITY NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

The Jessies 2020: Mála Milseáin a sweet idea for Scoil Chríost Rí

THE JACK SLATTERY SCHOOL SCHOOL ENTREPRENEUR Scoil Chríost Rí 4th PROGRAMME

& 5th class

PRODUCT Mála Milseáin CONCEPT A sweet ‘lucky bag’ selection of sweets to cater for all tastes. All the packaging (bags and label) are produced using recyclable material and a ‘golden ticket’ is hidden in some bags, which entitles the winner to a special prize.

HOW MUCH WAS INVESTED? €200 start-up capital PROFIT MADE €300 - this was the profit made after paying back the investor and paying for stock HOW SUCCESFUL WAS THE PROJECT? It was very successful with the produce selling our after one day. The product had to be restocked and continued selling for another week until it sold out again. It could have continued to sell but we decided to quit while we were ahead.

WHAT WILL THE PROFITS BE USED FOR? Seventy-five per cent of profits will be put towrads a class trip and 25 per cent will go to a local charity which is yet to be decided by open vote.

OTHER IDEAS FOR PROJECT Cinema day; sports challenge day; disco BUSINESS VISITOR Katie Rogers of Blackbird Jewellery, a new business entrepreneur

lSWEET IDEA: Mayara and Liam from Scoil Chríost Rí show their sweet bags and poster designs for the Jessies Projects; (left) Yassin and Noah count the money made from the project

Photo by Natasha Barton MS KENNY’S 4TH/5TH CLASS: Mohamed Ahmed; Pedro Batista; Sebastian Caldararu; Arnost Holub; Luciano Kroka, Jan Sivak, Lauren Breen, Isabel Ikiebey; Gabrielle Lee; Caitlin O’Doherty; Holly Slattery; Samuel Duna; Bernard McDonagh; Bernie McDonagh; Emmanuel Onwudiwe; Dylan Opiela; Martin Sweeney. Ms de BARRA’S 5th class: Y Achtouk; N Benak, L Franks, J Krista, C Landoukpo, N Lavery, M McDonagh, S Mirga, Z Ryan, MW Moore, O Abdunisr, M Custy Sousa, L Franks, R Keane, E Mahoney, A McDonagh, TM McDonagh, R McNamara, R Michaeleze

SIGNING OFF...

THE JACK SLATTERY SCHOOL ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME

THE JESSIES 2020: PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS GAELSCOIL MHICHÍL CIOSÓG, ENNIS

Classes: Miss Ciara Ní Chuilinn; Ms Erinn Hennessy; Ms Caolfhionn Ní Fhrighil; Mr Donncha Ó Luasa

HOLY FAMILY, ENNIS

Classes: Mr Brian Cooney; Ms Niamh Neylon; Ms Siobhán Archer; Mr Declan Bell

ENNIS NATIONAL SCHOOL

l A signpost at the turn for Whitestrand in Miltown Malbay, which has been on its side for numerous weeks. A Clare Echo reader got in touch to raise safety concerns over the issue which is on the main Wild Atlantic Way route Photo courtesy of Cora O’Grady

KILMURRY NATIONAL SCHOOL

Classes: Mr Kevin Clohessy; Mr Ian Flanagan

GAELSCOIL UÍ CHOIMIN, KILRUSH Class: Ms Bríd Ní Comhraí

SCOIL RÉALT NA MARA, KILKEE Class: Ms Eleanor Corry

DOONBEG NATIONAL SCHOOL

Classes: Mr Gary Walsh; Mr Eamon Corry; Ms Lourda Roseingrove

Class: Mr Neil Crowley

Classes: Mr Colm Davoren; Mr Damien O’Reilly

DOORA NATIONAL SCHOOL

Classes: Ms Caoimhe De Barra; Ms Elaine Kenny

KILKISHEN NATIONAL SCHOOL

Classes: Ms Karen Hogan; Ms Aoife Clancy

FEAKLE NATIONAL SCHOOL

BALLYEA NATIONAL SCHOOL

ENNIS CBS

Class: Mr David Eyres

SCOIL CHRÍOST RÍ, CLOUGHLEIGH, ENNIS

Class: Mr Ross Darmody

ST SENAN’S KILRUSH

Class: Mr Conor Harrison

KNOCKANEAN NATIONAL SCHOOL

Class: Ms Marion Mahon

Classes: Mr John Corbett; Mr Colm Mullen

GREEN CLARE

Clare County Council has signed up as partners to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan

A

T a ceremony in Clare County Council on Monday 3 February Chief Executive Pat Dowling and Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal Crowe signed a framework agreement with the National Biodiversity Data Centre to undertake actions to support pollinators in County Clare. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a cross-sector initiative, led by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, with local authorities, farmers, businesses, schools and local communities to support pollinators such as bees.

Ireland depend on pollinators insects and the important service they provide, they sustain our food production and provide for a healthy environment. Pollinators provide a priceless service and cross pollinate over a 1,000 food plants, fruit, vegetables, berries and nuts. A third of what we eat would not be available without pollinators.

Unfortunately, our pollinators are in decline, of the 99 different types of bees on the island of Ireland, nearly one third are threatened with extinction. County Clare is very important for pollinators and the Burren is the headquarters for bees in Ireland with 75% of all bee species found here including the Great yellow bumblebee, Shrill carder bee and Red shanked carder bee all of which are rare and threatened with extinction.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a strategy that addresses this problem as a shared plan of action to help our pollinators. Clare County Council are already meeting many of the 30 actions to help pollinators in the pollinator friendly actions proposed for Councils, exceeding effort in some and in need improvements for others. Clare County Council are taking actions to support pollinators on public land, working with local community groups, residents’ associations and schools to help raise awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. To better support these efforts and to better promote

the work being undertaken, the National Biodiversity Data Centre has developed this framework to recognise Councils as partners of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

In becoming an All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Partner, Clare County Council agrees: 1. That Clare County Council supports the ethos of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and will consider the Plan in their policies, plans, and management decisions where possible.

2. To consider the evidence-based actions in the guideline document Councils: Actions to help Pollinators, and to carry out one pollinator-friendly action in the first year of signing up and plan to carry out at least three more within the following five years.

The guideline document lists 30 possible actions, many of which are low cost or cost-neutral.

3. To update the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Team (within the National Biodiversity Data Centre) on the positive pollinator actions you have planned, implemented or maintained at the end of each year, when contacted, to help us promote your work.

Cathal Crowe Cathaoirleach said that “It is important that Clare County Council supports local and national efforts to halt the decline of pollinators. Organisations, Tidy Town groups and individual throughout County Clare are doing amazing work in actively manageing sites to create bee friendly spaces through pollinator friendly planting�.

Dr Ăšna FitzPatrick, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Founder and Project Coordinator, said “This is a very important step. We have witnessed so much positive action by individuals and local communities around the country, and so many Councils have made

changes to the way they manage their parks and public lands – to make them more pollinator-friendly. We are thrilled that Clare County Council has become a partner to the Plan and agreed to take actions to help protect our biodiversity

Smokeless Fuel

Make the Change It is an offence to sell and burn smoky coal in Ennis, Clarecastle and parts of South East Clare.

Enforcement officers are currently carrying out inspections of businesses and households.

Smoky Coal causes smog which is bad for your health and dangerous for the young, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Avoid an on-the-spot fine

of up to â‚Ź1,000 For more information visit www.clarecoco.ie Interested in reducing

costs and reducing the environmental impact of your festival?

Then greening of your festival/event is a must.

To receive more information, email greenerclare@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065 6846331 @greenerclare

Tel: 065 68 46 331

Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie

lPlan of action: Brian McCarthy senior planner, Councillor Cathal Crowe Cathaoirlach, Pat Downling Clare County Council Chief Executive and Conjella Maguire of Clare Heritage Officer

Interested in reducing costs and reducing

Community 14 COMMUNITY

SHANNON

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

SHREK THE MUSICAL Shannon Musical Society production of Shrek the Musical is almost here! The advance enquiries are so heavy we have added an additional performance, as well as each night from Sunday 16th February to Saturday 22nd February at 8pm there is an extra show at 2pm on Saturday 22nd February. The booking office (beside the post office in Skycourt Shannon) opening hours are Thursday & Friday 10 am to 2 pm & 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Wednesday 10am to 2pm, telephone bookings same hours at 086 2142554.

ENNIS CLARE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 'Life and death of the earliest farmers on the Burren - the evidence from Poulnabrone' - by Dr Ann Lynch. Lecture takes place on Tuesday 11th February in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, at 8pm. Lectures are free to members, €5 for non-members. NOTE: The Annual General meeting will take place at 7 pm in advance of this talk. New members and new committee members are very welcome. Enquiries to Frances at fogorman51@gmail.com or Mary at 087 8362491

MID-CLARE AGM Clooney/Spancilhill Community Development Group AGM 2020 will be held on Monday the 17th of February at 8pm in Clooney School Hall.

Please join us to get a update of our progress and to hear what our plan is for 2020. All welcome.

MARTIN DEVITT MID CLARE BRIGADE COMMEMORATION The highest ranking officer killed in action in Clare during the War of Independence is to be commemorated and remembered on Sunday 23rd February 2020, one hundred years after his death. Martin Devitt Vice - Commandant of the Mid Clare Brigade from Cahersherkin, Ennistymon, lost his life as he engaged along with his brother Paddy, Comdt. Ignatius O’Neill, and Pake Lehane an R.I.C. patrol in the Fermoyle Ambush at Crowe’s Bridge, Inagh on the 24th February 1920.

In the exchange of fire Martin Devitt was shot in the head and died at the scene of the ambush. The Vice - Commandant Martin Devitt Commemoration, is in three parts. It will commence at 12:30pm with mass focusing on a theme of peace and justice at St. Columba’s Church, Clouna, Ennistymon, followed at 2:00pm by a wreath laying ceremony at Martin Devitt’s grave at Clouna Cemetery with Military Honours provided by the Defence Forces. The final part which will be held at the Falls Hotel Ennistymon at 3:00pm is the launch of the Mid Clare Brigade centenary commemorations.For further information please visit our Facebook page @MCBClare2020.

COUNTYWIDE MACRA Congratulations to Padraig Fahy, Ennis Macra and to Lucy Killackey, Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra who will represent Co. Clare at the Mr. Personality and Queen of the Land Festivals. Well done to all who took part in the Clare Macra Games & Titles Night. Thanks to former County Chairman Pat Carrig for hosting the interviews.

Further details can be found on the Clare Macra Facebook or Instagram accounts.

l YASS QUEEN: 2020 Clare Queen of The Land Lucy Killackey with 2019 Clare Queen Laura Donnellan

l CLEANING UP: The Best Novice prize at the 25th Ennis Bridge Congress was won by Joe Carmody and Gerry Broderick, receiving their prize from Neil Burke President CBAI and Mary Vallely Clare County President

ENNIS CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ For those who have an interest there is now and will be conversation and chat in Irish every week in these following locations: Luan at Zest, 11 am; Ceádain at Sweet + Green, 11 am; Diardaoin at Temple gate, 8 pm; Aoine at Sweet + Green, 11am; Satharn at glór, 11 am. All are welcome.

NORTH CLARE HANDS FOR LIFE The Irish Heart Foundation is offering free CPR training to members of the public on February 15th at 10am, 11.30am & 1pm at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. The training is part of a new free community CPR training programme, Hands for Life, run by the Irish Heart Foundation and supported by Abbott and ESB Networks. For more information visit www.HandsForLife.ie.

Clare Echo THE

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Profiles of every candidate in the Clare constituency

Feb 8th Poll day

Clare Echo THE

Fact File

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

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CLARE ECHO GENERAL ELECTION 2020 GUIDE CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS Páraic McMahon, Head of News & Sport EDITED BY Stuart Holly, Editor DESIGN Shane Gilligan, graphic designer FEATURE INTERVIEW Cian O'Broin, reporter POLITICAL COMMENTARY Eoin Neylon, Clare Echo political writer James Breen, former independent TD and councillor Caimin Jones, communications consultant Joe Melody, Clare Fine Gael Secretary Mary Mannion, former PD councillor and Dáil candidate

The people of County Clare will cast their votes this Saturday, before the election count takes place at the count centre in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon on Sunday

15 candidates ready for battle PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

IFTEEN candidates will go before the people of Clare to determine who will represent the county in the 33rd Dáil.

For the first time in their respective histories, the Irish Freedom Party (IFP), People Before Profit (PBP), and Renua Ireland (REN) are all running candidates in the Clare constituency.

They are joined by four Independents (IND), one each from The Green Party (GP) and Sinn Féin (SF). Both Fine Gael (FG) and Fianna Fáil (FF) are viewed as the traditional heavyweights in Clare, they are running three candidates each.

Across the country, 516 candidates are running in 39 constituencies. There are a record number of 162 female candidates are on the ticket, up two on the 2016 election.

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on Saturday, voters will need to bring a form of photo identification with them before casting their vote. Three long-standing polling

Fact File GE2020 COMMENTARY

James Breen (Former Independent TD 2002-2007, retired County Councillor)

“IT’S going to be very close, Sinn Féin will be in there with a very big shout of creating a Government. Looking back on the last Government, you could call it a grand coalition, the Minister for Finance brought his Budget into the Dáil and the very minute he had it over it was agreed by Fianna Fáil and their spokesperson tried to find holes in it but they had already agreed to do it”.

“It’s going to be very hard to call it in Clare, six or seven people are in with a great chance. Take West Clare, there is always a TD there and if Rita McInerney can capitalise on the vote of Dr Harty she will be a very strong contender for a seat. You have Cathal Crowe coming in as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, another very strong contender, Timmy Dooley is also very strong and you have Pat Breen and Joe Carey, all strong candidates. I think there is an Independent seat in Clare whoever will get it.

“Cathal Crowe will be there or thereabouts to top the poll, he is a young candidate, a good Chairman of the Council. I think Pat Breen will take the second seat and Timmy Dooley will take the third seat. The fourth seat is going to be up for grabs, transfers will definitely decide it, I remember a count where a number twenty could become a number one”.

“The one message I have for the people is please, go out and vote, don’t stand on the sideline and say they are all the same. If you want to change it, go out and vote, there is people that would die to have a vote because they have no say whatsoever in those eastern countries, I’m urging the people of Clare to come out and vote, don’t stand on the sideline, please vote”.

stations in the county will not be in use this weekend. Cross and Querrin stations are no longer in use, individuals can now vote in Kilbaha NS and Carrigaholt respectively. The Mountshannon vote is being in the national school as opposed to the childcare centre.

An additional 6,000 voters previously in the Limerick City constituency are based in Clare for the first time since 1989.

The Clare Echo will be providing live online coverage from The Falls Hotel on Sunday from dawn to dusk at the count centre as we discover what four candidates have been elected as Clare’s new TDs.

Fact File

GE2020 COMMENTARY Joe Melody Clare Fine Gael Secretary, Farmer

"THIS election race is proving to be a fascinating one. We have all the ingredients for what should be an entertaining contest, if you weren't involved in it!

I would love to see all the three Fine Gael candidates elected but the reality is we elected 2 T.Ds to the last Dail on just under 26% of the vote. Clare is often cited as a bellwether county for the country as a whole and with Fianna Fail making a resurgence since the last election when they garnered 31% of the vote in Clare but failed to elect a second T.D. with Timmy Dooley. I cannot see this happening again. Timmy will be returned but this time Cathal Crowe should poll well enough to be elected to the 33rd Dail. Geographically this race is very interesting as you have a crowded field with Crowe and Dooley who are both situated in East Clare. Add to the mix Michael McNamara who has gained a high profile from his time in Dail Eireann, if there were to be an upset on the cards it could be him.

However, I feel that when the people of Co. Clare go out to vote on Saturday, they will vote for the team that has delivered for them and I think two Fine Gael TDs will be elected. From a personal point of view as a young farmer heading into unchartered waters post Brexit. The only government I would have confidence in is a Fine Gael led government, for that reason I think both Pat Breen and Joe Carey will be returned alongside Timmy Dooley and Cathal Crowe".

Feb 8th Poll day

Clare Echo THE

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

O

DAVID BARRETT

Fact File

PARTY Independent LOCATION Cooraclare D.O.B 1966 FAMILY Married to Jane. Has two sisters SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Melhampton, Hampton Primary School, Hampton Senior High, Curtin Universirty (Australia) OCCUPATION Engineer POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Founded the Moderates Party TOP 3 PRIORITIES Health, balanced industry in Clare, farming / fisheries SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I have lived and worked in Australia, the USA, the UK and Ireland, I bring a world of experience with me literally.

A

JUNIOR Minister in the 32nd Dáil, Pat Breen (FG) has expressed his pride with the drop in unemployment figures but maintained big job losses in the county would not hurt his vote.

Since June 2017, Pat has been Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, along with it being one of the longest titles in Irish politics it gave him the highest profile post of the outgoing TDs in the county.

During this time, significant job losses were suffered in the county most notably at Molex, Roche, Moneypoint and Avara.

On the impact the closures would have on his bid to be re-elected, he said “None whatsoever”.

Breen maintained Moneypoint “has a bright future” and Avara being “a profitable company” helps its cause to secure a buyer.

“We’ll have no problem attracting a new client in the lifesciences area whether it’s in the med-tech sector or something that is not pharma” he commented

regarding Roche while “time is on our hands” so far as Molex is concerned.

He pointed out that Clare is “close to full employment” and defended his record as a Junior Minister referring to the various positive announcements during his tenure. “6,000 less people unemployed in Clare, youth employment down 72 percent, we have great attractions in the county outside of tourism, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Airport is very important to us and the universities on either side play an important role”.

When queried by The

IREACHTAS TV stemmed his interest in Irish politics, David Barrett (IND) is now vying to win himself a seat in one of the houses of the Oireacthas.

Born in Australia, David and his wife Jane have lived in Ireland since 2013. Their move to Wicklow was prompted when his wife had a brain haemorrhage and subsequent stroke, the summers down under proved too difficult for her body to handle and so a move to the Emerald Isle followed. While living here, they have not received any funding from the State.

“I grew up being in a family of Conservative voters, as I got older I saw good and bad in both sides of Australian politics, I became less party orientated. My political sense has moved to a more Moderate position, we need strong economic prosperity to be fiscally responsible, that strong economic position needs to be transferred back into social benefit as well”.

One year ago this week, David was interviewed by The Clare Echo on his plans to set up The Moderate Party, a political project he has put to one side for “the foreseeable future”.

“I never truly pushed The Moderate Party as much as I could have. I lost a little bit of heart after the local elections because I saw people were still voting Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ahead of decent Independents putting themselves forward, I was thinking the situation in Ireland was dire across so

Clare Echo if the employment statistics look more favourably because people from the county have had to leave for work, Pat replied, “Of course there are people working outside the county, there is also Limerick and Galway people working in Clare. Go out to Beckman Coutler and you’ll see a lot of Galway people working there, we can’t be parochial in the way we think, you can do that in sport but not with jobs. When we’re on trade missions, we’re competing with the likes of Manchester who have 3 million people, we’re a small region in

Pat Breen canvassing in Kilrush last week

the Mid-West that is competing with places like Birmingham. We have to think regionally, we all need to work together to ensure the viability of the region and we will all get our share of the jobs particularly in Clare and Limerick”.

One of his election signs reads ‘The Voice of Shannon Airport’, given there was an eight percent drop in passenger numbers last year, The Clare Echo questioned Breen if it was an old sign. “It is an old sign but the voice is still there and it’s as strong as ever,” he responded and pointed out that one of his “Budget asks” to Leo Varadkar and Pascal Donohoe was “to get some supports for Shannon Airport” and claimed routes to Barcelona, Paris and Vienna followed as a result.

2011’s poll-topper, Pat lost 3,272 votes in 2016. “I lost votes because people in my party asked all the members of Clare not to vote for me, they did opinion polls which had me topping the poll, then Dr Harty came into the race. I could not stop the erosion of votes the week of the campaign, they were drip-

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many different facets, it was a bit disillusioning on the historical aspects of party politics”.

Lack of proposed solutions in the health service reignited his political fire. “I feel as an engineer with a background in looking at solutions rather than kicking the can down the road, I felt I could make a difference”.

He is adamant an Independent can make a difference in the Dáil for Co Clare.

“Dr Harty tried the gently-softly-softly approach, we need to go in harder and be a louder voice for Co Clare, similar to the Healy-Raes in Kerry, we need somebody making noise until we are heard that we need our services back particularly in our health service”.

Living in Cooraclare, he is not universally known in parish which Barrett admitted is a small hindrance.

“My wife and I are quiet people, we don’t have kids so we don’t go to schools and we’re not church-goers so that means we’ve a more limited interaction with people than others do. I’ve only been in Cooraclare for a couple of years, the candidates who have grown up here and have familial relationships, they would have an advantage in spreading out through their parish but I don’t see it as too big an advantage, I feel I’m across all the main issues that are facing Co Clare”.

“It is definitely a personal risk, I felt I had to do it and try my best, if I never tried I’d never know and I’d say maybe I should have tried. I’m glad I have tried because I am getting very good feedback at the doors, people are very disillusioned, some to the extent that they won’t vote. I’d like to think I’ve given them some hope to go through Independents. I am hopeful that it is time for change, I’m feeling optimistic and I’m holding my own on debates, I’m definitely a contender and wouldn’t be writing myself off just yet”.

PAT BREEN

Fact File

PARTY Fine Gael LOCATION Ballynacally D.O.B 21/03/57 FAMILY Two sons, Kenneth and Patrick. Three sisters and one grand-daughter SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Lisheen NS, St Flannans College, Limerick Technical Colleges OCCUPATION TD POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Former Chairperson & Secretary of Clare Fine Gael, Member of Clare County Council 1999-2004, TD since 2002, Junior Minister TOP 3 PRIORITIES Jobs, Health, Balanced Regional Development SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I don’t like birthdays

ping away from me and it went to such a way that my cousins actually voted for someone else because they were told I was

safe, that won’t happen this time the way Fine Gael is in the opinion polls. I lost about 2,000 votes in the last week, I got a fright”.

Your Clare Fine Gael Team Martin Pat

BREEN JoeCONWAY CAREY

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JOE CAREY Fact File PARTY Fine Gael LOCATION Clarecastle D.O.B 21/06/75 FAMILY One brother and a sister. Married to Grace with two children, Alma (10) and Dan (8) SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Clarecastle NS, St Flannan’s College, Galway IT, Athlone IT OCCUPATION TD

wonderful quality of life, it cuts out the commute to larger centres and it’s good for the environment and communities, the workers have more family time and more time to give back to their communities”.

Recently he clashed with party colleague, Pat Breen regarding efforts to sell Roche. When asked by The Clare Echo how their relationship is now, Carey said, “You were Joe Carey at the Bellharbour Point to Point last talking earlier on week with Aoife McMahon and Tara Diggins that I was quite but I am vocal on issues, OE Carey (FG) is of the view his team of canvassers is the strongest of all fif- when I see something is wrong I will say that too”. He added, “It’s a critical issue for teen candidates in the field.

Ahead of the 2016 election, it was me, for the town of Ennis and the Mid-West reported that Carey had the lowest profile region that there is industry located on that of the Clare TDs. The same allegation that site in Clarecastle, I’m working intensively he was the quietest of the Banner quartet in to ensure that will happen, we need a strong Dáil Éireann has once again been levelled at marketing team made available through the the Clarecastle native by voters and pundits. State agencies whether they be the IDA or “I was a backbench Government TD and it is Enterprise Ireland, I’ve secured the support a difficult place to be politically, particularly of Clare County Council for the site to be in the last Dáil where you had eight differ- included in the Ennis 2040 Strategy”.

Further opportunities on job creation can ent groupings, there was speaking rights for all the different leaders of these groups. In be sourced in the county by investing in the terms of the Government there was always Clare Technological Park and by putting a a Minister or Junior Minister that would bigger emphasis on Shannon Airport, Carrespond so backbench Government TDs ey believes. A change in Government policy could yield an additional one million didn’t have as much airtime as others”.

As Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas passengers he estimated and highlighted Committee on Rural and Community De- Frankfurt as being a viable route.

Most of the commentary regarding his velopment, Joe pointed to their work on remote working as one which made inroads. third successive election in 2016 centred on “There is huge opportunity for the creation a poll by The Clare Champion which preof co-working space, the opening of the dicted he would not be successful. “There digital hub in Ennistymon is a very good was a lot made out of that poll, it was unsciexample of a state of the art co-working entific and I think it is significant The Clare space and it is a hub of activity for North Champion are not doing a poll this time beClare, housing various different employ- cause they know what they did at the time ers in a modern building which had been was unscientific, it did galvanise support derelict for many years. There is huge op- around me but there is only one real poll portunity in Co Clare for this, we have a and that is on the voting day.”

J

roisin.garvey@greenparty.ie

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Involved in local Tidy Towns in Clarecastle. Member of Clare County Council 1999 – 2007. TD since 2007, ex Fine Gael Asst Chief Whip.

Son of former TD, Donal Carey TOP 3 PRIORITIES Shannon Airport, Health, Rural & Community Development SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I cook the Christmas dinner every year

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MARTIN CONWAY

Fact File

PARTY Fine Gael LOCATION Ennistymon D.O.B 08/04/74 FAMILY Married to Brid. One brother.

SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Ennistymon CBS for primary and secondary, UCD OCCUPATION Senator POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Was involved in Young Fine Gael and student politics in UCD. Got Junior Chamber Young Person of the Year and UCD President’s Award for Excellence. Elected member of Clare County Council 2002-2011.

TOP 3 PRIORITIES Justice, Disabilities, Rural Ireland SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I have gone surfing

SUBTLE change” from the electorate has given Senator Martin Conway (FG) a pep in his step that he can be elected to Dáil Éireann on his first attempt.

An elected representative since 2002, Saturday is the first time Martin’s name will go before the entire county on the ballot paper. In 1999, he was eliminated on the third count in his first bid to win a seat on Clare County Council, he is confident history won’t repeat itself as he tries to become a TD. “That was a completely different scenario, I was 24 years of age at that stage, I almost got elected which was the shock of that election. I had come from nowhere and was within fifty votes of winning a seat, I’m confident enough that won’t happen this time, I’m getting a fantastic response at the doors and I think people want to see change. People have got to know me over the years, the people of North Clare have known me very well and have endorsed me, the rest of the county has got to know me through engaging with my office, we’ve done a significant amount of work with people on a one to one basis, coupled with that people have got to know me, my style and my story, they have very much warmed to me”.

On why individuals keen to see change would still vote for a Fine Gael candidate, he explained, “When people want change it’s a subtle change, they want to see a change in personnel in Dáil Éireann from Co Clare. Each ballot paper in each constituency is different, it is made up of personnel and people from within the political party structure and beyond. People vote for change within the parties as well as in other areas, I certainly think I’m going to benefit from an appetite from change, Fine Gael with the candidates we have are offering people the option of change if they so wish”.

Last May, the Ennistymon man came under fire from Bill Slattery who lost his seat on Clare County Council and maintained Conway was one of the main reasons for this. When asked by The Clare Echo, what impact this level of ill-feeling towards him and the introduction of

Roisin Garvey would have in the General Election, he stated “none I would think”. He confirmed that he had not asked Mr Slattery to canvass for him in Lahinch.

“I have been out and about engaging with the people, obviously people are interested in the Green agenda, I’ve been an advocate of it for some time, I produced a booklet ‘A Greener You’ which we distributed throughout the county this time last year, it got a very positive response, Green issues will be resolved when they become mainstream and I think the Green agenda is mainstream now.

Fine Gael have developed a strategy in terms of climate change, certainly that is resonating with people, difficult decisions in terms of the environment have to be made going forward, it is incumbent on all parties to adopt a Green agenda”.

Conway concluded, “Without a shadow of a doubt this is my biggest political test. It is the biggest challenge of my political career, I have stood in five elections and I’ve won the last four, if I win this it will be my fifth in a row”.

Senator Martin Conway canvassing in Ennis on Tuesday this week Photo by John Mangan

Martin

CONWAY Elect a NEW T.D. for Clare “Vote for proven ability with life experience of disability”

1

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CONTACT MARTIN

065 707 2222

martin.conway@oir.ie

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A future to Look Forward to

Vote 2, 3 in order of your choice Pat BREEN, Joe CAREY

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CATHAL CROWE

Fact File

PARTY Fianna Fáil LOCATION Meelick D.O.B 01/10/82 FAMILY I’ve two sisters, Yvonne and Emer, my parents are Mike and Irene. I’m married to Maeve, we have three kids, Sam, Charlie and Eve. SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Meelick NS, Ard Scoil Rís, University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College OCCUPATION Primary school teacher at Parteen NS & councillior POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Ex parliamentary assistant to Brian Crowley, elected representative of Clare County Council 2004-present TOP 3 PRIORITIES Shannon Airport, Health, Rural Agenda SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I'm a bit of plane spotter

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TRIPPED of his place on the Fianna Fáil front bench due to his involvement in a voting controversy, Timmy Dooley (FF) is seeking to prevail in his fourth General Election.

Although he topped the poll in 2016, Timmy was the only Fianna Fáil representative to get elected despite the combined vote from him, Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh and Clare Colleran Molloy totalling 30 percent.

“People often don’t read into it but the Labour Party candidate Michael McNamara when he was eliminated transferred a large amount of his vote to the Fine Gael candidates, Labour and Fine Gael were in coalition so they transferred well to each other and that was what happened on that occasion. I had done my best to support the other two candidates but that is what happened,” the Mountshannon native recalled.

No party directive has been issued to Dooley from headquarters that he must bring home a second candidate with him this time round but he believed

past mistakes are unlikely to be made over the weekend. “It’s important that if Fianna Fáil are to get into Government we need two seats, from that point of view I haven’t canvassed in the areas of Meelick, Parteen or Shannonbanks there is a very large vote down there and I’ve left that exclusively to Cathal, I’ve stayed out of a lot of parts of West Clare to leave Rita alone. That is as much as I can do, we’ve ran a respectf u l c am paign and that is the way you go about it”.

“There has been an

VER since becoming the youngest councillor in Clare back in 2004, Cathal Crowe (FF) has had one eye on entering national politics.

Schooled in politics by Willie O’Dea and former MEP, Brian Crowley, Cathal since last June has seen his countywide profile expand having been elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. “I worked with Willie O’Dea quite a lot over the years, I learned one valuable thing from him, you don’t go into hiding in between elections. That’s how I operate as a councillor, there is a few now but for a while I was only the county councillor holding monthly clinics, it’s a feature of how I’ve represented communities since 2004, I canvass and appear on doors in between elections, you stay active I learned that from him, you don’t spring into action four weeks before an election”.

“In Ireland one of the problems I’ve seen is too many people are told by their local or national politician ‘I’ll look into it’, that is not good enough. Paw Patrol is on in this house at the moment, they have the motto ‘no job is too big and no job is too small’, since the start of this election 1,117 emails have come in, it is important that if it’s a pothole or something that needs to be raised in Europe it is important that a representative has the capacity to do that, my office has that capacity and I want to be able to take those issues further up the chain of command but still be anchored in the local community”.

6,000 constituents that he previously canvassed with O’Dea situated in Westbury, Parteen, Shannonbanks, Ardnacrusha and Carraig Midhe are in the Clare constituency for the first time since 1989. To prevail in his first General Election, he needs to clean up here.

“I’ve always wanted to enter national politics but because of the geography of things you needed to have a starting base, my home base has been divided between Council districts and Dáil constituencies, there was never a cohesive base I could start out from. You need to get a surge vote from a home area in order to be able to compete and you need to be able to get strong support countywide. This constituency is now the whole county, I

effort made to say that I am safe, in 2016 I was very safe, I’ve never reached the quota on the first count, I have to fight for every vote, that is a fact. This idea that I’m a safe candidate and that I can share my vote around to bring other candidates in is a fallacy, the truth of it is I’ve never reached the quota in any of my elections on the first count. Some candidates have a quota and a half on their first count but that doesn’t happen in Clare”.

In October, six votes were recorded in Dooley’s name despite his absence from the Dáil Chamber. It prompted an investigation and his suspension from the front bench in his

role as Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. “The people I’ve been talking to about it, they understand my explanation, they accept that it was inadvertent, it was just that Niall Collins assumed I was in the Chamber because I had been there ten minutes previously. There was a practice of people pressing other people’s buttons based on them sitting in other seats, people understand that,” he told The Clare Echo of the local reaction to the controversy.

Should Fianna Fáil get into power, the Tulla resident is viewed as a potential Minister, “these are decisions taken on geography. If we get two seats, we’re in with a great chance,” he explained.

Timmy doesn’t believe the voting scandal would affect his chances of such a post. “Ministerial positions are handed out after the election depending on what other parties are in Government, geography, gender balance, all these things come into play and those issues will play out after the election”.

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feel I’ve a lot of work done and I’ve a lot to bring, I’m not wet behind the ears, I’ve contested and won four Council elections, it is essential entering national politics that you have experience of operating at local level and I have that in abundance. There is no better apprenticeships that serving on your local authority”.

His online activity has been praised by constituents but over the course of the campaign he has also clashed online with running mate, Rita McInerney, he described their exchanges as “storm in a teacup stuff ”.

“It is vital in national politics, particularly the way opinion polls are going that there is cohesion within parties, Timmy, Rita and I are working well, the strategy is working well. We had talked months back about segregating off districts entirely to each candidate but the election came about so fast that there wasn’t time to discuss that or implement it. The general agreement we have is that we’re going throughout the county but respecting each other’s heartland homebase and I’ve been doing for the last three and a half weeks, I’ve fully adhered to it and we may see the rewards to that on Sunday evening when the ballots are being counted”.

Cllr Cathal Crowe after winning his local election bid last year Photo by John Mangan

TIMMY DOOLEY

Fact File PARTY Fianna Fáil LOCATION Tulla D.O.B 13/02/69 FAMILY I’ve a wife and two kids. I’ve one brother and two sisters SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Mountshannon NS, Scariff Community College, UCD OCCUPATION TD POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Ex Senator 2002-2007, TD since 2007 TOP 3 PRIORITIES Health, Housing, Farming SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU They know everything about me!

PAT

BREEN · Over 6,000 more Clare people at Work · 57% Decrease in the Live register · 72% Decrease in Youth Unemployment

Getting the Job Done...

Please continue your preference in order of your choice for

Joe CAREY Martin CONWAY

Dear Voter, I have had the ho nour of represen ting the people of Clare in Dåil É ireann since 200 7. During that time, it has been my privilege to su pport very many worthwhile initiatives that ha ve enhanced the lives of comm unities all over th e county.

I want to continu e to engage at th e highest level on your behalf an d therefore I ask you to give me your No. 1 vote on February 8th . If you are committed to any other candidate, I would appreciate your n ext highest prefe rence.

In return, I promis e that I will contin ue to work on your behalf and to prioritise your co ncerns.

If you have any q ueries, please ca ll to my office in Francis Street, Ennis, ph one 065 6891199 or e mail joe.carey@oirea chtas.ie Yours sincerely, Joe Carey TD

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RÓISÍN GARVEY

Fact File PARTY Green Party LOCATION Inagh D.O.B 05/07/73 FAMILY I’ve one son Corrán (20), five brothers and sisters. My father is Flan Garvey ex Mayor of Clare and Fianna Fáil Cllr, my mother is Mairead Garvey SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Inagh NS, Colaiste Muire Ennis, NUIG

OCCUPATION Green Schools Travel Education Officer POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Councillor since 2019 TOP 3 PRIORITIES Transport, Health, Taking care of the most vulnerable in society SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I’m a qualified teacher in Maths, Civic Social and Political Education and I’ve a degree in Maths Physics

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ITCHING herself to voters as ‘the rural Green’, Roisin Garvey (GP) is vying to become the first party candidate elected from Clare.

Quick to point out that she is the first female Green to have been elected to Clare County Council and the first ever woman from North Clare, Róisín isn't fazed about the challenge she has currently undertaken.

Recently appointed as the party’s spokesperson on Rural Development, the Inagh woman is confident the Greens will be entering into coalition. “We’re polling around ten percent so it makes logical sense, you want to go with the people that have the biggest groupings, it is looking like that the Greens will get at least eight to ten seats if not twelve to 15 depending on how things go. It is much easier to manage a bigger grouping than lots of individuals”.

She is equally as optimistic of her chances on receiving a Junior Ministry. “I think I could definitely get a Junior Ministry anyway. With the Greens in urban areas they would really value someone like me that’s why I was asked to be Rural Development Spokesperson of all the rural candidates we have. The Dublin office would constantly ask me for information and help on rural issues, if there is going to be a rural transport or rural development junior minister role I can’t see anybody else except me getting it, I’d be one of the strongest candidates they’ve had in a rural area if not the strongest.”

Roisin believes the tag of the party being predominantly urban was “true in the past” but is no longer the case. “When I got re-involved with the Greens a few years ago I noticed there was a new membership coming from the West with the likes of Saoirse McHugh, myself, Pauline O’Reilly and Pippa Hackett, when I saw a strong rural female membership coming into the party I thought this is what was needed”.

Although some of her biggest supporters

are unable to vote, Garvey is adamant her votes will come from a wide range of ages.

“If you look at my canvassing team we have them from six weeks old to 83 years old. In my job my biggest supporters are the kids of course because I work with school children over Clare for the last twelve years, children themselves want new choices and they will possibly canvass their parents. The kids are one grouping of my supporters but I seem to have a large demographic judging by the people who stepped forward to get involved in my campaign, maybe it’s because they are grand-parents or because the current Government has failed them nothing to do with climate reasons but that I’m an action woman who likes to get things done as opposed to talking about things”.

Steve Wall of The Stunning and Fair City’s Rachel Pilkington are among those to publicly endorse the County Councillor.

She has Dr. Fergus Glynn in her corner, he who was a pivotal figure in the election of Dr. Michael Harty. “I’ve the climate emergency behind me which Michael Harty didn’t and I have huge local issues like rural decline which will only be solved by investing in rural communities. The Green agenda is just as important for rural Ireland as the No Doctor No Village message, if you make places attractive to live again through retrofitting of empty houses and villages then those places become attractive places to live for GPs which we have a shortage of at the amount, we have great schools and great people, we just need to get life back into our towns and villages”.

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MICHAEL LEAHY

Fact File

PARTY Irish Freedom Party LOCATION Kilrush D.O.B Opted not to supply FAMILY Married with one child. Two brothers and one sister.

SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Buncrana NS, Kilrush CBS, UCD, University of Virginia, Blackhall Place OCCUPATION Architect & planner POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Contested the 1995 Ennis Town Council election as a Christian Solidarity Party candidate.

TOP 3 PRIORITIES Urban and Rural Regeneration, Benefits for Small Business Owners, Secure Amendments to Abortion Legislation to provide pain relief and assistance for the embryo SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I’m a prize winner in Gregorian Chant

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O LEAFLETS and no posters is the stance taken

by Trudy Leyden (IND) as her names appears on the ballot paper for the first time.

A member of Fine Gael from 2011 to 2020, the leadership of Leo Varadkar influenced Trudy’s decision to leave the party. “I lost interest when Simon Coveney didn’t get the leadership of the party, he is a guy who espouses my values of inclusivity, I’m not seeing that in Leo Varadkar.

“Our measurer as a society is how we treat our worst off, after being at the Clare Leader Forum hustings in the Temple Gate and the home carers morning but then you hear announcements that the FAI are getting bailed out and Connacht Rugby gets €10m just like that when these people having so many dependencies but they don’t get an hour’s help”.

She describes being politicised for the first time while living in France in 2002. “I was living with three people from Algeria at the time, they were very worried about the political climate in France, I had ex-

perienced racism in subtle ways but when I walked out of the Metro one morning and all I saw was a sea of guys in camouflage with headbands and Doc Martin boots drinking beer at 9am, I felt the racism myself. I walked through the crowd and used my freedom of expression and said ‘this is BS’. I was kicked by them, had beer cans thrown at my head and was roared it, it was a sobering moment in my life, it politicised me”.

Seven years later, she completed a 20,000 word dissertation on extreme right parties in France and Italy “and how they have

AUNCHED last year, the Irish Freedom Party are contesting their first General Election with Kilrush’s Michael Leahy flying the flag for them in Clare.

A self-professed Euro-sceptic, Kerry born Michael maintained “significant reform” is required within the European Union while the party’s website has listed leaving the EU as one of its main principles.

“We are of the opinion that the way the European Union is formulated at the moment it is anti-democratic and is preventing us from doing developing as a country.

The development of the single euro currency has had a detrimental effect on Ireland, Brexit has now happened, the United Kingdom is our largest trading partner, if we lose access to the British market it will have a catastrophe effect on us, it is necessary for us to loosen the tight links we have with Europe to enable us to trade freely with countries no longer in the European Union”.

He is in favour of seeing a direct-trade link established with Ireland and the UK post Brexit. Running for European elections was never considered by the former President of Ennis Chamber who wishes to see “an ordinarily wind down of the Euro currency”.

Hate speech laws which may come into effect this year have been labelled as “very dangerous” by Michael. “It is impossible to defend the other liberties for which we fought for as a country and a people for many centuries, if you do not have freedom of speech you will not be able to defend those liberties. The concept of hate crime as opposed to hate speech is a very dangerous one, it will be used in a very broad fashion to prevent freedom of expression with ideas, within the common law system you have always had prohibition against incitement of hatred or violence I’ve no difficulty with that”.

“Too much alarmism” exists surrounding climate change in the eyes of Leahy who disagreed with the need to declare a climate emergency especially considering the lack of TDs present when this was done. “People are being frightened into a sense of despair and desponden-

ignorant and naive minds to their own cause of hatred”. The Ennis native warned, “I can see a risk of Ireland going down that route and I want to be part of nipping that in the bud, a lot of people in Ireland aren’t aware of how bad it can get, the only way it can be stopped is by nipping that hatred in the bud but also working proactively for diversity.”

Comments from Galway West TD, Noel Grealish (IND) in the Dáil were described by Trudy as “a watershed in Irish politics”, his remarks were among the main reasons

Trudy Leydon pictured with her campaign manager Sayed Farid Sanai

why she entered the race.

“It’s something that I had planned to do, I just didn’t know about timing. My kids aren’t babies anymore so the hard part is over.

Then Dr Harty pulled out and I’ve learned over the years that so many things have to kick in place before someone can have a chance, geographically, gender, the current political climate and a lot of those things are fitting in place for me at this time.”

For the last General Election, she was campaign manager for Mary Howard (FG). As she makes her own attempt, Trudy has opted not to utilise leaflets or posters.

“I don’t think there is a need for the amount of posters that are out there then you have the cable ties and leaflets. Everyone seems to sign up for this 'poster free' but it’s not a criminal offence so it can be broken easily but it will happen less and less I feel.

"More people will make the decision to go paperless and plasticless... it has to be led and filter through to people that maybe it might stand to them not to spend money on stuff ”.

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cy, they are not behaving rationally on the issue, there is very little consensus among scientists that we face an imminent extinction or Armaggedon yet people are freely talking about the effect it will have on our society in the next ten to twelve years and the need for radical action”.

IFP also list ‘controlled immigration’ as a party principle. “On the canvass, people have told me they feel that people from outside the country are getting equal priority or sometimes greater priority in terms of housing allocation than native Irish people, that is a very unfair situation. You can have open borders if you want or a social welfare system if you want, you can’t have both and you need to make a choice,” Michael told The Clare Echo.

Formerly Chairperson of the Clare Pro Life Organisation, the Corofin resident would like to see alterations to legislation on the Eighth Amendment. “I campaigned to keep the eighth amendment, unfortunately that was lost, I don’t think there is any chance of getting it back in the near future. The abortion legislation needs to be looked at in certain aspects, some element of human mercy needs to be brought into its interpretation”.

Michael canvassing Ennis shoppers last week

TRUDY LEYDEN

Fact File

PARTY Independent LOCATION Ennis D.O.B 03/08/78 FAMILY Two children. One sister and one brother SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Holy Family NS, Colaiste Muire, Rice College, Ennis Community College, University College Cork OCCUPATION Unemployed, recently finished working as a finance assistant in Dromoland Castle POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Member of Fine Gael from 2011 to 2020. Has never contested an election, Mary Howard’s campaign manager in 2016 TOP 3 PRIORITIES Helping people to their rights and entitlements, Shannon Airport and Parental Alienation SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I love French films

Crowe Cathal

Mayor of Clare | General Election Candidate

A youthful, experienced voice for Clare Dear Voter,

ing day ll o p n io t ec el l a er en g e With th nsider o c o t u o y g in k s a m a approaching fast I ote. giving me your No. 1 v spoken and t u o n ee b e v a h I e r la As Mayor of C most t a h t es u s is e h t n o solutions-orientated and its people. impact on our county ters t a m y n a n o u o y t is s s My office is there to aet in touch. so please feel free to g MĂ­le buĂ­ochas, Cllr. Cathal Crowe Mayor of Clare Contact Cathal: (087) 1368882 / cathalcroweoffice@gmail.com

Please continue your preference for Timmy Dooley & Rita McInerney

My Priorities for Co Clare: •

Open more Hospital beds in Ennis and the Mid-West to solve the A&E crises.

•

Hire more Consultants, Hospital Doctors and Nurses.

•

Build more social and affordable houses.

•

Secure employment for the jobs lost in Roche, Molex, Avara & Moneypoint.

•

Update aviation policy to level the playing pitch between Dublin and Shannon.

•

Introduce policies to protect and improve the viability of suckler beef production.

•

Tackle climate change & introduce state supports to develop off shore wind energy projects to reach our climate change targets and create much needed jobs.

•

Support families with child care costs and reduce class sizes further.

•

Properly resource quality Early Years child care as proposed by the BigStart campaign.

•

Provide adequate funding for people with disabilities

•

Broadband and Mobile coverage across Clare needs urgent upgrading.

•

Investment in Tourism infrastructure such as Holy Island on Lough Derg and the Greenway in the west of the County.

•

Tackle the insurance rip off culture.

•

Protect State Pension Entitlements.

•

Provide extra staff for the Mental Health Service.

Vótáil

Please continue your preference for Cathal Crowe & Rita McInerney

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'CONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN ELECTION' URGES CLIMATE CAMPAIGNER

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CARIFF native Sinead Sheehan is a member of Extinction Rebellion Clare and Future Proof Clare. A conscientious climate change activist, Sinead has been urging the people of Clare to consider their local candidates’ environmental policies in the upcoming general election, writes Cian O'Broin.

Sinead’s reproach for the government’s inadequate carbon emissions policy is a sentiment that has transpired within the Irish people in the lead up to the 2020 General Election.

United Nations Climate Scientists have given us ten years to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions all over the planet by eight percent each year. Unfortunately, our government has pledged a measly reduction of two percent per year. Sinead has praised the response of the Irish people in pressing these urgent matters upon local candidates.

Sinead has been an active participant in climate canvassing, a door to door approach to educating and informing voters on the need to take these environmental all the way to the ballot box. “Climate change underpins a lot of the issues that are going on at the moment. It will affect housing, affect health and there are so many positive things that can be done. It is often portrayed by the government as negative in increasing the carbon tax, people having to spend money on electric cars but it could actually be a really positive thing for bringing communities together.

"We could have community allotments, we could have jobs in green energy, better rural public transport. We could have warmer, fuel efficient homes. We could have agriculture that’s diversified and less air pollution. There are so many positive possibilities and all it requires is a bit of imagination. I sometimes wonder why they don’t want to divest from fossil fuels when they know it’s killing us. They don’t know how to put people first.”

Sinead has commended the people of Clare in their response to recent climate canvassing in places such as Ennis, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Ballvaughan and Scariff in spite of no available funding. “We had such a positive response in Clare. I know of about six people who did canvassing in Clare. Six people in Clare on such short notice and on their own time is amazing. We have stickers which warn candidates that climate change is the number one concern. People took those stickers which is such a strong message for people to put these up on their doors. That was the positive response that we got especially in Ennis. Clare is such a positive place with really strong and empowered communities, so it was great to see.

It’s very difficult with the current system to know who to vote for or make the right changes,

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RINGING "strong representation" to North and West Clare is the goal of Rita McInerney (FF) as she aims for her first taste of success in the political sphere.

Last summer, Rita’s constituency office opened in Kilrush, its presence has been “a huge help” to laying the groundwork of her campaign. “Over the last year, I’ve had people coming in with different issues, being able to help them has been a huge sense of what it is like to represent people and do what you can to make their lives that bit easier with the supports they need. It has been hugely beneficial, there was no office open on a regular basis like mine in West Clare, the people of West Clare felt forgotten about, it was a great opportunity to meet people and help them. It has been open full-time for the last month, people have been manning it while I’ve been on the campaign trail”.

Though she comes into the race without any experience of local politics, McInerney did contest the 2009 Council elections as an Independent candidate in Ennis West. “It strengthened my resolve for political representation and showed the importance of being part of a political party with how difficult it is as an Independent to get things done,” she recalled.

Her profile has increased in the intervening decade through her time as CEO of Ennis Chamber and also

with the regular coverage given to Doonbeg in national media. She pointed to her “energy, drive, experience and passion for the county” as reasons for the electorate to make her the first Clare female TD since Síle de Valera. “I can see the huge imbalance in the country in terms Rita with Micheál Martin in Kilrush

of opportunities and services particularly health. We need to rebalance the country, balanced regional development is what I’ve been very vocal on”.

“I bring a lot of practicalities and common sense, I worked in commu-

people just need a lot more education.”

Sinead has provided an infographic which allows voters to document the proactivity of their local candidates concerning the environment. Speaking on voters attitudes to the environment, Sinead tells that, “there is a hunger for education around the environment. People want to do the right thing. The goal of this infographic is to encourage the candidates to commit to increasing that reduction of carbon emissions by eight percent per year. That is the Extinction Rebellion campaign. If we have this commitment from candidates when they get elected then we can keep putting pressure on them and say, now you have to live up to your reputation and your word and try to deliver on that eight percent. They should be 100 percent accountable to their people.”

nity groups with limited resources so I know how to get value for money. I want to ensure the maximum number of services are delivered for people on the ground, we have a lack of that understanding in terms of what it is like as a small business owner to play to your strengths, do what you’re good at so people benefit from that. I’m a very hard worker, I always have been, I will work night and day for the people of Co Clare to make sure they get a fair crack of the whip in terms of opportunities and promote what we have from a business, tourism and environmental point of view, we have a lot to offer and we need to choose our resources better so that we have a better county”.

Pundits have pinpointed the vote strategy within Fianna Fáil as crucial. On three occasions, McInerney has took to social media to criticise her running mate Cathal Crowe, some of which have since been deleted. When asked was there tension between herself and Crowe, she responded, “Oh God no”.

She confirmed to The Clare Echo that she is operating her social media accounts for the election which were responsible for those posts.

“Things are put out on social media, now and again because you don’t get the opportunity to converse as much it often just needs to be said on social media and put a line under it, that’s what I was doing,” she explained.

Extinction Rebellion staged a 'die-in' protest in Dunnes Stores, Ennis, late last year

RITA MCINERNEY

Fact File

PARTY Fianna Fáil LOCATION Doonbeg D.O.B 05/08/75 FAMILY 3 brothers, 2 sisters, my dad is still with us. 13 nieces and nephews SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Doonbeg NS, Kilrush Convent of Mercy, Kilrush Community School, DCU, NUIG, UL OCCUPATION Business Owner POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Member of FF since student days. Contested 2009 Council election as Independent candidate TOP 3 PRIORITIES Health, Rural Regeneration, Jobs / Infrastructure SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I wanted to be a dog nurse, my mother was a nurse and I loved dogs so I thought I could combine the two

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GENERAL ELECTION 2020

For a REAL Change

Vote Leahy No 1

What is happening in Drogheda could easily happen in Ennis.

Drug dealing in Ennis is now controlled by a small number of crime families, and can now be described as organised crime. The gardaí need extra powers of survelliance and detention and this type of crime must be dealt with as a seperate category with seperate courts if neccessary. Too many teenagers' lives have been ruined in Ennis for us to continue to accept the scourge of drugs-related crime

administered through the post office to

We will provide for a new public banking arm administered through the post office and ensure loans are made available to the lower paid.

We will amend our Draconian drink driving laws. It is not appropriate on a first offence that you can be deprived of your livelihood. We will insist that in such situations you can continue to use your car to access your place of work or for emergency purposes.

We will put Ireland and Irish people first and seek repatriation of powers from Europe. We will insist on a sensible emigration policy that suits Ireland’s needs, and insist that the interests of Irish people are put first, particulary in housing allocation.

Closing the A&Es in Ennis and Nenagh was done without making proper provision for increased facility at Limerick.

This resulted in the trollery crisis. If we’re not careful the same will happen to our GP service. We must invest heavily in the GP system to ensure our local doctors are supported. This is now the frontline of medical care and we cannot allow it to be lost.

Pro-life

I am a former chairman of Clare pro-life. If you voted "yes" did you realise that the government would refuse amendments to provide pain relief for an unborn child during abortion or that they would prevent assistance being given to a child born during an abortion?

I will insist that these amendments are passed.

If you voted NO it’s time to make your voice heard

Follow The Clare Echo on social media for updates throughout

MICHAEL MCNAMARA

Fact File PARTY Independent LOCATION Scariff D.O.B 01/03/74 FAMILY Only Child. Married with one child SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Scariff NS, Scariff Community College, St Flannans College, UCC, Catholic University of Louvain

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OCCUPATION Farmer & Barrister POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Labour TD from 2011 to 2016 TOP 3 PRIORITIES Health, Shannon Airport, Farming SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I like to cook. My speciality dishes would be spaghetti puttanesca or beef bourguignon

AST experience of Michael on the campaign being a TD has given trail in Ennis last week Michael McNamara (IND) the belief that he can make a difference if returned to Leinster House.

Elected in 2011 as a Labour candidate, Michael lost his seat in 2016. Just last month, he announced his intention to contest Saturday’s election.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, he outlined what impact he think an Independent voice can have for the county. “I’ve been in Dáil Éireann so I know how it works, an Independent TD in Dáil Éireann can have a lot more impact than a Government backbencher and more than anybody in opposition, it is the way Dáil Éireann works.

“Neither of the big parties, there is no party going to get a majority, Sinn Féin are doing well in the opinion polls, they are all roughly within a few points of each Namara will get votes, as well as East Clare other and none of them are destined to get his presence across the county is boosted a majority, they will be reliant on the sup- by the support of local councillors. “I’m port of Independents and I would be very very grateful to the support I’ve got from much seeking to influence whichever party Independent councillors like Ian Lynch, PJ is looking to form a Government on the is- Ryan and Ann Norton. I’m very grateful sues of historic under-funding in the Mid- for their support and also former IndepenWest health care, the crisis in farming and dent councillors Christy Curtin and Martin Lafferty”.

Shannon Airport”.

Voters seeking change will weigh up all One day after his candidacy was confirmed, Michael was hit by a family trage- their options. As someone who has already dy as his aunt, the woman who raised him been in the Dáil, Michael is asked would he died. The thought of withdrawing his name be viewed as offering something different. was considered. “When I went to Raheen “When I was in the Dáil I was more InHospital, the thought of withdrawing did dependent than most and I was punished cross my mind. My immediate thought was regularly for it within my party.

"I do think that most people acknowlto pull out of the race, I spoke to a couple of family members and political person- edge that we need people who are at least nel like Patricia McCarthy, they said not going to try to stand up for the issues that to make any decision to leave it a couple they get elected on and I did that, I didn’t of days and then I decided she wouldn’t win every fight that I fought but I at least have wanted me to pull out, as a nurse she tried to adhere to the values on which I was fought hard for a lot of people and believed elected in much more difficult times than what pertain now. in seeing things through to the end”.

"We have heard very little about Clare In his five years away from public life, the Scariff father of one said that his focus in the past four years, we have heard little was on professional and personal matters. from the Mid-West TDs on Shannon AirHis connection to the Hillerys in Miltown port, the A&E at UHL and the historic unMalbay is seen as a key area where Mc- der-funding there”.

Feb 8th Poll day

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CONOR O'BRIEN

Fact File PARTY Renua LOCATION Lahinch D.O.B 23/03/64 FAMILY Eldest of five children SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Kilrush CBS, NUIG OCCUPATION Law student POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Member of Renua since

2017. Previously canvassed for Mary Mannion in 1992 election TOP 3 PRIORITIES Strengthen our families, strengthen our communities, strengthen our country SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I enjoy playing golf and tennis

RENUA’S first ever Clare candidate is confident of making a breakthrough for the party.

A native of Kilrush, Conor put his name forward for Renua Ireland in October. However his interview with The Clare Echo is the first and most likely the only interview he has done. He said that he was unavailable to appear on Clare FM’s radio debates due to “ill health”.

“I did ask them to do it but they didn’t do it,” O’Brien stated when asked why Renua failed to promote their only candidate in the county through local media. Despite having no elected representative in the Dáil, Seanad, or on any local authorities, Renua was still able to avail of €258,595.96 in State funding in 2018. To qualify for such funding, a party must be registered in the Register of Political Parties and its candidates must attract no less than 2% of the total first preference votes obtained by all candidates at the most recent Dáil general election.

The weekend is a decisive one for the party. From his canvassing to date, Conor admitted, “People weren’t too sure of the party, it has taken a while for them to get used to the message”.

Nonetheless, he is of the view that his low profile will not hold him back. “I think I can cause an upset”. He concluded, “I think I understand people, I understand their problems and I would like to fight for the people of Clare, I think I can make a breakthrough for the party”.

THERESA O'DONOHOE

Fact File

PARTY People Before Profit LOCATION Lisdoonvarna D.O.B 23/11/69 FAMILY Five children. Three brothers, two sisters SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Presentation Primary School, Presentation Secondary School Terenure, Roslyn Park Rehabilitation College OCCUPATION Mother & Change Maker POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Ex member of Green Party, ex member of Social Democrat party TOP 3 PRIORITIES Housing, Health & Environment SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU First captain of winning Ballyboden St Enda’s Camogie team

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HEALTH SERVICES

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AGRICULTURE

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JOBS

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ENVIRONMENT

It's time to stand up for Clare, I live in Clare and it is evident that we are being forgotten about, there are too many empty promises..

The time has come to make a change, you decide who speaks up for Clare

Let's put Clare first

HERESA O’Donohoe (PBP) has been involved in policy making for the last twelve years, she feels now is the time to put such ideas in practice.

Approached twice by the Green Party in General Elections in Laois and Clare, Theresa answered the call from People Before Profit to become their first ever political candidate in Clare. A member of the Clare Environmental Network, Futureproof Clare and Extinction Rebellion Clare, she flagged that PBP have a full eco manifesto.

“They are really Green but they also have the economic policy to support climate action, no party has that. Other parties are all on for big corporate enterprise for our alternatives on energy but People Before Profit are very much into community and nationally owned energy security”.

Contesting local elections is not of interest to O’Donohoe. “I participate adequately in local politics through Clare PPN, I have a more independent voice through the PPN,” she stated.

Born in Dublin, Theresa’s father hailed from Gleninagh. Sickness in the final week of the campaign has limited the amount of canvassing she will be able to do.

“I need to do my

home base but it is very hard when you are not well, I will do online canvassing and some podcasts, physically getting onto doors I love doing it but I hadn’t enough time”.

Giving a small window of time for potential candidate is a decision that has irked the Lisdoonvarna resident. “It is a very strategic move by the Government to give such a short lead-in, before they called the election we had leaflets in the door from Pat Breen and Timmy Dooley to tell us how well they were doing, within twenty four hours there was an election called”.

Subsequently she admitted votes are going to be lost as she hasn’t got to canvass much of the county. “People that you get to talk to will ask questions and when you engage with people they get where you’re coming from, they appreciate what you are doing and understand the policies”.

Her profile as a local activist is something Theresa maintained will help secure votes.

“People know that I have integrity and that I’m honest, if honesty is appreciated in politics is another thing, they know that I act as a conduit for what they need to know and what they need to pass on. I fight like Katie Taylor when I have something to fight about”.

On why she chose to seek election in 2020, O’Donoghoe said, “The country is so bad, I can’t stand by and say I didn’t try to get involved. I’ve been involved in policy for twelve years, I’ve written a lot of policy that the Government has lauded and claimed as their own ideas and included in policy but it sits on shelves gathering dust. I want to get in and implement policy that I’ve been shaping for the last twelve years”.

Feb 8th Poll day

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JOSEPH WOULFE

Fact File PARTY Independent LOCATION Quilty D.O.B 05/06/82 FAMILY Two brothers and three sisters SCHOOLS/COLLEGES Annagh NS, Spanish Point secondary school, College of Oriental Medicine Cork

OCCUPATION Farmer & Barber POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Contested LE19 as an IND candidate TOP 3 PRIORITIES Health, Agriculture, Jobs SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I'm related to Theobald Woulfe Tone, founder of the United Irishmen and Stephen Woulfe who was elected at the same time as Daniel O'Connell

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URAL Ireland has been forgotten about, such is the view of Joseph Woulfe (IND) and it’s why he is back in election mode for the second time in nine months.

Joseph referenced his distant relatives Theobald Wolfe Tone and Stephen Woulfe, both of whom have left their mark in the history books, as he argued the case for the need of a fresh voice to represent the county.

“I feel our rural county has been forgotten about, I want to stand up for our people like my forefathers did before me. We are repeating history, people outside the Pale got nothing before and the same situation is happening again”.

Chairperson of the Beef Plan Movement, the Quilty farmer is of the belief that his connections in the agricultural sector form links to the majority of households in the constituency. “Every farmer has sons and daughters, all those sons and daughters are teachers, shop keepers, doctors, nurses, accountants, solicitors, all those people are represented as well”.

“There are 6,500 farmers, every person is related to a farmer, they have offspring of three to six children which creates a huge percentage of the population of Co Clare,” he added.

A growing imbalance between Dublin and the rest of the country is one of the common critiques issued to the Leo Varadkar led Fine Gael Government. Joseph believed the short time-frame given to new candidates was another example of this. “It was a very good tactic to put an urban rural divide, it’s very easy to do your canvassing in an urban setting and very difficult in a rural setting. I’ve told people I can’t get to everyone but I’ve flyers distributed to 70,000 homes across Clare”.

An Independent is restricted when it comes to their budget, he lamented which has reduced the amount of his posters on poles and junctions around Clare. “I’ve been doing my work for Co Clare for the last year and a half, I’ve had meetings all over the county. I’ve brought this agricultural problem which is worth €500m to Co Clare, I got it known in every newspaper in Clare, every radio station in Clare and into the national media that we have a problem and now the Government knows about it”.

Miltown Malbay was one of the locations in which Woulfe did well in last year’s local election. The addition of Michael McNamara (IND) is expected to not alone hinder Joseph’s farming vote but also the preferences in Miltown. “Michael McNamara is on the extreme east of Co Clare, I’m on the extreme west of Co Clare, there are many people between us and many people can vote. He does have family connections to Miltown but I’ve been living in my area since 1650”.

Some of Joseph’s colleagues have highlighted the similarity with one of his peak caps and one sported by Michael HealyRae. “I was talking to the Healy family, they have wanted to help the farmers of Clare, representation is a key thing to do that, if you’ve no representation you have no voice”. Their advice to him was to use his time wisely.

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INN Féin are riding high in the national opinion polls, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) is hopeful such sentiment will become a reality when the Clare electorate head to polling booths.

Contesting her second election in less than a year, Violet-Anne’s addition to the ballot paper came in late January. She was the last of any party candidate to be selected in Clare, as such the Offaly native has a lot of ground to catch up on. “I feel a lot of pressure with time and trying to get to everybody and make sure everyone is aware that there is a Sinn Féin candidate in the county. There is a time pressure there.”

Noeleen Moran’s treatment within the party has been criticised, the Ballyvaughan woman had been selected as a candidate in 2017 but was subsequently deselected and then opted against going forward for convention.

Wynne managed Noeleen’s social media accounts for the 2014 local elections. When asked by The Clare Echo what she felt of Moran’s treatment, Violet-Anne stated, “It

wasn’t just Clare that was left till the last minute, we had intended running our conventions in January but the way it was organised ours was left as being one of the last along with other areas such as Mary Lou’s constituency.

“I appreciate it was time pressured but if you’re intending on running in an election you have built a profile and are working away in the background, you’re waiting for the convention to happen. I appreciate that it wasn’t great

timing, within the party it was done that way for everyone”.

National opinion polls released this week had Sinn Féin on a level footing with Fianna Fáil and ahead of Fine Gael. The Kilrush woman is hopeful this will be reflected in the Clare vote. “No one can really tell. I’m getting great positivity towards Sinn Féin and our message at the doors, people feel they can relate to us. I’m hoping with turnout that a lot of people would exercise

their right to vote”.

Securing the youth vote is identified as key to determining how Sinn Féin fare.

“The youth have been hit very hard over the last few years, jobseekers allowance hasn’t been reinstated, measures haven’t been put in place to understand their hardship and meet their needs. Sinn Féin are about giving people like that a break and more support and recognition of how hard it is with costs of everyday living going through the roof ”.

“It’s been a great experience getting out there, meeting people and hearing their stories, I’m learning an awful lot because there is so much involved in making policies and legislation, it has been a great experience, I’ve become well informed and more educated in areas I hadn’t much experience in. People will see us as the alternative so I hope those people come out and exercise their right to vote, now is the time to take a stance, for those who haven’t voted before to give us a shout and see what we can do,” Violet-Anne concluded.

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VIOLET ANNE WYNNE

Fact File

PARTY Sinn Féin LOCATION Kilrush D.O.B 30/03/87 FAMILY I have five children. Two older brothers SCHOOLS/COLLEGES St Colman’s NS in Tullamore, Colaiste Muire in Blakestown, Trinity College OCCUPATION Mother POLITICAL EXPERIENCE Contested LE19 in Kilrush LEA. Campaigned on 8th referendum. Member of Sinn Féin since 2012 TOP 3 PRIORITIES Housing, Health, Mental Health SOMETHING THE VOTERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU I was in the army for three years in the reserve defence forces as an infantry foot solider

Michael

McNamara INDEPENDENT VOTE NO.

1

AN IRELAND FOR THE REST OF US

Clare Echo THE

Fact File

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

GE2020 COMMENTARY Mary Mannion, former PD councillor and Dáil candidate

“The issues are the same right through the whole country, housing, health, employment and rural Ireland. The strong candidates this time round would be Pat Breen, Timmy Dooley, Cathal Crowe, Michael McNamara, Joe Carey and Roisin Garvey. It’s strange to have three strong candidates in East Clare, Cathal Crowe, Timmy Dooley and Michael McNamara, I find it hard to see that East Clare would return three candidates. In West Clare you’ve Michael Harty’s huge vote hanging around which Pat Breen and Rita McInerney should take a lot of. McNamara didn’t get out of the blocks soon enough even though he is a good candidate, he has the Hillery connection in West Clare so he could pick up a good bit of Michael Harty’s vote Looking at the polls, there is nothing between the parties, Clare will be different, Noeleen Moran not running has left Sinn Féin on the backfoot a little bit.

I think Pat Breen will top the poll, Timmy Dooley and Cathal Crowe will also poll well and should get elected. The vote management will determine a lot, if Fianna Fáil manage their vote they should easily take two seats, Fine Gael I think are a better party to manage their vote and if they manage it well they could get two seats. The last seat is between Joe Carey, Roisin Garvey and Michael McNamara, I’d be nudging towards McNamara”.

Feb 8th Poll day

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Fact File

GE2020 COMMENTARY

“Clare should not be seen in isolation, it is part of the national mosaic. While local issues are Caimin Jones, important the big Communications national issues consultant are the Clare issues, homelessness, health, housing and of course rural affairs is hugely important in the west of Ireland, jobs, opportunities for people.

“I think it is likely that Cathal Crowe and Timmy Dooley will hold two seats for Fianna Fáil, Cathal’s intervention in the RIC commemoration debate got him national headlines and raised his already good profile. Timmy is hugely popular, very hard working and has a record of achievement which has been damaged somewhat by the votegate affair, to what extent that affects him here in Clare is unknown but I see him being returned. Rita McInerney is putting in a very visible and energetic campaign in West Clare, I just feel that the numbers are not there for her to make it to Dáil Éireann, although I would like to see a woman TD.” “It is going to be really difficult for Fine Gael to hold onto two seats, if there is a slide in their national vote it will reflect here in Clare and they can’t afford any slippage from the last time.

Martin Conway is putting in a very energetic campaign but I don’t have a strong sense of how he is doing. I don’t find his name cropping up in conversation as much as I hear will Pat Breen and Joe Carey hold on. On the basis on his position as an outgoing Minister of State and the deliverables he has achieved for Clare even though there has been great losses like Moneypoint, Molex and Roche, there have been many jobs announcements and there has been good for the county from this Government, for those reasons I think Pat Breen will hold a seat.”

“If Noeleen Moran and Sinn Féin hadn't parted company, I think she would have a good chance of taking a seat. Despite the spectacular poll figures now emerging for, it is unlikely that new candidate Violet-Anne Wynne can take a seat in one fell swoop.”

“There is a fourth seat in Clare that swings in the wind, the last time it went to Dr Harty, before that it was Michael McNamara, James Breen and Dr Bhamjee, it’s always there for an Independent or a minority party. This time I think it’s Michael McNamara round two, he will of course have to fight off Joe Carey and Roisin Garvey who one would expect to poll well, she is a very good candidate but I don’t feel the Green Party campaign is on fire nationally; here in Clare I don’t think she will get the farmers’ vote and you need a certain degree of that.

“In no particular order I think Clare will elect Timmy Dooley, Pat Breen, Cathal Crowe and Michael McNamara”.

Feb 8th Poll day

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GENERAL ELECTION 2020

Eoin Neylon An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Inform yourself, ignore opinion polls

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EGENDARY American news anchor and journalist, Dan Rather, once said, “Journalists should denounce Government by opinion polls”. These are very wise words indeed.

Polls are, as we keep hearing, a snapshot in time. And yes, poll trends can give us indications of voting intention and possible election results. However, at election time, they should not be the primary focus of political debate. Sadly, nothing has dominated this election more so than opinion polls and the journalists in our national media are solely to blame for that. Almost every political interview and debate for the past 3 weeks has been an obsession on possible coalition formation and inter-party relationships.

This even though, in those 3 weeks, the answers to those questions have remained the same. What’s being utterly lost in all this is meaningful debate on the issues. At the end of the day, the person living on the street doesn’t care how well Leo Varadkar gets on with Mary Lou McDonald or if Michéal Martin and Eamon Ryan share a love of kale smoothies!

One opinion poll was of particular use over the weekend and that concerned the issues that people care most about.

These figures were; Health 58%, Housing 43%, Cost of living 36%, Environment 27%, Pensions 26%, Economy 25%, Taxation 23%, Crime 22% and so on. Worryingly for Fine Gael, only 8% answered that Brexit was an election issue for them. Their heavy focus on the topic would appear to have been for naught during the campaign. On health there is little that distinguishes all parties seeing as they each have signed up to implement the Sláintecare proposal which was agreed by a cross-party committee of the previous Dáil. The small differences are that Fianna Fáil are proposing to pump cash into the national treatment purchase fund in a bid to reduce waiting lists whilst it is being implemented. Sinn Féin wish to roll out free GP care to all, although no timeframe is put against this. Fine Gael

wish to increase the number of palliative care beds to improve end of life healthcare. All parties make similar promises on mental health services also, with various promises of investment. A score draw on all fronts on health it seems.

Housing is a policy area that, as an engineer, I have some expertise on. Again, all parties are pledging to build more housing, but the figures are interesting when you drill down into them. The Green party wish to tackle vacancy with levies and to replace the property tax with a site valuation tax. They want 36,000 properties to become available a year (35% social and 35% affordable) but their housing policy document doesn’t put any costings against this. Sinn Féin want to see 100,000 social and affordable houses (outside of empty stock it wants to rejuvenate) built over the next 5 years on a breakdown of 70% social, 15% affordable and 15% cost rental. They hope to design, plan and build the houses for just €175,000 each by building them on public land.

These figures are too ambitious and don’t allow for planning objections, inflation, increase wages and professional fees.

It’s an ambitious program but one for which they simple have not allowed enough capital for. From my professional experience, this figure will, at best, overrun by 25%. It’s likely to be much more, though.

FG make a raft of promises on housing but people will be dubious to take them at face value given the failure of their housing policy to date and the litany of missed targets.

Add to that legal threats being made by Government against local authorities who have tried to add additional housing stock themselves, such as the O’Devany Gardens development in Dublin. Their headline figure is 12,000 new social houses coming on stream each year from 2021 on.

Fianna Fáil has the most complex story when it comes to construction in Ireland. The party has a strong history of building social housing. In fact, per capita, it has overseen some of the biggest state housing

construction schemes in western democracies. However, the property bubble and crash of the 2000’s while they were in Government leaves people uneasy of the party’s relationship with the construction industry.

Light touch regulation and poor construction principles of ‘out, not up’ in terms of Dublin’s development means people remain cautious. Similarly, memories of ghost estates have left a bad taste as the green light was given to far too much housing development at the time. FF have pledged to build 50,000 affordable homes at prices below €250,000 as well as 50,000 social houses. Interestingly they also have the idea of a special savings scheme for first-time buyers where, for every €3 saved, the Government would add €1 to a maximum of €10,000. Nevertheless, experts are divided on whether this will influence overall cost of housing on the market. All parties have measures for renters as well, from proposed temporary rent freezes, to tax credits for renters on the private market. When assessing these commitments, it should be noted that any increase in housing production will require a diversion of construction labour away from hotels, commercial and student halls construction. As such, labour costs and contract incentives will undoubtedly be higher than current levels if not tax breaks offered as incentives.

There’s no clear winner on this issue. For voters, it’s a matter of who do you believe will get the housing built?

To finish, all the opinion polls come with the caveat that anywhere for 20% to 40% of respondents haven’t locked down their choice. Personalities aside, it’s a matter of who you think will solve the issues of concern to you. All parties’ manifestos are available online.

Inform yourself, find who’s closest to your views, who is promising what’s deliverable, and who has the work ethic you believe to deliver on their plan. We live in one of only 22 full democracies in the world according to The Economist.

It’s up to us to decide what direction this country takes.

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CONSTITUENCY OF CLARE NOTICE OF CHANGES IN POLLING STATIONS

GENERAL ELECTION 8TH FEBRUARY 2020 TAKE NOTICE that I Patrick Wallace as the Returning Officer for the Constituency of Clare in the forthcoming General Election GIVE NOTICE to Voters of a change in their Polling Stations for the following areas; Voters who previously voted in QUERRIN NATIONAL SCHOOL will now vote in CARRIGAHOLT NATIONAL SCHOOL Voters who previously voted in CROSS NATIONAL SCHOOL will now vote in KILBAHA NATIONAL SCHOOL Voters who previously voted in MOUNTSHANNON CHILDCARE CENTRE will now vote in MOUNTSHANNON NATIONAL SCHOOL

PATRICK WALLACE RETURNING OFFICER THE COURTHOUSE, ENNIS, COUNTY CLARE

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THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

BUSINESS

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

WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORK: ‘IT’S A BALANCING ACT’ LOCAL Enterprise Office Clare were delighted to host the first Women in Business event of 2020. The event took place on February 4 in the Templegate Hotel featuring guest speaker Monica Forde, also known as “The Bookkeeper”.

Monica who is a local businesswoman, gave excellent tips for the business women in the room. Monica attributes much of her own success in business to networking and she highlighted the importance of networking both online and offline as an effective business tool. “I’m so honoured to have been asked by LEO to speak at this event – as a founding member of the WIBN in Longford over 20 years ago it feels like I’ve come full circle. I know that without the support of the Local Enterprise Office Clare and Women in Business I would not be in business today.” Monica’s presentation included top advice for managing your business books such as using an integrated accounts package.

The event saw an attendance from businesses across all sectors from food, craft and services to technology and manufacturing. Attendants have businesses from various stages from idea generation and start-up to established and growth stage. Sinead Dixon-Slattery from LEO Clare said “These events are an ideal opportunity for business women to gain valuable tips for business and make new contacts. Networking is a substantial part of the events, as all the attendees have the opportunity to interact with other businesses and share their views and business experience.”

The Women in Business Event, organised by Local Enterprise Office Clare, provides an opportunity for women to network. It is ideal for those already in business and for those planning to join the business world in the near future. The full calendar of events for the year is available from the Local Enterprise Office.

For more information regarding the event and the speaker, please visit www.localenterprise. ie/Clare or e-mail: localenterprise@clarecoco.ie or call 065 6821616.

l TOP CLASS: Stephen Cotter, Chief Operations Officer, CIE Tours International, presents the CIE Tours Award of Excellence to Imelda Lineen and Marie Flaherty, Old Ground Hotel Photo by John Ohle

Double award win for the Old Ground STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

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by Tuesday 11th February 2020

T HAS been an award winning week for the Flynn family-owned Old Ground Hotel, Ennis having received two top awards from CIE Tours International and the Irish Accommodation Services Institute (IASI).

On Saturday, January 25, the Old Ground Hotel received the Gold Award for Excellence at the Irish Accommodation Services Institute annual awards, beating off stiff competition to come out on top. The ISAI is the national body representing the professional interests of the accommodation industry in Ireland and their national awards recognise the highest standards in accommodation. The Gold Award was presented to Karolina Murphy, who leads the accommodation team at the Old Ground Hotel.

Continuing their winning streak, the Old Ground Hotel went on to receive an Award

of Excellence at the 30th CIE Tours International Annual Awards of Excellence held in Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral at a prestigious ceremony on January 28.

The awards were presented to hotels and tourist destinations which have received a customer satisfaction rating in excess of 92% based on customer feedback from surveys completed by over 32,000 CIE Tours International customers.

Commenting on the hotel’s recent award wins, Imelda Lineen, General Manager of the Old Ground Hotel, said “It has been a fantastic week for the Old Ground Hotel and we couldn’t be prouder of our team for all of their hard work and dedication.

Providing our guests with an unrivaled experience is at the core of everything we do here at the Old Ground Hotel and it’s an honour to receive these two awards. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to a successful 2020.”

For more information about the Old Ground Hotel visit www.oldgroundhotelennis.com or call (065) 6828127.

Local Enterprise Office Clare

‘Local Enterprise Office Clare provided boost to start my business’ STUART HOLLY

W

editor@clareecho.ie

ITH the Clare Local Enterprise Office now taking applications for the National Enterprise Awards, this week we meet Ivan Touhy, last year’s Clare winner with his tourism-based technology business Great Ireland Experiences.

Tell me about your business We are a technology company and we work with visitor attractions, museums and experience-led businesses. We help bring destinations to life, informing visitors of those untold unique stories in their native language and we connect product and experience providers and offer data intelligence on visitor behaviours and trends. Most importantly we inspire visitors to return.

How has the Local Enterprise Office helped you since

setting up your business?

Firstly they gave me the confidence that my idea was a good idea and they felt it could be a business. They see business plans and business ideas every day of the week, so when you hear them say ‘go for it’ [it encourages you to do that].

The second thing was the funding that the office provided. This helped me to build our prototype so I could start meeting new customers and start building up a pipeline of sales.

You were the Clare Winner of the National Enterprise Awards in 2019. Tell me a little on what was involved and how you found the process?

I found the process very professional. It consisted of me submitting a business plan and pitching my idea to a team of experts for about 10 minutes with a Q&A session at the end so in terms of the process, it was quite straight forward.

Has winning the award helped your business in any way?

Yes, it got me great PR and it really

helped launch me into the market. Like winning any award, especially when you’re a start-up it really helps open doors. For me, to beat the competition you must be doing something right and customers take notice on that.

Do you have any advice for this year’s applicants?

I’d say be professional in your approach, prepare for the pitch and enjoy the experience.

What’s next for Great Ireland Experiences?

We’ve launched our first product and we have paying customers, for us now it’s about continuing to grow our sales, develop our booking engine and to continue help customers attract new business and increase their revenue.

For more info on Great Ireland Experiences go to greatirelandexperiences.com. To download an entry form for the National Enterprise Awards 2020, visit localenterprise. ie/clare.

LEO CLARE seeking applications for Clare's Best Enterprise

A Total Prize Fund of €8,000 is available as follows: · €1,500 prize fund for the Best Innovation Award · €1,500 prize fund for the Best Export Award · €1,500 prize fund for the Future Focus Award · €3,500 prize fund along with PR mentor package for the Winner – Best Clare Enterprise (PR mentoring is to help the Winner maximise PR exposure for their business) Applicants must have been in receipt of direct LEO supports under one or more of the following interventions: · Grant aid · LEO Innovation Investment Fund (LIIF) · IBYE Support

· TAME Support · Completed a Lean Programme

Entries close at 12 noon on Monday, 17th February 2020 For details visit localenterprise.ie/clare or email localenterprise@leo.clarecoco.ie

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

39 LISSANISKA, CLAUREEN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

€170,000

ABBEYLAWN, CLARECASTLE, CO CLARE

€300,000

19 CLOVER HILL, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

€255,000

Helen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers are delighted to bring 39 Lissaniska to the market. Lissaniska is ideally located just off the Lahinch Road. The development is within minutes drive of the M17 & M18 and very close to the recreational park at Lees Road. No. 39 is a bright, spacious, modern three bedroomed home ideally located.

Abbeylawn is a mature, private development ideally located just off the Kildysart Road, within easy access of the village of Clarecastle and within a two minute drive of the M17 & M18 for those commuting to Shannon, Limerick & Galway.

Clover Hill is a small estate of detached and semi detached homes ideally located just off the Tulla Road within walking distance of the town and all amenities. No 19 is an exceptional spacious four bedroomed linked home with an additional family room or fifth bedroom on the ground floor.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH: 11.00AM TO 11.30AM SHARP

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8TH: 1.00PM TO 1.30PM SHARP

€195,000 29 DUN NA RI TOBARTEASCAIN, ENNIS, CO CLARE

CHURCH VIEW LISSYCASEY, CO CLARE

Superb three Bedroom semi-detached property available for sale in Dun Na Ri, Ennis, Co Clare. This property is superbly located within minutes of St Flannans College and within walking distance of Ennis Town Centre.

This is an exceptional opportunity to purchase a property on a generous (2.52 acre/1.02hectare) site in the heart of the village of Lissycasey.

"Church View" is a residence, part of which was formerly used as a shop and butchers that is in need of refurbishment and has immense potential.

Contact: Jason Pyne Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

44 GLENINA, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€180,000

Positioned to the front row of the popular Glenina Housing Development, number 44 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 Teak double glazed windows, extensive timber flooring and a modern condenser boiler.

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

€99,000

29 DUN NA MARA DOONBEG, CO CLARE

€145,000

This beautifully finished 4 bedroom semi detached property is ideally located within walking distance of all amenities.

Internally, the property has been finished to an exceptional standard.

Contact: Jason Pyne Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

19 WOODSTOCK HILL, SHANAWAY €439,000 ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

39 GORT LEAMHÁN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Perched on an elevated site in the popular and much sought after Woodstock Hill Housing Development, Number 19, boasting and an extensive corner site position, is the ultimate in Executive Living in this prestigious address on the immediate outskirts of Ennis Town

This remarkable five bedroom semi-detached family home is for sale in a small cul-de- sac in the Gort Leamhan development. The current owners have ensured the highest standard with exceptional taste which is expressed throughout this family home.

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

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

€260,000

A SELECTION OF OUR JANUARY HOME SALES NO ONE SELLS MORE HOMES IN CLARE THAN DNG O’SULLIVAN HURLEY LE D SAREE AG

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MEET YOUR

LOCAL PROPERTY

EXPERTS

DOUGLAS HURLEY

CORMAC O'SULLIVAN

CATHERINE MURPHY

JOHN CLOHESSY

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FORD’S NEW TECH CAN ‘SEE’ AROUND CORNERS

T

NEW CAR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CAN WARN OF DANGERS AHEAD HERE are many times when knowing what is around the corner could be useful. But for drivers that knowledge could be critical. Now, thanks to Ford’s new connected car technology, it is also a reality.

Local Hazard Information (LHI) marks a significant step on the journey towards a connected transport infrastructure by helping drivers prepare for and potentially avoid dangers on the road.* When drivers ahead

encounter sudden tailbacks, accidents or spilled loads, the driver behind – and possibly out of sight – is given advance warning.

This could also apply to everything from freak hailstorms, to sudden flooding, or even landslides.

The triggers for the system come from what is happening in the cars ahead. It could be that airbags have been activated, hazard warning lights are flashing, or windscreen wipers are in operation. Previous traffic incident alert systems have relied on drivers to input information in order to generate alerts. LHI works autonomously, without the need for any driver interaction, to generate information and issue warnings.

Hazards are

only displayed – via the dashboard display – if the incident is likely to impact on the driver’s journey. LHI is designed to be more beneficial to drivers than hazard information from current radio broadcasting systems, which often deliver notifications not relevant to them.

Already featuring as standard and free of charge for the first year on the new Ford Puma, LHI technology is being rolled out across more than 80 per cent of Ford’s passenger vehicle line-up by the end of this year.

Crucially, the benefit will not be limited only to those travelling in Ford vehicles. Information sent can be used to alert drivers of other manufacturers’ vehicles, and vice-versa.

Sensors monitor activities including emergency braking, fog lights and traction control to detect adverse weather or road conditions. Data from these activities is then computed to determine the hazard location and whether a traffic incident has occurred.

The vehicle automatically provides updates through a secure connection to “the cloud” using the FordPass Connect modem.

Ford’s technology partner HERE Technologies operates the central cloud-based

platform that collates information from multiple vehicle brands, governed by a business‑to‑business agreement.

The more cars are connected to the network, the greater the efficiency of the system. When many vehicles generate the same warning, others in the vicinity receive incident information from the cloud via the cellular network, enabling drivers to reduce speed or take appropriate action.

Additional information is sourced from public authority incident databases and traffic reports to provide drivers with further advance warnings including approaching vehicles driving on the wrong side of the carriageway, animals or people in the road ahead, and roadworks.

“What makes Local Hazard Information different is that it is the cars that are connected – via the Internet of Things. There is no reliance on third party apps. This is a significant step forward. Warnings are specific, relevant and tailored to try to help improve your specific journey” said Joerg Beyer, executive director, engineering, at Ford of Europe.

ENNIS 4X4 CAR SALES

2016 Renault captur 1.5 dci 48100 miles €13000

2014 VW Golf 1.6 tdi 90.000 miles €12000

2017 Ssangyong Korando 28.0000 miles €17000

Selection of Cars in Stock 2018 Peugeot 308 1.6 hdi

2016 Renault kajar 1.2 tci expession+

2018 Izuzu d-max yukon dcb 1.9 td

2015 Citroen c1 vti feel 3 door

2017 Toyota auris business edition tss d-4d

2015 Peugeot 308 1.6 hdi sw

2017 Citroen c1 puretech flair 1.2 petrol

2014 Ford b-max zetec tdci mpv

2017 Citroen c3 feel 1.2 petrol

2014 Peugeot 208 active 1.2 petrol 3 door

2017 Ford C-max zetec tdci 1.5 6 speed

2014 DS5 dsport 2.0 hdi 5 door

2017 Fiat tipo lounge 1.4 petrol

2014 Audi a6 sline 7 speed

2016 Kia soul MiXX crdi 1.6 t/d 6 speed 5 door 2013 DS3 dstyle + ehdi 3 door 2016 Fiat panda easy 1.2 petrol 5 door

2012 Peugeot 308 1.6 hdi 5 door

2016 DS5 elegance blue hdi s/s 2.0 d

2012 DS3 dstyle + e hdi 1.6 3 door

2016 Renault megane dynamic 1.5d 5 door

2012 BMW d sport plus edition 2.0 d 6 speed 2 door 2011 Mercedes e200 se ed 125 cdi blue

Quin Road Business Park, Quin Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare,

Finance available at competitive rates

2016 Renault captur 1.5 dci 48100 miles €13000

Deal of the week

All cars fully serviced and guaranteed Contact

O Sullivan 086 8315580 or Hansbury 0870515323

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Audi a4 technik 2.0 tdi 140000 miles

065 684 4790

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

RENAULT’S NEW CAPTUR ARRIVES IN IRELAND

NEW CROSSOVER ON SALE NOW FROM €21,995

R

ENAULT’S 27 dealerships hosted local launches for the all-new Captur from on the 23rd of January, where customers were able to test drive and order the newlook model.

Priced from €21,995, customers can avail of €3,500 Savings Guaranteed on the Captur for 201, as Renault is rewarding customers for choosing a cleaner, lower emissions car with Renault Carbon Rewards, a simple and transparent new offer for 201 registrations. Customers will receive €1,000 Carbon Cashback and 2.01 per cent APR until 31st January 2020 through Renault Bank.

The Captur will build on the success of the original model since it launched in 2013 with over 10,000 Capturs on Irish roads since then, and playing a critical role in growing compact SUVs to over 10 per cent of the new passenger car market in 2019.

Style, space, interior quality and active safety equipment have become the keys to success in the segment, which the Captur

offers to an unrivalled degree. The Captur has been awarded the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety test rating, proving its qualities in terms of safety and wide range of driving aids. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) available on the Captur fall into three categories: Driving, Parking and Safety. Together, they form the Renault EASY DRIVE system. Their settings are easy to adjust from the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system touchscreen.

More space than before, more versatile than ever, more refined, and with a range of ADAS and generous EasyLife features, the Captur will delight new and existing Captur owners alike. From entry level upwards, all versions of the Captur include 17-inch wheels, multimedia touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full LED lights and Automatic Climate Control.

Moving up the range adds more standard features, including the contrasting roof, the stunning 9.3-inch touchscreen and some stylish alloy wheel designs.

Renault Carbon Rewards Rewarding you for choosing a cleaner car.

All-New

Renault CAPTUR

€3,500

Savings Guaranteed!

Model Shown: Captur TCe 100 S-Edition RRP €25,645. Finance example: Captur TCe 100 S-Edition. RRP €25,645. Deposit €5,391. Term 48 monthly payments of €435. APR 2.01%. Cost of credit €776 inc fees €150. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. €3,500 saving is made up of €1,000 Cashback & €2,500 saving on finance. Subject to lending criteria. T&C’s apply. Valid to 31/01/20. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

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

Book a test drive

Sport Clare Echo THE

06-02-20

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Riding high in Bellharbour

lGIDDY UP: Derek O’Connor and his horse tackle the course during the Bellharbour Point to Point which took place last Sunday

Photo by John Mangan

Big crowds turned out to watch the Point to Point organised by the County Clare Hunt

Footballers show fight

Lohan’s men top Wexford

Hat-trick for Murphy

Strike Sport

Clare’s footballers had their backs to the wall following an opening day league loss to Westmeath.

They showed resiliance as they pipped Kildare at Cusack Park

All eyes were on Wexford at the weekend as Brian Lohan’s hurlers travelled to the sunny south east to take on a Wexford team led by former teammate, Davy Fitzgerald

An Enda Murphy hat-trick helped Tulla Utd on their way as they deservedly booked their spot in the second round of the Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup

Clare soccer coach Kieran Ryan has established a new company aiming to raise the skill levels of youngsters across Clare through his unique training programme.

We catch up with the Ennis man to find out more

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Clare Echo THE

SCAN QR CODE USING PHONE CAMERA FOR CLARE V KILDARE MATCH REPORT

Kildare win ‘typifies spirit’ of Clare team PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

ONTRASTING performances have marked Clare’s start in the Allianz National Football League and varying reactions have accompanied manager Colm Collins to each outing.

Collins was beaming in the aftermath of their impressive one point win over Kildare in Cusack Park on Sunday. They took the lead for the first time on 51 minutes with the Cratloe man blaming the conditions for their delay in going ahead. “It was quite a strong breeze, we were a bit reticent against the breeze but I thought we played really well after that”.

Scores are most important when the final whistle sounds.

manager QUOTE: Kildare Jack O’Connor

The reaction and celebrations of those involved with the Clare setup showcased that this win was a special one. “It’s the reasons you’re involved with teams is to see this. We as a management had a meeting when we know who wouldn’t be available this year and they all to a man wanted to stay, it is a compliment to the players and the type of players we have, they are all fellas that would die for you and that display typifies them, hopefully we can bring it to the Hyde at the weekend”.

Following their one point loss to Westmeath seven days previous, Colm was downbeat when assessing the wide count of his players with The Clare Echo. He was more than pleased to be told of their improvement in this sector, finishing the encounter with four wides. “The last day we had so many wides, we worked on it and the match on the telly last night reminded them, the shot

selection was very good today”. lIN RICH FORM: Keelan Sexton was firing “Results are going to go all over on all cylinders against Kildare in Ennis last the place here, you just have to Sunday Photo by Gerard O’Neill take it one game at a time and see what you can get out of each game. Unfortunately we got nothing out of last week but it’s great to get two points at home and we’re looking forward to Roscommon next weekend,” he added.

Regardless of the result, pride was the over-riding feeling as the Kilmihil native revelled in their first League win of 2020. “We said going out that in this Division that we need to put in serious performances and by God you would have to admire that performance.

Even if it had gone the other way, the performance was excellent, the workrate across the pitch was excellent and you would be proud to be associated with a team like that”.

One late turnover from Ciarán Russell drew special praise from rán, it’s what he brings to the party, want there with you and he proved the Banner boss. “That is Cia- if you’re in a hole he is the man you it again”.

“We got nothing soft and that’s the reality when you come to venues like Ennis. We knew Clare would be fighting for their lives after losing last weekend and that was the way it panned out. In a tight game that’s what happens when you go to away grounds, a lot of marginal calls going against us but that is the reality and we were aware of that before we came here, the black card and red card didn’t help us, in a tight game those things are important”.

MATCH STATS PLAYER WATCH

Stephen Ryan

Clare 0-11 Kildare 0-10

1 2

Possessions – 20

(11 first half / 9 second half)

Clean: 19

(10 first half / 9 second half) Wasted: 1

Kevin Harnett

Sunday, Feb 2 Cusack Park, Ennis

5

8 Ciarán Russell

Cian O’Dea

Shot Attempts: 0

13 Gearoid O’Brien

Fouls: 5 Won: 3 (all second half) Conceded: 2 Turnovers: 3 50 50s: 6 Won: 4 Lost: 2 Minutes Played: 70

Gordon Kelly

Cillian Brennan

7

6

Sean Collins

10

4

3

Pearse Lillis

11

9

Dean Ryan

Cathal O’Connor

12

Dermot Coughlan

Eoin Cleary

15

14

Keelan Sexton

David Tubridy

20: Emmet McMahon (Kildysart) for O’Connor (51) 23: Cormac Murray (St Josephs Miltown) for Coughlan (58) 17: Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis, Mayo) for Ryan (71)

KICKOUTS

Clare Won: 13/15 Lost: 2/15 Short: 12/15

Kildare Won: 14/15 Lost: 1/15

Clare 4

Kildare 5

WIDES

Clare 27

FREES WON Kildare 16

FREE CONVERSION 100%

66%

50%

50%

Kevin Feely (3/3)

Neil Flynn (2/3)

David Tubridy (1/2)

Eoin Cleary (1/2)

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Rewards came from risks MARTIN DALY CLARE VS KILDARE

W Reaction

HAT a super result on Sunday. Proving a point I’ve made repeatedly in this column, our strongest attribute is our work rate and our willingness to scrap to the death of every game. Last Sunday was just another example ot this vital attribute.

Many would have had this match pinned as a Kildare win before throw-in at the park on Sunday. The Lilywhiltes came with a win under their belt and a new-look management team helmed by the three-time All Ireland winning manager Jack O’Connor, and players would still be out to try prove themselves to the Kerryman. But by God, did Clare turn all that on its head.

We played against the breeze in the first half and for most of it, we played with great caution. We attacked with very

little support going forward. I went to see Corofin (Galway) play in the All-Ireland club semi final last month, who are obviously doing something right after winning three All Ireland tiles on the trot. They don’t play the sweeper, actually it’s quiet the opposite. For every player there opposition bring back, they bring one into attack, pushing their opponents deep into their own half and when they break down the attack they now have numbers up to support the man with the ball.

When Clare attacked in the first 25 minutes on Sunday, we attacked with as few as players as needed. The only options then for the man in possession are lateral or backwards passes and when a player tries to carry the ball forward, all he meets is a block wall and more often than not, he gets turned over. We try to keep width but these players are not far enough up the field to be effective. We changed this for last ten mins of first half with great effect.

Ciaran Russell, Cian o’Dea, Sean Collins, and even our two corner backs came into attack and we created chances.

Keelan Sexton, my man of the match, and Gearoid O’Brien got some great scores and we went in all square.

As the second half commenced, we started off defensively again. The attacking support was too pedestrian and we gave too much ball away with wayward passes and we went

2 points down again on the 40 minute mark. Thankfully we gathered ourselves and when Ciaran Russell and our backs started to push up and the scores started to come. Keelan kicked some fine points with Eoin Cleary finally deciding to join the party. And even though we only won by a point, we always seemed to be in control from that point on.

Teams find it hard to break us down. Our goalie was new to the scene last year but is rock solid and kick-outs were excellent. Our full-back line played superbly, the half backs improved a lot and with Cian O’Dea tracking back and playing his best football at the moment, we are very sound defensively. We also showed that when we do gamble and push up, we can score.

Looking ahead, Roscommon have surprisingly only one point from two games. They are at home and if we sit back and invite them on to us, they have good forwards. But if we push forward early and get on top we might put a bit of doubt in their heads. All in all, most games in the league have only a point or two in them so it’s fine margins that will get us something from the trip and things like taking our chances especially from placed balls might be the difference. One thing for sure is, we’ll give it 100 per cent which goes a long way. Big games still to come, but excellent stuff last week lads.

Second defeat for ladies Winning start in camogie PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

Monaghan 2-15 Clare 1-10

C

St Tiernachs Park

LARE have suffered back to back defeats in the Lidl Ireland National Ladies Football League.

Concession of goals once again proved to be the downfall for Clare’s ladies football side with green flags in the final twelve minutes the rock on which their challenge perished.

A large crowd gathered in St Tiernachs Park to see Monaghan make it two wins from two in the second tier of the Ladies Football National League.

In an evenly matched opening half, the hosts helped the upper hand but only just, leading by a single point at the break. It was level pegging inside the opening quarter with Niamh O’Dea and Grainne Nolan kicking Clare’s scores.

Liscannor’s Roisin Considine almost put the visitors in front for the first time but her effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Not long after, Ellen McCarron who had a tally of 3-06 in Monaghan’s first round win over Wexford had to leave the field injured and Clare soon found themselves back on level terms thanks to O’Dea. Ciara McAnespie and Muireann Atkinson responded for Ciarán Murtagh’s side to build up a two point advantage only

for Niamh O’Dea to reduce the arrears before the half-time whistle.

Edel Corrigan was tested in between the Monaghan posts on the resumption, Clare’s forceful start paid off with vice captain Grainne Nolan raiding for goal to put James Murrihy’s charges in front for the first time on thirty six minutes.

An admirable response from Monaghan saw them kick four scores on the trot. A needed score for Clare arrived from an O’Dea free but then the Farney County would fire their first goal l BATTLE: Clare’s Tara Kelly gets away from Aisling Photo by Willie O’Reilly of the game as Cora McAnespie of Monaghan Courtney and Ciara McAnespie combined mh O’Dea was forced to drift away from to put the ball past Micaela Glynn. goal in search of possession and as such McAnespie scored with the next attack it diluted their attacking threat. On Sunand was again involved as they struck for day next, Clare will be making the trip to goal, this time Casey Traynor getting the Tyrone. finishing touch. They almost had a third Clare: Micaela Glynn (Kilmihil); Tara Kelly goal but a penalty from Cora Courtney (Cúil Gaels), Ellie O’Gorman (Kilmihil), Siofra went over the crossbar.

Ní Chonáill (St Josephs Doora/Barefield); Áine Victory for Clare in this outing was Keane (St Josephs Miltown), Roisin Looney always going to be a difficult task. (Cooraclare), Eimear Keane (St Josephs MilMonaghan are competing in Division 2 town); Aisling Reidy (St Josephs Doora/BareLaura Egan (Kilmihil); Roisin Considine of the National League for the first time field), (Liscannor), Gráinne Nolan (Banner), Caoimhe in two and a half decades, their return to Harvey (West Clare Gaels); Orla Devitt (Éire the top grade is expected and remains on Óg), Niamh O’Dea (Banner), Amy Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane). track following two impressive wins.

Subs: 15: Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare As the contest wore on, Kilfenora’s Nia- Gaels) 20: Eimear O’Connor (Cúil Gaels)

Offaly 1-3 Clare 2-7 in Birr

CLARE’S senior camogie side have come away with an opening win in the National Camogie League having made the trip to Birr to take on Offaly.

Despite falling behind to an early goal to trail 1-1 to 0-2, Clare settled into the game in difficult conditions and stuck to the task at hand with Eimear Kelly scoring a first half goal toput Clare in front (1-3 to 1-2).Clare led by two points at half time and Offaly would fail to register a score in the second half as – and that was followed in the second half as an Aine O’Loughlin goal for Clare was two more points made the difference for the Clare women.

l EARLY WIN: Becky Byrant tries to block Sinead Conlon’s shot Photo by Caroline O’Keeffe

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Lohan lauds player attitude after sinking Wexford

H

ARD work and an impressive attitude laid the ground work for Clare’s second successive win in the Allianz National Hurling League, Brian Lohan felt, writes Paraic McMahon.

Speaking following their three point win away to Wexford on Sunday, the Banner boss paid tribute to those who made the long journey from Clare to give their backing to the team. “It’s a very difficult place to come and very difficult to get a win here, they had a passionate support and a big crowd. We’re really thankful to the Clare supporters that travelled down and the support we are getting back at home”.

He felt Clare showed “leadership and intensity” as their dominant opening half was enough to see them withstand the second half challenge of Wexford. “There was occasions when we got on top and occasions when they did that, for the first ten minutes of the second half it looked like we weren’t going to win any puckout.

“We are very happy with the spirit of the lads. Very happy with the intensity. We worked really hard all over the field. I couldn’t be happier”.

Their win was more impressive given that they played against the elements minus a man following the first half dismissal of captain John Conlon. “Everybody in the game knows anything in and around the head, be it the hurley or hand, is a straight red. By the letter of the law he had to go.

As soon as he did it, he realised it was kind of borderline. He was unfortunate to get sent off,” Lohan commented.

“It was a tough game, physical all over the field. I’m delighted to get the win. Their attitude is excellent and they have been working really hard for the last nine to ten weeks,”

Wexford 0-15

lIN FULL FLIGHT: Tony Kelly put in a trademark performance at the weekend. For the match report, scan the QR code above Photo by Martin Connolly

the Shannon man concluded.

Meanwhile, Davy Fitzgerald has said people commenting on his fallout with Brian Lohan “doesn’t bother me in the slightest”.

Clare 0-18

Sunday, Feb 2 Wexford Park Donal Touhy

1 2 Conor Cleary

10 13

Ryan Taylor

7

6 8

Pat O’Connor

David McInerney

David Reidy

Eoin Quirke

Jack Browne

5 Stephen O’Halloran

4

3

11

Aidan McCarthy

9 Tony Kelly

David Fitzgerald

14

12 Ian Galvin

15 Shane O’Donnell

John Conlon

Subs: Cathal Malone for Kelly (blood., 26-29); Domhnall McMahon for Galvin (46); Seadna Morey for Taylor (55); Malone for Reidy (60); Liam Corry for Quirke (69); Aaron Shanagher for O’Donnell (70+2).

lBATTLE: Clare’s Ryan Taylor and Wexford’s Liam Og McGovern in action in Wexford Park.

Pic: Jim Campbell Photography

Although they have crossed swords in the Fitzgibbon Cup, Sunday marked the first occasion in which Brian Lohan and Davy Fitzgerald faced off at inter-county level. The pair who were full-back and goalkeeper of the two time All-Ireland winning Clare teams of the 1990s have not spoken since 2014.

“People can write what they want about myself and Brian Lohan, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. He is who he is and I am who I am. I’m a Clare man, a proud Clare man and I always will be, I’m the manager of Wexford and I love what I’m doing here. That keeps ye (the media) busy for the week, it has nothing to do with me,” Davy said His Wexford side lost out to Clare on Sunday despite playing with an extra man for the entire second half following John Conlon’s dismissal. “It’s disappointing because I know we’re better than that, people will say we were short some of our big guns today but that game was still there for the winning for us, we’ve no excuses, Clare won and fair play to them. It is a long year ahead yet”.

Speaking to assembled media following the loss, the Sixmilebridge man stressed his excitement at meeting his native county later in the year. “It was a really good victory for Clare, they played great stuff, they went back to using the ball and Clare are good when they use the ball, they showed great resilience and I really look forward to meeting them later in the year”.

“I’m a fella who wants to win every game, I go out to win everyday, I picked a team that I thought was good enough, we had our chances. I take it one game at a time, we might get to meet later in the year,” Fitzgerald added.

pg 49 06-02-20

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GREYHOUND RACING

Girls blitz their rivals l CELEBRATION: Clare Minors celebrate

winning the Munster Minor A Championship Blitz Photo by Dervilla Moloney

Seanie wins unraced 350 sweepstake

T

HREE Clare owners saw their dogs take top spot in Galway on Saturday night.

As the traps rose for the Final of the unraced Sweepstake at the Galway Track on Saturday night last Hillstreet Jack was away smartly along the inside and showing pace he led from Glasheen Winwan and Killuran Seanie on the run towards the opening bend. At the bend the leader ran off the fence and this allowed the Leo McNulty of Newmarket on Fergus and Donal Cooney of Broadford owned Killuran Seanie to switch to the rails and take command of the contest.

In the straight Hillstreet Jack tried to rally but the Donal Cooney trained Killuran Seanie proved a length and three parts too good in 19.35.

Astro Fionn opened his account at the eleventh attempt in the evening’s second race. Owned by Feakle duo Damien and Gary Pepper, he had a two and half length success over Derra Misty in 19.72.

There was a thrilling finish to race ten an A2 graded contest as the Siobhan Garrahy of Moy owned Cloneyogan Flash got up right on the line to gain short head success over Gunner Robin in 29.52.

From traps Centaur shaded pace to lead from Gun-

Four Ennis swimmers achieve National Division 1 times ANOTHER weekend and another gala for Ennis Swimming and Lifesaving club.

This weekend swimmer’s embarked on the short journey to the 50m University of Limerick swimming pool On UL’s campus.

This was a Munster Swimming Regional Qualifying Gala, where 31 swimmers competed in a total of 116 events.

Swimmers were hoping to achieve National Division 1 and National Division 2 qualifying time in order to compete at these events later in the summer.

There was great joy for some swimmers in achieving these qualifying times and great heartache for other swimmers who missed out on their qualifying times by less than 1 second in some instances.

During the weekend Darragh Ball (pictured), Sergei Pantic, Leo Liu and Ella Holly achieved National Division 1 qualifying times with Darragh winning a silver and two bronze in his age category while Stephen Wang, Piotr Mazurek, John Tuohy, Ferdia Hayes and Elin Blake achieved qualifying times for the National Division 2 Championships.

Many other swimmers achieved Personal Bests.

For swimmers its all about getting better times and improving and it was another really successful weekend.

Dylan O’Brien was another medal winner on the day taking a silver in the 100 back crawl and a bronze in the 200 free.

Golf: Inclement weather fails to upset entries INCLEMENT weather conditions at the weekend didn’t deter many from taking part in the weekly competitions at a number of clubs with big entries and some impressive scores returned, writes Séamus Hayes.

In the weekly open Winter series scramble at DROMOLAND the winners were Danny Comerford, M. J. O’Sullivan, Shane Collins and Niall Kelly with 59. The competition is for teams of four and will continue this weekend.

Michael Miniter (16) was the winner 29 points from Finbarr McMahon (17) who had a similar score in the weekly singles at KILRUSH. In the senior men’s scramble at Kilrush last week the winners were Aeneas O’Connor, Noel Thornton and Bill Murphy with 63.5 from Tom Coffey, TJ Lyons and Matt Fitzpatrick with 60.5 while third spot was filled by Michael Ryan, Tom Cleary and Sean Moran with 60.

The men’s scotch foursomes at LAHINCH on Saturday was won by Martin Kerins (11) and Jimmy Doyle (15) with 43 points. Kevin McGrath won the men’s singles stableford competition on Sunday with 37 points.

The 14 hole ladies re-entry competition at ENNIS last week was won by Della Burns (16) with 28 points from Monica Finnerty (20) with 26 points with third place filled by Suzanne Deane (16) with 25 points.

ner Robin and Caislean Roddick. Racing down the back Centaur continued to show the way but leaving the back straight the wide running Gunner Robin struck the front. Rounding the home bend the leader ran very wide and this allowed the rail hugging Cloneyogan Flash to sweep down the rails to claim the prize.

All Ireland Intermediate Club Champions, Oughterard team, presenting the prize to trainer of Killuran Seanie, Donal Cooney, Killuran. Killuran Seanie is jointly owned by Donal Cooney / Leo McNulty & won the “FUNDRAISING AT THE DOGS UNRACED 350 Final” on Saturday 1st of February in a time of 19.35

The Scorecard in association with

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Seniors Winners Batt Skehan, Danny Minogue, Paul Husband Ladies Wednesday 1st Trish Kerr, Mary Jo Minogue, Mary Farrell 2nd Joan Kinsella, Breda O Loughlin, Helen Downey ENNIS GOLF CLUB Ladies 14 Hole S/F Re-Entry 22nd Jan to 28th Jan 1. Della Burns(16) 28pts 2. Monica Finnerty(20) 26pts 3. Suzanne Deane (16) 25 pts Senior Social Group Results Date: 30-01-2020 Competition Format: Team of 3 1st Ml Considine, Frank Coffey, Tom Woulfe 49pts 2nd John Vaughan, Ollie Kennelly, Paul Mockler 47pts 3rd Luke Coote, Joe Dilleen, Willie Moloney 46pts 4th Paul Higgins, John Gavin, Eamonn Kelly 45pts 5th Steve Burns, Ned Ryan, Matt Flynn 45pts 6th Tom Saunders, Johnny Cullinan, Ml Torpey 45pts 7th Noel Pyne, Ken O’ Farrell, Ml Cummins 44pts 8th Pat G Mc Inerney, P J Garry, Denis Cahill 44pts 9th Liam Pyne, Brian Tuohy, Sean Ryan 44pts 10th Tom Greene, Ml Ball, John O’ Donovan 44pts

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Jan 27 / Feb 02 KGC New Men’s Singles 1 Michael Miniter (16) 29 2 Finbar McMahon (17) 29 Jan 29 Senior Men Scramble 1 Aeneas O’Connor,Noel Thornton, Bill Murphy 63.5 2 Tom Coffey,TJ Lyons, Matt Fitzpatrick 60.5 3 Michael Ryan, Tom Cleary, Sean Moran 60 SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB 31st January - Men’s 9-Hole Singles S/F 1st Gerry Meade 18 pts 2nd Brendan Kearney 17 pts 3rd Tony Crowley 17 pts 30th January Actively Aging Group 13-Hole Scramble (2 drives each player) 1st Berna Eastham, Patrick O’Boyle, Michael O’Connor, Michael Waters 42 nett 2nd Tom Barry, John Daly, Les Seal, Val Shannon 43.6 nett 3rd Pat Cooke, Maurice Murphy, Tommy Power, Ann White 44.4 nett 26th January - Men’s Teams of 3 or 4 Winners: Fergal Hehir, Micheal Hehir, Seamus Conway, K Hynes 51.8 nett 24th January - Men’s 9-Hole Singles 1st Martin Shanahan 16 pts 2nd Tony Crowley 14 pts 3rd Patrick O’Dwyer 14 pts 12th January - Men’s 18-Hole Team Rumble Winners: Fergal Hehir, Micheal Hehir, Niall Heeney 85 nett

06-02-20

Clare Echo THE

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Hat-trick sends Tulla through Tulla Utd 4 Lifford A 3

Banner Carpets & Flooring Clare Cup Cassidy Park

O

RIGINALLY due to take place on January 19, this first round tie was viewed as a winnable one by both outfits, Páraic McMahon reports.

Lifford started the game with ten men and Tulla finished the encounter with ten men yet neither side was shown a red card. Eoin Kane was late arriving to the clash and was thrown into the mix minutes after his arrival for the hosts. An injury to Darragh Murrihy on forty two minutes and the absence of any substitutes meant the East Clare were down to ten men for the remainder of the game.

Striker Craig McNamara gave the visitors the lead inside ten minutes as they bossed the opening half. The youthful Tulla side went two in front on thirty two minutes when Enda Murphy had a free header which was an effort Sean O’Reilly was unable to get a hand to.

O’Reilly did manage to keep out first half efforts from Brian McSweeney and a Joe Sullivan free as the Ennis club found themselves on the retreat. Oscar Traynor panellist, Ruairí Norby came close to getting Lifford off the mark on thirty six minutes, although his shot did beat Luke Woodrow it slid to the right hand side of the post and narrowly wide.

With a 2-0 advantage, Tulla were wary of a difficult second half with an injured Murrihy having to retire. It didn’t deter them as they struck for goal four minutes into the second half.

Conor Whelan put Enda Murphy through on goal, his initial effort was stopped by O’Reilly but Murphy reacted quickest to the rebound and tapped the ball to the net.

From the tip-off Ethan Cronin’s shot just sailed over the bar, a subsequent cross from full-back Dan Daly had too much on it as they worked to get off the mark. Maher had a header cleared from danger by Eoin Kinsella but Lifford’s perseverance eventually paid off.

Ethan Cronin scored from the penalty spot on sixty two minutes, Luke Woodrow did get a touch to his shot but managed to let the ball roll under his body. Tulla’s response was admirable as Enda Murphy completed his hat-trick in their next attack having been passed the ball by Lifford’s TJ Ajisomo to leave him with only O’Reilly to beat.

Tulla may have had youth on their side but not experience and this showed in the final twenty five minutes of the contest. The extra man also aided Lifford’s cause as they finished the stronger with Ruairí Norby scoring two goals, the Ennis club had six scoring opportunities in the final ten minutes but the first half foundation was sufficient to see Eddie Corry’s men hold on.

Located in the bottom half of the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division, a long Cup run would have been a needed boost for Lifford. However their disorganised first half and disjointed display was their undoing. For them, Dan Daly and Ruairí Norby did well in patches.

Capable of putting together better moves on the day, Tulla’s advancement to the second round is fully justified in this instance. With just one win from ten games in the T Sheils & Company First Division League, their emphasis should be on using the Cup to coincide with a strong finish to the League.

Enda Murphy, Conor Whelan, Craig McNamara, Conor O’Callaghan and Adam O’Neill were best for the winners.

l MATCH WINNER: Hat-trick man Enda Murphy

gets past Ian McMahon

Tulla Utd: Luke Woodrow; Joe Sullivan, Tom Vaughan, Conor O’Callaghan, Daragh Murrihy; Adam O’Neill, Brian McSweeney, Conor Whelan, Eoin Kinsella; Craig McNamara, Enda Murphy.

Lifford A: Sean O’Reilly; Dan Daly, Ethan Cronin, Ian McMahon, John Maher; Jason Devitt, TJ Ajisomo, Ruairí Norby; Cian Bourke, Dean Coughlan.

Subs: Eoin Kane (16), Garry McNaboe for Bourke (HT) Referee: Dylan Shannon

Soccer roundup

Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division

Avenue Utd A 2-0 Shannon Town A

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Avenue Utd put in a good performance to defeat Shannon Town at Roslevan on Sunday. A great start for the Ennis side laid the foundation. Good play from Mark Roche created a chance for Ronan Kerin on 2 minutes who headed past Darren Whelan to open the scoring. It got better for Avenue on 28 minutes when Kerin scored a contender for goal of the season as he showed his athletic ability when scoring with an overhead kick that went in off the crossbar.

Avenue started the second half well with Gary Roche making a strong run into the box and firing past Whelan only for Darren Griffin to get back and clear the ball off his goal line. As the half went on the weather conditions got worse but Shannon Town kept trying to the end to get back in the game. Kieran Hackett went close with a shot on 72 minutes that went narrowly wide. Avenue were always dangerous on the break but it finished at 2-0 in a result that sends Avenue top of the Premier Division.

Avenue Utd A: James Tierney, Simon Cuddy, Jamie Roche, Conor Mullen, Eamonn O’Reilly, Michael Dinan, Mark Roche, Dylan Casey, Gary Roche, Ronan Kerin, Rory Brennan Subs: Philip Talty, Richie Fitzgerald, Shane Browne, Dean D’Auria, Sean O’Callaghan Shannon Town: Darren Whelan, Steven Carroll, Aidan Leahy, Darren Griffin, Nathanael Nyakujara, Evan Glynn, Brandon O’Halloran, Kieran Hackett, Colin Scanlan, Kai Khetan, Brian Monaghan Subs: Jack Carrig, Brian O’Connor, Rob Wall, Chris Dunning, Ben O’Neill Referee: Pa Gleeson

Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup Round 1

Bridge Utd A 1-0 Kilkishen Celtic

Bridge Utd advanced to Round 2 with

a hard fought victory over neighbours Kilkishen Celtic at Sixmilebridge on Sunday. Jordan Downes put Bridge in front in the first half with a well struck header.

Kilkishen had the better of the chances in the second half but were unable to equalise.

Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup Round 2 Cloughleigh Celtic 0-11 Newmarket Celtic A

Defending champions Newmarket Celtic A are safely through to Round 3 after an easy victory over Cloughleigh Celtic at Lees Road on Sunday. Kieran Mahony (3), Daithi O’Connell (2), Aaron Rudd (2), David McCarthy, Stephen Kelly, Cathal Hayes and Ronan McCormack scored for Newmarket.

Shannon Hibs A 5-0 Ennis Dons

Shannon Hibs led 2-0 at half time with goals from Evin Barry and Jamie O’Shea.

Further goals in the second half from Dion Khetin (2) and Jack Kelly wrapped up the victory for the Shannon side.

Lifford B 0-4 Mountshannon Celtic

Mountshannon Celtic made the trip to Cassidy Park and had a good victory over first division rivals Lifford B. Paddy Fitzgerald (2), Niall Minogue and Kevin Drost scored for Mountshannon.

Avenue Utd B 6-0 Moher Celtic A

Avenue Utd B had a surprisingly easy victory at Lees Road on Sunday. Tomas Hehir (2), Kieran Thynne (2), Pa McDaid and Conor McDaid with the goals.

T Sheils & Company First Division League Ennis Town 4-0 Corofin Harps

Ennis Town moved into the promotion play-off place in the First Division after a Continues right

pg 51 06-02-20

Clare Echo THE

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Strike Sports raising standard of youth skills

N

EW research has revealed that some 50 per cent of children under 10 can't kick a ball properly, 25 per cent can't run properly and 75 per cent can't throw a ball properly. A new Clare business named Strike Sports has been established in a bid to buck that trend, in the Banner County at least.

Based on the soccer academy model, Strike Sports is welcoming children of all ages and abilities to join their weekly sessions which will focus on giving children more contact time with an expert coaching team, where their overall sports coordination and self-confidence will be improved through the means of soccer coaching.

Set up by Ennis native and FAI coach Kieran Ryan, Strike Sports will cater its classes to suit the individual child's needs. With the first 10-week course beginning February 10, all those who sign up will receive expert customised training, position specific sessions, branded gear and video analysis. Numbers are limited so Kieran is urging anyone interested to get in contact in advance of the opening session.

It's fun, friendly, child-centred coaching from highly-qualified coaches and as Kieran explains, "There's no pressure to make a team, they'll be making friends and it's small classes."

Speaking about the importance of the Strike Sports programme, Kieran tells The Clare Echo, "I've been involved with Clare soccer for the last four or five years and coaches just don't have the contact time with even the kids at the highest level. I was more concerned with the kids starting out; what we wanted was a system where we could develop the player first, really get the fundamental movement skills, have time building that and then building the skills towards tactics, technical ability and stuff like that.

"What we have noticed is the high level of kids dropping off sport at 14, 15, 16 in every sport is across the board. We're trying to give them the basic fundamental skills, yes through soccer - they will get more tactically aware at soccer - but the fundamental skills will allow them to play at all sports, build self-confidence too, and to stay in the sport for longer."

Kieran continues, "The volunteer coach doesn't have the time to develop everything, they get the kid for an hour so they're not getting enough time to affect their character or skills in that sport. So we're giving them the more time, especially at the younger ages from 6-12 where we can give them the fundamental basics of sport and their balance, agility, coordination and things like that."

Kieran was recently head coach of Clare's Kennegood victory over Corofin Harps at Lees Road.

The opening goal arrived on 25 minutes when Eliaz Kunz finished well from just inside the box. Ennis Town were well on top and Eoin Keenan made it 2-0 on 35 minutes with a great strike from 20 yards into the roof of the net.

Kunz made it 3-0 on 40 minutes and Donal O’Halloran rounded off the scoring.

Campion Insurance Second Division League Coole FC 4-1 Bunratty Cratloe Rhine Rovers 3-3 Bridge Utd B

dy Cup (U14 national competition) team and is now with the Galway U15 League of Ireland squad. Having played to a high level himself where he was called up to the Irish Junior panel, he was forced to retire young due to injury. However his deep connection with the game has allowed him to help develop the next generation of sports people in the county. It was during his time training the Clare Kennedy Cup team that Kieran realised that fundamental skills among our youth needed to be further nourtured.

"We started with these kids at age 11. You whip them down from 160 kids to 40 kids. The first thing I got them to do was get them to sprint 10 yards and stop on a white line, and two of the 40 were able to stop without falling over. So fundamentally they were behind. The German Sport science brought out figures last week; 50 per cent of kids under 10 can't kick a ball, 25 per cent can't run properly and 75 per cent can't throw properly. So we're getting them for Clare, to teach them the intricacies of the technical and tactical side of soccer, to play at a high level when they l SETTING THE STANDARD: Kieran and his coaching team are welcoming participants to Strike Sports 10-week sessions don't have the basic skills of movement."

The classes, which will take place at Gurteen and Ennis National School Hall, will be geared towards groups and individuals where the main aim Provide High Quality Soccer Coaching where is to send the player back to their we develop the player from the FUNctional movements essential for sports (ABC’S) and the club with more developed skills and technical tactical physical and psychological knowledge of the game. aspects of the game.

"We won't be competing or entering teams into anything, we just want to give the kids more contact time on the ball, more chances to develop and then go back into their teams to help their team out. They'll train with us twice a week, there's no pressure to make a team, you're training with guys of your own ability, your own age, they can make friends and their self-confidence comes up because they're not being 'not picked'.

WHAT WE DO

For more information on Strike Sports or to sign up to the 10-week programme starting on February 10, contact Kieran on 087 8055306 or visit strikesport.org.

Suttons Lighting Third Division League Connolly Celtic 2-0 Inch Crusaders

Clare U17 Cup Round 1 Burren Utd 2-4 Tulla Utd

Clare U17 Cup Quarter-Final Moher Celtic 2-4 Ennis Town

Jim Casey Trophies U17 League Group B Shannon Town 5-0 Coole FC

WHAT WE OFFER - Affordable sessions - Branded Gear - Customised training - Aftershool soccer classes - Position specific sessions - Video Analysis

Phone: 087 8055306 Email: Kieran@strikesport.org

Web: strikesport.org

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THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DARRAGH NORTH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Morgan McSweeney is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to renovate and extend an existing cottage, construct a new entrance and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ALVA, CREE, CO. CLARE

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LIOS ARD, DRUMQUIN, TEERMACLANE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Pat Keane & Meave Plunkett intend to apply to Clare County Council for full permission to retain and complete dwelling house as constructed to date and construct garage. Connect to existing proprietary waste water treatment system.

Connect to Lissycasey Group Water Scheme and public services and carry out all ancillary site 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 to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

Take notice that Denise Lillis is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to extend existing private garage and convert it into a proposed granny flat 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 during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be CLARE COUNTY made to the authority in COUNCIL, writing on payment of the MANUSMORE, prescribed fee within the CLARECASTLE CO. period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the CLARE authority of the application. Take notice that Trish Donnellan and Ollie CLARE COUNTY Plunkett intend to apply to COUNCIL Clare County Council for CARROWNCALLA permission to construct NORTH, KILRUSH, a dwelling house, garage, CO. CLARE waste water treatment Take note that Sean & system and ancillary site Alison Clancy are applying works. A Natura Impact to Clare County Council screening has been for planning permission to extend and carry completed. out alterations to their The planning application existing house along with may be inspected or all associated works at purchased at a fee not the above address. The exceeding the reasonable planning application may cost of making a copy at be inspected, or purchased 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.

development works and services at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application CLARE COUNTY may be made in writing to COUNCIL the planning authority on 14 KINCORA PARK, payment of the prescribed LIFFORD, ENNIS, CO. fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on CLARE Take notice that Brian the date of receipt by the Foudy & Associates – authority of the application.

Architects & Chartered CLARE COUNTY Engineers of Osprey House, COUNCIL Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. 20 LISSANISKA, Clare LAHINCH ROAD, 065 6893565 www.

ENNIS, CO. CLARE foudyconsulting.ie.

Intend to apply to the Take notice that Brian planning authority on Foudy & Associates behalf of Jack & Niamh Mc Architects & Chartered Carthy for permission to (a) Engineers of Osprey House, Demolish and re-construct Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. side & rear extensions (b) Clare 6893565 www.

Carry out fenestration 065 foudyconsulting.ie. changes to dwelling house together with all associated Intend to apply to the site development works planning authority on and services at the above behalf of Declan Devitt for permission to retain address.

The planning application rear shed together with all may be inspected or ancillary site development purchased at a fee not works and services at the exceeding the reasonable above address. cost of making a copy at The planning application the offices of the planning may be inspected or authority during its purchased at a fee not public opening hours. A exceeding the reasonable submission or observation cost of making a copy at in relation to the application the offices of the planning during its may be made in writing to authority public opening hours.

A the planning authority on payment of the prescribed submission or observation fee within the period of in relation to the application 5 weeks beginning on may be made in writing to the date of receipt by the the planning authority on payment of the prescribed authority of the application fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the CLARE COUNTY authority of the application.

COUNCIL

BALLYDUFF, BAREFIELD, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates – Architects & Chartered Engineers of Osprey House, Carmody St, Ennis (0656893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie) Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Mary Daly for permission to construct an entrance, dwellinghouse, garage, septic tank and percolation area together with all ancillary site

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL AILLROE MORE, KILDYSART, 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 Shane McMahon and Sheila Coughlan for permission to (a) Demolish

existing substandard dwelling and sheds (b) Construct new dwelling house and garage (c) Upgrade wastewater treatment arrangement together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BLACKWATER ARDNACRUSHA CO.CLARE

Take notice that Sam Mc Carthy intends to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission the following development at Blackwater Ardnacrusha Co Clare Construction of new Detached dwelling house ,installation of a Biocycle Treatment unit with percolation area and construction of boundary walls/fences and new entrance.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy,at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20,within a 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 permission subject to or without conditions,or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

COUNCIL 29 ABBEY STREET & ABBEY ARCADE, 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 Martina Haugh for permission to a) erect signage b) retain alterations & fenestration changes c) permission to extend café / deli / wine bar d) permission to change use of part of building to Bank/Financial institution, Chemist / Pharmacy, Doctor / Dentist Surgery, Hair dressing Salon, Health Centre / Clinic, Laundrette / Dry Cleaner, Licenced Premises, Offices, Shop, Take away together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

CLARE CO COUNCIL THE SQUARE, MAIN ST. NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO CLARE

Permission sought as follows: [a] To refurbish and carry out internal alterations, including minor elevational adjustments to existing two storey dwelling house including all associated site works & services. (b) To sub-divide and alter part of existing first floor over existing pharmacy, including ‘Change of its Use’ from domestic residential to a one bedroom ‘over the shop’ apartment. (c) Permission is also sought to alter, extend & renovate Vardens Pharmacy including all associated siteworks / services at above address at The Square, Main St. Newmarket on Fergus, Co

Clare, applicant: Joseph Varden.

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, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

› Word › Best Daily Word Se… (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/category/word/)

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

Best Daily Word Search

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES FEB 6 Best Daily Word Search: 31 January 2020

WORD SEARCH

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

Game (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com)

Solution

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QUIZ 55

THURSDAY, FEB 6 2020

The Clare Echo Quiz

In total, how many females have Trudy Leydon is running as an 1Clare been elected to Dáil Eireann from 6 Independent in this general election, but which party was she through its history? associated with?

Sinn Féin Fine Gael Renua

2 4 7

The Clare constituency was Donal Carey, the father of current 2 formed in 1920, but can you name 7 TD Joe Carey (FG), was elected the party which returned all four for the Clare constituency at the

In how many elections, includ3 ing by-elections, was Eamon De Valera successful in being selected to represent Clare as a TD? 4 6 15

1982 general election. But how many attempts did it take him to win election?

1 2 3

Pat Breen (FG) is Minister of State 8 but which of the following is not included in his title?

Tourism Trade Business

l QUESTION 4: Daniel O’Connell was elected MP for Clare in what year?

Daniel O’Connell was elected MP 4 for Clare in what year?

What was Michael Harty’s cam1824 9 paign slogan in the 2016 general election?

1828 How many Labour candidates 5 have been elected in Clare’s history?

1 2 3

No Doctor, No Village Home is where the Harty is What’s up, doc?

When was the last time a gen10 eral election vote took place on a Saturday?

6. Fine Gael 7. 3 8. Tourism 9. No Doctor, No Village 10. 1918

1831

ANSWERS 1. 2 2. Sinn Féin 3. 15 4. 1828 5. 3

candidates in the 1921 election?

Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Sinn Féin

1977 1918 Last Saturday

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Clare’s John Conlon against Wexford in Wexford Park.

Pic: Jim Campbell Photography

Last weeks Answers . Cup missing . Subway sign in background missing . Medal on person second from

left missing . person on right has different colour shorts . P missing in word cup . Ball on logo diffferent colour . line on floor missing (right)